osprey and bald eagle study - iaac-aeic.gc.ca

January 2009

Environmental Impact Statement for the Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project

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Osprey and Bald Eagle Study

JWEL PROJECT NO. 1202

CHURCHILL RIVER POWER PROJECT1998 Environmental Studies

OSPREY AND BALD EAGLE STUDYLHP 98-11

TO

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR HYDRO500 COLUMBUS DRIVE

ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLANDAlA 2X8

BY

JACQUES WHITFORD ENVIRONMENT LIMITED15 KING CRESCENTP.O. BOX 274, STN. C

GOOSE BAY, LABRADORAOP 1CO

Tel: (709) 896-5860Fax: (709) 896-5863

March 9, 1999

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-1 I - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study. March 9, 1999

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In June 1998, Jacques Whitford Environment Limited (IWEL) was awarded a contract to complete baselinesurveys for Osprey and Bald Eagle as part of the Churchill River Power Project (CRPP). As JWEL was also

the prime contractor completing similar research in the same geographic area for the Department of National

Defence (DND), survey and data analyses were combined in a cooperative fashion for both proponents.Nest activity and reproductive surveys for Osprey and Bald Eagle have been completed by JWEL in the

Churchill River valley and environs since 1993 as part of the annual Wildlife Mitigation and MonitoringProgram for DND. The accumulated information from these intensive survey programs have been compiledin an Osprey database describe individual nest fates, regional activity levels, population trends and otheraspects of raptor and other wildlife ecology.

Based on the habitat knowledge and breeding records accumulated for the CRPP study area by DND, knownnest sites were revisited and dedicated surveys completed, during June and early July 1998. By project area,the results indicated: two active Bald Eagle nests and 39 Osprey nests in the Churchill River Valley andTransmission Line Corridor - Gull Island to Churchill Falls; one active Bald Eagle nest and six activeOsprey nests in the Lac Brulé and Atikonak Lake Area; and five active Osprey nests along the proposedtransmission line from Gull Island to Soldiers Pond. Reproductive success surveys of all active nests in mid-August indicated that 1998 was the most productive year for Osprey since records were first maintained byfor DNID in 1993 (JWEL 1994). Of the 276 active/occupied nests identified during surveys for DND andCRRP in 1998, 1.65 young were fledged per adult female. In terms of ecoregion values, the Churchill RiverValley and existing transmission line corridor exhibited above average reproductive success. It should benoted that the artificial platform nests on transmission line poles have produced significantly more youngthan natural platforms in 1997 (JWEL 1998) and 1998. All three active Bald Eagle nests identified in the

CRRP study area were successful in raising young during 1998. Nesting habitat quality for both of theselarge raptor species varies between ecoregions resulting in varying levels of nesting activity throughout thelarge geographic area.

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-1 I - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study. March 9, 1999 Page i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Page No.

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

2.0 STUDY TEAM 2

3.0 STUDY OBJECT IVES 5

4.0 STUDY AREA 6

5.0 METHODS 85.1 Review of Previous Studies 85.2 Nest Activity Surveys 95.3 Productivity Surveys 105.4 Nest Classification Criteria and Recording of Observatioiis 105.5 Egg/Nestling Baseline Contaminant Collection 115.6 Data Management 11

6.0 RESULTS 126.1 Nesting Activity Surveys 12

6.1.1 Churchill River Valley and Transmission Line Corridor - Gull Island to ChurchillFalls 12

6.1.2 Lac Joseph, Atikonak Lake and Lac Brule Area 126.1.3 Transmission Line Corridor - Soldiers Pond to Gull Island 12

6.2 Reproductive Success Surveys 236.2.1 Churchill River Valley and Transmission Line Corridor - Gull Island to Churchill

Falls 246.2.2 Lac Joseph, Lac Brule and Atikonak Lake Area 246.2.3 Transmission Line Corridor - Soldiers Pond to Gull Island 24

6.3 Other Wildlife 246.4 Retrieval of Addled Eggs/Dead Chicks 25

7.0 DISCUSSION 267.1 Habitat Suitability 26

7.1.1 Churchill River Valley and Transmission Line Corridor - Gull Island to ChurchillFalls 26

7.1.2 Lac Joseph, Atikonak Lake and Lac Brule Areas 277.1.3 Transmission Line Corridor - Soldiers Pond to Gull Island 27

8.0 REFERENCES 288.1 Personal Communications 288.2 Literature Cited 28

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-1 1 - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study. March 9, 1999 Page ii

LIST OF APPENDICES

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Appendix 1 Required PermitsAppendix 2 Observations of Other Wildlife SpeciesAppendix 3 Transmission Line Survey Methodologies

LIST OF FIGURESPage No.

Figure 4.1 Study Area for Osprey and Bald Eagle 7Figure 6.1 Results of Raptor Nesting Activity Survey - Churchill River Valley, Lac Brule and

Atikonak Lake 21Figure 6.2 Results of Raptor Nesting Activity Survey - Transmission Line Corridor Soldiers

Pond to Gull Island 22

LIST OF TABLESPage No.

Table 2.1 Study Team - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study 2Table 6.1 Results of the Raptor Nest Survey in the Churchill River Power Project Study Area,

July and August 1998 13Table 6.2 Osprey Nest Density and Reproductive Success by Ecoregion, 1998 23Table 7.1 Bald Eagle and Osprey Nest Observations in the Churchill River Valley and

Goose Bay to Churchill Falls Transmission Line Corridor 27

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-1 1 - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study • March 9, /999 Page iii

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Several species of raptors inhabit the Churchill River Valley. Tree-nesting species such as Osprey (Pandionhaliaetu$), Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Red-tailed Hawk (Buteojamaicensis) and Great HomedOwl (Bubo virginianus) nest at or near the tops of trees which may be lost due to flooding or other habitatalteration associated with the proposed Churchill River Power Project (CRPP) area. Potential cliff nestingareas used by Merlin (Falco columbarius), Red-tailed Hawk, or Great Homed Owl would not be expectedto be flooded, but flooding could influence foraging patterns of adjacent nesting pairs. Other less commonspecies such as Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinu.s), and Gyrfalcon(Falco rusticolus) occur in Labrador but are not common in the Churchill River valley and along thecorridors for the proposed transmission lines.

For the anticipated environmental assessment, an understanding of the existing environment and thepotential environmental effects of the proposed Project will be essential for the design of effectivemitigation.

The study consisted of two phases: a survey to identifi active nests in the areas of focus (Churchill Rivervalley, Atikonak Lake and proposed transmission line route), and a subsequent survey of previouslyidentified nests prior to fledging (mid-August) to determine nest success and reproductive output. Nest sitesidentified during the nest activity surveys, as well as those sighted during other field studies for the LabradorHydro Project or similar research being completed for the Department of National Defence, were also visitedduring the second survey. A literature review of existing supplementary information on the distribution,density and productivity of Osprey and Bald Eagle in the Project area was also conducted.

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-1 I - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study. March 9, 1999 Page 1

2.0 STUDY TEAM

Jacques Whitford Environment Limited (JWEL) was the contractor for the Osprey and Bald Eagle study.This team was comprised of eight individuals including scientific authority, field crew leaders, fieldtechnicians, data analyst and management personnel and helicopter pilots (Table 2.1). All team members

have in-depth knowledge and experience in their fields of expertise and a broad general knowledge of thework conducted by other experts in related fields. The proportion of team members residing inNewfoundland and Labrador compared to members residing outside the province is approximately 100%.Brief biographical statements, highlighting project roles and responsibilities of the individuals involved inthe Osprey and Bald Eagle study are presented below.

Table 2.1 Study Team - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study

Role Personnel

Proj ect Manager Perry Trimper

Navigator/Field Team Leader Kathy Knox (island portion)Keith Oram (Labrador portion)

Rear Observers Bruce Mactavish, Greg Penashue, Holly Hogan

Data Management Dave Kearsey, Keith Oram

Report Preparation Perry Tnmper, Kathy Knox

Helicopter Pilots Geoff Goodyear, Darren Barrett

Perry Trimper has been conducting research and working with northern ecosystems for 18 years. Hisparticular area of expertise has been wildlife and wildlife habitat as it relates to environmental assessment.Since joining JWEL in 1987, Mr. Trimper has been involved in a variety of projects relevant to the proposedscope of work. Biological experience includes baseline data collection for the Goose Bay EIS for DND from1987 to 1989, and subsequent role as the study team leader and the navigator/observer for the 1991-1998raptor, osprey, eagle and other monitoring programs that have been conducted throughout Labrador andQuebec as part of DND's commitment to avoid sensitive wildlife habitat. This work has also initiated a two-year research program looking specifically at the effects of low-level jet aircraft on nesting Osprey inLabrador.


Kathy Knox, is an environmental scientist specializing in wildlife and wildlife habitat. She has beeninvolved in several investigations including raptor and moose surveys in Labrador and Quebec as part ofthe DND monitoring program. Ms. Knox has also completed caribou surveys for Voisey's Bay NickelCompany Limited and monitored the Buchans Plateau caribou migration during the construction phase ofthe Star Lake Hydroelectric project. Ms. Knox was a wildlife biologist with the Department of ForestResources and Agrifoods, where she performed numerous field surveys collecting data on the ecology ofa number of species (including marten, small mammals, bald eagles, peregrine falcons and piping plovers).

Ms. Knox has worked extensively in Labrador conducting peregrine falcon surveys for the provincialgovernment, as a government observer on raptor surveys conducted on behalf of DND, and on numeroussmall mammal trapping studies.

Bruce Mactavish is a senior field technician with JWEL in the Goose Bay office. Mr. Mactavish has beeninvolved in field surveys in Newfoundland and Labrador for the past 25 years. Mr. Mactavish is a widelyrecognized authority on avifauna distribution and identification in Eastern Canada. Avifauna surveysconducted by Mr. Mactavish in Newfoundland and Labrador include: Voisey's Bay Nickel Company'sproposed Mine/Mill area, Gros Morne National Park, L'Anse-aux-Meadows National Historic Park and oldgrowth and second growth Balsam fir forests in Western Newfoundland. Mr. Mactavish has also beeninvolved in aquatic field studies. These studies include: electrofishing in various St. John's rivers; mercurymonitoring of fish samples collected from Smallwood Reservoir; collection and assessment of benthicsamples; and, water quality sampling in Corner Brook Harbour and St. John's Harbour.

Keith Oram is an environmental technologist who has been working for the JWEL Goose Bay office fortwo years. His experience has been in the areas of freshwater and terrestrial ecology, computer-mappingpackages such as Mapinfo, AutoCAD, PFinder and QuikMap, and database management using FilemakerPro, Quattro Pro, Excel and Maplnfo. Keith has also been involved in Phase I and II investigations;including freshwater fish surveys using gill and barrier nets, test pit excavations, water sampling programsand monitoring well programs, for the determination of contaminants at Otter Creek, Labrador. He hascompleted several aerial surveys for wildlife in association with work at Voisey's Bay and for NationalDefense throughout the Ungava Peninsula. Keith also has worked in remote field conditions for suchprograms as the investigation of LLF jet aircraft effects on nesting osprey and intensive ground surveys forharlequin ducks at Voisey's Bay. He was formerly employed with the Provincial Parks Division completingan inventory of proposed protected areas and reserves.

Holly Hogan is a wildlife biologist with JWEL in St. John's, with specific expertise in avian research. Ms.Hogan has been involved in designing and implementing studies relating to marine and terrestrial birdecology for 14 years and has extensive field experience. Most of the field work has included identifyingavian species by sight or by song identification, estimating populations, capturing, measuring and bandingbirds using various methods, selecting and implementing vegetation survey methods and assessing habitatassociations. In recent years, Ms. Hogan has been involved with studies that relate to habitat alteration(particularly forest harvesting regimes), and avian species biodiversity. Since joining JWEL, Ms. Hogan


has been involved with a number of avian monitoring studies, including the wildlife surveys at contaminatedsites, at the former Argentia naval base, waterfowl surveys for the Star Lake environmental effectsmonitoring program, and raptor surveys for the Labrador Hydro osprey and bald eagle baseline study.

Greg Penashue recently joined JWEL as a Senior Advisor in the Goose Bay office, and as such, will play

a key role in the management and operation of this study. Mr. Penashue is well-known throughout Labradoras a leader in Aboriginal relations. Mr. Penashue and his family reside in Sheshatshits and are highlyrespected for their contribution to Labrador and the Innu way of life. He was the first President of theNaskaupi Montagnais hmu Association. Recently, he has worked with Voisey's Bay Nickel Company asa liaison with the Innu Nation. His role in that position was to provide strategic advice to the company onAboriginal issues associated with the proposed Voisey's Bay Mine/Mill development. His Aboriginalknowledge about distributions and densities of raptors and other wildlife in Labrador is extensive.

David J. Kearsey has a background in both GIS and cartography. Overthe last year he has worked withJWEL on mapping for the Upper Churchill Power Project, Trans Labrador Highway, Transformer Surveyand Contaminant Study for Newfoundland Power, Human resources mapping for Coast of Bays Corporation,Star Lake Environmental Impact mapping, 10CC Ecological Land Classification, offshore mapping forTerra Nova and the Voisey's Bay Environmental Impact Study. Prior to working for JWEL, he worked forthe Memorial University GEO[DAL (GIS) Laboratory and the Memorial University of NewfoundlandCartographic Laboratory. He has worked on several GIS contracts and the production of various maps andprojects including a GIS database for ACAP to indicate locations of toxic sites on the Avalon Peninsula, The

Newfoundland Centred World, Geological Highway Map, brochures, maps and graphics for both publicpresentations and journals.

Geoff Goodyear is currently the Chief Pilot and Company Aviation Safety Officer for Universal HelicoptersNewfoundland Ltd.. He has accumulated 9,500 hours to date principally in Newfoundland and Labrador,the Ungava Peninsula, the Arctic and Greenland, and is a member of the International Association of NaturalResource Pilots. Mr. Goodyear's wildlife research experience includes all the cliff surveys and most of theforested raptor surveys completed to date for DND and the monitoring program. He has also completedother challenging assignments such as caribou count'classiflcation, caribou netting (gun net from helicopter)and collaring, moose count/classification, moose darting/collaring and waterfowl surveys.

Darren Barrett is a helicopter pilot with Universal Helicopters Newfoundland Ltd. in Pasadena,Newfoundland. He has over 10 years experience in conducting surveys for wildlife including caribou,moose and avifauna.


3.0 STUDY OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the study was to complete an information review and aerial surveys for raptors, andraptor nests, primarily Osprey and Bald Eagle. Specific objectives were:

describe nesting activity of Osprey and Bald Eagle within the study area; andprovide supplementary baseline information on the distribution, density and productivity of Ospreyand Bald Eagle.

This data will be useful for future assessment of the effects of transmission line construction on the Islandand in Labrador and the creation of new reservoirs on raptor activity in these areas.

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-1 / - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study. March 9, 1999 Page 5

4.0 STUDY AREA

Surveys for the Osprey and Bald Eagle study encompassed the north and south shoreline of the Churchill

River, the shoreline of Atikonak Lake and Lac Joseph and the east and northwest shore of Lac Brule, allareas where habitat disturbance is anticipated due to reservoir formation and construction development. As

well, known nest sites along the Churchill River corridor were spot checked for nesting activity. Surveyswere also completed of the proposed transmission line corridors from Muskrat Falls to Gull Island, GullIsland to Churchill Falls and Gull Island to Soldiers Pond, Newfoundland and the existing transmission linefrom Goose Bay to Churchill Falls (Figure 4.1). The transmission line route from Gull Island toMontagnais, Quebec was not surveyed in 1998 due to a lack of information on the corridor route.


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5.0 METHODS

Aerial survey techniques were consistent with methodology developed by JWEL in association with theNewfoundland and Labrador Wildlife Division from 1987 to 1997 (JWEL 1998). For each helicoptersurvey, the team consisted of a lead observer/navigator/recorder, two rear observers and a pilot experiencedwith raptor surveys. A permit to conduct surveys for raptors in the Project area was received from theDepartment of Forest Resources and Agrifoods on 30 June 1998. A second permit to collect Ospreychick/egg mortalities was issued on 26 August 1998 (Appendix 1).

5.1 Review of Previous Studies

Annual raptor monitoring has been conducted in the Military Training Area (MTA) for the Department ofNational Defence (DND) since 1991(LeDrew, Fudge and Associates 1991, JWEL 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996,1997, 1998). The Churchill River valley has been part of the survey area since 1996. As well, since 1996,surveys for DND in a control area south of Goose Bay, have collected information on nesting Osprey andBald Eagles. The proposed transmission line route from the Island to Goose Bay passes through a portionof this control area. The program has identified active raptor nests and followed up with checks onreproductive success on selected nests, particularly those of Osprey.

Other studies for raptors in the current study area include one by Northland Associates Limited (1980) whoconducted surveys for avifauna in the Churchill River corridor and the proposed transmission lines for theLower Churchill Development Corporation. Surveys of Bald Eagles and Osprey were also completed byWetmore and Gillespie (1976) which covered much of the proposed study area along the Churchill Riverand west into northeastern Quebec. Other surveys have identified raptor activity during surveys for otherspecies (Goudie et al. 1994).

However, in some areas within the current study area (i.e,. Atikonak Lake, Lac Brule and Lac Joseph) therehas been no recent data collected since Wetmore and Gillespie did their work in 1976. As well, there waslittle or no information on raptor distribution along the proposed transmission line route between SoldiersPond and Churchill Falls except for the area immediately south of Goose Bay. The survey of the Projectstudy area conducted in 1998 and any future surveys conducted as part of the Hydro Project, will providerelevant, up to date, information on Bald Eagle and Osprey activity and will build on the database ofprevious observations in the area.

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-1 I - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study March 9, 1999 Page 8

5.2 Nest Activity Surveys

Surveys in the Churchill River valley and Atikonak Lake region were conducted during June and early Julyexamining areas of potential tree and cliff nesting habitat. Survey routes for tree-nesting raptors followedmajor rivers, lakes and associated wetlands along a line 500-1000 m inland from the shoreline of major

rivers or large water bodies, or along the centre of smaller rivers and inlets/outlets of lakes. Surveys inforested habitat were conducted at a height of 50-100 m above ground level (agi). This height varied

according to the topography and local forest conditions; on flat terrain survey height was approximately 100m. Flights were conducted at a speed of approximately 100 km/h. Attention was placed on higher pointsof land within this area of coverage and trees adjacent to smaller tributary streams, searching for large (1-2m diameter) stick nests usually at the tops of coniferous [predominantly black spruce (Picea marianna)]trees.

Surveys of cliff habitat was conducted when weather conditions provided.at least 6.5-8 km visibility, lightwinds, and greater than 600 m cloud ceilings. Cliff areas with suitable nesting or perching habitat were

searched for raptors at a speed of 50-100 km/h while maintaining a distance of at least 50 m from the cliffface (Lemon and Brazil 1990). Particular attention was placed on areas with suitable ledges, bird droppingsand recent wash, and an associated orange lichen. Consistent with previous experience by the study team(JWEL 1998), both north and south facing cliffs were examined.

The survey methods for transmission line routes were the same to those for forested habitat with respect tosurvey altitude, speed, and areas of particular attention along the route. The approach was to doreconnaissance level surveys for the purpose of planning the future transmission line corridors and a route

selection process by LHP. Appendix 3 provides a schematic of transmission line survey methodologiesused. A survey of the Island portion of the transmission line route was conducted on 29-30 June 1998. TheLabrador transmission line route was surveyed during the first week of July 1998. All transmission lineroutes were surveyed once and all nests identified as active at that time were re-visited in mid-August todetermine nesting success (Section 5.2). The survey of the transmission line routes covered potential Ospreyand Bald Eagle habitat within the 1000 m wide transmission line corridor. The helicopter flew along theapproximate centre line of the transmission line, following 1:50,000 topographic mapping of the proposedroute. Areas exhibiting potential habitat along streams and ponds within the 1000 m corridor were surveyed

by moving off of the centre line and returning to the same point to continue the survey. Observations alongthe Island portion of the transmission line corridor were plotted on 1:50,000 topographic maps; observationsin Labrador were plotted on 1:250,000 topographic maps and confirmed using the aircraft's GlobalPositioning System (GPS) in a manner compatible with Hydro's stated requirements in the Request forProposals (RFP). The availability of alternate nest sites outside the area of disturbance along each surveyroute was noted by the study team. Other wildlife sightings during aerial surveys were recorded and arepresented to enhance baseline information for the environmental assessment.


All birds observed were identified as mature or immature based on the study team's knowledge of plumagedifferences between adult and immature Osprey and Bald Eagles.

5.3 Productivity Surveys

A second survey of active nest sites in Labrador and the Northern Peninsula was conducted during midAugust. These surveys focussed on active nests identified by previous aerial surveys as well as thoseidentified during other field programs related to the Project. Since nest locations were known, flight routeswere planned in advance to minimize ferrying time. Nests were located in the field using GPS to allow adirect route to each nest site. The reproductive output of the known nest sites were identified in order toestimate Osprey and Bald Eagle productivity in the study area. The number of chicks present and theircondition (i.e., alive or dead) was observed and recorded for each nest site.

5.4 Nest Classification Criteria and Recording of Observations

Consistent with Van Daele and Van Daele (1982), a territory (nest) was considered occupied if one or moreadults was observed in the vicinity, but no eggs or young were present, and active if eggs or young wereobserved or suspected (i.e., defended) in the nest. Based on relatively high mortality rates of nestlings inLabrador until fledgling, a nest was considered successful only if one or more young were observed during

the mid August survey. Active/occupied nests were considered as failed if the structure collapsed, eggsfailed to hatch, or no nestlings were alive during the fledging survey.

For cliff nesting raptors in particular, displays of aggressive behaviour by adults, or an apparent reluctanceto leave an area was considered as evidence of an occupied territory/nest whether or not an actual nest waslocated or nest contents were observed. The presence of fresh nesting material or recent accumulations ofbird droppings on, or surrounding the nest was also used to indicate possible nesting activity for the currentyear. When active nests were identified, a series of successive passes was made with the helicopter toestablish contents of the nest, approximate age of nestlings and their condition (i.e,. alive or dead). Carefulattention was given to minimize any unnecessary disturbance to the nesting raptors. The reactions of adultbirds was studied closely and the helicopter left immediately (as instructed by the navigator) when birdsexhibited overt reactions. Communication on the aircraft used a 12-hour clock for efficient orientation andlocation.

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-1 I - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study ' March 9, /999 Page 10

5.5 Egg/Nestling Baseline Contaminant Collection

During the mid August survey 12 Osprey nests in Labrador were identified with urihatched eggs and/or dead

nestlings remaining in the nest. In anticipation of a potential baseline contaminants or future monitoringstudy, the study team revisited these nests in late August to early September to collect remains. The actualcollection method was first developed and used by JWEL (1995) in 1994. Doors were removed from thestarboard observer and pilot positions in a Bell Helicopter which hovered (with a minimal load) beside the

nest bowl. A member of the study team, equipped with a safety harness, sat on the strut of the aircraft andused a simple mechanical retriever to collect the remains. The technique can usually be accomplished in

a few seconds. Samples were labelled and stored frozen until a decision regarding their analysis.

5.6 Data Management

Field data was tabulated and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 97. Spatial data and cartographicrepresentations were depicted using MAPINFO format.


6.0 RESULTS

6.1 Nesting Activity Surveys

Table 6.1 provides the results of surveys for Osprey and Bald Eagle on behalf of LHP. Nest sites in the

Churchill River Valley and along the transmission line corridor from Gull Island to Churchill Falls wereknown through previous surveys conducted for DND.

6.1.1 Churchill River Valley and Transmission Line Corridor - Gull Island to Churchill Falls

Four Bald Eagle nests, 2 active and 69 Osprey nests (39 active) were seen along the proposed transmissionline corridors between Muskrat Falls and Gull Island and Gull Island and Churchill Falls. Two activeNorthern Harrier nests, 1 active Red-tailed Hawk nest and 1 active Golden Eagle nest were also observed.(Table 6.1, Figure 6.1 - Map sections 3,4,5).

6.1.2 Lac Joseph, Atikonak Lake and Lac Brule Area

One active Bald Eagle nest and 9 Osprey nests (4 active) were found in the Lac Joseph area (Table 6.1,Figure 6.1 - Map section 1). Though only one Bald Eagle nest was found in this area, six individuals wereobserved flying during the survey.

No Bald Eagle nests were observed in the Atikonak Lake area, however 6 individuals were seen. Six Ospreynests, 2 active were also observed (Table 6.1, Figure 6.1 - Map section 2). Three active Osprey nests werefound in the Lac Brule area (Table 6.1, Figure 6.1 - Map section 2A).

6.1.3 Transmission Line Corridor - Soldiers Pond to Gull Island

Twenty Osprey nests (5 active) were observed in the study area for the proposed transmission line from GullIsland to Soldiers Pond (Table 6.1, Figure 6.2 -Map sections 6,7,8,9). No Bald Eagle nests were found,however one adult and one immature Bald Eagle were observed flying. As well, numerous Rough-leggedHawks were observed in the southern Labrador portion of the transmission line corridor.

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-11 - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study. March 9, 1999 Page 12

Table 6.1 Results of the Raptor Nest Survey in the Churchill River Power Project Study Area,

July and August 1998

Nest orIndividual(N or I)*

MapSection

__________

Latitude

____________

Longitude

_____________

Species Date(Visit 1)(Visit 2)

Nest Fate(Visit 1)(Visit 2)

Comments**

N 1 52.6590 -65.0537 Osprey 10/07 Active

________________________

I adultand3 young

18/08 Successful

I 1 52.6525 -64.9620 Osprey 10/07 - flying with fish in talons -no nest associated

1 52.6522 -64.9603 Bald eagle 10/07 - Flying - no nest associated

N 1 52 6651 -65 0932 Osprey 10/07 Active 2 adults at nest no young

10/08 Failedobserved

I 1 52.6730 -65.1015 Baldeagle 10/07 - Flying-nonestassociated

N 1 527277 -65 2123 Osprey 10/07 Active I adult 3 young

18/08 Successful

N 1 52.7066 -65,1329 Bald eag1e. 10/07 Active I adult and2 young (nest

18/08 Succsfulcollapsed on secondsurvey)

1 52.7089 -65.1088 Bald eagle 10/07 - Adult flying - no nestassociated


I 1 52.6822 -65.3992 Bald eagle 10/07 - Adult flying - no nestassociated

1 52.7064 -65.4539 Osprey 10/07 - Perched in tree - no nestassociated

N 1 52 6857 65 4059 Osprey 10/07 Not active Old nest structure empty

1 52.7172 -65.4577 Osprey 10/07 - Flying - no nest associated

N 1 52 9094 -65 3033 Osprey 10/07 Not active Nest empty

I 1 52.9102 -65.3048 Osprey 10/07 - Flying - no nest associated

1 1 52.8963 -65.3267 Bald eagle 10/07 - Flying - no nest associated

1 52.8860 -65.3304 Osprey 10/07 - Flying with fish in talons

N 1 52 8871 -65 3337 Osprey 10/07 Not active Old structure empty

N 1 52 8839 -65 3422 Osprey 10/07 Not active Old structure empty

I I 52.8471 -65.3237 Osprey 10/07 - Flying - no nest associated

N 1 52 7998 -.65 3419 Osprey 10/07 Active 1 adult, 3 young

18/08 Successful

1 52.8 133 -65.4860 Red-tailedhawk

10/07 - Flying - no nest associated

N 1 52 7702 -65 1967 Osprey 11/07 Not active Nest empty but in goodcondition

1 52.9703 -65.2662 Osprey 11/07 - Pair in flight, no nestassociated




MapSection

Latitude Longitude Species Date(Visit 1)(Visit 2)


Comments**

N 2 522784 -64.3654 Golden eagle 11/07 Not active I adult on cliff near nest, noeggs or young seen


1 2 52.6075 -64.4749 Red-tailedhawk


1 2 52.5891 -64.4257 Baldeagle 11/07 - Flying-nonestassociated

I 2 52.8746 -64.63 Bald eagle 11/07 - Flying - no nest associated


1 2 52.7563 -64.6778 Osprey 11/07 - Flying - no nest associated

N 2 527830 -64 6647 Osprey 11/07 Active 1 adult and I young

18/08 Successful

2 52.5209 -64.5324 Redtailedhawk

11/07 -

-

adultperched,tooktowing- no nest associated

N 2 52 5388 645460 Osprey 11/07 Not active 2 adults at empty nest


N 2 526208 -64.7143 Osprey 11/07 Active I adult at nestwith2 young

18/08 Successful

N 2 525853 64 6300 Osprey 11/07 Not active Nest empty but in goodcondition

N 2 525949 64 5882 Osprey 11/07 Not active Nest in dead black spruceempty

N 2 52.7324 -64.5579 Osprey 11/07 Not active- Nest empty

N 2A 52.0659 -63.4305 Osprey 04/06 Active I young

18/08 Successful

N 2A 52.1775 -63.4165 Osprey 04/06 Active I young

18/08 Successful

N 2A 52.2024 -63.4829 Osprey 04/06 Active 3 young

18/08 Successful

1 3 53.5042 -63.8846 Bald eagle 11/07 - Chased by herring gull - nonest associated

N 3 53.5065 -63.8902 Osprey 11/07 Active New nest-I adult, 2 young

18/08 Successful

1 3 53.5026 -63.9789 Merlin 11/07 - Perched on ledge - no nestassociated

N 3 53.5109 -64.0337 Bald eagle 10/07 Not active Nest empty

1

______________

3 53.5614 -64.0952 Northernharrier

11/07 Unknown 2 adults near nestexchanging food., 1 young@ I day and 2 eggs

N 3 53.6323 -64.1267 Bald eagle 11/07 1 young at nest on rock

17/08 Successful

N 3 53.5397 -64.0202 Osprey nest 11/07 1 adult, 2 young at nest -

17/08 Successfultrans. pole

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LJ-1P98-1 1 - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study. March 9, 1999 Page 14

Nest orIndividual

(N or 1)*

MapSection



Comments**

N 3 53.5347 -64.1957

______________

Osprey nest 11/07 1 adult, 2 young at nest -

10/08 Successfultrans. pole

3 53.4822 -63.8190 Osprey 11/07 - Flying - no nest associated

N 3 53.5620 -64.0955 NorthernHarrier

11/07 Unknown nest with two eggs & Iyoung two days

N 3 535353 642143 Osprey 11/07 Active Adult rncubating eggs #unknown

N 3 536324 -64 131 Bald eagle 11/07 Active I young at nest

17/08 Successful

N 3 53 616 63 8027 Osprey 11/07 Active 1 adult 2 young at nest

18/08 Successful

N 4 53 2308 62 3808 Osprey 11/07 Active trans pole (#578)

18/08 - Failed

N 4 53.2165 -62.31 Osprey 20/05 Not active Nest empty-trans. pole(604)

N 4 53.2353 -62.4003 Osprey 10/07 Active 2 adults, 2 young at nest-

10/08 Successfultrans. pole (573)

N 4 53.2 165 -62.31 Osprey 10/07 Active Nest empty -2 adultshibiti t it i l

10/08 Successfulex ng err or abehaviour-trans. pole (605)

N 4 53.1955 -62.2552 Osprey 10/07 Active I adult, 3 young at nest-


I 4 53.0955 -62.3003 Osprey 10/07 - Adult flying

N 4 53.1018 -62.3213 Osprey 10/07 2 young at nest

17/08 Successful

N-

4 53 0956 62 3474 Osprey 10/07 Not active Nest empty -on low blackspruce along shore

N 4 53 1277 62 3644 Osprey 10/07 Active

17/08 Failed Nest empty

N 4 53 1446 62 3834 Osprey 11/07 Not active Nest empty but in goodcondition adult in area

N 4 53 1490 -62 3799 Osprey 10/07 Not active Nest empty but in goodcondition adult in area

N 4 53 1493 62 3924 Osprey 10/07 Not active Nest empty but in goodcondition adult in area

N 4 53 1469 -62 4219 Osprey 10/07 Not actie Nest collapsed

I 4 53.1497 -62.396 Osprey 10/07 - Adult perched in tree - nonest associated

N 4 53.1561 -62.5658 Osprey 10/07 Notactive Oldnest-empty

N 4 53.1659 -62.8329 Osprey 10/07 Active

17/08 Failed Nest collapsed

N 4 53 1553 -62 8557 UnidentifIed 11/07 Not active Large stick nest

.JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-1 I - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study. March 9, 1999 Page 15


MapSection



Comments**

N

____________

4

_____________

531596 -62.8919 Osprey 11/707 Active

___________________________

17/08 Failed Nest empty

N 4 53.1761 -62.8853 Osprey 10/07 Not active Nest empty but in goodcondition

4 53.2015 -63.0563 Osprey 10/07 - 3 adults flying - no nestassociated

1 4 53.2081 -63.2167 AmericanKestrel

10/07 - flying - no nest associated

N 4 53.2092 -63.2235 Bald eagle 10/07 Not active Empty nest in live blackspruce

N 4 53 3633 63 5188 Osprey 11/07 Not active Old nest empty

4 53.3539 -63.4997 Merlin 11/07 - Female flying

N 4 53.40 12 -63.5925 Osprey 11/07 Not active Nest collapsed


N 4 53.3888 -63.6444 Osprey 11/07 Active I adult at nest with 3 young

17/08 Successful

4 53 .4586 -63.7437 Bald eagle 11/07 - Perched in tree, no nestassociated.

I 4 5 3.4092 -63.6361 NorthernGoshawk


N 4 53.2 197 -62.3245 Osprey 11/07 Active I adult, 3 young at nest -


N

_______________

4

____________

53.5015

_____________

-63.7315

______________

Osprey

______________

20/05 Not active Nest collapsed -trans. pole(96)

N 4 5 3.4848 -63.6067 Osprey______________

11/07_____________

Active I adult, 3 young at nest -


N 4 53.4615 -63.5257 Osprey 11/07 Active I adult, 2 young at nest -






N 4 53.3608 -63.1138 Osprey 11/07 Active I adult, I young at nest -


N 4 53.4432 -63.4293 Osprey 11/07 Active 2 adult, 2 young at nest -


N

_____________

4

__________

53.4500

__________

-63 .4742

___________

Osprey

___________

20/05 Not active Nest empty-trans. pole(180)

N 4 53.4428 -63.4283 Osprey___________

10/08__________

Unknown I adult at empty nest-trans.pole (240)

N

______________

4

___________

53.2997

____________

-62.8207

_____________

Osprey

_____________

20/05

_____________

Not active

____________

Nest fallen over-trans. pole(423)



MapSection



Comments**

N 4 53.3028 -62.7372 Osprey 20/05 Active I adult, 3 young at nest-


N 4 53.2957 -62.6510 Osprey 20/05 Active Adult flying, 2 young at

10/08 Successfulnest - trans. pole (479)

N 4 53.3 183 -62.9347 Osprey 20/05 Active I adult, 2 young at nest -


N 4 53.2857 -62.5823 Osprey 20/05 Active Adult flying, unhatched

10/08 Failedeggs in nest -trans. pole(502)

N 4 53.2992 -62.8 148 Osprey 20/05 Active Adult flying, 2 young at

10/08 Successfulnest - trans. pole (445)

N

_____________

4

__________

53.2900

___________

-62.6028

____________

Osprey

____________

20/05 Not active

-

Nest empty -trans. pole(497)

N

______________

4

___________

53.3145

____________

-62.9298

_____________

Osprey

_____________

____________

20/05 Notactive Nestempty-trans.pole(392)

N 4 53.3003 -62.7238 Osprey_____________

20/05____________

Active I adult, I young atnest-


N 4 53.3174 -63.3647 Osprey 20/05 Active I adult, I young atnest

17/08 Successful

N 4 53.3143 -63.3668 Osprey 10/07 - Nestemptybutingoodcondition

I 4 53.3245 -63.4050 Osprey 10/07 - Flying - no nest associated

N 4 53.3375 -63.4297 Osprey 10/07 - New nest - empty

N

______________

4

___________

53.3398

____________

-63.4909

_____________

Golden eagle 11/07 Unknown I adult, 2 young, 1 chicklarger (@ 21 days), nesthigh on cliff

N

_______________

4

____________

53.2511

_____________

-63.3583

______________

Osprey 11/07 Not active Nest in poor condition -empty

N 4 53.2543 -63.3771 Osprey 11/07 Active 2youngatnest

17/08 Successful


N 5 53.1237 -62.0268 Osprey 11/07 Active 3 young atnest-trans. pole

10/08 Successful(711)

N 5 53.0728 -61.8198 Osprey 20/05 Active Adult aggressive, 3 young

10/08 Successfulat nest -trans. pole(784)

N 5 53.0430 -61.4982 Osprey 20/05 Active Nest empty -trans. pole

10/08 Failed(901)



N 5 53.0660 -61.5315 Osprey 20/05 Active I adult, 2 young at nest

______________10/08 Successful

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-1 1 - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study. March 9, 1999 Page 17

Nest orIndividual

(N or 1)*

MapSection

Latitude Longitude Species Date(Visit I)(Visit 2)


Comments**



N 5 53.0537 -61.7128 Osprey

_____________

20/05

_____________

Not active

____________

Nest empty-trans. pole(818)

N 5 52 9478 61 5918 Osprey 17/OS Not active Nest empty

N 5 529484 61 5913 Osprey 20/05 Active I adult 2youngatnest

17/08 Successful

N 5 53.1155 -61.9825 Red-tailed 11/07 Active Nest empty -trans. poleHawk

17/08.

Failed(728)


17/08 Successful

5 52.9032 -61.8668 Red-tailedHawk


N 5 52.9113 -61.9828 Osprey 11/07 Active Nest not found, presumed

17/08 Failedcollapsed since first check


17/08 Successful

I 5 52.8945 -61.9257 Osprey 11/07 - Flying-no nest associated

N 5 52.9129 -62.0383 Osprey 10/07 Notactive Nestemptybutingoodcondition


17/08 Successful

N 5 52.8730 -62.1311 Osprey 11/07 - Nest collapsed - adult inarea

5 52.8776 -62.1306 Osprey 11/07 - Adultflying

N 5 52.8833 -62.1455 Osprey 11/07 Not active Old nest - empty

N 5 52.8793 -62.1352 Osprey 11/07 Notactive Oldnest-empty

N 5 52 9057 -62 0299 Osprey 11/07 Not active Old nest empty

N 5 53.0658 -62.2118 Osprey 10/07 Not active nest empty but in goodcondition

1 5 53.0777 -62.2166 Osprey 10/07 - Adult flying

N 6 530273 -61 2242 Osprey 10/07 Not active Nestempty but in goodcondition

6 52.4280 -59.0732 Northernhawk owl


I 6 52.6063 -59.6305 Osprey 09/07 - Flying, no nest associated

1 6 52.82 18 -60.9857 Osprey 09/07 - Perched in tree top, no nestassociated

N 6 52 9722 59 5082 Osprey 09/07 Not active Nest on brook empty

N 6 52 8340 59 1555 Osprey 09/07 Not active Nest in dead spruce empty

N 6 52 .7697 -59.0363 Osprey

________

09/07

_________

Not active

________

Nest on brook in dead tree -empty

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-1 / - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study. March 9, 1999 Page 18

Nest orIndividual(N or j)*

MapSection

____________

Latitude 1_____________

Longitude Species

______________

Date(Visit 1)(Visit 2)


Comments**

___________________________

N 6 526405 -58.7022 Osprey 09/07 Not active Nest in live la/ch - empty

N 6 52.2552 -58.1607 Osprey 09/07 Not active Nest collapsed

N 6 52.2500 -58.1737 Osprey 09/07 Not active Nest collapsed

6 52.2503 -58.3202 Osprey 09/07 Not active Nest empty but in goodcondition

N 6 52 3153 58 5448 Osprey 09/07 Active I adult 2 young at nest

21/08 Successful

N 6 52 3232 58 586 Osprey 09/07 Not active Nest in dead spruce emptybut in good condition

N 6 52.3513 -58.8412 Osprey 09/07 Active Nest not found, presumed

2 1/08 Failedcollapsed since first survey

N 6 52 3787 58 9923 Osprey 09/07 Not active Nest empty but in goodcondition

N 6 52 5223 59 358 Osprey 09/07 Not active Nest empty but in goodcondition

N 6 52.6055 -59.5695 Osprey 09/07 Active 1 adult, 2 young at nest

21/08 Successful

N 6 52.6352 -60.3247 Osprey 09/07 Notactive Nestempty

N 6 52 7050 60496 Osprey 09/07 Not active Nest empty but in goodcondition

6 52.8627 -59.2225 Rough-leggedHawk

09/07 - Adult flying - no nestassociated

6 52.4280 -59.0732 Rough-leggedHawk

09/07 - Dark phase adult flying - nonest associated

I 6 52.7738 -60.7032 Red-tailedHawk

09/07 - Adult soaring - no nestassociated

6 53.05 17 -59.6499 Osprey 09/07 - Adult flying - no nestassociated

6 53.0587 -60.0879 Osprey 2 1/08 - Adult flying - no nestassociated

1 7 5 1.5248 -56.8488 Rough-leggedHawk


I 7 51.5642 -56.8622 Rough-leggedHawk


1 7 51.8582 -56.8402 Rough-leggedHawk

08/07 - Adult flying-no nestassociated

1 7 52.06 15 -57.2908 Osprey 08/07 - Flying, no nest associated

7 51.7002 -56.8292 Merlin 08/07 - Flying-nonestassociated

N 7 52.0605 -57.3095 Osprey 09/07 Notactive Nestonbrook-empty

1 7 51.4947 -56.8443 Short-earedOwl


7 51.5487 -57.3552 Red-tailedhawk


7 51.5411 -57.1122 Rough-leggedhawk

21/08 - Adultflying-nonestassociated

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-1 / - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study. March 9, /999 Page 19

Nest or Map Latitude Longitude Species Date Nest Fate Comments**Individual Section (Visit I) (Visit 1)(N or I'

______________ _______________(Visit 2) (Visit 2)

7 51.5485 -57.1905 Rough-legged 21/08 - Adult flying - no nesthawk associated

1 7 51.5619 -57.352 Rough-legged 21/08 - Adultflying-nonesthawk associated

7 51.5622 -57.3533 Rough-legged 21/08 - Adult flying-no nesthawk associated

I 7 51.5695 -57.3957 Rough-legged 21/08 Successful I young at nest, I young onhawk ground, 1 young flying

I 8 51.0328 -56.6305 American 29/06 - Adultmaleflying-nonestkestrel associated


8 50.7713 -56.8786 Bald eagle 29/06 - Immature flying

I 8 51.2097 -56.5801 Osprey 08/07 - Adultflying-nonestassociated

8 50 .6932 -56.9642 Osprey 29/06 - Adult flying - no nestassociated

1 8 50.1889 -57.4367 Osprey 29/06 - Adultflying-nonestassociated

1 8 51.2173 -56.6044 Osprey 0/07 - Adult flying - no nestassociated

N 8 51 0118 566476 Osprey 08/07 Active 1 adult, 2 young at nest

2 1/08 Successful

N S 51191 565603 Osprey 08/07 Not active Nest empty

N 9 47 5869 53 7641 Osprey 29/06 Active 2 adults 2 young at nest

14/08 Successful

* Shaded nests have been identified during surveys for the Churchill River Project. All other nests have been identified during DND surveys.**All nests in trees unless otherwise specified


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- Proposed TransmissionLine

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NortheasternNewfoundland

/ (

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WE

_______________

FIGURE 6.2

aJacques Whiord

RESULTS OF RAPTOR NESTING ACTIVI SURVEYEnvironment LimitedEnvironmental Scientists TRANSMISSION LINE CORRIDORConsulting Engineers

SOLDIERS POND TO GULL ISLAND

6.2 Reproductive Success Surveys

As indicated in the Introduction, the Osprey and Bald Eagle research completed for LI{P has been completedin association with ongoing monitoring for DND initiated in 1991. Beginning in 1997, Osprey density andproductivity data collected for DND has been examined by ecoregion as an indication of habitat quality.

The results of this effort from both programs in 1998 [includes the present Military Training Area, theEastern Baseline Area (JWEL 1998), Lac Joseph, Lac Brule and the Atikonak Lake area) are presented inTable 6.2. Estimates of active nest density and rate of success varied greatly by ecoregion and remainedessentially consistent in terms of relative ranking (Table 6.2). Once a detailed ecological land classificationhas been completed for the Hydro Project study area, nest density and nesting success estimates can beexamined by ecodistrict as an indication of habitat quality, allowing for a focussed assessment on areas ofpotential clearing and flooding.

Table 6.2 Osprey Nest Density and Reproductive Success by Ecoregion, 1998

Ecoregion Area ofEcoregion

Active/OccupiedNests

Density per100 km2

SuccessfulNests

Densityper 100

km2

Young perActive/Occupied

Nest

Eagle Plateau 9487 60 0.632 (2) 44 0.464 (2) 1.64

Paradise River 632 9 1.424 (1) 7 1.118 (1) 1.78

Goose River West 5190 11 0.212 (4) 8 0.154 (4) 1.91

Winokapau Lake North 3166 4 0.126 (7) 4 0.126 (6) 1.75

Lake Melville 9539 26 0.273 (3) 19 0.199 (3) 1.69

Mecatina Plateau 38658 63 0.163 (6) 45 0.116(7) 1.41

Mecatina River 45316 76 0.168 (5) 62 0.137 (5) 1.76

Smallwood Reservoir-Michikamau

38842 20 0.051 (8) 16 0.041 (8) 1.65

Fraser-Kinguritik 14671 7 0.048 (9) 5 0.034 (9) 2.00

Total 165501 276 0.167 210 0.127 1.65iNote. v ames m ) mciicate relative ranKmgs



Nests identified as active in the early July survey were re-visited in mid-August, approximately one weekprior to the anticipated fledge date, to determine nestling survival and reproductive success. The estimatednestling period for Osprey and Bald Eagle respectively is 53 and 78 days respectively (Brown and Amadon1969, Pahner 1988, Poole 1989). Of the 39 active Osprey nests, 35 nests were successful (Table 6.1, Figure6.1- Map sections 3,4,5). Ecoregions within this area include Mecatina River, Winokapau Lake North, andLake Melville rated as above average in habitat quality as determined by the density of active and occupied

osprey nests(Table 6.2). It should be noted however, that the presence of the transmission line and its useby Osprey as nesting platforms, have resulted in significantly higher reproductive success versus natural nestsites in the same area (JWEL 1998). Without the presence of the transmission line, Osprey production inthe area of the transmission line would probably be low as most of the forest consists of scrub spruce.However, suitable habitat is present along the Churchill River valley (including tributaries) and 38 of the77 nests identified in the transmission line corridor were found in trees along the Churchill River. Of thetwo active Bald Eagle nests found during the first survey, both successfully reared single chicks. Eaglehabitat in the area occurs in the Churchill River valley on instream islands.

6.2.2 Lac Joseph, Lac Brule and Atikonak Lake Area

Both active Osprey nests at Atikonak Lake were successful (Table 6.1, Figure 6.1 - Map section 2). Habitatfor Osprey is generally below average in the Mecatina Plateau, Mecatina River, and Smallwood Reservoirecoregions. The active Bald Eagle nest at Lac Joseph was successful as were 3 of the 4 active Osprey nests(Table 6.1, Figure 6.1 - Map section 1). All three active Osprey nests at Lac Brule were successful, rearingone, one and three chicks respectively (Table 6.1, Figure 6.1 - Map Section 2A).


Of the five active Osprey nests in the transmission line corridor, 4 were successful in rearing chicks tofledging. The majority of the Labrador portion of this area consists of Mecatina River and Mecatina Plateauecoregions considered as below average in habitat quality for Osprey (Table 6.2). However, the smallportion of Paradise River ecoregion that would overlap this route near the coast was evaluated as the mostimportant for Osprey. The Island portion of this route is typically below average in terms of habitat qualityfor either of these species.

6.3 Other Wildlife

Numerous moose were observed during the Island portion of the surveys, particularly on the NorthernPeninsula. Caribou were also observed, particularly in central Newfoundland and along the northern halfof the Northern Peninsula. Stands of red pine (Pinus resinosa) were located along the proposed transmissionline route in central Newfoundland (49.26 18 N 56.3565 W). This species has a restricted distribution in


Newfoundland and is found in only about 10 localities in the central part of the island (Ryan 1978). Thelocation of all wildlife species observed during the Bald Eagle/Osprey surveys are presented in Appendix 2.

6.4 Retrieval of Addled Eggs/Dead Chicks

One unhatched egg was collected from each of two nest sites during the first week of September. All othernests identified during the nest productivity survey to have addled eggs or dead chicks, were empty whenthey were revisited for collection. Items retrieved will augment a sample of two eggs previously collectedduring surveys for DNID, for possible future analyses.

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-l I - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study. March 9, 1999 Page 25

7.0 DISCUSSION

Populations of Osprey and Bald Eagle suffered decline during the I 950s and 1 960s, however conservationefforts throughout North America have allowed gradual recovery in some parts of the continent (Nelson1979). Populations in the boreal forest and the Atlantic Provinces are doing well (CWS 1992).

7.1 Habitat Suitability

Concentrations of Osprey nest sites occur in association with localized habitat parameters so attributes suchas the occurrence of suitable waterbodies would influence the number of birds using a particular region.Osprey in Labrador tend to nest: within 0-3.0 km (mean of 435 m) from a water body; at the top ofdominant or co-dominant white or black spruce (occasionally larch); adjacent to smaller tributary streams(where the trees are usually taller); or on islands if suitable habitat exists (JWEL 1995). Nests are largestructures of interwoven branches and, in Labrador, often occur in larch 1-3 m from the top. Nest trees areof an open, stable form providing easy access. The form may be more important than the tree species in nest

site selection (Petersen 1986). Nests on boulders and rock pillars have been reported in the Great WhaleRegion of Quebec (Bider and Bird 1983), and in the LLTA (JWEL 1996).

A number of researchers have documented differences in Osprey population growth between adjacent ornearby groups (Bowman et al. 1989; Steeger et al. 1992; Castellanos and Ortega-Rubio 1995), as influencedby a variety of regional habitat factors. For example, a habitat suitability index model for Osprey (Vana-Miller 1987) suggested food, access to water and human activity (nature, timing, intensity) as importanthabitat variables. Studies conducted for DND (JWEL 1997) provide increasing evidence of the importanceof fish abundance and availability in determining reproductive success.

Bald Eagles feed primarily on fish and obtain most of their food by scavenging (Stalmaster 1987; Godfrey

1986). Though Bald Eagles are much more catholic in their diet than Osprey, fish remain the staple

(DeGraaf et al. 1980; Todd et al. 1982) thus rivers, lakes and estuaries are important foraging areas(DeGraafet a!. 1980). Dzus and Gerrard (1993) determined that food abundance was the most importantfactor contributing to density differences of Bald Eagles in northcentral Saskatchewan. An assessment ofhabitat variables that influence Bald Eagle distribution in Maine indicated that these birds were selectingareas with suitable forest structure, low human disturbance and high diversity or accessibility to prey species(Livingston et al. 1990).


Table 7.1 provides a summary of Bald Eagle and Osprey nest observations in the Churchill River valley andGoose Bay to Churchill Falls transmission line corridor.

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-/ I - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study. March 9, 1999 Page 26

Table 7.1 Bald Eagle and Osprey Nest Observations in the Churchill River Valley and Goose Bayto Churchill Falls Transmission Line Corridor

Year Species # Active Nests Location Reference

1976 Osprey 3.8/256 km2 east-central Labrador Wetmore and Gillespie (1976)Bald Eagle 0.2/256 km2

1979 Osprey 9 Between Churchill Falls and Goose Northland (1980)Bald Eagle 0 Bay

1994 Osprey 47 Between Churchill Falls and Goose JWEL (1995)*Bald Eagle 1 Bay

1995 Osprey 48 Between Churchill Falls and Goose JWEL (1996)*Bald Eagle 0 Bay

Area surveyed was greater than the Churchill River valley (1163 km in 1994 and 1001 km in 1995)

7.1.2 Lac Joseph, Atikonak Lake and Lac Brule Areas

While Osprey and Bald Eagle were observed in the Lac Joseph, Atikonak Lake and Lac Brule areas,relatively few nests were identified. However, foraging may occur for several kilometers from nesting sites

and birds may have been nesting in areas adjacent to the survey zone. As well, based on the experience ofthe study team, it appeared that suitable nesting trees in these areas were limited.


In Newfoundland, Bald Eagles, and to some extent Osprey, tend to nest close to coastal areas where shallowbays provide abundant groundfish that are easily seen in the clear waters and most nest locations on theIsland tend to be concentrated along the coastline (J. Brazil pers. comm.). The Island portion of theproposed transmission line corridor generally follows an inland route which may account for the low numberof Bald Eagle and Osprey observed. Though there were a number of areas along the proposed route thatsupported suitable nest trees, particularly along the edges of rivers and ponds, no nests were observed.However, overall much of the route in the central portion of the island travelled through open bog and barrenareas or scrub forest that did not provide suitable nesting trees. The only two active Osprey nests identifiedon the Island occurred in the two areas where the alignment of the route is closest to the coast and suitablenest trees exist, west of the isthmus of the Avalon Peninsula as far as Thorburn Lake and on the NorthernPeninsula.

In contrast, Bald Eagles and Osprey in Labrador nest along rivers and lakes which likely provide a greaterdiversity of forage items than freshwater systems on the Island (JWEL 1995, 1996).


8.0 REFERENCES

8.1 Personal Communications

Brazil, Joe Endangered Species Biologist, Dept. of Forest Resources and Agrifoods

Ricketts, Frank Manager Environmental Services, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

Ryan, Bernard Director of Environmental Policy, Newfoundland Power Co. Ltd.

8.2 Literature Cited

Anderson, R.J. 1984. Bald Eagles and Forest Management. In. Forestry and Wildlife Management inCanada. A Symposium held at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. May 1984.

Bowman, R., G.V.N. Powell, J.A. Hovis, N.C. Kline and T. Wilmers. 1989. Variations in reproductivesuccess between subpopulations of the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) in South Florida. Bull, of MarineScience 44(1):245-250.

Brown, L. and D. Amadon. 1969. Eagles, hawks and falcons of the world. Vol. I and II., McGraw Hill,New York.

Canadian Wildlife Service. 1992. Hinterland Who's Who: The Bald Eagle. Canadian Wildlife Service,Environment Canada, Ottawa, ON.

Castellanos, A. and A. Ortega-Rubio. 1995. Artificial nesting sites and Ospreys at Ojo de Liebre andGuerrero Negro Lagoons, Baja California Sur, Mexico. J. Field Ornithol. 66(1): 117-127.

DeGraaf, R.M., G.M. Witman, J.W. Lancier, B.J. Hill and J.M. Keniston. 1980. Forest habitat for birdsof the Northeast. U.S. For. Serv., Northeast For. Exp. Stn., Bromall, PA.

Dzus, E.H. and J.M. Gerrard. 1993. Factors influencing Bald Eagle densities in NorthcentralSaskatchewan. J. Wildi. Manage. 57(4):771-778.

Godfrey, W.E. 1986. The Birds of Canada. National Museum of Canada, Ottawa, ON.

Goudie, R.I., D. Lemon and J. Brazil. 1994. Observations of Harlequin ducks, other waterfowl and raptors

in Labrador 1987-1992. Technical Report Series No. 207, Can. Wild!. Serv., Atlantic Region, Env.Conserv. Branch, Nfld.


JWE. 1992. 1993 Avoidance Monitoring Program, Raptor/Harlequin Duck. Report prepared for PMOGoose Bay, National Defence Headquarters. Ottawa, Ontario.



JWEL. 1996. 1995 Avoidance Monitoring Program, Raptor/Harlequin Duck. Report prepared for PMOGoose Bay, National Defence Headquarters. Ottawa, Ontario.

JWEL. 1997. 1996 Raptor Monitoring Surveys. Report prepared for PMO Goose Bay, National DefenceHeadquarters. Ottawa, Ontario.

JWEL. 1998. 1997 Osprey Monitoring Program. Report prepared for Goose Bay Office National DefenceHeadquarters. Ottawa, Ontario.

Kroodsma, R.L. 1978. Evaluation of a Proposed Transmission Line's Impact on Waterfowl and Eagles.In: M.L. Avery (ed.). Impacts of Transmission Lines on Birds in Flight. Biological ServicesProgram Report, FWS/OBS 78/48. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC.

LeDrew, Fudge and Associates. 1991. 1991 Raptor Monitoring Program. Report prepared for PMO GooseBay, National Defence Headquarters. Ottawa, Ontario.

Livingston, S.A., C.S. Todd, W.B. Krohn and R.B. Owen. 1990. Habitat models for nesting Bald Eaglesin Maine. J. Wild!. Manage. 54(4): 644-653.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 1976. Final Environmental Impact Statement CPA/UPAHigh Voltage Transmission Lines and Associated Facilities. EQC Docket No. CU-TR- 1.

Northland Associates Limited. 1980. Lower Churchill Development: Avian Studies. Report prepared forthe Lower Churchill Development Corp.

Northland Associates Limited. 1990. Island Pond Environmental Impact Statement - Raptor ComponentStudy. Prepared for Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, St. John's.

Palmer, R.S. 1988. Handbook of North American birds. Vols. IV and V. Yale University Press, NewHaven, Conn.


Peters, H.S. and T.D. Burleigh. 1951. The Birds of Newfoundland. Department of Natural Resources, ST.John's.

Peterson, Allan. 1986. Habitat Suitability Index Models: Bald Eagle (Breeding Season). Biological Report82(10.126) Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC.

Poole, A.F. 1989. Ospreys - a natural and unnatural history. Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, Mass.

Prevost, Y.A., R.P. Bancroft and N.R. Seymour. 1978. Status of the Osprey in Antigonish County, NovaScotia. Canadian Field Naturalist. 92(3): 294-297.

Ryan, A. G. 1978. Native trees and shrubs of Newfoundland and Labrador. Parks Division, Departmentof Environment and Lands, St. John's.

Stalmaster, M.V. and J.R. Newman. 1978. Behavioral Responses of Wintering Bald Eagles to HumanActivity. J. Wildl. Manage. 42(3):506-5 13.

Steeger, C., H. Esselink and R.C. Ydenburg. 1992. Comparative feeding ecology and reproductiveperformance of Osprey in different habitats of southeastern British Columbia. Can. J. Zool. 70:470-475.

Todd, C.S., L.S. Young, R.B. Owen and F.J. Gramlich. 1982. Food habits of Bald Eagles in Maine. J.Wildl. Manage. 46(3): 636-645.

Vana-Miller, S.L. 1987. Habitat suitability index models: Osprey. US Fish Wildlife Service BiologicalReport, 82 (10.154).

Wetmore, S.P. and D.I. Gillespie. 1976. Osprey and Bald Eagle populations in Labrador and northeasternQuebec, 1969-1973. Canadian Field Naturalist 90(3): 330-337.

JWEL Project No. 1202 • LHP98-11 - Osprey and Bald Eagle Study. March 9, 1999 Page 30

APPENDIX 1

Required Permits

02/01/99 MON 09:53 FAX 709 896 5863 JWEL - GOOSE BAY

GOVERNMENT OPNEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Department of Forest Resources & AgrifoodsWildlife Division

Mr. Perry TrimperManager, Jacques Whitford Environment LimitedP.O. box 274, Station "C"367 Hamilton River RoadGoose say, LabradorAOP 1CO

Re: Scientific Permit -- Survey of Raptors for the Lower Kydro Project

Dear Mr. Trimper:

JWE-ST.JOHNS

June 30, 1998

Ei 002

)'11U

Please be advised that this letter has the effect of a Wildlife permit for aerial raptorsurveys in the Atikonak Lake and Lac Joseph regions, and along the proposed transmissionline corridor from Gull Island, Labrador to Soldier's Pond on the Avalon Peninsula (accordingto your proposal of 23 June 1998).

You are hereby authorized to conduct aerial surveys by helicopter in June/August1 998, for the purpose of identifying active nesting sites, determining reproductive output,and assessing existing resources and habitat potential for large raptors. The authority alsoextends to those persons identified in your protocol. Please note that Atikonak Lake andLac Josephare located within the calving range of the Lao Joseph caribou herd, and thatreproductive females within the herd will be sensitive to any aerial disturbances.

It is understood that all data and reports from this-study will be made available tothe lland Fish & Wildlife Division within a reasonable period after completion of thefieldwork.

I wish you well with this research.

Sincerely,

Christine Found, MSc.Wildlife Biologist (Labrador)

cc. Ken Colbert, Regional Ecosystem DirectorCharlie Butler, Environmental & Wildiands Biologist

P.O. Ba 3014. Staiio'z B, Happy Valley, Labrador, AOP 10, Telephone (709) 896-5107 Facsimile (709) 896-0188

01/2' )9 FRI 13:14 lAX 709 896 5863 JWEL - GOOSE BAYIr-.I u.LLl_,L..r ijtVjtl..J'( TO

JWE-ST.JOHNS tj00289G563 P.01

I

GOVERNMENT OFNEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Department of Forest Resources & Agt'ifoodsWildlife Division

August 26, 1998

Mr. Perry TrimperManager, Jacques Whitford Environment Ltd.P.O. Box 274, Station MC367 HamIlton River RoadGoose Bay, LabradorAOP 1CO

Re: Scientific Permit - Collection of Osprey Chick/Egg Mortalities

Dear Mr. Trimper:

Please be advised that this letter has the effect of a Wildlife Permit for the retreivalof chick and egg mortalities from twelve (1 2) osprey nests, located within the LabradorHydro Project Osprey and Bald Eagle study area (according to your application dated 26August 1998).

You are hereby authorized to collect abandoned eggs/chicks by helicopter inAugust/September 1998, for the purpose of monitoring levels of contaminant located in thetissue. It is understood that all data and reports from this study will be made available tothe Inland Fish & Wildlife Division within a reasonable period after completion of thefieldwork.

1 wish you well wIth this research.

Sincerely,

Christine Found, Mso.Widlife Biologist (Labrador)

cc. Ken Colbert, Regional Ecosystem DirectorChalie Butler. Environmental & Wildiands Biologist

APPENDIX 2

Observations of Other Wildlife Species

Other Wildlife Observed During Bald Eagle/Osprey Survey - Proposed Transmission Line Route Gull Island toSoldiers Pond - 29-30 June 1998

SPECIES Latitude Longitude # Individuals COMMENTSAmerican Black Duck 51.1399 -56.5696 1American Black Duck 50.8230 -56.8226 5

_____________________

hen and brood of 4American Black Duck 49.9927 -57.3918 9 2 adults + 7 youngAmerican Black Duck 51.1970 -56.5601 2

_____________________

Beaver Lodge 50.9789 -56.6680 1Black Bear 48.3494 -54.4032 1

_______________________

Canada Goose 49.9804 -57.3713 15_______________________

Canada Goose 49.9842 -57.4726 2_____________________

Canada Goose 49.9927 -57.3918 16______________________

Canada Goose 50.0632 -57.4209 7____________________

Canada Goose 50.7562 -56.8830 27_______________________

Caribou 50.8189 -56.8368 40_______________________

Caribou 50.8073 -56.8395 17_____________________

16 adults + 1 calfCaribou 50.7916 -56.8567 1

______________________

Caribou 50.7948 -56.8637 130 -

Caribou 50.7865 -56.8628 1Caribou 48.4559 -54.4723 4

_______________________

Caribou 48.2628 -54.2548 1______________________

Caribou 48.2325 -54.1822 1______________________

_____________________

Caribou 48.6385 -54.8130 2______________________

Caribou 48.6393 -54.7997 11 10 adults + 1 calfCaribou 48.7401 -55.2564 2

______________________

Caribou 48.6938 -55.0702 1______________________

Caribou 48.7863 -55.3988 2______________________

Caribou 48.8027 -55.4376 1______________________

Caribou 49.1237 -56.2425 1______________________

Caribou 49.1461 -56.2442 2______________________

Caribou 49.3981 -56.9004 2Caribou 49.7769 -57.2298 1

______________________

Caribou 49.8225 -57.3099 1______________________

swimmingCaribou 50.0098 -57.3890 1

_______________________

Caribou 50.8293 -56.8172 1______________________

Common Goldeneye 49.6295 -57.0577 1 flyingCommon Merganser 50.1952 -57.4520 1Common Merganser 48.9493 -56.0831 2

______________________

_______________________

Greater Yellow-leg 47.3299 -53.1714 1Green-winged Teal 50.6838 -56.9828 1

_______________________

hen and brood (# unknown)Herring Gull 49.9842 -57.4726 1 on nestHerring Gull 49.9927 -57.3918 2

______________________

Herring Gull 50.0397 -57.4047 3_______________________

Herring Gull 50.1002 -57.5523 2_____________________

Herring Gull 49.9756 -57.4765 2_______________________

Herring Gull on nest 48.0779 -53.9805 1______________________

Loons 49.9688 -57.4107 2 pairMoose 51 .2324 -56.6397 1

_____________________

Moose 51.2265 -56.6356 1_____________________

Moose 51.2205 -56.6312 1 bullMoose 51.2212 -56.6266 1

______________________


Moose 51.2093 -56.5626 1Moose 51.2056 -56.5639 1

______________________

Moose 51.1787 -56.5545 2______________________

Moose 51.1740 -56.5522 1_____________________

Moose 51.1717 -56.5472 1_____________________

Moose 51.1550 -56.5611 2_____________________

Moose 51.1521 -56.5580 1_____________________

Moose 51 .0910 -56.6000 2_____________________

cow and calfMoose 51.0866 -56.6006 2 2 cowsMoose 51.0524 -56.6112 1Moose 51.0347 -56.6276 2

____________________

Moose 51.0293 -56.6329 2____________________

cow and calfMoose 50.9571 -56.6992 1

Moose 50.9502 -56.7026 2______________________


Moose 50.8345 -56.8122 1______________________

Moose 50.8138 -56.8331 1______________________

Moose 50.7645 -56.8837 1______________________

Moose 50.7607 -56.8880 2______________________


Moose 50.8560 -56.8482 1______________________

Moose 50.6972 -56.9695 1______________________

Moose 47.5819 -53.7616 1______________________

Moose 47.3775 -53.2868 1_____________________

Moose 48.5901 -54.6784 1______________________

Moose 48.7111 -55.1322 1______________________

Moose 48.6938 -55.0702 1____________________

Moose 48.9130 -55.7996 1______________________

Moose 48.9189 -55.7281 2______________________

Moose 49.1482 -56.2445 1______________________

Moose 49.7352 -57.1150 1_____________________

Moose 50.0431 -57.4048 1____________________

Moose 50.1105 -57.4414 1______________________

Moose 50.2424 -57.4370 2_____________________

cow and calfMoose 50.2514 -57.4197 1 calfMoose 50.2664 -57.4051 1Moose 50.2956 -57.3844 1

_____________________

Moose 50.3015 -57.3847 1______________________

Moose 50.3624 -57.2982 2_____________________

Moose 50.3601 -57.2939 1______________________

Moose 50.3705 -57.2942 2______________________

calfMoose 50.3919 -57.2720 2

Moose 50.4722 -57.1652 1______________________

Moose 50.0189 -57.5644 1_____________________

______________________

Moose 51.2465 -56.6523 2 cow and calfRed Pine Stands 49.2618 -56.3565 AreaRingneck Duck 49.4293 -56.9214

___________

5 female + 4 youngRingneck Duck 49.2576 -56.7449 5 ________________________Ringneck Duck 49.7675 -57.1652 1

_______________________


Ringneck Duck 50.4362 -57.2104 1Ringneck Duck 49.4548 -56.9460 1Tern sp. 51.0191 -56.6401 1

Other Wildlife Observed During Bald Eagle and Osprey Survey - Churchill River Valley, Lac Joseph, Lac Brufe,Atikonak Lake -1998

DATE SPECIES Latitude Longitude # Individuals COMMENTS8-Jul American Black Duck 51.9067 56.9110 9 adult and 8 young8-Jul Canada Goose 52.2483 57.9170 18-Jul Common Merganser 52.2473 57.5753 18-Jul Greater Yellowlegs 52.0318 57.1323 18-Jul Greater Yellowlegs 52.0807 57.3797 18-Jul Herring Gull 51.9533 57.0145 18-Jul Herring Gull 51.9715 57.0075 18-Jul Mergansersp. 51 .9337 56.9517 18-Jul Scotersp. 52.2483 57.9170 19-Jul American Black Duck 52.9207 59.3890 19-Jul American Black Duck 52.2540 58.2883 6 adult and 5 young

9-Jul American Black Duck 52.8288 61.0140 19-Jul American Black Duck 52.8852 61.1463 19-Jul American Black Duck 52.8802 61.1565 19-Jul American Black Duck 52.9088 61.2177 19-Jul Beaver 53.1625 60.0308 1 in large pond

9-Jul Beaver lodge 53.0407 59.5003_______________

new, occupied

9-Jul Beaver lodge 52.7263 58.9203 old lodge

9-Jul Beaver lodge 52.8113 60.9138 old lodge

9-Jul Black Bear 53.2573 60.2460 1

9-Jul Canada Goose 52.7960 60.8293 5 2 adults and 3 young

9-Jul Canada Goose 52.8047 60.8775 19-Jul Common Goldeneye 52.6047 60.1348 1 in a pond

9-Jul Common Goldeneye 52.7658 60.6655 19-Jul Common Goldeneye 52.8698 61 .1097 19-Jul Common Goldeneye 52.9073 61 .2138 1

9-Jul Common Loon 52.3448 58.8667 1

9-Jul Greater Yellowlegs 52.2502 58.3015 1

9-Jul Herring Gull 52.7047 60.5133 1

9-Jul Mallard 52.8852 61.1463 1

9-Jul Moose 52.5607 59.4547 1

9-Jul Porcupine sign 52.7047 60.51 33Girdling of coniferoustrees

9-Jul Porcupine sign 52.7222 60.5690Girdling of coniferoustrees

9-Jul Porcupine sign 52.8083 60.8980Girdling of coniferoustrees

9-Jul Porcupine 52.8802 61.1565 1

9-Jul Ring-necked Duck 52.8852 61.1463 1

9-Jul Ring-necked Duck 52.9088 61 .2177 1

9-Jul Scaup sp. 52.8802 61 .1565 1

9-Jul Short-billed Dowitcher 52.4373 59.1230 1

9-Jul Spruce Grouse 52.6328 60.3360 1

10-Jul Herring Gull 53.0609 -61.1759 2

10-Jul Herring Gull 53.0450 -61.2061 1

10-Jul American Black Duck 53.0993 -61.1024 5

10-Jul Herring Gull 52.9714 -61.4307 1

Other Wildlife Observed During Bald Eagle and Osprey Survey - Churchill River Valley, Lac Joseph, Lac Brule,Atikonak Lake -1998

10-Jul Porcupine sign 52.9812 -62.2308Girdling of coniferoustrees


10-Jul MerganserSp. 52.9089 -62.1527 210-Jul Merganser Sp. 53.0409 -62.1898 2

10-Jul Herring Gull 53.0851 -62.2755 110-Jul Herring Gull 53.0992 -62.3226 110-Jul Herring Gull 53.1095 -62.3695 110-Jul Porcupine sign 53.2099 -63.1268 Old sign of girdling

10-Jul Common Raven 53.2151 -63.2563 110-Jul Hemng Gull 53.2962 -63.3238 110-Jul Herring Gull 53.5040 -63.8878 1 Chasing Bald Eagle.

10-Jul Herring Gull 53.5037 -63.8832 110-Jul Common Loon 53.5126 -63.9837 2

10-Jul Herring Gull 53.5145 -64.0151 310-Jul Canada Goose 53.5283 -64.0553 10

10-Jul American Black Duck 52.6619 -65.0114 310-Jul Canada Goose 52.6774 -65.1522 910-Jul American Black Duck 52.6764 -65.1553 4

10-Jul Scaup Sp. 52.7033 -65.0742 4

10-Jul Ringed-neck Duck 52.7033 -65.0742 6

10-Jul Merganser Species 52.7033 -65.0742 8 female and 7 young

10-Jul Surf Scoter 52.6993 -65.1279 5 female and 4 young

10-Jul Herring Gull 52.7243 -65.1157 310-Jul Tern 5p. 52.7250 -65.1157 3

10-Jul Common Goldeneye 52.6752 -65.2665 4

10-Jul American Black Duck 52.6883 -65.2954 8 female and 7 young

10-Jul American Black Duck 52.6898 -65.3083 210-Jul Mallard 52.6898 -65.3083 1

10-Jul American Black Duck 52.6725 -65.3567 110-Jul Common Goldeneye 52.6788 -65.4208 110-Jul Common Loon 52.6831 -65.4307 110-Jul Canada Goose 52.6840 -65.4319 210-Jul Beaver Lodge 52.9318 -65.2697 1 Old

10-Jul Porcupine sign 52.9305 -65.2696 0Girdling of coniferoustrees

10-Jul Canada Goose 52.9283 -65.2600 7

10-Jul Unidentified Duck Sp. 52.91 20 -65.2273 6


10-Jul Canada Goose 52.8936 -65.2108 4


10-Jul Tern Sp. 52.8897 -65.2175 1


10-Jul Herring Gull 52.8885 -65.2164 1


10-Jul Tern Sp. 52.9035 -65.2954 1


10-Jul Mallard 52.9234 -65.3352 1

10-Jul Beaver Lodge 52.9190 -65.3323 1 old

Other Wildlife Observed During Bald Eagle and Osprey Survey - Churchill Rwer Valley, Lac Joseph, Lac Brute,Atikonak Lake -1998

10-Jul American Black Duck 52.9005 -65.3318 1710-Jul American Black Duck 52.9021 -65.3391 4010-Jul Mallard 52.9021 -65.3391 110-Jul American Black Duck 52.9042 -65.3148 610-Jul American Black Duck 52.9091 -65.3206 110-Jul Greater Yellowlegs 52.8828 -65.3458 110-Jul MerganserSp. 52.8052 -65.3149 110-Jul Herring Gull 52.8078 -65.3316 110-Jul American Black Duck 52.8168 -65.4352 310-Jul American Black Duck 52.8017 -65.4675 510-Jul American Black Duck 52.8039 -65.4658 2310-Jul American Black Duck 52.8099 -65.4770 1010-Jul Greater Yellowlegs 52.8102 -65.4746 110-Jul Tern Sp. 52.8150 -65.4811 310-Jul American Black Duck 52.8093 -65.4781 3410-Jul MerganserSp. 52.8081 -65.4782 910-Jul American Black Duck 52.8066 -65.4766 410-Jul American Black Duck 52.7941 -65.4705 810-Jul Greater Yellowlegs 52.7823 -65.4753 110-Jul Common Loon 52.8786 -65.2752 110-Jul Common Loon 52.8688 -65.2603 110-Jul Tern Sp. 52.8620 -65.2714 110-Jul Canada Goose 52.8571 -65.2820 1610-Jul Common Loon 52.8571 -65.2846 110-Jul Herring Gull 52.8582 -65.2456 110-Jul Canada Goose 52.8288 -65.0450 8

10-Jul Porcupine Sign 52.8503 -65.1292Girdling of coniferoustrees

10-Jul Rusty Blackbird 52.8520 -65.1358 210-Jul American Black Duck 52.8486 -65.1412 7 female and 6 young10-Jul Tern Sp. 52.8590 -65.1601 410-Jul Tern Sp. 52.8737 -65.1899 110-Jul American Black Duck 52.8071 -65.2816 410-Jul American Black Duck 52.7797 -65.2292 710-Jul Surf Scoter 52.7549 -65.1846 6 female and 5 young10-Jul Canada Goose 52.8230 -65.4587 310-Jul Common Goldeneye 52.8479 -65.4218 810-Jul Common Loon 52.9113 -65.3936 110-Jul American Black Duck 53.0530 65.1738 5 adult and 4 young10-Jul Beaver lodge 53.0000 65.2500 old lodge

10-Jul Beaver lodge 53.3875 64.3887 old lodge10-Jul Beaver lodge 53.1832 64.9090 old lodge10-Jul Canada Goose 53.3382 64.5330 110-Jul Canada Goose 52.9202 65.2705 110-Jul Common Loon 53.3103 64.6002 110-Jul Common Loon 52.8813 65.2777 110-Jul Greater Yellowlegs 53.3132 64.5932 110-Jul Herring Gull 53.1483 64.9752 110-Jul Herring Gull 53.0917 65.0928 1


10-Jul Herring Gull 53.0655 65.1467 110-Jul Tern sp. 53.3503 64.4977 110-Jul Tern sp. 53.6643 65.1468 111-Jul common Goldeneye 53.1694 -60.9324 211-Jul Wolf Tracks 53.0412 -61.175611-Jul Common Goldeneye 53.1043 -61.0713 7 Hen and 6 young1 1-Jul Beaver lodge 52.9782 -61.2943 New11-Jul Herring Gull 52.9582 -61.3415 111-Jul HerringGull 52.9705 -61.4315 111-Jul Herring Gull 52.9924 -61.5430 111-Jul Common Merganser 52.9288 -61.6264 311-Jul American Black Duck 52.8702 -61.6179 111-Jul Beaver 52.8822 -61.7461 111-Jul Common Goldeneye 52.8925 -61.8279 1


11-Jul Bear Tracks 53.2230 -63.2657 Tracks in sand11-Jul Common Raven 53.2253 -63.2696 211-Jul BearTracks 53.4101 -63.610211-Jul Common Goldeneye 53.4189 -63.6259 111-Jul Herring Gull 53.4995 -63.8663 311-Jul Belted Kingfisher 53.5004 -63.9333 111-Jul Red-breasted Mergans 52.5529 -64.6296 111-Jul Common Loon 52.5573 -64.6379 211-Jul MerganserSp. 52.5612 -64.6369 111-Jul Common Loon 52.5646 -64.6387 111-Jul Short-billed Dowitcher 52.5917 -64.7125 111-Jul Rusty Black Bird 52.6007 -64.7224 111-Jul Common Loon 52.5990 -64.7348 111-Jul Black Scoter 52.6329 -64.7050 7 female and 6 young

11-Jul Black Scoter 52.6342 -64.7037 8 female and 7 young11-Jul Herring Gull 52.5786 -64.5111 111-Jul Common Loon 52.5899 -6.4.5330 111-Jul Caribou 52.6191 -64.5533 111-Jul Solitary Sandpiper 52.5949 -64.5906 2

11-Jul Spotted Sandpiper 52.6262 -64.5278 21 1-Jul Spotted Sandpiper 52.6238 -64.5253 111-Jul MerganserSp. 52.6466 -64.5138 211-Jul Red-breasted Mergans 52.6503 -64.5350 211-Jul MerganserSp. 52.6639 -64.5786 111-Jul Tern Sp. 52.6579 -64.6044 1

11-Jul Surf Scoter 52.6700 -64.6031 111-Jul Herring Gull 52.6053 -64.5908 211-Jul MerganserSp. 52.6268 -64.6388 111-Jul Caribou 52.6542 -64.6765 111-Jul Common Goldeneye 52.6771 -64.7087 1

11-Jul Beaver Lodge 52.6914 -64.7061 1 old

11-Jul Caribou 52.6747 -64.6551 2 1 female and 1 calf

11-Jul Caribou 52.6722 -64.6470 2 1 female and 1 calf


11-Jul Herring Gull 52.6877 -64.5220 111-Jul MerganserSp. 52.6888 -64.5127 111-Jul American Black Duck 52.6918 -64.5618 1111-Jul Herring Gull 52.7071 -64.5760 111-Jul

-Tern Sp. 52.7200 -64.5528 1

11-Jul MerganserSp. 52.7417 -64.5969 111-Jul Herring Gull 52.7360 -64.6057 111-Jul Herring Gull 52.7282 -64.6122 411-Jul Red-breasted Mergans 52.7282 -64.6122 111-Jul Herring Gull 52.7094 -64.6285 111-Jul Herring Gull 52.7045 -64.6386 111-Jul Red-breasted Mergans 52.6846 -65.0406 1

11-Jul Red-breasted Mergans 52.6852 -65.0438 3 1 male and 2 females11-Jul Red-breasted Mergans 52.6806 -65.0871 111-Jul Common Loon 52.6924 -65.1441 211-Jul Surf Scoter 52.7055 -65.1768

-

111-Jul Beaverlodge 52.7125 -65.2136 1 Old

11-Jul Herring Gull 52.7210 -65.2570 111-Jul Short-billed Dowitcher 52.7312 -65.3136 111-Jul Caribou 52.7415 -65.3383 111-Jul Common Loon 52.7224 -65.3233 1

11-Jul Caribou 52.7155 -65.3233 111-Jul American Black Duck 52.7187 -65.3851 411-Jul Canada Goose 52.4535 64.3567 1311-Jul Solitary Sandpiper 52.4937 -64.4389 111-Jul Tern Species 52.4937 -64.4389 211-Jul Common Loon 52.4131 -64.3258 1

11-Jul Common Loon 52.4043 -64.3249 1

11-Jul Herring Gull 52.3736 -64.3191 111-Jul Spotted Sandpiper 52.3728 -64.3213 1

11-Jul Surf Scoter 52.3659 -64.3051 102 females with 4young each

11-Jul Beaver lodge 52.3579 -64.313711-Jul Moose 52.3154 -64.3243 2 Female and calf

11-Jul Rusty Blackbird 52.6603 -64.4325 1

11-Jul MerganserSp. 52.6615 -64.4363 1

11-Jul HerringGull 52.6294 -64.4262 1

11-Jul Common Raven 52.6020 -64.3979 1

11-Jul Common Goldeneye 52.5989 -64.3813 7 female and 6young

11-Jul Tern Sp. 52.5419 -64.3033 1

11-Jul Moose 52.5388 -64.3044 1

11-Jul Herring Gull 52.5253 -64.2572 1

11-Jul Surf Scoter 52.5240 -64.3198 3 2 females and 1 male

11-Jul Common Raven 52.5190 -64.3186 1


11-Jul Caribou 52.5221 -64.3446 1

11-Jul Caribou 52.5122 -64.3542 1

11-Jul Diving Duck 52.5497 -64.4047 2 Species unknown


11-Jul common Loon 52.5573 -64.4040 1

11-Jul Porcupine 52.5564 -64.4106 1 On beach

11-Jul Caribou Tracks 52.5772 -64.4213______________

Many tracks on beach

11-Jul Herring gull 52.5530 -64.4308 1

11-Jul Spotted Sandpiper 52.5440 -64.4693 1

11-Jul Herring Gull 52.5545 -64.4777 1

11-Jul Herring Gull 52.5735 -64.4764 1 On rock

11-Jul Herring Gull 52.6004 -64.4579 1 On rock

11-Jul Caribou Tracks 52.6077 -64.4303_______________

many

11-Jul Herring Gull 52.6084 -64.4392 1

11-Jul Wolf Tracks 52.6105 -64.4368_______________

11-Jul Herring Gull 52.6165 -64.4430 1

11-Jul Caribou 52.5704 -64.4989 1

11-Jul Caribou 52.6402 -64.4237 1

11-Jul Diving Duck sp. 52.7846 -65.4036 - Unidentified brood

11-Jul American Black Duck 52.7683 -65.3843 6 adult and 5 young

11-Jul Common Loon 52.7686 -65.3871 1

11-Jul Herring Gull nest 52.7665 -65.3892 2 adult and lyoung

11-Jul Common Tern 52.8755 -64.6305 1

11-Jul Herring Gull 52.8328 -64.6280 1


11-Jul Herring Gull 52.7738 -64.6136 1

11-Jul MerganserSp. 52.7690 -64.6202 2


11-Jul Caribou 52.8017 -64.6724 1

11-Jul Herring Gull 52.8035 -64.6515 2

11-Jul Herring Gull 52.8215 -64.6418 1

11-Jul Surf Scoter 52.8325 -64.6879 6 female and 5 young

11-Jul Greater Yellowlegs 52.8386 -64.7177 1

11-Jul Tern Sp. 52.8301 -64.7323 1

11-Jul Tern Sp. 52.8836 -64.6611 1

11-Jul Tern Sp. 52.8865 -64.6814 1

11-Jul Herring Gull 52.8870 -64.6778 1 At nest on rock

11-Jul Herring Gull 52.8943 -64.6849 1

11-Jul Tern Sp. 52.8952 -64.6931 1

11-Jul Herring Gull 52.9111 -64.7007 1

11-Jul Greater Yellowlegs 52.9157 -64.6970 1

11-Jul American Black Duck 52.91 86 -64.6898 6 female and 5 young


11-Jul Herring Gull 52.9034 -64.6759 2

11-Jul American Black Duck 53.6530 64.6732 1

11-Jul Canada Goose 53.5895 64.2582 4 adult and 3 young

11-Jul Canada Goose 53.3448 64.6033 1

11-Jul Canada Goose 53.1447 64.9763 62 adults and fouryoung

11-Jul Canada Goose 53.2643 64.2833 1

11-Jul Common Tern 53.2852 64.7145 1

11-Jul GreaterYellowlegs 53.3873 64.5147 1


11-Jul Greater Yellowlegs 53.0083 64.5600 111-Jul Herring Gull 53.6633 64.7490 111-Jul Herring Gull 53.4260 64.4342 111-Jul Herring Gull 53.4163 64.4533 111-Jul Herring Gull 53.0717 65.1155 111-Jul Solitary Sandpiper 52.9795 64.5802 111-Jul Surf Scoter 53.7263 65.0963 111-Jul Surf Scoter 53.6478 64.6413 5 adult and 4 young

11-Jul Tern sp. 53.3095 64.6717 111-Jul Tern sp. 53.2735 64.7383 111-Jul Tern sp. 53.0850 64.4945 111-Jul Tern sp. 53.0020 64.5650 111-Jul Tern sp. 52.9732 64.5842 117-Aug Canada Goose 53.170288 60.934203 117-Aug Beaver lodge 53.070336 61.256477

_____________

17-Aug Moose 53.381316 63.602330 117-Aug Black Bear 53.458420 64.043179 117-Aug American Black Duck 53.786132 65.011533 118-Aug Herring Gull 52.8374 -65.2854 1 immature

18-Aug Black Bear 53.661981 64.756125 1

18-Aug Common Tern 53.656408 64.691116 118-Aug Common Loon 53.602595 64.362557 1

18-Aug Canada Goose 53.456460 64.270225 118-Aug Beaver lodge 53.430893 64.320932

18-Aug Common Tern 53.309915 64.535015 1

18-Aug American Crow 53.261742 64.620134 118-Aug Canada Goose 53.112016 64.883985 118-Aug Common Loon 53.015735 65.042930 118-Aug Herring Gull 52.996278 65.076703 118-Aug Canada Goose 52.933466 65.204086 118-Aug Solitary Sandpiper 52.908307

-

65.228573 118-Aug Common Loon 52.723128 64.646713 118-Aug Green-winged Teal 52.356570 64.005580 118-Aug Greater Yellowlegs 52.360249 64.033533 118-Aug American Black Duck 52.359911 64.037438 118-Aug Gadwall 52.356537 64.034735 118-Aug Green-winged Teal 52.355566 64.021249 1

18-Aug Green-winged Teal 52.351114 64.007291 1

18-Aug American Black Duck 52.347338 63.998113 1

18-Aug Greater Yellowlegs 52.346919 64.001578 1

18-Aug Greater Yellowlegs 52.933448 64.001891 1

18-Aug Moose 53.202497 63.986383 1

18-Aug Canada Goose 53.309994 64.015985 1

18-Aug Herring Gull 53.895845 63.378477 1

18-Aug Common Goldeneye 54.251 140 62.979667 1

18-Aug Herring Gull 54.286110 62.948046 1

18-Aug Herring Gull 54.303898 62.931927 1

18-Aug Greater Scaup 54.384080 62.874596 1

18-Aug Surf Scoter 54.384080 62.874596 1


18-Aug Ring-necked Duck 52.347338 63.998113 118-Aug Common Goldeneye 52.355566 64.021249 118-Aug Greater Yellowlegs 52.355566 64.021249 118-Aug American Btack Duck 52.356537 64.034735 118-Aug MalCard 52.359911 64.037438 118-Aug Canada Goose 52.359911 64.037438 118-Aug American Black Duck 52.356570 64.005580 121-Aug American Black Duck 52.797851 58.453982 121-Aug Common Loon 52.787659 58.41 0832 121-Aug American Black Duck 52.658483 58.143620 1

APPENDIX 3

Transmission Line Survey Methodologies

WIT

H C

EN

TR

E L

INE

WIT

HO

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Vbff

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1 km

eith

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ide

1km

eith

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ide

__________

__________

iof r

iver

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ssin

g-

____________

1km

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iver

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uita

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are

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Jacq

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nviro

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Envi

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DO

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SC

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Eng

inee

rs

osprey and bald eagle study - iaac-aeic.gc.ca

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