5 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory and Stewardship in the Columbia Basin (2007-2008)

Prepared for:

Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program Suite 103, 333 Victoria St., Nelson, BC V1L 4K3

Prepared by:

Marlene M. Machmer Pandion Ecological Research Ltd. 532 Park St., Nelson, BC V1L 2G9 March 2008

Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report describes year six of a Great Blue Heron inventory and stewardship project completed in the Columbia Basin from April 2007 to March 2008. This project was intended to provide resource management agencies and the public with updated information on heron breeding distribution, population trends and habitat use in the Columbia Basin, and to promote habitat stewardship and conservation efforts directed at this blue-listed species. Increasing rates of heron nest failure and abandonment attributed to eagle disturbance in 2005-2006 prompted the initiation of bald eagle nest surveys in key heron breeding areas. The latter surveys were initiated in 2006 and expanded in 2007 by soliciting eagle nest sighting information from the public for follow-up during the breeding season. Bald eagle survey data provide a benchmark for the basin and permit a preliminary evaluation of eagle population trends and distributions in relation to critical heron habitats.

Project objectives in 2007 were to: (1) monitor breeding locations and productivity of heron colonies within the Columbia Basin; (2) continue with stewardship follow-up activities at selected heron breeding sites in cooperation with the Nature Conservancy of Canada; (3) document productivity of eagle nests identified in the Creston Valley and Columbia Wetlands surveys in spring 2007; (4) co-ordinate a bald eagle nest sighting program targeting the spring 2007 nesting season; and (5) provide a summary report of activities and two databases capturing heron nest data from 2002-2007 and eagle nest data for 2006-2007.

Biologists spent 195 hours (24.4 person-days) conducting heron and eagle field surveys in the Columbia Basin. Sixteen active heron breeding sites (12 in the East Kootenay and 4 in the West Kootenay) were confirmed, including 6 new sites and 10 known from previous years. A total of 341 active heron nests (170 in the West Kootenay and 171 in the East Kootenay) were counted, and active sites had from 1–45 nest trees (mean ± SE = 10.0 ± 2.9) and 1–129 active nests (mean ± SE = 21.3 ± 8.0).

The total number of active nests has increased during the six years (2002-2007) of monitoring, whereas the number of active sites has generally been decreasing. However in 2007, six new breeding sites were found and three previous sites were no longer used, bringing the total number back up to 16, comparable to the maximum number counted in 2002. As in previous years, five large colonies with >20 active nests each accounted for 78% of all active heron nests in the basin.

Based on a sub-sample of visible nests, rates of reproductive success in 2007 averaged 2.18 ± 0.43 chicks per active nest (n = 180) and 2.76 ± 0.36 chicks per successful nest (n = 132). Overall reproductive success was greater in 2007 than in any other year of monitoring, in part because all of the new breeding sites produced young. Also, large colonies in the East Kootenay that have been active and then consistently abandoned due to eagle harassment in past years (e.g., Parson, Wilmer) were not used in 2007. Hence, active nest and site failure rates were lower than in previous years (i.e., 27% and 6% of all active nests and sites failed, respectively). Only the Wasa breeding site was confirmed active and then abandoned in 2007. Eagle harassment may have been a factor, although this could not be conclusively determined. Eagle incursions were confirmed at the Leach Lake and Dutch Creek rookeries, and at the new Ft. Steele, St. Mary’s River and Parson Shrub breeding sites. Observations of herons building nests in shrubs and suffering considerable eagle harassment suggest localized eagle impacts are occurring.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page ii Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Active and historical breeding sites were located mainly in drier biogeoclimatic variants from 0 – 1,300 m (mean ± SE of 151.4 ± 39.4 m) away from water bodies. Closest water bodies included wetland complexes (37.5%), rivers (27.5%), small lakes (10%), large creeks (10%), reservoirs (10%) and large lakes (5%). Breeding sites were in mature (70.7%), young (17.1%), old forest (9.8%) and pole-sapling (2.4%) structural stages and tended to have higher levels of crown closure (59.1 ± 3.1%), although a broad range was observed (25–93%). Nest stands were characterized as either pure coniferous (46.3%), cottonwood deciduous (48.8%), or mixed (4.8%), and mainly live trees of large diameter (mean ± SE = 58.5 ± 1.9 cm dbh) and height (27.6.0 ± 0.7 m) were used for nesting.

Approximately two thirds (68.8%) of active heron breeding sites in the Columbia Basin are located on private land, with the remainder on crown land (18.8%) and in provincial wildlife management areas (12.5%). These results emphasize the need to promote stewardship efforts and work cooperatively with private landowners to protect heron breeding habitat and minimize disturbance at active sites.

Stewardship activities conducted in 2007/2008 included: (1) ongoing liaison, provision of annual reports/data, and updates on local inventory, monitoring and stewardship activities to relevant regional, provincial and federal land management agencies, (2) provision of a stewardship information package and additional support to Nature Conservancy of Canada staff, (3) completion of the site visits, layout, mapping and application process for two Wildlife Habitat Areas on crown lands; (4) written follow-up with selected landowners, managers, neighbors, developers, municipal and regional district representatives to provide them with background information or to address issues of concern for specific breeding sites; and (5) to raise concerns and promote greater awareness and protection of herons and their habitat. Site-specific stewardship activities completed or underway in 2007/2008 are itemized in Appendix 4 with a summary of management concerns, recommendations and priority rankings for further actions.

A total of 66 bald eagle nests (31 in the West; 35 in the East Kootenay, respectively), including 60 active nests were documented during 2007 ground-based surveys. The numbers of known eagle nests has increased substantially since 2006, when 43 total nests were counted. This increase is attributed to the greater survey effort expended in 2007, and to the eagle nest sighting information provided by the public. The only portions of the basin where survey effort has been relatively consistent from 2006-2007 is in the Creston Valley and Columbia Wetlands Wildlife Management Areas. Comparing these two areas, there does seem to be an increase in the total number of nests, especially in relation to data from previous surveys. These differences provide some support for increased eagle breeding populations.

Of 60 active eagle nests, 45 (75%) were successful, 13 (21.7 %) failed, and 2 (3.3%) nests had unknown outcomes. Productivity was estimated at 1.62 ± 0.11 young per active nest (n = 58) and 1.74 ± 0.9 young per successful nest (n= 27), based on a visible sub-sample. These estimates are considered relatively high when compared to nearby jurisdictions, and suggest healthy growing populations. Of the eagle nest trees (64 visible), 81.3% were in black cottonwood (42 live; 10 dead) and the remaining 18.7% were in various conifer tree species (7 live; 5 dead).

General and site-specific recommendations for inventory, management and stewardship are provided, within the context of eagle populations and various other stressors influencing herons and their habitat within the Columbia Basin. Community presentations will on the results of this project will be delivered in spring 2008.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page iii Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... ii TABLE OF CONTENTS...... iv LIST OF TABLES...... iv LIST OF FIGURES ...... v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... v 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ...... 1 1.1 Project Objectives ...... 2 1.2 Study Area ...... 2 2.0 METHODS ...... 2 2.1 Heron Breeding Survey and Monitoring of Productivity ...... 2 2.1.1 Assessment of Nesting Activity ...... 2 2.1.2 Assessment of Nesting Success...... 3 2.1.3 Assessment of Breeding Habitat Characteristics ...... 3 2.2 Heron Stewardship Activities ...... 3 2.3 Bald Eagle Nest Survey and Monitoring of Productivity...... 3 2.4 Bald Eagle Nest Sighting Program...... 4 3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ...... 4 3.1 Heron Breeding Survey and Monitoring of Productivity ...... 4 3.1.1 Nesting Activity...... 11 3.1.2 Nesting Success ...... 11 3.1.3 Bald Eagle Disturbance and Predation ...... 12 3.1.4 Other Observations ...... 12 3.1.5 Breeding Site Habitat Characteristics ...... 14 3.1.5 Land Ownership and Protection of Breeding Sites ...... 14 3.2 Stewardship Activities ...... 15 3.3 Bald Eagle Nest Survey ...... 16 4.0 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS...... 19 5.0 LITERATURE CITED...... 21 6.0 APPENDICES...... 24 APPENDIX 1: Biologist Survey Log ...... 25 APPENDIX 2: Photo Record...... 26 APPENDIX 3: 2007 Heron Breeding Database (CDrom; confidential information)...... 31 APPENDIX 4: Management Concerns, Stewardship Recommendations and Actions (confidential information)...... 32 APPENDIX 5: 2007 Bald Eagle Breeding Database (CDrom; confidential information) ...... 33 APPENDIX 6: Project Summary Database for 2002-2007 (CDrom; confidential information) 34

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Summary of data collected on breeding colony size, nest activity and reproductive success at 16 active sites in the Columbia Basin during 2007 surveys. Names and data from the last year of known activity are also provided for 25 historical sites...... 6 Table 2. Summary of numbers of nest trees, nests, active nests and reproductive success per active and successful nest, and % active nests and breeding sites failed at sites surveyed in the FWCP area from 2002 to 2007...... 7 Table 3. Summary of bald eagle breeding survey results from this study (2005-2007) and other previous surveys for portions of the Columbia Basin...... 18

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page iv Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Locations of 15 active and 25 historical heron breeding sites found in the Columbia Basin during 2007 surveys...... 5 Figure 2. Locations of active bald eagle found in the Columbia Basin during 2007 surveys...... 17 Figure 3. The (a) total number of breeding sites, (b) total number of active nests and (c) average number of active nests per breeding site in the West Kootenay, East Kootenay and overall in the Columbia Basin...... 9 Figure 4. (a) Average reproductive success per active nest, (b) average nest failure rates per active nest, and (c) failure rates per active site at breeding sites in the West Kootenay, East Kootenay and overall in the Columbia Basin...... 10

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This project would not be a success without the tremendous response and enthusiasm we have received from the public, land management agency personnel, the West Kootenay Naturalists, other volunteers, and members of the public. I want to say a personal thank to the following people who took the time to submit their heron and/or eagle sightings and information over the last six years: Aaron Reid, Adam Kowalyshyn, Alice Nellistijn, Alison Elmes, Alison Stent, Alistair Fraser, Allison McConnell, Angela Prince, Angus Glass, Anna Anderson, Ann Blackmore, Anna Rose, Andrew White, Arron Haggart, Art Allen, Art Groenig, Arthur Schoeddert, Barb Rilling, Barrett Cowles, Barry Mason, Barry Whiting, Becky Pintir, Becky Rippel, Beryl Lindley, Betty Pinter, Bev & Alta Pinney, Bill Baerg, Bill Bryce, Bill Fadden, Bill Usher, Bill Westover, Blair MacLeod, Bob Ashfield, Bob Brade, Bob Ferguson, Bob Jamieson, Bob White, Bonnie New, Brad Stubbs, Brenda Goodman, Brenda Herbison, Brian Gadbois, Brian Koochin, Brian Stushnoff, Brian Weeks, Britt Kirsch, Candido Pooli, Carol Fehr, Carol Hutchinson, Cathy Wickstrom, Celeste Rayne, Charles Salekin, Charlie Harvey, Chris Buckley, Chris Maxfield, Chuck Dinning, Cindy McIvor, Colin Hamilton, Colin MacIntosh, Colin Pike, Colleen McCory, Corrine Fox, Cory Cherriere, Cory Legebokow, Craig Dodds, Curtis Wullum, Daniel Bastaja, Darlene Marceau, Darrel Delaronde, Darryl Becker, Darrell and Diane Fatum, Darrell Smith, Dave Adams, Dave Clancy, Dave Hillary, Dave Knox, David MacDonald, Dawn Beynon, Dean den Biesen, Debbie Walshaw, Del Williams, Dennis Bonham, Dennis Foley, Deyanne Davies, Diane Tammen, Dick Gondek, Dirk Rinehart-Pidock, Don DeHart, Don Jacobite, Donna McCario, Donna Smith, Doug Adama, Doug Kelly, Doug McCulloch, Dustin Steeger, Dusty Hemmingway, Earnie & Marilyn Fulton, Ed Beynon, Eileen Perks, Elaine Bohnet, Ellen Kinsel, Ellen Zimmerman, Emelda Fields, Eric Sargent, Erin McDonald, Eugene Champagne, Eugene Champagne, Fay Stark, Fran Kimpton, Frances Capps, Gail Spitler, Garth Mowat, Gary Chadwick, Gary Davidson, Gary Lelliott, Gary Tipper, George Guimont, Gerry Krivsky, Gerry Nellistijn, Gillian Cooper, Gertrud Klopp, Gina Ostman, Gordon Gray, Grant Clubine, Greg Booth, Greg Cooper, Greg Ross, Gwen Nicol, Gwen Regnault, the Hagan family, Hailey Dawson, Hans Dummerauf, Harry Kuregen, Harry Steinwand, Heather Dalgrin, Helen Assel, Helen Obalek, Helga Dummerauf, Herb Bower, Hillary Page, Ian Moul, Irene Linden, Irene Teske, Jack and Ellen Bellamy, Jack Floyd, Jack Selman, Jackie Allen, Jacqui Bullock, Jakob Dulisse, James Atheson, Jan Rodman, Janet Gagner, Janet Sawyer, Janice Arndt, Janis Jarvis, Jeanne Hird, Jefferi Pedersen, Jennifer Reynolds, Jennifer Rosewarne, Jenny Welsch, Jerry Rideout, Jerry Srida, Jesse Ellingson, Jim Cook, Jim Morris, Jim Partridge, Jim Patterson, Jim Thorsell, Jim and Mary Webster, Joan Snyder, Joanne Bertrand, Joanna Emery, Joanna

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page v Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Whiting, Joe Maze, Joe Nicolas, John Anderson, John and Ann Bonderoff, John Cooper, John Gwilliam, John Krebs, John Moroz, John Rinker, John Schnarr, John Schut, John Woods, Jolene Raggett, Jon O’Grady, Jorma Orton, Joy Cwikula, Joyce Johnson, Juantia Lankhaar, Judd & Kate Grant, Judy Hyham, Juliet Craig, June Seminoff, Karen Cote, Karen Harris, Karen Rinehart-Pidock, Kari Mason, Kari Stuart-Smith, Kari Tanner, Kari Tyler, Kate Hood, Kathleen Kondborg, Kathleen Sparkes, Kathy Woodward, Ken Streloff, Kevin Shaw, Kris Mitchell, Krispen Elder, Kristen Carlson, Laine Mitchell, Lankhaar-Turnball family, Lanny Amos, Larry Halversen, Larry Ingham, Laurie Knox, Laura Teburtie, Leane Reitan, Lee Harding, Lee Hiberd, Leon Davidoff, Leona Young Schadlich, Libby Weaver, Lillian Liberty, Linda Demharter, Linda Iwanik, Lisa Bramson, Lois Johnson, Lisa Bramson, Lori Friesen, Lori Mitchell, Lorraine Fadden, Louise Halvorson, Lucille Campbell, Lucille Whalen, Luis Zamban, Lyn Miller, Lynne Betts, Lynn Muller, Malford Bell, Marc-Andre Beacher, Marcell Gates, Margaret Picaud, Marilyn Burgoon, Marilyn Smith, Mark Graham, Mark Hall, Marlene Johnson, Mark Swindel, Martin Forget, Mary Baker, Mary Bergevin, Maryann McDonaugh, Maureen Hamilton, May Ratcliffe, Megan read, Melinda Procter, Michael Landrecht, Micheal McMann, Michael Morris, Michelle Cushway, Mike Callas, Mike Gall, Mike Roy, Mike Turner, Miles Rubenic, Mindy Brugman, Neil Fipke, Nola Alt, Norman Fields, Paula Rodriguez de la Vega, Pat Hutchinson, Patty Gay, Nancy Newhouse, Pauline Newhouse, Owen Box, Penny Ohanjanian, Robert Louie, Peter Davidson, Peter Klopp, Peter Leontowicz, Pierre Dupont, Rachael Miller, Rachel Darvill, Rachel Holt, Ralph Beatty, Ralph Guerin, Ray Obalek, Ray Rybachuk, Richard Allen, Richard Klafki, Rita Wege, Rob Brown, Robert Baldwin, Robert Jackson, Robert Johnson, Robert Mauriello, Rod Von Vlack, Ron Walker, Rory Dahms, Rosamond Moore, Rose Walker, Ross Sitek, Ruth Bumpus, Ruth Goodwin, Sam Caravetta, Scott McDonald, Scott Wallace, Sharman Learie, Sharon Laughlin, Sharon Lelliott, Shawn Raven, Sheila Haggart, Sheila O'Grady, Shelagh Wrazej, Sherry Christensen, Shirley Rehaume, Skip and Dela Fennessy, Sonny Zlotnik, Steve Bennett, Steve Byford, Sonny Zlotnik, Steve Knutin, Steven Cook, Steve Hilts, Steve Ogle, Steve Wasylik, Stew Clow, Sue Peel, Sujata Bagwe, Susan Jmayoff, Susie Armishaw, Suzanne Gold, Syd Blackwell, Tamara Smith, Ted Antifeau, Terry Anderson, Terry Lowry, Terry-Jo Henry, Terryl Allen, Tessa Schmidt, Thomas Hill, Tommy and Anne Starr, Tracy Holden, Travis Steeger, Trevor Kinley, Troy Hudson, Tyler Harestad, Uli Lehnert, Ursula Lowry, Vernone Sparkes, Vicki Huv, Walter Cwikula, Ward Clark, Warner Einer, Wayne Houlbrook, Wayne Pinski, Wayne Sinclair, Wendy Hurst, Whit Atchison, William Morley, Willie Westerby, and Wolfgang Teiner.

Special thanks go to Janice Arndt for her help with bald eagle surveys in the West Kootenay. Tobe Sprado and Ben Beetlestone helped out by conducting a breeding site visit and Rob Butler, Trudy Chatwin, Iian Jones, Jamie Kenyon, Ian Moul, Erica McClaren, Kathy Paige and Ross Vennesland have provided background reports and materials. Janna Foster-Wilfong, Heather Pinnell and Ted Antifeau were very helpful in assisting me put together the necessary information for two heron WHAs. Travis Steeger helped out by keeping me company in the “grizzly” stand.

Many thanks to Amy Waterhouse for producing the maps and providing background spatial information, Angus Glass and Lynne Betts for their assistance and input on communications, Beth Woodbridge for her help and efficiency in all matters, and John Krebs for his interest and encouragement while administering this project.

I am most grateful to the Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program and Fortis BC for their long term funding of this project, and to the many members of the public who have actively supported it.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page vi Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) are found throughout North America and two subspecies occur in British Columbia (Butler 1997). Both are provincially blue-listed because of habitat loss and disturbance in prime breeding and wintering areas (Gebauer and Moul 2001; Vennesland and Butler 2004; Conservation Data Centre 20071). The coastal A.h. fannini subspecies is listed of Special Concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC 20072), based on declines documented during surveys conducted over the last 20 years (Gebauer and Moul 2001). The status of the interior A.h. herodias subspecies has not been assessed by COSEWIC (R. Vennesland, pers. comm.).

Interior herons breed along the margins of lakes, slow-moving rivers, wetlands and sloughs in small to large colonies (Forbes et al. 1985b; Campbell et al. 1990; Machmer and Steeger 2003, 2004; Machmer 2005, 2006, 2007), and occasionally as single pairs (Machmer 1996; Butler 1997). Both deciduous and coniferous stands are used for nesting, typically near shallow water foraging habitats (Machmer and Steeger 2003, 2004; Machmer 2005, 2006, 2007). Herons eat fish and to a lesser extent, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates and birds (Forbes 1987a; Butler 1992a; Machmer 2002, 2003). Some interior herons migrate south during the winter months, while others remain around ice-free watercourses with an adequate food supply (Campbell et al. 1990; Machmer 2002, 2003). Valley bottom riparian and wetland areas in the Columbia Basin represent important breeding and wintering habitats for this species.

Herons are considered sensitive and typically abandon breeding sites when disturbed, particularly during the early stages of nest building, pair formation and egg-laying (Quinney 1983; Butler 1992a; Vos et al. 1985; Vennesland and Butler 2004). Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) predation and human activity are the most significant sources of disturbance in heron colonies (Norman et al. 1989; Butler et al. 1995; Vennesland and Butler 2004; Machmer and Steeger 2003, 2004; Machmer 2005) and both of these factors are negatively correlated with heron nesting productivity. Their combined effects are thought to be responsible for high rates of breeding failure observed in coastal colonies (Vennesland and Butler 2004; Chatwin et al. 2006).

Systematic monitoring of heron colony size, breeding activity, nesting success and productivity has been conducted within the Columbia Basin by the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program since 2002 (Machmer and Steeger 2003, 2004; Machmer 2005, 2006, 2007). Data indicate that the total number of active heron nests fluctuates considerably from year to year but appears to be increasing, whereas the number of active breeding sites has been decreasing (particularly in the West Kootenay where only three active sites were confirmed in 2006, relative to eight in 2002). Heron nest failure rates have increased since monitoring was initiated and in 2006, 43% (116 of 271) of all active visible nests failed to produce young. Nest failure rates in the East Kootenay climbed to 62% in 2006 and are attributed primarily to abandonment resulting from eagle harassment and predation. Colony failure rates in 2005 and 2006 are comparable to high failure rates in coastal heron colonies and have raised concerns regarding the interior subspecies and the potential impact of eagle predation.

1 B.C. Conservation Data Centre. 2007. BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer. BC Ministry of Environment, Victoria, BC. http://srmapps.gov.bc.ca/apps/eswp/ (accessed December 8, 2007). 2 COSEWIC. 2007. http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct1/SearchResult_e.cfm (accessed December 12, 2007).

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 1 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

This report summarizes the results of systematic monitoring of heron breeding sites and progress on stewardship follow-up activities conducted from April 2007 to March 2008. It also presents the findings from bald eagle nest surveys and productivity monitoring undertaken during the same period. An eagle nest sighting program launched in late February 2007 encouraged residents of the Columbia Basin to report known eagle nest locations and helped direct locations for follow-up ground surveys.

1.1 Project Objectives

The objectives of this project in 2007 were to: 1. Monitor breeding locations and productivity of heron colonies within the Columbia Basin; 2. Opportunistically document the location and productivity of bald eagle nests identified in Creston and East Kootenay surveys and through the public sightings program; 3. Conduct stewardship contact follow-up at selected heron nest colonies in cooperation with the Nature Conservancy of Canada; 4. Continue bald eagle nest occupancy surveys in spring 2008; 5. Provide a summary report of activities, and two databases capturing heron nest colony data from 2002-2007 and eagle nesting data for 2006-2007.

1.2 Study Area

The survey area for the heron inventory encompassed most of the Columbia Basin, including the East and West Kootenay and the Robson Valley (roughly bordered by the Fraser River at McBride in the north, Upper/Lower Arrow Lakes to the west, and the Elk River to the east). The vast size of the study area and the available budget did not permit systematic surveys of all potential heron breeding habitat in the basin. Areas were therefore prioritized for field inventory based on (a) breeding activity and nature and frequency of reported heron sightings received from 2002-2006, (b) proximity to suitable riparian/wetland foraging habitat, and (c) accessibility within the constraints of the project budget. The survey area for the eagle inventory included all areas that could be covered opportunistically in conjunction with the heron inventory.

2.0 METHODS

2.1 Heron Breeding Survey and Monitoring of Productivity

Ground-based surveys were conducted at current, historical and selected good potential heron breeding sites in the Columbia Basin, based on the findings from previous years. Surveys were conducted during the incubation and nestling periods (mid-April to July) using standardized methods outlined by the Resources Inventory Committee (1998), Moul et al. (2001) and Vennesland and Norman (2006). Survey areas were generally accessed by vehicle or boat, and more intensive follow-up searches were conducted on foot.

2.1.1 Assessment of Nesting Activity

All potential breeding sites were visited a minimum of twice by Marlene Machmer (MM) during the season to quantify abundance (based on the total number of nests visible and the number of active nests). Potential nesting areas were approached cautiously to minimize disturbance, particularly early in the nesting period. Areas were searched for signs of activity including presence of eggshells, whitewash, boluses, incubating adults, or chicks in nests. A nest was considered active when a heron was present in the nest and/or fresh eggshells were observed

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 2 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin on the ground below the nest during the breeding season (Moul et al. 2001). During initial visits, an accurate nest count was undertaken and the configuration of each colony (i.e., locations and numbers of nest trees and numbers of nests per tree) was sketched. Bald eagle, human and/or other forms of disturbance were recorded opportunistically during visits.

2.1.2 Assessment of Nesting Success

Active breeding sites were re-visited in later June to determine nest success and to count the number of young in visible nests. Last visits were scheduled in an attempt to count chicks before they were “branching” away from their nests (i.e., preferably ≤6.5 weeks old) and a nest was considered successful if one or more chicks were observed in the nest at this time (Moul et al. 2001). Nest visibility was a limiting factor, particularly in large colonies characterized by dense stands of black cottonwood, where visibility deteriorated through the breeding season. Reproductive success was calculated for all visible nests based on (a) the number of chicks per active nest, and (b) the number of chicks per successful nest.

The mean and variation (standard error) in the numbers of nest trees, nests, active nests, active sites, and reproductive success and failure rates per active nest and site were calculated for all breeding sites in 2007, and then compared with those determined for previous monitoring years (2002-2006).

2.1.3 Assessment of Breeding Habitat Characteristics

Assessments of breeding habitat and site characteristics were conducted during the last visit to new active breeding sites. The following site and habitat parameters were recorded during field visits: estimated distance (m) from water and closest water body; dominant forest type and structural stage (as defined by BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks and BC Ministry of Forests 1998); slope and aspect; mean crown closure (defined as the average of four readings taken with a spherical densiometer in the middle of a colony); nest tree species; and estimated diameter [dbh in cm], height [m] and decay class (BC Wildlife Tree Committee 2001) of ≤5 randomly selected nest trees at a breeding site.

The locations of all active and historical breeding sites were determined using GPS and mapped by Amy Waterhouse (FWCP). The biogeoclimatic zone/variant and land designation and ownership status for each breeding site was subsequently determined from maps, also with the assistance of Amy Waterhouse. A photo record was assembled for active and historical breeding sites, as well as other features of interest encountered during surveys.

2.2 Heron Stewardship Activities

General and site-specific stewardship activities and outcomes to date are described in section 3.2 and Appendix 4.

2.3 Bald Eagle Nest Survey and Monitoring of Productivity

In conjunction with ground-based monitoring for herons in 2007, the locations and status of (a) all previously known bald eagle nests (Machmer 2006, 2007), (b) any new nests reported through the sightings database, and (c) any new nests encountered along the heron survey route were noted. Nest locations were either determined directly with a GPS (Garmin GPS Map 76CX), or later based on an estimated bearing and distance from a vantage point. The status of

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 3 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin each nest was recorded as either active (if one or more adults present at the nest and/or incubating) or not active (if no adults visible at nest or perched nearby). In cases where the species that had constructed an empty nest was questionable, this uncertainty was noted and the nest was excluded from the tally of eagle nests. Where access was not possible from the ground, nests were accessed with the use of a boat (e.g., Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area) or with assistance of a spotting scope from a vantage (Columbia Wetlands Wildlife Management Area). To monitor eagle productivity, an effort was made to re-visit all nests in late June to early July to count pre-fledged young. An experienced biologist (Janice Arndt) assisted Marlene Machmer (MM) with the eagle productivity surveys in the West Kootenay.

2.4 Bald Eagle Nest Sighting Program

The Bald Eagle nest sighting program was initiated in late February of 2007 and involved preparation of the following materials (see Machmer 2007 for copies of all materials): An eagle awareness poster soliciting sighting information from the public (200 color copies were posted on various community information boards, libraries, schools, etc.); An information package, consisting of a poster and background information letter was mailed to various naturalist, wildlife, outdoor & conservation organizations throughout the Columbia Basin; A web-page was developed on the FWCP website to allow memebers of the public to submit their eagle observations; An information article and digital poster were circulated throughout the basin to local newspapers as a media release; An article and poster were posted on the Columbia Mountains Institute website; MM was interviewed on Castlegar FM Radio, CBC Radio, Nelson Coop Radio and KBS radio regarding this project; and An article was prepared for the FWCP Update Newsletter summarizing the status and interim results of the project and soliciting eagle nest sighting information.

Email and telephone responses from the public were gathered throughout the spring and summer of 2007. Responses were followed up opportunistically in the field during early incubation and late season productivity surveys for herons and eagles.

3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1 Heron Breeding Survey and Monitoring of Productivity

A survey log in Appendix 1 lists areas surveyed by date and surveyor and photos of selected sites surveyed are provided in Appendix 2. A total of 195 hours (24.4 person-days) were spent conducting heron and bald eagle field surveys in 2007. In accordance with the project budget, the bulk of the effort was directed at monitoring of existing breeding sites of herons and documenting activity and productivity at eagle nests. Some field time was also allocated to laying out Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHAs), and meeting with land managers, landowners and NGO staff on site. The distribution of active and historical heron sites is shown in Figure 1 (see Figure 2 in section 3.2 for the distribution of Bald Eagle nests in the basin).

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 4 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Figure 1. Locations of 15 active and 25 historical heron breeding sites found in the Columbia Basin during 2007 surveys.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 5 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Breeding Site Name Last Successful # Nest # Total # Active # Visible # Visible & # Young RS/Active RS/Succ. Active1 (y/n) Trees Nests Nests Nests Successful Nests in Visible Nests Nest (±SE) Nest (±SE) Revelstoke 2007 y 28 30 24 15 14 39 2.60 ± 0.25 2.79 ± 0.19 Procter Hill 2007 y 2 5 5 3 3 6 2.00 ± 0.58 2.00 ± 0.58 Leach Lake 2007 y 45 133 129 18 14 36 2.00 ± 0.28 2.57 ± 0.14 South Creston 2007 y 5 12 12 12 12 32 2.67 ± 0.14 2.67 ± 0.14 Yahk 2007 y 1 2 2 2 2 7 3.50 ± 0.50 3.50 ± 0.50 Moyie 2007 y 6 22 21 20 14 43 2.15 ± 0.39 3.31 ± 0.23 St. Mary’s 2007 y 2 6 6 6 6 21 3.50 ± 0.22 3.50 ± 0.22 Bull River 2007 y 1 1 1 1 1 2 2.00 ± 1.00 2.00 ± 1.00 Fort Steele 2007 y 3 11 11 11 8 23 2.09 ± 0.46 2.88 ± 0.30 Dutch Creek 2007 y 10 56 51 14 11 34 2.43 ± 0.42 3.09 ± 0.28 Wasa 2007 n 10 16 2 16 0 0 0.00 ± 0.00 0.00 ± 0.00 Parson Shrub 2007 y 12 15 15 15 14 27 1.80 ± 0.20 1.93 ± 0.16 Nicholson 2007 y 12 39 38 24 15 37 1.54 ± 0.29 2.47 ± 0.24 Sparwood 2007 y 6 6 4 3 2 7 2.33 ± 1.20 3.50 ± 0.50 Jaffray 2007 y 8 17 14 14 13 45 3.21 ± 0.38 3.21 ± 0.31 Gold Creek 2007 y 9 9 6 6 3 6 1.00 ± 0.52 2.00 ± 0.58 Total Active 16 15 160 380 341 180 132 365 2.18 ± 0.43 2.59 ± 0.34 Parson Southeast 2006 n 14 55 52 - - - - - Wilmer 2006 n 9 25 0 - - - - - Creston Reserve 2006 n ND 7 0 - - - - - Goose Creek 2005 ND2 ND ND ND - - - - - Golden 2005 n 1 1 0 - - - - - Procter 2004 n 3 6 3 - - - - - Parson NW 2004 n 14 36 34 - - - - - Goat River 2003 n 5 26 26 - - - - - Toby Creek 2003 n 2 2 2 - - - - - Fort Steele 2003 n 2 4 4 - - - - - Creston West 2002 n 3 5 4 - - - - - Duck Lake 2002 n 3 5 5 - - - - - Saughum Lake 2002 - 14 27 1 - - - - - Champion Lake 2002 - 3 2 2 - - - - -

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 6 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Breeding Site Name Last Successful # Nest # Total # Active # Visible # Visible & # Young RS/Active RS/Succ. Active1 (y/n) Trees Nests Nests Nests Successful Nests in Visible Nests Nest (±SE) Nest (±SE) Waldie Island 2001 - 1 5 UN3 - - - - - Brisco 1999 - UN UN UN - - - - - Thompson's Landing 1998 - UN UN UN - - - - - Perry Siding 1998 - 1 1 UN - - - - - Edwards Lake 1998 - 5 UN UN - - - - - Norbury Lakes 1998 - 2 2 UN - - - - - Pend d'Oreille 1998 - 1 4 UN - - - - - Mud Lake 1996 - 1 1 UN - - - - - Begbie Falls 1992 - 1 UN UN - - - - - Begbie 1 & 2 1992 - 2 UN UN - - - - - Cherry Creek UN - 4 4 UN - - - - - Total Historical 25 >91 >218 >133 1 Year active is the last year of known breeding activity at each site. 2 ND = Not determined (access not permitted; it was assumed not to be successful in 2006 since as many as 16 herons were flying around for a 2 week period in April and no evidence of recent breeding was noted in the stand by the Conservation Officer Service in late July 2006 or mid-June 2007). 3 UN = Unknown number (data was provided anecdotally by observers prior to the onset of this study).

Table 2. Summary of numbers of nest trees, nests, active nests and reproductive success per active and successful nest, and % active nests and breeding sites failed at sites surveyed in the FWCP area from 2002 to 2007.

Breeding Year # Nest Trees # Total Nests # Active Nests RS/Active Nest1 RS/Success. Nest % Total % Total Site Location mean ± SE mean ± SE mean ± SE mean ± SE mean ± SE Active Nests Active Sites (#active sites; nests) (range) (range) (range) (range) (range) Failed1 Failed West Kootenay 2007 20.0 ± 10.2 45.0 ± 29.8 42.5 ± 29.2 2.32 ± 0.18 2.51 ± 0.17 12% 0% (4 sites; 170 nests) (2– 45) (5 – 133) (5 – 129) (2.00 – 2.67) (2.00 – 2.79) (5 of 43) (0 of 4) East Kootenay 2007 6.7 ± 1.2 16.7 ± 4.7 14.3 ± 4.5 2.13 ± 0.29 2.85 ± 0.19 33% 8% (12 sites; 171 nests) (1 – 12) (1 – 56) (1 – 51) (0.00 – 3.50) (1.93– 3.50) (43 of 132) (1 of 12)

Overall 2007 10.0 ± 2.9 23.8 ± 8.1 21.3 ± 8.0 2.18 ± 0.43 2.76 ± 0.36 27% 6% (16 sites; 341 nests) (1 – 45) (1 – 133) (1 – 129) (0.00 – 3.50) (1.93 – 3.50) (48 of 180) (1 of 16)

West Kootenay 2006 19.3 ± 9.2 46.3.0 ± 33.2 43.7 ± 31.0 1.27 ± 0.11 2.37 ± 0.12 13% 33% (3 sites; 131 nests) (1– 30) (1 – 111) (1 – 104) (0.00 – 2.17) (2.34 – 2.40) (14 of 106) (1 of 3) East Kootenay 2006 8.9 ± 1.2 23.2 ± 5.3 20.1 ± 5.5 1.46 ± 0.45 2.93 ± 0.21 62% 40% (10 sites; 201 nests) (1 – 14) (1 – 55) (1 – 52) (0.00 – 4.00) (2.20– 4.00) (102 of 165) (4 of 10)

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 7 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Breeding Year # Nest Trees # Total Nests # Active Nests RS/Active Nest1 RS/Success. Nest % Total % Total Site Location mean ± SE mean ± SE mean ± SE mean ± SE mean ± SE Active Nests Active Sites (#active sites; nests) (range) (range) (range) (range) (range) Failed1 Failed Overall 2006 11.3 ± 2.4 31.9 ± 10.2 25.5 ± 7.9 1.42 ± 0.16 2.79 ± 0.18 43% 38% (13 sites; 332 nests) (1 – 30) (1 – 121) (1 – 104) (0.00 – 4.00) (2.20 – 4.00) (116 of 271) (5 of 13)

West Kootenay 2005 24.5 ± 0.5 73.0 ± 48.0 65.5 ± 43.5 1.91 ± 0.32 2.05 ± 0.30 6% 0% (3 sites; 131 nests) (24 – 25) (25 – 121) (22 – 109) (1.59 – 2.24) (1.75 – 2.34) (5 of 89) (0 of 3) East Kootenay 2005 8.6 ± 1.6 22.8 ± 6.2 19 ± 4.7 1.10 ± 0.31 2.28 ± 0.10 64% 33% (9 sites; 171 nests) (1 – 17) (1 – 55) (1 – 35) (0.00 – 2.14) (2.00– 2.59) (96 of 150) (3 of 9)

Overall 2005 11.5 ± 2.3 31.9 ± 10.2 27.5 ± 9.0 1.25 ± 0.27 2.25 ± 0.11 44% 25% (12 sites; 302 nests) (1 – 25) (1 – 121) (1 – 109) (0.00 – 2.24) (1.75 – 2.59) (101 of 239) (3 of 12) West Kootenay 2004 16.0 ± 6.6 42.0 ± 28.4 38.3 ± 26.8 1.61 ± 0.91 2.63 ± 0.54 21% 25% (4 sites; 115 nests) (3 – 24) (6 – 98) (3 – 91) (0.00 – 3.17) (2.09 – 3.17) (17 of 80) (1 of 4) East Kootenay 2004 7.9 ± 1.4 19.1 ± 5.4 14.8 ± 4.0 1.84 ± 0.41 2.46 ± 0.13 44% 11% (9 sites; 133 nests) (1 – 14) (1 – 54) (1 – 35) (0.00 – 3.88) (1.78 – 3.88) (50 of 114) (1 of 9)

Overall 2004 9.9 ± 2.0 24.8 ± 7.8 20.7 ± 7.1 1.78 ± 0.35 2.56 ± 0.22 35% 15% (13 sites; 248 nests) (1 – 24) (1 – 98) (1 – 91) (0.00 – 3.88) (1.78 – 3.88) (67 of 194) (2 of 13) West Kootenay 2003 11.4 ± 4.3 30.2 ± 15.8 27.2 ± 15.2 2.03 ± 0.49 2.36 ± 0.10 20% 0% (5 sites; 136 nests) (4 – 27) (7 – 92) (3 – 86) (0.70 – 3.00) (1.75 – 3.00) (9 of 45) (0 of 5) East Kootenay 2003 8.2 ± 1.8 20.0 ± 6.3 15.1 ± 4.8 2.00 ± 0.34 2.46 ± 0.13 20% 10% (10 sites; 151 nests) (2 – 19) (2 – 61) (2 – 42) (0.00 – 3.00) (2.00 – 3.00) (20 of 100) (1 of 10)

Overall 2003 9.3 ± 1.8 23.4 ± 6.5 19.1 ± 5.9 2.03 ± 0.27 2.43 ± 0.12 20% 7% (15 sites; 286 nests) (2 – 27) (2 – 92) (2 – 86) (0.00 – 3.00) (1.75 – 3.00) (29 of 145) (1 of 15)

West Kootenay 2002 6.4 ± 2.5 14.6 ± 7.8 11.5 ± 6.3 0.92 ± 0.44 2.14 ± 0.19 18% 38% (8 sites; 92 nests) (1 – 21) (2 – 67) (1 – 53) (0.00 – 2.52) (1.90 – 2.52) (11 of 61) (3 of 8)

East Kootenay 2002 7.6 ± 1.2 25.8 ± 8.9 20.6 ± 8.0 1.73 ± 0.46 2.42 ± 0.19 28% 25% (8 sites; 165 nests) (2 – 12) (2 – 61) (1 – 66) (0.00 – 3.00) (1.88 – 3.00) (12 of 43) (2 of 8)

Overall 2002 7.0 ± 1.3 20.2 ± 5.9 16.1 ± 5.1 1.32 ± 0.33 2.31 ± 0.10 22% 31% (16 sites; 257 nests) (1 – 21) (2 – 77) (1 – 66) (0.00 – 3.00) (1.88 – 3.00) (23 of 104) (5 of 16) 1 Only a subset of active nests that were visible during late season visits were included in the tabulations (see number of active visible nests visible in Table 1).

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 8 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

West Kootenay East Kootenay Overall

5 No. of active sites 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Year (a)

375

300

225

150

75 No. of active nests 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Year (b)

No. of active nests/site 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Year (c)

Figure 3 The (a) total number of breeding sites, (b) total number of active nests and (c) average number of active nests per breeding site in the West Kootenay, East Kootenay and overall in the Columbia Basin.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 9 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

West Kootenay East Kootenay Overall

1 RS/active nest

0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Year (a)

20 % Failure/activenest 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Year (b)

e 40

% Failure/active sit % Failure/active 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Year (c)

Figure 4.(a) Average reproductive success per active nest, (b) average nest failure rates per active nest, and (c) failure rates per active site at breeding sites in the West Kootenay, East Kootenay and overall in the Columbia Basin.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 10 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

All heron breeding data gathered in 2007 are provided in Appendix 3 and the main patterns and trends are summarized in Tables 1 and 2 and Figures 3 and 4. During the six years of systematic monitoring, the total number of active heron nests has tended to increase (from a low of 248 in 2004 to a high of 341 in 2007; Table 2 and Figure 3b). The number of active breeding sites declined from 2002 through 2005 (especially in the West Kootenay where only 3 sites remained active in 2005, relative to 8 in 2002), however this was to some extent balanced by the increased number of active nests per breeding site, particularly in the West Kootenay (Figure 3c). Six new breeding sites were found in 2007 (and three sites from 2006 were no longer active), bringing the total number back to a peak of 16 (Figure 3a). Colony size in the West Kootenay has averaged more than double that in the East Kootenay, due primarily to the one large colony at Leach Lake which continues to support close to 130 active nests (Tables 1 and 2; Figure 3c). As in previous years, five large breeding colonies with >20 active nests each accounted for ≅78% of all active heron nests in the basin.

3.1.1 Nesting Activity

Sixteen breeding sites supporting a total of 341 active nests (170 in the West Kootenay; 171 in the East Kootenay) were confirmed active in 2007 (Tables 1 and 2). Six of these were new sites (i.e., Procter Hill, South Creston, St. Mary’s, Bull River, Fort Steele, Parson Shrub; Table 1) with small to moderate (1-15) numbers of nests, all of which successfully raised young. Three sites occupied in 2006 (Parson Southwest, Wilmer and Creston Reserve) showed no evidence of heron activity in 2007. A helicopter conducting fire fighting training activities apparently dropped water in close proximity to the Creston Reserve site several times in spring of 2006, which appeared to impact nesting activity and precipitate nest failure (Sharon Laughlin, pers. comm.). These herons may be the same ones that have shifted to a new site on the South Creston Reserve in 2007. In the case of the Parson Southeast and Wilmer colonies, bald eagle harassment and predation resulting in nest abandonment and/or poor reproductive success from 2004-2006 (Machmer 2005, 2006, 2007) was almost certainly responsible for site abandonment. Surveys initiated in the third week of April 2007 detected no evidence of heron activity, however eagles were already nesting at both locations, and there is a possibility that herons attempted to re-occupy them, but were deterred by eagles prior to surveys in the third week of April (the fact that herons were still nest-building at the new Parson Shrub site during the first survey suggests that they may have recently shifted from somewhere else).

3.1.2 Nesting Success

Reproductive success in 2007 breeding colonies was high, averaging 2.18 ± 0.43 chicks per active nest (n = 180) and 2.76 ± 0.36 chicks per successful nest (n = 132), based on a sub- sample of visible nests (Table 2). Overall reproductive success per active nest was greater in 2007 than in any other year of monitoring (Table 2; Figure 4a), in part because all of the new breeding sites found produced young. Also, large colonies in the East Kootenay that have been active and then consistently abandoned due to eagle harassment in past years (e.g., Parson, Wilmer) were not used in 2007. Hence, active nest and site failure rates were lower than in previous years (i.e., 27% and 6% of all active nests and sites failed, respectively, compared with 43% and 38% in 2006; Figure 4b and 4c).

Only the Wasa breeding site (with 16 new nests built in cottonwoods ≅200 m closer to the Kootenay River than the previous conifer-dominated site; Appendix 2) was confirmed active and then abandoned in 2007. Disturbance noted in the nest stand included the presence of American crows and a juvenile bald eagle. An eagle nest was also confirmed occupied at

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 11 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Cameron Pond, relatively close to the Wasa site. Several of the heron nests appeared disheveled, either from a storm event or because they had been picked apart, but two eggshells were found on the ground, suggesting breeding had been attempted in 2007.

3.1.3 Bald Eagle Disturbance and Predation

There was considerable bald eagle disturbance at the Parson Shrub site occupied for the first time in 2007, and located approximately 4 km south of the previously occupied rookery. An eagle was perched in a tree feeding above the rookery during the survey and a second was observed chasing herons away as they were arriving with nest material. Two active eagle nests (one new in 2007) are located directly across the river <1 km away. Of all successful sites, this one had the lowest reproductive success (1.93 ± 0.16 per successful nest, compared with an average productivity of 2.59 ± 0.34 for all nests in 2007; Table 1) and chicks were considerably smaller and later than average, at the time productivity was determined. Interestingly, six of the 15 nests were built in cottonwood and willow shrubs (measuring <5 m tall with a shrub growth habit) and the remainder were in smaller live or dead cottonwood trees. Anecdotal observations suggest that there may be a shortage of suitable large tree nesting habitat nearby that is not already occupied by nesting eagles.

Observations at the new St. Mary’s breeding site confirm consistent harassment by eagles early in the season. Apparently once the ospreys returned from migration and occupied a nest platform located beside the rookery, the level of eagle activity at the colony decreased (Bill Baerg, pers. comm.). Harassment by two juvenile bald eagles was also noted during April visits to the Leach Lake colony and two dead adult herons were found on the ground. Eagle incursions was observed in the Dutch Creek rookery in April 2007, and apparently, eagle harassment was also occasionally seen at the Fort Steele breeding site, although no predation was noted there (Corinne Fox, pers. comm.).

Bald Eagle depredation on heron nestlings, juveniles and adults has frequently been reported in BC (Simpson and Kelsall 1978; Forbes et al. 1985a; Forbes 1987b; Simpson et al. 1987; Norman et al. 1989; Butler et al. 1995; Butler 1997; Vennesland 2000; Vennesland and Butler 2004; Machmer 2005, 2006, 2007; Chatwin et al. 2006). Such depredation is responsible for reduced breeding productivity and increased abandonment of colonies (Norman et al. 1989; Vennesland and Butler 2004). High levels of human activity near heron colonies have also been linked to increased disturbance from eagles and these two factors can act synergistically (Vennesland 2000). Eagle populations in the Pacific Northwest have been steadily increasing (presumably due to recovery from past persecution and the detrimental effects of pesticides; Blood and Anweiler 1994; Buehler 2000; Elliott and Harris 2001), and their impact on A.h fannini populations is also thought to be increasing (Vennesland 2000; Vennesland and Butler 2004). In the interior, eagle populations may be increasing and systematic surveys were initiated in 2006 to establish a benchmark for two key areas (CVWMA and CWWMA; see section 3.3).

3.1.4 Other Observations

A tree blind with a ladder was noted adjacent to a heron nest tree at the Leach Lake heron colony in spring 2007 and the CVWMA was alerted (M.A. Beaucher, pers. comm.). It is possible that this blind was built for hunting purposes in the fall of 2006, however it should be taken down or monitored to ensure that it is not being used during the heron breeding season and potentially disturbing this colony.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 12 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Double Crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) have co-nested with herons at the Leach Lake heron colony since monitoring began in 2002. There is considerable ecological overlap between these species in terms of nesting and feeding requirements, and hence, some potential for competitive effects. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in occupied cormorant nests along the Kootenay River shoreline. Most of the shoreline cottonwoods are now dying, dead and/or broken due to vast amounts of bird droppings and these trees may be marginal for heron nesting at this point. There has been a definite shift of heron nests away from the shoreline into the adjacent stand; the 133 heron nests counted in 2007 are spread out in 45 trees most of which are away from the shoreline, compared with 21 mainly shoreline trees in 2002. It is not clear how this altered spatial distribution affects susceptibility to eagle harassment and predation, however heron nests are much more concealed once the trees leaf out and determining productivity at interior nests is challenging.

Numbers of active cormorant nests have increased from ≤10 nests visible in 2002, to ≥36 nests in 2005, ≥92 nests in 2006, and ≥74 nests in 2007 (M. Machmer, unpublished data). Such explosive increases in cormorant populations have also been noted in other areas of the Pacific Northwest (A. Stewart, CDC pers. comm.; G. Hayes, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, pers. comm.). Cormorants are still blue-listed in BC, due to declines documented in coastal breeding numbers. The CDC was alerted to cormorant increases in the Columbia Basin in 2006 and it is not clear whether the latter populations should be classified as the same subspecies present on the coast, in which case the species may require de-listing (A. Stewart, pers. comm.). These factors are being evaluated and in the interim, interactions between herons and cormorants should continue to be monitored.

Fall 2007 beaver activity resulted in the loss of one large cottonwood nest tree (with 5 nests) and several suitable alternate trees nearby at the new St. Mary’s rookery (B. Baerg, pers. comm.; pers. obs.). The trees were screened as soon as the damage was detected, however re-occupancy of the site in 2008 may be affected.

There has been some recent speculation that the presence of nesting ospreys at heron breeding sites can reduce the level of eagle harassment and predation (Ringuette 2007; Trudy Chatwin, pers. comm.). Active osprey nests are present within or directly adjacent to almost half of the heron breeding colonies in the basin (i.e., Procter Hill, Leach Lake, St. Mary’s, Wasa, Nicholson, Sparwood, Gold Creek), an arrangement which provides an opportunity to directly test this hypothesis. Ospreys do defend their immediate nest sites from eagles (pers. obs.) and this may confer some protection to herons nesting nearby. Observations of reduced eagle harassment at the St Mary’s rookery once ospreys returned to breed (pers. obs.; Bill Baerg, pers. comm.) provide some support for this hypothesis. However, osprey alarm-calls (in response to human disturbance) can also cause herons to fly off their nests and leave their breeding sites unattended, which may pre-dispose them to nest predation by eagles, ravens and crows (pers. obs.). Also, considerable osprey harassment of herons is observed at foraging sites (e.g., Waldie Island, Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, pers. obs.), and heron carcasses have been uncovered in osprey nests suggesting that herons may become prey under certain circumstances. Hence breeding near ospreys can be costly for herons and additional data collection is warranted to address this hypothesis in a more systematic fashion.

Great horned owls have successfully nested in the Nicholson heron rookery for several years and a similar hypothesis regarding the deterrent influence of great horned owls has been put forward (Morris 2007a, b). At no time during site visits were the resident owls ever observed interacting with eagles during incursions, but their presence could nevertheless provide some form of deterrent.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 13 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

3.1.5 Breeding Site Habitat Characteristics

The characteristics of all active and historical sites in the Columbia Basin have been described in previous reports (Machmer and Steeger 2003, 2004; Machmer 2005, 2006, 2007), hence only a brief summary is provided here (see also Appendix 3). Breeding sites were found in the following biogeoclimatic variants: IDFdm2 (n = 12 or 29.3%); ICHdw (n = 7 or 17.1%); PPdh2 (n = 7 or 17.1%); ICHxw (n = 7 or 17.1% of sites); IDFun (n = 3 or 7.3%); ICHmw3 (n = 3 or 7.3%); ICHmw2 (n = 1 or 2.4%); and MSdk (n = 1 or 2.4%). Over 80% of sites were located on flat ground, and the others were on shallow slopes (overall mean ± SE = 2.9 ± 1.1%). Breeding sites were located an average of 151.4 ± 39.4 m (range of 0 – 1,300 m) from a water body, and ≈78% of sites were found within 200 m of water. Closest water bodies ranged from wetland complexes (n = 15 or 37.5% of all sites), rivers (n = 11 or 27.5%) and small lakes (n = 4 or 10%) to large creeks (n = 4 or 10%), reservoirs (n = 4 or 10%) and large lakes (n = 2 or 5%). Often, multiple water bodies were associated with the same breeding site and field verification would be required to confirm where individuals were feeding.

Active and historical nesting stands were characterized either as pure deciduous cottonwood (n = 20 or 48.8%), conifer-dominated (n = 19 or 46.3%) or mixed stands (n = 2 or 4.8%; see Appendix 3). Dominant species in coniferous stands included Douglas-fir (Pseudostuga menziesii), hybrid white spruce (Picea glauca x engelmannii), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), western larch (Larix occidentalis), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), western red cedar (Thuja plicata) or western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). In terms of structure, 30 sites (70.7%) were classified as mature, 7 (17.1%) were considered young forest, 4 (9.8%) sites consisted of old-growth forest, and one site (2.4%) was classified as pole-sapling. Crown closure in these stands tended to be high (overall mean ± SE = 59.1 ± 3.1%), but a broad range (25–93%) was observed.

Sample nest trees (≤5 per nest stand) at 16 active and 25 historical sites averaged 58.5 ± 1.9 cm in diameter at breast height (n = 98), 27.6.0 ± 0.7 m in height (n = 92), with a median decay class was 1 (range = 1-4). Herons appeared to be selecting trees of large diameter and height, relative to what was available in the surrounding stands, although characteristics of random available trees were not quantified directly.

3.1.5 Land Ownership and Protection of Breeding Sites

Considering both active and historical breeding sites, 18 sites (43.9%) are on private land, 11 (26.8%) are on crown land, 9 (22%) and within designated Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), 2 (4.9%) are managed by the Nature Trust of BC, and 1 (2.4%) is located within a provincial park. Considering only active breeding sites, 11 sites (68.8%) are on private land, 3 (18.8%) are on crown land, and 2 (12.5%) are in WMAs. Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHAs) have been proposed for two active sites (Gold Creek and Jaffray) on crown land, and the Yahk site on private land has a conservation covenant registered by The Nature Conservancy (T. Ennis, The Nature Conservancy of Canada, pers. comm.). No protection mechanisms are available for the majority of active heron breeding sites located on private land. This emphasizes the need to promote heron awareness and voluntary stewardship amongst private landowners and the general public.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 14 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

3.2 Stewardship Activities

Ongoing liaison with relevant agencies (Canadian Wildlife Service, Ministry of Environment, Heron Working Group, Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, Conservation Data Centre, Species Inventory Database) has included provision of annual reports and data, submission of data files with breeding locations, nest activity and success records, and updates on local inventory, monitoring and stewardship efforts.

Stewardship activities in 2007-2008 have included preparing a stewardship package that summarized all relevant background information and prioritized heron breeding sites for stewardship follow-up. This package was submitted in early June 2007 and MM attended a follow-up meeting with FWCP program staff and Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) representatives in September of 2007. Since then, MM has provided additional support and information in conjunction with landowner contacts and strategy. A second meeting took place with Hillary Page (NCC) in January 2008, and apparently, most landowners have since been contacted to initiate discussions regarding conservation options (Hillary Page, pers. comm.).

During 2007 fieldwork, MM spoke directly with landowners, land managers and adjacent neighbors at new active breeding sites to enlist their support with ongoing monitoring efforts. All parties were provided with heron habitat stewardship brochures.

The following stewardship follow-up activities were conducted at specific breeding sites:

Site visits were made on May 8, 2007 to two heron breeding sites on crown land (Gold Creek, Jaffray) with the Regional Rare and Endangered Species Biologist (Ted Antifeau). Follow-up with applicable land managers (Kari Stuart-Smith, Tembec Forest Industries Ltd.; Eric Sharpe, Regional District of East Kootenay) was conducted and approximate boundaries of Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHAs) were GPS-located in the field. WHA application forms and associated WHA mapping was updated for both candidate WHAs with the assistance of Amy Waterhouse. The latter are being processed by the MOE and are currently in the stakeholder review phase (Heather Pinnell, pers. comm.).

Proponents of the Mount Mackenzie Resort Ltd. were contacted by telephone to express concerns regarding the potential impacts of the ski hill development on a nearby heron breeding site. A letter was prepared and sent to the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District (copied to the Mount Mackenzie Resort Ltd. and the rookery landowner) in reference to the Official Community Plan for Area B and the need for specific provisions and additional information to protect great blue herons and other sensitive locally occurring species near Revelstoke.

Telephone consultation with Bill Baerg and a follow-up site visit with the grounds staff at the St. Eugene Mission Golf Resort were conducted regarding beaver activity/damage and appropriate actions (i.e., tree screening) to protect heron nest trees. A letter was sent to the grounds manager at St. Eugene encouraging the resort to take measures to protect existing nest trees and offering assistance. Follow-up phone calls confirmed that preventative action had been taken to protect all cottonwoods near St. Mary’s River shoreline and this was confirmed during a site visit in January 2008.

In June of 2007, an on-site meeting was held at the Goose Creek rookery with local conservation officer staff and the landowner in an effort to update the breeding status of

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 15 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

this rookery. It appeared inactive in 2007, although nests were still visible in the previous nest trees (Ben Beetlestone, pers. comm.).

On a voluntary basis, MM provided information and edited two articles (Morris 2007a, b) in “Wingspan” on great-horned owl - great blue heron nesting interactions. MM also contacted Conservation Officer (Peter Stent) and MOFR (Tracy Pearce) enforcement staff with respect to off-road vehicle damage occurring in heron foraging habitat on the lower Columbia Valley (in an area frequented by 4-5 herons throughout fall of 2007). MM prepared a draft article with “before and after” photos showing impacts of mud-bogging on shallow water foraging habitat. This article was edited by FWCP staff and appeared in the fall “Update” issue. In October 2007, MM attended a meeting with MOFR enforcement staff to discuss enforcement strategies to reduce local mud-bogging damage. MM prepared a briefing describing the habitat value of shallow water habitats such as mud and gravel bars to herons and other listed and regionally significant wildlife species/guilds. This information was requested for use by MOFR enforcement staff in future legal proceedings relating to mud-bogging and other ORV violations.

3.3 Bald Eagle Nest Survey

A total of 66 bald eagle nests (31 in the West Kootenay; 35 in the East Kootenay), including 60 active nests (28 and 32 in the West and East Kootenay, respectively) were documented during 2007 ground-based surveys (Table 3). Appendix 5 provides information on visit dates, nest numbers and status, reproductive success, nest locations and descriptions. The locations of active nests are shown in Figure 2, and as expected (based on the survey routes and areas of emphasis), the highest concentrations of eagle nests were in the CWWMA, the CVWMA, along the West Arm of Kootenay, and the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers between Nelson and the US border. For the most part, eagle nests have a strong overlap with the locations of known heron breeding colonies (although none have been confirmed along the Lower Kootenay and Columbia Rivers to the US border since 2005; see Figure 1).

The numbers of known eagle nests has increased substantially since 2006, when 43 total nests (13 and 30 in the West and East Kootenay, respectively) and 37 active nests (12 and 25 in the West and East Kootenay, respectively) were counted (Table 3). These differences are attributed to the greater survey effort expended in 2007 (outside the CWWMA and the CVWMA), and to the eagle nest sighting information provided by the public. Following these sightings up added several new nests to the database, particularly in the West Kootenay. Similarly, numbers of nests counted in 2006 are much higher than those noted opportunistically in 2005. This is attributed to the more systematic approach taken and the additional nests found through aerial surveys in 2006. The only portions of the basin where survey effort has been relatively consistent from 2006-2007 is in the CVWMA and CWWMA. Comparing these two areas, there does seem to be an increase in the total number of nests (Table 3), especially when compared with previous surveys (Forbes and Kaiser 1982; McMann 1996, 1997; Blood and Anweihler 1994). These differences provide marginal support for increased eagle breeding populations.

As indicated in Section 2, surveys in all years have been conducted opportunistically, focussing mainly on survey areas and routes likely to support nesting herons. Additional search effort in the southern West Kootenay in 2007 (coupled with tips from the public) uncovered several more bald eagle nests (Figure 2). It is likely that similar effort spent in other areas (e.g., Lower and Upper Arrow Lake, Beaton Arm, Trout lake, Lardeau River, Duncan Lake, north end of Kootenay Lake) would uncover additional nests.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 16 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Figure 2. Locations of active bald eagle nests found in the Columbia Basin during 2007 surveys.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 17 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Table 3. Summary of bald eagle breeding survey results from this study (2005-2007) and other previous surveys for portions of the Columbia Basin. Geographic Area Year Total Active Successful RS/active RS/successful Source nests nests % nest nest Columbia Basin 2007 66 60 77.6 1.62±0.11 1.74±0.09 This report

Columbia Basin 2006 43 37 94.3 1.34±0.14 1.74±0.09 Machmer 2007

Columbia Basin 2005 21 17 70.6 1.41±0.24 2.00±0.12 Machmer 2006

East Kootenay 2007 35 32 80.0 1.30±0.15 1.62±0.10 This report

East Kootenay 2006 30 25 72.0 1.17±0.18 1.69±0.12 Machmer 2007

East Kootenay 2005 17 14 71.4 1.36±0.25 1.69±0.12 Machmer 2006

West Kootenay 2007 31 28 75.0 1.44±0.17 1.86±0.10 This report

West Kootenay 2006 13 12 91.7 1.67±0.19 1.82±0.12 Machmer 2007

West Kootenay 2005 4 3 66.7 1.67±0.88 2.50±0.50 Machmer 2006

CWWMA 2007 30 28 69.2 1.19±0.16 1.55±0.11 This report

CWWMA 2006 25 22 90.9 1.28±0.21 1.77±0.12 Machmer 2007

CWWMA 1994 - 22 90.9 - - Blood & Anweihler 19941 CVWMA 2007 9 6 100.0 1.83±0.17 1.83±0.17 This report

CVWMA 2006 7 7 100.0 1.67±0.21 1.67±0.21 Machmer 2007

CVWMA 1997 5 5 - - - McMann 1997

CVWMA 1996 5 5 - - - McMann 1996

CVWMA 1982 4 4 - - - Forbes & Kaiser 1982 1The survey area within the Columbia Wetlands was slightly different, ranging from Athalmer to Donald.

Indeed, due to time and budget constraints, a few eagle nest sightings reported by the public could not be verified on the ground in 2007. These include two nests on the east side of Lower Arrow Lake in the vicinity of Bowman Creek (Jorma Orton, pers. comm.), several potentially active nests along Upper Arrow Lake between Revelstoke and Shelter Bay (Michael Morris, pers. comm.), and up to four nests on Beaton Arm. The latter were not included in the nest tallies or mapping and should be prioritized for follow-up during spring 2008.

Of 60 active eagle nests counted in 2007 within the basin, 45 (75%) were successful, 13 (21.7%) failed, and 2 (3.3%) nests had unknown outcomes due to long viewing distances and poor visibility (Table 3). Productivity was estimated at 1.62 ± 0.11 young per active visible nest (n = 58) and 1.74 ± 0.09 young per successful visible nest (n = 15). These estimates are considered relatively high when compared to nearby jurisdictions in Idaho, Montana and Washington States (the latter range from 0.9 - 1.5 young per active nest and 1.4 - 1.9 young per successful nest; Blood and Anweiler 1994); they suggest healthy growing populations.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 18 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

In terms of nest trees, 52 (81.3%) of 64 visible nest trees were black cottonwood (42 live; 10 dead) and the remaining 12 nest trees were conifers (7 live; 5 dead). Of the conifers, 4 (33.3%) were ponderosa pine, 3 (25%) were Douglas-fir, and one tree each of western hemlock, western larch, lodgepole pine, and hybrid white spruce were counted. There tended to be more conifer use of nest trees in the West Kootenay (9 of 31 trees or 29% versus 3 of 35 trees or 9%), especially outside of the CVWMA.

4.0 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

During this inventory, an estimated 682 adult herons (based on 341 active nests) and 365 pre- fledged young were counted. These are minimum estimates for the Columbia Basin, because only young in visible nests could be tallied and some active colonies may not have been detected. Considerable age variation among young (both between and within sites) added uncertainty to productivity estimates, but time and budget constraints did not permit multiple follow-up visits to count all chicks during the most appropriate timing window. Acknowledging these limitations, numbers of active nests in 2007 were higher than those found in any previous year, whereas levels of nest failure (at both the nest and site level) were comparable or lower than those recorded during six years of systematic monitoring. These results are attributed to lower rates of colony abandonment and several new, generally smaller-sized rookeries found in 2007, all of which produced young. Findings from 2007 are very encouraging, given the increasing rates of nest failure and breeding site abandonment documented from 2005-2006.

Close to half of heron nesting sites were in coniferous or mixed stands, in sharp contrast to the pure deciduous stands (100% black cottonwood) reported in earlier surveys of the Kootenay Region (Forbes et al 1985). It is not known whether the trend toward increasing use of conifer- dominated and mixed stands is (a) an adaptive response to increase nest site concealment and hence reduced harassment and predation by eagles, or (b) a shift toward less preferred nesting habitat due to a diminishing supply of highly suitable habitat and/or competitive displacement by increasing numbers of bald eagles. Observations of herons building nests in shrubs (after being displaced by eagles from two previous rookeries in the Parson area; Machmer 2005, 2006, 2007) suggest that localized eagle impacts are occurring and may be causing herons to shift into more marginal breeding areas. They also support the need for periodic monitoring of both herons and eagles to track species overlap in habitat use, potential conflicts and broader population effects.

Based on the findings of the eagle nest survey and sighting program, there was a substantial increase in the numbers of confirmed eagle nests (66 total and at least 60 active nests) in our database, relative to 2006. Most of the new nests were from the southern portion of the West Kootenay and from the CWWMA (note that in the latter case, there appeared to be an actual increase in eagle nests, since these same areas were systematically monitored in 2006). Given the 2006-2007 trend in eagle nest counts within the CWWMA and CVWMA (relative to data available from previous surveys), there does seem to be some support for increased eagle nest densities, at least within these two focal areas where survey effort has been consistent. Additional on the ground follow-up is required in more remote areas to complete the objective of establishing an eagle population benchmark for the Columbia Basin.

The following specific recommendations are proposed in conjunction with this project, in order of perceived priority:

Continue with stewardship activities aimed at securing conservation agreements, covenants or land acquisitions for active heron breeding sites in the Columbia Basin,

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 19 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Complete the field-truthing of all reported eagle nest sightings in spring 2008 to cover off more remote locations not visited in summer 2007. Verify and map locations and describe nest sites. Use this data to complete the benchmark for eagle nest numbers and breeding distribution across the basin. By repeating this survey periodically (i.e., every 5 years), using the same approach and methodology, one could obtain a rough estimate of eagle nest densities in the basin, and track population changes over time.

Conduct periodic monitoring of nest activity and reproductive success (per active and successful nest) at known and newly discovered active heron breeding colonies in the Columbia Basin, according to protocols established in 2002-2007. Opportunistically document any incidences of eagle incursions or adult/chick injury or mortality during visits.

Continue to provide data and reports to provincial (MOE, CDC) and federal (CWS, Heron Working Group) agencies that are mandated to protect this species and/or its habitat.

Acknowledge the efforts of individuals that contributed to the bald eagle sightings database. Provide an update of the main findings of this initiative in an upcoming “Update”.

Winter represents an energetic bottleneck for Great Blue Herons and severe winters are associated with high rates of juvenile and adult mortality in the Columbia Basin (Blus and Henny 1981; Butler 1992; Machmer 2002). Relatively little is known about the winter distribution of herons in the interior (R. Butler, pers. comm.) and identifying and protecting sites where herons aggregate in winter should be a key component of an overall conservation strategy for this species. Based on concentrations of fall/winter sightings provided in previous years (e.g., near Hills, Slocan, Nakusp, Edgewood, Renata, Castlegar, Argenta, Creston, Wardner and Wilmer), conduct late fall/winter (November – January) heron searches at selected sites in the basin. Based on findings, identify key overwintering sites, summarize their habitat characteristics, use, ownership/status, and make recommendations for habitat protection and enhancement.

The FWCP should continue to place a strong emphasis on the inventory, management and conservation of riparian cottonwood habitat as part of its program mandate. The development of a basin-wide cottonwood management and recruitment strategy should be undertaken, to ensure that adequate densities and distributions of these habitat elements are maintained through time. This strategy must also address private land and provide an incentive program to promote protection of veteran cottonwood stands.

Consider installing video cameras or formally engage public/student volunteers to assist with gathering observations at the Parson and Wasa breeding sites during the period from early April through late May. This would permit collection of data on eagle-induced heron disturbance, mortality, and colony abandonment and would serve as background to interpret rates of site/nest abandonment, nest failure, and reproductive success.

Continue to track cormorant nest numbers and heron/cormorant interactions at breeding sites where these species co-occur. Similarly, anecdotally compare the level of eagle disturbance and impact at heron breeding sites with and without breeding ospreys.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 20 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Continue to develop and promote initiatives that increase capacity to undertake land acquisition and establishment of land stewardship agreements on private lands. Increased local capacity in this sector is urgently needed to better integrate the findings from inventory, research and habitat management projects with the implementation of stewardship recommendations in a timely manner.

5.0 LITERATURE CITED

BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks and BC Ministry of Forests 1998. Field manual for describing terrestrial ecosystems. Land Management Handbook No. 25.

BC Wildlife Tree Committee. 2001. Wildlife/Danger Tree Assessor’s Course Workbook. BC Min. Forests, Min. of Env., Lands and Parks, and Workers’ Compensation Board, Victoria, BC.

Blood, D.A. 1982. Kootenay River Diversion Study, Environmental Impact Assessment. Final Report on Wildlife Inventory and Potential Impacts. Prepared for BC Hydro and Power Authority. 144pp.

Blood, D.A. and G.G. Anweiler. 1994. Status of the Bald Eagle in British Columbia. BC Min. of Env., Lands and Parks, Wildlife Branch, Victoria, BC. Wildlife Working Report WR-62.

Blus. L. and C. Henny. 1981. Suspected Great Blue Heron population decline after severe winter in the Columbia Basin. Murrelet 62:16-18.

Buehler, D. A. 2000. Bald Eagle. The Birds of North America 506: 1-39.

Butler, R.W. 1997. The Great Blue Heron. UBC Press, Vancouver, BC. 167pp.

Butler, R.W., P.E. Whitehead, A.M. Breault, and I.E. Moul. 1995. Colony effects on fledging success of Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) in British Columbia. Colonial Waterbirds 18: 159-165.

Campbell, R.W., N.K. Dawe, I. McTaggert-Cowan, J.M. Cooper, G.W. Kaiser, and M.C.E. McNall. 1990. The birds of British Columbia, Volume 1. Introduction, Loons through Waterfowl. Royal British Columbia Museum and Env. Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service.

Chatwin, T, S. Bonar and M. Kissinger. 2006. Pacific Great Blue Heron Population and Monitoring on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Report prepared for the Ministry of Environment and the Heron Working Group.

Elliott, J. E., and M. L. Harris. 2001. An ecotoxicological assessment of chlorinated hydrocarbon effects on Bald Eagle populations. Reviews in Toxicology 4: 1-60. Forbes, L.S. 1987a. Feeding behavior of Great Blue Herons at Creston, British Columbia. Can. J. Zool. 65: 3062-3067.

Forbes, L.S. 1987b. Predation on adult Great Blue Herons: is it important? Colonial Waterbirds 10: 120-122.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 21 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Forbes, L.S. and G.W. Kaiser. 1984. Observations of breeding bald eagles in southeastern British Columbia. Murrelet 65:22-25.

Forbes, L.S., K. Simpson, J.P. Kelsall and D.R. Flook. 1985a. Great Blue Heron colonies in British Columbia. Unpubl. Rep., Can. Wildl. Serv., Pacific and Yukon Region, Delta, BC. 66pp.

Forbes L.S., K. Simpson, J.P. Kelsall and D.R. Flook. 1985b. Reproductive success of Great Blue Herons in British Columbia. Can. J. Zool. 63: 1110-1113.

Gebauer, M.B. and I.E. Moul. 2001. Status of the Great Blue Heron in British Columbia. Wildlife Working Report No WR-102, BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Wildlife Branch, Victoria, BC. 66pp.

McMann, M. 1996. Raptor nesting survey for the Creston Wildlife Management Area. Unpublished report, South Slocan, BC. 7pp.

McMann, M. 1997. Raptor nesting survey for the Creston Wildlife Management Area. Unpublished report, South Slocan, BC. 10pp.

Machmer, M.M. 1996. Management prescription for a Great Blue Heron nesting site located near Mud Lake, Arrow Forest District. Report prepared by Pandion Ecological Research Ltd. for the Small Business Forest Enterprise Program, Arrow Forest District. 21pp.

Machmer, M.M. 2002. Evaluation of fall and winter use of Waldie Island by Great Blue Herons. Report prepared by Pandion Ecological Research Ltd. for BC Hydro and Power Authority, Burnaby, BC. 27pp.

Machmer, M.M. 2003. Evaluation of fall and winter use of Waldie Island by Great Blue Herons. Report prepared by Pandion Ecological Research Ltd. for BC Hydro and Power Authority, Burnaby, BC. 34pp.

Machmer, M.M. 2005. Great Blue Heron breeding inventory and stewardship in the Columbia Basin. Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, Nelson, BC. 42pp.

Machmer, M.M. 2006. Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle inventory and stewardship in the Columbia Basin (2005-2006). Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, Nelson, BC. 42pp.

Machmer, M.M. 2007. Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle inventory and stewardship in the Columbia Basin (2006-2007). Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, Nelson, BC. 52pp.

Machmer, M.M. and C. Steeger. 2004. Great Blue Heron breeding inventory and habitat assessment in the Columbia Basin. Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, Nelson, BC. 41pp.

Machmer, M.M. and C. Steeger. 2003. Great Blue Heron breeding inventory and habitat assessment in the Columbia Basin. Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, Nelson, BC. 56pp.

Morris, I. 2007a. The great blue mystery: a nature nugget from Golden. Wingspan, p. 1-2, Summer 2007, Wild Bird Trust.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 22 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Morris, I. 2007b. The great blue mystery: a nature nugget from Golden. Wingspan, p. 5, Fall 2007, Wild Bird Trust.

Moul, I.E., R.G. Vennesland, M.L. Harris, and R.W. Butler. 2001. Standardizing and interpreting nesting records for Great Blue Herons in British Columbia, Canadian Wildlife Service Progress Notes No. 217, Env. Canada, June 2001.

Norman, D.M, A.M. Breault, and I.E. Moul. 1989. Bald eagle incursions and predation at Great Blue Heron colonies. Colonial Waterbirds 12(2) 1989: 215-217.

Quinney, T.E. 1983. Comparison of Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias, reproduction at Boot Island and other Nova Scotia colonies. Can. Field Naturalist 97: 275-278.

Resources Inventory Committee. 1998. Inventory Methods for Colonial-Nesting Freshwater Birds: Eared Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Western Grebe, American White Pelican, and Great Blue Heron. Standards for Components of British Columbia’s Biodiversity No. 8. Version 2.0. Ministry of Env., Lands and Parks Resources Inventory Branch, Victoria, B.C. 45pp.

Ringuette, J. 2007. Beacon Hill Park History (1842-2007); Great Blue Heron colony abandoned. Chapter 22. (http://www.islandnet.com/beaconhillpark/contents/chapter22.htm).

Simpson, K. and J.P. Kelsall. 1978. Capture and banding of adult Great Blue Herons at Pender Harbour, British Columbia. Proc. Colonial Waterbird Group 71-78.

Simpson, K., J.N.M. Smith, and J.P. Kelsall. 1987. Correlates and consequences of coloniality in Great Blue Herons. Can. J. Zool. 65: 572-577.

Vennesland, R.G. 2000. The effects of disturbance from humans and predators on the breeding decisions and productivity of the Great Blue Heron. M.Sc. Thesis, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC.

Vennesland, R.G. 2003. Coastal great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias fannini) inventory and monitoring project: 2002 breeding season report and historical analysis. Unpublished Report. BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Nanaimo, BC.

Vennesland, R.G. and Butler, R.W. 2004. Factors influencing Great Blue Heron Nesting Productivity on the Pacific Coast of Canada from 1998 to 1999. Waterbirds 27: 289-296.

Vennesland, R.G. and D.M. Norman. 2006. Survey protocol for measurement of reproductive productivity at pacific great blue heron breeding colonies. Report produced for the Canada/U.S.Heron Working Group, Vancouver, BC. 41pp.

Vos, D.K., R.A. Ryder, and W.D. Graul. 1985. Response of breeding Great Blue Herons to human disturbance in north central Colorado. Colonial Waterbirds 8: 13-22.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 23 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

6.0 APPENDICES

1. Biologist Survey Log

2. Photo Record

3. 2007 Heron Breeding Database (CDrom; confidential information)

4. Management Concerns, Recommendations and Stewardship Actions Conducted (confidential information)

5. 2007 Bald Eagle Breeding Database (confidential information)

6. Project Summary Database for 2002-2007 (CDrom - confidential information)

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 24 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

APPENDIX 1: Biologist Survey Log

(Observers: CS = Chris Steeger; IM = Irene Manley; JA = Janice Arndt; MM = Marlene Machmer; TS = Travis Steeger)

Date Observer Location Hours Type of Survey Mileage 19-Apr MM, TS* Creston Valley 8.5 + 8.5* car, foot, kayak 223 21-Apr MM Salmo, Yahk, Moyie, Wasa, Fairmont, Wilmer, Invermere 11 car, foot 22-Apr MM Golden, Parson, Castledale, Harrogate, Spill., Brisco, Radium, St. Mary’s 13 car, foot, kayak 23-Apr MM Fernie, Sparwood, Elk River, Elko, Gold Creek 9 car, foot 1,318 7-May MM* Salmo, Erie Lake, Marsh Creek 2* car, foot 147* 9-May MM Jaffray, Gold Creek (meet with TA & KSS); Ft. Steele, Bull River 15.5 car, foot 690 15-May MM Slocan Lake, Summit Lake, Nakusp, Revelstoke 13 car, foot 630 17-May MM Nelson, Slocan, Thrums, Tarry’s, Pass Creek, Castlegar 3 car, foot 68 18-May MM Nelson, West Arm, Harrop, Procter 4.5 car, foot 76 25-May MM West Arm, Balfour, Procter, Crawford Bay 6.5 car, foot 94 30-May MM Pend d'Oreille, Waneta, Birchbank, Genelle, Blueberry 3 car, foot 186 31-May MM Slocan Valley 6 car, foot 162 1-Jun MM Creston, Sirdar 8 car, foot, kayak 247 14-Jun MM Goose Creek, Procter 7 car, foot 160 15-Jun MM Pend d'Oreille, Waneta, Birchbank, Blueberry 2.5 car, foot 159 16-Jun MM Creston Valley 9 car, foot 299 17-Jun MM, TS* Creston Valley, Salmo Valley 4.5 + 4.5 car, foot 239 19-Jun MM Ymir -Yahk-Fernie 6 car, foot 20-Jun MM Sparwood, Jaffray, St. Eugene, Bull River, Ft. Steele, Fairmont 11 car, foot 21-Jun MM Wilmer, Radium, Spilli, Castledale, Parson, Golden 10 car, foot 22-Jun MM Golden, Revelstoke, Revelstoke, Summit Lake, Slocan Lake 10 car, foot 1,314 West Arm of Kootenay Lake from Procter, Harrop, Kokanee, Longbeach, 7- 23-Jun JA Mile, 5-Mile, Grohman, Bird Creek, Slocan Pool, Glade, Thrums 5 car, foot 169 24-Jun MM Moyie, Gold Creek, Rock's Pasture, St. Mary's 6 car, foot 220 6-Jul MM, IM* Creston Valley 6.75 boat 7-Jul MM*, CS* Procter, Crawford Bay 3.45 car, foot 87 Totals 195 6,341 *Time spent and/or mileage incurred on these days was voluntary contribution (in kind) on behalf of one or more individuals indicated.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 25 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

APPENDIX 2: Photo Record

Active breeding sites (left to right):

Upper: abandoned nests at Wasa; Ft. Steele nests; Dutch Creek rookery

Middle right: Creston South Reserve breeding site

Lower left, middle: Adult preening at abandoned Parson Southwest breeding site; concealed nest at Bull River.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 26 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Upper left, middle, right: Leach Lake breeding site; blind found in rookery; listed double-crested cormarants nesting at Leach Lake

Centre left, middle: Sparwood rookery at Goddard Marsh; Yahk breeding site with two nests

Lower right: Heron carcass in Leach Lake rookery.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 27 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Upper left, middle, right: Revelstoke nest stand and nearby foraging area; St. Mary’s nest stand with nests in black cottonwood.

Lower left, right: Gold creek nests stand and proposed WHA; Jaffray stand and proposed WHA with young in left inset.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 28 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

BAEA BAEA nest nest

GBHE nests

Upper: Parson Shrub breeding site in April, with herons building

GBHE in cottonwood & willow nests shrubs and small trees.

Lower: Same site in late June; some nests have chicks.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 29 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

Upper left, right: eagle family overlooking the Columbia River, north of Trail; eagle nest at Creston.

Lower left, right: two young in eagle nest near Blueberry; eagle nest with two young overlooking the CVWMA.

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 30 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

APPENDIX 3: 2007 Heron Breeding Database (CDrom; confidential information)

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 31 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

APPENDIX 4: Management Concerns, Stewardship Recommendations and Actions (confidential).

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 32 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

APPENDIX 5: 2007 Bald Eagle Breeding Database (CDrom; confidential information)

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 33 Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Inventory & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin

APPENDIX 6: Project Summary Database for 2002-2007 (CDrom; confidential information)

Pandion Ecological Research Ltd./page 34