Long-term monitoring of the cycles and success of breeding activity of shorebirds on Bylot Island, Nunavut

• Main Authors: Bêty, Joël, Centre D'études Nordiques CEN
• Format: Dataset
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Cryospheric Information Network 2015
• Subjects: Birds; Bylot Island; Nesting; Plovers; Reproductive phenology; Reproductive success; Sandpipers; Shorebirds; ArcticNet Network of Centres of Excellence of Canada; Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program, Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna - Terrestrial; International Polar Year-Arctic Wildlife Observatories Linking Vulnerable EcoSystems; Arctic; Nunavut; Canada; ArcticNet; Circumpolar biodiversity monitoring program; Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna; International Polar Year
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.5443/722; https://www.polardata.ca/pdcsearch/?doi_id=722

We are monitoring the nesting activity of shorebirds on the island in 2 areas distant of approximately 30 km. We are conducting regular searches throughout the breeding season using the single observer and rope-drag nest searching technique. Every shorebird nests found are monitored throughout the breeding season but the most abundant species are Baird's and White-rumped sandpipers and American golden plovers. Date of nest initiation is estimated for each nest using the egg flotation technique. Nests are then visited regularly to determine total clutch size, hatching dates and nest success. Adults and chicks are banded at the nest and blood and feather samples are collected for genetic and isotopic analysis. Since 2006, 160 artificial nests are monitored in two areas of Bylot Island to monitor inter-annual and inter-site differences in predation risk. Since 2007, 6 PRISM plots are also surveyed intensively for nesting shorebirds and passerines. : Purpose: Shorebirds form one of the most important components of avifauna and biodiversity in the Canadian Arctic. They can act as bioindicators and can be strongly affected by environmental changes. They are also a high conservation priority as some recent surveys suggest that the majority of species breeding in the Arctic may be declining. We investigate the impact of climate changes, predation and food availability on the reproductive success, survival and distribution of these birds on Bylot Island, Nunavut, Canada. : Summary: Not Applicable