The Ipswich sparrow

1. The Ipswich sparrow http://www.capebretonbirds.ca/rarebird.html Protecting our Coastlines By: Leah Wagner, Seth Cole, Evan Stuart, Avery Maskell, Lauren McAuley Mentor: Kirsten Weagle

2. Coastal Birds Nova 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. open2.net

3. 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 dunes and filling them with grass birdcapemay.org

4. Habitat & Migration • Estimated population 3000-6000, all living in NS • Summers on Sable Island • Migrates to coastal Nova Scotia, and as far south as Northern Florida Summer habitat Winter habitat

5. Sable Island • located 300 kilometers southeast of Nova Scotia • 42 km long and 1.5 km wide • Mild climate ( -13 to 25 degrees) • Home to hundreds of feral horses, seals, and the threatened Ipswich Sparrow • Current development: • 4- man weather station

6. 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/

7. 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?

8. 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

9. 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 treesplace.com

10. 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

11. 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!

12. Sources