Spencer G. Sealy
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2; email: Spencer.Sealy@umanitoba.ca
Abstract: Three fixed-strip transects were conducted in Barkley Sound, British Columbia, in 1984: 10 January, 23 February, and 5 April. A total of 24 species was recorded: 14 (58.3%) on the first transect, 13 (54.2%) on the second, and 15 (62.5%) on the third transect, which was truncated due to inclement weather. Brandt’s Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus), Pelagic Cormorant (P. pelagicus), Mew Gull (Larus canus) and Glaucous-winged Gull (L. glaucescens), Common Murre (Uria aalge), and Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) were recorded on all transects, but totals were 10 or fewer individuals of Brandt’s Cormorant, Mew Gull and Marbled Murrelet. Of 1,764 individuals recorded, Glaucous-winged Gull and Common Murre were the most abundant species, but their numbers declined through early spring, but not because the third transect was shorter. Most species were recorded as singletons or groups of 2 or 3 and no multispecies feeding flocks were recorded.
Key Words: At-sea surveys, Barkley Sound, migrants, non-breeding season, seabirds, Vancouver Island
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