The shores of the Bay of Fundy serve as a vital feeding ground to many species of migrating shorebirds. Notably, between 75 to 95 per cent of the world population of Semipalmated Sandpipers depend on the Fundy's mud flats for their survival, explains a new brochure published by Environment Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service.

The species breeds in Canada's low Arctic and, in the fall, migrates to the northern coast of South America. "During the long journey in late July to early August, approximately three million Sandpipers stop once to fuel up their energy supply for the 72-hour, non-stop flight to South America," explains wildlife biologist, Peter Hicklin. "The birds need to double their weight to build enough fat reserve to continue the flight to their wintering grounds. Fortunately, the mud flats offer an essential, nutrient-rich feeding ground for the massive flocks of migrating Sandpipers."

Being home to the highest tides in the world, the shores of the Bay of Fundy are lined with vast areas of rich, red-brown mud. Burrowed in this mud are millions of fatty and protein-rich Fundy Mud Shrimp, an important food source for the Sandpiper. In North America, this species is found only in the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine. As the tide ebbs, the shrimp scurry along the surface of the mud and become vulnerable to being snapped up by a Sandpiper's blunt-tipped bill. "As a result, the Sandpiper feasts easily, eating between 9,000 and 20,000 shrimp per day, and doubles its weight within 10 to 20 days," states Hicklin.

Feeding with such ease on the mud shrimp allows the Sandpiper to prepare for the extended, migratory trip that it undertakes. However, if anything should happen to offset the delicate balance of the mud, the shrimp could not thrive and the world population of the Sandpiper would suffer greatly.

In addition, the Sandpipers must have access to undisturbed roosting beaches. The Bay of Fundy tides rise twice each day, during which the Sandpipers settle on a nearby piece of land, resting and waiting for the tide to go out and the shrimp to be exposed.

Not only is it exciting to see most of the world's population of this species at rest in one spot for six weeks, but it is also magnificent to see them in flight. Curious onlookers are often attracted to the Fundy beaches for these exact reasons. However, the birds are particularly vulnerable while they are roosting.

"The slightest disturbance will cause them to fly away to a safer spot, forcing them to burn up some of the fat stored for the migratory flight," cautions Lee Calkin, author of the new brochure. "It is imperative to protect these beaches from the presence of uninformed sightseers in order to safeguard the Sandpiper population."

"Protection of these sites will also be aided through informing the public of the migratory patterns of the Sandpiper. Working to reverse the negative effects now will help ensure a strong survival of the Semipalmated Sandpiper," adds Hicklin.

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the new brochure, or wish to learn more about other birds, contact Environment Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service.

For more information, contact:

Peter Hicklin
Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service
Tel: (506) 364-5042