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Migration peaks, nesting begins across Canada
Amherst, N.S., May 15, 2007—Migratory waterfowl have converged on their Canadian breeding grounds from coast-to-coast, and are settling in to nest on and around wetlands. Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is encouraging Nova Scotians to get outdoors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the province’s wetlands and to learn about waterfowl that use them.
“Canadian wetlands provide essential habitat for about 600 species of wildlife, including the waterfowl, waterbirds and shorebirds that migrate into Canada to breed and raise their young. Some of this habitat is critical to threatened species of wildlife,” says Dr. Henry Murkin, DUC’s Director of Conservation Programs.
DUC-recommended hot spots for migration viewing
Located within a one to two hour drive from Nova Scotia’s larger urban centres, these areas are among the more than than 343 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
For more information, please contact:
Kelly MacDonald
Atlantic Communications Coordinator
(902) 667-8726 ext 226
k_macdonald@ducks.ca
(902) 667-8726 ext 231
