Overview
Project Name
Atlantic Canada Coastal Waterbird Survey
Access Level
Open
Year started
2006
Year Ended
2017
Dataset
Atlantic Canada Coastal Waterbird Survey: Historic
About
Dataset summary
The project employs shore-based surveys from headlands and other lookouts to gather monthly data on abundance and distribution of marine and coastal birds on the southeast Avalon/Cape Race area of Newfoundland and Labrador. This shore-based monitoring was implemented to gather data on migratory bird patterns, intended to be implemented over a long-term period to permit the evaluation of trends in species and numbers. This study will provide some measure of variability in numbers of migratory bird species and their movement in and out of the study area. Data collections began in eastern Placentia Bay with 21 sites between Little Harbour and Point Lance surveyed in 2006-2007. From 2012-2014, surveys continued at six of the original sites. From 2015-2017, survey effort focused on four new sites between St. Shott’s and Ferryland. Raw data are recorded at the species-level, when possible.
Season(s) and frequency
Year-round biweekly
Geographic area covered
Southeastern Newfoundland coastlines with emphasis in eastern Placentia Bay
Primary species covered
Waterbirds/Coastal Seabirds
Goals
The ACCWS has the following specific objectives: to assess the seasonal composition, annual changes and long-term trends in population size and distribution of coastal waterbirds in Atlantic Canada, to collect data that contribute to population estimates of coastal waterbird species, and to advance our understanding of the ecology and the effects of human activity on coastal waterbirds. These data provide baseline for environmental effects monitoring, emergency response planning, and assessing the status of marine and coastal bird populations.
Methods
Field methods
The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Association (NLEA) undertook year-round biweekly surveys at observation sites on the southeast Avalon Peninsula using spotting scopes and/or binoculars. From 2006-2014, observations were made among 21 sites in eastern Placentia Bay, then in 2015-2017. Observation sites shifted to St. Shott’s, Mistaken Point/Cape Race, Cappahayden and Ferryland Head. Sites were accessed by road and, depending on the particular site, travel by foot to the site along shorelines and headlands. 60-minute surveys were conducted biweekly, counting all birds in or passing through the observation area. Area of observation at each site will differ among sites depending on elevation and surrounding topography (coves, cliffs, islands). Most birds were identified to the species-level, but in some years and sites, certain species were counted only at the group level (e.g. gulls, murres, shearwaters). Thus surveys focus is on waterbirds, but includes records of Bald Eagles.
Partners
Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Association
Citation
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Association. 2026. "Atlantic Canada Coastal Waterbird Survey: Historic". Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.
