How well an important bird area is being utilized.

Boundary Bay today - December 30, 2011

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Mark Habdas

 

What is not showing on pictures are people walking dogs in the marshes, licensed hunters with dogs shooting ducks, and all of this happening during the long awaited arrival (after 6 years) of Snowy Owls. What else is not showing on the pictures is the presence of a wildlife officer.
 


Boundary Bay from Wikipedia:

It is an important stop for birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway, particularly for Western Sandpiper and Dunlin, and has been designated a Hemisphere Reserve by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network and a Canadian Important Bird Area. The mudflats, extensive eel grass beds and salt marshes support a rich population of marine invertebrates which are an important source of energy for migrating shorebirds. During migration times the bird count in the bay may exceed 100,000.

The area is also used for recreational boating and includes park area and beaches. Pollution and industrial activity in the area pose potential threats to wildlife. The Boundary Bay Airport, on its north flank, is used by small aircraft and has been the setting for various film shoots.