East Limestone Island Volunteer Guide

L B C S V o l u n t e e r G u i d e

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ...... 3

THE LIMESTONE STORY ...... 4

HAIDA GWAII ...... 6

MAP OF EAST LIMESTONE ISLAND ...... 7

ROLES OF VOLUNTEERS ...... 8

RESPONSIBILITIES OF VOLUNTEERS ...... 10

STAYING SAFE ...... 11

LIVING AND WORKING ON LIMESTONE ...... 12

RESEARCH...... 15

ACTIVITIES BY MONTH ...... 23

REFERENCE MATERIEL ...... 24

EIGHT COMMON OF LASKEEK BAY ...... 25

Thanks to the numerous volunteers and the LBCS staff who have provided the photos that are used in this guide. Thanks also to Ian Jones for allowing us the use of his line drawings.

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L B C S V o l u n t e e r G u i d e

INTRODUCTION

ELCOME to East Limestone Island. Thank you for volunteering.

W The Laskeek Bay Conservation Society believes the work we do on East Limestone Island is a step in the right direction towards raising public awareness of conservation of the coastal marine environment and temperate rainforest. Accordingly, we make every effort to ensure that our presence here does not unduly disturb wildlife, the environment or other people in the area. During your stay you will learn a great deal about the natural world of Haida Gwaii and develop a deeper awareness of the importance of practicing good stewardship. Our hope is that you will share this knowledge with others when you leave.

You have received an orientation and safety briefing upon your arrival by staff. It is hard to remember all of the orientation and there is a lot more to learn during your short stay. We developed this guide to:

 supplement the information provided by staff  help you step into your role as a volunteer  use at any time to help you cope with information overload  help you learn about the activities on Limestone Island during the rest of the season  ensure that you leave the island knowing more about our work and its value  make your time here rewarding

A few key points for you to ponder and practice while on Limestone Island:

Safety First– Please travel carefully. Limestone Island is a remote wilderness location and a long way from medical and emergency help. At all times work within your abilities and comfort level. If you feel unsafe or unsure about an activity please refrain from the activity and/or discuss your concern with the Field staff. The safety of everyone on Limestone is very important to us; please be careful.

Tread Softly – The environment is fragile, so stay on the paths and leave things as you find them.

Get Involved –Look for marine mammals. Enter data. Look for plants. Listen for sapsuckers. There is a lot to do!

Observe and Record – Look and listen. Make notes. Report wildlife sightings or other interesting phenomena.

If you have any questions after reading this guide, please ask us. We are very pleased you are here.

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L B C S V o l u n t e e r G u i d e

The Limestone Story

It all started around a campfire back in 1989 when Dr. Tony Gaston of the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), was talking to some local friends about the end of his six-year research project on Ancient Murrelets on Reef Island. A handful of people were intrigued by this work, and realized there was a need for long-term monitoring of a specific species that would go on for 25 years or more. Such a project would be important to understanding the dynamic interactions between ocean and forest. An idea developed on how to carry on Dr. Gaston’s work and grew into a vision of an opportunity to involve local people and visitors to the islands in a long-term monitoring project as volunteers. Volunteers would be given training in scientific field techniques and by their participation, learn more about the ecology of the Laskeek Bay area.

By the next year the Laskeek Bay Conservation Society had formed. In the spring of 1990, volunteers built a tiny cabin on East Limestone Island, hired a camp coordinator, and bought enough food and supplies to run a nine-week field research program. Local volunteers helped collect data, did observations and worked on the Ancient Murrelet project.

Originally, the focus was on continuing Dr. Gaston’s monitoring of populations but opportunities to diversify into other projects soon arose. Our field season on Limestone now runs for three months and undertakes many different programs. We have field staff and a year-round administrator. Over the years we have built a trail system and put in wooden nest boxes. Our ‘Project Limestone’ program brings local schoolchildren to Limestone each year to experience first-hand biological research.

However, Ancient Murrelet monitoring is still “the heart and soul” of it all with yearly data collection since 1990 – making it one of the longest, continuous-running seabird data sets in Canada. The Ancient Murrelet remains important for two reasons: Since over half of the world’s population breeds on Haida Gwaii, it is globally significant; and it is one example of the many links between offshore marine and coastal rainforest.

The Society is collaborates with several agencies involved in studying the changes caused by introduced deer, , and squirrels on the native plants and of the Islands. LBCS became interested in introduced species when raccoons were discovered eating eggs and killing adults on Limestone Island in 1991.

The Society has run its camp on East Limestone Island every year since 1990. Over the years, hundreds of volunteers, schoolchildren and visitors have taken part in the Limestone program. Our activities have grown into year-round programs of public education on the biology of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Haida Gwaii and in raising public awareness about the

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L B C S V o l u n t e e r G u i d e conservation of the native species of Haida Gwaii. We now have a website, newsletters and other publications. We have been part of two conferences on conservation of native species: The Cedar Symposium, 1996 and The Abalone Stewardship Workshop 2001.

Our dedicated volunteers are local youth and adults as well as people from elsewhere in British Columbia and around the globe. Without them, we would not be able to accomplish all that we do. Our work is enabled and enhanced by partnerships with other organizations and research groups. They include: Haida Gwaii Museum, French National Center for Scientific Research of France and Dr. Jean-Louis Martin, Canadian Wildlife Service, Research Group on Introduced Species, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Forests, School District #50, and the Council of the Haida Nation. We have a Science Advisory Committee of biology experts to advise us on our research. This advisory committee is chaired by Dr. Tony Gaston, who has continued to lend us his professional support and time for all these years.

Work party building the original cabin on East Limestone in May of 1990

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L B C S V o l u n t e e r G u i d e

Haida Gwaii

East Limestone Island is the centre for Laskeek Bay Conservation Society’s (LBCS) field activities. Laskeek Bay surrounds Limestone and is at the centre of the Haida Gwaii (also called the Queen Charlotte Islands) Archipelago. Haida Gwaii is located in the centre of the coastal temperate rainforest of the North Pacific Ocean.

The Limestone Islands are a hotspot for biological productivity in the area, and are within the Kuuna Gwaii Conservancy set aside for the protection of wildlife, particularly . The BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks manages the area and issues LBCS with a permit to conduct research and interpretation programs.

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Map of East Limestone Island

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Roles of Volunteers

Get involved in the research and camp life by listening carefully, following directions, asking questions and being curious. Active participation is the key to your role as a volunteer in the field camp. You will enrich your experience by getting involved, you will walk away with a greater understanding of living and working in a fragile ecosystem. As well, you will develop an appreciation of the importance of the conservation of native species and ecosystems of the Haida Gwaii archipelago.

RESEARCH AND MONITORING

You have come here to take part in our research program. What projects you do, depends on when you are on East Limestone Island. For further information on what projects are ongoing during your stay, check the research section of this guide.

What Volunteers Do Primarily, volunteers help with monitoring activities, data collection and recording, wildlife observations, data entry, and daily updates to the camp log. Staff will direct you as to what you will be doing each day. You will be taught the methods, skills and techniques needed. It is very important to make detailed observations, record the information accurately and report any unusual details to staff. After recording your observations, check for errors. The information you enter forms part of a permanent record.

Remember to work within your abilities and comfort level, and to ask questions.

CABIN CHORES

Chores are distributed evenly. Everyone helps to keep the crew fed and the cabins warm, clean, and tidy. A weekly roster sets out specific tasks to be done by each person each day. Check the roster daily to find out what chores you will do. The tasks are:

Housekeeping Each person (including staff) takes turns doing dishes, sweeping and keeping the cabins tidy. Individuals clean up their own mess and put all food away in the appropriate storage areas.

Meals Dinner duty is shared, while breakfast and lunch are generally up to the individual. When it is your turn to cook dinner, try to make enough for everyone to be full without a lot left over. There is no refrigeration, so cooked food should be used up within a day. To help you with planning your menu, there are a few cookbooks on the bookshelf.

Firewood Keep the wood box filled when it is your turn. Firewood is in the wood shed in front of the main cabin near the beach. Use older, drier firewood first.

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OTHER ACTIVITIES

To carry out our work in research and monitoring, an infrastructure needs to be in place and maintained. Some volunteers have special skills that are useful to the smooth functioning of the camp and the equipment we use. If you see a project waiting to be done and you know how to do it, let a staff member know.

Manual Labour You may be asked to do some manual labour. Trail building, boat and equipment maintenance, building projects, loading and unloading boats, packing gear across the island are ongoing tasks that may need to be done at any time.

Leisure Time Although you are quite busy when you are on East Limestone Island, you will have some free time. During your free time you may wish to explore the island, take photographs, draw, watch wildlife, or write in a journal. We encourage you to get outside and make the most of the opportunity to experience this incredible place. There is also nothing wrong with reading a book or having a nap.

Sunset over Laskeek Bay

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Responsibilities of Volunteers

PERSONAL

Health Problems and Medication If you have not already notified staff about any problems such as allergies to food, medications and/or bee stings; medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart conditions; or any other relevant medical concerns, please do so now. If you are taking medication regularly, please note this on the medical information form; it is your responsibility to store and take your medication appropriately.

Footwear Wear comfortable shoes, rubber boots, or boots with soft soles, while walking in the island in order to minimize disturbance to the moss, soft ground and wet soils. Shoes with good grip are important for walking on slippery rocks. You will need rubber boots for all travel and work by boat. Sandals and holey-soles are popular footwear for leisure time around camp.

Photography The taking of photographs intended for commercial purposes is only permitted with approval of the LBCS Board before you begin your volunteer week. If you do receive permission to take commercial photos, remember your work as a volunteer comes first! LBCS would greatly appreciate receiving digital copies of photos that you take.

Outdoor photography at night using lights or flash is not permitted, as it disturbs the chicks. Please check with the camp supervisor before any night-time photography.

Collections Collecting plant or material from East Limestone Island for personal use is not allowed.

HARMONY

While living and working in a small camp with limited personal comforts, it is particularly important to have consideration for other people. Work and live in a respectful, courteous manner with the volunteers and staff. The following points are tips on how to get along with everyone.

Personal Hygiene An outside wash station and shower stall is set up near the mouth of the small creek near the main cabin. You can also wash-up at the creek mouth. You may heat up water in the cabin for bathing and cleaning up. Please brush and floss your teeth away from the cabin (the beach is a good site). Brush your hair away from the cooking and eating areas. Please wash your hands after using the composting toilet. Clothes can be washed in buckets and hung to dry.

10 Composting toilet

VHF Radio, Satellite Phone, and Internet Use We use VHF Radio to communicate with individuals, vessels, and camps in the Laskeek Bay area. We use satellite phone and email through a sat-phone modem for essential business and emergency communication with the outside world. Satellite phone service is intermittent and unpredictable. Personal calls and messages are not normally allowed.

Cabin Housekeeping Please try to keep the cabins tidy by storing your personal gear in your tent or in your assigned cubbyhole when not using it.

Staying Safe

You have already received or will shortly be receiving a safety briefing, including boat safety and emergency radio procedures. Staff are trained in first aid, however, you may be asked to help in case of an accident or other emergency.

Cabin Please locate and familiarize yourself with the following items, found in the main:  The first aid kit hanging beside the back door.  A stretcher and spine board hanging over the front door.  Fire extinguishers, which are prominently displayed in each cabin.  Propane tanks are outside of the main cabin below the kitchen area. In case of a fire, close the tank valves if you have time.

Personal When you leave camp to explore or work alone on Limestone Island please tell a staff member or leave a note on the white board in the main cabin giving your time of departure, destination, and time when you will be back in camp.

Boat Safety Everyone must wear a personal floatation device (PFD) at all times when in the boat. Riding in the open boat is cold, so dress warmly in layered clothing and take a warm cap and gloves. A first aid kit, compass, charts, flares and a hand-held radio are in the boat. Bring water and snacks when going out in the boat.

VHF Radio Make sure you understand how to use the radio in case of an emergency. If you didn’t understand the briefing from staff, please ask them to show you again. Practice! Staying warm on the boat

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Using Axes and Other Tools Please only use a tool you know how to use comfortably. Only people experienced at safely using an axe and chopping firewood are allowed to cut wood.

Fire Safety Be aware that the wood stoves, propane cook stove and candles are potential sources for a fire.

Do not use the wood stoves until a staff member shows you how! If you are the last person leaving the cabin when the stove is burning, close the stove door and draft. Shut down the damper. When drying wet clothing and other items, make sure nothing can fall on or is too close to the stove. Do not put any flammable item on the stoves when they are hot!

The main cabin has a 4 burner propane stove and oven. Proper use of the propane stove was covered in your volunteer orientation. Please ask if you have any questions. The pilot light for the oven is normally left off. Light the pilot light prior to oven use and remember to turn it off when you are finished.

Living and Working on Limestone CABIN Our research station is centered around two cabins on Limestone. The original cabin, built in 1990, is our kitchen, dining room, and social center. The newer cabin, built in 2006, is a visitor interpretation centre, a library, and an office.

Garbage We carefully manage our garbage and trash. Please follow these guidelines:  Organic garbage is put in the bucket under the sink and emptied daily into the ocean in front of the cabins.  Cans bottles and plastics - we reuse what we can and the rest are transported back to town to be recycled. Cans are washed, and crushed. Bottles are washed. There are separate containers for each. Soft plastics are put in the garbage bag.  Clean paper is saved to start fires.

Water The main cabin Our water comes from the spring behind the main cabin. If you are uncomfortable drinking untreated water, you may boil it for your own needs. The main cabin has running water for cooking, drinking, dishwashing, and cleaning. However, the supply is limited – be conservative in your use and turn the tap off quickly. Water quality is dependent upon a well-settled spring. Be very careful not to disturb the sediment in the pools if walking in that area.

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Tents There are five tent sites surrounding the cabins. Usually there is one tent per person, unless there are more than five people in camp. Please store your gear in your tent; all food must be stored in the main cabin.

Mice in the Cabins Deer mice are native to the island and they frequently explore the cabins. After eating, put food away, wipe down the table and counters, sweep the floor, and wash dishes to discourage mice. Keep doors closed. Be vigilant.

ISLAND ENVIRONMENT

We try to minimize our impact on the Island and aim to leave the island as we found it, as much as is possible.

Research Techniques and Methods In keeping with our ethic to have little impact on the natural environment, our research methods are low-tech and as non-invasive as possible.

Use of Trails Follow the marked trails to minimize impacts and disturbance to ground cover. Walk especially softly in the burrow plots, nesting colonies, along the funnel fences and at mist nests. Please do not cut corners or take shortcuts on the trails.

Use of Lights Flashlights and headlamps are used at night and during Ancient Murrelet work. Ancient Murrelets are attracted to bright lights so keep flashlights directed along the ground as much as possible. Do not shine up into the trees or use in a searchlight fashion. During the Ancient Murrelet season, after dusk when the lights are on in the cabins, put up the shutters and close the black plastic shades to avoid attracting and disorienting birds. Minimize flashlight use in your tent.

Food Gathering, Sport Fishing and Hunting We occasionally fish for food for the camp. You must have a valid, tidal-water-sports-fishing license if you want to fish. No hunting or food gathering is permitted on the island.

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Tent Sites Tents are situated on platforms in the area surrounding the cabins. This protects the fragile moss environment and avoids disturbing the seabird colony.

Tent platform

Campfires Fires are lit occasionally on the beach below the high water mark and only with staff approval. There are no fires after dark during the seabird-breeding season because the light disorients and attracts the birds. Wood for a campfire is collected from the beach.

Aesthetics We are privileged to be on East Limestone Island and try to be unnoticed by passing boats. Tarps, equipment, and gear at the Boat and Cabin Coves are kept neat and hidden from the general view as much as possible. We try to keep the island 'natural' and undisturbed looking for the enjoyment of other visitors.

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Research

It can take a long time to find the answers to biological research question when you are looking at the natural world. The overall aim of the Society's research program is to provide long term information on the biology and ecology of Haida Gwaii ecosystems.

METHODS

The primary research method you will use here is monitoring. LBCS monitors the numbers, distribution, breeding success and other parameters for a variety of species in ocean, inter- tidal and terrestrial ecosystems. With this data, we can obtain an overall measure of their health, make year-to-year comparisons and identify trends over time.

The ocean conditions that affect marine species can vary a great deal from year to year or even decade to decade. It can take many years of data to see clear trends. Long term monitoring is also extremely important for understanding how ecosystems respond to climate change.

Direct volunteer participation in monitoring activities is the cornerstone of the Society's strategy.

The following section is a brief overview of our various research/monitoring programs and Volunteers entering data explains the role of the volunteer in assisting staff in these programs. If you have any questions, ask staff. If you want more in- depth information, please read the Methods Manual.

ANCIENT MURRELET

More than half of the world’s population of Ancient Murrelets breed and nest on Haida Gwaii. They are nocturnal, colonial burrow nesters and are particularly vulnerable to introduced predators, such as raccoons and rats. The Ancient Murrelet research projects are designed to study breeding and nesting ecology. Long term monitoring of the local population examines inter-year variation in the breeding success and survivorship of Ancient Murrelet. Having Ancient Murrelet gathering ground begun in 1984 on Reef Island and in 1989 on Limestone Island, this is one of the longest monitoring projects in Canada. Dr. Tony Gaston is the research scientist who directs our work. 15

Gathering Ground Count The evening “gathering ground count” of Ancient Murrelets on the ocean between East Limestone Island and Low Island is done from the beginning of May to June 20, two hours before sunset. We obtain an index of the number of birds flying over the gathering grounds by focusing a spotting scope on the same spot each night and counting the number of birds seen in flight within the field over a 10-minute period. The object is to monitor inter-year variation in numbers and to estimate on the numbers of breeding birds that come into the colony that night.

Departing Chick counts Ancient Murrelet chicks leave their burrows 1-4 days after hatching to join their parents at sea. To determine year-to-year variation in chick mass at the time of departure, timing of departure and numbers departing, we count and weigh departing chicks. Plastic fences are set up early in the season, forming funnels that trap chicks as they leave the colony and head down to the sea. Chicks begin to depart around mid-May and leave the colony during the darkest hours of the night. We intercept them on their journey briefly to weight them, and then they are released at the colony’s edge. Ancient Murrelet chick funnel Evening Point Counts To monitor nightly adult attendance in the colony, we conduct point counts after funnel work and record the number of birds calling and the number of calls made over a five-minute period. Both point count and gathering ground count data can be used as a measure of colony attendance and these data will help us to interpret annual changes in chick departure numbers.

Predation Transects Bald Eagles, Common Ravens, Peregrine Falcons and River Otters are all natural predators of Ancient Murrelets on East Limestone Island. In addition, raccoons occasionally make their way to ELI and are known to prey on eggs, chicks and adult murrelets. To examine predation pressure on Ancient Murrelets on the island, predation transects were re-instated in 2007. Once per week during breeding season, we walk each of the five 200m-long transects and record the number of carcasses, feather piles, wings and dug-up burrows within 10m on either side of the transect line.

Volunteer Roles: Volunteers take part in almost every aspect of the Ancient Murrelet project. They are shown how to assist staff in chick handling and removal from funnels, weighing and releasing. Volunteers also participate in ground counts, predation transects, data entry and record-keeping.

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OTHER SEABIRDS AND SHOREBIRDS

Cassin’s Auklet and Storm Petrel Cassin’s Auklets, a species Blue-listed in BC, nest in two locations on the island. Their burrows are monitored for nesting activity every few days during the breeding season. Active burrows are examined for chicks, and chicks are weighed and banded. Fork-tailed and Leach’s Storm Petrels occasionally nest in this colony. A total of 64 nest boxes have also been installed to increase nesting habitat for Cassin’s Auklets and Storm Petrels, and these nest boxes are regularly monitored for use.

Volunteer Role: Help staff check burrows and nest boxes for nesting activity.

Pigeon These birds are year-round residents of Limestone. They breed and nest in rocky boulders and cliffs along the shoreline. To increase nesting habitat for Pigeon on Limestone Island, we installed 10 wooden nest boxes at the Lookout Point in 2001, and another 18 in 2010. In July we monitor use of these nest boxes. Nest box use by Pigeon Guillemots is recorded and any eggs or chicks present are counted, weighed and measured.

Volunteer Role: Watch for birds flying in and out of areas where nest boxes are during the field season. Assist with egg and chick measurements and record data.

Black Oystercatcher We conduct an annual census of Black Oystercatcher nest sites in Laskeek Bay to determine the success of individual pair breeding and chick rearing. In 2004, we expanded the area of our Black Oystercatcher monitoring program to include islands off the east coast of Lyell Island and islands located in Juan Perez Sound, in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. Black Oystercatchers are considered to be indicators of the health of the rocky intertidal ecosystem. By monitoring black oystercatcher productivity across years we obtain an index that can be used to look for changes in the condition of the local intertidal system. Islands are surveyed each year for nest sites beginning in May and ending in July. Eggs and Chicks are measured and weighed. Measuring a Black Oystercatcher chick

Volunteer Role: Assist while capturing chicks by helping to spot the chicks, trap, weigh and to record data.

Glaucous-winged An annual census of Glaucous-winged Gull nesting colonies on small islets in Laskeek Bay is done in June. are opportunistic feeders, meaning that they eat almost anything that comes their way. They are important indicators of ecosystem health. The number of nests and eggs or chicks in each nest are counted and recorded for each colony.

Volunteer Role: Volunteers assist staff by finding nests, counting eggs and chicks.

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FOREST BIRDS

We monitor forest birds to learn more about their life history and to establish a baseline for use in monitoring changes in the forest ecosystem.

Cavity Nesters Cavity nesters are birds that use cavities in standing dead trees called “wildlife trees,” for nest sites. On East Limestone Island, we monitor the nesting activities of the Red breasted Sapsucker. The purpose of this project is to examine patterns of use and reuse of wildlife trees by birds, and to examine the size of their nesting territory. Wildlife trees are checked for use by other cavity nesters: Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Chestnut- backed Chickadee and Brown Creeper. We record which trees are in use and map their location. We collect information on the number of banded adults returning to the same trees for multiple years, the number of breeding pairs on the island each year, the number of chicks successfully fledging and squirrel Wildlife tree predation.

Volunteer Role: Volunteers are shown how to find and observe nesting sites in wildlife trees. Observers are trained to identify each species of . Each tree is observed for 30 minutes. Signs of use are: fresh excavating; birds landing on tree; calling, drumming on tree, aerial displays and other breeding behavior; birds inside a cavity, and chick calling. Volunteers should try to determine if birds are banded and record the color and order of bands, if possible. All information is recorded in notebooks, including date and time of day of each observation. This is done from April to the end of June.

Songbird Point Count (Note: No songbird work has been done in recent years) Purpose of this project is to record the presence of forest birds on the island each year and the diversity of species. The project is done during songbird banding or mist-netting. The best time for this is early in the morning on days without rain or wind. At five stations along the main trail, the observer stops to listen and watch for 10 minutes at a 30-m radius around the trail stake. Record the species, draw the direction of travel, and note species that fly into or out of the plot.

Volunteer Role: Depending on the volunteer’s level of comfort with bird identification, volunteers can conduct observations at the songbird point count stations. Use a bird guidebook to help identify each species. Record all information in binder.

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BIRDS OF PREY

Our work with birds of prey looks at the presence of nesting birds on East Limestone Island. This information contributes important long-term data for the BC coast.

Peregrine Falcons Peale’s is the local race of this widely-distributed species. It is blue-listed in BC, which means that the existence of the species in this province may be threatened. Marine birds are their primary food during spring and summer when the falcon’s energy requirements are high. Their nests are located on cliffs in isolated areas and are very susceptible to human disturbance. The Ministry of Environment of BC surveys the peregrine falcon for population change once every five years. We contribute to this study by checking the nest site on East Limestone Island annually for occupancy and chick survival. A question of the project is “how many young fledge relative to the number of eggs”? In order to not disturb the falcons during the egg-laying and incubation period, we stay away from the falcon eyrie between March 7th and May 24th. nest at Cassin’s Point

Volunteer Role: After May 24th, volunteers sit in a bird blind to quietly watch nest site activity such as adults flying in and feeding, and to count number of chicks.

Bald Eagles Each year we check previously occupied bald eagle nests and look for new ones. Through a series of quiet observations, we try to discover how many eggs are in a nest and how many young successfully fledge.

Volunteer Role: To check Bald Eagle nests and record any activity by adults, chicks seen in nest or other information. It is very important to approach nests slowly and quietly in order to not cause birds to leave the nest.

INTRODUCED SPECIES

Due to its relative isolation from the mainland, Haida Gwaii had many native and endemic species. Since the late 1800s, a long series of plant, insect, and wildlife introductions occurred, to the detriment of the native species. We study several of these introduced species to find out how they interact with and change the native ecosystems.

Deer exclosure

Deer 19

As a member in the Research Group on Introduced Species, we are part of a project studying the effects of introduced Sitka black-tailed deer on native plant species and habitat of Haida Gwaii. In 1998, we erected three 15m X 15m exclosures to demonstrate the recovery of understory plants in the absence of deer browsing. We monitor these exclosures regularly, taking an inventory and recording data. The results of this project have helped change public opinion towards the need for deer management on Haida Gwaii.

Raccoons Our research has proven that raccoons eat bird eggs and chicks, and kill adults. In 1992, were eradicated from the island because of their predation on the Ancient Murrelet and other ground nesting birds. However, raccoons swim from island to island and have appeared on Limestone Island at least 2 or 3 times since then, doing damage to the murrelet colony each time. We continuously monitor for any sign of raccoon activity. The perimeters of East and West Limestone Islands are walked during the season to look for evidence of raccoons. Shoreline surveys of the islands and surrounding area are done by boat at night. In 2007 a raccoon was preying upon nests, eggs and adult Ancient Murrelets on East Limestone Island, and as a result one raccoon was killed. In 2008 the Ministry of Environment did a cull of raccoons on East Limestone Island in March, before the breeding season.

Volunteer Role: Assist staff with predation transects. You will also learn what how to recognize and where to look for raccoon sign such as scat, latrines, burrow digging, headless bird carcasses or tracks on beaches or elsewhere. Observe and record all sign and report to staff.

Squirrels Red squirrels were introduced to a number of islands in the archipelago in 1950 and are present on East Limestone Island. Squirrels eat the eggs of forest birds, especially small song birds. A study is examining the distribution of squirrels in various habitats. A squirrel survey is done along predetermined transects every four days.

MARINE MAMMALS

There are many species of marine mammals in Laskeek Bay - whales, dolphins, sea lions, elephant seals, and other seals. We record all sightings of marine mammals and keep detailed year- to-year records. These records are sent to a number of people doing research on individual species. A sighting can occur at any time – while on a sea survey, at the observation point on Limestone, from the cabins or shoreline. Everyone needs to watchful for marine mammals at all times. We identify the species, and record the number of animals, their behavior, Humpback Whale location, direction of travel, and time of the encounter.

Dolphin and Whale Encounters 20

The main purposes of this project are to record the presence of whales and dolphins in Laskeek Bay, keep track of their movements, identify individual animals, and acquire acoustic information data. The most frequently sighted whales and dolphins in Laskeek Bay are Orcas, Humpbacks, Grey, Minke, and Pacific White-sided Dolphins. When animals are sighted, staff will try to follow the animals in the boat to take photos of each animal.

Volunteer Role: If there is room in the boat, some volunteers go with the staff to follow the animals. Volunteers can help by first locating animals as they surface and then by recording data.

Marine Mammal Watches Marine mammal watches are done from the Lookout Point south of the cabins. There is a trail to this site. We use telescopes to observe the entire Laskeek Bay from Skedans Point in the north, to Kunga Island in the south. The watches are done regularly throughout the season when weather permits and are ideally one-hour long. The sea must be calm with no more than a light wind.

Volunteer Role: At Lookout Point, using a telescope, volunteers assist staff in survey. Volunteers identify the species, count the number of animals, Note behavior such as feeding, traveling, hunting, etc., give location, direction of travel and time of the encounter. Enter all in a log. Staff helps to identify animals; field guidebooks are used.

Sea Lion Surveys In May, Steller Sea Lions are counted at their haul outs. Haul-outs are rocks, points, or small Volunteer conducting marine mammal watch islands where sea lions go to rest. There are several haul-out sites in Laskeek Bay – on the southern tip of Skedans Islets, and on several rocky areas near or on Reef Island. This annual census is part of a coast wide survey of Steller Sea Lions. Its purpose is to keep track of population changes. There are periodic sightings of sea lions that were branded at Forester Island, . We also look for Sea Lions; our researchers’ sightings of California Sea Lions on Skedans Islets in 1992 were the first record of this species on Haida Gwaii!

Volunteer Role: Volunteers assist staff by identifying the species, counting the animals at each haul-out and recording data.

AT-SEA SURVEYS

Sea surveys are conducted throughout the season. The purpose of this project is to measure abundance and distribution of seabirds in the Laskeek Bay area. Other purposes are to measure changes in Marbled Murrelet abundance, and to record changes in sea-surface temperature. Transects are conducted from the boat, running at a constant speed and are 100 m wide (50m from either side of the boat). All birds on the water are quickly identified and counted, and then voice Taking photos during an At-Sea Survey

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recorded on tape. The data collected is important in the year to year monitoring of seabirds by researchers. For example, Marbled Murrelets are an endangered species and their numbers and movements have been monitored for over 15 years in Laskeek Bay.

Volunteer Role: Volunteers go on the boat with a staff member to help find, identify, count and record seabirds. Staff teaches volunteers how to identify different species.

RARE PLANTS

Several plant species grow on East Limestone Island that are uncommon or not found elsewhere on the archipelago. Some of these plants only grow where there is limestone bedrock. This substrate is present on East and West Limestone Islands, Vertical Point on Louise Island and in alpine areas of Haida Gwaii. Most rare plants are found at the forested edge of the island or high in the inter-tidal zone, where they survive on cliffs and overhangs inaccessible to deer.

The purpose of the project is to inventory plant species on Limestone Island, record blooming dates for flowering species each year and map species their location. A second purpose is to annually track rare and introduced species previously found. This project carries on throughout the season, with an emphasis on late May to July.

Be careful when traveling around the island to avoid trampling plants. Do not climb on the cliffs near the boat cove and Anemone Cove, except when doing plant surveys, and only if comfortable and not Monkey Flower alone.

Volunteer Role: To help locate, identify, and record data on flowering, rare and introduced plants, and to report any sightings of potentially rare plants to a staff member.

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Activities by Month

MAY* JUNE JULY . Set up camp and research . Conduct Glaucous-winged . Marine Mammal watch station Gull surveys . Conduct Black Oystercatcher . Install plastic funnels for chick . Conduct Black Oystercatcher surveys** capture surveys** . Conduct At-Sea Surveys . Host students from Project . Conduct marine mammal . Monitor wildlife trees Limestone and boat visitors watch . Daily bird checklist . Count the Ancient Murrelets . Monitor wildlife trees . Camp shut-down gathering in Laskeek Bay . Conduct At-sea surveys . Ancient Murrelet chick work . Monitor birds of prey (funnel watch and chick . Check nest sites for Cassin’s capture) Auklets and Red-breasted . Marine Mammal Watch Sapsuckers . Monitor wildlife trees . Plant surveys . Conduct At-sea surveys . Watch for squirrels . Check nest sites for birds of . Daily bird checklist prey, Cassin’s Auklets, Black Oystercatchers and Glaucous- winged Gulls . Plant surveys . Watch for squirrel and raccoon activity . Daily bird checklist * NIGHT WORK During the month of May, we start our Ancient Murrelet night time monitoring work (11pm – 3am) and may have some visits from school groups in the evenings. There is time to sleep-in in the mornings. ** Weeks May 29th – June 5th & June 26th – July 3rd are spent conducting Black Oystercatcher surveys in Gwaii Haanas. During this time we only spend one or two nights on Limestone Island, the rest is spent camping in tents in Gwaii Haanas. Each day involves +8 hours in our skiff surveying the various islands for oystercatchers and their nests. You must be comfortable being in a boat for extended periods of time and camping in a remote environment.

Setting up Ancient Murrelet funnels Measuring a wildlife tree

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Reference Materiel

While you are on East Limestone Island, you are going to be quite busy in your role as a volunteer. To help you make the best use of your time and interests, refer to the following guides:

BIRDS

National Audubon Society, Western Birds

Gaston, A.G., The Ancient Murrelet, a Natural History in the Queen Charlotte Islands

Peterson, R.T, Peterson Field Guides, Western Birds

Sibley, D.A., The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western .

Ehrlich, P.R., Dobkins, D.S., and Whey, D., A Birders Handbook

National Geographic, Field Guide to Birds of North America

MARINE MAMMALS

Wynne, K., Guide to Marine Mammals of Alaska

Killer Whales of the Queen Charlotte Islands

PLANTS

Pojar, J. and MacKinnon, A., Plants of Coastal BC

Cheney, M., Bartier, P. and Johnston, B. The Vascular Plants of Haida Gwaii

Kozloff, E.N., Plants and Animals of the Pacific Northwest

Calder and Taylor, Flora and Fauna of the Queen Charlotte Islands Part I

Calder and Taylor, Flora and Fauna of the Queen Charlotte Islands Part II

GENERAL

National Audubon Society, Pacific Coast

Research Group on Introduced Species, Lessons from the Islands.

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Eight Common Birds of Laskeek Bay

The Ancient Murrelet (ANMU) is a pigeon-sized, black and white ANCIENT MURRELET seabird named for the tuft of white feathers on the top of its head that make it look like an old man.

Range Ancient Murrelets nest on islands in Alaska, Russia and Japan. Around 50% of the world’s population of Ancient Murrelets nest in Haida Gwaii – about 260,000 pairs – in about 30 colonies. East Limestone Island is one of the smallest colonies.

Diet and Feeding They use their wings to swim underwater to feed on plankton and small fishes.

Nesting Unlike most seabirds that bring food to their young in their nests on Behaviour shore, murrelets have the unusual habit of taking their two day old young to feed in the ocean. To give the young stamina for the difficult trip from the burrow to the sea, the Ancient Murrelet lays very large eggs.

Interesting Facts  Murrelets, along with other , are the ecological counterparts of penguins in the northern hemisphere.

 Murrelets seem to be faithful to their colonies and raise only two young per year. Thus, they are very vulnerable to the effects of oil spills, and predation from introduced predators like rats, foxes, cats and raccoons. Local populations, if reduced by predators or oil spills, take a long time to recover.

In Laskeek Bay There is a small colony of Ancient Murrelets on East Limestone Island. Ancient Murrelet data has been collected on East Limestone Island since 1990. Many more (>20000) breed on the nearby Reef Island.

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The Black Oystercatcher (BLOY) is a large black BLACK OYSTERCATCHER shorebird recognized by its large red bill, pink feet and persistent call.

Range Black Oystercatchers are found on islands and rocky shorelines all along the Pacific Coast of North America from Baja Mexico to the Aleutians in Alaska.

Diet and Feeding Oystercatchers feed on shellfish, limpets, mussels, and small abalone and may live up to 25 years. Thus, Black Oystercatcher abundance is an indicator of a healthy ocean and intertidal environment.

Nesting Black Oystercatcher nest in small depressions in the rocks and lay up to Behaviour three eggs. Usually there are only a few pebbles and white shell fragments in the nest and both the nests and eggs are well camouflaged. Although the adult birds defend the nests very vigorously, there is still frequent predation from eagles, ravens and crows.

Interesting Facts Both adults feed the young birds. Each bird seems to be a specialist in a particular kind of shellfish and some of the nests are ringed with limpet shells, others by small mussel shells. Adults continue to feed their young after they leave the nest and the well-camouflaged young birds stay close to the nest scrape even when the chicks are quite large.

In Laskeek Bay There are about 20-25 pairs of nesting Black Oystercatchers on the islands in Laskeek Bay, and usually three pairs nest on East Limestone Island. Almost all of these nest sites are long established and used every year. Over the years, LBCS has banded a number of young chicks. Some of these banded chicks have begun to nest in the area at the age of five years.

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The Marbled Murrelet (MAMU), in its summer plumage, is a MARBLED MURRELET little brown seabird that sits on the water with a mate. They have narrow pointed wings and are very fast flyers.

Range The Marbled Murrelet is found all along the coast of BC and from California up to Alaska. It is estimated that up to one third of the world’s population nest in BC, and a significant proportion of that population nests on Haida Gwaii.

Diet and Feeding Like other auks, Marbled Murrelets feed by underwater pursuit, using their wings as paddles. Not much is known of their diet. The nestlings are fed wholly on fish, especially sandlance, and fish probably predominate in the adult diet as well.

Nesting The Marbled Murrelet nests high in the branches of coniferous trees, lays Behaviour a single egg, and feeds their single chick with fish until it is old enough to fly to the ocean to feed itself.

Interesting Facts  Although many birds were seen on the ocean, for a long time no one knew where the Marbled Murrelet nested, how many eggs it laid or how young birds made their way to the ocean. Some thought the Marbled Murrelet nested in colonies or in burrows and led their young to lakes and streams that carried the young birds to the ocean. The first strong evidence that the Marbled Murrelet nested in trees came when a young bird and egg shell fragments were found accidentally by a logger who had felled a tree near Juskatla on Haida Gwaii in the 1950s. It is only in the last few decades that substantial numbers of nests have been found by radio-tracking breeders and by tree-climbing biologists.

 The Marbled Murrelet is a “red listed species” - meaning that its population is declining as a result of habitat loss though logging of its nest sites and mortality with gill nets on the ocean.

In Laskeek Bay  Marbled Murrelet are found on the water around East Limestone Island and in inshore waters throughout Laskeek Bay during the daytime throughout the field season. They are usually in pairs or in small groups of three to eight riding the waves within one kilometre of shore, and occasionally diving for up to a minute, then emerging with a fish.

 The Marbled Murrelet does not nest on East Limestone Island or Reef Island, but almost certainly nests in valleys on Louise Island and the inlets of Moresby Island. 27

Pelagic Cormorants (PECO) are shiny black birds with long PELAGIC CORMORANT slender necks and thin dark bills. In nesting season, breeding adult birds have white patches on their flanks.

Range The Pelagic Cormorant’s range is from northern Alaska to Baja California. On Haida Gwaii, it nests in a number of locations – in small colonies from a few nests up to 100 - around Moresby Island and the west coast of Graham Island.

Diet and Feeding Cormorants feed primarily on small fish. They dive deep, sometimes all the way to the sea bottom, and swim with their feet to chase their prey.

Nesting Pelagic Cormorant nests are untidy saucers of kelp and other marine Behaviour debris, and may include bits of fishing net and rope. They are normally situated on a small ledge on a vertical, or near vertical cliff, frequently on sites protected by overhanging rocks. Clutches consist of 2-6 eggs, and are laid from May to July in BC.

Interesting Facts Although ubiquitous, Pelagic Cormorants are not often found nesting. This is partly because there appear to be many non-breeding birds present in South Moresby in summer and partly because they use rather cryptic nest sites, frequently in caves, rock clefts, or other very sheltered places.

In Laskeek Bay The Pelagic Cormorant is the most common of the three species of cormorants found in Laskeek Bay. The other two species – Brandt’s Cormorant and Double-crested Cormorant - do not nest on the islands and are only seen occasionally in Laskeek Bay during the field season. They are more common in fall, winter and early spring.

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The Pigeon Guillemot (PIGU) can be recognized by it white PIGEON GUILLEMOT wing bars, bright red feet and the bright red linings on the inside of its beak.

Range The Pigeon Guillemot is widely distributed along the Pacific Coast from California to the Aleutians and northern Russia. It breeds all along the coast of BC and is common on the rocky and protected shorelines of Laskeek Bay. Although common in spring and summer, the Pigeon Guillemot seems to leave the island and is rarely seen during the fall and winter months.

Diet and Feeding Their main diet is small fish, and like the other auks, PIGU swim underwater using their wings to chase their prey.

Nesting The Pigeon Guillemot nests in crevices in rocks or under the roots of Behaviour trees right at the high water mark. It lays two eggs in its rocky burrow and feeds both young with fish until they are fully-grown. The task of feeding the two young requires the adult birds to make many trips throughout the day and they are often seen returning to shore with a single fish in their bills.

Interesting Facts With its bright red feet, very active behavior, slightly comical flight and ungainly landings on land and water, the Pigeon Guillemot is a favourite with many of the visitors to Haida Gwaii.

In Laskeek Bay Reef Island, a large island without raccoons, supports several hundred pairs. There are ten wooden Pigeon Guillemot nest boxes on East Limestone Island, many of which are active each year.

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The Bald Eagle (BAEA) is a large bird of prey with a distinctive white BALD EAGLE head and tail and a large hooked bill. Juveniles are dark with white streaking, and acquire full adult plumage after four to five years.

Range Throughout North America, usually near lakes, rivers and coasts.

Diet and Feeding A skilled hunter, the Bald Eagle swoops from a perch or the air to capture prey in its talons. It feeds mainly on fish, other birds and mammals that it captures or scavenges.

Nesting Eagles nest near water, and may Behaviour use the same nest many years in a row. Bald Eagles lay 1-3 eggs and the eggs are incubated by both parents.

Interesting Facts Bald Eagles sometimes hunt cooperatively, with one bird chasing prey toward another.

In Laskeek Bay The Bald Eagle is a year-round resident of East Limestone Island. Several nests have been located and are monitored during the breeding season, and usually one or two of these nests are active each year.

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The Red-breasted Sapsucker (RBSA) is identified by RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER its bright orange/red breast and head and white wing patch.

Range The Red-breasted Sapsucker is distributed along coastal BC but does not winter in Haida Gwaii. It returns here in the spring from southern Vancouver Island and the mainland to nest.

Diet and Feeding Sapsuckers do not actually eat sap but drill holes to initiate a flow of sap, which then traps various insects, on which the birds feed. These drill holes are small rectangles drilled in long straight lines up and down the trunk of hemlock trees and are quite noticeable as fresh scars on the trees in spring. Each Red-breasted sapsucker nest tree has hemlock feeding trees with lines of drilled holes nearby.

Nesting Nests are excavated in the spring. Red-breasted Sapsuckers excavate a Behaviour new nest cavity every year but often use the same tree (with a different hole) for several years in a row.

Interesting Facts The Red-breasted Sapsucker is the most common of the three woodpecker species found on Haida Gwaii.

In Laskeek Bay On East Limestone Island, over 10-20 Red-breasted Sapsucker nest sites are found each year, a very high density of woodpeckers on a 48 hector island. This is probably due to the large numbers of snags, and the relatively dry environment created by the constant winds.

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The Varied Thrush (VATH) is a forest bird similar in size and VARIED THRUSH appearance to a Robin. It is recognized by its orange eyebrow and orange wing bars. The male has a black band across his chest.

Range The Varied Thrush is widely distributed in the forests west of the Rockies.

Diet and Feeding The female builds the nest in a conifer at the base of a branch, against the trunk. The female lays and incubates 3-4 eggs, and both parents feed the young.

Nesting The female builds the nest in a Behaviour conifer at the base of a branch, against the trunk. The female lays and incubates 3-4 eggs, and both parents feed the young.

Interesting Facts The Varied Thrush is one of the most common forest birds on Haida Gwaii and is a prominent part of the dawn and dusk choruses of bird songs. It has several songs, but the eerie, long mechanical sounding whistle is the most noticeable.

In Laskeek Bay The Varied Thrush is a year round resident and nests on East Limestone Island. Two other species of thrush – the Hermit Thrush and Swainson’s Thrush - are migrants that arrive on the island in spring to nest.

The 8 burrow nesting seabirds of Haida Gwaii are:

 Ancient Murrelet  Cassin’s Auklet   Pigeon Guillemot  Leach’s Storm Petrel  Forked-Tailed Storm Petrel   Horned Puffin

TWO NON-BURROW NESTERS  Common Murre – nests on cliffs  Marbled Murrelet – nests on small moss Forked-Tail Storm-Petrel

platforms in tree branches

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