Red Winged blackbird census, impact study on changing lake
Overview description Ford Lake and the surrounding wetlands on Saltspring Island have undergone substantial change with parts of the wetland being ditched and the Canary grass meadows being mowed for feed and pasture. Questions were raised regarding the impacts of these activities may have on local bird populations and how wetland birds may be effected by the changes. The ES 11 class undertook an analysis of Red-winged Black breeding pairs. We identified male and females mapped their song-posts, the range of their song-posts and the total numbers of birds. We repeated this survey over three springs starting in 1998. While we observed no appreciable decline in breeding pairs, we did observe difference in water levels over the study period.
Community interest or concern Our studies were conducted at the encouragement of members of the SSI birding community.
Protocols followed and resources. We went to 8 different observation points around the lake and mapped male and female Red Winged Blackbird flights and song posting from these sights.
Contact person and more detailed information Gavin Johnson, Cate McEwan, Bob Sharp
Overview description Ford Lake and the surrounding wetlands on Saltspring Island have undergone substantial change with parts of the wetland being ditched and the Canary grass meadows being mowed for feed and pasture. Questions were raised regarding the impacts of these activities may have on local bird populations and how wetland birds may be effected by the changes. The ES 11 class undertook an analysis of Red-winged Black breeding pairs. We identified male and females mapped their song-posts, the range of their song-posts and the total numbers of birds. We repeated this survey over three springs starting in 1998. While we observed no appreciable decline in breeding pairs, we did observe difference in water levels over the study period.
Community interest or concern Our studies were conducted at the encouragement of members of the SSI birding community.
Protocols followed and resources. We went to 8 different observation points around the lake and mapped male and female Red Winged Blackbird flights and song posting from these sights.
Contact person and more detailed information Gavin Johnson, Cate McEwan, Bob Sharp