December 6, 2018
Cocagne / Bouctouche - The latest shorebird inventory at the Bouctouche Dune and Cormierville Marsh was conducted this summer by Denise Maillet, coordinator of the SENB Piping Plover Project for Bird Studies Canada.
Cormierville Marsh Study Area Study Area at the Bouctouche Dune
In order to measure the health of our habitats, it is useful to evaluate the variety of organisms present. Migrating and year-round animals contribute to biodiversity, which helps us assess the health of our ecosystems. The inventory of shorebirds, including species, quantities and dates of arrival, are made to determine, over the years, whether there are any trends that could help better protect these already declining birds as well as their habitats.
Since 1997, Bird Studies Canada has been surveying migratory birds on the Bouctouche dune and since 2009 in the Cormierville marsh. The Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group (GDDPC), Bird Studies Canada and the Wildlife Trust Fund are collaborating on the Shorebird project to conserve and protect important places for migratory birds.
A shore bird is defined as a bird that lives, feeds or nests on the shore. There are approximately 52 species of shorebirds in North America. Based on the study of 40 shorebird populations, representing 37 species, a 40% decline has been observed in Canada since 1970. These results are consistent with the State of Canada's Bird Populations 20121. In Canada, these birds are among the migrants who travel the longest distances. For example, once the Whimbrel stops on our beaches to refuel, it must have enough energy to make a non-stop flight of 4000 km over the Atlantic Ocean to reach the east coast of Canada. 'South America. They are sensitive to habitat loss on their migratory routes and in wintering habitats, as well as on breeding sites. Habitat loss is the biggest threat to Canadian species2 and 3. The 2017-18 shorebird report is here (in French).
In January 2019, the GDDPC organizes a field visit and presentation on the importance of marshes and how to protect water. Check our calendar on the website, e-newsletter or our Facebook page to find out the details.
1 NABCI. 2012. The state of Canada’s birds, 2012. North American Bird Conservation Initiative Canada; Environment Canada & Climate Change. 36 pp.
2 Venter, O. et al. 2006. Threats to endangered species in Canada. Bioscience. 56: 903-910.
3 OAG. 2013. Report of the Commissioner of the Environment & Sustainable Development. Chapter 1: Backgrounder on biological diversity. Office of the Auditor General. 26 pp