Migratory bird sanctuaries were designed as a respite for millions of birds on their long migrations, serving as places to feed, nest and rear their young, but they have become about much more than migrating birds
Back in 1914, when Martha the passenger pigeon drew her last breath in a Cincinnati, Ohio zoo and the once-plentiful species passed into extinction, conservationists were aflutter.How could we have hunted and eaten so many in such a short period of time? And what other birds were on the precipice of oblivion?
The federal government declared the first protected area for migratory birds in Western Canada on Oct. 27, 1923: the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary. The brant goose is still around, stopping here briefly in the spring and feeding on eelgrass and seaweed, although larger numbers are seen in the Parksville area.
After decades of restoration projects, cleanups and urban renewal, the area is seeing the return of species such as western purple martins, bald eagles, northern elephant seals and orcas and humpback whales. Cleanups at Rock Bay and Lime Bay in Victoria Harbour are once again allowing the growth of eel and surf grasses as habitat for fish and birds.
Environmentalist Bob Peart of the Friends of Shoal Point Harbour Society estimates more than $2 billion has been spent on revitalization projects in the capital region over the past two decades, with money flowing from all levels of governments, private companies and individuals, and boots on the ground from countless volunteers.
“Most people don’t realize the connection between human health and ecosystem health, and it’s vital to understand and should guide all government policies, though often it doesn’t,” said Peart. “It’s vital that children and families get outside — that’s why park systems and conservation measures are so critical.”
Sirois noted Victoria’s Vital Signs report — the annual social checkup published every year — has continually listed the natural environment as the region’s No. 1 asset. “That speaks volumes on the level of concern and care,” he said.The Victoria Harbour Bird Sanctuary provides some of the best birding opportunities in Canada.
She said bird populations have decreased by as much as 30% over the past 50 years worldwide. Barn swallows, once a very common bird, are now red-listed, their demise linked to humanity’s desire to rid ourselves of mosquitoes and other insects we consider pests. “We haven’t really fully grasped the interconnectivity of things,” said Nightingale.
Nightingale, a self-described “birdvangelist” who bands several birds each year for the Rocky Point Observatory, said she connected with birds because of their “site fidelity.” “Entitlement is extremely high in the dog-owning groups,” says Sirois. “They say their dogs are doing no harm.” Last month, a Saanich woman whose unleashed dog was seen chasing a great blue heron at Cadboro Bay Beach was issued two fines totalling $500 for violating leash rules in the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
Tribunal review officer Leslie Belloc-Pinder called the argument an “understandable, but vexing position” to environmental protection measures that are intended to have the broadest possible application. Victoria removed Gonzales Beach from its list of off-leash areas, and Saanich removed Cadboro-Gyro Park. Oak Bay clarified on its website that dogs should be leashed on Willows Beach and McNeill Bay at all times.
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