Birds Affected by Recreation

American White Pelican
Bald Eagle
Cliff Falcons
Great Blue Heron
Owls: Ground-nesting Owls
Owls: Tree-nesting Owls
Harlequin Ducks
Marbled Murrelet
Marshbirds
Shorebirds

Sandhill Crane
Seabirds: Colonial Nesters
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Songbirds
Tree-nesting hawks
White-tailed Ptarmigan
White-throated Swift
Western Grebe
Woodpeckers

American White Pelican (Red-listed)

Although American White Pelicans have been observed at more than 50 lakes on the Fraser Plateau during the breeding season, in British Columbia they nest in only one location, at Stum Lake, 70 km northwest of Williams Lake. The other lakes are used only for loafing and foraging, and less than half of these lakes are used regularly by significant numbers of pelicans. The single breeding population is Red-listed and designated as Endangered in British Columbia. Although the nesting area is protected in a Provincial Park, foraging sites are not currently protected. The Wildlife Act directs that there will be no human activity on or around Stum Lake between March 1 and August 31.

Principal source of information:

Rare birds of British Columbia. 1999. D.F. Fraser, W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings, L.R. Cooper, and J.M. Cooper. BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

For current information on the species, including species conservation status, distribution, and reports and references, see BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/atrisk/toolintro.html

For (1997 data) species distribution and map, see:
http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/other/species/species-07.htm

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagles are a highly visible species. The key issues of concern relate to nest sites (that are usually located in riparian areas), night-time communal roosts in fall and winter, and concentrated food sources (salmon spawning areas, and ungulate winter ranges at low elevations).

Human activities have various effects on Bald Eagles. In the breeding season, temporary human activities influence nest building, egg laying, and incubation. In winter, human activities can affect feeding and communal roosting at a time when Bald Eagles are food-stressed. The responses of eagles vary among individuals and among populations, but documented reactions range from avoidance and displacement to abandonment of nests and reproductive failure due to prolonged absences of adults from young birds at the nest. The likelihood of nest-site abandonment is greatest early in the breeding season, during the courtship and nest-building phases; they are more likely to put up with some disturbance when they have eggs or young in the nest.

Bald Eagles change their feeding activities and show shifts in spatio-temporal use patterns. High levels of human activities can increase energy demands, and can increase mortality rates. The nest structures of Bald Eagles are protected throughout the year, whether active or not, under Section 34 of the Wildlife Act of British Columbia.

Principle source of information:

Effects of winter recreation on wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Area: a literature review and assessment. 1999. T. Olliff, K. Legg, and B. Kaeding. Report to the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee, Yellowstone National Park, WY.

For current information on the species, including species conservation status, distribution, and reports and references, see BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/atrisk/toolintro.html

Cliff Falcons: Red- and Blue-listed Cliff-nesting Species

Gyrfalcon (BLUE), Prairie Falcon (RED), Peregrine Falcon anatum ssp. (RED), Peregrine Falcon pealei ssp. (BLUE)

In British Columbia, three species of cliff-nesting raptors, encompassing four subspecies, are of conservation concern. These species lay their eggs on cliffs, usually with little effort at nest building.

The season for egg laying and rearing of young generally extends from April to September. During this period, the birds have a heightened sensitivity to disturbance. Little information exists on the relative sensitivity of these raptors to various types of disturbances, although, like other raptors, sensitivity and potential for nest abandonment is thought to be highest early in the breeding season.

For (1997 data) species distribution and map, see:
www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/other/species/species-14.htm

Principal source of information:

Rare birds of British Columbia. 1999. D.F. Fraser, W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings, L.R. Cooper, and J.M. Cooper. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

Great Blue Heron (Blue-listed)

Great Blue Herons are a colonial-nesting species that forages primarily in freshwater and marine environments, especially along margins and shorelines. They are year-round residents in most of southern BC. The nest structures of Great Blue Herons are protected year-round, whether they are active or not, under Section 34 of the Wildlife Act of British Columbia.

Heron colonies occur in treetops in numbers that range from a few to more than 150. The location of colonies shift, but the presence of suitable trees close to foraging habitat is a key requirement.

For herons, a key concern is the need to minimize disturbance of nesting birds.

Principal source of information:

The Great Blue Heron: A natural history and ecology of a seashore sentinel. 1997. R.W. Butler. UBC Press, Vancouver, BC.

Owls: Ground-nesting Owls (Red- and Blue-listed Species)

Short-eared Owl (BLUE), Burrowing Owl (RED)

Short-eared Owls and Burrowing Owls nest in open treeless areas such as grasslands, rangelands, dry marshes, farmlands, brushy fields, and forest clearings.

Information needs include documentation of nest sites, identification and mapping of nesting and foraging habitat, and assessment of potential impacts on nest sites or breeding success.

Winter habitats for Short-eared Owls are concentrated in the lower Fraser River valley in coastal grasslands and old-field habitats. Burrowing Owls are migratory and do not remain in British Columbia in the winter.

Principal sources of information:

Burrowing Owl (Wildlife in British Columbia At Risk). 1998. D.A. Blood and D. Low. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC. Available at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/burrowl.pdf

Rare birds of British Columbia. 1999. D.F. Fraser, W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings, et al. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

Tree-nesting Owls (Red- and Blue-listed Species)

Flammulated Owl (BLUE), Spotted Owl (RED), Western Screech-Owl - macfarlanei ssp. (RED), Northern Pygmy-Owl, swarthi ssp. (BLUE), and Northern Saw-whet Owl, brooksi ssp. (BLUE)

Flammulated Owl

In British Columbia, Flammulated Owls inhabit mature and old-growth montane forests, primarily within the Interior Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone. Forests older than 100 years seem to be preferred.

Western Screech-owl (macfarlanei subspecies)

In British Columbia, the macfarlanei subspecies of the Western Screech-Owl is found year-round in deciduous riparian forests and open ponderosa pine and water birch woodland habitats in the southern Okanagan Valleysouth of Kelowna.

Principal source of information:

Rare Birds of British Columbia. 1999. D.F. Fraser, W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings, L.R. Cooper, and J.M. Cooper. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

Harlequin Ducks

Harlequin Ducks winter in marine areas of coastal British Columbia, and breed adjacent to rivers and streams in the Interior, often at elevations above 1000 metres. Harlequin Ducks and their broods can be significantly disturbed and displaced by water craft and rafts. Seasonal curtailment of these activities may be required. For instance, river rafting in Jasper National Park has been substantially reduced to protect the species during the nesting and fledging period.

Primary sources of information:

A preliminary investigation into the status and distribution of Harlequin Duck in Jasper National Park. 1992. P. Clarkson. Unpublished technical report. Natural Resource Conservation, Jasper National Park, Jasper, AB.

Effects of recreation on Rocky Mountain Wildlife: A review for Montana. 1999. G. Joslin and H. Youmans. Montana Chapter of the Wildlife Society.

The Birds of British Columbia (Vol. 1). 1997. R.W. Campbell, N.K. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, et al. UBC Press, Vancouver, BC.

Marbled Murrelet (Red-listed)

The British Columbia coastline supports large populations of breeding seabirds. Biologists estimate that more than 30,000 Marbled Murrelets nest on outer coast.

Many different factors can affect seabird populations, including changes in key prey species, oil spills, toxic contaminants, overfishing, gillnet bycatch, predation, loss of nest trees and climatic conditions.

Principal sources of information:

Rare Birds of British Columbia. 1999. D.F. Fraser, W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings, L.R. Cooper, and J.M. Cooper. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

Seabirds: An indicator of marine ecosystem status for coastal British Columbia. 2002. Environment Canada.

For (1997 data) species distribution and map, see:
http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/other/species/species-19.htm

Marshbirds: Red- and Blue-listed

American Bittern (BLUE) and Green Heron (BLUE)

In B.C., American Bitterns usually breed in wet areas with dense growths of tall emergent vegetation or tall grasses adjacent to freshwater sloughs, marshes, swamps, and shallow, protected sections of lakes between sea level and 1300 metre elevation in the south and central Interior and in the lower Fraser Valley. American Bitterns normally nest as solitary pairs. The typical nest is a well-concealed platform of reeds, cattails, or sedges, in stands of cattail and bulrush, over water 5–20 cm deep. Dry fields and marshes are occasionally used for nesting. They forage primarily in marshes, but also sloughs, lake edges, swamps, river banks, sewage ponds, and fields. Their habitats are threatened by development in the southern part of the province. Undiscovered breeding sites likely exist further north in lowland river valleys (e.g., Skeena, Nechako, and Peace River drainages).

Green Heron

In British Columbia, Green Heron breeding habitat consists of small ponds, sloughs, lakes, slow-moving rivers, and marshy areas, typically sheltered by thickets of willow or alder, between sea level and 610 m elevation. Green Herons normally nest as solitary pairs, but occasionally in small colonies. The nest is a platform of sticks and twigs, placed near the end of branches between 4 and 35 metres up in a tree or tall shrub. In British Columbia, nest sites may be as much as 1 km from water.

The Green Heron is moderately threatened because its British Columbia range overlaps that of a dense and rapidly growing human population in the Georgia Depression. Although urbanization and industrialization threatens lowland wetlands in general, this species seems quite resilient and tolerant of a certain level of human disturbance. Threats to habitat are somewhat mitigated by the Green Heron’s ability to breed in relatively small habitat patches and to colonize new sites readily. In addition, British Columbia birds can nest at considerable distance (up to 1 km) from permanent water sources.

Principal source of information:

Rare Birds of British Columbia. 1999. D.F. Fraser, W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings, L.R. Cooper, and J.M. Cooper. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

For current information on the species, including species conservation status, distribution, and reports and references, see BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/atrisk/toolintro.html

For (1997 data) species distribution and map, see:
www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/other/species/species-09.htm

Shorebirds: Red- and Blue-listed

American Avocet

American Avocets usually nest along the shores and flats of sparsely vegetated lakes and sloughs, particularly alkaline lakes such as Alki Lake, the major breeding site in British Columbia. Avocets are known to have bred at Duck Lake near Creston, Beresford Lake near Kamloops, Serpentine Fen near Surrey, Little White Lake near Clinton, and Alki Lake near Kelowna. Most of these sites are ephemeral and were in use only for one year. Alki Lake is the exception, being both the major breeding site in British Columbia, and the only site believed to have been in regular use since at least 1987. Apparently suitable habitats are scattered throughout the south-central Interior, suggesting that other breeding sites remain to be discovered.

Coastal habitats used in migration include mudflats, estuaries, small ponds, spits, and sparsely vegetated muddy shorelines. Interior habitats used in migration include lowland marshes, shallow alkaline ponds, shores of larger lakes, and sewage lagoons.

For (1997 data) species distribution and map, see:

Long-billed Curlew

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/other/species/species-12.htm

Upland Sandpiper

Typical habitat of the Upland Sandpiper is open grassy uplands, hayfields, pastures, and prairies. In British Columbia, the Upland Sandpiper has been reported in lush overgrown fallow fields in the Peace River lowlands and in large, natural grasslands near woodland borders in the Chilcotin-Cariboo and South Okanagan.

Upland Sandpipers nest in a grass-lined depression in the ground, well hidden among grass or other low vegetation. They require undisturbed grasslands and old fields for breeding habitat. Habitats in the Peace River lowlands are very patchy and vulnerable to agricultural activities. Habitats in the Cariboo-Chilcotin are susceptible to overgrazing and trampling by livestock and, in some areas, forest encroachment into grasslands. Any potential habitats left in the Okanagan are at risk because of rapid urban and agricultural development

Sandhill Crane (Blue-listed)

Because of estimates of a small population and the continuing threats to their nesting habitat, the Sandhill Crane has been placed on the provincial Blue List. Sandhill Cranes receive protection against shooting and harassment under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act and the provincial Wildlife Act. Little of their known nesting habitat has been protected.

Three subspecies of Sandhill Crane occur in British Columbia – the Lesser Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis canadensis), the Greater Sandhill Crane (G. c. tabida), and the Canadian Sandhill Crane (G. c. rowani). Little information is available on the distribution and abundance of Sandhill Cranes that breed in the province, because they are very secretive when nesting and often choose remote habitats that are difficult to survey.

The Lesser Sandhill Crane breeds across the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alaska, and the northern reaches of the prairie provinces. Thousands migrate through British Columbia each spring and fall, traveling between their wintering grounds in the southern United States and their Arctic nesting sites. Most stay east of the Rocky Mountains, but a few travel through the Interior and along the Coast. A few cranes have been known to nest in the northeast corner of the province, but their subspecific status is unknown.

The Greater Sandhill Crane is divided into four breeding populations. Members of one of these – the Central Valley population – nest in small groups in scattered locations across the southern half of B.C. Many of these areas are of great conservation concern.

Habitat loss and degradation is likely the greatest threat to Sandhill Cranes in British Columbia. Some former nesting sites on Vancouver Island and in the Fraser and Okanagan valleys have been disturbed or destroyed by drainage projects, agricultural and urban development, and logging activity. However, most of British Columbia’s nesting cranes use remote areas that, to date, have not been subject to significant development or resource extraction.

Cranes face many natural hazards, including flooding of their nests and predation on eggs, chicks, and the occasional adult. In addition, crane populations grow slowly because their sexual maturity is delayed and clutch sizes are small. Even a small amount of additional mortality from human activities can cause their numbers to decline.

Principal source of information:

Rare Birds of British Columbia. 1999. D.F. Fraser, W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings, L.R. Cooper, and J.M. Cooper. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

Sandhill Crane. 1999. D.A. Blood and F. Backhouse. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC. Species at Risk brochure series. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/sandhillcrane.pdf

For (1997 data) species distribution and map, see:
http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/other/species/species-10.htm

Seabirds: Red- and Blue-listed Colonial Nesters

Brandt’s Cormorant (RED), Pelagic Cormorant - pelagicus ssp.(RED), Double-crested Cormorant (RED), Common Murre (RED), Thick-billed Murre (RED), Ancient Murrelet (BLUE), Cassin’s Auklet (BLUE), Horned Puffin (RED), and Tufted Puffin (BLUE)

The British Columbia coastline supports large populations of breeding seabirds. It is estimated that more than 5.6 million breed at more than 500 locations along the coast. In the case of Ancient Murrelets, our 500,000 birds represent half of the world’s population of this species, and half of that number nest on only four islands in Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands).

Many different factors can affect seabird populations, including changes in key prey species, oil spills, toxic contaminants, overfishing, gillnet bycatch, predation, and climatic conditions. Human disturbance during critical nesting and fledging periods can have significant impact due to gull and crow predation when parent birds leave the nest. In Haida Gwaii, the main factor influencing many seabird populations appears to be introduced predatory mammals, including Raccoons and both Norway Rats and Black Rats.

Principal sources of information:

Rare birds of British Columbia. 1999. D.F. Fraser, W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings et al. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

Seabirds: An indicator of marine ecosystem status for coastal British Columbia. 2002. Environment Canada.

For (1997 data) species distribution and map, see:

Ancient Murrelet

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/other/species/species-17.htm

Cassin’s Auklet

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/other/species/species-18.htm

Marbled Murrelet

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/other/species/species-19.htm

Sharp-tailed Grouse (Blue-listed)

Most grouse species in B.C. are widespread and abundant and there is little concern for the impact of backcountry recreational activities. However, Sharp-tailed Grouse are at risk and precautions need to be taken to minimize their disturbance.

Sharp-tailed Grouse are a Blue-listed species with relatively low populations and a restricted distribution. Of particular concern is the need to minimize habitat damage and prevent disturbance of the lek sites where males perform courtship displays and breed with females. Females avoid disturbed leks, and in Idaho, over-enthusiastic photographers have caused grouse to abandon leks. In addition, their nesting and winter foraging habitats need to be protected.

Primary sources of information:

Rare birds of British Columbia. 1999. D.F. Fraser, W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings, et al. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

Status of the Sharp-tailed Grouse (columbianus ssp.) in British Columbia. 1995. R. Ritcey. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.Wildlife Working Report WR-70. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/statusrpts/wr70.pdf

Tolerance of Sharp-tailed Grouse to lek disturbance. 1987. R.K. Baydeck and D.A. Hein. Wildlife Society Bulletin 15:535–539.

Songbirds: Red- and Blue-listed Species

Bay-breasted Warbler (RED), Black-throated Green Warbler (BLUE), Bobolink (BLUE), Brewer's Sparrow -breweri ssp. (RED), Canada Warbler (BLUE), Canyon Wren (BLUE), Cape May Warbler (RED), Connecticut Warbler (RED), Grasshopper Sparrow (RED), Gray Flycatcher (BLUE), Lark Sparrow (RED), Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow (RED), Philadelphia Vireo (BLUE), Pine Grosbeak -carlottae ssp. (BLUE), Purple Martin (RED), Sage Thrasher (RED), Smith's Longspur (BLUE), Steller's Jay -carlottae ssp. (BLUE), Vesper Sparrow -affinis ssp. (RED), Yellow-breasted Chat (RED)

Canyon Wren

Few studies have specifically examined impacts of human activities on Canyon Wren. In Joshua Tree National Park, California, a study examined bird communities in relation to three levels of rock climbing: unclimbed cliffs, moderate-use cliffs, and popular cliffs. Although the sample size was small, Canyon Wrens were observed only at unclimbed sites: only three other of the 33 species examined had a similar distribution. The authors recommended that programs be implemented to monitor the use of cliffs by climbers and to evaluate spatial and temporal changes in the number of birds, including changes in the number of invasive species.

Bobolink

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/other/species/species-21.htm

The Bobolink is a migratory, Blue-listed species. It nests in hayfields and moist meadows, and can therefore be affected by the timing of hay cropping during incubation. Fraser et al. in “Rare birds of British Columbia” suggest that mowing be delayed until after birds leave in August and that pesticide use on breeding grounds be avoided.

Principal sources of information:

Rare Birds of British Columbia. 1999. D.F. Fraser, W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings, L.R. Cooper, and J.M. Cooper. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

Rock climbing and cliff bird communities at Joshua Tree National Park, California. 1998. R.J. Camp and R.L. Knight. Wildlife Society Bulletin 26:892–898.

For current information on the species, including species conservation status, distribution, and reports and references, see BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/atrisk/toolintro.html

For (1997 data) species distribution and map, see:

Bobolink

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/other/species/species-22.htm

Tree-nesting hawks (Red-listed)

Broad-winged Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Northern Goshawk-laingi ssp.

All these species lay their eggs in relatively large, visible stick nests in trees. In general, the season for egg laying and rearing of young extends from April through August. Any activities that destroy current and future nest trees and nesting habitat could adversely affect their populations.

Northern Goshawk

Northern Goshawks are forest predators, usually associated with mature and old growth forests. Because of their dependence on older forests, they have been the subject of intensive research and conservation concern. They feed on forest-dwelling birds and mammals, ranging in size from Varied Thrush and Red Squirrels, to grouse and hares. The key issues are disturbance during the nesting and rearing season, and habitat management and conservation of nest sites and post-fledging areas.

Northern Goshawks nest in large trees and actively defend these sites. Nesting birds are sensitive to human disturbance and will attack and call loudly when people approach too closely. Research results indicate that disturbance can cause Goshawks to abandon nests, especially if it occurs early in the breeding season.

For (1997 data) species distribution and map, see:

Northern Goshawk

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/other/species/species-15.htm

Ferruginous hawk

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/other/species/species-13.htm

Principal source of information:

Conservation assessment for the Northern Goshawk in southeast Alaska. 1996. G.C. Iverson et al. USDA Forest Service, Portland, OR.

Rare Birds of British Columbia. 1999. D.F. Fraser, W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings, L.R. Cooper, and J.M. Cooper. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

White-tailed Ptarmigan (Blue-listed)

White-tailed Ptarmigan-saxatalis subspecies is a Blue-listed species that only occurs only in mountainous areas of Vancouver Island. Population sizes are relatively low.

Primary sources of information:

Rare Birds of British Columbia. 1999. D.F. Fraser, W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings, L.R. Cooper, and J.M. Cooper. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

For current information on the species, including species conservation status, distribution, and reports and references, see BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/atrisk/toolintro.html

White-throated Swift (Blue-listed)

White-throated Swifts are cliff-dwelling and nesting birds, that hawk for insects in the air around their breeding areas. Nests are made from feathers, frass (insect excrement), and other plant materials glued, using the bird’s saliva, into cracks, crevices, and small ledges.

Rock climbing or hang-gliding are activities that have the potential to disturb birds during breeding periods. There is also evidence that blasting activity close to or on the nest cliff may cause birds to abandon their nesting sites.

Principal sources of information:

Rare Birds of British Columbia. 1999. D.F. Fraser, W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings, L.R. Cooper, and J.M. Cooper. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

Western Grebe (Red-listed)

Western Grebes are colonial nesting waterbirds that breed on large freshwater marshes and lakes. Breeding occurs regularly only at three colonies in BC, with the total breeding population restricted to about 200 pairs. Because breeding is continuous through the season, breeding colonies are active from late April through late August. Breeding habitat is characterized by extensive emergent vegetation and requires stable water levels from nest building through incubation.

Grebes are vulnerable to human disturbance and habitat alterations. The wash of power-boats can flood or tip over a nest, causing the eggs to fall out. Disturbance by people in boats, canoes, or by swimmers, may cause grebes to vacate nests, leaving their eggs and young exposed to the weather and predation. In B.C., human disturbance has caused the loss of at least three nesting areas. During the winter, coastal wintering aggregations of Western Grebes can reach 10,000 or more individuals, making them vulnerable to events such as oil and chemical spills.

Principal source of information:

Status of the Western Grebes in British Columbia. 1997. A.E. Burger. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC. Wildlife Working Report WR-87. 40pp. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/statusrpts/wr87.pdf

Rare Birds of British Columbia. 1999. D.F. Fraser, W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings, L.R. Cooper, and J.M. Cooper. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

For (1997 data) species distribution and map, see:
http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/
fpcguide/other/species/species-08.htm

Woodpeckers: Red and Blue-listed Species

Williamson’s Sapsucker - nataliae ssp.(RED), Williamson’s Sapsucker - thyroideus ssp. (BLUE), White-headed Woodpecker (RED), Lewis’s Woodpecker (BLUE), and Hairy Woodpecker - picoideus ssp. (BLUE)

Lewis’s Woodpecker

This woodpecker can nest semi-colonially.

For (1997 data) species distribution and map, see:

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/other/species/species-20.htm

White-headed Woodpecker

Unlike woodpeckers that feed primarily on wood-boring insects, White-headed Woodpecker feeds primarily on the seeds of the ponderosa pine tree. This dependence on such a specific food supply restricts the White-headed Woodpecker to the distribution of this tree species, which are themselves confined to lower elevations in the southern Interior of the province. Ponderosa pines also have been under extensive pressure from human activities for the past 80 years.

White-headed Woodpeckers nest in standing dead and large mature living trees. The protection of snags and mature ponderosa pine is critical to the maintenance of this species. It is almost certain there are fewer than 100 birds living in the province.

For (1997 data) species distribution and map, see:

White-headed Woodpecker

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/other/species/species-21.htm

Principal sources of information:

Rare Birds of British Columbia. 1999. D.F. Fraser, W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings, L.R. Cooper, and J.M. Cooper. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

White-headed Woodpecker. 1997. D.A. Blood. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC. BC. Species at Risk brochure series. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/woodpecker.pdf