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Lac Ste. Anne

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Grebe Survey Summary

  • Max Adults: 1500
  • Year: 1985
  • Most Recent Adults: 20
  • Year: 2016
  • Survey Type: Shore; Boat; Air
  • Most Common Threats Reported: Lack of/poor nesting habitat; water level too low; human/development/boat disturbance; egg predation; chick predation; adult predation; water quality/contaminants; nest abandonment; nest parasitism
Lake name:
Lac Ste. Anne
Location:
Alberta
HydroLAKE ID:
672
GRanD ID:
2006
Latitude:
53.7083333
Longitude:
-114.4602778
Surface area (km2):
179.8
Basin type:
reservoir
Primary vegetation for nesting:
bulrush (Scirpus spp)
Management agency:
Alberta Environment
Region associations:
Isle Lake; Sturgeon River watershed; North Saskatchewan River Basin
Comments:
A shallow lake, water level had been declining since the 1990s. The water was believed to have healing powers so there were religious pilgrimages to the lake.

Surveys (10)

Survey Citation:
COSEWIC. 2014. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. 55 pp. www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm

  • Type
    shore; boat; air
  • Time period
    1970, 2011
  • Source
    Report
  • Both Western and Clarks?
    N
Count Type Range Max Year
Max Adults >1000 1268 1991-2011
Most Recent Adults 1 to 100 ? 2011
Max Nests N/A N/A N/A
Most Recent Nests N/A N/A N/A
Max Chicks N/A N/A N/A
Most Recent Chicks N/A N/A N/A

Comments:

From Table A.2, maximum counts of breeding Western grebes from surveys mostly conducted during nesting season from June and July (sourced from Wilson, A. and Smith, P.A. 2013. Distribution and population status of Western Grebes in Canada. Unpublished report for the Canadian Wildlife Service). Stated as 20 year chunks: 1970 - 1990 and 1991 - 2011 without breaking those down into years or other details. Surveys every year from 2001 to 2010 (ASRD/ACA 2013) show large annual fluctuations and overall decline.

Survey Citation:
Hanus, S., H. Wollis, and L. Wilkinson. 2002. Western (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and Eared (Podiceps nigricollis) Grebes of Central Alberta: inventory, survey techniques and management concerns. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, Species at Risk Report No. 41. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

  • Type
    shore; boat
  • Time period
    22 June 2001, 26 June 2001
  • Source
    Report
  • Both Western and Clarks?
    N
Count Type Range Max Year
Max Adults >1000 1268 2001
Most Recent Adults >1000 1268 2001
Max Nests 501 to 1000 634 2001
Most Recent Nests 501 to 1000 634 2001
Max Chicks N/A N/A N/A
Most Recent Chicks N/A N/A N/A

Comments:

One of three major Western grebe breeding lakes (Lac Ste. Anne, Wabamun Lake, and Isle Lake). Nationally important grebe breeding lake. One of the largest adult Western grebe populations in the Stony Plain study area, representing 49%. Current populations have been at this lake in excess of 30 years (Riske 1976). Riske's surveys in 1970s of the grebe population showed declines possibly due to habitat loss, contaminants, and human disturbances but populations may have recovered or stabilized (as of this study). 47% active nests during these surveys. High percentage of abandoned nests probably due to disturbances. Two historic colonies were no longer there in 2001 (Purdy et al 1983).

Survey Citation:
Erickson, M. E. 2010. Persistence and abundance of the western grebe in Alberta. Dissertation. University of Alberta. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Same lakes and abundance estimated were checked against Erickson, M. E., C. Found-Jackson, and M. S. Boyce. 2017. Habitat associations with counts of declining western grebes in Alberta, Canada. Avian Conservation and Ecology. 12(1):12. Appendix to Erickson et al 2014 is unavailable but presumed to be the same list of lakes and abundance estimates.

  • Type
    shore
  • Time period
    26 May 2009, 8 August 2009
  • Source
    Dissertation
  • Both Western and Clarks?
    N
Count Type Range Max Year
Max Adults >1000 1268 2001
Most Recent Adults 1 to 100 84 2009
Max Nests N/A N/A N/A
Most Recent Nests N/A N/A N/A
Max Chicks N/A N/A N/A
Most Recent Chicks N/A N/A N/A

Comments:

From Table B.1 and Table C.1, survey methods and dates for 2009 field season, and latest abundance estimate from 2009, compared to maximum abundance estimate. Source of maximum abundance estimate is from 2001 sourced from Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Species at Risk (SAR) #41. Source of latest abundance estimates for 2009 are from nest counts. I didn't include maximum abundance estimate as part of the survey date for Erickson's surveys.

Survey Citation:
Prescott, D. R. C., J. Unruh, S. Morris-Yasinski, and M. Wells. 2018. Distribution and abundance of the western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) in Alberta: an update. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Policy Branch, Alberta Species at Risk Report No. 160, Edmonton, AB. 23 pp.

  • Type
    boat
  • Time period
    1964, 2016
  • Source
    Report
  • Both Western and Clarks?
    N
Count Type Range Max Year
Max Adults >1000 1500 1985
Most Recent Adults 1 to 100 20 2016
Max Nests 1 to 100 presence 1971-1992, 1996, 1998, 2001-2009, 2014
Most Recent Nests 0 0 2016
Max Chicks 1 to 100 presence? 1971-1992, 1996, 1998, 2001-2009, 2014
Most Recent Chicks 0 0 2016

Comments:

Sources are eBird (accessed Nov 2015 and Dec 2016), AESRD and ACA (2013), FWMIS (Accessed Nov 2015 including field surveys from 2015 and 2016), Hanus et al. 2002a, Hanus et al. 2002b, Berg et al. 2004, Kemper et al. 2008, Wollis and Stratmoen 2010, Erickson 2010, Hanus 2002, Hanus et al. 2003, Riske 1976, and Purdy et al. 1983. This report is an update of Western grebe distribution in Alberta based on previous provincial status reports, additional breeding records (between May 1 to August 31) through end of 2014 from new sources. Lakes were visited in 2015 and 2016 for occupancy and habitat conditions. In a given year, if there are multiple sources of data, the highest count was given. From the Appendix, I entered only lakes (67) with evidence of breeding (either chicks or nests, but doesn't specify which and no nest nor chick numbers provided). Otherwise, 318 lakes supported adult grebe populations. This report compiled a list of 35 priority lakes for grebe surveys and management actions through the provincial recovery plan based on high population and habitat scores. New lakes with breeding reveal a changing system of lake occupancy and possibly higher populations than previously thought in Alberta.

Survey Citation:
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and Alberta Conservation Association. 2006. Status of the western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) in Alberta. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Wildlife Status Report No. 60, Edmonston, AB. 29 pp.

  • Time period
    1971, 2004
  • Source
    Report
  • Both Western and Clarks?
    N
Count Type Range Max Year
Max Adults >1000 1000+ 1971, 1985, 1989, 2001, 2003
Most Recent Adults 101 to 500 308 2004
Max Nests N/A N/A N/A
Most Recent Nests N/A N/A N/A
Max Chicks N/A N/A N/A
Most Recent Chicks N/A N/A N/A

Comments:

Data from Table 1 ("Summary of lakes in Alberta supporting western grebe colonies of over 500 breeding birds, adapted from Hanus 2002) and Table 2 ("Summary of the most recently published western grebe population data for the province of Alberta"). Table 1 is divided into categories of lakes with 1000+ birds and lakes with 500 to 999 birds and not specific count numbers. 500 to 999 birds were on that lake in 1972, 1973, 1975-1977, 1979, 1981-1984, 1986-1988, 1991, 1992 and 2002. Lac Ste. Anne is in the Boreal natural region. Data from Table 2 is sourced from Berg et al. 2004. Colonies have declined from national to regional importance.

Survey Citation:
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and Alberta Conservation Association. 2013. Status of the western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) in Alberta: Update 2012. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Alberta Wildlife Status Report No. 60 (Update 2012). Edmonston, AB. 48 pp.

  • Type
    boat
  • Time period
    1985, 2010
  • Source
    Report
  • Both Western and Clarks?
    N
Count Type Range Max Year
Max Adults >1000 1500 1985
Most Recent Adults 0 0 2010
Max Nests 1 to 100 presence 1985
Most Recent Nests 0 0 2010
Max Chicks 1 to 100 presence 1985
Most Recent Chicks 0 0 2010

Comments:

Data from Table 1 ("Summary of lakes in Alberta supporting western grebe colonies of over 200 breeding birds, adapted from Hanus 2002) already entered from 2006 Alberta report. Table 3 ("Summary of lakes in Alberta that once had large breeding colonies (over 100 birds) but no longer have active colonies). HIghest breeding population estimates and most recent estimates are presented here"). Table 1 is divided into categories of lakes with 1000+ birds and lakes with 200 to 999 birds and not specific count numbers. Number of western grebes from Table 3 is from abundance estimates (minimum estimate of western grebes for that year) and came from nest counts (X2 for breeding adult numbers), boat surveys of adult grebes, or incidental observations, using highest estimate. Breeding confirmed in 1985 but it is no longer or unknown in 2010. Human disturbance and development is attributed to colony abandonment though exact causes are unknown (H. Wollis, pers. comm.)

Survey Citation:
Wollis, H., and C. Stratmoen. 2010. Population study of western grebes in Alberta 2001-2009: Implications for management and status designation. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Species at Risk Report No. 138. Edmonton, AB. 18 pp.

  • Time period
    1984, 2009
  • Source
    Report
  • Both Western and Clarks?
    N
Count Type Range Max Year
Max Adults >1000 1500 1984
Most Recent Adults 1 to 100 84 2009
Max Nests N/A N/A N/A
Most Recent Nests N/A N/A N/A
Max Chicks N/A N/A N/A
Most Recent Chicks N/A N/A N/A

Comments:

This report is a continuation of a western grebe monitoring project started in 2001 to survey colonies in Alberta and assess population trends and distribution. Known and new colonies were searched for each year through 2009. This entry is from Table 2 comparing most recent estimate of # adults with highest estimate year.

Survey Citation:
Berg, G., L. Wilkinson, H. Wollis, and D. Prescott. 2004. Western (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and Eared (Podiceps nigricollis) grebes of central Alberta: 2004 field summary. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Species at Risk Report No. 94. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

  • Type
    boat
  • Time period
    2001, 2004
  • Source
    Report
  • Both Western and Clarks?
    N
Count Type Range Max Year
Max Adults >1000 1170 2001
Most Recent Adults 101 to 500 399+ 2004
Max Nests 501 to 1000 585 2001
Most Recent Nests 101 to 500 154 2004
Max Chicks N/A N/A N/A
Most Recent Chicks N/A N/A N/A

Comments:

Fourth year of monitoring population trends and reproductive success of western grebes in the Stony Plain, Alberta area and the first year for Parkland Region lakes. Ground nest surveys after "abandonment" were used to estimate total breeding adult populations. Boat surveys and/or shoreline surveys were conducted between June 16 and July 16, 2004 to monitor major colonies Hanus et al. (2002a, b) identified. Entered Table 1 with the addition of adult estimates by multiplying # of nests by 2.

Survey Citation:
Hanus, S., L. Wilkinson, and H. Wollis. 2002. Western (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and Eared (Podiceps nigricollis) grebes of Central Alberta: 2002 field season summary. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Species at Risk Report Number 60. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

  • Type
    shore; boat
  • Time period
    11 June 2002, 12 July 2002
  • Source
    Report
  • Both Western and Clarks?
    N
Count Type Range Max Year
Max Adults 501 to 1000 802 2002
Most Recent Adults 501 to 1000 802 2002
Max Nests 101 to 500 401 2002
Most Recent Nests 101 to 500 401 2002
Max Chicks 1 to 100 6 2002
Most Recent Chicks 1 to 100 1 2002

Comments:

Entered adult and nest count numbers from total ground nest survey, otherwise the other survey dates were partial surveys. Chick count minimum, maximum, and recent were entered across the different survey dates (of partial and total surveys) because of the factor of timing. This lake supports 30.7% of the regional population in this study area. The colony declined by about 37% and is nearly the same as the increase at Wabamun Lake's increase so some breeding grebes may have shifted to that lake. This colony went from being nationally significant in 2001 to regionally significant in 2002 for grebe breeding. Possible depredation by coyotes. Housing development proposed for area adjacent to colony.

Survey Citation:
Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2021. Management Plan for the western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) in Canada [Proposed]. Species at Risk Act Management Plan Series. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa. 5 iv + 52 pp.

  • Time period
    1985, 2016
  • Source
    Management plan
  • Both Western and Clarks?
    N
Count Type Range Max Year
Max Adults >1000 1500 1985
Most Recent Adults 1 to 100 20 2016
Max Nests N/A N/A N/A
Most Recent Nests N/A N/A N/A
Max Chicks N/A N/A N/A
Most Recent Chicks N/A N/A N/A

Comments:

From Appendix B, data columns are historical high count, high count since 2000, and most recent count. Since minimum count was not stated, I entered the minimum from these columns though it might not be the actual minimum across the span of years reported. Also, there is no detail on years that were excluded from surveying so range of survey years may be inaccurate. Footnote for this lake indicates that for 2015 to 2016, breeding was confirmed, potential habitat was available, and lake was occupied by Western grebes. Sources are Prescott et al., 2018 and Alberta Environment and Parks, 2018.

Sources of Information

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