| The Upper
Bay of Fundy is one of the most important sites in the world for
migratory shorebirds. The inter-tidal and coastal habitats in this
area are a critical link in the life cycle of more than five million
sandpipers and plovers, as well as significant populations of migratory
waterfowl and fishes. Each year millions of shorebirds pass through
Atlantic Canada in late summer and fall.
At least 75% (over 2,500,000) of
the world population of Semipalmated Sandpiper migrate through the
upper Bay of Fundy. The inter-tidal and coastal habitats in this
area are a critical link in their life cycle. These birds forage
on the mud-shrimp of the inter-tidal mudflats, doubling their weight
as they deposit fat reserves for the 72 hour, 4000 km non-stop flight
to wintering grounds in South and Central America.
Well over
a million sandpipers may be in the Bay of Fundy at any one time.
Most of these birds congregate at less than a dozen roost sites.
The key roost sites are located in Shepody Bay and the Minas Basin.
Currently, due to a long history of human use and recent increases
in development and recreation in this coastal zone, these habitats
are threatened. Securing critical habitats in Shepody Bay and Minas
Basin will ensure long term conservation and protection these shorebirds.
Project
report is now available (pdf format).
Information
on the launch of the birdwatching pavillion at Evangeline Beach
(June 2004).
For more information on this project, please contact Glen
Parsons, Nova Scotia Eastern Habitat Joint Venture Program Manager,
Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division,
Kentville, Nova Scotia.
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