Overview
The first documented Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) nest in Haida Gwaii in over 30 years was discovered and described. This finding was made in a specific ancient forest located in northern Haida Gwaii.
Research Context
The Marbled Murrelet is a species designated as 'Threatened' by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). Its conservation status is primarily influenced by a dependency on old-growth forests for nesting sites. In British Columbia, these birds construct nests on large, moss-covered branches of ancient trees. Historical records indicate that the majority of these nests have been found within 70 kilometers of the coast, at elevations below 600 meters. The species' elusive nature, spending most of its life at sea and only flying inland to nest in dense old-growth forests, has historically made nest detection challenging. Prior to this recent discovery, only 22 Marbled Murrelet nests had ever been located in British Columbia, with a previous nest documented in Haida Gwaii over three decades ago.
Approach
The discovery of the nest involved specific methodologies aimed at locating active Marbled Murrelet nesting sites. Researchers deployed audio recording units in ancient forests, a strategy designed to detect the calls of adult murrelets, which return to their nests during pre-dawn hours to feed their chicks. Following the detection of activity, a systematic observation approach was employed. Researchers located a specific ancient forest in northern Haida Gwaii where murrelets were consistently heard. They then returned to this site in the pre-dawn darkness to listen for the birds. A 'falling feather' observation technique was utilized: by observing where feathers drifted down during these pre-dawn visits, researchers were able to narrow down the potential nesting areas. This method led to the identification of a specific tree where a nest was suspected. Further investigation involved climbing the tree to confirm the presence of the nest and its contents.
Findings
The research successfully located and documented a Marbled Murrelet nest. The nest contained a chick and was situated on a large, moss-covered branch of a western red cedar (Thuja plicata). This tree was characterized as an ancient western red cedar. The nest's location was within an ancient forest in northern Haida Gwaii, specifically described as an area with dense salal (Gaultheria shallon) and majestic western red cedars. This discovery marks the first documented Marbled Murrelet nest in Haida Gwaii in more than 30 years.
Why This Matters
The documented discovery of this nest provides direct confirmation of Marbled Murrelet breeding activity in Haida Gwaii after a significant hiatus. This information is critical for understanding the current reproductive success and distribution of a species designated as 'Threatened'. The finding offers empirical data relevant to the conservation strategies for this bird, particularly concerning the protection of its old-growth forest nesting habitats.