THE IPSWICH SPARROW

Protecting our Coastlines

http://www.capebretonbirds.ca/rarebird.html

By: Leah Wagner, Seth Cole, Evan Stuart, Avery Maskell, Lauren McAuley Mentor: Kirsten Weagle

Coastal BirdsNova Scotia is home to many species of

costal birds Coastal birds play a vital role in our ecosystems they eat all those pesky bugs like mosquitoes and they spread plant seeds. Some kinds of coastal birds of Nova Scotia are

piping plovers, terns, Ipswich sparrows, and cormorants.

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The Ipswich Sparrow Larger than the common Eastern Savannah

Sparrow, with brown upper feathers and a white belly

Threatened species No protection plan currently in place Exclusive to Sable Island, NS Only bird that breeds on the Island Feeds on seeds and insects Estimated population 3000-6000 Nests by digging hole in dunesand filling them with grass

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Habitat & Migration

Estimated population 3000-6000, all living in NSSummers on Sable Island Migrates to coastal Nova Scotia, and as far south as Northern FloridaSummer habitat

Winter habitat

Sable Island

located 300 kilometers southeast of Nova Scotia42 km long and 1.5 km wideMild climate ( -13 to 25 degrees) Home to hundreds of feral horses, seals, and the threatened Ipswich Sparrow

Current development: 4- man weather station

Declining Population Limited breeding area Erosion of nesting grounds Low population to start Coastal Development near winter habitat Human recreation Eggs and young preyed by gulls Sensitive to weather changes when migrating

http://www.greenhorsesociety.com/

Sable Island Development

Sable Island is proposed to be made a National park

This could mean : More frequent visitors Possible campsites on the island Boaters coming to the island General human disturbances and development Government management plans

Could this be another threat to the Ipswich Sparrow?

The Piping Plover Example The piping plover situation can be compared to the Ipswich

sparrow Due to human activities and costal development the Piping

Plover is currently listed as endangered Nesting grounds destroyed by humans Population declined more than 50% between 1986 and 2001 Only 5900 left

History repeats itself Research, manage, educate Time is of the essence

What can be done? Now: Install secure nesting boxes in breeding areas Educate the public of winter habitations on our beaches Install sand fences and plant dune grass to slow erosion on the island Install fencing around nesting habitats that people will notice. Create suitable nesting areas away from any human activity Get a real number : count the actual number of birds left, and watch

for population changes ( It is currently not known the exact population) Track the population of the Ipswich

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What can be done?When Sable Island becomes a National Park: Place warning signs around nesting areas. Do not leave trash or food around nests as it attracts gulls

that prey on eggs Limit access to nesting grounds Secure nesting boxes to protect against predators Ensure vehicles are not driven around nesting areas and

encourage nesting in safe areas Ensure an official management plan is in place

Why Protect the Ipswich? A vital part of the ecosystem, which is like a puzzle: Lose a

piece and you miss the finished picture Protect before the Ipswich becomes endangered Every species plays a role which, no matter how

unnoticeable, is essential to all life in the area Unique to Nova Scotia This bird has no other home, so this one must be preserved

If it is, everyone will be able to enjoy the wild horses and this little songbird!

Sources

CBC News - Nova Scotia - Sable Island poised to become national park.url

Nova Scotia's Species at Risk Municipal & Community Stewardship.url

Sable Island to be Designated National Park News Releases Government of Nova Scotia.url