CBCL Limited...2.1.2 Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces The MBBA provides...

CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning – Breeding Birds i

Contents

CHAPTER 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Project Overview ........................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Previous Studies ............................................................................................................ 1

1.3 Project Boundaries ........................................................................................................ 2

1.3.1 Biophysical Setting ............................................................................................ 2

1.4 General Approach ......................................................................................................... 5

CHAPTER 2 Methodology ....................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Desktop Review ............................................................................................................ 6

2.1.1 Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre ...................................................... 6

2.1.2 Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces .............................. 6

2.2 Breeding Bird Surveys ................................................................................................... 6

2.3 Incidental Observations ................................................................................................ 7

2.4 Noctural Owl Surveys .................................................................................................... 8

2.5 Survey Dates ................................................................................................................. 8

CHAPTER 3 Results ................................................................................................................. 9

3.1 Desktop Results............................................................................................................. 9

3.1.1 Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre ...................................................... 9

3.1.2 Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces .............................. 9

3.2 Breeding Bird Surveys ................................................................................................... 9

3.2.1 2016 Breeding Bird Surveys .............................................................................. 9

3.2.2 2018 Breeding Bird Surveys ............................................................................ 13

3.3 Incidental Observations .............................................................................................. 18

3.4 Species of Conservation Concern ............................................................................... 20

3.4.1 2016 Species of Conservation Concern .......................................................... 21

3.4.2 2018 Species of Conservation Concern .......................................................... 21

3.5 Nocturnal Owl Surveys ................................................................................................ 26

3.6 Regulatory Considerations .......................................................................................... 26

CHAPTER 4 Discussion .......................................................................................................... 28

4.1 Summary of Key Findings ............................................................................................ 28



CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning – Breeding Birds ii

4.2 Assessment Limitations .............................................................................................. 28

4.3 Closure ........................................................................................................................ 29

CHAPTER 5 References ......................................................................................................... 30

APPENDICES A Explanation of ACCDC Rarity Ranks B ACCDC Rare Species List C Survey Location Maps D The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces and Species

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.1 Proposed Highway 104 Alignment between Sutherland’s River and Antigonish,

Pictou & Antigonish Counties, NS ................................................................................ 3 Figure 3.1 Active Spotted Sandpiper nest observed on May 25, 2017 within the study area

located on an island within the French River. ........................................................... 19 Figure 3.2 Active American Woodcock nest observed within the study area on May 23, 2018. 20

LIST OF TABLES Table 2.1 Major Habitat Types and Descriptions ........................................................................ 7 Table 3.1 Data Summary of 80 Survey Locations (Round 1), 2016 ........................................... 10 Table 3.2 Data Summary of 80 Survey Locations (Round 2), 2016 ........................................... 12 Table 3.3 Data Summary of 50 Survey Locations (Round 1), 2018 ........................................... 14 Table 3.4 Data Summary of 55 Survey Locations (Round 2), 2018 ........................................... 16 Table 3.5 Summary of Species Richness and Abundance .......................................................... 17 Table 3.6 Incidental Observations 2016 .................................................................................... 18 Table 3.7 Incidental Observations 2018 .................................................................................... 20 Table 3.8 Species of Conservation Concern Recorded in 2016 ................................................. 21 Table 3.9 Species of Conservation Concern Recorded in 2018 ................................................. 22

ACRONYMS ACCDC Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre CEAA Canadian Environmental Assessment Act COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada GPS Global Positioning System MBBA Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces (Maritimes Breeding Bird

Atlas) NSESA Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act NSTIR Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal SARA Species at Risk Act VEC Valued Ecosystem Component

CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning – Breeding Birds 1

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Overview CBCL Limited (CBCL) was contracted by the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (NSTIR) to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) Registration document for proposed highway twinning of Highway 104, Sutherlands River to Antigonish. In 2018, supplementary and additional field programs were completed for avifauna, wetlands, vegetation, lichen, aquatics, fish and fish habitat, noise, bats, and moose. The present study is specific to avifauna of Highway 104 (Sutherlands River to Antigonish). This study endeavours to document a suitable baseline of data, as may be required for:

• Facilitating future regulatory requirements; • Establishing conservation priorities for species of conservation concern; • Defining project design constraints; and • Implementing mitigation measures during construction and operational phases of the Project.

1.2 Previous Studies Between 2015 and 2017, CBCL completed a Highway Twinning Feasibility Study on NSTIR’s behalf for eight corridors. This Study, consisted of a number of components, which included environmental elements as indicated below:

• Preliminary Screening Assessment: o Desktop environmental constraints assessment; o Environmental regulatory review;

• Detailed Feasibility Study; and • 2016 Environmental Field Programs:

o Site Reconnaissance, Breeding Birds, Moose, Owls, Aquatics, Wood Turtles, Wetlands, and Vegetation.

During the Preliminary Screening Assessment, CBCL performed a desktop constraints analysis and identified several Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs), including avifauna, that may interact with the proposed highway twinning Project. A number of field studies have since been initiated investigating these VECs, this report presents a summary of the findings of the Breeding Bird programs for Highway 104.


1.3 Project Boundaries The proposed highway corridor will link the twinned Highway 104 infrastructure east of Sutherlands River to the twinned Highway 104 infrastructure west of Antigonish (Figure 1.1). The proposed route will include twinning two segments of the existing alignment in addition to the construction of an all new four‐lane highway. This new infrastructure will diverge from the present alignment at Barneys River Station and reconnect west of Exit 30. Highway 104 (Sutherlands River to Antigonish) is divided into three subsections:

• Sutherlands River to Barneys River; • Barneys River Station to James River; and • James River to Antigonish.

Project Area: The ‘Project area’ is defined as the Right‐of‐way for the new highway alignment which includes the daylighting extent or area of impact of the Project; this would include any areas of vegetation clearing, grubbing, cut and fill, etc. Study Area: The ‘Study area’ is defined as the area surveyed, i.e., the Project area plus the point counts survey areas conducted outside the Project area. 1.3.1 Biophysical Setting This section of Highway 104 intersects with the Pictou Antigonish Highlands (west of Antigonish), St. George’s Bay (surrounding Antigonish), and the Northumberland Lowlands (east of Sutherlands River) ecodistricts (Neily et al., 2005). The Pictou Antigonish Highlands ecodistrict is defined by well drained, sandy loamy soils. Soils derived from shales are also common. Tolerant hardwood and mixedwood forests consisting of American beech (Fagus grandifolia), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), red spruce (Picea rubens) and sporadic eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) can be located along on the crests and the upper and middle reaches of hills and larger hummocks. Eastern hemlock is often associated with steep slopes along the banks of watercourses. Red spruce and eastern hemlock are predominantly located in the low‐lying areas with black spruce (Picea mariana) occupying poorly drained sites. Coarser soils that were deposited during the melting of the glaciers, often found along stream banks, will support stands of white pine (Pinus strobus). Old fields that were once tolerant hardwood stands are reclaimed by white spruce (Picea glauca). The St. George’s Bay ecodistrict includes most of Antigonish County and extends towards the Cape Breton Hills. This low‐lying area is characterised by cool springs, and warm, moist summers. These climatic conditions produce prime growing conditions as seen by the abundance of agricultural lands amongst the rolling hills. Soils are primarily imperfectly drained to moderately drained gravel to gravelly clay loams. Well drained gravelly sand loams are often associated with major tributaries.

[Scale when printed at 11"x17"1:50,000

NSTIR Highway 104Figure 1.1

Sutherland’s River to Antigonish,Pictou & Antigonish Counties, NS

19/09/2018

Study Area

0 630 1,260 1,890 2,520m

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NSTIR Highway 104Figure 1.1

Sutherland’s River to Antigonish,Pictou & Antigonish Counties, NS

19/09/2018

Study Area

0 630 1,260 1,890 2,520m

Page 2 of 2


Gypsum outcrops and karst topography, areas that often support the growth for rare species, are found along the cliffs of St. George’s bay. Natural forest stand compositions are infrequent due to the extensive agricultural disturbance. Abandoned agricultural lands have been reclaimed primarily by white spruce. Under normal conditions, it is likely that tolerant hardwoods including beech, sugar maple, and yellow birch would be present along the upper hillslopes, while tolerant softwoods including red spruce, eastern hemlock, and white pine would be found along the low‐lying areas. Black spruce and tamarack (Larix laricina) could be common amongst imperfect to poorly drained soil types. The Northumberland Lowlands ecodistrict extends along the Northumberland Strait into New Brunswick, seldom exceeding 50 m above sea level. This area is bounded and sheltered by the Cobequid Mountains, Pictou Antigonish Highlands, and the Cumberland Hills. This area consists primarily of black and red spruce. After a disturbance, either natural (i.e., fire) or anthropogenic (i.e., forest harvesting), early successional species including balsam fir (Abies Balsamea), red maple (Acer rubrum), white birch (Betula papyrifera), trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), and largetooth aspen (Populus grandidentata) will likely become established. Tolerant hardwood stands are uncommon to rare in this ecodistrict but can occur along the upper hillslopes with better drained soils. 1.4 General Approach Surveys for breeding birds were conducted in varying habitat types in the Study Area using point count surveys and playback surveys for species of conservation concern. A background review was conducted using the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre (ACCDC) database and the Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces (Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas (MBBA)) databases to consider which bird species are likely to be encountered within the study area. Surveys were designed to determine the presence/absence, diversity and abundance of avian species. The over‐arching intent of the study was to generate products that would support future regulatory submissions in support of the Project’s eventual development; these primarily include (but are not limited to) Environmental Assessment applications to NS Environment, pursuant to the Environment Act.


CHAPTER 2 METHODOLOGY 2.1 Desktop Review 2.1.1 Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre The ACCDC maintains linked databases that document what species occur in the Maritimes, and the locations at which provincially‐rare species are known to occur and have been documented. A review of the ACCDC database was conducted and a list of species of conservation concern that were previously identified within a 5 km buffer of the proposed Project area was obtained. 2.1.2 Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces The MBBA provides detailed information on the breeding status (i.e., ‘confirmed’, ‘probable’ and ‘possible’ breeders), distribution, and abundance of bird species, including rare and at risk species that breed in the Maritime Provinces (Stewart et al., 2015). Data collection for this volume occurred between 2006 and 2010. The MBBA database was queried to provide supplementary baseline data of bird species potentially breeding within and near the Project area. 2.2 Breeding Bird Surveys Recognizing that the timing of peak breeding activity varies among species, two rounds of breeding bird surveys were conducted during each year of the program (2016 and 2018). Breeding bird surveys were conducted at 80 survey locations within the study area in 2016. The first round of breeding bird surveys were conducted from May 24 to June 16, 2016 and the second round of surveys were conducted between July 19 and July 27, 2016. An attempt was made to evenly space survey locations, however, the availability of access points and the location of different habitat types influenced the placement of survey locations. In 2018, breeding bird surveys were conducted in additional new areas to supplement the 2016 program. The first round of breeding bird surveys were conducted between June 4 and June 7, 2018 and the second round of surveys were conducted between June 26 and June 28, 2018. Survey locations were spaced to facilitate appropriate survey coverage within the 2018 survey area, however, the availability of access points and the location of different habitat types influenced the placement of survey locations. For both years, ten‐minute, unlimited radius point counts were conducted between dawn and approximately six hours after sunrise, weather permitting (wind speed <30 km/hr and precipitation not


exceeding a light drizzle). All species detected visually or by sound were recorded, and individuals were monitored throughout the duration of the point count in order to limit double counting. When traffic noise interfered with the surveyors’ ability to detect birds by sound, surveys were extended in duration by approximately five minutes. Surveyors used playback (playing a recording of a bird’s song or call) in areas that appeared to be suitable breeding habitat for species of conservation concern (e.g., Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis), Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus), Olive‐sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi), Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), and Eastern Wood‐Pewee (Contopus virens)). Playback was only used in potential breeding habitat and when species of conservation concern were not detected through passive listening. Birds that were observed flying over the study area without stopping were recorded as ‘flyovers’. Birds that were encountered outside of the point count survey period, but within the study area were recorded as ‘incidentals’. Survey date, time of day, Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of the survey location, and a brief habitat description for each point count station were also recorded. Each survey location was classified according to major habitat types in order to further understand breeding bird occupancy across different habitats within the study area. The five major habitat types are listed and described in Table 2.1. During both rounds each year, the total number of individuals for each species was calculated from the number of individuals and flyovers that were recorded during point counts and the number of incidentals that were observed within the breeding bird survey window. Calculations of the number and percentage of survey locations that each species were detected at in 2016 are shown in Tables 3.1 and 3.2 and in Tables 3.3 and 3.4 for each species detected in 2018. Mean species richness (average number of species recorded per survey location) and mean abundance (average number of individuals recorded per survey location) were calculated for each major habitat type in 2016 and 2018 (Table 3.5). Table 2.1 Major Habitat Types and Descriptions

Major Habitat Type Description

Wetland Includes swamps, marshes, bogs, fens, and seasonally flooded forest areas.

Open canopy / Disturbed Refers to habitats that lack tree canopy, including areas of anthropogenic disturbance such as clear cuts, agricultural fields, and openings adjacent to roads and lakes.

Hardwood Includes both young and old stands of broadleaf trees, as well as mixed stands that are hardwood dominated.

Softwood Includes young and old stands of primarily coniferous trees, as well as mixed stands that are softwood dominated.

Mixed wood Mixed wood stands are a mix of both softwood and hardwood but not dominated by either type.

2.3 Incidental Observations Species of conservation concern were noted outside of point count surveys and during other field programs. For each observation, the location (GPS waypoint), the date, number of individuals, and additional behavioural observations were recorded. In 2016, all incidental observations of species of


conservation concern occurred between August 10 and August 26, 2016. An incidental observation was recorded (nest) on May 25, 2017 during wood turtle visual encounter surveys and in 2018, incidental observations were recorded on May 23, between June 13 and June 15, 2018, and on August 1, 2018. 2.4 Noctural Owl Surveys The nocturnal owl surveys followed the Guideline for Nocturnal Owl Monitoring in North America (Takats et al., 2001) protocol which consists of broadcast surveys. Broadcast surveys are ten minutes and include periods of passive listening and playback (Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus) and Barred Owl (Strix varia) vocalizations). Surveys were conducted 30 minutes after sunset in suitable weather conditions (wind speed <25 km/hr and precipitation not exceeding a light drizzle). Surveys for nocturnal owls were conducted at nine different surveys locations within the study area on May 10, 2016. Nocturnal owl surveys were not conducted in 2018. 2.5 Survey Dates Surveys were conducted by CBCL biologists specializing in avifauna. Nocturnal owl surveys were conducted on May 10, 2016. In 2016, breeding bird surveys were conducted from May 24 to June 16 and between July 19 and July 27. In 2018, breeding bird surveys were conducted between June 4 and June 7 and from June 26 to June 28.


CHAPTER 3 RESULTS 3.1 Desktop Results 3.1.1 Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre Species ranks are defined by the ACCDC located in Sackville, New Brunswick. A more detailed explanation of species rankings can be found in Appendix A (ACCDC, 2017). ACCDC data reports (ACCDC, 2015; 2018) identified 40 species of conservation concern that were previously identified within a 5 km buffer around the proposed highway corridor (Appendix B) and observations that occurred within close proximity to the corridor are identified on the Project maps (Appendix C). 3.1.2 Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces The proposed project area along Highway 104 intersects 5 atlas squares (100 km2 sampling unit) (20NR34, 20NR44, 20NR54, 20NR64, and 20NR74) that were surveyed during in the Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritimes Provinces. Of the 120 species detected, 79 species were classified as ‘confirmed’ breeders, 68 species were classified as ‘probable’, and 85 as ‘possible’ in ≥1 atlas square(s) (Appendix D). 3.2 Breeding Bird Surveys 3.2.1 2016 Breeding Bird Surveys A total of 80 point count locations in five different habitat types were surveyed during each round of surveys (round 1 was surveyed between May 24 and June 16, 2016; round 2 was surveyed between July 19 and July 27, 2016). Eleven point count survey locations occurred in wetlands, 5 in mixed woods, 6 in softwood, 39 in hardwood, and 19 in open canopy. Point count locations and the locations where species of conservation concern were detected (during point counts and incidentally) are identified on the Project maps found in Appendix C. Each point count survey location is labeled with reference to the type of survey (breeding bird denoted by BB), survey year, and the point count number. The Project area is outlined by the red dashed line and species of conservation concern are highlighted by red text. In total, 2,042 individuals comprising 82 species were recorded within the study area. 3.2.1.1 ROUND 1 The first round of the breeding bird surveys detected 938 individuals consisting of 63 species. The three most abundance and widespread species detected during the first round of surveys were the Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla ‐ 109 individuals observed, 81.3% of survey locations), Black‐throated Green


Warbler (Setophaga virens ‐ 69 individuals, 60% of locations), and Northern Parula (Setophaga americana ‐ 59 individuals, 56.3% of locations) (Table 3.1). Table 3.1 Data Summary of 80 Survey Locations (Round 1), 2016

Species ACCDC S-Rank Individuals Flyovers

(Incidentals) Total no. of individuals

No. of survey locations detected

Alder Flycatcher S5B 14 14 12 (15%) American Black Duck S5 1 1 1 (1.25%)

American Crow S5 26 4 30 20 (25%)

American Goldfinch S5 31 5 36 24 (30%)

American Redstart S4S5B 51 51 33 (41.3%)

American Robin S5B, S3N 44 7 51 34 (42.5%)

American Woodcock S5B 1 1 1 (1.3%) Bald Eagle S5 1 1 1 (1.3%)

Black‐and‐white Warbler S5B 33 33 31 (38.8%)

Blackburnian Warbler S4B 13 13 12 (15%)

Black‐capped Chickadee S5 46 46 20 (25%)

Black‐throated Blue Warbler S5B 1 1 1 (1.3%) Black‐throated Green Warbler S5B 69 69 48 (60%)

Blue Jay S5 16 2 18 12 (15%) Blue‐headed Vireo S5B 22 22 21 (26.3%)

Broad‐winged Hawk S5B 1 1 1 (1.3%)

Canada Goose SNAB, S4N 1 1 1 (1.3%)

Canada Warbler S3B 6 (1) 7 5 (6.3%)

Chestnut‐sided Warbler S5B 14 14 11 (13.8%)

Common Grackle S5B 7 3 10 6 (7.5%) Common Raven S5 4 4 4 (5%)

Common Yellowthroat S5B 35 35 24 (30%)

Dark‐eyed Junco S4S5 10 10 9 (11.3%)

Eastern Phoebe S4B 1 1 1 (1.3%)

Eastern Wood‐Pewee S3S4B 1 1 1 (1.3%)

Golden‐crowned Kinglet S5 21 21 19 (23.8%) Hairy Woodpecker S5 1 1 1 (1.3%)

Hermit Thrush S5B 18 18 14 (17.5%)

Killdeer S3B 2 2 1 (1.3%)

Least Flycatcher S4S5B 19 19 13 (16.3%)

Lincoln's Sparrow S4B 1 1 1 (1.3%)

Magnolia Warbler S5B 30 30 27 (33.8%)





Mourning Dove S5 2 2 2 (2.5%)

Mourning Warbler S4B 8 8 7 (8.8%)

Nashville Warbler S4S5B 1 1 1 (1.3%) Northern Flicker S5B 10 1 11 10 (12.5%)

Northern Parula S5B 59 59 45 (56.3%)

Northern Waterthrush S4B 12 12 10 (12.5%)

Osprey S4B 1 1 2 2 (2.5%)

Ovenbird S5B 109 109 65 (81.3%)

Pileated Woodpecker S5 3 3 3 (3.8%)

Purple Finch S4S5B, S3S4N 10 10 8 (10%)

Red‐eyed Vireo S5B 30 30 24 (30%)

Red‐winged Blackbird S4B 7 7 4 (5%)

Rose‐breasted Grosbeak S2S3B 2 2 2 (2.5%)

Ruby‐crowned Kinglet S3S4B 15 15 12 (15%)

Ruffed Grouse S5 1 1 1 (1.3%)

Song Sparrow S5B 8 8 8 (10%) Sora S5B 1 1 1 (1.3%)

Spotted Sandpiper S3S4B 3 3 2 (2.5%)

Swainson's Thrush S3S4B 14 14 14 (17.5%)

Swamp Sparrow S5B 1 1 1 (1.3%)

Tree Swallow S4B 4 4 2 (2.5%)

Veery S3S4B 4 4 4 (5%) White‐breasted Nuthatch S4 2 2 2 (2.5%)

White‐throated Sparrow S5B 31 31 26 (32.5%)

White‐winged Crossbill S4S5 8 8 1 (1.3%)

Winter Wren S5B 1 1 1 (1.3%)

Wood Duck S5B 1 1 1 (1.3%)

Yellow Warbler S5B 2 2 1 (1.3%) Yellow‐bellied Flycatcher S3S4B 6 6 5 (6.3%)

Yellow‐bellied Sapsucker S4S5B 9 9 9 (11.3%)

Yellow‐rumped Warbler S5B 8 8 9 (11.3%)

Total: 63 species 905 32 (1) 938

3.2.1.2 ROUND 2 The second round of breeding bird surveys detected a total of 1,095 individuals from 67 species. The three most abundant and widespread species detected include the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis ‐


90 individuals, 52.5% of survey locations), Red‐eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus ‐ 89 individuals, 65% of survey locations), and American Robin (81 individuals, 45% of survey locations). Table 3.2 Data Summary of 80 Survey Locations (Round 2), 2016




Alder Flycatcher S5B 17 19 11 (13.8%) American Black Duck S5 1 1 1 (1.3%) American Crow S5 52 12 (2) 66 36 (45%) American Goldfinch S5 41 47 (2) 90 42 (52.5%) American Kestrel S3B 1 1 1 (1.3%) American Redstart S4S5B 18 (2) 20 12 (15%)

American Robin S5B, S3N 67 11 (3) 81 36 (45%)

Bald Eagle S5 3 3 2 (2.5%) Barn Swallow S2S3B 1 1 1 (1.3%) Barred Owl S5 1 (1) 2 1 (1.3%) Belted Kingfisher S5B 3 (1) 4 4 (5%) Black‐and‐white Warbler S5B 13 (4) 17 14 (17.5%) Blackburnian Warbler S4B 9 9 8 (10%) Black‐capped Chickadee S5 53 4 (5) 62 23 (28.8%) Black‐throated Green Warbler S5B 35 (4) 39 28 (35%)

Blue Jay S5 24 (2) 26 17 (21.3%) Blue‐headed Vireo S5B 5 5 4 (5%) Brown Creeper S5 1 1 1 (1.3%) Cape May Warbler S2B 1 1 1 (1.3%) Cedar Waxwing S5B 25 14 39 18 (22.5%) Chestnut‐sided Warbler S5B 6 6 4 (5%) Chipping Sparrow S4B 4 4 2 (2.5%) Common Grackle S5B 48 20 68 18 (22.5%) Common Raven S5 1 (3) 4 2 (2.5%) Common Yellowthroat S5B 35 (2) 37 19 (23.8%) Dark‐eyed Junco S4S5 10 (2) 12 10 (12.5%) Downy Woodpecker S5 6 6 5 (6.3%) Eastern Wood‐Pewee S3S4B 7 7 7 (8.8%) European Starling SNA 3 3 1 (1.3%) Golden‐crowned Kinglet S5 36 36 19 (23.8%) Hairy Woodpecker S5 7 7 3 (3.8%) Hermit Thrush S5B 40 (2) 42 30 (37.5%) Least Flycatcher S4S5B 8 8 5 (6.3%) Lincoln's Sparrow S4B 3 3 3 (3.8%) Magnolia Warbler S5B 26 (1) 27 19 (23.8%) Merlin S5B 1 1 1 (1.3%) Mourning Dove S5 7 7 6 (7.5%)





Mourning Warbler S4B 1 1 1 (1.3%) Nashville Warbler S4S5B 2 2 2 (2.5%) Northern Flicker S5B 33 (1) 34 21 (26.3%) Northern Harrier S3S4B 1 1 1 (1.3%) Northern Parula S5B 24 24 18 (22.5%) Osprey S4B 1 1 1 (1.3%) Ovenbird S5B 18 18 11 (13.8%) Pileated Woodpecker S5 3 3 3 (3.8%)

Purple Finch S4S5B, S3S4N 13 6 (1) 20 10 (12.5%)

Red‐breasted Nuthatch S3 9 (1) 10 9 (11.3%) Red‐eyed Vireo S5B 89 89 52 (65%) Red‐tailed Hawk S5 2 1 3 2 (2.5%) Red‐winged Blackbird S4B 2 1 3 1 (1.3%) Rock Pigeon SNA 11 11 2 (2.5%) Ruby‐crowned Kinglet S3S4B 1 1 1 (1.3%) Ruby‐throated Hummingbird S5B 1 2 3 3 (3.7%)

Ruffed Grouse S5 3 (3) 6 2 (2.5%) Savannah Sparrow S4S5B 2 2 2 (2.5%) Song Sparrow S5B 23 (1) 24 15 (18.8%) Spruce Grouse S4 1 1 1 (1.3%) Swainson's Thrush S3S4B 13 (2) 15 11 (13.8%) Swamp Sparrow S5B 6 6 4 (5%) Tree Swallow S4B 10 10 1 (1.3%) Veery S3S4B 3 3 3 (3.7%) White‐throated Sparrow S5B 25 25 17 (21.3%) Wilson's Snipe S3B 1 2 2 (2.5%) Yellow Warbler S5B 1 1 1 (1.3%) Yellow‐bellied Flycatcher S3S4B 1 1 1 (1.3%) Yellow‐bellied Sapsucker S4S5B 8 8 8 (10%) Yellow‐rumped Warbler S5B 2 2 2 (2.5%) Total: 67 species 913 134 (48) 1095

3.2.2 2018 Breeding Bird Surveys A total of 50 survey locations were surveyed during the first round of breeding bird surveys and 55 survey locations were surveyed during the second round. The additional locations during the second round were added to accommodate an increase in Project area size between the first and rounds. Survey locations were located in five different habitat types during each round of surveys (round 1 was surveyed between June 4 and June 7, 2018; round 2 was surveyed between June 26 and June 28, 2016). For the first round of breeding bird surveys, 12 point count survey locations that occurred in wetlands, 11 in mixed woods, three in softwood, 12 in hardwood, and 12 in open canopy. During the


second round, each of the 50 survey locations were resurveyed, with the addition of five survey locations which occurred in softwood (two) and open canopy (three) habitats. Point count locations and the locations where species of conservation concern were detected (during point counts and incidentally) are identified on the Project maps found in Appendix C. Each point count survey location is labeled with an assigned point count survey number, with naming convention as described for 2016 survey locations. The Project area is outlined by the red dashed line and species of conservation concern are highlighted by red text. In total, 1,194 individuals of 61 species were recorded within the study area. 3.2.2.1 ROUND 1 The first round of the breeding bird surveys detected 677 individuals consisting of 55 species. The three most abundance and widespread species detected during the first round of surveys were the Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla ‐ 67 individuals observed, 88% of survey locations), American Robin (Turdus migratorius – 47 individuals, 60% of survey locations), and Black‐throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens ‐ 46 individuals, 58% of locations) (Table 3.3). Table 3.3 Data Summary of 50 Survey Locations (Round 1), 2018




Alder Flycatcher S5B 10 10 7 (14%) American Crow S5 8 1 9 9 (18%) American Goldfinch S5 24 13 37 18 (36%) American Redstart S4S5B 32 32 20 (40%) American Robin S5B,S3N 47 47 30 (60%) Bald Eagle S5 1 (1) 2 2 (4%) Bay‐breasted Warbler S3S4B 6 6 5 (10%) Belted Kingfisher S5B 2 2 2 (4%) Black‐and‐white Warbler S5B 19 (1) 20 14 (28%) Blackburnian Warbler S4B 7 7 6 (12%) Black‐capped Chickadee S5 31 (1) 32 17 (34%) Blackpoll Warbler S3S4B 3 3 3 (6%) Black‐throated Green Warbler S5B 46 46 29 (58%)

Blue Jay S5 3 (1) 4 3 (6%) Blue‐headed Vireo S5B 12 12 11 (22%) Brown Creeper 5C 2 2 1 (2%) Chestnut‐sided Warbler S5B 10 10 8 (16%) Chipping Sparrow S4B 2 2 2 (4%) Common Grackle S5B 8 8 3 (6%) Common Loon S4B,S4N 1 1 1 (2%) Common Raven S5 3 3 3 (6%) Common Yellowthroat S5B 15 15 10 (20%) Dark‐eyed Junco S4S5 18 18 13 (26%)





Downy Woodpecker S5 2 2 2 (4%) Eastern Wood‐Pewee S3S4B 2 2 2 (4%) European Starling SNA 1 1 1 (2%) Evening Grosbeak S3S4B,S3N 11 7 18 9 (18%) Golden‐crowned Kinglet S5 22 (1) 23 16 (32%) Gray Jay S3 8 8 6 (12%) Hairy Woodpecker S5 5 5 2 (4%) Hermit Thrush S5B 8 8 8 (16%) Killdeer S3B 2 2 2 (4%) Least Flycatcher S4S5B 12 12 11 (22%) Lincoln's Sparrow S4B 1 1 1 (2%) Magnolia Warbler S5B 26 26 22 (44%) Mourning Dove S5 1 1 1 (2%) Mourning Warbler S4B 3 3 2 (4%) Northern Flicker S5B 2 2 2 (4%) Northern Parula S5B 25 25 23 (46%) Northern Waterthrush S4B 6 6 5 (10%) Ovenbird S5B 67 67 44 (88%) Purple Finch S4S5B,S3S4N 2 3 5 5 (10%) Red‐breasted Nuthatch S3 11 (1) 12 10 (20%) Red‐eyed Vireo S5B 19 (2) 21 17 (34%) Red‐winged Blackbird S4B 1 1 1 (2%) Ruby‐crowned Kinglet S3S4B 21 21 14 (28%) Ruby‐throated Hummingbird S5B (2) 2 1 (2%)

Ruffed Grouse S5 3 3 3 (6%) Song Sparrow S5B 10 (2) 12 8 (16%) Swainson's Thrush S3S4B 2 (2) 4 4 (8%) Tree Swallow S4B 1 1 1 (2%) White‐throated Sparrow S5B 38 38 23 (46%) Yellow Warbler S5B 3 3 3 (6%) Yellow‐bellied Sapsucker S4S5B 5 (1) 6 4 (8%) Yellow‐rumped Warbler S5B 9 9 9 (18%) Total: 55 Species 637 26 (15) 677

3.2.2.2 ROUND 2 The second round of breeding bird surveys detected a total of 517 individuals from 50 species and three other taxa. The three most abundant and widespread species detected include American Robin (48 individuals, 56.4% of survey locations), Ovenbird (40 individuals observed, 50.9% of survey locations), and Black‐throated Green Warbler (32 individuals, 43.6% of locations) (Table 3.4).


Table 3.4 Data Summary of 55 Survey Locations (Round 2), 2018




Alder Flycatcher S5B 12 12 11 (20%) American Crow S5 25 1 26 12 (21.8%) American Goldfinch S5 13 6 (1) 20 10 (18.2%) American Redstart S4 16 16 12 (21.8%) American Robin S5B,S3N 46 (2) 48 31 (56.4%) Bald Eagle S5 1 1 1 (1.8%) Belted Kingfisher S5B 1 1 1 (1.8%) Black‐and‐white Warbler S5B 8 (1) 9 8 (14.5%) Blackburnian Warbler S4B 3 3 3 (5.5%) Black‐capped Chickadee S5 13 13 11 (20%) Black‐throated Green Warbler S5B 30 (2) 32 24 (43.6%)

Blue Jay S5 6 6 4 (7.3%) Blue‐headed Vireo S5B 9 9 9 (16.4%) Cedar Waxwing S5B 15 (1) 16 13 (23.6%) Chestnut‐sided Warbler S5B 5 5 4 (7.3%) Common Grackle S5B 5 5 5 (9.1%) Common Raven S5 2 2 1 (1.8%) Common Yellowthroat S5B 19 19 14 (25.5%) Dark‐eyed Junco S4SB 8 8 4 (7.3%) Downy Woodpecker S5 1 1 1 (1.8%) Eastern Wood‐Pewee S3S4B,S3N 1 1 1 (1.8%) European Starling SNA 11 11 3 (5.5%) Evening Grosbeak S3S4B,S3N 3 8 11 7 (12.7%) Golden‐crowned Kinglet S5 17 17 11 (20%) Hairy Woodpecker S5 4 4 3 (5.5%) Hermit Thrush S5B 15 15 10 (18.2%) Least Flycatcher S4S5B 13 13 10 (18.2%) Magnolia Warbler S5B 9 9 7 (12.7%) Mourning Warbler S4B 5 (1) 6 5 (9.1%) Northern Flicker S5B 3 3 3 (5.5%) Northern Parula S5B 21 21 19 (34.5%) Northern Waterthrush S4B 2 2 2 (3.6%) Osprey S4B 1 1 1 (1.8%) Ovenbird S5B 40 40 28 (50.9%) Pileated Woodpecker S5 2 2 2 (3.6%) Purple Finch S4S5B,S3S4N 5 5 3 (5.5%) Red‐breasted Nuthatch S3 10 10 8 (14.5%) Red‐eyed Vireo S5B 18 18 11 (20%) Red‐tailed Hawk S5 1 1 1 (1.8%) Red‐winged Blackbird S4B 3 3 2 (3.6%) Rock Pigeon SNA 1 1 1 (1.8%) Ruby‐crowned Kinglet S3S4B 7 7 6 (10.9%)





Ruby‐throated Hummingbird S5B 2 2 2 (3.6%)

Savannah Sparrow S4S5B 2 2 1 (1.8%) Song Sparrow S5B 15 15 9 (16.4%) Swainson's Thrush S3S4B 1 (1) 2 2 (3.6%) Tree Swallow S4B 1 1 1 (1.8%) White‐throated Sparrow S5B 31 31 21 (38.2%) Yellow‐bellied Sapsucker S4S5B 4 4 4 (7.3%) Yellow‐rumped Warbler S5B 3 3 2 (3.6%) Duck sp. ‐‐‐ 2 2 1 (1.8%) Bueteo sp. ‐‐‐ 1 1 1 (1.8%) Woodpecker sp. ‐‐‐ 1 1 1 (1.8%) Grand Total: 50 species (+ 2 other taxa) 487 21 (9) 517

Five major habitat types were surveyed for breeding bird species. Mean species richness and abundance of birds were similar across most habitat types for each year (Table 3.5).

Table 3.5 Summary of Species Richness and Abundance Major Habitat

Type No. of survey

locations Mean Species Richness

per survey location (range) Mean abundance per

survey location (range) 2016: Round 1 (May 24 – June 16, 2016)

Wetland 11 10.7 (8 – 18) 14 (11 – 23)

Mixed woods 5 10 (8 – 13) 14.8 (10 – 23)

Softwood 6 8.7 (7 – 10) 11.8 (10 – 15)

Hardwood 39 8 (1 – 11) 10.7 (1 – 19) Open canopy 19 8.5 (3 – 13) 11.6 (3 – 18)

2016: Round 2 (July 19 – 27, 2016)

Wetland 11 10.8 (6 – 18) 21.9 (8 – 61)

Mixed woods 5 7.4 (5 – 11) 12.8 (9 – 20)

Softwood 6 9.7 (3 – 13) 15.5 (5 – 31)

Hardwood 39 7 (2 – 13) 12 (2 – 47) Open canopy 19 7.2 (2 – 16) 12.1 (2 – 26)

2018: Round 1 (June 4 – June 7, 2018)

Wetland 12 9.8 (3 – 17) 13.8 (4 – 24)

Mixed woods 11 9.3 (4 – 14) 12.7 (9 – 21)

Softwood 3 7.3 (2 – 14) 12 (3 – 25)

Hardwood 12 8.1 (5 – 11) 11.9 (7 – 18) Open canopy 12 11.7 (7 – 17) 16.1 (9 – 25)


Major Habitat Type

No. of survey locations

Mean Species Richness per survey location (range)

Mean abundance per survey location (range)

2018: Round 2 (June 26 – 28, 2018)

Wetland 12 7.7 (2 – 14) 10.3 (2 – 27)

Mixed woods 11 5 (3 – 11) 6.2 (3 – 15)

Softwood 5 8.6 (5 – 11) 11.8 (6 – 15)

Hardwood 12 6.1 (2 – 14) 8.8 (2 – 21) Open canopy 15 7 (4 – 12) 10.8 (4 – 20)

3.3 Incidental Observations In 2016, nine incidental observations of two species of conservation concern were recorded between August 10 and August 26, during the execution of other field programs (Table 3.6). Table 3.6 Incidental Observations 2016

Species Date ACCDC S-Rank

Individuals detected

Eastern Wood‐Pewee August 10, 2016 S3S4B 1



Eastern Wood‐Pewee August 18, 2016 S3S4B 1 Eastern Wood‐Pewee August 18, 2016 S3S4B 1


Canada Warbler August 24, 2016 S3B 1

Canada Warbler August 25, 2016 S3B 1

Eastern Wood‐Pewee August 26, 2016 S3S4B 1 On May 25, 2017, during spring wood turtle Visual Encounter Surveys (VES), a Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) nest with four eggs was observed on an island in the French River (Figure 3.1). The pair of Spotted Sandpipers, a species of conservation concern (see Section 3.5), were observed within the vicinity of the nest. The location of the nest is highlighted on the Project maps (Appendix C).


Figure 3.1 Active Spotted Sandpiper nest observed on May 25, 2017 within the study area

located on an island within the French River. In 2018, incidental observations of six species of conservation concern were recorded between June 12 and June 15 and on August 1, 2018 (Table 3.7). On May 23, 2018, an active American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) nest was observed in close proximity to a watercourse (5 – 10 m) (Figure 3.2).


Table 3.7 Incidental Observations 2018

Species Date ACCDC S-Rank

Individuals detected

Barn Swallow June 15, 2018 S2S3B 1

Canada Warbler June 13, 2018 S3B 1 Eastern Wood‐Pewee June 12, 2018 S3S4B 3

Olive‐sided Flycatcher June 15, 2018 S2B 1

Rough‐legged Hawk June 11, 12, 2018 S3N 2

Ruby‐crowned Kinglet June 12, 2018 S3S4B 1

3.4 Species of Conservation Concern Species of conservation concern were recorded during breeding bird surveys and during other field programs (incidentally). A total of 19 species of conservation concern were observed, including four species listed under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) (Schedule 1) and the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act (NSESA): Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Canada Warbler, Olive‐sided Flycatcher, and Eastern Wood‐Pewee (Contopus virens). The Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus), a species listed under the NSESA, was also observed during the breeding bird surveys.

Figure 3.2 Active American Woodcock nest observed within the study area on May 23, 2018.


3.4.1 2016 Species of Conservation Concern In 2016, 15 species of conservation concern were observed along Highway 104 and are summarized in Table 3.8. The locations where each species of conservation concern were observed are indicated in red text on the Project maps (Appendix C). The Canada Warbler, Barn Swallow, and Eastern Wood‐Pewee are listed under both SARA and NSESA, and were observed within the study area. Nine species of conservation concern were observed during the first round of surveys in 2016 and 11 species of conservation concern were observed during the second round (Table 3.8). Table 3.8 Species of Conservation Concern Recorded in 2016

Species of Conservation Concern

COSEWIC Listing

SARA Listing

NSESA Listing

ACCDC S-Rank Detected

Barn Swallow Threatened Threatened Endangered S2S3B Second round

Canada Warbler Threatened Threatened Endangered S3B First round

Eastern Wood‐Pewee Special Concern

Special Concern Vulnerable S3S4B Both rounds

Cape May Warbler ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S2B Second round

Rose‐breasted Grosbeak ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S2S3B First round

American Kestrel ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3B Second round

Killdeer ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3B First round Red‐breasted Nuthatch ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3 Second round

Wilson’s Snipe ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3B Second round

Northern Harrier ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3S4B Second round

Ruby‐crowned Kinglet ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3S4B Both rounds

Spotted Sandpiper ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3S4B First round

Swainson’s Thrush ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3S4B Both rounds Veery ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3S4B Both rounds

Yellow‐bellied Flycatcher ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3S4B Both rounds 3.4.2 2018 Species of Conservation Concern In 2018, 11 species of conservation concern were observed along Highway 104 and are summarized in Table 3.9. The locations where each species of conservation concern were observed are indicated in red text on the Project maps (Appendix C). The Canada Warbler, Barn Swallow, Olive‐sided Flycatcher, and Eastern Wood‐Pewee are federally and provincially listed species at risk and were observed within the study area. The Evening Grosbeak, a provincially listed species, was also observed within the study area.


Table 3.9 Species of Conservation Concern Recorded in 2018

Species of Conservation Concern

COSEWIC Listing

SARA Listing

NSESA Listing

ACCDC S-Rank Detected

Barn Swallow Threatened Threatened Endangered S2S3B Incidental

Canada Warbler Threatened Threatened Endangered S3B Incidental

Olive‐sided Warbler Special Concern Threatened Threatened S2B Incidental

Eastern Wood‐Pewee Special Concern

Special Concern Vulnerable S3S4B Both rounds

Evening Grosbeak Special Concern No Status Vulnerable S3S4B,

S3N Both rounds

Gray Jay S3 First round

Killdeer ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3B First round

Red‐breasted Nuthatch ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3 Both rounds

Bay‐breasted Warbler ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3S4B First round Blackpoll Warbler ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3S4B First round

Ruby‐crowned Kinglet ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3S4B Both rounds

Swainson’s Thrush ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ S3S4B Both rounds Canada Warbler: The Canada Warbler is ranked as ‘Threatened’ at the federal level (SARA) and ‘Endangered’ provincially (NSESA). The ACCDC ranked Canada Warbler as ‘Vulnerable’ (S3B) in NS. The Canada Warbler is widely distributed across every Maritime region (Stewart et al., 2015) using a wide range of deciduous and coniferous forests. In the Maritimes, the Canada Warbler is associated with wetlands and dense understoreys (Stewart et al., 2015). Seven Canada Warblers were detected at five point count locations in suitable breeding habitat during the first round of surveys conducted in 2016. The Canada Warbler was categorized as ‘confirmed’ (two atlas squares) and ‘possible’ (two atlas squares) breeders within four of the five atlas squares that occur within the Project area. Canada Warblers were also detected incidentally within the study area in August, 2016 outside of their peak breeding window. On June 13, 2018, a Canada Warbler was incidentally observed in suitable breeding habitat within the study area. Barn Swallow: The Barn Swallow is designated as ‘Threatened’ federally (SARA Schedule 1) and is listed as ‘Endangered’ provincially (NSESA). The ACCDC has assigned a rank range between ‘Imperiled’ and ‘Vulnerable’ (S2S3B). In the Maritimes, the Barn Swallow occurs mostly in agricultural areas and uses manmade structures (e.g., barns) to nest and raise young (Stewart et al., 2015). A Barn Swallow was recorded during the second round of surveys in suitable breeding habitat (observed flying over agricultural fields adjacent to a barn). The barn is located north of Highway 4, outside of the Project area. From the MBBA, breeding evidence associated with Barn Swallows were classified as ‘confirmed’ (three atlas squares) and ‘possible’ (one atlas square) within the study area.


Olive-sided Flycatcher: Olive‐sided Flycatcher is designated as ‘Threatened’ provincially (NSESA) and federally (SARA Schedule 1) and has a rank of ‘Imperiled’ (S2B) (ACCDC). The Olive‐sided Flycatcher is considered uncommon in the summer throughout the province (McLaren, 2012). This flycatcher prefers to breed in moist, mixed coniferous forest, and is most often associated with forest openings, forest edges near natural or human‐made openings, or open to semi‐open forest stands (Altman and Sallabanks, 2012; Stewart et al., 2015). An Olive‐sided Flycatcher was recorded as an incidental observation during the execution of another field program. On June 15, 2018, the Olive‐sided Flycatcher was recorded singing approximately 100 m away in potential breeding habitat. The Olive‐sided Flycatcher was classified as ‘confirmed’, ‘probable’, and ‘possible’ breeders (in 2, 2, and 1 atlas squares respectively) within the study area (Stewart et al., 2015). Eastern Wood-Pewee: Eastern Wood‐Pewee is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ provincially (NSESA) and ‘Special Concern’ by SARA. The ACCDC has ranked the Eastern Wood‐Pewee as S3S4B in NS, indicating a range rank between ‘Vulnerable’ and ‘Apparently Secure’. The Eastern Wood‐Pewee is generally associated with forest clearings and edges and will breed in both deciduous and coniferous forests (Watt et al. 2017). In the Maritimes, the Eastern Wood‐Pewee prefers older, predominately deciduous forests and shows preference for riparian forests (Stewart et al., 2015). Stewart et al. (2015) also indicates that Eastern Wood‐Pewees avoid young coniferous and managed forests as well as human‐occupied areas in the Maritimes. The Eastern Wood‐Pewee was recorded during both rounds of breeding bird surveys in 2016 and 2018 and was also incidentally recorded both years. In 2016, the Eastern Wood‐Pewee was observed at 7 survey locations and incidentally at 7 different locations. During the 2018 surveys, the Eastern Wood‐Pewee was recorded at two survey locations and incidentally at six different locations. The Eastern Wood‐Pewee was classified as ‘confirmed’, ‘probable’, and ‘possible’ breeders (in 1, 1, and 3 atlas squares respectively) within the study area. Evening Grosbeak: The Evening Grosbeak is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ provincially (NSESA) and ‘Special Concern’ by COSEWIC (not it is not on SARA Schedule 1). The ACCDC has ranked the Evening Grosbeak (breeding population) as S3S4B in NS indicating a range rank between ‘Vulnerable’ and ‘Apparently Secure’. The Evening Grosbeak generally breeds in old coniferous and mixed wood forest stands where insects are abundant (COSEWIC, 2016; Stewart et al., 2015). The Evening Grosbeak was observed at 14 survey locations during the 2018 breeding bird surveys and was classified as ‘probable’ (four atlas squares) and ‘possible’ (one atlas square) breeders within the study area (Stewart et al., 2015). Cape May Warbler: The Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) is unlisted at provincial and federal levels. The ACCDC assigned an S‐Rank of S2B indicating this species is provincially ‘Imperiled’. The Cape May Warbler prefers a variety of medium to old‐aged coniferous habitats comprised of spruce and balsam fir with preference for spruce stands over 10 m tall and well‐developed crowns (Baltz and Latta,


1998). In the Maritimes, the Cape May Warbler is most strongly associated with mid‐aged black spruce (Stewart et al., 2015). A Cape May Warbler was recorded at one survey location during the second round of breeding bird surveys conducted in 2016. This warbler was found to be a ‘possible’ breeder in one of the atlas squares that occurs in the Project area. Rose-breasted Grosbeak: The ACCDC ranked the Rose‐breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) in NS as S2S3B representing a rank ranging from ‘Vulnerable’ to ‘Imperiled’. The Rose‐breasted Grosbeak uses a wide variety of habitats, including deciduous and mixed wooded uplands and lowlands. This grosbeak can also be found along forest edges adjacent to wetlands, open water, and human‐made area (parks, gardens) (Wyatt and Francis, 2002). The Rose‐breasted Grosbeak is primarily associated with hardwood stands and is partial to cutover areas, marshes, and forested wetlands in the Maritimes (Stewart et al., 2015). The Rose‐breasted Grosbeak was observed at two survey location in hardwood habitat in 2016. The Rose‐breasted Grosbeak was recorded in five of the MBBA atlas squares that intersect the Project area. American Kestrel: The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) is not listed provincially or federally. The American Kestrel is ranked as ‘Vulnerable’ (S3B) in Nova Scotia by the ACCDC. The American Kestrel are commonly found perched on telephone wires along roadsides in open country and agricultural fields (Stewart et al., 2015). One American Kestrel was observed at one survey location during the second round of surveys conducted in 2016. American Kestrel were also observed in four of the MBBA atlas squares that intersect the Project area. Gray Jay: The Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis) is ranked as ‘Vulnerable’ (S3B) in NS. Gray Jays nest during late winter in coniferous and mixed coniferous‐deciduous forest where spruces (Picea spp.) are present. Once young have fledged, they stay in their natal territories until early June (Strickland and Ouellet, 2011). In the Maritimes, the Gray Jay prefers older spruce‐fir forests (Stewart et al., 2015). Gray Jays were observed in early June at six survey locations within the study area and was classified as ‘confirmed’ breeders in three of the MBBA atlas squares. Killdeer: The Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) is ranked as ‘Vulnerable’ (S3B) but is not listed provincially or federally. Killdeer are associated with open habitats such as grasslands, mudflats, and various human‐modified habitats including cultivated fields, graveled areas, parking lots, and airports (Jackson and Jackson, 2000; Stewart et al., 2015). Declines have been observed across the Maritimes and these declines may be linked to changes in farm practices and human interference (Stewart et al., 2015). A Killdeer was observed at one survey area located in open canopy. During the MBBA atlas, Killdeer was recorded in 3 of the atlas squares that intersects the Project area.


Red-breasted Nuthatch: The Red‐breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) is ranked as ‘Vulnerable’ (S3) in Nova Scotia. In the Maritimes, the Red‐breasted Nuthatch is widespread and prefers mature coniferous forests (Stewart et al., 2015). The Red‐breasted Nuthatch was recorded along Highway 104 and was observed in 5 MBBA atlas squares that intersects the Project area. Wilson’s Snipe: The Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata) is ranked as ‘Vulnerable’ (S3B) in Nova Scotia by the ACCDC. The Wilson Snipe breeds across Canada in sedge bogs, fens, swamps, and along the edges of ponds and rivers (Mueller, 1999). In the Maritimes, the Wilson’s Snipe is closely associated with freshwater wetlands and often close to scrublands and grasslands (Stewart et al., 2015). A Wilson’s Snipe was observed at two survey locations in 2016 and was also recorded in 5 of the MBBA atlas squares that intersect the Project area. Northern Harrier: The Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) has an S‐Rank ranging between ‘Vulnerable’ and ‘Apparently Secure’ (S3S4B) in Nova Scotia. The Northern Harrier occurs across Nova Scotia and prefers to breed in cultivated or managed grasslands and wetlands that provide cover for nesting (Stewart et al., 2015). A Northern Harrier was observed during the second round of surveys in 2016 and recorded in 2 of the MBBA atlas squares that occur within the Project area. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: The Ruby‐crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) has an S‐Rank of S3S4B in Nova Scotia. This kinglet breeds across the province, with the highest abundance in forest stands where conifers dominate (Stewart et al., 2015). The Ruby‐crowned Kinglet was observed across the Project area both years and was recorded as a ‘confirmed’ and ‘possible’ breeder in five MBBA atlas squares that intersects the Project area. Spotted Sandpiper: The Spotted Sandpiper has an S‐Rank of S3S4B in Nova Scotia. The Spotted Sandpiper is widespread and breeds in close proximity to a variety of waterbodies such as rivers and lakes (Stewart et al. 2015). A Spotted Sandpiper was observed during in 2016 during the first round of surveys. On May 25, 2017, during wood turtle visual encounter surveys, a pair of Spotted Sandpipers and their nest was observed on a small island within the French River (indicated on map). Swainson’s Thrush: The Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) has an S‐Rank of S3S4B. In the Maritimes, the Swainson’s Thrush generally prefers balsam fir and spruce forest of a variety of ages and treatments (Stewart et al. 2015).


Swainson’s Thrush was observed at multiple locations across the Project area during 2016 and 2018 and recorded as a ‘probable’ and ‘possible’ breeder in five MBBA atlas squares that intersects the Project area. Veery: The Veery (Catharus fuscescens) has an S‐Rank of S3S4B in Nova Scotia. In the Maritimes, the Veery breeds across the province in primarily damp, deciduous woods and is associated with young poplar and shrubs in proximity to aquatic habitats (McLaren, 2012; Stewart et al. 2015). The Veery was observed during both rounds of breeding bird surveys conducted in 2016 and has been classified as a ‘probable’ and ‘possible’ breeder in five MBBA atlas squares that interest the Project area. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: The Yellow‐bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris) has an S‐Rank of S3S4B in Nova Scotia. This flycatcher is primarily a boreal nester and prefers younger forests and poorly drained areas such as bogs and fens in the Maritimes (Stewart et al., 2015). The Yellow‐bellied Flycatcher was observed during both rounds of breeding bird surveys conducted in 2016 and classified as a ‘probable’ or ‘possible’ breeder in 3 MBBA atlas squares that occur within the Project area. Bay-breasted Warbler: The Bay‐breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea) has an S‐Rank of S3S4B in Nova Scotia. The Bay‐breasted Warbler is primarily found in conifer forests, with great abundance in those that are mid‐aged to mature (Stewart et al., 2015). The Bay‐breasted Warbler was observed during the first round of breeding bird surveys in 2018 and was classified as a ‘possible’ breeder in five MBBA atlas squares found within the Project area. Blackpoll Warbler: The Blackpoll Warbler has an S‐Rank of S3S4B in Nova Scotia and is strongly associated with high‐density coniferous stands in high‐elevation and coastal areas (Stewart et al., 2015). The Blackpoll Warbler was observed at three survey locations during the first round of breeding bird surveys conducted in 2018 and has not being classified as a breeder within the MBBA atlas squares that intersect the Project area. 3.5 Nocturnal Owl Surveys No owls were detected during the nocturnal owl surveys conducted within the study area. Two avian species that were not owls, American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) and a White‐throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), were recorded as incidentals. Survey locations are identified on the Projects maps found in Appendix C. 3.6 Regulatory Considerations Under current legislation, linear project activities that could interact with avifauna typically adhere to the following acts:


• Federal Species at Risk Act. S.C. 2002, c.29; • Federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. S.C. 1994, c.22; • Provincial Endangered Species Act. 1998, c.11, s.1; and • Provincial Wildlife Act. R.S., c. 504, s. 2.

Should the proposed twinning of the highway proceed, the project may be subject to environmental permits and approvals pursuant to federal and provincial legislation.


CHAPTER 4 DISCUSSION 4.1 Summary of Key Findings 4.1.1 2016 Breeding Bird Surveys A total of 80 point count survey locations in five different habitat types were surveyed during each round of surveys (round 1 was surveyed between May 24 and June 16, 2016; round 2 was surveyed between July 19 and July 27, 2016). Of the 80 point count survey locations, 5 occurred in mixed woods, 6 in softwood, 11 in wetlands, 19 in open canopy, and 39 in hardwood. During the breeding bird surveys, a total of 2,042 individuals comprising 82 species were recorded within the study area. Of these species, 15 were species of conservation concern. Three species of conservation concern are listed as federal and provincial species at risk: the Canada Warbler, Barn Swallow, and Eastern Wood‐Pewee. 4.1.2 2018 Breeding Bird Surveys A total of 55 point count survey locations in five different habitat types were surveyed in the survey area. Fifty of the survey locations were surveyed during the first round (June 4 to June 7, 2018) and each of the 55 were surveyed during the second round (June 24 to 28, 2018). Of the 55 point count survey locations, 11 occurred in mixed woods, 5 in softwood, 12 in wetlands, 15 in open canopy, and 12 in hardwood. A total 1,194 individuals comprising 61 species were recorded within the study area. Eleven species of conservation concern were observed. The Canada Warbler, Barn Swallow, Olive‐sided Flycatcher, and Eastern Wood‐Pewee are federally and provincially listed species at risk and were observed within the study area. The Evening Grosbeak, a provincially listed species, was also observed within the study area. 4.2 Assessment Limitations Given that most species are aurally detected during surveys, traffic noise likely affects surveys, particularly those that occurred adjacent to a highway. However, as previously mentioned, surveys were extended when traffic noise was noticeably interfering with a surveyor’s ability to detect birds aurally. A baseline inventory of breeding birds was collected which included species of conservation concern that were detected by sight or sound. Specific surveys for species at risk were not conducted and may be required by regulatory authorities in future studies.


4.3 Closure This report has been prepared for the sole benefit of the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. The report may not be relied upon by any other person or entity without the express written consent of CBCL and NSTIR. Any use which a third party makes of this report and any reliance on decisions made based on it, are the responsibility of such third parties. CBCL Limited accepts no responsibility for damages, if any, suffered by any third party as a result of decisions or actions made based on this report. The conclusions presented represent the best judgement of the assessors based on the observed site conditions. Due to the nature of the investigation, the assessors cannot warrant against undiscovered environmental conditions or liabilities. Should additional information become available, CBCL Limited requests that this information be brought to our attention so that we may re‐assess the conclusions presented herein. Any changes to the Project alignment may result in a requirement to replicate the field program to capture any new information. Respectfully submitted, CBCL Limited Ian Bryson, M.Sc., EP Jason Bernier, P.Eng., PMP Principal, Group Leader – Environmental Sciences Principal, Manager – Environmental Sciences

and Engineering This document was prepared for the party indicated herein. The material and information in the document reflects CBCL Limited’s opinion and best judgment based on the information available at the time of preparation. Any use of this document or reliance on its content by third parties is the responsibility of the third party. CBCL Limited accepts no responsibility for any damages suffered as a result of third party use of this document


CHAPTER 5 REFERENCES Altman, B. and R. Sallabanks (2012). Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi), version 2.0. In The

Birds of North America (A. F. Poole, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bna.502

Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre. 2017. Species ranking definitions. Available:

http://www.accdc.com/en/rank‐definitions.html. Accessed December 5, 2017. Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre. 2015. Data Report #5456, Antigonish 4, NS. Baltz, Michael E. and Steven C. Latta. (1998). Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina), The Birds of North America (P. G. Rodewald, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of North America:

https://birdsna‐org.bnaproxy.birds.cornell.edu/Species‐Account/bna/species/camwar DOI: 10.2173/bna.332 Benítez‐López A., R. Alkemade R., and P. A. Verweji. 2010. The impacts of roads and other

infrastructure on mammal and birds populations: a meta‐analysis. Biological Conservation. 143, 1307‐1316.

Brumm, H., and Slabbekoorn, H. 2005. Acoustic communication in noise. Advances in the Study of Behavior, 35, 151‐209. COSEWIC. 2016. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Evening Grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xi + 64 pp. (http://www.registrelep‐sararegistry.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=en&n=24F7211B‐1). Fahrig, L. and Rytwinski, T. 2009. Effects of roads on animal abundance: an empirical review and synthesis. Ecology and Society, 14, 21. Halfwerk, W., Holleman, L. J., Lessells, C. K., and Slabbekoorn, H. 2011. Negative impact of traffic noise on avian reproductive success. Journal of applied Ecology, 48(1), 210‐219.

https://doi.org/10.2173/bna.502

http://www.accdc.com/en/rank-definitions.html

https://birdsna-org.bnaproxy.birds.cornell.edu/Species-Account/bna/species/camwar

http://dx.doi.org/10.2173/bna.332

http://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=HC_j51sAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra

http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=en&n=24F7211B-1


Eberhardt, E., S. Mitchell, and L. Fahrig. 2010. Current and potential wildlife fatality hotspots along the Thousand Islands Parkway in Eastern Ontario, Canada. Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2016. General Nesting Periods of Migratory Birds in Canada. Available: http://www.ec.gc.ca/paom‐itmb/default.asp?lang=En&n=4F39A78F‐1. Accessed: November 2016. Environment Canada. 2006. Wind Turbines and Birds: A Guidance Document for Environmental Assessment. Final version, April 2007. Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Gatineau Quebec. Available: http://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/458437/publication.html Jackson, B. J. and J. A. Jackson. 2000. Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), version 2.0. In The Birds of North America (A. F. Poole and F. B. Gill, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bna.517 McClure, C. J., Ware, H. E., Carlisle, J., Kaltenecker, G., & Barber, J. R. 2013. An experimental investigation into the effects of traffic noise on distributions of birds: avoiding the phantom road. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B: Biological Sciences, 280(1773), 20132290. McLaren, I.A. 2012. All the birds of Nova Scotia. Gaspereau Press, Kentville, N.S. Mueller, H. 1999. Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata), version 2.0. In The Birds of North America (A. F. Poole and F. B. Gill, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bna.417 Neily, P.D., Quigley, E., Benjamin, L., Stewart, B., Duke, T. 2005. Ecological Land Classification for Nova Scotia: Revised Edition 2005. Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Renewable Resource Branch. Ortega, Y. K., and Capen, D. E. 1999. Effects of forest roads on habitat quality for ovenbirds in a forested landscape. The Auk, 937‐946. Polak, M., Wiącek, J., Kucharczyk, M., & Orzechowski, R. 2013. The effect of road traffic on a breeding community of woodland birds. European Journal of Forest Research, 132(5‐6), 931‐ 941. Šálek, M., Svobodová, J., and Zasadil, P. 2010. Edge effect of low‐traffic forest roads on bird communities in secondary production forests in central Europe. Landscape ecology, 25(7), 1113‐1124. Species at Risk Public Registry. Accessed November 2016. Schedule 1: List of Wildlife Species at Risk. www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/schedules_e.cfm?id=1

http://www.ec.gc.ca/paom-itmb/default.asp?lang=En&n=4F39A78F-1

http://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/458437/publication.html



http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/schedules_e.cfm?id=1


Stewart, R.L. M., K. A. Bredin, A. R. Couturier, A. G. Horn, D. Lepage, S. Markpeace, P. D. Taylor, M. A. Villard, and R. M. Whittam (eds). 2015. Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces. Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada, Natural History Society of Prince Edward Island, Nature New Brunswick, New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources, Nova Scotia Bird Society, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, and Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Sackville, 528 + 29 pp. Summers P.D., G. M. Cunnington, L. Fahrig. 2011. Are the negative effects of roads on breeding birds caused by traffic noise? Journal of Applied Ecology. 46, 1527‐1534. Takats, D. L., C. M. Francis, G. L. Holroyd, J. R. Duncan, K. M. Mazur, R. J. Cannings, W. Harris, D. Holt. 2001. Guidelines for Nocturnal Owl Monitoring in North America. Beaverhill Bird Observatory and Bird Studies Canada, Edmonton, Alberta. 32 pp. Watt, D. J., J. P. McCarty, S. W. Kendrick, F. L. Newell, and P. Pyle. 2017. Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens), version 2.0. In The Birds of North America (P. G. Rodewald, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bna.eawpew.02 Wyatt, V. E. and C. M. Francis. 2002. Rose‐breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus), version 2.0. In The Birds of North America (A. F. Poole and F. B. Gill, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bna.692

https://doi.org/10.2173/bna.eawpew.02


CBCL Limited Appendices

APPENDIX A

Explanation of ACCDC Rarity Ranks

Understanding Ranks

Sub-national (provincial) ranks (S-ranks)

Conservation Data Centres and NatureServe use existing information and expertise, for ranking species rarity or conservation status. Ranks help them identify gaps in knowledge for species for which element occurrence data are maintained; typically information is maintained for species ranked critically imperiled (S1) to vulnerable (S3) in given jurisdictions. Individual CDCs are responsible for developing sub-national ranks for their area. The AC CDC works with provincial and federal experts to develop rarity ranks for species in each of the following provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Factors considered when ranking include: number of element occurrences, distribution, population size, abundance trends, and threats.

Sub-national element rank definitions

The following definitions refer to species and community ranks at sub-national (provincial) levels. Sub-national ranks are specific to a province. Therefore, a species that is common (S4) in New Brunswick, could be ranked as extremely rare (S1) in Prince Edward Island.

S-rank Definition

SXPresumed Extirpated - Species or community is believed to be extirpated from the province. Not located despite intensive searches of historical sites and other appropriate habitat, and virtually no likelihood that it will be rediscovered.

S1Critically Imperiled - Critically imperiled in the province because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer occurrences) or because of some factor(s) such as very steep declines making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the state/province.

S2Imperiled - Imperiled in the province because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation from the nation or state/province.

S3Vulnerable - Vulnerable in the province due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation.

S4 Apparently Secure - Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors.

S5 Secure - Common, widespread, and abundant in the province.

SNR Unranked - Nation or state/province conservation status not yet assessed.

SU Unrankable - Currently unrankable due to lack of information or due to substantially conflicting information about status or trends.

SNA Not Applicable - A conservation status rank is not applicable because the species is not a suitable target for conservation activities.

S#S#Range Rank - A numeric range rank (e.g., S2S3) is used to indicate any range of uncertainty about the status of the species or community. Ranges cannot skip more than one rank (e.g., SU is used rather than S1S4).

Not Provided

Species is not known to occur in the province.

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Page 1 of 2Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre | Conservation Rank Definitions

10/01/2017http://www.accdc.com/en/rank-definitions.html

Breeding Status Qualifiers

Qualifier Definition

B Breeding - Conservation status refers to the breeding population of the species in the province.

N Nonbreeding - Conservation status refers to the non-breeding population of the species in the province.

MMigrant - Migrant species occurring regularly on migration at particular staging areas or concentration spots where the species might warrant conservation attention. Conservation status refers to the aggregating transient population of the species in the province.

Note: A breeding status is only used for species that have distinct breeding and/or non-breeding populations in the province. A breeding-status S-rank can be coupled with its complementary non-breeding-status S-rank if the species also winters in the nation or state/province, and/or a migrant-status S-rank if the species occurs regularly on migration at particular staging areas or concentration spots where the species might warrant conservation attention. The two (or rarely, three) status ranks are separated by a comma (e.g., "S2B, S3N" or "SHN, S4B, S1M").

Other Qualifiers

Qualifier Definition

? Inexact or Uncertain - Denotes inexact or uncertain numeric rank. (The ? qualifies the character immediately preceding it in the S-rank.)

National and Global Ranks

Information supporting S-ranks in turn supports broader-scale ranking, national (N-rank) and global (G-rank). Canadian CDCs, from the Atlantic to British Columbia, help develop and update N-ranks for Canadian plants and animals. Although many believe that National ranks offer great value, there is increasing interest in categories used by COSEWIC and General Status Assessments, outlined briefly below. Global ranks are assigned by staff specialists at NatureServe in consultation with CDC specialists and other science experts. Global rank definitions are similar to sub-national rank definitions but they refer to the entire range for species or communities regardless of national boarders. For instance, G1= Critically Imperiled – extremely rare and extremely vulnerable to extinction due to natural or human causes (5 or fewer global occurrences or less than 1000 individuals), while G5 = Demonstrably secure. See the NatureServe explorer for additional details.

COSEWIC and General Status of Wild Species

The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) uses: extinct, extirpated, endangered, threatened, vulnerable, special concern, insufficient information, and secure to describe the status of species (but not communities) in Canada. The General Status of Wild Species in Canada, uses a ranking system similar to that used by NatureServe and all CDCs. (See Wild Species: The General Status of Species in Canada – for additional details).

© 2017 Atlantic Canada Conservation Data CentreFrançais | Home | Contact Us | Maritimes Butterfly Atlas

Page 2 of 2Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre | Conservation Rank Definitions

10/01/2017http://www.accdc.com/en/rank-definitions.html


APPENDIX B

ACCDC Rare Species Lists

Appendix B: ACCDC Rare Species Lists Rare and endangered avian species within the 5 km buffered area around the Project area in order of concern.

Common Name Scientific Name COSEWIC SARA Provincial Legal Protection

Provincial Rarity Rank

Bank Swallow Riparia riparia Threatened Threatened Endangered S2S3B

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Threatened Threatened Endangered S2S3B

Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis Threatened Threatened Endangered S3B

Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica Threatened Threatened Endangered S2B,S1M

Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus Special Concern Special Concern Endangered S2B

Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor Threatened Threatened Threatened S2B

Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi Threatened Threatened Threatened S2B

Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus Threatened Threatened Vulnerable S3S4B

Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens Special Concern Special Concern Vulnerable S3S4B

Evening Grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus Special Concern Vulnerable S3S4B,S3N

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis S1B

Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina S2B

Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater S2B

Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota S2S3B

Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator S2S3B,S5N



Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus S2S3

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus S2S3B

Virginia Rail Rallus limicola S2S3B

American Kestrel Falco sparverius S3B

Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus S3B

Boreal Chickadee Poecile hudsonica S3

Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus S3B

Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis S3B

Gray Jay Perisoreus canadensis S3

Killdeer Charadrius vociferus S3B

Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis S3

Wilson's Snipe Gallinago delicata S3B

American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus S3S4B

Bay-breasted Warbler Dendroica castanea S3S4B

Black-backed Woodpecker Picoides arcticus S3S4

Blue-winged Teal Anas discors S3S4B

Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Not At Risk S3S4



Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Not At Risk S3S4B

Nelson’s Sparrow Ammodramus nelsoni Not At Risk S3S4B

Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula S3S4B

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius S3S4B

Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus S3S4B

Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina S3S4B

Veery Catharus fuscescens S3S4B

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris S3S4B


APPENDIX C

Survey Location Maps


NSTIR Highway 104Appendix C

2016 Breeding Bird Survey21/09/2018

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BB-2016-03

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BB-2016-33BB-2016-34

BB-2016-38

!. ACCDC Species of Conservation Concern (ACCDC, 2018)

!. Nocturnal Owl Survey Locations

!. Breeding Bird Station Locations!. Incidental

Study Area

2

Egerton Brierly Brook

Beaver MeadowMcPhersons Mills

Avondale Station

Barneys River Station51 2 3 4

0 390 780 1,170 1,560m Species of Conservation Concern observed during

CBCL field programRed Text

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EasternWood-Pewee

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BB-2016-48Swainson's

Thrush

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Study Area

1 3



Avondale Station




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BB-2016-77 Ruby-crowned Kinglet;

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BB-2016-78 Eastern Wood-Pewee;

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Eastern Wood-Pewee

OWL-2016-8

OWL-2016-9

OWL-2016-5

OWL-2016-4

OWL-2016-6

OWL-2016-7




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Northern Harrier

Brown-headed Cowbird

Pine Siskin

American BitternSpotted Sandpiper

Chimney Swift

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Barn SwallowRed-breasted Nuthatch


BobolinkGray CatbirdVeery

Black-billed Cuckoo

Eastern Kingbird

Wilson's SnipeCliff Swallow

Swainson's ThrushOlive-sided Flycatcher

Tennessee Warbler

Blue-winged Teal

Virginia Rail

Boreal Chickadee


Killdeer

Common NighthawkBay-breasted Warbler

Rose-breasted GrosbeakWilson's Snipe

American KestrelRuddy Duck

Evening Grosbeak



Cliff SwallowVeery


Bobolink

BobolinkEastern Kingbird

Veery

Bay-breasted WarblerEvening Grosbeak

American Bittern

Pine Siskin

Wilson's Snipe


Pine Siskin

Bobolink

Veery


Veery

CommonNighthawk

Ruddy DuckEastern Wood-Pewee

BB-2016-49Killdeer

BB-2016-50American

Kestrel

BB-2016-52 Cape May Warbler;Eastern Wood-Pewee;Ruby-crowned Kinglet


BB-2016-56Ruby-crowned

Kinglet

BB-2016-58NorthernHarrier

BB-2016-79 Eastern Wood-Pewee

BB-2016-80 Eastern Wood-Pewee; Yellow-bellied Flycatcher; Swainson's Thrush





Nuthatch

BB-2016-22EasternWood-Pewee

BB-2016-23 Rose-breasted Grosbeak;Ruby-crowned Kinglet

BB-2016-51Spotted Sandpiper

BB-2016-53BB-2016-54

BB-2016-57

BB-2016-16

BB-2016-17

BB-2016-18

EasternWood-Pewee

EasternWood-Pewee

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Eastern Wood-Pewee

EasternWood-Pewee

OWL-2016-9




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Page 5 of 5




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Eastern Wood-Pewee



Wilson's Snipe



Evening Grosbeak

Bobolink

Chimney Swift

Rusty Blackbird

KilldeerGray Jay

Pine Siskin


Boreal Chickadee

Northern Goshawk Swainson's ThrushSwainson's ThrushYellow-bellied FlycatcherBlack-billed Cuckoo


Common Nighthawk

Rusty Blackbird

Nelson'sSparrow

Eastern Wood-Pewee

EasternWood-Pewee

Evening Grosbeak


Eastern Wood-Pewee


EasternWood-Pewee

Veery

EasternWood-Pewee

Veery

Rose-breastedGrosbeak

Ruby-crownedKinglet

Veery


EasternWood-Pewee


Swainson'sThrush


CommonNighthawk

CanadaWarbler

Cliff Swallow

Chimney Swift



Ruby-crowned Kinglet BB-2018-14

BB-2018-06

BB-2018-12 Blackpoll Warbler; Swainson's Thrush

BB-2018-11 Blackpoll Warbler;


BB-2018-02 Eastern Wood-Pewee;Red-breasted Nuthatch

BB-2018-13Evening Grosbeak


Nuthatch


BB-2018-08 Blackpoll Warbler; Bay-breasted Warbler

BB-2018-07Bay-breasted

Warbler

BB-2018-05 Evening Grosbeak



BB-2018-01 Bay-breasted Warbler;

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Barn Swallow

SpottedSandpiperNest


!. ACCDC Species of Conservation Concern (ACCDC, 2018)!. Incidental Observations!. Breeding Bird Stations

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CBCL field program Red Text

Page 1 of 5




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Killdeer

Wilson's Snipe

Eastern Kingbird

Cliff Swallow

Gray Catbird

Cape May WarblerBobolink

Rusty Blackbird

Pine Grosbeak

Pine Grosbeak

American Kestrel


Bank Swallow

Gray Jay



Tennessee Warbler

Canada Warbler



Northern Harrier


Spotted Sandpiper



Chimney Swift Veery


Eastern Wood-Pewee



Wilson's Snipe



Evening Grosbeak

Bobolink

Chimney Swift

Rusty Blackbird

KilldeerGray Jay

Pine Siskin


Boreal Chickadee

Northern Goshawk

American Bittern

Evening Grosbeak


Swainson's Thrush


Swainson's ThrushSwainson's ThrushYellow-bellied Flycatcher


Swainson's ThrushBlack-billed Cuckoo



Common Nighthawk

Rusty Blackbird

Chimney Swift

Eastern Wood-Pewee

EasternWood-Pewee

Evening Grosbeak


Eastern Wood-Pewee


BarnSwallow

Boreal Chickadee

EasternWood-Pewee

Veery

AmericanKestrel

Ruby-crownedKinglet Chimney Swift

Evening Grosbeak

Veery

Swainson'sThrush

Evening GrosbeakOlive-sidedFlycatcher

EasternWood-Pewee


Swainson'sThrush




Chimney Swift


BB-2018-20

BB-2018-23BB-2018-16

BB-2018-14

BB-2018-06

BB-2018-12 Blackpoll Warbler; Swainson's Thrush

BB-2018-11 Blackpoll Warbler;


BB-2018-17Bay-breasted Warbler

BB-2018-18 Ruby-crowned Kinglet

BB-2018-19 Swainson's Thrush; Ruby-crowned Kinglet


BB-2018-22 Swainson's Thrush;



Kinglet


Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Killdeer

BB-2018-15Killdeer

BB-2018-13Evening Grosbeak


Nuthatch


BB-2018-08 Blackpoll Warbler; Bay-breasted Warbler

BB-2018-07Bay-breasted

Warbler


Barn Swallow

SpottedSandpiperNest



Study Area

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Killdeer

Wilson's Snipe

Eastern Kingbird

Cliff Swallow

Gray Catbird

Cape May Warbler


Bobolink

Rusty Blackbird

Pine Grosbeak

Pine Grosbeak

American Kestrel

Spotted Sandpiper


Bank Swallow

Gray Jay



Tennessee Warbler

Canada Warbler



Northern Harrier


Spotted Sandpiper



Chimney Swift Veery


Chimney SwiftEastern Wood-Pewee

Common Nighthawk


Black-billed Cuckoo

Pine Grosbeak

Bay-breasted WarblerRed-breasted Nuthatch

American Bittern

Black-backed WoodpeckerEvening Grosbeak


Swainson's ThrushRusty Blackbird

Chimney Swift

BarnSwallow Ruby-crowned

Kinglet

Boreal Chickadee

AmericanKestrel

Chimney Swift

Evening Grosbeak

Swainson'sThrush

Evening Grosbeak

Yellow-belliedFlycatcher

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Evening GrosbeakRed-breasted Nuthatch

Swainson's Thrush



Swainson'sThrush


Rusty Blackbird


BB-2018-20 BB-2018-24

BB-2018-23

BB-2018-27

BB-2018-32

BB-2018-34

BB-2018-43

BB-2018-16


BB-2018-17Bay-breasted Warbler

BB-2018-18 Ruby-crowned Kinglet

BB-2018-19 Swainson's Thrush; Ruby-crowned Kinglet


BB-2018-22 Swainson's Thrush;



Kinglet



BB-2018-30 Evening Grosbeak;

Ruby-crowned KingletBB-2018-31

Red-breasted Nuthatch;Ruby-crowned Kinglet


Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Killdeer


BB-2018-42 Swainson's Thrush;Evening Grosbeak;

Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Red-breasted Nuthatch


Thrush

BB-2018-39 Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Red-breasted Nuthatch



Evening Grosbeak;Ruby-crowned Kinglet;Red-breasted Nuthatch


BB-2018-50 Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Evening Grosbeak

BB-2018-38 Evening Grosbeak;Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Bay-breasted Warbler; Red-breasted Nuthatch


BB-2018-15Killdeer


EasternWood

Peewee

Canada Warbler

EasternWood Peewee


Study Area

2 4



Avondale Station




Page 3 of 5




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Tennessee WarblerRose-breasted Grosbeak

Spotted SandpiperGray JayRuby-crowned KingletSwainson's Thrush

Bobolink

Boreal ChickadeeOlive-sided Flycatcher

Evening Grosbeak

Barn Swallow

Cliff SwallowChimney Swift Canada Warbler

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Common Nighthawk

VeeryRusty Blackbird


Wilson's SnipeEastern Kingbird

Black-billed Cuckoo

Pine Grosbeak


Pine SiskinRed-breasted Nuthatch

American Kestrel

Black-backed Woodpecker



Cliff SwallowVeery


Rusty Blackbird

American Bittern

Bobolink

Ruby-crownedKinglet

Pine Siskin

Bobolink

Veery


Veery

American KestrelRuby-crowned Kinglet



Swainson'sThrush


Bank Swallow

Chimney Swift

Chimney Swift

Eastern Wood-Pewee

BB-2018-47BB-2018-32

BB-2018-34

BB-2018-43





Nutatch



BB-2018-42 Swainson's Thrush;Evening Grosbeak;

Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Red-breasted Nuthatch


Thrush




Evening Grosbeak;Ruby-crowned Kinglet;Red-breasted Nuthatch


BB-2018-50 Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Evening Grosbeak

BB-2018-38 Evening Grosbeak;Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Bay-breasted Warbler; Red-breasted Nuthatch



Eastern Wood Peewee

EasternWood

Peewee

Canada Warbler

EasternWood Peewee

Ruby-crownedKinglet

EasternWood-Pewee

AmericanWoodcock

NestEasternWood-Pewee


Study Area

3 5



Avondale Station




Page 4 of 5




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Northern Harrier

Brown-headed Cowbird

Pine Siskin

American BitternSpotted Sandpiper

Chimney Swift

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Barn SwallowRed-breasted Nuthatch


BobolinkGray CatbirdVeery

Black-billed Cuckoo

Eastern Kingbird

Wilson's SnipeCliff Swallow

Swainson's ThrushOlive-sided Flycatcher

Tennessee Warbler

Blue-winged Teal

Virginia Rail

Boreal Chickadee


Killdeer

Common NighthawkBay-breasted Warbler

Rose-breasted GrosbeakWilson's Snipe

American KestrelRuddy Duck

Evening Grosbeak



Cliff SwallowVeery


Bobolink

BobolinkEastern Kingbird

Veery

Bay-breasted WarblerEvening Grosbeak

American Bittern

Pine Siskin

Wilson's Snipe


Pine Siskin

Bobolink

Veery


Veery

CommonNighthawk

Ruddy DuckEastern Wood-Pewee

BB-2018-47BB-2018-46

Red-breastedNutatch


Eastern Wood Peewee

Ruby-crownedKinglet

EasternWood-Pewee

AmericanWoodcock

Nest


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Page 5 of 5


APPENDIX D

The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces & Species Detected

Species Breeding Evidence (2nd Atlas data) Detected during

CBCL bird surveys ‘Confirmed’ ‘Probable’ ‘Possible’ Alder Flycatcher 1 2 2 X American Bittern 0 1 2 American Black Duck 3 0 2 X American Crow 5 0 0 X American Goldfinch 0 5 0 X American Kestrel 0 2 2 X American Redstart 2 3 0 X American Robin 5 0 0 X American Woodcock 0 4 0 X Bald Eagle 1 2 2 X Bank Swallow 1 0 1 X Barn Swallow 3 0 1 X Barred Owl 0 4 1 X Bay‐breasted Warbler 0 0 5 X Belted Kingfisher 3 0 2 X Black‐and‐white Warbler 4 0 1 X Black‐backed Woodpecker 1 0 0 Black‐billed Cuckoo 0 2 2 Blackburnian Warbler 2 3 0 X Black‐capped Chickadee 4 0 1 X Black‐throated Blue Warbler 1 0 4 X Black‐throated Green Warbler 2 2 1 X Blue Jay 3 1 1 X Blue‐headed Vireo 3 1 1 X Blue‐winged Teal 0 0 1 Bobolink 0 2 2 Boreal Chickadee 2 1 2 X Broad‐winged Hawk 0 0 2 X Brown Creeper 0 0 5 X Brown‐headed Cowbird 0 0 1 Canada Goose 2 0 0 X Canada Warbler 2 0 2 X Cape May Warbler 0 0 1 X Cedar Waxwing 2 2 1 X



CBCL bird surveys ‘Confirmed’ ‘Probable’ ‘Possible’ Chestnut‐sided Warbler 2 1 2 X Chimney Swift 0 2 3 Chipping Sparrow 1 2 2 X Cliff Swallow 2 0 1 Common Grackle 4 0 1 X Common Loon 0 1 3 X Common Merganser 1 2 1 Common Nighthawk 0 3 1 Common Raven 2 3 0 X Common Yellowthroat 4 1 0 X Dark‐eyed Junco 4 1 0 X Double‐crested Cormorant 0 0 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 3 0 X Eastern Kingbird 1 0 1 Eastern Phoebe 2 0 2 X Eastern Wood‐Pewee 1 1 3 X European Starling 5 0 0 X Evening Grosbeak 0 4 1 X Golden‐crowned Kinglet 2 0 3 X Gray Catbird 0 0 2 Gray Jay 3 0 0 X Great Blue Heron 0 1 0 Great Horned Owl 1 1 1 Green‐winged Teal 0 0 2 Hairy Woodpecker 4 0 1 X Hermit Thrush 4 1 0 X Hooded Merganser 5 0 0 House Sparrow 1 1 1 Killdeer 1 0 2 X Least Flycatcher 1 1 3 X Lincoln's Sparrow 1 0 4 X Magnolia Warbler 4 1 0 X Mallard 0 1 0 Merlin 1 1 0 X Mourning Dove 2 1 2 X Mourning Warbler 1 2 2 X Nashville Warbler 0 3 2 X Nelson's Sparrow 0 0 1 Northern Flicker 3 1 1 X Northern Goshawk 1 0 0



CBCL bird surveys ‘Confirmed’ ‘Probable’ ‘Possible’ Northern Harrier 1 0 1 X Northern Parula 2 1 2 X Northern Saw‐whet Owl 1 0 0 Northern Waterthrush 2 0 3 X Olive‐sided Flycatcher 2 2 1 X Osprey 0 0 2 X Ovenbird 3 2 0 X Palm Warbler 0 0 4 Pied‐billed Grebe 2 0 0 Pileated Woodpecker 0 2 2 X Pine Grosbeak 0 0 1 Pine Siskin 0 3 2 Purple Finch 2 2 1 X Red‐breasted Nuthatch 2 1 2 X Red‐eyed Vireo 2 3 0 X Red‐tailed Hawk 0 3 2 X Red‐winged Blackbird 3 1 0 X Ring‐necked Duck 4 0 0 Rock Pigeon 4 0 0 X Rose‐breasted Grosbeak 1 1 2 X Ruby‐crowned Kinglet 4 0 1 X Ruby‐throated Hummingbird 0 3 2 X Ruddy Duck 1 0 0 Ruffed Grouse 4 1 0 X Rusty Blackbird 1 1 0 Savannah Sparrow 2 0 3 X Sharp‐shinned Hawk 0 0 2 Song Sparrow 5 0 0 X Sora 0 2 1 X Spotted Sandpiper 1 2 1 X Swainson's Thrush 0 1 4 X Swamp Sparrow 3 1 1 X Tennessee Warbler 0 0 2 Tree Swallow 4 1 0 X Veery 0 2 3 X Virginia Rail 0 1 0 White‐breasted Nuthatch 1 0 2 X White‐throated Sparrow 3 2 0 X White‐winged Crossbill 0 0 2 X Wilson's Snipe 1 3 1 X



CBCL bird surveys ‘Confirmed’ ‘Probable’ ‘Possible’ Winter Wren 0 1 4 X Wood Duck 3 0 2 X Yellow Warbler 0 3 2 X Yellow‐bellied Flycatcher 0 1 2 X Yellow‐bellied Sapsucker 2 2 1 X Yellow‐rumped Warbler 3 1 1 X

CBCL Limited...2.1.2 Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces The MBBA provides...

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Transcript of CBCL Limited...2.1.2 Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces The MBBA provides...