Fall migration

Related links

Learn about migration viewing hot spots in your area:

 

Waterfowl flock to wetlands

Witness the magic of migration at one of the migration viewing hot spots in Nova Scotia!

Amherst, N.S., October 10, 2006—This fall, Canadians may witness one of the best migration spectacles in years as flocks of waterfowl converge on wetlands to rest and fuel up for their southward journeys.

Across Canada, waterfowl populations are up over last year due to better water conditions in primary breeding areas - areas where Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and its conservation partners are working to improve habitat for waterfowl and increase viewing opportunities for people.

According to a Spring Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service, there were an estimated 36 million breeding ducks in traditional surveyed areas this spring – 14 per cent greater than last year’s estimate and 9 per cent above the long-term average.

Dr. Henry Murkin, national conservation director for DUC, says “when the ecological integrity of prime waterfowl habitat like wetlands and upland cover is maintained, birds can respond when water returns to these landscapes. This year is an excellent example of what our collective conservation, restoration and management efforts can accomplish – and waterfowl, other wildlife and people reap the rewards.”

Following are some DUC-recommended hot spots for migration viewing this fall in Nova Scotia. These areas are among the more than 520 wetland habitat conservation projects DUC has completed in the province:

  • Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre and Wetlands, Shubenacadie, N.S.:
    Located just north of Halifax, this state-of-the-art facility welcomes you with interactive exhibits, close-up views of wildlife in wetland habitat and recreational opportunities in a beautiful setting.
  • Amherst area - Upper Bay of Fundy:
    Amherst Point Migratory Bird Sanctuary - A wetland complex of three large wetlands along the shore of the Bay of Fundy, ten minutes outside of Amherst.

There are a number of other wetlands where migratory birds can be observed within a 20 minute drive of Amherst:

  • Minas Bight:
    At Minas Bight, the Avon, Cornwallis, Gaspereau, Kennetcook and Cogmagun rivers converge to create estuaries, salt marsh and mud flats that provide ideal fall waterfowl habitat. DUC is actively working with partners to protect this habitat, which is also a Ramsar site, meaning the wetlands are recognized internationally for their importance to waterfowl.
  • Wallace Bay and Tatamagouche Bay - Northumberland Strait:
    Salt marsh and estuaries found along the stretch of coast from the Nova Scotia/New Brunswick border to Cape Breton offer migrating waterfowl plenty to eat.
  • Halifax Regional Municipality - Musquodoboit Harbour Estuary:
    A 45-minute commute from the metro area brings you to this Ramsar site. The highest densities of over wintering geese and black ducks are found here. Musquodoboit Harbour is the primary base for over wintering Canada geese, American black ducks, common and Barrow’s goldeneye, and long tailed ducks along the Atlantic Coast of Nova Scotia. Common eiders, green-winged teal, ring-necked ducks, mergansers, scoters and the harlequin duck can also be spotted.

Visit DUC’s Migration Station for quick migration facts.

For more information:

Kelly MacDonald
Atlantic Communications Coordinator
(902) 667-8726 ext 226
k_macdonald@ducks.ca

 
BACK TO TOPBack to Top