The Colonial Waterbirds Of Great Slave Lake Northwest Territories

The authors documented the diversity, abundance, distribution, and nesting chronology of the colonial waterbirds of Great Slave Lake in 1996-1995. All available historical information was reviewed.

"Spring aerial surveys of migrating waterfowl were conducted at 14 sites in the North Arm of Great Slave Lake. In 1989, the timing of spring break-up was similar to that of two of the last three years. Almost 34 700 birds were recorded. Scaup were the most abundant birds followed by Tundra Swans, Canada Geese and 23 other species of waterfowl. At least 1% of the national population of Tundra Swans staged in the study area, hence its status as a Key Habitat Site for the Northwest Territories. Large numbers of Canvasbacks and sightings of other "prairie" species suggest that many drought-displaced birds occurred in the Great Slave Lake region in 1989. Waterbirds were particularly abundant in the lower Beaulieu River, at Goulet and Campbell bays, and in the lower Yellowknife River. Migration peaked in mid-May. By using a visibility correction factor, we estimate that over 11 000 birds were present in the study area on 16 May alone. The study area encompasses less than half of the North Arm's wetlands"--Abstract, p. i.

Nunavut is a land of islands, encompassing some of the most remote places on Earth. It is also home to some of the world’s most fascinating bird species. Birds of Nunavut is the first complete survey of every species known to occur in the territory. Co-written by a team of eighteen experts, it documents 295 species of birds (of which 145 are known to breed there), presenting a wealth of information on identification, distribution, ecology, behaviour, and conservation. Lavishly illustrated with over 800 colour photographs and 155 maps, this is a visually stunning reference work on the birds that live in and visit Nunavut.

Describes key terrestrial habitat areas that are essential to the welfare of various migratory bird species in Canada.