Colonial Waterbirds Nesting on Egg Island, Lake Athabasca, 2009

In June 2009 a census was conducted of colonial waterbirds breeding on Egg Island in western Lake Athabasca. This island supports the largest breeding colony of Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia) in Alberta. California Gulls (Larus californicus) and Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) also nest on the island. One hundred and one Caspian Tern nests (=pairs) were counted during 2009. Since 1990, the number of terns nesting on the island appears stable. However, more frequent surveys of waterbird populations are recommended, particularly in light of growing industrial activity in this region