Data on these species are often grouped Glaucous-winged Gull together as it can be difficult to distinguish between them during boat-based or aerial Glaucous-winged Gulls tend to nest on surveys. These gulls are abundant in all treeless sections of small, low, offshore seasons in the marine waters around the islands or on rocky headlands (Campbell et archipelago (Campbell et al. 1990 b). In al. 1990 b). They build nests and lay up to spring, concentrations of 400 to 600 have three eggs. The chicks are fed during the been recorded in Hecate Strait, Dixon day, mainly on fish and invertebrates. The Entrance and west of Kunghit Island adults are surface feeders. Their (Campbell et al. 1990 b). Gaston and Jones reproductive success in Skidegate Inlet was (1991) noted that numbers near Reef Island studied by Vermeer et al. (1991 a). were quite variable between years. For example, numbers were low in April 1984, Approximately 2,800 pairs breed in small but 4,000 to 5,000 were counted in April colonies or solitarily on Haida Gwaii 1987. In the summer and fall, these species (Rodway 1988; Vermeer et al. 1991 a, 1997 c). were most abundant near or beyond the The locations of known breeding sites are shelf break off the west coast. Together the shown in Figure 11. The archipelago two species made up ~30% of the birds off supports ~11% of the British Columbia the west coast in September. However, population and <2% of the breeding Herring Gulls are also seen close to shore population of the northeastern Pacific during these seasons. Cannings (1975) (Campbell et al. 1990 b). reported ~250 adults and ~250 immatures feeding off the tip of Rose Spit in July 1974 The breeding population in Haida Gwaii and Reimchen (1992 c) observed appears to be stable or increasing. congregations at Bag Harbour during Although a complete resurvey of all sites salmon migration. In winter most Herring has never been done, Rodway (1988) and Thayerùs Gulls were observed in reported a 30% increase between 1977 and shallow waters of Hecate Strait and 1986 on the islands that he rechecked. The numbers were lower. Hearne and Goudie total breeding population on five islands in (cited in Morgan 1997) found that Herring Laskeek Bay remained relatively stable Gulls were much more common than between 1992 and 1997, at a level slightly Thayerùs Gulls at Sandspit in spring, but higher than that recorded in 1986 (Rodway noted that the ratio was reversed in winter. 1988; Smith 2000). Some shifting between Most CBCs have recorded more Thayerùs sites was noted (Gray 1999). A large Gulls than Herring Gulls. While CBC totals increase in the Laskeek Bay population in in Port Clements and Rose Spit are usually 1998 was followed by a large decrease in <10 for each species, totals at the Skidegate 1999, but the latter result is confounded by count varied up to 49 and 126 for Herring an incomplete survey (Gray 1999). In 1990, and Thayerùs Gulls, respectively. Evidence Vermeer et al. (1991 a) found 178 breeding from surveys off the west coast of pairs when they resurveyed 13 colonies in Vancouver Island suggests that Herring Skidegate Inlet where 116 pairs had been Gulls are more pelagic than Thayerùs Gulls recorded in 1986 (Rodway 1988). However, (Vermeer et al. 1989). the difference in the results of the two studies probably reflects more a difference Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) results indicate in methodologies than a large increase in a positive, but not significant, trend in the gull population (Vermeer et al. 1997 c). Herring Gull numbers in British Columbia The population along the entire coast of from 1966-2000 (BBS website: http:// British Columbia increased ~350% from www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/bbs00.html). 1940-1990 (Campbell et al. 1990 b).

38 39 The Glaucous-winged Gull is abundant Sabineùs Gulls migrate in large flocks well year-round on all marine waters around offshore (Campbell et al. 1990 b) and most Haida Gwaii. Numbers offshore sightings in the waters around Haida Gwaii (maximum in April and May) decline as the occur >30 km offshore. When flocks are birds move to their nesting sites. Relatively observed in nearshore waters, they usually few birds are found beyond the continental number <100 birds (Campbell et al. 1990 b). shelf from the beginning of breeding Low numbers have been recorded from through the winter. Spring counts of 600, spring through fall in Queen Charlotte 400 and 800 were made at Burnaby Island, Sound and Hecate Strait and year-round in Sandspit and Rose Spit, respectively Dixon Entrance (Campbell et al. 1990 b). (Savard and Kaiser 1982; Campbell et al. The largest flock seen near Reef Island 1990 b). In spring of some years, large numbered 30 to 40 in May 1985 (Gaston and flocks of hundreds of immatures were Jones 1991); M. Hearne (cited in Morgan recorded near Reef Island where they were 1997) observed >200 in May 1991 off observed feeding with adults on Pacific Masset. No Sabineùs Gulls have been herring shoals (Gaston and Jones 1991). recorded during CBCs. These and additional roosting and feeding sites are shown on Figure 4 and listed in Black-legged Kittiwake Table 10. Glaucous-winged Gulls are seen on or around their colonies during the In North America, Black-legged Kittiwakes breeding season and tend to roost on breed on islands in Alaska, Quebec and unvegetated islands (Butler 2000). In fall, Newfoundland. They are piscivorous this species congregates in estuaries to feed surface feeders and winter in marine on salmon carcasses (Reimchen 1992 a, c, habitats. 1994 b). High numbers are frequently reported from sites around the archipelago Black-legged Kittiwakes are abundant in all in winter. Christmas Bird Count totals of offshore waters during spring and fall 3365 at Rose Spit in 1988 and 1150 at migration. Birds are also frequently Skidegate Inlet in 1991 were the highest observed in inshore waters and are recorded. Glaucous-winged Gulls made up abundant from March through October 9% of the marine bird population and were (Hamel and Hearne 2001). Extremely large the most abundant species in the winter of interannual variations in spring numbers in 1991-1992 in Skidegate Inlet (Blood and Hecate Strait are known (Vermeer and Bentley 1992). Rankin 1984; Gaston and Jones 1991). Gaston and Jones (1991) recorded up to These gulls use freshwater as well as 10,000 near Reef Island in May 1985 (Figure marine waters on Haida Gwaii. Reimchen 4), but observed none in 1984. They also and Douglas (1984 b) observed gulls noted that while the majority seen in March making daily migrations between the ocean and April were in adult plumage, >90% of and Drizzle Lake. Birds were primarily those seen in May and June were night residents on the lake and were never immatures. Hundreds are seen in Laskeek observed foraging. Bay in June and July of most years (A. Gaston, CWS, personal communication) and Sabineùs Gull summer records of hundreds of kittiwakes have been reported from other marine Sabineùs Gulls breed in the Arctic and waters around the region including Hippa spend the non-breeding season at sea. They Island, Naden Harbour and Rose Spit prey on fish from surface waters. (Campbell et al. 1990 b). By September, numbers were highest off the west coast where they were estimated to have the

40 second highest standing stock of marine Strait, but occurs significantly less birds (Vermeer and Rankin 1984). frequently, and in smaller numbers, off the Kittiwakes are encountered on ~50% of the west coast. Birds are generally found in Rose Spit counts and <50% of the Masset higher densities in waters <100 m depth. CBCs, but totals are usually <10. The Numbers in Queen Charlotte Sound, maximum count during the winter of 1991- Hecate Strait and Dixon Entrance peak in 1992 in Skidegate Inlet was two (Blood and spring and fall. Noteworthy records Bentley 1992). include flocks of 100 to 600 at Cape St. James, Langara Island and Rose Spit in the Common Murre spring, 900 in Hecate Strait in the summer and >500 in Skidegate Inlet in the fall Common Murres nest colonially on cliff (Campbell et al. 1990 b). During fall and ledges and surfaces of rocky islands. winter, Common Murres were the most Campbell et al. (1990 b) suggested that common alcid in inlets (Savard 1979). Common Murre breeding sites may be Large numbers are regularly found in limited by the lack of suitable habitat in Skidegate Inlet in winter (Robertson 1974; British Columbia. Adults forage by Hatler et al. 1977) where Blood and Bentley pursuing fish underwater and provision (1992) counted a maximum of 439 near their single chick during the day. The Sandspit in winter 1991-1992. The birds are speciesù natural history from British also abundant from Masset to Rose Spit in Columbia to California was reviewed by winter (Savard 1979; Coastal Waterbird Manuwal and Carter (2001). The Pacific Inventory File 1980; B.C. Coastal Waterbird subspecies is on the COSEWIC Candidate Survey website: www.bsc-eoc.org/ List as defined in Appendix A. bcwaterbirds.html; K. Vermeer, CWS, unpublished data); a high of 7,492 were The Kerouard Islands are the only counted during the Masset CBC in 1993. confirmed breeding site of Common Murres in Haida Gwaii. The breeding population Pigeon Guillemot on the Kerouards exhibits significant annual variation: an estimate of 400 Pigeon Guillemots nest solitarily or breeding birds was based on a 1987 count colonially usually in burrows or crevices, or (Rodway et al. 1990; Rodway 1991), but in among large boulders; they also nest at 1977 only 90 breeding birds were recorded industrial sites along the shore such as (Campbell et al. 1990 b) and none nested on pilings (Campbell et al. 1990 b; Vermeer et the cliffs in 1986, 1992 to 1993 and 1997 al. 1997 c). Pairs lay one to two eggs and (Rodway et al. 1990; R.W. Campbell carry small, near-bottom fish to their chicks unpublished data cited in Carter et al. 2001). throughout the day (Vermeer et al. 1993 b). Birds have been observed at other islands in The nesting biology and diet of birds in Haida Gwaii, but the close observation Skidegate Inlet are described by Vermeer et required to determine whether the al. (1993 b). attending murres were incubating or brooding was not conducted. Following No accurate estimate of the breeding the convention of Carter et al. (2001), such population exists for Haida Gwaii because sites are noted as örock attended without nests are difficult to find. Counts on the confirmed breedingõ in Figure 12. Carter et waters around probable nesting islands al. (2001) give a breeding population produced an estimate of ~5,100 birds for estimate of ~164 for the archipelago. 1986 (Rodway 1991). However, Rodway (1988) cautioned against attempting to The Common Murre is abundant in all derive a breeding population estimate from seasons in Dixon Entrance and Hecate that total because bird attendance at

41 42 colonies varies with time of day, season and Marbled Murrelet tide (Vermeer et al. 1993 a). The largest concentrations were found off the east coast Marbled Murrelets are unique among of Moresby Island (Figure 13). The total for breeding seabirds of Haida Gwaii in that the archipelago represents ~50% of the they nest solitarily on branches of old- British Columbia total (Rodway 1991) and growth trees. Pairs lay a single egg on a ~6% of the world total (Ewins et al. 1993). large-diameter, moss-covered tree branch. An early attempt to find their nests in Although the 1986 total was higher than a Haida Gwaii by Darcus (1927) incorrectly 1977 total of 4,350 guillemots, Rodway reported Marbled Murrelets nesting in (1988) noted that the difference should not burrows and among boulders up be interpreted as a population trend mountainsides (Kaiser 1996). Small fish because of the problems with the survey such as Pacific sandlance dominate the prey methodology outlined above. It is likely species and most provisioning trips for that local populations on islands with rats chicks are flown in darkness or low light and/or raccoons underwent at least a conditions. Their ecology has been studied temporary decline as the more easily near Langara Island by Sealy (1975 a, b). accessible nests were destroyed. Raccoon Burger (2002) reviewed the speciesù ecology predation on nests has been recorded on in British Columbia and Ralph et al. (1995) islands in Skidegate Inlet (Vermeer et al. reviewed their ecology throughout their 1993 b). global range.

Pigeon Guillemots are widely distributed in Marbled Murrelets have important species- the inshore waters of Haida Gwaii in spring at-risk values, being federally listed by and summer. The known at-sea COSEWIC as öthreatenedõ and provincially distribution during the breeding season is red-listed by the CDC as öendangered- similar to that shown in Figure 13 because threatenedõ. This is primarily because of the the survey methodology used to census loss of their old-growth forest nesting breeding populations involves counts of habitat due to logging (Rodway 1990; Hull birds on the water, but the birds are also 2000). Mortalities in fishing nets and oil found in the inlets of Graham and Moresby spills were also considered in the listing Island for which breeding populations have processes. not been assessed (K. Vermeer, CWS, unpublished data). In six years of surveys in It is extremely difficult to census breeding Laskeek Bay (April through July, 1990 to Marbled Murrelets due to the locations of 1995), almost all guillemots were found their nests. Extrapolating from local at-sea within 2 km of shore and considerable survey and count results, Burger (2002) inter-year variation was recorded (Gaston estimated that Haida Gwaii supported 1996). Pigeon Guillemots are commonly ~6,800 Marbled Murrelets. Using Sealyùs seen feeding in the waters nearby their (1975 b) estimate that 85% of the birds seen colonies during the day. Following the on the water are breeding adults gave a breeding season, few birds are seen in most breeding population estimate of ~5,800. marine water bodies. Twenty was Many of the at-sea data used to produce the considered a noteworthy October record for breeding population estimate are from two Skidegate Inlet by Campbell et al. (1990 b). surveys conducted in Gwaii Haanas. Blood and Bentley (1992) reported that French (1992) estimated ~2,550 birds in birds were not common in winter in Juan Perez Sound in 1992 and Lawrence Skidegate Inlet until February/March. Low and Backhouse (1991) estimated ~1,200 in numbers are often observed during the Skincuttle Inlet in 1991. However, large Masset CBC. daily, seasonal, and annual variations in

43 44 counts on the water make it difficult to reliably be used to indicate habitat derive accurate and precise estimates from preferences. Furthermore, Burger (1997 a) marine surveys without appropriate and noted that activity surveys may miss a intensive long-term surveys. For example, significant number of birds and suggested Materi et al. (1998) counted 101 and 50 in that the method may be biased toward the Botany and Fairfax Inlets respectively, in detection of non-breeding prospecting mid-June 1997. Counts in mid-July, 1998 birds. Radar surveys overcome the latter were nine and 22. A promising survey concern. In a radar study of 18 watersheds technique using radar has been used in in Clayoquot Sound, Vancouver Island, other regions of the coast (Burger 1997 a; Burger (2001) found the strongest Schroeder et al. 1999; Manley 2000), but not significant correlation between bird number on Haida Gwaii. Haida Gwaii probably and total area of mature forest at <600 m supports ~10% of the British Columbia elevation. Trees along the shoreline edge breeding population. Most of the world (to 250 m inland) are considered suboptimal population breeds in south-east and south- because the thinner epiphyte cover found central Alaska where estimates vary from on large tree branches in this zone is less 280,000 to >1,000,000 (Piatt and Naslund suitable for nesting (Burger et al. 2000). The 1995; Alger et al.1998). Burger (2002) birds are known to often forage at distances concluded that census data in British >60 km from their nest sites and, on a fine Columbia are insufficient to detect scale, the on-water numbers have no known population trends. Christmas Bird Count relationship to the numbers nesting nearby. data may suggest a declining trend (Rodway et al. 1992 b), but CBC survey sites Habitat suitability maps have been do not tend to overlap significant winter developed for Haida Gwaii based on an marine waters for the species (Burger 2002). algorithm developed from data on Marbled Murrelet nesting habitat requirements in Marbled Murrelets probably nest where southern British Columbia and revised suitable habitat exists throughout the old- following ground-truthing on Graham and growth forests of Graham and Moresby Moresby Islands (McLennan et al. 2000). Islands and on some of the larger offshore Habitat suitability maps have also been islands. Activity surveys in the forest have developed for the Tlell River watershed been used as indices of Marbled Murrelet (Chytyk et al. 2000), but, according to a habitat use, with the presence of certain report that provided a qualitative öoccupiedõ behaviours used to suggest a assessment of the various habitat likelihood of nesting (Ralph et al. 1995). In capability/suitability models used in the a study of activity levels on Haida Gwaii, province, the reliability of the Tlell model is Rodway et al. (1991, 1993) reported that low (Tripp 2001). In contrast, the model most detections were found in low developed by McLennan et al. (2000) elevation old-growth forests. Similarly, received the highest rating. However, the Dechesne and Smith (1997) found that on relationship between habitat quality, northwest Graham Island the numbers of nesting density and nesting success is still occupied detections were greatest in valley unknown for Haida Gwaii. bottom stands forested with old-growth western hemlock or western hemlock/Sitka The Marbled Murrelet occurs in all marine spruce mix. However, no quantitative water bodies during all seasons with peak relationship has been established between numbers usually in June and July the number of birds or the number of (Lawrence and Backhouse 1991; Rodway et öoccupiedõ detections counted during such al. 1991; French 1992; Morgan 1997). In surveys and nesting density. Using data winter and spring, numbers are highest in from Oregon, Jodice et al. (2001) showed Hecate Strait and Dixon Entrance. Figure 5 that the results of activity surveys cannot shows marine areas where concentrations

45 of Marbled Murrelets have been regularly Ancient Murrelet noted during the breeding season. The on- water numbers vary greatly daily, öThe Ancient Murrelets, with their unusual seasonally and interannually (Rodway et al. biology and their attachment to some of the most 1991; French 1992; Gaston 1996; Smith visually spectacular parts of the archipelago, are 1998). In Laskeek Bay, peak survey counts one of the jewels in the islandsù crown.õ were 1,686, 635, 275, 492, and 183 in 1993 (Gaston 1992 a) through 1997, respectively (Smith 1998). The birds are usually found close to shore The Ancient Murrelet is one of the where they tend to forage in waters < 30 m outstanding wildlife species of Haida Gwaii in depth (Burger 2002). Targeted at-sea and the object of A. Gastonùs (1992 a) surveys conducted in Juan Perez Sound in monograph. Haida Gwaii is their only 1991 and 1992 and in Skincuttle Inlet in breeding location in Canada and the local 1991 yielded consistently higher murrelet population represents ~50% of the world numbers on coastal compared to open population (Gaston 1994 a). Further, the water transects (Lawrence and Backhouse Ancient Murrelet is federally listed as a 1991; French 1992). Further, birds in öspecies of special concernõ by COSEWIC Laskeek Bay were almost always found primarily because much of the breeding within ~2 km of Louise Island and Gaston population is threatened by introduced (1996) suggested that distance from the predators (Gaston 1994 a); it is also mainland (Louise Island in this context) provincially listed by the CDC as was a much more important factor than övulnerableõ. The species is to be reassessed water depth in determining the by COSEWIC, but a status change is not distribution. In fall, most birds are anticipated (A. Gaston, CWS, personal recorded at the edge of the continental communication). shelf. Totals from CBCs are usually <10. Throughout British Columbia, Marbled All Ancient Murrelet colonies on Haida Murrelets prefer colder marine waters and Gwaii are situated on forested islands tend to be found over sandy sea beds and where nests are in burrows at the base of close to estuaries (Yen et al. submitted). trees, stumps or logs (Vermeer and Lemon Burger (2000) also found a significant 1986; Gaston 1992 a). Birds tend to nest negative correlation between sea water within 300 m of the shoreline and usually temperature and murrelet numbers off inland of Cassinùs Auklets where the two southwestern Vancouver Island. species co-occur (Gaston 1992 a). Most breeding pairs lay two eggs and the chicks Marbled Murrelets have been reported run to sea at only a few days of age without flying over Haida Gwaii lakes, but tend not being fed in the burrow. Adults arrive and to land. Of 49 lakes that were surveyed depart from the colony at night. The birds during twilight between May 25- July 25 of dive for their zooplankton and larval fish various years, nine had extensive flight prey. Gaston (1992 a) provides a detailed activity (Reimchen 1991). Most of the description of the speciesù ecology in Haida activity was at lakes in old-growth forests Gwaii and more recent information can be in the Coates Lake area of western Graham found in the annual reports of the Laskeek Island (Reimchen 1991); the birds were Bay Conservation Society (Gaston 1997; rarely observed flying over lakes in Gaston and Adkins 1998; Smith 1998). Naikoon Park (Reimchen 1992 b). Birds Vermeer and Lemon (1986) described were seen on a lake surface only once and aspects of the breeding biology on no foraging was observed (Eisenhawer and Frederick Island and Sealy (1975 a) Reimchen 1990). examined diets near Langara Island. Timing of breeding on the east and west

46 coasts of the archipelago is compared in probably an underestimate as other Gaston and Harfenist (1998). The extent of indicators suggested that the number of gene flow within British Columbia is birds present at the colony during the year described by Pearce et al. (2002). of the most recent survey, an El Ni o year, was lower than in the previous four years Approximately 256,000 pairs of Ancient (A. Harfenist, unpublished data). Some of the Murrelets nest on 35 colonies in Haida recorded population increases may Gwaii (Rodway 1991, Gaston 1992 a, represent a shift in the birdsù distribution Vermeer et al. 1997 c). About 50% are found away from depredated islands. No trend on three colonies off the west coast of was apparent on the Rankine Islands Graham Island (Figure 14). The breeding between 1984 and 2000 (M. Lemon, CWS, population has declined at six colonies and personal communication). Overall, it is likely 10 colonies have been abandoned. Rats are that the regional population has decreased. believed responsible for decreases on Langara, Lyell and Kunghit Islands (Gaston The Ancient Murrelet is abundant during 1994 a; Harfenist 1994; Bertram and spring and early summer in all offshore Nagorsen 1995), whereas the declines on marine water bodies around Haida Gwaii. Helgesen, Saunders and Limestone Islands The species comprised ~47% to 74% of the have been attributed to raccoons (Gaston total number of birds in Dixon Entrance in 1994 a; Gaston and Masselink 1997; A. April and May. Numbers in Laskeek Bay Gaston, CWS, personal communication). The peaked in May (Gaston 1996). Ancient most severe decline occurred on Langara Murrelets occur significantly more Island where a colony that once probably frequently in waters >100 m depth, but numbered ~200,000 pairs (Gaston 1992 a) Gaston (1996) suggested that distance from decreased to ~14,600 pairs by 1993 the mainland was a more important factor (Harfenist 1994). Birds have abandoned in determining their distribution than water small colonies on Lucy, Cox, Instructor, depth. In six years of surveys during Boulder, Sea Pigeon, Skedans, Arichika, spring and summer in Laskeek Bay, birds Bischof, Tar and High Islands; introduced were found almost exclusively >2 km predators may have been a factor at some of offshore (Gaston 1996). Vermeer et al. these sites (Rodway 1991; Gaston 1994 a). (1985) observed most birds at the continental shelf break off northwestern The breeding population on East Limestone Graham Island. Large concentrations of Island recovered following the removal of birds are often found in the evenings raccoons (Gaston and Lemon 1996) and has during the breeding season on marine since remained relatively stable (Gray gathering grounds near colonies (Figure 4 1999). However, the Langara population and Table 10; Rodway et al. 1988, 1990, 1994; had not rebounded four years after the Gaston 1992 a). After the breeding season, eradication of rats (Drever 2000). numbers near the colonies decline and few are recorded during the fall and winter. Population increases have occurred on CBC totals are usually low, however 4,650 colonies without introduced predators such were counted during the 1995 Rose Spit as Lihou, Reef, George, Ramsay and CBC. Frederick (Lemon 1993 a, b; Gaston and Lemon 1996; Gaston and Masselink 1997; Cassinùs Auklet Lemon 1997; Lemon and Gaston 1999). With the exception of Frederick Island, Cassinùs Auklets nest on forested or grassy annual increases have ranged from 2.6% to islands in burrows dug into moss or bare 9.5% (Lemon and Gaston 1999). The 0.2% soil in the forest or under grassy increase recorded for Frederick Island is hummocks, usually within ~100 m of shore

47 48 (Vermeer and Lemon 1986; Rodway et al. introduced predators for which there are 1988). Pairs lay a single egg. Zooplankton data, populations appear stable. Data are are the major food supplied to the chicks available for George Island between 1985 during provisioning flights that occur in and 1996 (Lemon 1997) and East Copper darkness. Additional information about Island between 1985 and 1991 (Lemon their ecology in Haida Gwaii is in Vermeer 1992). and Lemon (1986) and Gaston (1992 c). As well, this species was the focus of a 6-year The Cassinùs Auklet is abundant in all research project on Frederick Island whose marine water bodies around Haida Gwaii results have been presented at conferences in spring and summer, but is more (Bertram et al. 1997; Harfenist and Smith frequently seen off the west coast than in 2001; Bertram et al. 2002), but are not yet Queen Charlotte Sound, Hecate Strait or published. Dixon Entrance. Birds occur significantly more frequently over waters >100 m depth. Cassinùs Auklets are the most abundant A concentration of 420 birds reported 8 km breeding seabird in Haida Gwaii. east of East Copper Island in May 1985 was Approximately 297,000 pairs breed at 49 a noteworthy record (Campbell et al. 1990 sites (Figure 15; Rodway 1991; Vermeer et b). Morgan (1997) noted high inter-year al. 1997 c). That total represents ~18% of variability in spring numbers. Birds tend to the world population; British Columbia forage during the breeding season seaward supports ~80% of the world population of the continental shelf and over seamounts (Rodway 1991). Population declines have (Vermeer et al. 1985), however, Gaston and been noted on seven islands; Langara, Cox, Jones (1991) reported hundreds feeding St. James, Saunders, Helgesen, Arichika and between Reef and Skedans in June 1984 and Rankine (Rodway et al. 1990, 1994; Gaston 1985 (Figure 4, Table 10). Adults are and Masselink 1997). The abandonments of common in waters around their colonies Langara, Cox and St. James Islands have during the breeding season and young-of- been attributed to predation by introduced the-year are often seen in these waters in rats, whereas raccoons are believed July and August (K. Rowsell, Queen responsible for the abandonment and Charlotte City, personal communication), up decline on Saunders and Helgesen Islands, to one to two months after fledging. respectively. The population decline Numbers are relatively low in the fall and between 1984 and 2000 on the Rankine winter before they begin to increase again Islands is probably due to a radical change in March. Although few are usually in the vegetation cover around the encountered during CBCs, 1,398 were perimeter of the island where the birds nest recorded in the 1996 Rose Spit count. (M. Lemon, CWS, personal communication). Significant reductions in burrow density Rhinoceros Auklet were noted in areas of Rankine where open moss habitat has been replaced by Rhinoceros Auklet colonies occur on impenetrable spruce seedlings and saplings forested islands (Rodway et al. 1988, 1990). following windfall. The population The birds nest in burrows under grass estimate for Frederick Island in 1998 was hummocks, moss or bare soil. Pairs lay a lower than that in 1980 (M. Lemon, CWS, single egg and feed their chick in the personal communication); however, other burrow until it fledges. Provisioning trips, indicators suggest that fewer birds were during which the parents bring small fish to present on the colony in 1998, an El Ni o their chicks, occur in darkness. Birds year, than in the previous four years (A. pursue their prey underwater. Brown Harfenist, unpublished data). The lower 1998 (1997) and Bertram et al. (in press) provide figure, therefore, probably does not reflect a long-term decline. On islands without

49 50 chick growth and diet information from the 1980s found the highest spring densities colony at SGaang Gwaii (Anthony Island). seaward of the continental shelf east of Cape St. James and near Langara Island. An estimated 23,900 pairs of Rhinoceros Noteworthy spring records include counts Auklets breed at 24 sites in Haida Gwaii of 4,000 to 5,000 and 1,900 near Frederick (Gaston and Jones 1991; Rodway 1991; Island and SGaang Gwaii, respectively Vermeer et al. 1991 b; 1997 c). The breeding (Campbell et al. 1990 b). During April to colonies are concentrated off the south and July for six consecutive years in Laskeek northwest coasts of Moresby Island shown Bay, Rhinoceros Auklets were usually found in Figure 16. The archipelago accounts for >2 km offshore (Gaston 1996), but Gaston ~ 4% and 7% of the world and British and Jones (1991) observed up to 2,000 birds Columbia populations, respectively feeding near Low Island in spring of 1985. (Rodway 1991; Campbell et al. 1990 b). Numbers varied substantially between years. Several thousand have been Although Rhinoceros Auklets are increasing reported during summer surveys from over most of their range (Gaston and several areas including Houston Stewart Deschesne 1996), the breeding population Channel, Skedans Island and Dixon on Haida Gwaii has probably declined. Entrance from Masset Inlet to Naden Gaston (unpublished data cited in Gaston Harbour (Campbell et al. 1990 b). Some of and Dechesne 1996) reported that the the hundreds of birds regularly observed numbers seen in Hecate Strait during the feeding near Langara Island throughout the breeding season have increased from 1984 spring and early summer probably breed in to1994, but suggested that the trend likely Alaska as they are seen flying northward at reflects an overall population increase dusk (A. Harfenist, unpublished observation). rather than a regional one. Extirpations and Marine waters known to be important to local declines have been attributed to Rhinoceros Auklets during spring and introduced rats (on Langara and Cox summer are shown in Figure 4 and listed in Islands) and raccoons (on Saunders, Table 10. Birds often gather near their Helgesen and Little Helgesen Islands) colonies with fish in their beaks in early (Rodway et al. 1990, 1994; Rodway 1991; evening during chick-rearing (A. Harfenist, Bertram and Nagorsen 1995; Gaston and unpublished observation). Following the Masselink 1997). Between 1986 and 1993, breeding season, birds move offshore and the population on Helgesen Island declined southward, but are still common off the east by ~10,000 pairs (Gaston and Masselink coasts of Moresby and Kunghit in 1997). Two small sub-colonies on Kunghit September and October (Coastal Waterbird Island have been abandoned, however, no Inventory File 1980; K. Vermeer, CWS, evidence of rat predation has been found at unpublished data). The highest fall density the colony on Kunghit Island despite the was recorded seaward of the continental islandùs long history of rats (Rodway et al. shelf south of Cape St. James. Christmas 1988; Harfenist 1994). Colonies on Ellen Bird Counts usually yield <10. Birds and Instructor Islands disappeared for banded in British Columbia have been unknown reasons (Rodway et al. 1988; recovered in California (G. Kaiser, personal Gaston and Masselink 1997). The small communication, cited in Gaston and colonies on High and Charles Islands were Dechesne 1996). stable between 1986 and 1993 (Harfenist 1994). Horned Puffin

Rhinoceros Auklets are encountered in all Horned Puffins nest in burrows on slopes water bodies around Haida Gwaii in all covered with grass hummocks or in seasons. Pelagic bird surveys in the early crevices in Alaska and may nest in either habitat on Haida Gwaii. Pairs lay a single

51 52 egg and chicks are fed small fish in the pairs (Rodway 1991) is a rough burrow until fledging. Birds dive for their approximation. The archipelagoùs prey; provisioning of the chicks is diurnal. population represents <0.5% of the world population (Campbell et al. 1990 b). There are no confirmed breeding sites for the Horned Puffin in Haida Gwaii, but Tufted Puffins abandoned nesting on pairs have been observed entering burrows Langara Island, presumably due to rat at two sites: Flatrock Island and SGaang predation (Rodway et al. 1994). Rats may Gwaii (Figure 17; Rodway et al. 1990; Butler also have restricted the population on St. 2000). Based on the consistent presence of James Island (Rodway et al. 1990). The adults in breeding plumage on the water colony on Kunghit Island is relatively near Kerouard, St. James and Marble inaccessible to humans so it is not known Islands, Campbell et al. (1990 b) suggested whether rats are having an impact on its that the species nests at those sites as well. nesting birds. Some of the Skidegate Haida Rodwayùs (1991) estimate of 16 breeding elders interviewed by Ellis (1991) noted that pairs for Haida Gwaii is a rough the population was greatly reduced by the approximation based on the number of oil spill of 1925, especially around Hippa birds observed on and around suspected Island. On SGaang Gwaii, the nesting breeding islands. The archipelago probably population declined from ~60 pairs to ~20 supports <0.01% of the North American pairs between 1977 and 1986 (Rodway et al. population (Campbell et al. 1990 b). 1990) and the Tuft Islets colony was abandoned (Rodway et al. 1988). The Horned Puffin is found in the waters of Haida Gwaii from late January to late Tufted Puffins are seen in Haida Gwaii October (Campbell et al. 1990 b; Morgan waters from April through November. 1997; Hamel and Hearne 2001). Small During spring they are common in Queen numbers are often seen on the water around Charlotte Sound, the west coast and islands at the southern end of the southern Hecate Strait near their breeding archipelago and Marble Island during the colonies. Approximately 900 were counted breeding season. Birds are rarely near the Kerouards in June 1986 and 300 to encountered in Hecate Strait. The birds 400 were noted during the breeding season move further offshore by winter. near Lyman Point, Marble Island and Cape St. James (Campbell et al. 1990 b). They are Tufted Puffin rarely seen in the rest of Hecate Strait or Dixon Entrance. The highest numbers are Tufted Puffins nest in burrows on slopes found near the continental shelf edge. covered with grass hummocks or in rock During the summer, birds tend to be found crevices (Campbell et al. 1990 b). Pairs lay a further offshore than in the spring. After single egg and feed their chicks small fish the breeding season, Tufted Puffins move during diurnal provisioning trips. Adults southwest and sightings in fall usually pursue their prey under water. involve <10 individuals. They are not encountered in CBCs. There are 14 confirmed or suspected breeding colonies of Tufted Puffins on the Marine Waterfowl archipelago (Figure 18). Most colonies are located at the south end of Haida Gwaii. öï sea ducks ï are the most poorly understood Surveys have involved counting the group of waterfowl. Basic natural history number of birds standing on the colony, information is lacking for some species, and flying by or in the water nearby. Thus, the there are few reliable population indices or estimated breeding population of ~560 estimates of annual survival for most of the

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