Forest Birds - Bicknell's Thrush - Cape Breton Highlands

What? Bicknell’s Thrush (a SARA listed Species at Risk) and other boreal avifauna species abundance is being monitored in the boreal land regions of Cape Breton Highlands National Park to determine if occupancy rates are changing or have changed historically. When? Monitoring frequency occurs annually in the spring of the year preferably during the pre-dawn or pre-dusk period when Bicknell’s thrush and other songbirds are more vocal. Surveys are completed in non-inclement weather when there are light winds, and minimal precipitation. How? The monitoring protocol consists of conducting four consecutive five minute point counts at each survey station along a defined survey route at pre-dawn or pre-dusk, with a total sampling time of 20 minutes. Information is recorded on species seen or heard, and distance and direction of the individual. Data is also collected on habitat and weather conditions at each station along the route. Why? Bicknell’s thrush is a species at risk that was historically present within the boreal land region of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Presence and occupancy rates of Bicknell’s thrush and other boreal forest bird species found living in an early to late successional stage boreal forest are an indicator of a healthy boreal forest. Conversely, presence and occupancy rates of bird species associated with grasslands habitats are an indicator of poor forest conditions in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada

Last modified: 2024-12-09T17:03:35.219542