When leading research scientists take you under their wing to study arctic shorebirds, you happily trudge through mud in northern Ontario’s wetlands and swamps to add this experiential learning feather to your cap.

“There’s evidence that many arctic shorebird populations are in decline, yet the reasons are unclear,” explains Dr. Glen Brown, adjunct professor in the Trent Environmental Life Sciences (ENLS) graduate program and research scientist with Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources, and Forestry (formerly the Ministry of Natural Resources). “We’re collecting information for a range of wildlife and habitat indicators in the food web to help address these uncertainties.”

Though global warming is generally considered a threat to arctic biodiversity, little is known about the vulnerability of the subarctic ecosystem in northern Ontario specifically. Callie Stirling and Richard Huang, two Trent M.Sc. students in the ENLS program, are conducting vital fieldwork alongside Professor Brown and Dr. Erica Nol, Trent’s Conservation Biology program coordinator, to learn more about the impact of global warming on a variety of shorebirds in the Hudson Bay Lowlands, including dunlin, whimbrel, least sandpiper and the Hudsonian godwit.

“The Hudson Bay Lowlands are the largest wetland in North America and thousands of birds migrate there each year to have their young. The region is also home to arctic-adapted mammals like the arctic fox and polar bears,” explains Prof. Brown.

The team have been conducting their research around the Burntpoint Research Station in Polar Bear Provincial Park – an isolated wilderness park in Ontario’s far north only accessible by landing a bush plane with tundra tires on an ancient beach ridge.  

Changing climate patterns and predators affect nesting

To gauge the effect of climate change on nesting sites, Callie is using drones to document the terrain and surface water features near nests that may be preferred by birds and whether these might change over time as the permafrost melts.

“Annual patterns in snow melt and precipitation in our study area create mosaics of wet fen and dry moss hummock habitat that may alter the availability and selection of nest sites,” says Prof. Brown.

One thing we do know is that red fox – which has been squeezing out the arctic fox in this area – has been caught literally red handed predating the shorebird nests shortly before hatch, by Richard’s nest site cameras. Another nest predator has been birds of prey like harriers.

Collaboration with professionals valuable career preparation

The partnership between Trent and NDMNRF provides opportunity for students to benefit from working in a collaborative environment as they build their careers and work closely with professionals in the environmental and resource management fields.

“The opportunities and experiences provided by the connections I’ve made through both the Ministry and Trent University are invaluable to my future,” says Richard. “I’m also very fortunate to have both Glen and Erica as my supervisors. Glen has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all things spatial, while Erica provides and expert perspective on the biology and ecology of shorebirds.”

Callie agrees, adding, “I have learned a remarkable amount about shorebird ecology, arctic ecosystems, and habitat characterization from the team at Burntpoint Research Station, and Glen and Erica have provided me with ample once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that I will always remember.”