Download species detection survey protocols

SPECIES DETECTION SURVEY PROTOCOLS
WESTERN GREBE SURVEYS
Fish and Wildlife Branch Technical Report No. 2014-12
December 2014
www.environment.gov.sk.ca/
WESTERN GREBE SURVEY PROTOCOL
First Edition 2014
PUBLISHED BY:
Fish and Wildlife Branch
Ministry of Environment
3211 Albert Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 5W6
SUGGESTED CITATION FOR THIS MANUAL
Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. 2014. Western Grebe Survey Protocol. Fish and
Wildlife Branch Technical Report No. 2014-12. 3211 Albert Street, Regina, Saskatchewan.
11pp.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Alberta’s Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Ministry is gratefully
acknowledged for provision of their Sensitive Species Inventory Guidelines April 2013 document
and permission to adapt the guidelines for Saskatchewan. The document provided a base
reference and content source for personnel conducting respective species surveys in
Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan Western Grebe Survey Protocol Acknowledgements: Sue McAdam has compiled
much of the respective Saskatchewan species-specific survey protocol parameters and lead edits
of the Saskatchewan protocol versions based on the Alberta Sensitive Species Inventory
Guidelines April 2013. The Research Permit Process Renewal working group (Karyn Scalise, Sue
McAdam, Ben Sawa, Andrea Benville, Jeff Keith, Andrea Benville and Ed Beveridge) has also
contributed to reviews of the Saskatchewan protocol along with additional ministry-external
reviewers.
COVER PHOTO CREDITS
Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) courtship display, Fred Lahrman
CONTENT PHOTO CREDITS:
Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) breeding colony, Dayne Wilkinson, Environment
Canada
CONTACT
[email protected]
COPYRIGHT
Brand and product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders. Use of brand names does not constitute an
endorsement.
Except as noted, all illustrations are copyright 2014, Ministry of Environment.
ii
12.0 WESTERN GREBE SURVEY PROTOCOL
12.1 INTRODUCTION
This survey protocol provides instruction on collecting data for the occupancy (i.e.,
presence/not-detected) of Western Grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) during the breeding
season in a given survey area during the breeding season. Detection of birds demonstrating
breeding behaviour such as courtship displays, or several birds in an area during the breeding
season is considered sufficient evidence to confirm breeding. Avoidance is strongly
recommended for the duration of the breeding season where breeding is suspected or
confirmed.
12.1.1 Status and Distribution
North American Western Grebe populations decreased tremendously as they were harvested
for their feathers prior to the 1900’s (Storer and Nuechterlein 1992). Following protective
legislation, populations rebounded, but biologists once again noted declines in the late 1950’s
when pesticides began to negatively impact piscivorous birds. An increase was noted by the
early 1970’s, but decreased again due to habitat alteration. Since the 1970’s, the population has
decreased by about 50 percent (Environment Canada 2011). Currently, the estimate for mature
adult Western Grebe population is 21,117 – 270,053 birds in Canada, with 1,794 to 2,421 of
those occurring in Saskatchewan (Wilson and Smith 2013).
Environment Canada began conducting Western Grebe surveys in Saskatchewan in 2008
(Weseloh 2011). Western Grebes are widely distributed in Saskatchewan from Peter Pond Lake
southward to the United States border (Smith 1996, Wilson and Smith 2013, Yanch 2006).
Christmas Bird Count records document the species occurring in Regina, Gardiner Dam and the
Qu’Appelle Dam (Smith 1996). Many summer records are for non-breeding visitors (Smith 1996).
Fifty seven breeding locations have been recorded for Saskatchewan (Wilson and Smith 2013).
Surveys between 2007 and 2011 detected 21 occupied colonies, with breeding suspected or
confirmed at 16 sites (Wilson and Smith 2013). The largest colonies were Buffalo Pound Lake
(250), Doré Lake (800), Last Mountain Lake (510) and Waterhen Lake (348). Nearly all Western
Grebes banded on the prairies migrate to the pacific coast (Dunn et al. 1995).
The size and location of colonies varies dramatically among years in Saskatchewan. The change
is suggestive of great colony movement related to site quality (Wilson and Smith 2013, Storer
and Neuchterlein 1992). Some colonies appear to have been abandoned, at least temporarily.
Abandoned colonies include those at Good Spirit and Last Mountain Lakes. Breeding appears to
have been terminated at Fife Lake and Lake Diefenbaker (Wilson and Smith 2013). Renewed
colonization occurred at Crooked Lake and Echo Lake in 2009 after a years’ absence (Wilson and
Smith 2013).
For further information on the status of Western Grebes in Saskatchewan, please visit the
Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre (SKCDC) website. Additional information may be
provided in Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) Status
Reports, in the Species at Risk Act (SARA) Registry documents and in the Migratory Birds
Convention Act.
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Fish and Wildlife Branch Western Grebe Survey Protocol
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Changing colonies makes monitoring difficult (Wilson and Smith 2013) and population trends
difficult to determine (Weseloh 2011). Western Grebes are very sensitive to habit and human
disturbance (ESRD and ACA 2013, RIC 1998). Fairly stable water levels are required for breeding
and fluctuating water levels can affect Western Grebe breeding success (ESRD and ACA 2013).
Nero (1958) in La Porte (2012) reported Western Grebes failing in nesting attempts at Old Wives
Lake due to a drop in water levels. Lake Diefenbaker is no longer a breeding site for Western
Grebes (Wilson and Smith 2013). It has large variations in water levels due to the effects of
water management at Gardiner Dam.
Human activities such as oil and gas, drainage, forestry, cottage developments, powerboatbased water sports, fishing and floatplanes have been implicated in lake abandonment by
Western Grebes (RIC 1998, ESRD and ACA 2013). Wave action from boat wakes or storms are
major causes of nest failure (ESRD and ACA 2013). The ESRD and ACA (2013) state that the
vulnerability of the Western Grebe is greater than previously considered and its future may be
in jeopardy.
12.1.2 Biology
The Western Grebe is North America’s largest grebe, measuring up to 64 cm long and weighing
up to 1.8 kg. It has a long curved white neck that contrasts with its dark back and neck, and black
on the upper part of its head. It has a distinctive, high pitched “creek-creek, creek-creek” call.
The Western Grebe migrates from its wintering areas off the west coast of North America, from
British Columbia to California. They arrive in Saskatchewan when the lakes are free of ice in
early May. The Western Grebe nests in fairly large numbers in discrete colonies (Weseloh 2011).
In Saskatchewan, Western Grebes have low breeding site fidelity (Wilson and Smith 2013).
Colonial nesting behaviour makes nesting areas relatively easy to survey (Weseloh 2011).
Western Grebes have an elaborate courtship performance including dip-shaking, rushing, bobshaking, weed diving, weed dancing, bob-preening, arch-clucking and mate feeding
(Nuechterlein 1981, Nuechterlein and Storer 1989). Nest building begins one or two days before
clutch initiation (Neuchterlein and Storer 1989). All nests were initiated in a Delta Marsh,
Manitoba study by June 13 (Nuechterlein and Storer 1989).They lay three-five eggs and
incubation is typically completed in about 24 days (Lindvall and Low 1982). The newly hatched
young are brooded on the parent’s back for the first week and then they accompany the adults
in small groups to hunt for fish within the lake until fall migration.
Western Grebes require deep, fish-bearing lakes for foraging (Wollis and Stratmoen 2010).
Nesting areas must be sheltered from the prevailing wind (Wollis and Stratmoen 2010). Nests
may be open or concealed and consist of a floating platform constructed of a compact mass of
fresh and decayed vegetation that is usually anchored to or built up over live vegetation (Ehrlich
et al. 1988). Standing, emergent vegetation is required in nesting areas and most nests are in
water that is 0.5 m to 1.5 m deep (Wollis and Stratmoen 2010). Preferred vegetation for nesting
is bulrush (Scirpus sp.) and to a lesser extent, cattail (Typha sp.); reed grass (Phragmites sp.) may
also be used. Dead carry-over vegetation from the previous year’s growth is essential for early
nest-building (Wollis and Stratmoen 2010). As new growth appears, the birds utilize it for
nesting material and shelter from the prevailing wind and wave action.
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Fish and Wildlife Branch Western Grebe Survey Protocol
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Figure 1. Western Grebe breeding colony at Lac Des Iles, Saskatchewan.
12.2 SURVEY STANDARDS
The standards provide instructions on the aerial extent of the surveys to be conducted. They
provide information on experience, capabilities, minimum equipment needs, and survey
conditions and permit requirements.
12.2.1 Survey Area Extent
Surveys must be conducted in areas with SKCDC observations as well as in any areas that
provide suitable habitat for the species in question. The proposed project area, plus the
appropriate setback distances, must be assessed. All suitable habitat within this area must be
surveyed. Setback distances identified in the Saskatchewan Activity Restriction Guidelines
(Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment 2013a) are based on the species and the level of
disturbance associated with the project.
12.2.2 Personnel
Personnel must be able to identify Western Grebes by call and by sight, identify suitable habitat
and be familiar with the survey methodology. Personnel must have a well-developed search
image for Western Grebes. Knowledge of specific Western Grebe biology, behaviour and
preferred habitat is also a desirable asset that would allow for more accurate results. Image
interpretation personnel must be able to correctly detect Western Grebes from imagery
collected from UAVs if this technology is used. A two-person crew in one boat or two oneperson kayaks is appropriate for logistical reasons and safety. Personnel must be familiar with
the safe use of equipment used in carrying out the surveys.
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Fish and Wildlife Branch Western Grebe Survey Protocol
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12.2.3 Survey Effort
One courtship survey must be conducted to determine colony establishment. If a colony is
detected during the courtship survey, colony surveys are not required. If a courtship survey was
inconclusive, it must be followed by colony surveys. If nesting is detected during the first colony
survey, no additional surveys are required. However, if nesting activity is not confirmed, a
second survey must be conducted approximately two weeks after the first survey.
Once the occupied Western Grebe colony is determined, subsequent survey visits are not
necessary. The appropriate setback distances in the Saskatchewan Activity Restriction
Guidelines for Sensitive Species (Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment 2013a) must be applied.
12.2.4 Time of Year
Courtship surveys should take place in early May (La Porte 2012), depending on weather
conditions. Colony surveys must take place when emergent nesting vegetation is relatively
sparse, usually starting from May 18 (LaPorte 2012) to early June (Hanus, et al. 2002). The first
of the Colony surveys is to take place within the first two weeks of June (RIC 1998), with a
second survey carried out approximately two weeks later. Surveys must not be conducted after
hatching because chicks leave the nests within hours of hatching and nests sink soon thereafter
(ESRD and ACA 2013, RIC 1998).
12.2.5 Time of Day
Detectability changes with activity levels and behaviour throughout the day (RIC 1998). Surveys
must commence no earlier than sunrise and be completed before 10:00 hours, when grebes are
most active and the water is usually at its calmest.
12.2.6 Environmental Conditions
A compendium of environmental condition standards (Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
2013b) has been prepared to complement the survey protocols for Saskatchewan. The full range
of values for the respective environmental condition (e.g., temperature, precipitation, cloud
cover, noise, etc.) has been provided in the standards document with the expectation that
appropriate value range(s) will be applied as per the survey protocol parameters.
Surveys must be carried out on sunny, calm days where birds can be seen and heard from long
distances. Surveys must not be carried out during rain or when wind is above 3 on the Beaufort
scale (>20 km/h), as the presence of waves makes it difficult to locate grebes. Birds are less
active and less detectable during inclement weather. In addition, observers have difficulty
concentrating and are inclined to make errors under poor survey conditions (RIC 1998). Flight
paths must be oriented to avoid glare (RIC 1998).
12.2.7 Equipment List
• Binoculars
• Spotting scope
• GPS receiver
• Thermometer
• Bird Survey Loadform
• Omnidirectional recorder
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Fish and Wildlife Branch Western Grebe Survey Protocol
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12.2.8 Permit Requirements
Research permits are required for Western Grebe surveys due to the disturbing effects of
human activity on Western Grebe colonies (Lindvall and Low 1982, RIC 1989). Western Grebe
populations are monitored by the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), so CWS permit requirements
must be followed. A Flight Operations Certificate is required to fly UAVs (D.M. Bird pers.
comm.). Please contact Transport Canada well in advance of the proposed project to obtain the
certificate in time to carry out surveys.
Permit conditions require that surveys and corresponding data collection be conducted
according to standardized protocols. Survey protocols and loadforms are available on the
ministry Research Permit downloads webpage. Please refresh your internet browser to clear any
cached websites or bookmarks for this website to ensure you have the most up-to-date
information and document versions. Properly conducted surveys and reliable data submissions
are vital tools required to understand and manage wildlife populations and their habitat. Data
submissions also facilitate and expedite environmental assessment reviews by Fish and Wildlife
Branch.
12.3 SURVEY METHODS
The Survey Methods section describes methods for determining occupancy of Western Grebes
on lakes during the breeding season. Several Western Grebes occupying a waterbody during the
breeding season usually indicates presence of a nesting colony.
Surveying a colonial species can result, if not done properly, in potentially dangerous
disturbance to the nests (RIC 1998). During the nesting season, Western Grebes may be unable
to sustain flight due to muscle atrophy (La Porte 2012). When an observer approaches, grebes
move off of their nests leaving the eggs vulnerable to corvid or gull predation and susceptible to
cold or heat stress from exposure (ESRD 2013, La Porte 2012). Further, some nest colonies
contain other avian species (e.g., Franklin’s gulls (Leucophaeus pipixcan), eared grebes (Podiceps
nigricollis), black terns (Chlidonias niger) and Forster’s terns (Sterna fosteri) that have later
hatching dates; any disturbance to the colony, even after Western Grebe nests have hatched
out, puts other nesting birds and their nests at risk. Severe disturbance can cause reproductive
failure of the entire colony (RIC 1998).
For these reasons, nest counts of Western Grebes are not included in this protocol. Nest
counting is not recommended.
12.3.1 Procedures
Procedures for conducting unobtrusive remote auditory surveys are described. Unobtrusive
surveys are the preferred choice to detect Western Grebes due to the sensitivity of the species
to disturbance. However, procedures for conducting shoreline surveys on foot are described.
Also, procedures for carrying out aerial surveys using experimental automated systems and
boats are described. There are also instructions for submitting survey results.
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Fish and Wildlife Branch Western Grebe Survey Protocol
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12.3.1.1 Unobtrusive Surveys
Western Grebes may be detected by recording their vocalizations using remote recording
devices. Western Grebe calls can be heard from a considerable distance under good conditions
(E. Cumming pers. comm., Godfrey 1979); however, habitat and environmental conditions have
a significant effect on the distance at which their calls may be heard. Vocalization detection
distances are much reduced when islands, aspen trees (Populous tremuloides) or other
vegetation are between the listener and the birds (W. Calvert pers. comm., E. Cumming pers.
comm.).
12.3.1.1.1 Automated Bio-acoustic Recorders/Song Meters
Provided survey standards are met, digital recording devices are an acceptable alternative. This
method is good for areas with poor access, poor visibility, and for minimizing disturbance by
observers. Abiotic data, such as temperature, can be recorded using an environmental data
logger (Saenz et al. 2006). These devices can be placed in appropriate locations to record calling
Western Grebes for varying amounts of time, depending on battery life. Once recorded, a welltrained person can interpret the data using appropriate software.
12.3.1.1.2 Recording Equipment
Use omni-directional microphones and recording devices to record Western Grebe
vocalizations. Recording equipment must be placed in locations to maximize detection of calls.
Avoid placing recording equipment with islands or noisy vegetation, such as aspen, between the
recorder and the colony as vegetation may reduce the detection calls. Consistently position the
recording equipment in a north/south direction with the right-positional microphone on the
east side. Consistent orientation will improve the accuracy of recording interpretation.
12.3.1.1.3 Standardized Recording Procedure
Consult the manual to determine the appropriate recording level of the microphone being used.
Ensure recording levels are standardized to allow for comparisons and to reduce the chance of
poor quality recordings. Recordings must be made at ≥320 kbps. Recordings must be interpreted
by an expert in identifying Western Grebes from audio recordings.
12.3.1.2 Shoreline Surveys
Shoreline surveys must be carried out on foot. All-terrain vehicles and motor vehicles may not
be used to conduct the surveys as their use is disruptive. Human observers can cause significant
disturbance to Western Grebes resulting in alarm calls from parents and chicks hiding (ESRD and
ACA 2013, Nuechterlein 1988). Personnel must remain quiet to minimize disturbance to birds.
Establish a station with good visibility of the colony. Using a spotting scope, carefully scan the
water and emergent vegetation for Western Grebes. Listen carefully for Western Grebe
vocalizations. In areas with expansive emergent vegetation, several observation stations may be
required. If nesting activity is detected, no additional surveys are required as the nesting colony
is considered to be occupied. Western Grebe surveys may be carried out using shoreline surveys
combined with Aerial Surveys (Sections 12.3.1.3) or Boat Surveys (Section 12.3.1.4).
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Fish and Wildlife Branch Western Grebe Survey Protocol
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12.3.1.3 Aerial Surveys
Aerial surveys for Western Grebes may only be carried out by Transport Canada-certified
personnel using fixed-wing, unmanned aircraft. Helicopters are not suitable for Western Grebe
surveys due to the disturbance they cause to Western Grebes (RIC 1998). Fixed-wing aircraft
have been used to conduct aerial surveys of waterbirds for many decades. However, manned
surveys using fixed-wing aircraft at the recommended speed and Above Ground Level (AGL) for
Western Grebe surveys (RIC 1998, Morrison et al. 1989) are not acceptable in Saskatchewan for
safety reasons (Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment 2000).
Unmanned aerial systems are in the exploratory stage for aerial surveys of wildlife, but the
technology is rapidly advancing (Chabot 2009). One trial with rotary-wing UAVs had insufficient
range and image quality for colonial waterbird surveys (D.M. Bird pers. comm.). Specific size,
range and capability must be assessed before attempting to use unmanned systems for Western
Grebe surveys.
No surveys of Western Grebes are known to have been conducted using unmanned systems.
Flocks of snow geese (Chen caerulescens) were highly visible and were effectively surveyed using
UAVs. Results were inaccurate and imprecise for counts of the more inconspicuous flocks of
Canada geese (Branta canadensis) (Chabot 2009). Western Grebes are likely in between the two
geese species for detection with their dark dorsal surface and white ventral surface. Detection
may be better with Western Grebes on nests in short emergent vegetation than with staging
Canada Geese on muddy ground.
Conduct an air survey for courtship in early May, depending on weather conditions and nesting
colony surveys between the last two weeks of May and the first two weeks of June, depending
on conditions. Fly courtship surveys over open water. Fly colony surveys over emergent
shoreline vegetation at no more than 100 m AGL (RIC 1998). Photograph or video record the
area for later interpretation (Scott Wilson pers. comm.). Pre-determined transects may follow
shoreline contours or straight lines across expanses of water.
12.3.1.4 Boat Surveys
Boat surveys must be carried out at a very slow speed because wakes can easily move across
nesting areas and flood nests (La Porte 2012). Conduct a slow reconnaissance survey around all
portions of the lake with suitable habitat. A canoe, kayak or powerboat with an electric trolling
motor must be maintained at 100-200 m from the boundary of the shoreline vegetation so
personnel can see into the vegetation, which is usually relatively sparse in early June. Speed
must be slow enough that no wake is produced.
The presence of nesting grebes can be assessed using a two-step process:
(1) Stop to scan the area in front of the shoreline vegetation with binoculars or a spotting scope
from several hundred meters away. Nesting Western Grebes usually forage just outside of the
colony early in the morning and are visible from a distance.
(2) Very slowly approach to about 100 m from the edge of the vegetation, turn off the boat and
listen carefully. Grebes on their nests are especially audible from a distance.
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Fish and Wildlife Branch Western Grebe Survey Protocol
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12.4 SUBMISSIONS
Please refer to the Submissions section under the Standard Permit Conditions on the Ministry of
Environment website. Observations should be submitted using the appropriate loadform from
the Biodiversity webpage. Any incidental wild species (plant or animal) observations should also
be submitted to the ministry ([email protected]) using the Plant or Wild Species
Loadform respectively.
iMapInvasives is the provincial system for submitting the occurrence of invasive plant or animal
species. Any observations of prohibited, noxious or nuisance weeds, along with observations of
any other invasive species, should be submitted using this website. An account is not required to
submit observations. If you have any questions, please contact the SKCDC for more information.
12.5 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Alberta Species at Risk Reports
Alberta Status Reports
All About Birds. Bird Guide. Western Grebe. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Dendroica, a bird identification aid
Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas - Atlas des oiseaux nicheurs du Manitoba
Poole, A. (Editor). 2005. The Birds of North America Online.
Saskatchewan Activity Restriction Guidelines
Saskatchewan Activity Restriction Guidelines for Sensitive Species Background Information
Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre (SKCDC)
Stewart and Kantrud 1971 Wetland Classification System
The Atlas of Saskatchewan Birds
The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan
12.6 LITERATURE CITED
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (ASRD) and Alberta Conservation Association (ACA).
2006. Status of the Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) in Alberta. Alberta
Sustainable Resource Development, Wildlife Status Report No. 60, Edmonton, AB. 29 pp.
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (ASRD) and Alberta Conservation Association (ACA).
2012. Status of the Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) in Alberta. Alberta
Sustainable Resource Development, Wildlife Status Report No. XX, Edmonton, AB. XX
pp.
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Fish and Wildlife Branch Western Grebe Survey Protocol
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Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) and Alberta Conservation
Association (ACA). 2013. Status of the Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) in
Alberta: Update 2012. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Alberta Wildlife
Status Report No. 60. Edmonton, AB. 48pp.
British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. Resources Inventory Branch for the
Terrestrial Ecosystems Task Force Resources Inventory Committee (RIC). 1998.
Inventory methods for colonial-nesting freshwater birds: eared grebe, red-necked
grebe, Western Grebe, American white pelican and great blue heron. Standards for
Components of British Columbia’s Biodiversity No. 8. Version 2.0. Resources Inventory
Committee, Province of British Columbia. 37 pp. [Online]
http://www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/risc/pubs/tebiodiv/colonial/assets/colonial.pdf Accessed
September 5th, 2013.
Chabot, D. 2009. Systematic evaluation of a stock unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system for
small-scale wildlife survey applications. MSc. Thesis. McGill University. 81pp.
Dunn, E.H., A.D. Brewer, A.W. Diamond, E.J. Woodsworth and B.T. Collins. 2009. Western Grebe
(Aechmophorus occidentalis) 1.0 in. Canadian Atlas of Bird Banding, Vol. 3: Raptors and
Waterbirds, 1921-1995. Canadian Wildlife Service Special Publication. Available from
Environment Canada. http://www.ec.gc.ca/aobccabb/index.aspx?lang=en&nav=bird_oiseaux&aou=1 Accessed October 10, 2013
Ehrlich, P.R., D.S. Dobkin and D Wheye. 1988. The birder’s handbook. A Fireside Book Published
by Simon & Schuster Inc. New York. ISBN 0-671-65989-8.
Environment Canada. 2011. Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) background
information. Status of Birds in Canada – 2011. http://www.ec.gc.ca/soc-sbc/info-infoeng.aspx?sL=e&sY=2011&sB=WEGR&sM=a&tid=2f132b9e-d89a-4320-bd55966188c8dfc6&RS=2 Accessed October 16, 2013.
Forbes, L. C. 1984. The nesting ecology of the Western Grebe in British Columbia.
Unpublished report, Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta, BC. 15 pp.
Godfrey, W.E. 1979. The birds of Canada. National Museum of Canada. Ottawa. 428pp.
Hanus, S., H. Wollis and L. Wilkinson. 2002. Western (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and eared
(Podiceps nigricollis) grebes of central Alberta: inventory, survey techniques and
management concerns. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife
Division, Species at Risk Report No. 42. Edmonton, AB. 52pp.
http://srd.alberta.ca/FishWildlife/SpeciesAtRisk/SpeciesAtRiskPublicationsWebResource
s/Birds/documents/SAR041-Western-EaredGrebes-InventorySurveyTechniquesMar2002.pdf Accessed October 15, 2013.
Kemper, C., H. Wollis, C. Found, D. Prescott and M. Heckbert. 2008. Western Grebes
(Aechmophorus occidentalis) in Alberta: 2006 field summary. Alberta Sustainable
Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Species at Risk Report No.
121. Edmonton, AB. 17 pp.
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La Porte, N. 2012. Revisiting the nesting ecology of the Western Grebe after 40 years of changes
at Delta Marsh, Manitoba. MSc. Thesis. U. of Manitoba. 111pp.
http://www.umanitoba.ca/institutes/natural_resources/LeftHand%20Column/theses/Masters%20Thesis%20Laporte%202012.pdf Accessed Jan. 23,
2014.
Lindvall, M.L. and J.B. Low. 1982. Nesting ecology and production of Western Grebes at Bear
River Migratory Bird Refuge, Utah. Condor 84:66-70.
https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/condor/v084n01/p0066p0070.pdf Accessed Februry 25, 2014.
Martin, J., H.H. Edwards, M.A. Burgess, H.F. Franklin Percival, D.E. Fagan, B.E. Gardner, J.G.
Ortega-Ortiz, P.G. Ifju, B.S. Evers and T.J. Rambo. 2012. Estimating distribution of hidden
objects with UAVs: from tennis balls to manatees. PLoS ONE 7(6):e38882.
Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0038882.
http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0038882
Nuechterlein, G.L. 1981. Courtship behaviour and reproductive isolation between Western
Grebe color morphs. The Auk. 98:-335-349
http://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/auk/v098n02/p0335-p0349.pdf
Accessed February 24, 2014.
Nuechterlein, G.L. 1988. Parent-young vocal communication I Western Grebes. The Condor.
90:632-636. https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/condor/v090n03/p0632p0636.pdf Accessed February 20, 2014.
Nuechterlein, G,L, and Storer, R.W. 1989. Mate-feeding by Western and Clark’s Grebes. The
Condor. 91:37-42.
https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/condor/v091n01/p0037-p0042.pdf
Accessed February 24, 2014.
Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. 2014a. Saskatchewan activity restriction guidelines.
http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/adx/aspx/adxGetMedia.aspx?DocID=a37823156e7f-49c6-b7a2-f62f677986b6&MediaID=063526ea-0037-411f-891d4c4862ede211&Filename=Saskatchewan+Activity+Restriction+Guidelines+for+Sensitive
+Species.pdf&l=English, accessed April 22, 2014.
Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. 2014b. Fish & Wildlife Branch research permit
environmental condition standards. Fish and Wildlife Branch Technical Report No. 201321. 3211 Albert Street, Regina, Saskatchewan. 60pp.
Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. 2000. Aviation Safety Directive #9: Wildlife population
line transect surveys using fixed-wing aircraft. Fish and Wildlife Branch, Ministry of
Environment, Regina, Saskatchewan. 3pp.
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Fish and Wildlife Branch Western Grebe Survey Protocol
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Storer, R. W. and G. L. Nuechterlein. 1992. Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis), The
Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology;
Retrieved from the Birds of North America [Online]
http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/026a.
Wollis, H. and C. Stratmoen. 2010. Population study of Western Grebes in Alberta 2001-2009:
implications for management and status designation. Alberta Sustainable Resource
Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Species at Risk Report No. 138.
Edmonton AB. 18pp.
http://srd.alberta.ca/FishWildlife/SpeciesAtRisk/SpeciesAtRiskPublicationsWebResource
s/Birds/documents/SAR138-PopulationStudyWesternGrebesAlberta2001to2009Nov2010.pdf Accessed October 15, 2013.
Weseloh, D.V.C. 2011. Inland colonial waterbird and marsh bird trends for Canada. Canadian
Biodiversity: Ecosystem Status and Trends 2010. Technical Thematic Report No. 18.
Canadian Councils of Resource Managers. Ottawa ON, iv + 33p.
http://www.biodivcanada.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=137E1147-0 Accessed July 30,
2013.
Wilson, A. and P. Smith. 2013. Distribution and population status of Western Grebes in Canada.
Unpublished Report. 41pp.
Yanch, J. 2006. Status of the Western Grebe (Aechmorphorus occidentalis) in Alberta. Prepared
for ESRD and ACA.
42pp.http://srd.alberta.ca/Fishwildlife/SpeciesAtRisk/DetailedStatus/documents/wester
n_grebe.pdf Accessed July 29, 2013.
12.7 PERSONAL COMMUNICATION
David Bird, Ph.D., Prof. Emeritus McGill University; J. Unmanned Vehicle Systems, Vancouver, BC
Wendy Calvert, Canadian Wildlife Service, Edmonton, AB
E.E. Cumming, M.Sc., Saskatoon, SK
Chris Ozmun, Draganfly Innovations Inc., Saskatoon, SK
Scott Wilson, Ph.D. Environment Canada, Saskatoon, SK
December 2014
Fish and Wildlife Branch Western Grebe Survey Protocol
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