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Site description (2001 baseline):
Site location and context
Bon Portage Island is located about 3 km off the southwest coast of Nova Scotia on the Gulf of Maine side. It is a low island, being comprised of two drumlins that are connected by a gravel and marsh isthmus. The vegetation is characterized by open coastal areas with inland areas of coniferous forest (spruce and fir), and small areas of freshwater marsh. The climate is maritime, with much fog and high humidity. There is little snow in the winter, and the tide ranges from 3 to 4 metres.
Bon Portage Island supports the largest known Leach's Storm-Petrel colony in the Maritimes (though few others have been studied seriously). During the late 1980s a breeding population of over 50,000 pairs was estimated. This is greater than 1% of the estimated western Atlantic population.
Of additional ornithological interest is the presence of a mixed species heronry. Great Blue Herons are the most abundant and about 10 pairs of nesting Black-crowned Night Herons have also been recorded. Since the late 1980s, Snowy Egrets have been present during the breeding season, but nesting has yet to be confirmed. The only other place Snowy Egrets have bred in Canada is in Southern Ontario.
Since the fall of 1995, a migration monitoring station has been operating on Bon Portage Island as part of The Atlantic Bird Observatory (a second station is operated on nearby Seal Island, which is located about 15 km to the west). Migration monitoring occurs during both the spring and fall with about 2,500 birds of 75 species banded every year.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
The former lighthouse-keepers (the Richardsons) were keen naturalists, and helped in the transfer of the island to Acadia University for use as a research station. Currently, the seasonal presence of research staff and students results in controlled visitation. Ecotourism/birding is encouraged, and regulated, but may need more restrictions in the future. In addition to ownership by Acadia University, a small parcel of land is owned by the coast guard, and the marine and intertidal areas are overseen by the federal Fisheries and Oceans Department.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Bon Portage Island (Canada). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/bon-portage-island-iba-canada on 22/11/2024.
