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Bird populations on the shoreline of Buffalo Lake : identification of priority areas for conservation

Description

Buffalo Lake is one of the largest lakes in central Alberta and is recognized as being important for breeding waterbirds. The lake is also becoming increasingly popular for recreational and other... More ≫

Description

Buffalo Lake is one of the largest lakes in central Alberta and is recognized as being important for breeding waterbirds. The lake is also becoming increasingly popular for recreational and other developments. Several planning exercises are underway that will guide development and land use around Buffalo Lake. In 2007, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division, conducted a comprehensive survey of bird species around Buffalo Lake. The goal was to prioritize shoreline areas based on the abundance and relative conservation importance of species around the lake, and to highlight areas where the protection of important bird habitats should be incorporated into land-use decisions. A total of 145 species of birds were detected or encountered during point counts, and other activities on the lake. Thirty of these species were classified being of "Sensitive" status in Alberta; no species of higher risk were present in 2007. Areas of high or very high conservation value were identified based on the...

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Survey of colonial nesting birds and lakeshore habitats in northeast Alberta

Description

The potential impacts on colonial nesting species and other waterbirds need to be addressed in light of increased industrial development, agricultural activity and modern recreational... More ≫

Description

The potential impacts on colonial nesting species and other waterbirds need to be addressed in light of increased industrial development, agricultural activity and modern recreational opportunities within the northeast region of Alberta. Long-term monitoring and the assessment of species occurrence, productivity, and behaviour on a sample of lakes are key to determining the effects of habitat loss and alteration. In 2003, we monitored a large sample of lakes using a combination of aerial and boat survey techniques. We continued observations of previously surveyed lakes to delineate population trends, and began detailed analyses of lakeshore habitat. Nest counts, especially of Western and Eared Grebes, supplemented our knowledge of populations potentially at risk of decline due to human activities. We discovered that while some species were increasing in occurrence throughout the region, such as Double-crested Cormorants, others such as Western Grebes were less productive and...

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