Conspicuous Raptor and Great Blue Heron Study
APRIL 2015
George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR AND GREAT BLUE HERON STUDY
Preface
Technical studies were initiated in 2014 to support both ongoing Project planning and future permitting and approval requirements. Since the technical studies were initiated prior to finalizing the scope of the proposed Project, the scope of some studies consider physical activities and spatial areas that are beyond the scope of the Project assessed under the B.C. Environmental Assessment Act. The results of future studies will be presented in the Environmental Assessment Certificate Application that will be prepared for the Project.
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Executive Summary
The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (Ministry) is proposing the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project (Project) to meet regional, provincial, and national transportation management goals. The proposed Project involves replacing the George Massey Tunnel (Tunnel) with a new bridge spanning the Fraser River South Arm and Deas Island, decommissioning the Tunnel, and improving Highway 99 between Bridgeport Road in Richmond and Highway 91 in Delta.
To support project planning and future permitting and approval requirements, the Ministry initiated studies to document existing conditions of environmental components that could potentially be affected by the Project. A study of conspicuous raptors and herons was conducted as part of the environmental program for the Project.
The study focused on conspicuous species as described in the Resource Inventory Committee Inventory Methods for Raptors. Conspicuous raptors include turkey vulture, osprey, eagles, most hawks, and some falcons. The study area included roadside areas from Bridgeport Road in Richmond, to Beach Road in Surrey (near the Canada‒U.S. border), within 1000 m from either side of the Highway 99 centreline.
Roadside surveys for conspicuous raptors and herons were conducted in spring, summer, autumn, and winter 2014. Data collection and assessment of the environmental resources in the study area entailed the following tasks:
A desktop review of relevant available information Field work to characterize the species composition, seasonal abundance, and distribution of raptors and herons in the study area Field work to identify nests of herons and raptors in the study area
The conspicuous raptor fauna of the study area consists mainly of bald eagle and red-tailed hawk. Overall, observed numbers of raptors were highest during the spring surveys (725 detections), followed by winter (297), summer (243), and then autumn (46). Great blue herons were observed fairly consistently throughout the spring, summer, and autumn, with highest recorded numbers in winter (38 detections).
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Raptor detections were concentrated in four broadly classified areas: the area near the Vancouver Landfill, agricultural areas between 88th Street and the Highway 99/Highway 91 interchange, the area near the Serpentine and Nicomekl rivers, and Deas Slough and Deas Island. Great blue herons were seen most frequently between 96 Street and the Highway 99/Highway 91 Interchange in Delta, and between Mud Bay Park and the Nicomekl River.
A total of 14 raptor nests were identified in the study area, eight of which were active in 2014. Four nests are located near the Tunnel. Bald eagle nests are afforded protection year-round under the provincial Wildlife Act and must not be disturbed or destroyed. Red-tailed hawk nests are protected when occupied by a bird or its egg. On the B.C. south coast, red-tailed hawk eggs or young may be present from approximately February 26 to August 10.
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Abbreviations and Acronyms
Term Definition B.C. British Columbia CDC B.C. Conservation Data Centre COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada Ministry Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure MOE Ministry of Environment ROW right-of-way SARA Species at Risk Act SFPR South Fraser Perimeter Road SC Special Concern Tunnel George Massey Tunnel
Glossary
Term Definition The B.C. CDC designation for species considered to be of special Blue List, blue-listed concern (formerly vulnerable) in British Columbia. Species that no longer exist in the wild in B.C. but occur Extirpated elsewhere. The right-of-way owned by the Province of B.C. for Highway 99 Highway 99 Corridor from the Peace Arch Canada-U.S. border crossing in Surrey to the Oak Street Bridge in Richmond. All lands and lands under water, except the Project footprint, which Project disturbance are subject to disturbance during Project construction and required area for maintenance activities during Project operation. The B.C. CDC designation for species considered extirpated, Red List, red-listed endangered, or threatened.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface ...... i Executive Summary ...... ii Abbreviations and Acronyms ...... iv Glossary ...... iv 1.0 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Study Background ...... 1 1.2 Study Rationale ...... 1 1.3 Study Objectives ...... 3 2.0 Review of Available Literature and Data ...... 4 2.1 Raptors ...... 4 2.2 Great Blue Heron ...... 10 3.0 Methods ...... 12 3.1 Study Area ...... 12 3.2 Temporal Scope ...... 12 3.3 Roadside Survey Methods ...... 13 3.4 Nest Search Methods ...... 13 4.0 Results ...... 14 4.1 Presence and Abundance ...... 14 4.2 Distribution ...... 17 4.2.1 Raptors ...... 17 4.2.2 Great Blue Heron ...... 17 4.3 Nests ...... 17 5.0 Discussion ...... 20 5.1 Key Findings ...... 20 5.2 Data Gaps and Limitations ...... 21 6.0 Closure ...... 22 7.0 Statement of Limitations ...... 23 8.0 References ...... 24
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Listed Conspicuous Raptor and Heron Species Known to Occur in Study Area ... 3 Table 2 Conspicuous Raptor and Heron Study Components and Major Objectives ...... 3 Table 3 Raptors Reported in the Boundary Bay Regional Park Bird Checklist ...... 5 Table 4 General Habitat Requirements for Conspicuous Raptor Species in Study Area ... 7 Table 5 Roadside Survey Schedule ...... 12 Table 6 Observed Raptor and Heron Abundance during Roadside Surveys ...... 14 Table 7 Seasonal Abundance of Conspicuous Raptors and Herons during Roadside Surveys ...... 16 Table 8 Raptor Nests ...... 18
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A Figures
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1.0 Introduction
This report presents the objectives, methods, and findings of the conspicuous raptors and great blue heron study undertaken to support project planning, as well as future permitting and approval requirements for the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project (Project).
1.1 Study Background
The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (Ministry) is proposing the Project to meet regional and provincial transportation management goals. To support project planning and future environmental permitting and approval, the Ministry initiated studies in early 2014 to understand and document existing conditions of environmental components that could potentially be affected by the Project.
Because the studies were planned prior to the Project scope being finalized, a broader spatial area was considered to accommodate potential refinements in the Project design. This broader spatial scope was established based on a general understanding that the Project would involve modifications of the Highway 99 corridor, including replacement of the George Massey Tunnel (Tunnel) with a clear-span bridge, removal of all or part of the Tunnel, and replacement or upgrade of interchanges and widening of the highway as required.
1.2 Study Rationale
The B.C. Wildlife Act, RSBC, 1996, c. 488 affords protection to individual raptors and herons, their occupied nests, and their eggs against injury, molestation, or destruction. The nests of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), herons, and burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) are protected year-round under the Wildlife Act, even when unoccupied.
Raptors and herons are also considered to have social and cultural importance. In the context of the Project, conspicuous raptors and herons are those birds that are easily observed within the Project area, and are therefore the wildlife component that is most commonly observed by members of the public while using Highway 99.
For raptors, this study focuses on conspicuous species as described in Inventory Methods for Raptors (RIC 2001). Conspicuous raptors include turkey vultures (Cathartes aura), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), eagles, most hawks, and some falcons (RIC 2001). These species generally use large nests in open habitats, exhibit soaring flight patterns, and display open perching behaviour. As such, they are considered to comprise the majority of the raptor species present in and near the Highway 99 right-of-way (ROW).
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Inconspicuous raptors differ from conspicuous species in that they use concealed nest sites, can be nocturnal, and utilize secretive hunting strategies (RIC 2001). The inconspicuous raptor group includes most owl species, accipiters, and merlin (Falco columbarius). Observations of inconspicuous raptors that were encountered during this study are noted in this report; however, the study techniques employed are not designed to detect inconspicuous species. The potential for the presence of inconspicuous species within the Highway 99 ROW is considered low due to limited availability of forested habitat. Barn owl is addressed in a separate report for the Project and is not considered further in this report.
The methods used for raptors in this study were considered to also apply to great blue heron (Ardea herodias) since this species exhibits many of the characteristics of a conspicuous raptor (e.g., uses open habitats and builds large nests).
The managed open grassy verges and ditches of the Highway 99 ROW provide habitat for small mammals, amphibians, and minnows, which can attract foraging raptors and herons to the area. Trees and tall structures in and near the Highway 99 ROW may also provide suitable substrate for raptor and heron nesting.
The conspicuous raptor and heron grouping of birds that are known to occur in the study area (see Section 3.1) includes three species that have been identified by federal and provincial regulators as being of conservation concern, described as follows and in Table 1:
Rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus) is Blue-listed by the B.C. Ministry of Environment (MOE) Conservation Data Centre (CDC), meaning that it is considered a species of Special Concern in B.C. (i.e., sensitive to human activities or natural events, but not considered Endangered or Threatened) (B.C. CDC 2014).
Peregrine falcon, anatum subspecies (Falco peregrinus anatum) is Red-listed in B.C. (i.e., considered Endangered or Threatened). It is also listed as Special Concern by the federal Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), and under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), SC 2002, c. 29.
The fannini subspecies of great blue heron is Blue-listed provincially, and is considered a species of Special Concern by COSEWIC and under Schedule 1 of SARA. Great blue heron is listed on the B.C. MOE Category of Species at Risk and their nests are therefore eligible for species-specific management where they occur on Crown land. The management is enabled by the Government Actions Regulation (Government of B.C. 2004) under the Forest and Range Practices Act, SBC 2002, c. 69. Management objectives and General Wildlife Measures are detailed in the species account for the Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (B.C. MWLAP 2004).
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Table 1 Listed Conspicuous Raptor and Heron Species Known to Occur in Study Area
SARA Identified Common Name Scientific Name COSEWIC B.C. List Schedule 1 Wildlife Rough-legged Not at risk Not Buteo lagopus Blue No hawk May 1995 identified Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus SC SC anatum Red No anatum subspecies Apr 2007 Jun 2012 Great blue heron, Ardea herodias SC SC Yes Blue fannini subspecies fannini Mar 2008 Feb 2010 May 2004 SC=Special Concern
1.3 Study Objectives
The conspicuous raptor and heron study consists of three components: a review of available literature for relevant species-specific information pertaining to the study area (see Section 3.1), a series of seasonal roadside surveys, and a springtime search for nests. These components and their objectives are summarized in Table 2. Surveys were undertaken to determine the species composition, distribution, and seasonal abundance of conspicuous raptors and great blue heron in the study area.
Table 2 Conspicuous Raptor and Heron Study Components and Major Objectives
Component Objective Brief Overview Literature review of Compile, describe, and Based on available information, pertinent information summarize existing knowledge assess availability and quality of and observations based on available data and breeding and non-breeding habitats within the study area previous studies. for identified species of concern. Identify level of use by Conduct seasonal roadside surveys Roadside surveys foraging conspicuous raptors of the Highway 99 ROW and for conspicuous and great blue herons in the document observations of raptors raptors and herons study area. and herons. Identify conspicuous raptor or Conduct early spring searches (prior Nest searches heron nests within the study to leaf out) for stick nests. Determine area. nest activity, if possible.
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2.0 Review of Available Literature and Data
Since the study area is a highly visible roadside in a heavily populated region, the seasonal abundance of conspicuous raptors and herons is relatively well described, most recently through studies related to the South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) project. The results of the review of available literature and data are below.
2.1 Raptors
The Fraser River delta is home to Canada’s highest concentration of wintering raptors (Butler and Campbell 1987). Boundary Bay, Roberts Bank, and Sturgeon Bank, including the adjacent upland habitats, have collectively been designated as an Important Bird Area (ID B.C.017, BirdLife Canada 2014). Nowhere else in Canada are winter populations of rough-legged hawk, red-tailed hawk, and northern harrier (Circus cyaneus) as numerous or as dense (Butler and Campbell 1987). Raptors that are present in the Fraser River delta during the winter season include resident species, species that overwinter, and some species that occur rarely or accidentally.
According to the Boundary Bay Regional Park bird checklist (Mol 2002), 23 species of raptor have been recorded in the park, which is adjacent to a portion of the Highway 99 ROW (Table 3). Of all raptor species reported in the park, 12 are considered to be conspicuous species (Table 3) (RIC 2001). Bald eagle is the only raptor considered to be fairly common in the park, with five to 25 sightings recorded per day in summer and autumn (Mol 2002). Six conspicuous raptor species are considered rare but regular (i.e., one to 10 records per year): American kestrel (Falco sparverius), gyrfalcon, peregrine falcon, red-tailed hawk, rough-legged hawk, and turkey vulture. Northern harrier is reported as uncommon in all seasons (one to five sightings per day, with at least 10 records per year). Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), and prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), are reported as casual occurrences only (two to 10 total records per year in the checklist area). Northern hawk-owl has only been documented once within the Boundary Bay Regional Park and surrounding area, i.e., accidental occurrence (Mol 2002).
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Table 3 Raptors Reported in the Boundary Bay Regional Park Bird Checklist
Seasonal Relative Abundance Common Name Scientific Name Spring Summer Fall Winter Conspicuous species* American kestrel Falco sparverius rare rare rare casual Haliaeetus fairly fairly Bald eagle common common leucocephalus common common Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos casual - - - Gyrfalcon F. rusticolus casual - - rare Northern harrier Circus cyaneus uncommon uncommon uncommon uncommon Northern hawk- Surnia ulula - - - accidental owl Osprey Pandion haliaetus - casual casual - Peregrine falcon F. peregrinus uncommon rare uncommon uncommon Prairie falcon F. mexicanus - - - casual Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis uncommon rare uncommon uncommon Rough-legged B. lagopus rare - rare rare hawk Turkey vulture Cathartes aura rare casual rare casual Inconspicuous species*
Barn owl Tyto alba rare rare rare rare Barred owl Strix varia - - - accidental Cooper’s hawk A. cooperii uncommon uncommon uncommon uncommon Great horned Bubo virginianus - - casual - owl Long-eared owl Asio otus - - - accidental Merlin F. columbarius rare rare - casual Northern A. gentilis - - casual casual goshawk
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Seasonal Relative Abundance Common Name Scientific Name Spring Summer Fall Winter Sharp-shinned A. striatus rare - rare rare hawk Short-eared owl Asio flammeus rare rare rare rare Snowy owl Bubo scandiacus - - - casual Western Megascops - - - accidental screech-owl kennicottii Source: Mol 2002 Notes: *Classified as conspicuous or inconspicuous based on Inventory Methods for Raptors (RIC 2001). Seasonal Relative Abundance is the abundance of each species, within each season. Seasons are defined as: Spring = (March - May; including spring migrants) Summer = (June - mid August; including spring arrival and fall departure) Autumn = mid-August - November; including fall migrants Winter = November/December - February; including fall arrival and spring departure) Abundance is described as: common = 25 or more sightings per day fairly common = from five to 24 sightings per day uncommon = from one to four sightings per day, with at least 10 records per year rare, but regular = one to 10 records per year casual = two to 10 documented records in checklist area accidental = only one documented record in checklist area “-“ = not recorded
A summary of general habitat requirements (breeding and non-breeding) for key conspicuous raptor species present in the study area is provided in Table 4. Habitat requirements have been summarized only for conspicuous raptor species considered to be common, fairly common, uncommon, or rare but regular (as defined in Table 3, above). Species reported as casual or accidental (i.e., golden eagle, northern hawk owl, osprey, and prairie falcon) have not been included in Table 4.
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Table 4 General Habitat Requirements for Conspicuous Raptor Species in Study Area
Species Breeding Habitat 1 Non-breeding Habitat 1 Presence in the Study Area Prefers open habitats such as rangeland, Utilizes woodpecker holes, natural Likely present spring through grassland, farm fields, meadows and American cavities, and nests of other species. autumn. Small numbers may marshes, especially areas with adjacent kestrel Prefers open or partly open habitat, overwinter near the study perching sites including fence posts, utility particularly woodland edges. area. poles, wires, and trees. Breeds mainly in coniferous forests but also in deciduous or mixed Largely associated with aquatic areas such Resident species potentially woodlands. Often found near the as ocean shores, lakes, rivers, marshes, present in the study area Bald eagle ocean, lakes, rivers, or marshes. A and sloughs; however, individuals can be year-round. Nesting key habitat component for bald eagle found in a broad array of habitat types. confirmed in the study area. breeding is large trees that can support their nests. Winters south of the breeding range and sighted occasionally in the Lower Mainland. Wintering habitat is associated Holarctic; breeds on cliff ledges in with areas where prey species (waterfowl, Gyrfalcon is a rare winter Gyrfalcon the Arctic, including Alaska. Does not gulls, shorebirds, and pigeons) are visitant breed in the Lower Mainland. concentrated, such as tidal flats, marshes, sloughs, and wet agricultural fields. May also utilize artificial habitats such as airports, golf courses, and city parks. Ground-nesting species that prefers cattail/bulrush marshes. Nesting sites are located in open areas including Prefers marshes, sloughs, open fields, as Northern Potentially present year- lake margins, pond edges, open well as manmade habitats such as harrier round. fields, bogs, and forested areas that airports, golf courses, and road edges. have experienced recent fire disturbance.
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Species Breeding Habitat 1 Non-breeding Habitat 1 Presence in the Study Area Associated with habitats that support large Has the potential to occur in numbers of prey species (i.e., small to the study area year-round; medium-sized birds such as shorebirds Peregrine Breeding sites are limited to cliff however, appropriate and waterfowl). These areas include tidal falcon ledges or trees on islands. breeding habitat is not flats, marshes, estuaries, flooded fields, available in or adjacent to the airports, parks, golf courses, and rail study area. yards. Found in open and semi-open areas such as woodland edges, agricultural areas with available perch sites, lake Present in the study area and edges, marshes, or bogs. Uses a broad array of open habitat types year-round. Nesting Red-tailed Nesting sites include trembling aspen including agricultural fields and road confirmed within study area. hawk (Populus tremuloides) or black margins. Highest numbers occur in cottonwood groves (P. balsamifera winter. trichocarpa), cliffs, burns, islands in rivers or lakes, or large trees adjacent to roads or highways. Overwinters in the Fraser Breeds on cliffs in boreal forest Prefers open areas such as marshes, River delta. Potentially Rough- regions. Does not breed in the grasslands, rangelands. Will also utilize present during spring and legged hawk Lower Mainland. agricultural fields and airports. autumn migration as well. Not present during summer. Breeds on the inner coast of Breeding in the study area is southern B.C. but is generally Uses cliff and bluff habitat, open habitats unlikely due to a lack of Turkey restricted to remote areas on rocky such as pastures, fields, rangelands, roads appropriate habitat, but turkey vulture cliffs and outcroppings. Small and golf courses, as well as river mouths, vulture has the potential to be numbers may breed throughout the and marine shores. present throughout the year. Fraser Lowlands to Hope. Notes: 1 Habitat use information derived from The Birds of B.C., Volume II Non-passerines: Diurnal Birds of Prey through Woodpeckers (Campbell et al. 1999).
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The Fraser River delta is well-studied, and several previous studies and inventory efforts have characterized the abundance and distribution of raptors across the area. For example, a summary of the ecology and population status of the birds of the Fraser River delta was compiled by Butler and Campbell (1987). In this study, more raptors were observed in winter than during the rest of the year, with the highest numbers occurring in December and the lowest in June (Butler and Campbell 1987). The most abundant raptor species in winter was reported to be northern harrier, followed by red-tailed hawk, short-eared owl, and rough-legged hawk (Butler and Campbell 1987). A study of the distribution of raptors in the Boundary Bay area determined that the highest densities of northern harrier, rough-legged hawk, and red-tailed hawk were found in the vicinity of Boundary Bay Airport (between 72nd Street and 88th Street, Delta) where the greatest amount of old-field habitat was also located (Butler 1992b). These species were shown to prefer old-field and overgrown pasture habitat and to avoid cultivated fields (Butler 1992b). Northern harrier distribution was also determined to be related to the distance to foreshore habitat in Boundary Bay (Butler 1992b). Short-eared owl was observed roosting and nesting on the ground in old fields near marsh habitat at Brunswick Point and Boundary Bay Airport (Butler 1992b).
The Serpentine Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located adjacent to the study area, to the east of Highway 99, near 44th Avenue in Surrey. Red-tailed hawk and northern harrier are the most commonly observed species of raptor within the Serpentine WMA (B.C. MELP 2000). Less frequently but regularly observed species include bald eagle, rough-legged hawk, osprey, American kestrel, and short-eared owl. Cooper’s hawk and sharp-shinned hawk have been documented hunting at Serpentine Fen during winter. Northern harrier, red-tailed hawk, and short-eared owl have been reported breeding within the area (B.C. MELP 2000).
Studies undertaken in 2003 and 2004 in support of the SFPR EA process documented 15 species of raptors in both open and forested habitats of the study area, a portion of which overlaps with the study area (RESL 2006). In the SFPR studies, bald eagle and red-tailed hawk were detected year-round from Bridgeport Road in Richmond to Beach Road near the Canada‒U. S. border in Surrey. Northern harrier, American kestrel, peregrine falcon, rough-legged hawk, and short-eared owl were primarily associated with open field habitat from the south end of Ladner to the north end of Burns Bog (RESL 2006). Six nests were identified in the vicinity of Highway 99 and belonged to either bald eagle or red-tailed hawk (RESL 2006). Nests were all found in either black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera trichocarpa) or paper birch (Betula papyrifera) (RESL 2006).
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2.2 Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron fannini subspecies (Ardea herodias fannini) is a non-migratory species distributed along the Pacific coast of North America from Prince William Sound, Alaska to Puget Sound, Washington (COSEWIC 2008). Best available population size estimates indicate that Canada is home to approximately 4,000 to 5,000 nesting adults (COSEWIC 2008). Population trends for the species vary, with some data indicating population decline and others indicating population increase in the recent years (COSEWIC 2008). The Fraser River delta is considered to support the largest winter populations of great blue heron in Canada (Butler and Campbell 1987).
The Boundary Bay Regional Park bird checklist (Mol 2002) reports great blue heron as commonly occurring during all seasons (i.e., more than 25 observed per day). The Serpentine WMA bird checklist (B.C. MELP 2000) shows this species as frequent in all season (i.e., usually observed on any visit to appropriate habitat in the appropriate season).
Heron foraging habitat consists of tidal mudflats, riverbanks, lakeshores, and wetlands (Butler 1992a, Butler 1997, Gebauer and Moul 2001). Prey items include fish, insects, crustaceans, gastropods, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and carrion (Kushlan 1976 cited in Butler 1991). Butler (1991) demonstrated that the number of herons feeding on beaches in the Strait of Georgia was significantly correlated with the number of hours of low tide each month of the year. Thus, the preferred foraging habitat of herons shifts throughout the year in relation to the tide cycle. The timing of the tide in autumn and winter limits foraging opportunities across the mudflats of the Fraser River delta. Consequently, fallow agricultural fields and grassland areas become important foraging areas for herons during these seasons (Butler 1995, 1997, Gebauer and Moul 2001). In winter, great blue herons have been reported to spread out across the upland habitats of the Fraser River delta (Butler and Campbell 1987). In addition, juveniles and post-breeding adults utilize marshlands and grasslands during the times of year when their energetic demands cannot be met by foraging on the coastline (Butler 1991). Juvenile herons are more poorly suited to foraging on the mudflats and will utilize grassland habitat more than adult birds (Butler 1991).
Known great blue heron nesting colonies mainly occur in the Strait of Georgia (COSEWIC 2008). The largest known colony on the west coast is located near the B.C. Ferries causeway in Tsawwassen, which is home to several hundred nesting pairs (Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust 2014). The remaining members of this coastal subspecies nest in small colonies or as solitary pairs and typically relocate their nesting sites every few years. Trees most commonly used as nest substrate are red alder (Alnus rubra), black cottonwood, big-leaf maple
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(Acer macrophyllum), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Nest sites are usually selected at locations relatively free from human activities and disturbance, but are occasionally located in developed areas. Great blue heron typically nests within approximately 10 km of foraging habitat, including eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadows, river edges, or estuarine or freshwater marshes (Butler 1995). The distribution of heron colony sites in B.C. is best explained by the distribution of summer foraging habitat including shallow beaches with kelp beds, eelgrass beds, and marshes (Butler 1991).
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3.0 Methods
3.1 Study Area
The study area included roadside areas from Bridgeport Road in Richmond, to Beach Road in Surrey (near the Canada‒U.S. border), within 1000 m from either side of the Highway 99 centreline.
3.2 Temporal Scope
The conspicuous raptor and heron study is intended to document observed presence in the study area during the surveys. Because the regional abundance and spatial distribution of these birds are expected to show considerable variation among different times of year, surveys were conducted in spring, summer, autumn, and winter of 2014. Each survey was scheduled to start within one hour after sunrise, or three hours before sunset (to be completed before sunset). Table 5 lists the various survey dates, times, and locations.
Raptor and heron nest searches were conducted in March (prior to tree leaf emergence), to improve likelihood of detection. Nests identified in March were revisited in June to identify nesting activity.
Table 5 Roadside Survey Schedule
Start Time Season Date (2014) Sunrise Sunset of First Survey Start Point Transect March 20 7:15 AM 7:26 PM 8:15 AM Bridgeport Road March 24 7:07 AM 7:32 PM 4:30 PM Beach Road Spring March 25 7:04 AM 7:33 PM 4:30 PM Bridgeport Road March 27 7:00 AM 7:36 PM 8:00 AM Beach Road June 10 5:07 AM 9:17 PM 6:20 PM Bridgeport Road June 12 5:07 AM 9:18 PM 6:10 AM Beach Road Summer June 17 5:06 AM 9:21 PM 6:05 AM Bridgeport Road June 19 5:06 AM 9:21 PM 6:20 PM Beach Road
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Start Time Season Date (2014) Sunrise Sunset of First Survey Start Point Transect September 23 7:01 AM 7:08 PM 8:00 AM Bridgeport Road September 25 7:04 AM 7:04 PM 4:05 PM Beach Road Autumn September 30 7:11 AM 6:53 PM 3:55 PM Bridgeport Road October 2 7:14 AM 6:51 PM 8:15 AM Beach Road December 2 7:48 AM 4:16 PM 9:00 AM Bridgeport Road December 4 7:50 AM 4:15 PM 1:15 PM Beach Road Winter December 9 7:56 AM 4:14 PM 1:15 PM Bridgeport Road December 11 7:58 AM 4:14 PM 9:00 AM Beach Road
3.3 Roadside Survey Methods
The roadside survey study methods were adapted from the Inventory Methods for Raptors (RIC 2001). Surveys were conducted quarterly along existing roads (Table 5). For each survey, a three-person field crew (driver, primary observer, and data recorder/secondary observer) completed two driving transects along Highway 99, one in each direction beginning at either Bridgeport Road or Beach Road. The start point for the first driving transect alternated between Bridgeport Road and Beach Road (Table 5). Splitting the survey into two transects allowed the surveyors to view the roadside areas on each side of the highway from the curb lane. The surveyors noted the location of each bird observed, the species, age and sex (if possible), behaviour (perching, standing, or flying), and the perpendicular distance to the bird from the road edge (in metres).
3.4 Nest Search Methods
To determine the presence of raptor and heron nests in the vicinity of the study area, a reconnaissance field survey was undertaken prior to vegetation green-up during spring, when the leaves are absent from the trees and stick-nests are most easily detected. Open agricultural areas were scanned from a vehicle. Treed areas in the vicinity of the Tunnel and on Deas Island were surveyed on foot. Information was collected about each nest detected including location, condition, activity level, substrate and species. Nests identified in spring were revisited in summer (June, 2014) to check for the presence of birds at the nests or signs of nesting activity. Nests where no birds or signs of nesting activity were observed in either spring or summer have been reported as unknown activity status. Stand-watches to definitively determine activity status were not conducted.
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4.0 Results
4.1 Presence and Abundance
During roadside surveys completed for the study, a total of 1,241 raptors and 70 herons were detected. Seven different taxa of raptors were recorded during the surveys, including 27 individuals that could not be classified to species (i.e., reported as unidentified Buteo, unidentified falcon, or unidentified raptor) (see Table 6). The most frequently observed raptor was bald eagle, accounting for 78% of all bird detections. Red-tailed hawk was the next most frequently observed species, accounting for 13% of all bird observations. The remaining raptor species or species groups each accounted for ≤ 1% of all bird detections. A total of 70 great blue herons were detected, comprising 5% of all birds observed (Table 6).
Table 6 Observed Raptor and Heron Abundance during Roadside Surveys
Common Name Scientific Name Count Mean SD Max Min % Raptors American kestrel Falco sparverius 2 0 0 1 0 <1 Haliaeetus Bald eagle 1029 64 67 230 0 78 leucocephalus Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperii 3 0 0 1 0 <1 Northern harrier C. cyaneus 7 0 1 3 0 <1 Peregrine falcon F. peregrinus 2 0 0 1 0 <1 Buteo Red-tailed hawk 169 11 6 25 2 13 jamaicensis Rough-legged B. lagopus 2 0 0 1 0 <1 hawk Unidentified - 7 0 1 2 0 <1 buteo Unidentified - 1 0 0 1 0 <1 falcon Unidentified - 19 1 1 5 0 1 raptor Herons Ardea herodias Great blue heron 70 4 4 16 1 5 fannini Notes: Cumulative count (count), mean count (mean), standard deviation (SD), maximum count (max), minimum count (min), and proportion of all raptor observations (%) are based on total counts from 16 roadside surveys. % represents percentages of total birds (raptors and herons) observed.
14 George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR AND GREAT BLUE HERON STUDY
Overall, the highest numbers of raptors and herons were recorded in spring, with fewer detections in winter and summer, and fewer still in autumn, as summarized below and in Table 7:
Bald eagles were detected on average 166 times per survey in spring (SD= 46), 47 times per survey in summer (SD = 13), and 44 times per survey in winter (SD = 9). Only one individual was detected during the autumn survey session. Red-tailed hawk, the second most numerous raptor species observed, was detected on all survey dates, ranging from two to 25 detections per survey. The highest number of red-tailed hawk detections was recorded during the winter. Northern harrier was not observed during the summer surveys, but was seen once in spring, twice in autumn, and four times in winter. Cooper’s hawk was observed once in autumn and twice in winter. Peregrine falcon was detected once in spring and once in summer but was not observed in autumn or winter. American kestrel was detected only in spring (two detections), and rough-legged hawk was seen only in winter (two detections). In addition, one barn owl carcass was found during the winter surveys (December 9, 2014) on the north shoulder of Highway 99, on the rail overpass near Mud Bay Park. Great blue heron numbers appeared relatively consistent across spring, summer, and autumn, with a total of 11, 12, and nine detections respectively. A total of 38 great blue herons were detected in winter, more than all other seasons combined.
15 George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR AND GREAT BLUE HERON STUDY
Table 7 Seasonal Abundance of Conspicuous Raptors and Herons during Roadside Surveys
Spring Summer Autumn Winter Common Scientific Mean Mean Mean Mean Name Name Count Count Count Count ± SD ± SD ± SD ± SD American Falco 2 1 ±1 ------kestrel sparverius Haliaeetus 166 47 < 1 44 Bald eagle 664 188 1 176 leucocephalus ±46 ±13 ±1 ±9 Cooper's Accipiter - - - - 1 <1 ±1 2 1 ±1 hawk cooperii Northern Circus <1 1 - - 2 1 ±1 4 1 ±2 harrier cyaneus ±1 Peregrine <1 F. peregrinus 1 1 <1 ±1 - - - - falcon ±1 Red-tailed Buteo 10 17 38 38 10 ±1 26 7 ±5 67 hawk jamaicensis ±2 ±8 Rough- legged B. lagopus ------2 1 ±1 hawk Unidentified <1 - 1 - - 3 1 ±1 3 1 ±1 Buteo ±1 Unidentified - - - 1 <1 ±1 - - - - falcon Unidentified - 7 2 ±1 3 1 ±1 4 1 ± 1 5 1 ±3 raptor Ardea Great blue 10 herodias 11 3 ±1 12 3 ±2 9 2 ±1 38 heron ±5 fannini Total count by season 725 243 46 297 Notes: Count = total detections per season. Mean = mean count by season (four surveys per season) plus or minus the standard deviation (SD). “-“ = no individuals recorded.
16 George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR AND GREAT BLUE HERON STUDY
4.2 Distribution
4.2.1 Raptors
In spring, raptors were detected throughout most of the study area, with the exception of two highly developed residential areas in south Surrey (Appendix A, Figure 1). The majority of the raptors detected in spring were seen near the Vancouver Landfill. Several detections were also concentrated near Deas Slough.
During the summer survey session, most raptors were again seen near the Vancouver Landfill (Appendix A, Figure 2). Moderate detection densities were also recorded in the vicinity of the Serpentine River. Very few raptors were seen between 32nd Avenue and Beach Road in South Surrey. No raptors were detected between Bridgeport Road and Highway 91 in Richmond.
The raptor observations recorded in autumn were generally distributed throughout the study area (Appendix A, Figure 3). Several detections were clustered to the north of the Tunnel and also near the Serpentine River. Few raptors were detected in Richmond or in South Surrey, and no raptors were detected between the Deas Island Bridge and Highway 17 in Delta.
Winter raptor distribution was similar to spring; raptors were detected throughout most of the study area, with most detections concentrated near the Vancouver Landfill (Figure 4). The lowest number of raptor detections was recorded in the more densely developed areas of Richmond and South Surrey.
4.2.2 Great Blue Heron
Herons were most frequently observed between 96th Street and the Highway 99/Highway 91 interchange in Delta, and between Mud Bay Park and the Nicomekl River. Very few herons were observed in areas where the study area is bordered by residential or industrial development (Appendix A, Figure 5). Four herons were seen between Steveston Highway and Bridgeport Road in Richmond (the northern end of the survey area), one in summer and three in winter. Three herons were observed south of 32nd Avenue in South Surrey, two in summer and one in winter.
4.3 Nests
Fourteen raptor nests were identified in the study area, including eight nests that were confirmed to be active during the 2014 breeding season (Table 8; Appendix A, Figure 6). Activity at the six remaining nests was not determined; however, no birds or signs of nesting activity were documented at these nest sites during the spring or summer surveys.
17 George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR AND GREAT BLUE HERON STUDY
Table 8 Raptor Nests
Activity Nest ID Species Structure General Area Status Unidentified Black 01 North side of the Tunnel Unknown raptor cottonwood Forest patch adjacent to the Red-tailed Black 02 southbound off-ramp to River Active hawk cottonwood Road Black 03 Bald eagle Deas Island Active cottonwood Black 04 Bald eagle Deas Island Active cottonwood Unidentified Black 05 South of Westminster Highway Unknown raptor cottonwood Transmission 06 Bald eagle Near Serpentine River Active tower Golf course northeast of Unidentified 07 Deciduous tree Highway 99/Highway 91 Unknown raptor interchange Black At Highway 91 on-ramp to 08 Bald eagle Active cottonwood northbound Highway 99 South of Vancouver Landfill, 09 Bald eagle Deciduous tree Active near 88th Street Unidentified South of Vancouver Landfill, 10 Deciduous tree Unknown raptor near 88th Street Adjacent to Highway 17 (SFPR) Unidentified Black 11 on-ramp to Highway 99 Unknown raptor cottonwood southbound Near Highway 17 (SFPR) on- 12 Bald eagle Deciduous tree Active ramp to Highway 99 southbound Unidentified Black Near Highway 17 (SFPR) and 13 Unknown raptor cottonwood Ladner Trunk Road Red-tailed Golf course north of Steveston 14 Black poplar Active hawk Highway Note: Activity status is based on the presence of birds or signs of nesting at the nests during the summer survey session (June 2014).
18 George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR AND GREAT BLUE HERON STUDY
During the literature and data review, a search of the B.C. CDC species and ecosystems database for sensitive (confidential) masked occurrence records was conducted. This search yielded one record of a heron rookery (communal nest area) in the vicinity of the study area. A visit to the rookery was conducted during the nesting period (April 2014) to identify potential nesting activity. No nesting activity was observed at the reported location. During the visit, a landowner from an adjacent property informed the surveyors that no activity had been observed at the rookery site for approximately six or seven years. No heron nests were detected during the course of the nest searches or roadside surveys.
19 George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR AND GREAT BLUE HERON STUDY
5.0 Discussion
Major results and data gaps associated with the conspicuous raptors and herons study are discussed below.
5.1 Key Findings
The majority of target taxa observed in the study area were either bald eagle or red-tailed hawk, which together comprised 91% of all raptors and herons observed (n = 1,311). The abundance of these two species is consistent with the findings of other studies conducted in the Fraser River delta.
In contrast, very few rough-legged hawks (n = 2), and few northern harriers (n = 7) were detected during the course of the study. Rough-legged hawks do not breed in the Fraser River delta but return to the area to overwinter. As expected, this species was only seen during the winter survey period; however, lower numbers were observed than were expected. The reason for the low number of detections of rough-legged hawk is unknown but may relate to relatively mild weather conditions. The relatively low numbers of northern harrier observed during the study may be related to its preference for marsh habitat, since areas of adjacent marsh habitat are limited along the Highway 99 corridor.
The high numbers of raptors detected in spring compared to other seasons appears to be a result of high numbers of bald eagles observed congregating at the Vancouver Landfill in that season. High numbers of bald eagles were also observed at that location in winter, and in moderate numbers in summer. No bald eagles were detected at the landfill in autumn. It is likely that the autumn salmon spawning season presents eagles with better foraging opportunities elsewhere.
Overall, across all four seasons, raptors were observed most frequently in the following broadly classified areas (see Appendix A, Figures 1, 2 and 4):
The area near the Vancouver Landfill Agricultural areas between 88th Street and the Highway 99/Highway 91 Interchange. The area near the Serpentine and Nicomekl rivers Deas Slough and Deas Island
20 George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR AND GREAT BLUE HERON STUDY
Great blue herons were most frequently observed in the agricultural areas between 96th Street and the Highway 99/Highway 91 interchange, and the area between Mud Bay Park and the Nicomekl River. Very few great blue herons were detected in areas where the study area is bordered by residential or industrial development. Numbers of great blue heron foraging in the upland habitats of the study area were higher in winter since the winter tide cycle and characteristics likely limit foraging opportunities in Boundary Bay.
Three active raptor nests (two bald eagle nests and one red-tailed hawk nest) and one nest of unknown activity were identified near the Tunnel location. As noted in Section 1.2, bald eagle nests are afforded protection year-round under the provincial Wildlife Act and must not be disturbed or destroyed. Red-tailed hawk nests are protected when occupied by a bird or its egg. On the B.C. south coast, red-tailed hawk eggs or young may be present from approximately February 26 to August 10 (Province of British Columbia 2013).
5.2 Data Gaps and Limitations
Year-to-year fluctuations in raptor numbers mean that it is likely that certain species were not observed during the 2014 surveys. Some limitations apply to data collected using roadside survey methods. The surveyors could only survey areas that were visible from the vehicle as it travelled along Highway 99. Because visibility into adjacent habitats was greater in some areas than in others, abundance estimates may inaccurately reflect actual abundance in some areas. Additionally, surveyors were not able to identify all birds observed to species. Nevertheless, the information collected during this study is considered to meet the study objectives (i.e., documenting conspicuous raptors and great blue heron presence and relative abundance, and locating raptor and heron nests within the study area).
21 George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR AND GREAT BLUE HERON STUDY
6.0 Closure
Major authors and reviewers of this technical data report are listed below.
Report prepared by: Hemmera Envirochem Inc.
Samantha Gidora, B.Sc., BIT Biologist
Report peer reviewed by: Hemmera Envirochem Inc.
Paul McElligott, Ph.D., R.P.Bio. Jared Hobbs, M.Sc., R.P.Bio. Senior Ecologist Senior Biologist
This document represents an electronic version of the original hard copy document, sealed, signed and dated by Jared Hobbs, M.Sc., R.P.Bio. and retained on file. The content of the electronically transmitted document can be confirmed by referring to the original hard copy and file. This document is provided in electronic format for convenience only. Hemmera Envirochem Inc. shall not be liable in any way for errors or omissions in any electronic version of its report document.
22 George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR AND GREAT BLUE HERON STUDY
7.0 Statement of Limitations
This report has been prepared for the sole benefit of the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to describe existing conditions of conspicuous raptor and great blue heron within a specific study area. This report is based on field studies and desktop studies, and the data presented herein represent conspicuous raptor and great blue heron conditions at the time field observation and desktop studies were undertaken.
23 George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR AND GREAT BLUE HERON STUDY
8.0 References
BirdLife Canada. 2013. Important Bird Areas (IBA) Canada. Available at http://www.ibacanada.ca/site.jsp?siteID=bc017&lang=EN. Accessed August 2014.
British Columbia Conservation Data Centre (B.C. CDC). 2014. B.C. Species and Ecosystems Explorer. Available at http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/. Accessed August 2014.
British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (B.C. MELP). 2000. Serpentine Wildlife Management Area, Management Plan. Produced by B.C. MELP, Fish Wildlife and Habitat Protection, Lower Mainland Region. Available at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/planning/mgmtplns/serpentine/serpentine.pdf. Accessed August 2014.
British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection (B.C. MWLAP). 2004. Identified Wildlife Management Strategy 2004. British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Victoria B.C. Available at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/frpa/iwms/iwms.html. Accessed August 2014.
Butler, R. W., and R. W. Campbell. 1987. The birds of the Fraser River delta: populations, ecology and international significance. Occasional Paper No. 65, Canadian Wildlife Service, Ottawa, ON.
Butler, R. W. 1991. Habitat selection and time of breeding in the great blue heron Ardea herodias. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology, Vancouver, B.C.
Butler, R. W. 1992a. Great Blue Heron. in A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill, (editors).The birds of North America No. 25. Academy of Natural Sciences and American Ornithologists' Union.
Butler, R. W. 1992b. Abundance, distribution and conservation of birds in the vicinity of Boundary Bay, British Columbia. Technical Report Series No. 155, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, Pacific and Yukon Region, Nanaimo, B.C. Available at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/techpub/wr52.pdf. Accessed August 2014.
24 George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR AND GREAT BLUE HERON STUDY
Butler, R. W. 1995. The patient predator: foraging and population ecology of the great blue heron Ardea herodias in British Columbia. Occasional Paper No. 86, Canadian Wildlife Service, Ottawa, ON.
Butler, R. W. 1997. The coastal retainer: natural history and ecology of the Great Blue Heron on the coast of British Columbia. UBC Press, Vancouver, B.C.
Campbell, W., N. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, J. Cooper, G. Kaiser, and M. McNall. 1999. The Birds of B.C. Volume II Nonpasserines: Diurnal Birds of Prey through Woodpeckers.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). 2008. Assessment and status seport on the Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias fannini fannini subspecies in Canada. Ottawa, Canada. Available at www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm. Accessed August 2014.
Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust (DFWT). 2014. Great Blue Heron. Available at http://deltafarmland.ca/content/great-blue-heron. Accessed January 2014.
Fraser River Estuary Management Program (FREMP). 2003. A living working river - the Estuary Management Plan for the Fraser River. Fraser River Estuary Management Program, Burnaby, B.C. Available at http://www.bieapfremp.org/fremp/pdf_files/Revised%20EMP%202003%20August%20.p df. Accessed August 2013.
Gebauer, M. B., and I. E. Moul. 2001. Status of the Great Blue Heron in British Columbia. Wildlife Working Report, B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, B.C. Available at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/statusrpts/wr102.pdf. Accessed August 2014.
Government of B.C. 2004. Government Actions Regulation. B.C. 582/2004. OC 1246/2004. Forest and Range Practices Act, SBC 2002, c. 69.
Kushlan, J. A. 1976. Feeding behaviours of North American herons. The Auk 93:86–94.
25 George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR AND GREAT BLUE HERON STUDY
Mol, A. L. 2002. Boundary Bay regional park bird checklist. Originally compiled in 1995 by Allen Poynter - updated by Mol 2002. Available at http://www3.telus.net/driftwood/boundbl.htm. Accessed August 2014.
Province of British Columbia. 2013. Guidelines for raptor conservation during urban and rural land development in British Columbia. A companion document to Develop with Care 2012. Available at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/bmp/raptor_conservation_guidelines_2013.pdf. Accessed August 2014.
Resource Inventory Committee (RIC). 2001. Inventory methods for raptors. Version 2.0. Standards for components of British Columbia’s biodiversity No. 11, Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management, Environmental Inventory Branch for the Terrestrial Ecosystems Task Force, Resources Inventory Committee, Victoria, B.C. Available at https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hts/risc/pubs/tebiodiv/raptors/version2/rapt_ml_v2.pdf. Accessed August 2014.
Robertson Environmental Services Ltd. (RESL). 2006. Vegetation and wildlife impact assessment, Technical Volume 12 of the Environmental Assessment application for South Fraser Perimeter Road. Prepared for the B.C. Ministry of Transportation.
26
APPENDIX A Figures
Path: O:\!217-299\285\077\03\mxd\Wildlife\Raptors\TDR\Fig1a_285_077_03_TDR_Raptors-Spring_160616_FINAL.mxd
MUSQUEAM
Westminster Highway Westminster Steveston Highway Steveston
I.R. 4 Blundell Road Blundell Dyke Road
Tsawwassen First Nation Road Bridgeport Tunnel Massey George
R i v e r Vancouver R o No 5 Road a d UV99 Nature Park Nature Richmond Regional Park Regional
UV17 Deas Island D e as S 17A lou UV gh 62b St reet UV
10
F
Richmond
r
Fraser River South Arm a
s
e r
UV R 91
R i
17 v UV i e
v e r
Boundary Bay Boundary r N
R o r Vancouver t
Airport o
a h Landfill
d A
r m Burnaby Delta Burns Bog Burns
Annacis Channel Westminster New
UV 91 99 UV Boundary
Bay UV17 Surrey
UV
17 White Rock
U V 99 UV 10 PEACE PEACE PARKARCH
SEMIAHMOO
U V 1 Plan - May 2007, all other data courtesy of Canvec -Canvec GeoGratis. of courtesy data all other 2007, May Plan - Management Vancouver Conservancy Area Ecological Bog Burns Metro on the based and of Delta of The Corporation courtesy Bog Burns of USGS. courtesy data basemap States United from GeoBC, Reserves First Nations Lands, Protected Parks and 1 SOURCES Legend 1km Sample Intervals - Number of Bird Sightings Bird of - Number Intervals 1km Sample (The total width is 2km) width total (The road. of the the direction to perpendicular length is 1km interval sample each distance of 99. The bufferof Highway 1 The sample interval length is 1km along the centreline centreline the along length is 1km interval The sample Tsawwassen FirstNation Vancouver Arterial/Collector Road Arterial/Collector Highway Border - U.S. Canada Waterbody Boundaries Municipal AreaConservancy Ecological Bog Burns Reserve Nation First No Records - 51 485 - 20 51 209 - 9 3 - 3 1 - CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR RAPTOR ABUNDANCE CONSPICUOUS 0 Richmond Figure 1a Figure TUNNEL MASSEY GEORGE AND DISTRIBUTION (SPRING 2014) (SPRING DISTRIBUTION AND REPLACEMENT PROJECT REPLACEMENT BoundaryBay 1 Massey George Tunnel Delta Burnaby 1:100,000 Area Enlarged Area 2 Kilometres ± White Rock Surrey 3 Coquitlam 15/04/2015 Washington 4 Meadows Pitt 0 Kilometres MapleRidge 5 Langley 5 Canada U.S.A 10 Path: O:\!217-299\285\077\03\mxd\Wildlife\Raptors\TDR\Fig1b_285_077_03_TDR_Raptors-Summer_160405.mxd
MUSQUEAM
Westminster Highway Westminster Steveston Highway Steveston
I.R. 4 Blundell Road Blundell Dyke Road
First Nation Tsawwassen Bridgeport Road Bridgeport Tunnel Massey George
R i v e r Vancouver R o No 5 Road a d UV99 Nature Park Nature Richmond Regional Park Regional
UV17 Deas Island
Bay Bay Regional D
Boundary e as Park S 17A lou UV gh 62b St reet UV
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Richmond
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s
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v
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Annacis Channel Westminster New
UV 91 99 UV Boundary
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i v 1 e r Plan - May 2007, all other data courtesy of Canvec -Canvec GeoGratis. of courtesy data all other 2007, May Plan - Management Vancouver Conservancy Area Ecological Bog Burns Metro on the based and of Delta of The Corporation courtesy Bog Burns of USGS. courtesy data basemap States United from GeoBC, Reserves First Nations Lands, Protected Parks and 1 SOURCES Legend 1km Sample Intervals - Number of Bird Sightings Bird of - Number Intervals 1km Sample (The total width is 2km) width total (The road. of the the direction to perpendicular length is 1km interval sample each distance of 99. The bufferof Highway 1 The sample interval length is 1km along the centreline centreline the along length is 1km interval The sample Tsawwassen FirstNation Vancouver Arterial/Collector Road Arterial/Collector Highway Border - U.S. Canada Waterbody Boundaries Municipal AreaConservancy Ecological Bog Burns Reserve Nation First No Records - 51 485 - 20 51 209 - 9 3 - 3 1 - CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR RAPTOR ABUNDANCE CONSPICUOUS 0 AND DISTRIBUTION (SUMMER 2014) (SUMMER DISTRIBUTION AND Richmond Figure 1b Figure TUNNEL MASSEY GEORGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT REPLACEMENT BoundaryBay 1 Massey George Tunnel Delta Burnaby 1:100,000 Area Enlarged Area 2 Kilometres ± White Rock Surrey 3 Coquitlam 15/04/2015 Washington 4 Meadows Pitt 0 Kilometres MapleRidge 5 Langley 5 Canada U.S.A 10 Path: O:\!217-299\285\077\03\mxd\Wildlife\Raptors\TDR\Fig1c_285_077_03_TDR_Raptors-Fall_160616_FINAL.mxd
MUSQUEAM
Westminster Highway Westminster Steveston Highway Steveston
I.R. 4 Blundell Road Blundell Dyke Road
Tsawwassen Bridgeport Road Bridgeport First Nation Tunnel Massey George
R i v e r Vancouver R o No 5 Road a d UV99 Nature Park Nature Richmond Regional Park Regional
UV17 Deas Island
Bay Bay Regional D
Boundary e as Park S 17A lou UV gh 62b St reet UV
10
F
Richmond
r
Fraser River South Arm a
s
e r
UV R 91
R i
17 v UV i e
v
e r r N
R o
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Vancouver o t Boundary a h
Landfill
Airport
d A
Bay r m Burnaby Delta Burns Bog Burns
Annacis Channel Westminster New
UV 91 99 UV Boundary
Bay UV17 Surrey
UV
17 White Rock S e r p
e
n
t V
U i
n 99
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UV R
10
PEACE PEACE PARKARCH i
v
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l V R U
i v 1 e r Plan - May 2007, all other data courtesy of Canvec -Canvec GeoGratis. of courtesy data all other 2007, May Plan - Management Vancouver Conservancy Area Ecological Bog Burns Metro on the based and of Delta of The Corporation courtesy Bog Burns of USGS. courtesy data basemap States United from GeoBC, Reserves First Nations Lands, Protected Parks and 1 SOURCES Legend 1km Sample Intervals - Number of Bird Sightings Bird of - Number Intervals 1km Sample (The total width is 2km) width total (The road. of the the direction to perpendicular length is 1km interval sample each distance of 99. The bufferof Highway 1 The sample interval length is 1km along the centreline centreline the along length is 1km interval The sample Tsawwassen FirstNation Vancouver Arterial/Collector Road Arterial/Collector Highway Border - U.S. Canada Waterbody Boundaries Municipal AreaConservancy Ecological Bog Burns Reserve Nation First No Records - 51 485 - 20 51 209 - 9 3 - 3 1 - CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR RAPTOR ABUNDANCE CONSPICUOUS 0 Richmond Figure 1c Figure TUNNEL MASSEY GEORGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT REPLACEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION (FALL 2014) DISTRIBUTION AND BoundaryBay 1 Massey George Tunnel Delta Burnaby 1:100,000 Area Enlarged Area 2 Kilometres ± White Rock Surrey 3 Coquitlam 15/04/2015 Washington 4 Meadows Pitt 0 Kilometres MapleRidge 5 Langley 5 Canada U.S.A 10 Path: O:\!217-299\285\077\03\mxd\Wildlife\Raptors\TDR\Fig1d_285_077_03_TDR_Raptors-Winter_160616_FINAL.mxd
MUSQUEAM
Westminster Highway Westminster Steveston Highway Steveston
I.R. 4 Blundell Road Blundell Dyke Road Tsawwassen
First Nation Bridgeport Road Bridgeport Tunnel Massey George
R i v e r Vancouver R o No 5 Road a d UV99 Nature Park Nature Richmond Regional Park Regional
UV17 Deas Island
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Landfill
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Bay r m Burnaby Delta Burns Bog Burns
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UV 91 99 UV Boundary
Bay UV17 Surrey
UV
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UV R
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SEMIAHMOO c k o m e k
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i v 1 e r Plan - May 2007, all other data courtesy of Canvec -Canvec GeoGratis. of courtesy data all other 2007, May Plan - Management Vancouver Conservancy Area Ecological Bog Burns Metro on the based and of Delta of The Corporation courtesy Bog Burns of USGS. courtesy data basemap States United from GeoBC, Reserves First Nations Lands, Protected Parks and 1 SOURCES Legend 1km Sample Intervals - Number of Bird Sightings Bird of - Number Intervals 1km Sample (The total width is 2km) width total (The road. of the the direction to perpendicular length is 1km interval sample each distance of 99. The bufferof Highway 1 The sample interval length is 1km along the centreline centreline the along length is 1km interval The sample Tsawwassen FirstNation Vancouver Arterial/Collector Road Arterial/Collector Highway Border - U.S. Canada Waterbody Boundaries Municipal AreaConservancy Ecological Bog Burns Reserve Nation First No Records - 51 485 - 20 51 209 - 9 3 - 3 1 - CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR RAPTOR ABUNDANCE CONSPICUOUS 0 Richmond AND DISTRIBUTION (WINTER 2014) (WINTER DISTRIBUTION AND Figure 1d Figure TUNNEL MASSEY GEORGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT REPLACEMENT BoundaryBay 1 Massey George Tunnel Delta Burnaby 1:100,000 Area Enlarged Area 2 Kilometres ± White Rock Surrey 3 Coquitlam 15/04/2015 Washington 4 Meadows Pitt 0 Kilometres MapleRidge 5 Langley 5 Canada U.S.A 10 Path: O:\!217-299\285\077\03\mxd\Wildlife\Raptors\TDR\Fig2_285_077_03_TDR_BlueHeron_160616_FINAL.mxd
MUSQUEAM
Westminster Highway Westminster Steveston Highway Steveston
I.R. 4 Blundell Road Blundell Dyke Road
Tsawwassen Bridgeport Road Bridgeport First Nation Tunnel Massey George
R i v e r Vancouver R o No 5 Road a d UV99 Nature Park Nature Richmond Regional Park Regional
UV17 Deas Island
Bay Bay Regional D
Boundary e as Park S 17A lou UV gh 62b St reet UV
10
F
Richmond
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Fraser River South Arm a
s
e r
UV R 91
R i
17 v UV i e
v
e r r N
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r
Vancouver o t Boundary a h
Landfill
Airport
d A
Bay r m Burnaby Delta Burns Bog Burns
Annacis Channel Westminster New
UV 91 99 UV Boundary
Bay UV17 Surrey
UV
17 White Rock S e r p
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n
t V
U i
n 99
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UV R
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PEACE PEACE PARKARCH i
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i v 1 e r Plan - May 2007, all other data courtesy of Canvec -Canvec GeoGratis. of courtesy data all other 2007, May Plan - Management Vancouver Conservancy Area Ecological Bog Burns Metro on the based and of Delta of The Corporation courtesy Bog Burns of USGS. courtesy data basemap States United from GeoBC, Reserves First Nations Lands, Protected Parks and Nest Species and Condition and Species Nest SOURCES Legend (The total width is 2km) width total (The road. of the the direction to perpendicular length is 1km interval sample each distance of 99. The bufferof Highway 1 U R B The sample interval length is 1km along the centreline centreline the along length is 1km interval The sample Tsawwassen FirstNation Vancouver Arterial/Collector Road Arterial/Collector Highway Border - U.S. Canada Waterbody Boundaries Municipal AreaConservancy Ecological Bog Burns Reserve Nation First Activity Unknown Nest, Raptor Unidentified Hawk, Active Red-tailed Bald Eagle, Active 0 Richmond Figure 3 Figure TUNNEL MASSEY GEORGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT REPLACEMENT BoundaryBay CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR CONSPICUOUS 1 Massey George Tunnel Delta NEST LOCATIONS Burnaby 1:100,000 Area Enlarged Area 2 Kilometres ± White Rock Surrey 3 Coquitlam 15/04/2015 Washington 4 Meadows Pitt 0 Kilometres MapleRidge 5 Langley 5 Canada U.S.A 10