the ipswich sparrow
DESCRIPTION
The Ipswich sparrow. http://www.capebretonbirds.ca/rarebird.html. Protecting our Coastlines. By: Leah Wagner, Seth Cole, Evan Stuart, Avery Maskell, Lauren McAuley Mentor: Kirsten Weagle. Coastal Birds. Nova Scotia is home to many species of costal birds - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
THE IPSWICH SPARROW
Protecting our Coastlines
http://www.capebretonbirds.ca/rarebird.html
By: Leah Wagner, Seth Cole, Evan Stuart, Avery Maskell, Lauren McAuley Mentor: Kirsten Weagle
Coastal BirdsNova Scotia is home to many species of
costal birds Coastal birds play a vital role in our ecosystems they eat all those pesky bugs like mosquitoes and they spread plant seeds. Some kinds of coastal birds of Nova Scotia are
piping plovers, terns, Ipswich sparrows, and cormorants.
open2.net
The Ipswich Sparrow Larger than the common Eastern Savannah
Sparrow, with brown upper feathers and a white belly
Threatened species No protection plan currently in place Exclusive to Sable Island, NS Only bird that breeds on the Island Feeds on seeds and insects Estimated population 3000-6000 Nests by digging hole in dunesand filling them with grass
birdcapemay.org
Habitat & Migration
Estimated population 3000-6000, all living in NSSummers on Sable Island Migrates to coastal Nova Scotia, and as far south as Northern FloridaSummer habitat
Winter habitat
Sable Island
located 300 kilometers southeast of Nova Scotia42 km long and 1.5 km wideMild climate ( -13 to 25 degrees) Home to hundreds of feral horses, seals, and the threatened Ipswich Sparrow
Current development: 4- man weather station
Declining Population Limited breeding area Erosion of nesting grounds Low population to start Coastal Development near winter habitat Human recreation Eggs and young preyed by gulls Sensitive to weather changes when migrating
http://www.greenhorsesociety.com/
Sable Island Development
Sable Island is proposed to be made a National park
This could mean : More frequent visitors Possible campsites on the island Boaters coming to the island General human disturbances and development Government management plans
Could this be another threat to the Ipswich Sparrow?
The Piping Plover Example The piping plover situation can be compared to the Ipswich
sparrow Due to human activities and costal development the Piping
Plover is currently listed as endangered Nesting grounds destroyed by humans Population declined more than 50% between 1986 and 2001 Only 5900 left
History repeats itself Research, manage, educate Time is of the essence
What can be done? Now: Install secure nesting boxes in breeding areas Educate the public of winter habitations on our beaches Install sand fences and plant dune grass to slow erosion on the island Install fencing around nesting habitats that people will notice. Create suitable nesting areas away from any human activity Get a real number : count the actual number of birds left, and watch
for population changes ( It is currently not known the exact population) Track the population of the Ipswich
treesplace.com
What can be done?When Sable Island becomes a National Park: Place warning signs around nesting areas. Do not leave trash or food around nests as it attracts gulls
that prey on eggs Limit access to nesting grounds Secure nesting boxes to protect against predators Ensure vehicles are not driven around nesting areas and
encourage nesting in safe areas Ensure an official management plan is in place
Why Protect the Ipswich? A vital part of the ecosystem, which is like a puzzle: Lose a
piece and you miss the finished picture Protect before the Ipswich becomes endangered Every species plays a role which, no matter how
unnoticeable, is essential to all life in the area Unique to Nova Scotia This bird has no other home, so this one must be preserved
If it is, everyone will be able to enjoy the wild horses and this little songbird!
Sources
CBC News - Nova Scotia - Sable Island poised to become national park.url
Nova Scotia's Species at Risk Municipal & Community Stewardship.url
Sable Island to be Designated National Park News Releases Government of Nova Scotia.url