Pacific Spirit Regional Park (BC018)

Pacific Spirit Regional Park (BC018)

U of BC - Point Grey, Colombie-Britannique

Description du site

Continentally significant numbers of Great Blue Herons (of the nationally vulnerable BC coastal subspecies Ardea herodias fannini) nested in the Park for many years. The colony size varied throughout the years, but in most years there were 100 to 200 nests. From 1996-1999, there was an average of 147 active Great Blue Heron nests in the Park, which is almost 3% of this subspecies' North American population. Peak numbers of herons were recorded in 1996 (217 nests). Originally the heronry was located in what is now the UBC Endowment Lands Ecological Reserve, but in 1974 birds relocated to a site about 1 km to the northeast. Most recently, this was abandoned and the herons may have joined the increasingly large heronry in nearby Stanley Park. The Park is a significant area for songbirds and other woodland and forest species due to its area and location. It is by far the largest “wild” greenspace remaining within Metro Vancouver (excluding the north shore mountains), it lies on a peninsula between the sea and the Fraser River delta, and it adjoins a major urban area. This large “fragment” or “island” of natural habitat maintains a rich and diverse bird population, and is an important stopover for migratory birds. Cecil Green, an attractive landing and foraging site next to a wide stretch of open water, is well known for the large numbers and great diversity of birds which pass through during migration. Many rarities have been found in this small area, and one local birder has personally observed over 156 species. The fields at UBC Farm attract open-country species during migration. Nature Vancouver initiated monthly bird surveys at the Farm in 2007; see www.ebird.ca for data.

Oiseaux

Continentally significant numbers of Great Blue Herons (of the nationally vulnerable BC coastal subspecies Ardea herodias fannini) nested in the Park for many years. The colony size varied throughout the years, but in most years there were 100 to 200 nests. From 1996-1999, there was an average of 147 active Great Blue Heron nests in the Park, which is almost 3% of this subspecies' North American population. Peak numbers of herons were recorded in 1996 (217 nests). Originally the heronry was located in what is now the UBC Endowment Lands Ecological Reserve, but in 1974 birds relocated to a site about 1 km to the northeast. Most recently, this was abandoned and the herons may have joined the increasingly large heronry in nearby Stanley Park. The Park is a significant area for songbirds and other woodland and forest species due to its area and location. It is by far the largest "wild" greenspace remaining within Metro Vancouver (excluding the north shore mountains), it lies on a peninsula between the sea and the Fraser River delta, and it adjoins a major urban area. This large "fragment" or "island" of natural habitat maintains a rich and diverse bird population, and is an important stopover for migratory birds. Cecil Green, an attractive landing and foraging site next to a wide stretch of open water, is well known for the large numbers and great diversity of birds which pass through during migration. Many rarities have been found in this small area, and one local birder has personally observed over 156 species. The fields at UBC Farm attract open-country species during migration. Nature Vancouver initiated monthly bird surveys at the Farm in 2007; see www.ebird.ca for data.

Enjeux de conservation

Although Pacific Spirit is a regional park within Metro Vancouver and therefore protected from development, 22.3 ha have recently been removed from the Park by the provincial government. Because of the parks proximity to a major urban center and UBC, it is subject to heavy use by hikers and cyclists, and many pedestrians (including professional dog walkers) with mostly off-leash dogs. Conflicts arise between park users. New residential developments at UBC are increasing Park use. UBC Farm may be lost to yet more housing development at UBC.

Catégories ZICO Habitats Usages Menaces Potencielles ou Existantes Status de Protection

• Grand Héron364 (max.)