Enhancing waterfowl nesting opportunities in the Parsnip Arm
This project, led by Blackbird Environmental Ltd., will locate previously installed nesting structures in the Parsnip Arm, inspect their condition and assess their use by target species, as well as repair or replace damaged structures, as needed. These structures can provide crucial tools to increase reproductive success of wildlife species in areas where the natural availability of nest sites have been reduced by human activity.
Floating islands at Tudyah Lake near MacKenzie provide habitat for waterfowl, and apparently beavers.
Update: Nesting structures monitored and maintained
Work to monitor and maintain artificial nesting structures in continued this year in alignment with public health guidance. This project, led by Blackbird Environmental, assessed, replaced and repaired nesting structures in the Parsnip Arm of the Williston Reservoir.
Fifty-three nest boxes inspected: monitoring and maintaining habitat structures – like these nest boxes in our Peace Region – is an important part of the work we fund. This nest box and others in the Parsnip Arm, have been well used since they were first installed by Ducks Unlimited. This year’s work focused on replacing wood chips, repairing the boxes and confirming their use.
Final report: executive summary
During the fall of 2020, Blackbird Environmental Ltd. (Blackbird) completed usage assessments and maintenance activities on artificial nesting structures aimed to enhance waterfowl habitat within the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program’s (FWCP’s) Parsnip Arm sub-region of the Williston reservoir. These structures were initially installed in the early 1990s as part of the Peace/Williston Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program. Target waterfowl species within the region include common and Barrow’s goldeneye (Bucephala clangula, Bucephala islandica), common and hooded merganser (Mergus merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus), bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), Canada goose (Branta canadensis), common loon (Gavia immer), and mallard (Anas platyrhynchos).
The subject project was completed under the guidance of the FWCP’s 2014 Peace Region Action Plans. Specifically, the project has been completed under the Peace Basin Riparian and Wetlands Action Plan Objective 2 and Priority Action 2b-2:
- Objective 2: Conserve or enhance the ecological integrity of riparian and wetland ecosystems,
- Sub-objective 2b-2: Install artificial nesting or roost structures for wildlife species (FWCP 2014a).
Blackbird inspected 74 artificial nesting structures as part of this program, which included floating islands, nest boxes, nesting tunnels, and a floating log.
Click the provincial database link below to read the full final report for this project.