3 minute read
Endangered Species put Under Greater Threat
Endangered Species put Under Greater Threat Due to Damage from Recreational Vehicles
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Charadrius Melodus.
That’s the scientific name of the Piping Plover. The adult weighs 49 grams, has yellow-orange-red legs, a black band across the forehead from eye to eye, and a black stripe running along the breast line.
The small sand-colored, sparrow-sized shorebird nests and feeds along coastal sand and gravel beaches in North America, including a small section of the northern shore of Birch Lake near the Village of Innisfree. Every year researchers do a bird count at the recreational area, and for the first time did not record any Piping Plover nesting there.
Not only is that of grave concern to researchers, but to Cat Threadgould, Campground Manager at the Innisfree Recreation Park.
Tracks from ATV’s are still visible in the in the designated protected area from damage caused earlier in the spring, and the reckless behaviour of behind the
vandalism could very well signal the end of the endangered species from ever returning to the picturesque lake that is located two kilometers south of the village, and enjoyed by bird watchers, campers and day visitors between the months of May to September.
According to a sign posted along the northern shore, it advises people that it is a sensitive wildlife area. “Foot and motorized traffic along this shoreline will cause disturbance to a sensitive wildlife species. Disturbance of wildlife is a violation of the Alberta Wildlife Act, and may result in prosecution and fines up to $50,000.”
It has been estimated that there are less than 150 Piping Plovers in Alberta and 6,000 worldwide. Threadgould says the species of bird are native to Mexico and come to Birch Lake because they like the sandy soil and tall grasses where they lay their eggs in early spring.
Threadgould says the park is a hidden gem. It’s a nature lover’s dream as there are plenty of trees, spacious camp sites,
lots of different wildlife, and easy access to the water and hiking trail. There’s a picnic area and ball diamonds with plenty of green space to spread out and enjoy the surroundings.
It has been estimated that there are less than 150 Piping Plovers in Alberta and 6,000 worldwide. Threadgould says the species of bird are native to Mexico and come to Birch Lake because they like the sandy soil and tall grasses where they lay their eggs in early spring.
She points out that Alberta as a whole is a migratory path for many of the popular birds we see today. Birch lake is one of the first stops of tourists travelling to Alaska in the spring. “They come from all over the United States.” They also return in late August, stopping on their way back home.
