Arctic shorebird breeding and population monitoring in Kivalliq Region, Nunavut

The arctic shorebird monitoring program was initiated in response to widespread shorebird population declines noted on migration routes through southern Canada and the United States. Accurately estimating shorebird numbers during migration is difficult. More accurate estimates can be obtained from the northern breeding grounds. The objective of the program is to produce population estimates for arctic-breeding shorebirds and then to monitor trends in their populations over time. This year's surveys mark the second year of three reconnaissance-type surveys. Last year's survey was in the Queen Elizabeth Islands while this year we survey the mainland barrens (near Arviat and Baker Lake). We will be collecting wetland ground-control points and determining where shorebird 'hot spots' can be found. In addition we will do some 'rapid' surveys where we count all the birds found within a 12 ha area over a two hour period.