Book Description

"Spring aerial surveys of migrating waterfowl were conducted at 14 sites in the North Arm of Great Slave Lake. In 1989, the timing of spring break-up was similar to that of two of the last three years. Almost 34 700 birds were recorded. Scaup were the most abundant birds followed by Tundra Swans, Canada Geese and 23 other species of waterfowl. At least 1% of the national population of Tundra Swans staged in the study area, hence its status as a Key Habitat Site for the Northwest Territories. Large numbers of Canvasbacks and sightings of other "prairie" species suggest that many drought-displaced birds occurred in the Great Slave Lake region in 1989. Waterbirds were particularly abundant in the lower Beaulieu River, at Goulet and Campbell bays, and in the lower Yellowknife River. Migration peaked in mid-May. By using a visibility correction factor, we estimate that over 11 000 birds were present in the study area on 16 May alone. The study area encompasses less than half of the North Arm's wetlands"--Abstract, p. i.