Arthur M. Martell
251-3399 Crown Isle Drive, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 9X7 email: amartell@shaw.ca
Abstract: First arrival dates of 37 species of migratory birds in the Comox Valley, B.C., were examined from historical records (1920–1958) and current eBird records (2011–2020). Median first arrival date (FAD) was advanced in 2011–2020 compared to 1920–1958 in 31 of the 37 species examined, 22 of which were significant. No species showed a significantly delayed FAD. The advance in FAD was a median of 7.5 days for all species and 12.2 days for species with a significant advance. There was no significant difference in median FAD related to migration distance. The advance in FADs is consistent with other recent studies and may be in response to an increase in spring temperatures, although that could not be tested.
Key Words: first arrival date, FAD, phenology, climate change
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