Quietly resting and foraging in the shallows of the shoreline at PKOLS – Mount Douglas Park, a flock of birds are unaware that an unleashed Samoyed, a medium-sized herd dog, is bounding through the water towards them.
But for this dog, it’s not their day, as in the nick of time, the birds notice the approaching canine and scatter, flying to safety.
Watching the action unfold are Darrell Wick and Michelle Watt, president and vice-president of the PKOLS – Mount Douglas Conservancy, an organization working since 1988 to protect and preserve the natural environment of the park.
“I don't think people realize how dangerous it is for birds when they're forced to fly and use that energy, it’s a devastating factor,” says Wick.
The conservation duo are part of a group of wildlife enthusiasts behind a petition calling on the federal government to create a new Salish Sea migratory bird sanctuary along a stretch of Greater Victoria coastline, connecting the two existing sanctuaries in Victoria Harbour and Shoal Harbour.
The currently unprotected coastal areas, including PKOLS – Mount Douglas, are a critical wildlife habitat used by birds for migration stopovers, overwintering, breeding, foraging and roosting, says the petition.
In the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Watt explains there are 15 species of birds recognized as either being ‘at risk’, ‘endangered’ or ‘threatened’.
“But birds don't have a concept of borders like we do,” says Watt, who lists off a number of rare bird species spotted in PKOLS – Mount Douglas and nearby shorelines.
“I saw my first, marbled murrelet [an endangered species] at Glencoe Cove-Kwatsech Park, but it's not protected,” she adds.
If successful, the new Salish Sea migratory bird sanctuary would place the kilometres of shoreline under federal jurisdiction, restricting activities on the beach which could disturb wildlife, including off-leash dog walking.
But more importantly for Watt, the federally-recognized protection would offer more opportunities for education and awareness about the plight of both migratory and resident birds in the park and connecting shorelines.
According to the group’s petition, migratory birds face increasing pressures and significant, widespread population declines due to climate change, pollution and habitat loss.
“People sometimes just don't realize the impact that they're having on the birds,” she says, adding she has seen people fly drones into flocks of birds at the beach.
“Hopefully people will start seeing these places as worthy of protection and alter some behaviours and activities in these areas,” she adds.
As well as offering protection for migratory birds, sanctuaries also offer protection for rare plant species, other wildlife and forage fish, says Watt.
Saddleback gunnel, a species of forage fish found hiding in the eelgrass beds and mud flats of the Douglas Creek outlet at the beach in PKOLS – Mount Douglas Park, is one example Watt gives that could benefit from sanctuary protection.
The fish also supports the survival of great blue heron, a species listed as ‘vulnerable’ in B.C., which nest annually in PKOLS – Mount Douglas. Sanctuary status for the coastline would help the bird – which is highly susceptible to stress – thrive in the area.
“The more they're disturbed during the day, the less chance they have of being able to feed themselves and they're young, which causes nest failures,” said Watt. “And what we're seeing now, is a population decline.”
“So the fact they're trying their best and they’re nesting here and returning is a good sign, but we do need to help them out.”
For more information about the petition, visit the website: www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-5182
