AVIAN MIGRATION
Common Yellowthroat (S.Leckie)
The Frontenac Arch is highly regarded as an important corridor of habitats enabling the migration of wildlife between the Boreal Shield and Mixedwood Plains/Appalachian ecoregions. FBS will initiate studies to characterize and monitor avian migration along the Frontenac Arch ecotone. One of these initiatives is to assess the ecological importance of the Frontenac Arch to migrating Northern Saw-whet Owls and other migratory species. This program will deliver a unique study dedicated to migration patterns and ecology of migrant owls and other species in the Frontenac Arch region.
Frontenac Migration Studies
Frontenac Migratory Owl Watch
The Northern Saw-whet Owl migrates annually from northern forests to southern wintering grounds. Breeding across Canada and the Northern United States, this small owl species reaches peak density during migration on the eastern shores of Lake Ontario, particularly at Prince Edward Point, Ontario. Each autumn, abundance of Northern Saw-whet Owls at Prince Edward Point greatly exceeds that of any other location on the continent. Results of a preliminary investigation by MRF suggested that the Frontenac Arch may be an important migratory funnel for this owl species, and likely a strong contributing factor to the incredibly high densities occurring at Prince Edward Point. In Ontario, there are several owl migration monitoring stations on the shores of the Great Lakes, but none within the Frontenac Arch, a continentally recognized green corridor for wildlife migration.
Spring and Fall Migration Census
Migration Monitoring is a key initiative for monitoring bird populations that are largely inaccessible to the roadside Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). Most of the Boreal Shield region, the most important nursery for migratory bird populations in the western hemisphere, is remote wilderness, which necessitates that these migratory species be monitored during their annual spring and fall movements. The Canadian Migration Monitoring Network (CMMN) is an association of over twenty Migration Monitoring stations spread out across Canada that are tracking changes in migratory bird populations and also contributing greatly to research and education.
Increasing attention is being devoted to understanding the nature and function of habitat corridors and stopover sites for sustaining migratory bird populations. FBS will begin conducting a standardized census of migrants during spring and fall migration near Frontenac Provincial Park. This census will have a fixed route and be conducted at a specific time relative to sunrise and for a specific duration. This program, in tandem with Frontenac Migratory Owl Watch, will be an instructive foundation for monitoring and research.
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Northern Saw-whet Owl
