conspicuous raptor and great blue heron study · conspicuous raptor and great blue heron study 1...

Conspicuous Raptor and

Great Blue Heron Study

APRIL 2015

George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project

CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR AND GREAT BLUE HERON STUDY

i

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.



ii

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.



iv

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

Blue List, blue-listed The B.C. CDC designation for species considered to be of special concern (formerly vulnerable) in British Columbia.

Extirpated Species that no longer exist in the wild in B.C. but occur elsewhere.

Highway 99 Corridor The right-of-way owned by the Province of B.C. for Highway 99 from the Peace Arch Canada-U.S. border crossing in Surrey to the Oak Street Bridge in Richmond.

Project disturbance area

All lands and lands under water, except the Project footprint, which are subject to disturbance during Project construction and required for maintenance activities during Project operation.

Red List, red-listed The B.C. CDC designation for species considered extirpated, endangered, or threatened.



v

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



vi

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



1

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).



2

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).



3

Table 1 Listed Conspicuous Raptor and Heron Species Known to Occur in Study Area

Common Name Scientific Name COSEWIC SARA Schedule 1

B.C. List Identified Wildlife

Rough-legged hawk

Buteo lagopus Not at risk

May 1995

Not identified

Blue No

Peregrine falcon, anatum subspecies

Falco peregrinus anatum

SC

Apr 2007

SC

Jun 2012 Red No

Great blue heron, fannini subspecies

Ardea herodias fannini

SC

Mar 2008

SC

Feb 2010 Blue

Yes

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 pertinent information and observations within the study area

Compile, describe, and summarize existing knowledge based on available data and previous studies.

Based on available information, assess availability and quality of breeding and non-breeding habitats for identified species of concern.

Roadside surveys for conspicuous raptors and herons

Identify level of use by foraging conspicuous raptors and great blue herons in the study area.

Conduct seasonal roadside surveys of the Highway 99 ROW and document observations of raptors and herons.

Nest searches Identify conspicuous raptor or heron nests within the study area.

Conduct early spring searches (prior to leaf out) for stick nests. Determine nest activity, if possible.



4

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).



5

Table 3 Raptors Reported in the Boundary Bay Regional Park Bird Checklist

Common Name Scientific Name Seasonal Relative Abundance

Spring Summer Fall Winter

Conspicuous species*

American kestrel Falco sparverius rare rare rare casual

Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

common fairly common

fairly common

common

Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos casual - - -

Gyrfalcon F. rusticolus casual - - rare

Northern harrier Circus cyaneus uncommon uncommon uncommon uncommon

Northern hawk-owl

Surnia ulula - - - accidental

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 hawk

B. lagopus rare - rare rare

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 owl

Bubo virginianus - - casual -

Long-eared owl Asio otus - - - accidental

Merlin F. columbarius rare rare - casual

Northern goshawk

A. gentilis - - casual casual

http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/reports.do?elcode=ABNSB07010





6

Common Name Scientific Name Seasonal Relative Abundance

Spring Summer Fall Winter

Sharp-shinned hawk

A. striatus rare - rare rare

Short-eared owl Asio flammeus rare rare rare rare

Snowy owl Bubo scandiacus - - - casual

Western screech-owl

Megascops kennicottii

- - - accidental

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

American kestrel

Utilizes woodpecker holes, natural cavities, and nests of other species. Prefers open or partly open habitat, particularly woodland edges.

Prefers open habitats such as rangeland, grassland, farm fields, meadows and marshes, especially areas with adjacent perching sites including fence posts, utility poles, wires, and trees.

Likely present spring through autumn. Small numbers may overwinter near the study area.

Bald eagle

Breeds mainly in coniferous forests but also in deciduous or mixed woodlands. Often found near the ocean, lakes, rivers, or marshes. A key habitat component for bald eagle breeding is large trees that can support their nests.

Largely associated with aquatic areas such as ocean shores, lakes, rivers, marshes, and sloughs; however, individuals can be found in a broad array of habitat types.

Resident species potentially present in the study area year-round. Nesting confirmed in the study area.

Gyrfalcon Holarctic; breeds on cliff ledges in the Arctic, including Alaska. Does not breed in the Lower Mainland.

Winters south of the breeding range and sighted occasionally in the Lower Mainland. Wintering habitat is associated with areas where prey species (waterfowl, gulls, shorebirds, and pigeons) are concentrated, such as tidal flats, marshes, sloughs, and wet agricultural fields. May also utilize artificial habitats such as airports, golf courses, and city parks.

Gyrfalcon is a rare winter visitant

Northern harrier

Ground-nesting species that prefers cattail/bulrush marshes. Nesting sites are located in open areas including lake margins, pond edges, open fields, bogs, and forested areas that have experienced recent fire disturbance.

Prefers marshes, sloughs, open fields, as well as manmade habitats such as airports, golf courses, and road edges.

Potentially present year-round.



8

Species Breeding Habitat 1 Non-breeding Habitat 1 Presence in the Study Area

Peregrine falcon

Breeding sites are limited to cliff ledges or trees on islands.

Associated with habitats that support large numbers of prey species (i.e., small to medium-sized birds such as shorebirds and waterfowl). These areas include tidal flats, marshes, estuaries, flooded fields, airports, parks, golf courses, and rail yards.

Has the potential to occur in the study area year-round; however, appropriate breeding habitat is not available in or adjacent to the study area.

Red-tailed hawk

Found in open and semi-open areas such as woodland edges, agricultural areas with available perch sites, lake and edges, marshes, or bogs. Nesting sites include trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) or black cottonwood groves (P. balsamifera trichocarpa), cliffs, burns, islands in rivers or lakes, or large trees adjacent to roads or highways.

Uses a broad array of open habitat types including agricultural fields and road margins.

Present in the study area year-round. Nesting confirmed within study area. Highest numbers occur in winter.

Rough-legged hawk

Breeds on cliffs in boreal forest regions. Does not breed in the Lower Mainland.

Prefers open areas such as marshes, grasslands, rangelands. Will also utilize agricultural fields and airports.

Overwinters in the Fraser River delta. Potentially present during spring and autumn migration as well. Not present during summer.

Turkey vulture

Breeds on the inner coast of southern B.C. but is generally restricted to remote areas on rocky cliffs and outcroppings. Small numbers may breed throughout the Fraser Lowlands to Hope.

Uses cliff and bluff habitat, open habitats such as pastures, fields, rangelands, roads and golf courses, as well as river mouths, and marine shores.

Breeding in the study area is unlikely due to a lack of appropriate habitat, but turkey vulture has the potential to be present throughout the year.

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).



9

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



11

(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).



12

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

Season Date (2014) Sunrise Sunset Start Time of First Transect

Survey Start Point

Spring

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

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

Summer

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

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



13

Season Date (2014) Sunrise Sunset Start Time of First Transect

Survey Start Point

Autumn

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

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

Winter

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

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.



14

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


1029 64 67 230 0 78

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

Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis

169 11 6 25 2 13

Rough-legged hawk

B. lagopus 2 0 0 1 0 <1

Unidentified buteo

- 7 0 1 2 0 <1

Unidentified falcon

- 1 0 0 1 0 <1

Unidentified raptor

- 19 1 1 5 0 1

Herons

Great blue heron Ardea herodias fannini

70 4 4 16 1 5

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.



15

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.



16

Table 7 Seasonal Abundance of Conspicuous Raptors and Herons during Roadside Surveys

Common Name

Scientific Name

Spring Summer Autumn Winter

Count Mean ± SD

Count Mean ± SD

Count Mean ± SD

Count Mean ± SD

American kestrel

Falco sparverius

2 1 ±1 - - - - - -


664 166 ±46

188 47 ±13

1 < 1 ±1

176 44 ±9

Cooper's hawk

Accipiter cooperii

- - - - 1 <1 ±1 2 1 ±1

Northern harrier

Circus cyaneus

1 <1 ±1

- - 2 1 ±1 4 1 ±2

Peregrine falcon

F. peregrinus 1 <1 ±1

1 <1 ±1 - - - -

Red-tailed hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

38 10 ±2

38 10 ±1 26 7 ±5 67 17 ±8

Rough-legged hawk

B. lagopus - - - - - - 2 1 ±1

Unidentified Buteo

- 1 <1 ±1

- - 3 1 ±1 3 1 ±1

Unidentified falcon

- - - 1 <1 ±1 - - - -

Unidentified raptor

- 7 2 ±1 3 1 ±1 4 1 ± 1 5 1 ±3

Great blue heron

Ardea herodias fannini

11 3 ±1 12 3 ±2 9 2 ±1 38 10 ±5

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.



17

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.



18

Table 8 Raptor Nests

Nest ID Species Structure General Area Activity Status

01 Unidentified raptor

Black cottonwood

North side of the Tunnel Unknown

02 Red-tailed hawk

Black cottonwood

Forest patch adjacent to the southbound off-ramp to River Road

Active

03 Bald eagle Black cottonwood

Deas Island Active


Deas Island Active


Black cottonwood

South of Westminster Highway Unknown

06 Bald eagle Transmission tower

Near Serpentine River Active


Deciduous tree Golf course northeast of Highway 99/Highway 91 interchange

Unknown


At Highway 91 on-ramp to northbound Highway 99

Active

09 Bald eagle Deciduous tree South of Vancouver Landfill, near 88th Street

Active


Deciduous tree South of Vancouver Landfill, near 88th Street

Unknown


Black cottonwood

Adjacent to Highway 17 (SFPR) on-ramp to Highway 99 southbound

Unknown

12 Bald eagle Deciduous tree Near Highway 17 (SFPR) on-ramp to Highway 99 southbound

Active


Black cottonwood

Near Highway 17 (SFPR) and Ladner Trunk Road

Unknown

14 Red-tailed hawk

Black poplar Golf course north of Steveston Highway

Active

Note: Activity status is based on the presence of birds or signs of nesting at the nests during the summer survey session (June 2014).



19

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.



20

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



21

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).



22

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.

Mami

Text Box

ORIGINAL SIGNED AND STAMPED



23

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.



24

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.



25

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.


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.



26

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.


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.


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.

APPENDIX A

Figures

Path:

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±1:100,000

0 1 2 3 4 5Kilometres

GEORGE MASSEY TUNNEL REPLACEMENT PROJECT

CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR ABUNDANCEAND DISTRIBUTION (SPRING 2014)Figure 1a 15/04/2015

SOURCESParks and Protected Lands, First Nations Reserves from GeoBC, United States basemap data courtesy of USGS. Burns Bog courtesy of The Corporation of Delta and based on the Metro Vancouver Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area Management Plan - May 2007, all other data courtesy of Canvec - GeoGratis.

11km Sample Intervals - Number of Bird Sightings1 - 33 - 99 - 2020 - 5151 - 485No RecordsFirst Nation ReserveBurns Bog Ecological Conservancy AreaMunicipal BoundariesWaterbodyCanada - U.S. BorderHighwayArterial/Collector RoadGeorge

MasseyTunnel

Burns Bog

PEACE ARCH PARK

MUSQUEAMI.R. 4

Fraser R iver North Arm

River Road

River Road62

bStre

et

BoundaryBay

Deas IslandRegional Park

DeasSlo

ugh

Dyke Road

RichmondNature Park

Annacis Channel

Boundary BayAirport

Fraser River South Arm

UV1Bridgeport Road

No 5

Road

Blundell Road

Steveston Highway

Westminster Highway

SEMIAHMOO

UV17

Delta

Richmond

Surrey

TsawwassenFirst Nation

Vancouver

White Rock

BurnabyNew

Westminster

VancouverLandfill

UV91

UV99

UV17

UV17A

UV17

UV10 UV99

UV91

UV10

UV99

UV17

Area EnlargedRichmond

DeltaSurrey

Tsawwassen First Nation

GeorgeMasseyTunnel

VancouverBurnaby

Langley

Maple Ridge

CoquitlamPitt

Meadows

WhiteRock Canada

U.S.AWashington

Boundary Bay

0 5 10Kilometres

1 The sample interval length is 1km along the centreline of Highway 99. The buffer distance of each sample interval length is 1km perpendicular to the direction of the road.(The total width is 2km)

Path:

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±1:100,000



CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR ABUNDANCEAND DISTRIBUTION (SUMMER 2014)Figure 1b 15/04/2015



MasseyTunnel

Burns Bog

PEACE ARCH PARK

MUSQUEAMI.R. 4


River Road

River Road62

bStre

et

BoundaryBay


DeasSlo

ugh

Dyke Road

RichmondNature Park

Annacis Channel

Serpentine River

Nickomek l R

iver


UV1Bridgeport Road

No 5

Road

Blundell Road

Steveston Highway

Westminster Highway

SEMIAHMOO

UV17

Delta

Richmond

Surrey


Vancouver

White Rock

BurnabyNew

Westminster

BoundaryBay Regional

Park

BoundaryBay

Airport

VancouverLandfill

UV91

UV99

UV17

UV17A

UV17

UV10 UV99

UV91

UV10

UV99

UV17


DeltaSurrey


GeorgeMasseyTunnel

VancouverBurnaby

Langley

Maple Ridge

CoquitlamPitt

Meadows

WhiteRock Canada

U.S.AWashington

Boundary Bay

0 5 10Kilometres


Path:

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6061

6_FIN

AL.m

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Legend

±1:100,000



CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR ABUNDANCEAND DISTRIBUTION (FALL 2014)

Figure 1c 15/04/2015



MasseyTunnel

Burns Bog

PEACE ARCH PARK

MUSQUEAMI.R. 4


River Road

River Road62

bStre

et

BoundaryBay


DeasSlo

ugh

Dyke Road

RichmondNature Park

Annacis Channel

Serpentine River

Nickomek l R

iver


UV1Bridgeport Road

No 5

Road

Blundell Road

Steveston Highway

Westminster Highway

SEMIAHMOO

UV17

Delta

Richmond

Surrey


Vancouver

White Rock

BurnabyNew

Westminster


Park

BoundaryBay

Airport

VancouverLandfill

UV91

UV99

UV17

UV17A

UV17

UV10 UV99

UV91

UV10

UV99

UV17


DeltaSurrey


GeorgeMasseyTunnel

VancouverBurnaby

Langley

Maple Ridge

CoquitlamPitt

Meadows

WhiteRock Canada

U.S.AWashington

Boundary Bay

0 5 10Kilometres


Path:

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17-29

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1606

16_F

INAL

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±1:100,000



CONSPICUOUS RAPTOR ABUNDANCEAND DISTRIBUTION (WINTER 2014)Figure 1d 15/04/2015



MasseyTunnel

Burns Bog

PEACE ARCH PARK

MUSQUEAMI.R. 4


River Road

River Road62

bStre

et

BoundaryBay


DeasSlo

ugh

Dyke Road

RichmondNature Park

Annacis Channel

Serpentine River

Nickomek l R

iver


UV1Bridgeport Road

No 5

Road

Blundell Road

Steveston Highway

Westminster Highway

SEMIAHMOO

UV17

Delta

Richmond

Surrey


Vancouver

White Rock

BurnabyNew

Westminster


Park

BoundaryBay

Airport

UV91

UV99

UV17

UV17A

UV17

UV10 UV99

UV91

UV10

UV99

UV17

VancouverLandfill


DeltaSurrey


GeorgeMasseyTunnel

VancouverBurnaby

Langley

Maple Ridge

CoquitlamPitt

Meadows

WhiteRock Canada

U.S.AWashington

Boundary Bay

0 5 10Kilometres


Path:

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±1:100,000



GREAT BLUE HERON ABUNDANCEAND DISTRIBUTION

Figure 2 15/04/2015


Great Blue Heron SightingSpring 2014 (11 total sightings)Summer 2014 (12 total sightings)Fall 2014 (9 total sightings)Winter 2014 (38 total sightings)First Nation ReserveBurns Bog Ecological Conservancy AreaMunicipal BoundariesWaterbodyCanada - U.S. BorderHighwayArterial/Collector Road

GeorgeMasseyTunnel

Burns Bog

PEACE ARCH PARK

MUSQUEAMI.R. 4


River Road

River Road62

bStre

et

BoundaryBay


DeasSlo

ugh

Dyke Road

RichmondNature Park

Annacis Channel

Serpentine River

Nickomek l R

iver


UV1Bridgeport Road

No 5

Road

Blundell Road

Steveston Highway

Westminster Highway

SEMIAHMOO

UV17

Delta

Richmond

Surrey


Vancouver

White Rock

BurnabyNew

Westminster


Park

BoundaryBay

Airport

VancouverLandfill

UV91

UV99

UV17

UV17A

UV17

UV10 UV99

UV91

UV10

UV99

UV17


DeltaSurrey


GeorgeMasseyTunnel

VancouverBurnaby

Langley

Maple Ridge

CoquitlamPitt

Meadows

WhiteRock Canada

U.S.AWashington

Boundary Bay

0 5 10Kilometres


Path:

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±1:100,000



CONSPICUOUS RAPTORNEST LOCATIONS

Figure 3 15/04/2015


Nest Species and ConditionB Bald Eagle, ActiveR Red-tailed Hawk, ActiveU Unidentified Raptor Nest, Unknown Activity

First Nation ReserveBurns Bog Ecological Conservancy AreaMunicipal BoundariesWaterbodyCanada - U.S. BorderHighwayArterial/Collector Road

U

BBU

U

R

BB

U

BUBU

R

GeorgeMasseyTunnel

Burns Bog

PEACE ARCH PARK

MUSQUEAMI.R. 4


River Road

River Road62

bStre

et

BoundaryBay


DeasSlo

ugh

Dyke Road

RichmondNature Park

Annacis Channel

Serpentine River

Nickomek l R

iver


UV1Bridgeport Road

No 5

Road

Blundell Road

Steveston Highway

Westminster Highway

SEMIAHMOO

UV17

Delta

Richmond

Surrey


Vancouver

White Rock

BurnabyNew

Westminster

Nest 007

Nest 008Nest 009Nest 010

Nest001

Nest002

Nest003Nest004

Nest005

Nest006Nest011 Nest012Nest013

Nest014


Park

BoundaryBay

Airport

UV91

UV99

UV17

UV17A

UV17

UV10 UV99

UV91

UV10

UV99

UV17

VancouverLandfill


DeltaSurrey


GeorgeMasseyTunnel

VancouverBurnaby

Langley

Maple Ridge

CoquitlamPitt

Meadows

WhiteRock Canada

U.S.AWashington

Boundary Bay

0 5 10Kilometres


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