Hay-Zama Lakes Waterfowl Staging and Bald Eagle Nesting Monitoring Program, 2008

Transcription

1 Hay-Zama Lakes Waterfowl Staging and Bald Eagle Nesting Monitoring Program, 2008 CONSERVATION REPORT SERIES

2 The Alberta Conservation Association is a Delegated Administrative Organization under Alberta s Wildlife Act. CONSERVATION REPORT SERIES 25% Post Consumer Fibre When separated, both the binding and paper in this document are recyclable

3 Hay Zama Lakes Waterfowl Staging and Bald Eagle Nesting Monitoring Program, 2008 Ken D. Wright Alberta Conservation Association Bag Peace River, Alberta, Canada T8S 1T4

4 Report Editors DOUG MANZER Alberta Conservation Association Box 1139, Provincial Building Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0 KELLEY J. KISSNER 50 Tuscany Meadows Cres NW Calgary, AB T3L 2T9 Conservation Report Series Type Data ISBN printed: ISBN online: Publication No.: T/212 Disclaimer: This document is an independent report prepared by the Alberta Conservation Association. The authors are solely responsible for the interpretations of data and statements made within this report. Reproduction and Availability: This report and its contents may be reproduced in whole, or in part, provided that this title page is included with such reproduction and/or appropriate acknowledgements are provided to the authors and sponsors of this project. Suggested citation: Wright, K.D Hay Zama Lakes waterfowl staging and bald eagle nesting monitoring program, Data Report, D , produced by the Alberta Conservation Association, Peace River, Alberta, Canada. 20 pp. + App. Cover photo credit: David Fairless Digital copies of conservation reports can be obtained from: Alberta Conservation Association #101, 9 Chippewa Rd Sherwood Park, AB T8A 6J7 Toll Free: Tel: (780) Fax: (780) info@ab conservation.com Website: conservation.com i

5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Hay Zama Lakes complex (HZLC), located in the Mid boreal Mixed wood ecoregion of Alberta, Canada, is an internationally recognized critical staging and nesting area for waterfowl and shorebirds. Numerous oil and gas producing wells located within the HZLC pose a risk to the aquatic ecosystem. The Hay Zama Lakes Monitoring Program (HZLMP) was initiated in 1978 to moderate the potential impacts of these industrial activities by monitoring waterfowl density and distribution. The HZLMP is directed by the Hay Zama Committee (HZC) and functions as a cooperative venture supported by a group of stakeholders representing the oil and gas industry, federal, provincial and municipal government agencies, First Nations and conservation groups. The Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) is a member of the HZC and has been monitoring waterfowl within the complex since The primary purpose of the monitoring program was to survey waterfowl densities in close proximity to the producing oil and gas wells within the complex. If a large congregation of waterfowl is detected near a well site, the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) has the authority to suspend extraction activity. The density necessary to suspend industrial activity was defined by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (ASRD) and specifies a threshold of 600 ducks and/or geese within a 30 m radius of a well site. Waterfowl monitoring occurs during spring and fall migration periods (approximately 15 April to 31 May and 15 September to 15 October) in compliance with the ERCB directive for this complex. My secondary objectives were to estimate the number of staging waterfowl within the HZLC during the two migration periods, and to conduct a one day survey of bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nests, adults and eaglets along a traditional survey route within the HZLC. I flew aerial surveys over the complex approximately seven days apart for four weeks in spring and seven weeks in fall during the migration periods. Spring surveys commenced immediately after ice break on the complex, and fall surveys commenced the final week of August. My survey route covered all producing wells in the complex to monitor waterfowl numbers at the well sites, as well as transects throughout the ii

6 complex to estimate staging waterfowl numbers. Additionally, I flew a single aerial survey for bald eagle nest sites in the complex on 9 June I surveyed for waterfowl congregations near 25 active wells on 16 sites within the complex in 2008 (six sites contained multiple wells). I observed waterfowl near 14 of these sites on at least one occasion over the 11 week survey period, but did not detect waterfowl congregations near the threshold limit for any of these well sites during The highest congregation of waterfowl within 30 m of a well head was 117 ducks in spring and 240 ducks in fall. Extraction activities were not suspended in Canada goose (Branta canadensis) was the only goose species I observed during spring migration in Northern pintail (Anas acuta), and to a lesser extent, mallard (A. platyrhynchos) were the most abundant of the identified duck species I observed (22.0% of ducks were unidentified). I recorded the highest aggregate counts of both ducks and geese staging over the entire complex during the first survey day in the spring (5 May), similar with the long term trends ( for geese and for ducks). I observed very few staging geese during the fall of 2008 (n = 61). Canada goose was the most abundant goose species I observed and greater white fronted goose (Anser albifrons) was also present. Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) and, to a lesser extent, mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) were the most abundant of the identified duck species I observed (17.5% of ducks were unidentified). I recorded the highest aggregate count of geese staging over the entire complex during the third survey week in the fall (10 September), while the highest aggregate count for ducks occurred during the fourth week (17 September), which was consistent with long term trends ( for geese and for ducks). I identified five nesting pairs of bald eagles during the one day survey. This count was similar to annual surveys since 1995 (range = 3 to 7 nesting pairs). Numbers of eaglets observed in active nests in 2008 ranged from one to three. Key words: Hay Zama Lakes, wetlands, waterfowl, staging birds, aerial survey. iii

7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am grateful to the following individuals, agencies and corporations for their contributions and assistance in delivering this project. The Hay Zama Committee oversaw all activities of the project and fostered a collaborative and cooperative approach to working with all stakeholders. Funding was provided by the committee s industry members: Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and Pengrowth Corporation. Technical support for aerial surveys was provided by Ryan Hermanutz and Oksana Izio (Alberta Conservation Association). Velma Hudson, Doug Manzer (Alberta Conservation Association) and Kelley Kissner reviewed this report and provided valuable insights and editorial suggestions. iv

8

9 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...iv TABLE OF CONTENTS... v LIST OF FIGURES...vi LIST OF TABLES...vii LIST OF APPENDICES...viii 1.0 INTRODUCTION General introduction Survey rationale Survey objectives SURVEY AREA Description Ecoregion, forest cover and soils Plant and animal communities MATERIALS AND METHODS Waterfowl monitoring near well heads Waterfowl staging numbers within the complex Bald eagle nesting survey RESULTS Waterfowl monitoring near well heads Waterfowl staging numbers within the complex Bald eagle nesting survey Summary LITERATURE CITED APPENDIX v

10 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Location of Hay Zama Lakes survey area and oil and gas well sites monitored from 5 to 26 May and from 27 August to 8 October Figure 2. Relative abundance of identified duck species observed during the 2008 spring and fall migrations in the Hay Zama survey area in Alberta Figure 3. Locations of bald eagle nest sites observed in an aerial survey in the Hay Zama survey area 9 June vi

11 LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Table 2. Table 3. Table 4. Table 5. Summary of the number of total waterfowl observed at each well site monitored during spring migration Summary of the number of total waterfowl observed at each well site monitored during fall migration Summary of the number of ducks and geese observed in the Hay Zama survey area in spring Summary of the number of ducks and geese observed in the Hay Zama survey area in fall Summary of bald eagle nests classed as rearing, empty or absent along with the presence of adults, eaglets and eggs in the Hay Zama survey area during an aerial survey on 9 June vii

12 LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix 1. Summary of observations of waterfowl and general habitat descriptions for each of the 16 well site locations monitored in the Hay Zama survey area in Alberta Appendix 2. Summary of highest aggregate numbers of geese observed from 1978 to 2008 during spring and fall migration in the Hay Zama survey area in Alberta Appendix 3. Summary of highest aggregate numbers of ducks observed from 1994 to 2008 during spring and fall migration in the Hay Zama survey area in Alberta Appendix 4. Appendix 5. Appendix 6. Summary of abundance of waterfowl species observed on the aerial survey route during the 2008 spring migration in the Hay Zama survey area in Alberta Summary of abundance of waterfowl species observed on the aerial survey route during the 2008 fall migration in the Hay Zama survey area in Alberta Summary of the results of bald eagle nesting surveys in the Hay Zama survey area in Alberta from 1994 to viii

13 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 General introduction The Hay Zama Lakes complex (HZLC), located in the Mid boreal Mixed wood ecoregion of Alberta has gained international recognition for its significance for staging waterfowl and shorebirds. Official recognition includes the 1981 Ramsar Convention designating the HZLC as a Wetland of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat, and nomination by the World Heritage Convention as a World Heritage Site in In 1999, it was designated as a Wildland Provincial Park by the Province of Alberta. The HZLC has a long history of industrial activity. Oil and gas exploration has occurred in the complex since 1965 and currently there are 25 producing oil and gas wells located on 16 sites within the complex boundaries. Stakeholders felt that the high level of industrial activity within the complex may have a negative affect on wildlife, particularly waterfowl. Risks to local wildlife populations range from harassment from regular well maintenance activities to increased risk of exposure to spills of crude oil or diesel used to power pump jacks. To moderate the potential impacts of oil and gas activities on aquatic ecosystems in the complex, the Hay Zama Committee (HZC) was formed in 1978, which then initiated the Hay Zama Lakes Monitoring Program (HZLMP), focusing on monitoring migrating waterfowl and nesting bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The HZC consists of representatives from the oil and gas industry (Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and Pengrowth Corporation), Dene Tha First Nation, Energy Resources Conservation Board, municipal, provincial and federal government agencies (M.D. of Mackenzie #23; Alberta Energy; Alberta Environment; Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (ASRD) Fish and Wildlife Division and Public Lands and Forests Division; Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation; Environment Canada Department of Fisheries and Oceans), and environmental and conservation organizations (Alberta Conservation Association; Alberta Wilderness Association; Ducks Unlimited Canada), and collaboratively directs industrial activities within the HZLC. Although waterfowl monitoring on the complex began in 1978 and includes all migration seasons except 1

14 1979, methods and effort have varied since the inception of the program. To standardize monitoring efforts, the HZC enlisted the Government of Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division to carry out wildlife monitoring activities. This task was delegated to the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) by the government in Survey rationale Oil and gas operations within the HZLC are regulated by the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB). In 1995, ERCB in consultation with the HZC, revised regulations for oil and gas operations within the HZLC. Boundaries were defined around the wetland complex to include the areas most environmentally sensitive to industrial activity (Alberta Energy and Utilities Board 1996). Monitoring protocols of select wildlife species (waterfowl and bald eagles) within the new boundaries were developed by the HZC to comply with the following clause in the ERCB guidelines pertaining to general drilling and production activities: 1. During a 5 week spring period (commencing mid April) and an 8 week fall period (commencing mid August) each year, the company shall: a. Suspend well production and helicopter operations, or b. AEP [Alberta Environmental Protection, presently Alberta Sustainable Resources Division (ASRD)] and operators within the Complex will monitor fish and wildlife activity in the Complex and, in consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Division of AEP, determine for which wells, if any, suspension of production and helicopter operations is required and for what period of time. 2. Suspension of operation shall include: a. Consultation with the EUB to establish appropriate shutdown procedures and sequences, b. Shutting in the wells, and c. Depressurizing all pipelines and vessels. 3. All wells, batteries, compressor stations, satellites, and pipeline routes shall be patrolled within 24 hours of production being suspended. 2

15 These monitoring efforts allow for continued oil and gas production unless a large congregation of waterfowl is present at a well site, at which point well production must be suspended. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development defined a threshold of 600 ducks and/or geese within a 30 m radius of the well site as the criteria for suspension of well production. The alternative, as defined by ERCB, is a general suspension of production on the complex during the migration periods (approximately 15 April to 31 May and 15 September to 15 October). This strategy was developed by the HZC to ensure that a minimum number of waterfowl would be affected in the event of a blowout or oil spill. This was determined by the committee to be an acceptable compromise between economic activity and ecological integrity within the HZLC. The ACA is responsible for monitoring and reporting the waterfowl congregations at producing well sites to ERCB, but does not have any regulatory authority in this matter. The ERCB has the authority to suspend production of any wells when threshold numbers are detected. 1.3 Survey objectives There were three objectives for this program. My primary objective was to monitor waterfowl numbers near producing oil and gas wells at regular intervals throughout the spring and fall migration periods and report to ERCB any incidents of waterfowl congregations that exceeded the defined threshold. My secondary objectives were to estimate staging waterfowl numbers on the complex during spring and fall migration periods for comparison with previous years and to gauge progress of the season s migration, and also to estimate the number of bald eagle nests, adults and eaglets on the complex. 3

16 2.0 SURVEY AREA 2.1 Description The Hay Zama lakes are part of a unique and diverse wetland complex located in northwestern Alberta at 58 o 45 N, 119 o 00 W (Figure 1). Comprised of over 50,000 ha of open water, wet meadows, rivers and floodplain woodlands, this area is characterized by highly variable water levels both on a seasonal and annual basis (Fearon and Larsen 1986). The complex s major fluvial system, Hay River, meanders through the complex, separated from lacustrine cells by high levees. Other fluvial systems entering the complex include Sousa Creek to the southeast, Vardie River, Amber River, and Zama River all to the north, and Mega River to the northwest, as well as several unnamed creeks (Figure 1). Major lacustrine cells include Hay, Zama, Duck and Sand lakes. Numerous shallow sloughs make up the remainder of the complex s wetland area. During spring runoff, high water in the Hay River backs up Omega River and Sousa Creek filling the complex. After peak runoff, the complex slowly discharges into the Hay River via these same drainages. By mid summer some of the large ephemeral lacustrine cells recede into vast grasslands. Hay Lake, Amber River, and Zama Lake Indian Reserves all border the wetland complex. People of the Dene Thaʹ First Nation have used and continue to use the complex and surrounding areas for traditional purposes such as hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering and traditional ceremonies. Oil and gas wells within the wetlands are situated on man made islands with caissons around the well head and accompanying infrastructure to protect them from high water. Materials to build the islands, as well as caisson height, are regulated by ERCB (Alberta Energy and Utilities Board 1996). 4

17 Figure 1. Location of Hay Zama Lakes survey area and oil and gas well sites monitored from 5 to 26 May and from 27 August to 8 October Inset is a map of Alberta showing the location of the study area within the province. 5

18 2.2 Ecoregion, forest cover and soils The HZLC occurs in the Mid boreal Mixed wood ecoregion (Strong and Leggat 1992). The climate is characterized by relatively low annual precipitation, cool summers and long, cold winters (Strong and Leggat 1992). Forest cover in the ecoregion is dominated by trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) and balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera), with understories commonly containing blue joint (Calamagrostis canadensis), prickly rose (Rosa acicularis), bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), wild sarsaparilla (Arilia nudicaulis), dewberry (Rubus pubescens) and common fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) (Strong and Leggat 1992). Soils in the survey area include luvisols, regosols, gleysols and organic types (Bentz et al. 1994). Luvisolic soils dominate the well drained upland sites where glaciolacustrine deposits form the dominant parent material. Regosolic soils are prominent on recently deposited sediments of fluvial origin like the floodplains of the Hay River and its tributaries. Gleysolic soils are very common in poorly drained areas, often overlain by organic layers or peat (Bentz et al. 1994). 2.3 Plant and animal communities Fluctuating water levels in the HZLC is an important attribute of the region and profoundly influences the structure and functioning of plant communities. Annual and seasonal fluctuations of up to 2 m have been recorded by Environment Canada (2007). Aspen and balsam poplar dominate the limited upland sites, with sporadic occurrence of white spruce (Picea glauca) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera). Fluvial deposits adjacent to watercourses are dominated by balsam poplar, with a dense understory of willow (Salix spp.), red osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) and chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). Dense willow thickets, often associated with thick grass and sedge meadows (Carex spp.), cover the poorly drained transitional areas between the river levees and the ephemeral lacustrine basins. Sedges, slough grass (Beckmannia syzigachne), water smartweed (Polygonum spp.), yellow cress (Rorippa palustris) and small bedstraw (Galium trifidum) cover the ephemeral lacustrine basins once water levels have receded. 6

19 In addition to abundant migrating waterfowl, several other wildlife species occur in the complex (Wright 1998). These include raptors, gulls, terns and numerous songbirds. Bald eagles nest in the treed areas along the Hay River or in aspen uplands on the south and west end of the complex. Northern harriers (Circus cyaneus) are commonly observed and short eared owls (Asio flammeus) are occasionally observed during the well site surveys. Wright (2000) reported 39 species of neotropical migrants in a 1999 mist netting survey in riparian habitats in the complex. Ungulates include moose (Alces alces), white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), as well as a wood bison herd (Bison bison athabascae) considered to be the only free ranging, disease free herd in Alberta. Larger carnivores include black bear (Ursus americanus), wolf (Canis lupus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Beaver (Castor canadensis) and muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) have been observed in past monitoring surveys and their dams, lodges and push ups are evident throughout the complex (Saxena et. al 1995; Wright 1998). Fish species in the Hay River and tributaries include northern pike (Esox lucius), walleye (Sander vitreus), burbot (Lota lota), white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) and longnose sucker (C. catostomus) (Shaffe and Wright 1997). Additionally, flooded grasslands in spring provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for northern pike (Moller and Rosin 1994; Shaffe and Wright 1997; Wright 1998). 3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS 3.1 Waterfowl monitoring near well heads I counted waterfowl (ducks and geese) at all producing oil and gas well sites within the wetland complex at weekly intervals during the two migration periods during Spring counts occurred one day a week commencing 5 May and ending 26 May (four one day counts). Fall counts occurred from 27 August to 8 October for a total of seven one day counts. Overall, I monitored 16 sites containing 25 wells (Figure 1). Six sites contained multiple wells and were regarded as single sites. Aerial surveys were flown in an R 44 rotary wing aircraft equipped with pop out floats at an altitude of 7

20 approximately 30 m with ground speeds of 60 to 100 km/h. My survey route was similar to those of previous surveys (Saxena et al. 1995; Schaffe and Wright 1997) and included all producing wells on the complex. Flight speed was reduced at well sites to minimize disturbance of waterfowl and to facilitate accurate counts. The aircraft was oriented to allow me an unobstructed view from the front left side, and if required, would circle the well for an accurate count. Waterfowl counts at the well sites encompassed a radius of 30 m around the well caisson. If the threshold level of 600 ducks or geese within a 30 m radius was exceeded, I would notify the High Level office of ERCB immediately after completion of the survey. The ERCB would then determine whether well suspension procedures should be initiated. Any suspended well must be surveyed again within 24 h and ERCB advised of the updated waterfowl count. Guidelines suggest ERCB will allow production to be resumed as soon as waterfowl numbers are below threshold levels near wells. The survey approach for monitoring waterfowl around producing wells has a number of assumptions, as well as limitations, for assessing harm to waterfowl from industrial activities. First, I assumed waterfowl near well heads are detected before they attempt to move and avoid disturbance from the rotary aircraft. Second, I assumed all individuals can be counted within 30 m of the caisson and this count is not biased as densities increase. Third, the detection of waterfowl aggregations does not account for issues that occur if chronic contamination were to occur near wells either affecting waterfowl directly or by degrading their habitat and food web. Fourth, survey intensity was limited to 13 days within a 91 day period over spring and fall, which limits the ability to detect particularly high congregations of waterfowl should they occur. Fifth, I was not able to conduct surveys in periods of adverse weather conditions (wind speed > 50 km/h), which may preclude the detection of waterfowl seeking refuge from heavy weather on the sheltered side of the island well structures. 3.2 Waterfowl staging numbers within the complex I flew around the perimeter, approximately 200 m out from the shoreline, of all the major wetlands in the complex to count the number of waterfowl over the migration periods. I recorded all waterfowl within 200 m of either side of the survey route and 8

21 identified them to species, where possible. I recorded all waterfowl observed directly in front and to the left of the aircraft, and volunteer observers recorded waterfowl observations on the right side of the aircraft. I compiled these observations and then compared them to counts from previous years and used them to gauge progress of the season s migration. I compared my weekly counts with mean (± standard deviation) counts recorded for this area since Goose migration data were available from 1978 (Calverley et al. 1993; Saxena et al. 1995; Schaffe and Wright 1997; Wright 2007). Duck migration data were available from 1994 (Saxena et al. 1995; Schaffe and Wright 1997; Wright 2007). The survey approach for monitoring staging waterfowl within the complex has some assumptions and limitations for assessing staging population numbers. First, I assumed most waterfowl present on the complex are either congregated, or are visible from, the perimeter of the major wetlands. This is sufficient for the smaller wetlands, but has some limitations for the larger water bodies. Second, I assumed minimal movement of waterfowl between wetlands during the survey, preventing multiple counts of individuals. Additionally, assumptions regarding survey intensity and weather conditions listed in the previous section also apply to monitoring of staging waterfowl. 3.3 Bald eagle nesting survey I monitored nesting sites of bald eagles on the complex in a single aerial survey after the first week in June when adults will flush from the nest more readily, allowing an accurate count of eaglets in the nest (Wright 2004). My survey route covered all likely nesting areas of the complex within the Wildland Park boundaries with large, mature trees and included all nest sites identified in previous surveys (Saxena et al. 1995; Schaffe and Wright 1997; Wright 2007; Figure 2). I geo referenced locations of nests with a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and recorded numbers of adults, eaglets or eggs and reported nest status using the following categories: 1. Brooding if eggs or brooding adults were observed. 2. Rearing if eaglets were observed in the nest. 9

22 3. Empty if no evidence of nesting was observed. 4. Absent if the nest was not found in this year s survey but historically existed at the location. Assumptions and limitations for the bald eagle nesting survey were: (1) the survey date was late enough to ensure that all breeding eagles have nested, and (2) that any nests not observed in previous surveys were visible from the aircraft and may be detected in the current survey. 4.0 RESULTS 4.1 Waterfowl monitoring near well heads During the 2008 migration periods, waterfowl numbers remained below threshold densities at all well sites in the survey area. I observed waterfowl on 14 of the 16 well site locations in the survey area. The highest numbers I recorded at a well site were 117 ducks at site 13 during spring migration (Table 1) and 240 ducks at site 12 during fall migration (Table 2). Based on visual observation, water level in the complex was high throughout the entire survey period. Brief summaries of observations of waterfowl and general habitat descriptions for each of the 16 well site locations monitored in this survey are provided in Appendix Waterfowl staging numbers within the complex In spring 2008, the greatest aggregate counts of both geese and ducks occurred on 5 May (n = 5,756 Canada geese (Branta canadensis) and 12,666 ducks; Table 3), similar to the date of annual high counts for geese since 1978 (Appendix 2) and for ducks since 1994 (Appendix 3). For geese, this one day count in 2008 was similar to the long term average (n = 5,973 ± 5,553), but was a perceptible increase from the 2007 greatest aggregate count (n = 1,363) (Appendix 2). For ducks, my greatest aggregate count in 2008 was less than both the 10

23 long term average (n = 27,702 ± 13,895) and the previous year s observations (n = 15,675). Table 1. Summary of the number of total waterfowl observed at each well site monitored during spring migration (5 to 26 May 2008). Site # Well location 5 May 12 May 21 May 26 May W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W

24 Table 2. Summary of the number of total waterfowl observed at each well site monitored during fall migration (27 August to 8 October 2008). Site # Well location 27 Aug 3 Sep 10 Sep 17 Sep 24 Sep 1 Oct 8 Oct W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W

25 Table 3. Summary of the number of ducks and geese observed in the Hay Zama survey area in spring Geese: CAGO Canada goose, GWFG greater white fronted goose, LSGO lesser snow goose. Date Ducks CAGO GWFG LSGO Swans 5 May 12,666 5, May 11, May 1, May 6, Total 32,579 5, Canada goose was the only goose species I observed during spring monitoring (Table 3). Swans were present in very low numbers (range = 1 to 6) on all of the spring survey dates. However, I was unable to determine whether they were trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator) or tundra swans (C. columbianus); similarities of these two species make accurate identification from the air difficult without undue harassment of the birds. During the spring surveys, on average, 22% of ducks were unidentifiable. Of the 25,409 ducks I identified during the spring, northern pintail (Anas acuta) was the most abundant species, accounting for 23.8% of the total, followed closely by mallard (A. platyrhynchos) at 18.1% (Figure 2; Appendix 4). Green wing teals (A. crecca), lesser scaups (Aythya affinis), canvasbacks (A. valisineria), American widgeons (Anas americana), redhead (Aythya americana) and ring necked (A. collaris) ducks were abundant as well, accounting for 9.3%, 6.5%, 6.4%, 6.1%, 5.9% and 5.8% of the total, respectively. The remaining 18.1% of duck species, in order of abundance, were northern shoveler (Anas clypeata), gadwall (A. strepera), blue wing teal (A. discors), ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis), common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula), teal (A. crecca or A. discors), bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), white winged scoter (Melanitta fusca) and surf scoter (M. perspicillata) (Figure 2). Other waterfowl species I observed included American coot (Fulica americana) and eared grebe (Podiceps nigricollis). 13

26 Relative Abundance (%) gadwall American widgeon mallard blue winged teal green winged teal unknown teal northern shoveler northern pintail canvasback redhead ring necked duck lesser scaup Species Spring: n=25,408 Fall: n=107,499 surf scoter white winged scoter bufflehead common goldeneye ruddy duck Figure 2. Relative abundance of identified duck species observed during the 2008 spring and fall migrations in the Hay Zama survey area in Alberta (22.0% during spring and 17.5% during fall were unidentified). I observed very few geese on the complex during fall of The greatest aggregate count was 27 total geese (n = 18 Canada geese and 9 greater white fronted geese (Anser albifrons; Table 4) on 10 September, similar to the date of annual high counts for geese since 1978 (Appendix 2). The greatest aggregate count of ducks in fall (n = 27,796) occurred on 17 September, similar to the date of annual high counts for ducks since 1994 (Appendix 3), but with considerably fewer numbers than both the long term average (n = 46,771 ± 16,541) and the previous year s observations (n = 47,176). Canada goose was the most common goose species I observed during the fall (Table 4). I only observed greater white fronted geese on 10 September. Swans were present in very low numbers (range = 4 to 5) from 10 to 24 September. During the fall survey, on average, 17.5% of ducks were unidentifiable. Of the 107,499 ducks I identified, canvasback was the predominant species recorded, accounting for 14

27 27.4% of the total, followed by mallard at 16.8% (Figure 2). I observed moderate numbers of redheads, lesser scaups, northern pintails, green winged teals, gadwalls and ring necked ducks, accounting for 8.5%, 8.3%, 7.3%, 5.9%, 5.2% and 4.9% of the total, respectively. Table 4. Summary of the number of ducks and geese observed in the Hay Zama survey area in fall Geese: CAGO Canada goose, GWFG greater white fronted goose, LSGO lesser snow goose. Date Ducks CAGO GWFG LSGO Swans 27 Aug 18, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 27, Sep 13, Oct 15, Oct 12, Total 130, The remaining 15.7% of duck species I observed, in order of abundance, were common goldeneye, northern shoveler, American widgeon, blue wing teal, white winged scoter, teals (A. crecca or A. discors), ruddy duck, bufflehead and surf scoters (Figure 2). Other waterfowl species I noted included American coot, common merganser (Mergus merganser) and eared grebe. 4.3 Bald eagle nesting survey During the 9 June 2008 survey, I observed five active bald eagle nests (Table 5). I observed eaglets in four of the five active nests and classified them as rearing, and a brooding adult in the fifth active nest, which I classified as brooding. This nest total was within the range of observations from previous years (range = 3 to 7 nests/y) and a decrease from seven active nests observed in Brood size ranged from one to three eaglets, which was consistent with past observations. At least one adult was present at each of the five active nests. 15

28 Nest site 6 contained an adult red tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) with a brood of four young. Three nest sites (2, 5, and 7) present in past surveys were not observed during the 9 June 2008 survey. Nest sites 2 and 7 were last observed 7 June 2007 in good condition, and nest site 5 was burned in the 2001 wildfire. Bald eagle nesting sites have been monitored annually on the HZLC since 1994 (Appendix 6). From 1995 to 2007, sixteen nesting sites have been identified (Figure 3) and active nesting pairs observed on the complex ranged from three to seven annually. The lowest count of three was coincident with a wildfire in late May 2001 that burned through several nesting sites along the Hay River (Wright 2002). 4.4 Summary The highest count of waterfowl I observed at a single well site during all 11 aerial surveys was 240 birds at the oil well located on W6, well below the threshold limit of 600 birds within 30 m of a well caisson. Consequently, ERCB did not suspend production for any well sites in Northern pintail was the most common duck species I observed during spring surveys, and canvasback the most common species during fall. I observed five active bald eagle nesting pairs during the 9 June 2008 survey. This observation was a decrease from the seven active nests observed in 2007, but was within the range of three to seven nesting pairs recorded during 15 years of surveys in this area. Young eaglets observed in nests ranged from one to three (Table 5). Two nests commonly used by nesting pairs in past years were absent on the 9 June 2008 survey. 16

29 Table 5. Summary of bald eagle nests classed as rearing, empty or absent (not found) along with the presence of adults, eaglets and eggs in the Hay Zama survey area during an aerial survey on 9 June Location (UTM) Number observed Site Easting Northing Status Adults Young Eggs Comments empty Nest in good condition absent Not found; last seen in empty Nest in good condition rearing absent Not found; last seen in other Red tailed hawk adult brooding absent Not found; last seen in empty Nest in good condition rearing brooding adult brooding on nest empty Nest in good condition empty Nest in good condition; 1 adult roosting near nest rearing empty Nest in poor condition; no evidence of use rearing empty Nest in good condition. Total 1 NAD83 UTM Zone 11 5 active nests

30 Figure 3. Locations of bald eagle (BAEA) nest sites observed in an aerial survey in the Hay Zama survey area 9 June

31 5.0 LITERATURE CITED Alberta Energy and Utilities Board Interim Directive ID96 1, Hay Zama Lake complex special requirements. Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 9 pp. Bentz, J.A., A. Saxena, and D. O Leary Biophysical inventory of shoreline areas of the Hay Zama Lakes, Alberta. Prepared by Geowest Environmental Consultants Ltd. for Resource Information Division, Alberta Environmental Protection, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 105 pp. Calverley, A.J., D.A. Young, and B.T. Gray Hay Zama Lakes complex waterfowl monitoring program Environmental Management Associates, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 15 pp. Environment Canada File data. Environment Canada, Meteorological Service of Canada, Water Survey Division, Peace River, Alberta, Canada. Fearon, P.W., and G.I. Larson Hay Zama Lakes survey report. Ducks Unlimited Canada, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 10 pp. Moller, K., and J. Rosin Preliminary investigation of pike spawning potential on the Hay Zama Wetland complex. Alberta Environmental Protection, Peace River, Alberta, Canada. 7 pp. Saxena, A.J., A. Bentz, and D. O Leary Wildlife monitoring program, 1994, Hay Zama Lakes, Alberta. Prepared by Geowest Environmental Consultants Ltd. for Granisko Resources Inc., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 99 pp. Strong, W.L., and K.R. Leggat Ecoregions of Alberta. Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 55 pp + App. Schaffe, C.M., and K.D. Wright Hay Zama Lakes biological study. Alberta Environmental Protection, Peace River, Alberta, Canada. 16 pp. 19

32 Wright, K.D Hay Zama Lakes Complex fisheries and wildlife monitoring 1997/98. Data report by the Alberta Conservation Association, Peace River, Alberta, Canada. 17 pp. Wright, K.D Hay Zama Lakes complex wildlife monitoring 1999/2000. Unpublished report by Alberta Conservation Association, Peace River, Alberta, Canada. 18 pp. Wright, K.D Hay Zama Lakes complex wildlife monitoring Data report by the Alberta Conservation Association, Peace River, Alberta, Canada. 14 pp. Wright, K.D Hay Zama Lakes waterfowl staging and bald eagle nesting monitoring program, Data report, D , produced by Alberta Conservation Association, Peace River, Alberta, Canada. 22 pp. + App. Wright, K.D Hay Zama Lakes waterfowl staging and raptor nesting monitoring program, Data report, D , produced by Alberta Conservation Association, Peace River, Alberta, Canada. 19 pp. + App. 20

33 6.0 APPENDIX Appendix 1. Summary of observations of waterfowl and general habitat descriptions for each of the 16 well site locations monitored in the Hay Zama survey area in Alberta, (5 to 26 May; 27 August to 8 October 2008). Well location 1. Grid reference = W6 This oil well is operated by Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and is located within the Hay Lake Indian Reserve (I.R. 209) in a willow thicket adjacent to an ephemeral sheetwater area. Waterfowl were absent at this site except for the 17 September survey, when two mallards were observed. Well location 2. Grid reference = W6 This oil well cluster (two wells) is operated by Pengrowth Corporation and is located in an ephemeral marsh that remained flooded for the spring monitoring period. Waterfowl were present at this site in low numbers (range = 1 to 65). Well location 3. Grid reference = W6 This oil well cluster (two wells) is operated by Pengrowth Corporation and is located in a willow thicket adjacent to an ephemeral watercourse. Waterfowl were present at this site in very low numbers (range = 2 to 7) during spring surveys only. Well location 4. Grid reference = W6 This gas well is operated by Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and is situated in an ephemeral sheetwater area north of Sand Lake. Waterfowl were present at this site in very low numbers (range = 2 to 9). Well location 5. Grid reference = W6 This gas well is operated by Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and is located in an isolated ephemeral sheetwater area in the southeast part of the wetland complex. Waterfowl were present at this site in low numbers (range = 2 to 65). Well location 6. Grid reference = W6 This gas well is operated by Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and is located on the west end of an unnamed permanent 21

34 lake body north of Sand Lake. Waterfowl were present at this site in very low numbers (range = 3 to 12). Well location 7. Grid reference = W6 This gas well is operated by Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and is situated in a permanent marsh north of Sand Lake. Waterfowl were absent at this site except for the 5 May survey, when two green winged teals were observed. Well location 8. Grid reference = W6 This oil well is operated by Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and is situated in a permanent marsh north of Sand Lake. Waterfowl were present at this site in low numbers (range = 2 to 58). Well location 9. Grid reference = W6 This oil well cluster (two wells) is operated by Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and is situated in an ephemeral sheetwater area north of Sand Lake. Waterfowl were present at this site in very low numbers (range = 2 to 12). Well location 10. Grid reference = W6 This oil well is operated by Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and is located in an ephemeral marsh. Waterfowl were present at this site in very low numbers (range = 1 to 8). Well location 11. Grid reference = W6 This gas well is operated by Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and is located on the east shore of Duck Lake. There were no waterfowl observed at this site during the survey period. Well location 12. Grid reference = W6 This oil well cluster (four wells) is operated by Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and is located in an ephemeral sheetwater area between the Hay River and Duck Lake. Waterfowl were present at this site in low to moderate numbers (range = 4 to 240). Well location 13. Grid reference = W6 This oil well cluster (three wells) is operated by Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and is situated in the permanent lake basin of Duck Lake. Waterfowl were present at this site in low to moderate numbers (range = 1 to 159). 22

35 Well location 14. Grid reference = W6 This oil well is operated by Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and is situated in an upland willow area adjacent to the Hay River, north of Sand Lake. There were no waterfowl observed at this site during the survey period. Well location 15. Grid reference = W6 This oil well cluster (two wells) is operated by Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and is situated in the permanent lake basin of Duck Lake. Waterfowl were present at this site in low numbers (range = 1 to 42). Well location 16. Grid reference = W6 This gas well is operated by Advantage Oil and Gas Ltd. and is located in an ephemeral marsh between Duck Lake and West Hay Lake. Waterfowl were present at this site in very low numbers (range = 1 to 4). 23

36 Appendix 2. Summary of highest aggregate numbers of geese observed from 1978 to 2008 during spring and fall migration in the Hay Zama survey area in Alberta. Mean date, number observed and standard deviation for observations from 1978 to 2007 are included for comparison with Spring migration Fall migration Year Date of survey Total geese Date of survey Total geese Apr 5, Sep 13, May 2, Sep 39, May 6, Sep 8, May 20, Aug 6, May 22, Aug 7, May 4,599 6 Sep 3, May 3, Sep 5, May 5, Sep 7, May 8, Aug 3, May 15, Sep 1, Apr 6,398 2 Sep 1, May 1, Sep 2, May Sep 4, May Sep 21, May 1, Sep 4, Apr Oct 4, May 9,082 8 Sep 7, May 3, Sep 8, May 3,973 2 Sep May Sep 10, Apr 6,975 9 Sep 7, May 5, Sep 4, Apr 4, Sep 4, May 5,056 4 Sep 1, Apr 7, Sep 5, May 11,810 6 Sep 2, May 7,113 5 Oct 2, May 1,311 5 Sep 1, Apr 1, Sep 1, AVERAGE 3 May ± 4 days 5,973 ± 5, Sep ± 12 days 6,704 ± 7, May 5, Sep 27 24

37 Appendix 3. Summary of highest aggregate numbers of ducks observed from 1994 to 2008 during spring and fall migration in the Hay Zama survey area in Alberta. Mean date, number observed and standard deviation for observations from 1994 to 2007 are included for comparison with Spring migration Fall migration Year Date of survey Total #ducks Date of survey Total #ducks May 18,417 8 Sep 35, May 11, Sep 53, May 19, Sep 28, May 13, Sep 29, May 32, Sep 62, May 49, Sep 63, May 29,307 2 Oct 32, Apr 39, Sep 43, May 52, Sep 43, May 16, Sep 87, May 43, Sep 32, Apr 29, Sep 53, May 15, Sep 42, May 15, Sep 47, AVERAGE 5 May ± 7 days 27,702 ± 13, Sep ± 6 days 46,771 ± 16, May 12, Sep 27,796 25

38 Appendix 4. Summary of abundance of waterfowl species observed on the aerial survey route during the 2008 spring migration in the Hay Zama survey area in Alberta. Geese and Swans 5 May 12 May 21 May 26 May Canada goose (Branta canadensis) 5, greater white fronted goose (Anser albifrons) snow goose (Chen caerulescens) Swans (Cygnus columbianus, C. buccinator) Ducks, Grebes and Mergansers mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 1,539 2, gadwall (Anas strepera) American widgeon (Anas americana) blue winged teal (Anas discors) green winged teal (Anas crecca) 1, unknown teal northern shoveler (Anas clypeata) northern pintail (Anas acuta) 5, unknown dabbler canvasback (Aythya valisineria) redhead (Aythya americana) ring necked duck (Aythya collaris) lesser scaup (Aythya. affinis) common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) white winged scoter (Melanitta fusca) surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) unknown diver grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis, Podiceps grisegena) common merganser (Mergus merganser) unidentified ducks 661 2, ,010 Total 18,429 11,626 1,960 6,477 26

39 Appendix 5. Summary of abundance of waterfowl species observed on the aerial survey route during the 2008 fall migration in the Hay Zama survey area in Alberta. Geese and Swans 27 Aug 3 Sep 10 Sep 17 Sep 24 Sep 1 Oct 8 Oct Canada goose greater white fronted snow goose swans Ducks, Grebes and Mergansers mallard 1, ,107 2,428 1,726 4,911 5,741 gadwall , American widgeon blue winged teal green winged teal 429 1, , unknown teal northern shoveler northern pintail 891 1, ,021 2,055 unknown dabbler , canvasback 6,795 6,125 1,435 10,709 3, redhead 2,278 3,522 1, ring necked duck , lesser scaup 825 1,786 2,561 1,522 1, common goldeneye ,014 1, bufflehead ruddy duck white winged scoter surf scoter unknown diver grebes common merganser unidentified ducks 1,159 1,742 6,380 3,519 2,007 2, Total 19,095 21,796 22,675 28,066 13,170 15,198 12,510 27

40 Appendix 6. Summary of the results of bald eagle nesting surveys in the Hay Zama survey area in Alberta from 1994 to Year Active nests Comments Source: Saxena et al (1995) Source: Schaffe and Wright (1997) Survey area expanded None None None None Wildfire burned through east portion of survey area 2 d prior to survey None None None Wildfire burned through much of survey area 3 wks prior to survey None None None Mean 5.6 ±

41 CONSERVATION REPORT SERIES

42 The Alberta Conservation Association acknowledges the following partner for their generous support of this project