Long-term monitoring of the cycles and success of breeding activity of shorebirds on Bylot Island, Nunavut

We are monitoring the nesting activity of shorebirds on the island in 2 areas distant of approximately 30 km. We are conducting regular searches throughout the breeding season using the single observer and rope-drag nest searching technique. Every shorebird nests found are monitored throughout the breeding season but the most abundant species are Baird's and White-rumped sandpipers and American golden plovers. Date of nest initiation is estimated for each nest using the egg flotation technique. Nests are then visited regularly to determine total clutch size, hatching dates and nest success. Adults and chicks are banded at the nest and blood and feather samples are collected for genetic and isotopic analysis. Since 2006, 160 artificial nests are monitored in two areas of Bylot Island to monitor inter-annual and inter-site differences in predation risk. Since 2007, 6 PRISM plots are also surveyed intensively for nesting shorebirds and passerines.