Falaises de l'île d'Entrée (QC018)

Falaises de l'île d'Entrée (QC018)

Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Québec

Site Description

Île d'Entrée is located nine km east of Havre Aubert Island in the Magdalen Islands archipelago. It can be accessed using a ferry-boat that travels daily between Île d'Entrée and Cap-aux-Meules. Sandstone cliffs rising to 175 metres above the ocean are located at the northeast tip of this island. These cliffs, along with two small adjacent rocks, provide significant breeding habitat for colonial seabirds. The rest of the island is inhabited and contains agricultural fields, urban areas, and grassy meadows. The cliffs can be reached by foot, as well as by boat (excursions are offered from the Cap-aux-Meules harbour).

Birds

The cliffs of Île d'Entrée provide an important breeding area for several species of seabirds, including Great Cormorants and Black-legged Kittiwakes. In 1990, a breeding population of 168 Great Cormorants were recorded at this site (about 1.4% of the estimated North American population). Even higher numbers have been recorded, with as many as 350 Great Cormorants being present in 1976, and 400 being present in 1982. The colony has existed since at least 1924, when seven pairs were reported by H.F. Lewis. Black-legged Kittiwakes are nesting at this site in increasingly large numbers. In 1972, 12 pairs were recorded; in 1976, 38 pairs were recorded; and in 1990, 1,390 pairs were recorded.

Other seabirds nesting on the Île d'Entrée cliffs include Great Black-backed Gulls (11 pairs), Herring Gulls (84 pairs), Black Guillemots (37 pairs) and Razorbills (82 pairs).

Conservation Issues

Since 1993, Île d'Entrée has been designated "Wildlife Habitat” under provincial regulations (Bird Colony No. 04-11-0112-77). The cormorant colonies on this island are in a "lot commun”, which is an area under the responsibility of the municipality. The Ministère de l'Environnement et de la faune (The Ministry of Environment and Wildlife) is involved in the management of these colonies.

The primary threats to colonial seabirds at this site are potential oil spills, and wind and tidal erosion. There is also a risk of human disturbance since the cliffs can be reached by foot and by boat.

IBA Criteria Habitats Land Uses Potential or Ongoing Threats Conservation Status

• Great Cormorant400 (max.)