Michael Simmons
Rocky Point Bird Observatory, #1701581H Hillside Ave, Victoria, B.C. V8T 2C1; email: rpbo@rpbo.or
Abstract: In the winter of 201213, 115 Sooty Fox Sparrows (Passerella iliaca) were trapped and banded in southern Vancouver Island, B.C. Intensive searches were made to locate those birds in the winter of 201314 and incidental observations of banded birds were made in each of the next four winters. All recaptures and resightings were either at the original capture site or in very close proximity indicating strong wintering area site fidelity. The banded birds were 46% adults, a very large difference from the 16% found during fall migration banding at Rocky Point Bird Observatory in Victoria. This suggests that fall migrants are a different population than winter residents of southern Vancouver Island. Adjusted recovery rates over one year were 51% for adult birds, 30% for young, and 40% overall. Because of the intensity of observation and high site fidelity, it is suggested that these be considered estimates of true survival.
Key Words: Sooty Fox Sparrow, Passerella iliaca, Vancouver Island, true survival, winter site fidelity, age ratio, banding, geolocators.
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