Whimbrels are large shorebirds that stop along our coastal areas during fall migration. They stop here to feed and build up their energy stores before continuing on their very long migration leg to South America. Our feeding areas here in New Brunswick are vital to their survival.
Whimbrels are large sandpipers 44 cm long with a wingspan of 81 cm (17.5 in, 32 in). They are uniformly speckled, brownish on the back, head, sides and tail and grayish on the underneath. Their most notable identifying feature is their long decurved bill. They also have very pointed wings.
In the fall Whimbrels move in small scattered flocks. They may spend several days in one feeding area usually on coastal heaths, shorelines, marshes and mudflats. In the west they also spend time on the prairies. Their main foods are marine invertebrates, marine worms, molluscs, fish, insects and berries. On Miscou they are found mainly on the heath but also on shorelines, grassy areas and fields.
Recently, in the first week of August we visited Miscou in search of the whimbrels. We don't always find them because they are difficult to see but this year we saw 3. If they are on shorelines and mudflats they are usually fairly easy to spot. On the heath, however, they are very difficult to see. The heath is mainly low woody plants forming a thick shrubby layer that is almost impenetrable except by machine. The shrubby plants are about 0.5 to 1 metre tall. Among these plants are crowberries (Empetrum nigrum) and various kinds of blueberries (Vaccinium) on which the birds feed to build up their fat stores for energy to migrate south. They also feed on snails, worms and insects found among the plants. Because the birds are wandering both deep among the plants and sometimes on top, they are difficult to see. The vast acreage covered by this vegetation on Miscou makes it difficult to see the birds. Given that one can see for many kilometres over the heath, you can imagine how difficult it is to spot the birds. Getting a good photograph is very difficult. See below for a typical exposure.
Whimbrels are one of our notable shorebird species. We have a moral duty to protect their habitat so that they can successfully make their migrations. After all they are making their way from the tundra of coastal Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Alaska and James Bay to South America where they will spend the winter. We are graced with their presence and it is a delight to get a peek at their presence as they stock up on our available food. They have been coming here for 1000s of years.
To see more on Whimbrels, search this blog for 'Whimbrel'.
No comments:
Post a Comment