Shorebird Surveys
PROJECT LEADS: Ted Cheskey (Nature Canada), Natasha Louttit (Cree Trappers Association-Eeyou Marine Region)
DURATION: 2016-Present
Nature Canada and the CNG have been collaborating on bird surveys in the Rupert Bay since 2012, leading to the establishment of the Miinshtuck-Wiinebek IBA (Important Bird Area) in 2018. The EMRWB and CTA joined the effort in 2016. After focusing on Rupert Bay in the first few years (Cabbage Willows, Charlton Island, Boatswain Bay, etc.) the surveys are now targeting the coastal area of the Wemindji and Eastmain Cree Nations. So far, the campaigns have been successful, thanks to the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of the local tallymen and land users. Tens of thousands of birds were identified during each of the campaigns, including species at risk such as Red Knot and Hudsonian Godwit.
The objectives of this project are:
(1) To gain more knowledge on shorebirds and bird species at risk in the Eeyou Marine Region.
(2) To identify important bird habitat and stopover spots within the EMR.
In September 2019, an 8-day survey was organized on the coastal area south of Wemindji, including Old Factory. A total of 22,000 individual birds of 95 species were identified. Additional surveys will occur along the coast during 2022.
