PROCEEDINGS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN CRANE WORKSHOP

Title:
SANDHILL CRANES OF COASTAL BRITISH COLUMBIA: RESULTS OF HELICOPTER SURVEYS AND PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS OF HABITAT USE

Date: 2010

Authors:
KRISTA ROESSINGH, University of Victoria, British Columbia
BRIONY PENN, University of Victoria, British Columbia

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Citation:
Roessingh, K., and B. Penn. 2010. Sandhill cranes of coastal British Columbia: results of helicopter surveys and preliminary observations of habitat use. Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop 11:1-8.

Abstract:
A pilot study on sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) was conducted on the central coast of British Columbia in May 2006, followed by 2 summers of inventory and observation in 2007 and 2008. Fieldwork consisted of gathering local knowledge of crane locales, helicopter and boat surveys, and observations from blinds. We located 29 nest sites on 14 different islands and 1 mainland peninsula, as well as several beach foraging areas and bog roost sites. Observed average crane and nest density in areas of suitable habitat was 0.21/km² and 0.044/km², respectively, for 2007 and 2008. Nest and roost sites were found within 1.25 km of the shoreline, on the inner and outer islands between 51°38'N and 54°00'N where blanket mire complex occurs. Territory of breeding pairs we observed in the Bella Bella area consisted of beach or estuary, forest and upland bog, and nearby marshes and lakes.

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