Rainbow Smelt Surveys
In April, we begin surveying each watershed for rainbow smelts (Osmerus mordax). In the spring, smelts migrate in groups to freshwater rivers to breed. We monitor 12 locations ranging from Portree Creek (Eldon) to Wood Islands.
Amphibian Call Surveys
Between May and June, we conducted amphibian call surveys. These surveys are done just after dusk, when we take 5-minute audio recordings at a pond or other body of water. The recordings are analyzed, and we then ID all amphibians heard. Each type of amphibian is categorized based on its loudness, which helps estimate the number of individuals. The main goal of these surveys is to determine what types of amphibians are present throughout the watershed.
Amphibian Board Surveys
Amphibian board surveys throughout the watershed. The survey boards are 1 m 2 and are made of untreated lumber. These boards were then placed in wooded areas near bodies of water. The boards were randomly lifted to check for the presence of any amphibians (frogs, salamanders, toads). We have seven survey boards: Roseberry Twins, Wood Islands Pond, Flat River (MacPherson Mill Rd.), Belle River (Munns Rd), Shore Rd., MacLeod Rd. crossing, and Portree Creek (Eldon). This year, amphibians were found only at the Roseberry Twins location, which had 2 Eastern red-backed
salamanders (Plethodon cinereus).
Trail Camera Monitoring
The trail cameras were utilized to monitor mammals through motion detection. Positioned across the watershed from April to October, the four cameras captured various mammals and birds during this period, generating exciting results!
River Otter Trail Camera Project
This year, participation continued in a provincial monitoring project led by the PEI Watershed Alliance. In 2023, two trail cameras were deployed in areas deemed suitable for river otters. This project aims to determine the distribution of river otters across the island. While no photos of river otters have been captured in this area, hope remains high for future sightings. It’s worth noting that all wildlife photos are uploaded to WildTrax for public viewing.
Bat Surveys
Under Environment Climate Change Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program—Bats, and in partnership with PEI Forests, Fish and Wildlife, Parks PEI, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, and the PEI Watershed Alliance, we conducted bat surveys within the community. The acoustic bat monitoring stations recorded 24 signals from the little brown myotis and two signals from the northern myotis in our survey areas.
Acoustic Bat Monitoring Station:
Four monitors were set up across Belle and Flat River from June 12 to June 17 to monitor bat activity. These monitors are specialized recording devices that can pick up bat noise/calls. The calls that were captured this summer are now being processed; results will be shared when they become available.
Mobile Bat Monitoring Transect:
A specialized recording device affixed to the top of a car was used to drive a predetermined route. This route required a slow, consistent speed to ensure accurate data collection. The device recorded all bat activity detected in the vicinity. This survey took place on the night of June 13.
Bank Swallow Surveys
Bank swallow surveying efforts have been expanded by utilizing kayaks in hard-to-reach areas. As a result, nearly 75 km of shoreline, spanning from Beach Point to Newtown, are surveyed, revealing 49 colonies and 1,311 nesting cavities. Participating in the Atlantic Canada Bank Swallow Monitoring Working Group continued, and all data was entered into NatureCounts, a national database managed by Birds Canada, in addition to an interactive map. In 2025, we have partnered with Island Nature Trust to continue surveys under the Community Nominated Priority Place program. Community-Nominated Priority Places (CNPP) for Species at Risk is part of Canada’s Nature Fund.