Birds & Waterfowl of Heffley Lake

In 2009, members from the Lake Stewardship Committee expressed concern about the perceived drop in waterfowl numbers. One member suggested we organize a formalized count in order to track data over time and establish a data base, rather than just anecdotal evidence. Upon agreement, we divided the lake into six sections or zones. Volunteers would then conduct the count on set days and times.

Using natural features of the shoreline allowed us to divide the lake into six easily recognizable zones. In addition to the lake, we added McDonald Pond and the wet areas at the east end of the lake. One couple would cover one zone, and all would start the count at 9:00 am on predetermined Sundays, seven times from May to August. We considered continuing into the Autumn but wanted to avoid migratory species just passing through. It was decided not to include songbirds but in addition to waterfowl, we would record some birds of prey, and other selected, easy to identify species. 

It takes each couple about one hour to cover their zone and fill out their count sheets. At the end of the count, all couples meet at one of the homes (everyone to take turns hosting) to go over the results, hand in their sheets for the day and enjoy coffee and muffins. At the end of the season, all sheets are tabulated, and a two-page report sent to participants, our Association, the BC Lake Stewardship Society (BCLSS) and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. The report provides information about the current year and some previous years for comparison. 

Individual numbers on any count give an indication of the number of species but is not meant as a totally accurate account. Many factors affect how many birds are seen. Some of these factors include weather on that day, amount and kind of other boating activity, the level of the lake (high water makes for more hiding spots) and vigilance of participants.  Individual numbers are less important than trends over time. Data compared to our first count showed a general drop in numbers every year for eight years. By 2017, we were seeing only about HALF of what we saw the first year. Fortunately, the last four years have shown a continuous upward trend. Although overall numbers have rebounded, certain species have continued to drop while other have increased. 

GOLDENEYES: At one time, the two species, the Common and Barrows Goldeneyes were the second most abundant duck species on the lake. They were known for the large number of chicks per family. Sometimes, certain females adopted or stole chicks from others and to see eighteen to twenty chicks following one mother was common. By the time we started the count, their numbers were already in decline. In 2009, there were about sixteen to twenty individuals. Their numbers continued to drop and by 2020, we only had about three. Their numbers increased in 2021 to nine or ten. 

MALLARDS: Our most common and friendliest duck continues to be the most abundant. In 2009, we had about fifty individuals. Over the years, their numbers dropped to a quarter of that. Since then, they have been making a comeback to around forty individuals. 

BUFFLEHEADS: Never very abundant, these small diving ducks have become very rare. Usually, we spot several during the seven outings. 

RING- NECKED DUCKS: In 2009, we saw four or five of them. We’ve had several years when we haven’t seen any but in 2021, we had a couple of them that were seen throughout the season. 

HOODED MERGANSERS: At one time, these were rarely seen. Over the years, they have become more numerous. When we started, we only saw two or three individuals. By 2021, we spotted sixteen to twenty regularly. It seems that proportionally, as the Goldeneye numbers have dropped, the Hooded Merganser numbers have risen. Both species are divers. 

WOOD DUCKS: These colourful ducks are rarely seen. Most years, we do not see any but occasionally, they show up. We’ve never seen any with chicks. 

RED-NECKED GREBES: At one time, they nested here near the fish camp, and were seen regularly, but not in abundance. By the time we started the formal count, none were spotted. This for the most part has been the norm. However, occasionally they show up but don’t seem to stay around like they used to. 2021 was our best year in a long time and we had a pair that stayed for a little while but did not appear to nest. 

LOONS: When the count first started, we regularly spotted sixteen to seventeen of them. By 2015, we only saw half that number. Since then, their numbers have been slowly increasing. In 2021, we saw twelve to thirteen. Usually, we have four nesting couples but only two to four chicks survive.  One or two eggs are laid per nest but generally only one chick survives. Some eggs don’t hatch, usually due to some disturbance, (people getting too close or swamped by large waves) but successful ones recently seem to be able to raise two chicks. If disturbance occurs early enough in the season, they may re nest elsewhere. Loon chicks suffer predation from the eagles. 

GEESE: At one time, there were no resident geese. By the time we started counting, we saw seven to eight individuals. Over the years, their numbers have increased year over year. Occasionally, there has been a dip in one year but a rebound in other years. In 2021, we saw twenty-seven to thirty regularly.  

LESSER SCAUPS: Prior to starting the count, they were seen quite often but not in abundance. Most years, including our first count, we saw none. In 2021, we spotted several of them regularly. This was the first sighting of them in many years.  

KING FISHERS: At one time, resident King Fishers were the norm. However, by the time we started our count, we didn’t see any. That has remained the case for most years since. In 2021, three individuals were sighted regularly. 

EAGLES: Eagles have maintained nests around the lake for many years. Occasionally, their nests are destroyed when the tree falls, and they rebuild elsewhere. In addition to the resident eagles, we get many who appear when the fish are spawning. When we started the count, we had a total count for the season of twenty-six. Some of those were resident ones we saw regularly, and others only appeared briefly during spawning season. Some years have shown fewer, but most years have been higher. We’ve had double that original number but in 2021, it was back to nearly the same as when we started. Eagles are top of the food chain and prey upon fish, ducks and ducklings, loon chicks, herons, small mammals and more. 

HERONS: At one time we had no resident herons but would spot the odd one, flying over or fishing. At one point, they established a large colony on the island near the narrows at the east end of the lake and stayed for some years. However, as the nests became more exposed, eagles decimated the population, and the rookeries were abandoned. Since then, they have established different nesting sites but due to predation, mostly have not been successful. In 2009, we saw six individuals regularly. Some years after that, there was only the odd sighting. There was an uptick in numbers in 2021 when several were seen regularly. 

OSPREYS: Over the years, the osprey numbers have been dropping. When we started the count, there were three established nests around the lake indicating six adults plus their offspring. Then the number of nest sites dropped to two. In 2021, the forest fire at the east end of the lake and the subsequent helicopter activity caused them to abandon that nest. In seven counts that year, only eight ospreys were sighted. Eagles and geese are known to have taken over their nests at times. 

TURTLES: While conducting the bird count, we spotted some Western Red Painted turtles and decided to include them in our count if we see them. They are considered to be an ‘at risk’ species and care should taken not to disturb them. Over the years, their numbers have become more plentiful. Their success is an indication of a healthy lake and habitat. They can easily be confused with the invasive, Red-eared Slider turtle. The native painted turtle has red on underbelly, the invasive one has yellow and the invasive one has a red mark on its head but our native one does not.

Long time residents will have noted a number of changes over the years. Some species have declined while others have risen. For instance, at one time, Nighthawks (also called mosquito hawks) were seen and heard regularly during summer evenings. The sound their wings make as they dive is loud and distinctive. None have been reported for many years. 

Large flocks of swallows were seen most evenings, swooping low over the lake. This is now a much rarer occurrence. Bats were also a nightly occurrence, but their numbers have dropped drastically. Large numbers of toads were common on or under most docks but now rarely seen. Generally, there has been a huge drop in the insect population, and this affects many species. At one time, dragonflies, damsel flies, mayflies, sedges, midges and others were much more abundant than they are today. Crows, at one time rarely seen or heard have established nesting sites and are common.   

We continue to get some migratory birds that arrive early and leave or arrive late in the season. Some of these have increased in number while others have decreased. For instance, Trumpeter Swan numbers have increased over time with them visiting usually in November. Coots, a duck-like member of the rail family used to arrive in the fall in flocks up to a hundred birds. They are rarely seen now and if seen are usually in small flocks from five to nine birds. In the past, we have shared our bird counting process with some other lake associations. We haven’t heard if any have started this practice but welcome questions or feedback from others carrying out their own count or wishing to get started.  

Compiled, written and submitted by Doug Broadfoot and Ian Stewart.   

Photo Gallery credit to Bill Jennejohn