Tatlayoko Lake Bird Observatory (TLBO)

CMMN Status: Provisional

Member Affiliation: The Nature Conservancy of Canada

Location: Tatlayoko Valley is in the southwestern area of British Columbia's central interior (nearest large centre is Williams Lake). Specifically, TBLO is located on a tract of active pastureland and riparian and wetland natural areas known as the Tatlayoko Lake Ranchitself a part of a larger network of protected areas.

Special Features: The main river in the Tatlayoko Valley, the Homathko River, flows out to the Pacific, creating a geographic corridor between the interior Fraser Plateau and the coast. Due to this connectivity, it is possible that birds trying to cross the formidable ice fields and peaks of the Coast Mountains may use this corridor during their autumnal migration, following the Homathko River drainage. In addition, a large riparian and wetland area located on the Tatlayoko Lake Ranch provides a stopover site for migrants refueling on their southbound journey. These factors make the area an attractive one for monitoring bird migration.

History: The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) established the Tatlayoko Lake Bird Observatory in 2006 as part of a biodiversity effectiveness monitoring initiative.

Migration monitoring: The primary purpose of TLBO is to monitor and assess landbird migration trends over time. Results will be used to evaluate the success of NCCs local conservation strategies in addition to providing research and educational opportunities for both local and out-of-area interest groups (e.g., school groups, workshops, scientific studies, etc.). The data is also submitted to the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network (CMMN) as part of an international program to evaluate migratory bird population trends over long-term periods. Migration monitoring at TLBO is anticipated to continue on an annual basis until at least 2016.

Findings: The most common species banded over the first three years are Song Sparrow, Lincoln Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Common Yellowthroat, Warbling Vireo, Swainson's Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler and Yellow-rumped Warbler.

Volunteer opportunities: NCC recruits volunteers each year to help out at TLBO. This popular volunteer opportunity runs through August and September. For more information: Website: www.natureconservancy.ca/tlbo

Contact Person:

Name: Andrew Harcombe
Title: Terrestrial Ecologist, BC Region, Nature Conservancy of Canada
Email: andrew.harcombe@natureconservancy.ca
Tel: 1-888-404-8428
Mailing Address: # 200 - 825 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1E5