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Sambro Island Journal 2015
I boarded the vessel at 8AM, June 26, for the ride out to Sambro Island. I arranged to be picked up at 2PM at Sambro Island for the return leg but this was a mistake. I needed more time to search the Arctic Tern flocks for Roseate Terns, and also to look for Atlantic Puffins and Razorbills emanating from the grassy knolls and bluffs. A twelve hour trip would also be very relaxing. The gas house at the docking bluff provides a perfect location to store lunch and take respites. The weather was perfect with a clear sky, light winds, no fog and no biting insects. I returned with a rosy face despite my broad brimmed hat. This was probably due to all of the skyward glances. The aerial photo below shows the appropriate areas to walk when on the island. The white areas are solid rock and this is where one should be most of the time. There are a few well trudged trails through the grass which are OK but the large green/brown areas on the north and south side of the island are definitely "feet off". Arctic Tern are ground nesters and scratch out a space of ground to lay their camouflaged eggs so it would be easy to destroy or expose the location of a nest by trudging about in the grassy areas. The same reasons apply for not walking on sandy and gravel areas. On this visit while sitting on solid rock watching the Arctic Terns circling above a gravel beach I saw a chick, confirming that they do nest on this gravel and boulder strewn beach. I was not close enough to be attacked thankfully for me and the resultant stress that would have put on the parents. I have no doubt that if I had wandered onto the beach I would have attracted unwanted attention. If one has to get around this beach stay on the solid rocks above the beach, if there are any, or preferably walk below the high water mark. The Sambro Island Light is the oldest operating lighthouse in North America. The island itself is a well established nesting colony of Arctic Terns and Black Guillemots and should be protected as a conservation area except for occasional expert, guided and well controlled groups during the breeding time. Otherwise, it should be closed completely during June and July. It has been established as a heritage site and work is underway to have the lighthouse and island transferred to Parks Canada. It is clear from my latest visit that at the very least the nesting areas on the beach and the grassy areas should be signed to deter walkers. A network of boardwalks and stairs is the most compatible solution if birds and humans are to mix. Roseate Tern mingle and nest with the aggressive Arctic Terns whom they use as protection. Roseate Terns have nested here in previous years but I was not able to find a Roseate Tern amongst the circling horde nevertheless they could be present. Aerial Photo of Sambro Island
Sambro Island in the Early Morning Light
Sambro Island Light
Sambro Island Light, the Gas House and the Landing Location The Gas House has been damaged by storms on the northeast corner and is slowly collapsing.
Black Guillemot
Spotted Sandpiper
Arctic Tern
Gulls Atop the Light Keeper's Home
Arctic Tern
Savannah Sparrow is a Common Breeder on Sambro Island
This Arctic Tern was on the Nesting Beach
Sambro Island Light, as Seen From the Nesting Beach
Black Guillemot at the Landing Bluff
Spotted Sandpiper It nests in the flora of the island
Black Guillemot with Catch of the Day This is unusual behaviour, perhaps a young male showing its prowess to mate. It will stand there holding its catch for a long time.
The Harbour, Facing Southwest Strong southwest winds are trip killers as the surf tunnels up this inlet.
At 2PM My Ride Home Returns
Tying Up to the Rock Face
A Final Look Back, Until Next Year
Inner Sambro Island
The Entrance to Sambro Harbour with the Welcoming Bull Head Light
Next year I will stay twelve hours and check out some of the bluff areas to the northeast side of the island for additional alcids, and spend a lot more time studying the swirling flocks of Arctic Terns for Roseate Terns. There are studies in progress on the ecosystem of the Sambro Ledge and a proposal for a Marine Protected Area. Perhaps my hopes are premature, but it would be a step in the right direction. Hopefully, the ecology and history of the area can eventually be protected, and the looting of ship wreck sites and the arson and looting of Sambro Island ended. I envision such a Marine Protected Area extending out to the edge of the Sambro Ledge and bracketed by Chebucto Head and Pennant Point. This area has long been fished out and local commercial fisherman go well out past the Sambro Ledge now, over thirty miles off shore. Lobster fishing would likely not be a problem within the protected area. If the Arctic Tern Colony can be protected and expanded I am sure the Roseate Tern will return. They will find nesting protection under the umbrella of swirling Arctic Terns. Some work and cataloging has been done, refer page 66, of: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/355312.pdf For marine archaeological sites: http://sambro-and-ketch-harbour.webs.com/shipwrecks.htm
Keywords:
Arctic Tern,
Black Guillemot,
Nova Scotia,
Roseate Tern,
Sambro Island 2015,
Sambro Island Light,
Savannah Sparrow,
Spotted Sandpiper
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