4 Articles An Update on the Status of the Sandhill Crane in Northern and Central Ontario by John H. Pedlar and R. Kenyon Ross

INTRODUCTION generally considered tCanada, there has been a mean annual tinct populations throughout Ontario. increase of 9.1 % in crane numbers In the west, summering populations of from 1966-1994 (Downes and Collins cranes have been reported from wet­ 1996). Tebbel and Ankney (1982) lands south of Lake of the Woods reported that the crane population (Lumsden 1971), and nesting has centred around Sault Ste. Marie was recently been confirmed in this area increasing in numbers and expanding (Peck and James 1993). In north­ eastwards, and Lumsden (1987) sug­ central Ontario, a breeding population gested that the population on the of about 225 cranes was reported from Hudson Bay Lowlands underwent a the Algoma region (Tebbel and rapid increase throughout the 1970s. Ankney 1982). The Hudson Bay Since 1980, the Canadian Wildlife Lowlands appear to support the Service has been conducting aerial largest population of cranes in the surveys to monitor waterfowl popula­ province with some areas reporting tions throughout northern and central more than 10 pairs per 100 km2 Ontario. During these surveys, sight­ (Lumsden 1987). It has been suggest­ ings ofnon-waterfowl species, such as ed that there are two racial identities the Sandhill Crane, were also record­ of cranes in the province (Walkinshaw ed. This data provided us with an 1965). Cranes in the Algoma region opportunity to examine the extent to and near the Lake of the Woods are which Sandhill Crane populations in thought to have originated from an Ontario are changing in numbers and expansion of the Michigan crane pop­ geographic distribution. ulation and probably belong to the race G. c. tabida (Tebbel and Ankney METHODS 1982, Lumsden 1971), while those on Aerial Survey Methods the Hudson Bay Lowlands have been The aerial survey design that was used referred to the race G. c. rowani from 1980-1990 is described in detail (Lumsden 1971). The two races are in Ross (1987) and Fillman (1990). distinguished based on size; G. c. tabi­ Basically, 33-100x100 km blocks da is considered to be the largest crane were systematically located through­ in Canada, while G. c. rowani is inter­ out northern Ontario (north of the mediate in size. French and Mattawa rivers) based on Throughout its range, the popula­ the Universal Transverse Mercator tion status of the Sandhill Crane is (UTM) mapping grid. Systematically

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL 1997 5 located 2x2 kIn plots, within each of the SPANS spatial analysis system these blocks, were flown at least once program (SPANS 1993). This between 1980 and 1989. We used the approach essentially takes the mean information from these surveys to number of cranes seen on each block produce a province-wide distribution or plot and uses weighted averaging to map for the crane. A subset of 7 produce a contour map of crane densi­ blocks, located between North Bay in ty. In order to examine whether a spa­ the southeast and Wawa in the north­ tial change had occurred in Sandhill west, was flown in 1985 and annually Crane distribution, one map was gen­ from 1987-1989. This information erated for the 1980-89 sampling peri­ allowed us to examine whether crane od and a second map was generated numbers were changing over this time for the 1990-95 sampling period. period. A different survey design was Population Trends used from 1990-1995. This survey Population trends were examined over employed 48-10x10 km plots, that two time periods: 1) from 1985-1989 were systematically located between using the 7 blocks that were repeated­ Pembroke in the southeast and ly measured over this time, and 2) Geraldton in the northwest. All plots from 1990-1994 using the 25 plots were flown at least once from 1990­ that had been sampled in each of these 1995, which allowed us to produce a years. We tested for trends by calcu­ distribution map of the crane in north­ lating a Thiel slope (Hollander and eastern Ontario over this time period. Wolfe 1973) for each block or plot Twenty-five plots were flown annual­ and applying a Wilcoxon matched ly from 1990-1994. We used this data pair signed rank test (Siegel 1956) to to test for a trend in crane numbers determine if the slopes were predomi­ during this time period. nantly negative or positive. Surveys were flown in the spring, starting with the most southerly plots RESULTS AND DISCUSSION in early May and finishing with the Distribution and Range Expansion northerly plots in late Mayor early The distribution maps generated for June. All wetlands within each plot the 1980-1989 sampling period were surveyed by a helicopter con­ (Figure 1) and the 1990~ 1995 (Figure taining one navigator/recorder and 2) period are in general agreement two observers as well as the pilot (as with previous studies. Lumsden in Ross 1985). The flights were car­ (1971) concluded that the distribution ried out at an altitude of 15 to 90 m ofSandhill Cranes in the northern por­ and a speed of 60 to 100 km/h. Single tion ofthe province was closely tied to passes were usually made over wet­ the post-glacial, marine submerged lands, but circling was done if cover­ area of the Hudson Bay Lowlands. In age on the first pass was not adequate. the Algoma region, the range shown All crane sightings were recorded. by our maps is in general agreement with the sightings reported by Tebbel Distribution Maps and Ankney (1982). Maps ofdensity estimates were gener­ Our distribution maps could not ated through the POTMAP routine of demonstrate an expansion in the range

VOLUME 15 NUMBER 1 6

Sandhill Crane (Aerial Surveys 1980-89)

~ n.,.::.'

~50 knI

Figure 1: Contour map showing the density of the Sandhill Crane (#/100 km2) throughout northern and central Ontario based on aerial surveys flown between 1980 and 1989.

ONTARlO BIRDS APRIL 1997 7

Sandhill Crane (Aeri8I Surveys 1990-95)

#1100 sq. Jan ~<1 11-2 12-s IS-10

iiiiii

Figure 2: Contour map showing the density of the Sandhill Crane (#/100 km2) throughout northeastern Ontario based on aerial surveys flown between 1990 and 1995.

VOLUME IS NUMBER I 8 of Sandhill Cranes between the 1980 of sightings from the Missinaibi, and 1990 sampling periods (compare Albany, and Attawapiskat Rivers. Our Figure 1 and Figure 2), even though abundance estimates are in the same other reports indicate that the crane is range as those given by Lumsden expanding its range in Ontario. Tebbel (1987) of about 2 to 10 pairs per 100 and Ankney (1982) suggested that the km2• Lumsden (1987) also suggested Algoma population of Sandhill that breeding densities are higher in Cranes was expanding in an eastward the north than in the south which is direction. This eastward expansion generally supported by our data. can be traced through crane sightings A general impression of how reported in American Birds and crane numbers in the Algoma district National Audubon Society Field changed over the study period can be Notes: confirmed breeding on the obtained by plotting the mean number Bruce Peninsula in 1985 (Weir of cranes per plot for each survey year 1985a), breeding pair in Parry Sound (Figure 3 and Figure 4). The Thiel in 1989 (Weir 1989), spring migrants slope, or average yearly change, for in Innerkip and Deep River in 1990 the 1985-1989 sampling period was a (Weir 1990b), confirmed breeding in decrease of 0.025 cranes per plot per Waterloo Region in 1992 (Ridout year, and for the 1990-1995 sampling 1992), confirmed breeding at Long period there was an increase of 0.12 Point in 1993 (Ridout 1993c), and cranes per plot per year. These breeding pairs at Sundridge and changes were not significant for either Buckhorn in 1994 (Ridout 1994b). the 1985-1989 sampling period (T=7, Bruce Di Labio (pers. comm.) reports N=5, P>0.05) or the 1990-1994 sam­ that cranes have returned annually to pling period (T=10, N=7, P>0.05). the Mer Bleu bog near Ottawa since Our analysis did not detect the 1986 and have bred successfully at . increase in crane numbers suggested least twice since then. by other reports. For instance, a total These reports leave little doubt of 45 cranes was reported throughout that there is an eastern expansion of Ontario in the spring of 1985 (Weir the Sandhill Crane in Ontario. At this 1985b) - this number had risen to 199 point, however, it appears that the by the spring of 1993 (Ridout 1993a; expansion consists of low numbers of Figure 5). After 1993, totals were not cranes moving into widely separated reported for the province because locations, and helicopter surveys have "cranes were becoming so numerous not been able to detect the relatively that several regions no longer reported subtle changes that have occurred in total numbers" (Ridout 1994c). More crane distribution to date. specific to the Algoma region, Chris Saunders (pers. comm.) reported that Population Change he has noticed an increase in the fre­ Our distribution maps (Figures 1 and quency of crane sightings in the Sault 2) indicate an area of high density that Ste. Marie area in the last decade. starts at the tip of James Bay and There are a number of possible curves upward to the northwest. This reasons for the discrepancy between corresponds well with Lumsden our aerial survey results and the (1971), who reported a preponderance increase suggested by the published

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL 1997 9 1.6 .,.------...... E 1.4 CD "'CJ 1i) 1.2 +1 tn ~ 1 as o... =0.8 :c "'CJ i 0.6 en ~O.4 c as ~ 0.2

0"""-----+------+------+------+------' 1985 1987 1988 1989 Year Figure 3: The mean number of Sandhill Cranes per 100 km2 (±S.E.) seen during aerial surveys in the Algoma region from 1985-1989. 1.2 .,.------, ...... o w... -d en... +10.8 tn CD ...asC ~0.6 :c "Cc ~0.4 o Z i 0.2 :a:CD

O-'-----+------+------l------+------;---~ 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 Year Figure 4: The mean number of Sandhill Cranes per 100 km2 (±S.E.) seen during aerial surveys of northeastern Ontario from 1990-1994.

VOLUME 15 NUMBER 1 10 220 .------B200 c: .~ 180

~ 160 ~140 c: += -§, 120 ~ 100 c ~ 80 u 15 60 L.. ~ 40 E ~ 20 o ~-;__---+__---+__---Jr------.,r------1r-----J 1985 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 Year

Figure 5: The total number of spring (1 March - 28 May) sightings of Sandhill Cranes reported in American Birds, 1985 to 1993.

sightings. It may be that helicopter eastern Ontario has changed little in surveys are not adequately sensitive to the last decade, and most observers document the change that has are well experienced birders (Ridout, occurred in crane numbers. Although pers. comm.). cranes are large, easily identifiable A final possibility is that Ontario birds, their cryptic coloration and cranes have altered their migration dense breeding habitat make them dif­ routes such that more cranes are ficult to accurately survey from the observed moving through the air. Unlike ducks, for which the sur­ province, but there is actually little vey was designed, cranes often do not change in the size of the breeding flush during a helicopter fly-over. population. Cranes in the Algoma Another possibility is that the region are thought to migrate through published sightings are misleading, Michigan to overwintering areas in and there is actually no increase Georgia and Florida, while those in occurring. This could result from an northern Ontario are part of a popula­ increase in the number of people tion that moves through western reporting sightings, or an increase in Ontario and the prairie provinces to public awareness of the Sandhill overwintering areas in Texas (Tacha Crane. This explanation seems unlikely et al. 1992). However, Lumsden given that the observer base in north- (1971) suggested that large numbers

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL 1997 11 of cranes used to migrate through Crane Conservation in Ontario southern Ontario in the mid-1600s, Based on our findings, and the pub­ but were exterminated on their win­ lished sighting reports, the Sandhill tering grounds in New Hampshire Crane appears to be stable or increas­ and Vermont in the 19th century. He ing in numbers in Ontario. This is in reported that crane migration through agreement with the Committee on the southern Ontario at the time of his Status of Endangered Wildlife in report was scarce. Since then, Canada (COSEWIC), which lists the Sandhill Cranes appear to have crane as "not at risk". During migra­ become considerably more common tion, Sandhill Cranes form into loose - in the fall of 1989,358 cranes were social groups that 'often concentrate in reported to have passed south of a staging areas. These areas provide line connecting Wiarton and essential resources for the crane dur­ Hamilton (Weir 1990a). The reactiva­ ing migration, which makes this tion of the southern Ontario migration species particularly vulnerable to loss route may, in part, explain the of strategic staging areas. A list of increased number of crane observa­ some of the staging areas in Ontario is tions throughout Ontario. provided in Table 1.

Location Migration Number Dates Reference Period of Birds

Bruce Mines/ Chris Saunders Thessalon Spring and Fall up to 100 throughout 1990s (pers. comm.)

Massey Spring 56 25 Apr. 1993 Ridout (1993a)

Shipsands Island Spring 42 22 May 1993 Ridout (1993a)

Cochrane Spring 35 29 May 1993 Ridout (1993a)

Britainville Fall 345 25 Oct. 1992 Ridout (1993b)

Lion's Head Fall 115 14 Nov. 1992 Ridout (1993b)

Teeswater Fall 68 15 Nov. 1992 Ridout (1993b)

Gameland Bill Crins (Rainy Riv. Dist.) Fall 98 15 Sept. 1993 (pers. comm.)

Massey Fall 500 10 Oct. 1993 Ridout (1994a)

Hawk Cliff Fall 65 23 Nov. 1994 Ridout (1995)

Table 1: Concentration areas for the Sandhill Crane in Ontario during spring and fall migration.

VOLUME 15 NUMBER 1 12 SUMMARY Breeding Birds of Ontario (M.D. Cadman, We could not detect a change in the P.FJ. Eagles, and EM. Helleiner, compilers). University of Waterloo Press, Waterloo, distribution and abundance of Ontario. Sandhill Cranes in the Algoma district Peck, G.K., and R.D. James. 1993. Breeding Birds based on aerial surveys flown of Ontario: Nidiology and Distribution.. Volume between 1980 and 1995, in spite of 1: Nonpasserines (first revision - part B: vul­ general observations throughout the tures to phalaropes). Ontario Birds 11: 83-90. Ridout, R. 1992. Ontario Region. American Birds province that suggest an increase. 46: 1131-1133. This discrepancy may be due to the Ridout, R. 1993a. Ontario Region. American difficulty in accurately censusing Birds 47:'408-412. cranes by helicopter, or to altered Ridout, R. 1993b. Ontario Region. American migration routes which result in more Birds 47: 87-91 Ridout, R. 1993c. Ontario Region. American cranes moving through the province Birds 47: 1104-1106. during migration. Despite the differ­ Ridout, R. 1994a. Ontario Region. American ences between the two data sources, it Birds 48: 103-107. appears that the Sandhill Crane is rel­ Ridout, R. 1994b. Ontario Region. National atively abundant in Ontario and is Audubon Society Field Notes 48: 938-941. Ridout, R. 1994c. Ontario Region. National maintaining a stable to increasing Audubon Society Field Notes 48: 292-295. population throughout the province. Ridout, R. 1995. Ontario Region. National Audubon Society Field Notes 49: 40-44. Ross, R.K. 1985. Helicopter vs. ground surveys of ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS waterfowl in the boreal forest. Wildlife We are very grateful to the many Society Bulletin 13: 153-157. observers on the aerial surveys, partic­ Ross, R.K. 1987. Interim report on waterfowl breeding pair surveys in northern Ontario, ularly Don Fillman and Steve 1980-83. Canadian Wildlife Service Progress O'Donnell who have participated from Note 168. the very beginning. Barb Campbell Ross, R.K., and D. Fillman. 1990. Distribution of and Dawn Grainger provided advice American Black Duck and Mallard in north­ on mapping in SPANS, and Mark ern Ontario. Canadian Wildlife Service Progress Note 189. Mallory helped with the trend analy­ Seigel, S. 1956. Nonparametric Statistics for the sis. We also thank Mike Cadman, Behavioral Sciences. McGraw-Hill Book Bruce Di Labio, Chris Saunders and Company, New York. Ron Ridout for their helpful input on SPANS. 1993. Spans GIS reference manual. crane distribution in Ontario. INTERA TYDAC Technologies Inc., Ottawa, Ontario. Tacha, T.C., S.A. Nesbitt, and P.A. Vohs. 1992. Sandhill Crane. In The Birds of North Literature Cited America, No. 31 (A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, Downes, C.M., and B. T. Collins. 1996. The and E Gill, editors). Academy of Natural Canadian breeding bird survey, 1966-94. Sciences, Philadelphia; American Canadian Wildlife Service Progress Note 210. Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C. Hollander, M., and D.A. Wolfe. 1973. Tebbe~ P.D., and C.D. Ankney. 1982. Status of Nonparametric Statistical Methods. John Sandhill Cranes, Grus canadensis, in central Wiley and Sons, New York. Ontario. Canadian Field-Naturalist 96: 163-166. Lumsden, H. G. 1971. The status of the Sandhill Walkinshaw, L.H. 1965. A new Sandhill Crane Crane in northern Ontario. Canadian Field­ from central Canada. Canadian Field­ Naturalist 85: 285-293. Naturalist 79: 181-184. Lumsden, H.G. 1987. Sandhill Crane (Grus Weir, R.D. 1985a. Ontario Region. American canadensis). Pp. 160-161 in Atlas of the Birds 39: 905-910.

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL 1997 13

Weir, R.D. 1985b. Ontario Region. American Weir, R.D. 1990a. Ontario Region. American Birds 39: 291-296. Birds 44: 81-87. Weir, R.D. 1989. Ontario Region. American Birds Weir, R.D. 1990b. Ontario Region. American 43: 1310-1313. Birds 44: 418-423.

John H. Pedlar, Canadian Wildlife Service, Ontario Region, 49 Camelot Drive, Nepean, Ontario KIA OH3 R. Kenyon Ross, Canadian Wildlife Service, Ontario Region, 49 Camelot Drive, Nepean, Ontario KIA OH3

PUBLICATION NOTICE

Bird Trends: A report on results of national and regional ornithological sur­ veys in Canada. Number 5, Fall 1996. Migratory Birds Conservation Division, Canadian Wildlife Service, Ottawa, Ontario KIA OH3. No charge.

The latest report in this series summarizes population status and trends of water­ birds in Canada. The following is just a sample of the many interesting facts available in this free publication. Among ducks, the Northern Pintail has shown the most significant long-term (1961-1996) decline in the continental population, followed by the scoters. However, trends over the last ten years indicate stable or increasing continental populations of all ducks except scoters. The major issue of concern in eastern Canada is the gradual decline of American Black Ducks over the past 30 years, especially in the agricultural and industrialized areas of southern Ontario and Quebec. Populations of"migrant" Canada Geese show significant decline in numbers, while the "resident" population (breeding primarily south of 47°N in southern Ontario) is dramatically increasing. Lesser Snow Geese numbers have grown rapidly over the last 30 years (to at least four million breeding birds in 1995), such that some Arctic colonies are threatened by overpopulation and degradation of the habitat due to over-grazing. Ross's Geese have also increased dramatical­ lyon the traditional nesting grounds that they share with Snow Geese in the Central Arctic, and they have recently expanded into Snow Goose colonies in the Eastern Arctic as well. Trends in "other" waterbirds indicate declines in Horned and Pied-billed Grebes, American Bittern, rails, and American Coot. The Whooping Crane pop­ ulation has grown from a low of 16 birds (and only 4 or 5 breeding pairs) in 1941 to at least 133 individuals (including 47 breeding pairs) in 1995. The number of Double-crested Cormorants continues to expand on the Great Lakes, reaching an estimated 54,000 pairs in 1994.

VOLUME 15 NUMBER 1