Research

Clarence River Breeding Bird Survey

Pamela Sinclair, Canadian Wildlife Service

Rationale

A male bluethroat defends its nesting territory © Cameron Eckert

A number of bird species nesting on the Yukon North slope have very small ranges in the Yukon Territory, and for some this is their only nesting area in Canada. The population status and local habitat requirements of some species, including the bluethroat, yellow wagtail, ruddy turnstone, stilt sandpiper, buff-breasted sandpiper and red phalarope, are not well known. Most Canadian records of bluethroat have been in Ivvavik National Park. The Canadian range for this species is very limited, with records only from the Yukon North Slope, where birds have been recorded along the tributaries of Clarence Lagoon, at the Babbage River, the Running River, and near the upper Blow River. The highest concentration of birds discovered to date is in the vicinity of Clarence Lagoon.

Objectives

• To record evidence of nesting for the following bird species in the Clarence River area: bluethroat, yellow wagtail, ruddy turnstone, stilt sandpiper, buff-breasted sandpiper and red phalarope. The bluethroat is the main species of interest in this study.
• To document nesting chronology, productivity and habitat use and to further delineate the bluethroat’s Canadian range.
• To document habitats used by these birds.
• To generate current population estimates and nesting densities.

Methods and Information Collected

• The research was conducted from a base camp located along Craig Creek, 6 km south of Clarence Lagoon in Ivvavik National Park.
• Surveys were conducted from June 15 to July 4, 2003.
• Line transects recorded most species that occur in the area. As well, the line transects identified specific locations for focal observations of priority species.
• Focal observations allowed observers to conduct intensive observations of individual birds on their nesting territories. This survey method provided detailed information on habitat use and maximized opportunities for monitoring the breeding activity of priority species. When nests were found they were observed, photographed and notes were taken with regards to the contents of the nest, its location, construction and associated habitat.
• Observations of other wildlife species (e.g. tundra vole, grizzly bear, caribou) were noted.

Results

• A total of 80 bird species were observed in the area, with confirmed breeding records established for 32 species.

• Bruce MacTavish and Brian Bell watch a male bluethroat on its nesting territory. © Cameron Eckert

  A total of 8-10 male and 2 female bluethroats were observed. Canada’s first Bluethroat nest was discovered. All bluethroats were observed in willows along Craig Creek and tributaries of Clarence Lagoon.
• Nests were also recorded for ruddy turnstone, wandering tattler, peregrine falcon, baird’s sandpiper, yellow wagtail, and Smith’s longspur.
• Observations of avian vagrants in the area included Canada’s second arctic warbler, the Yukon’s second dusky thrush, and the Yukon’s third common grackle.
• Other noteworthy observations suggesting local breeding included pairs of pomarine jaegers (not yet recorded breeding in the Yukon), king eiders at Clarence Lagoon, red phalaropes at Clarence Lagoon, and yellow-billed loons at Clarence Lagoon.

Preliminary conclusions include:

• Ivvavik National Park is an exceptionally rich area for breeding birds.
• Ivvavik National Park contains key habitat for rare Yukon and Canadian breeders, especially bluethroat and yellow wagtail.
• The bird communities of Ivvavik National Park should be prioritized for further study with emphasis on habitat relationships for all species, and the breeding status of poorly known and potential breeders such as pomarine jaeger, yellow-billed loon, king eider, and ruddy turnstone.
• Species near the edge of their ranges such as bluethroat, and yellow wagtail, which may respond to global climate change should be prioritized for monitoring within Ivvavik National Park.
  

Funding

• The Canadian Wildlife Service, with logistic and technical support from NatureServe Yukon.

Data Location

• Data collected for this project will be added to the Birds of the Yukon database. Data on priority species (e.g. bluethroat, yellow wagtail, ruddy turnstone) will be tracked by NatureServe Yukon.

Contacts

Pamela Sinclair
Wildlife Biologist
Canadian Wildlife Service
91780 Alaska Highway
Whitehorse, YK Y1A 5B7
Phone: (867) 667-3931
Fax: (867) 393-7970
Pam.Sinclair@ec.gc.ca

Cameron Eckert
Conservation Biologist NatureServe Yukon
Department of Environment, Government of Yukon
Box 2703
Whitehorse, YK Y1A 2C6
Phone: (867) 667-8546
Fax: (867) 393-7003
Cameron.Eckert@gov.yk.ca