Snow Buntings!!!!!

There are currently hundreds and hundreds of Snow Buntings in the fields across from our house. Very exciting!! This is our first 100% confirmed sighting of this bird (we've had quick sightings from a distance in the past). I'll post pics and video with the bird count tally later this week.


Here are some pics, but the buntings are not easy to see. I'm trying to upload some video too.

Project FeederWatch Count for Dec 11/12

A quiet weekend overall. It was rainy out most of the weekend. Most of the usual sightings, just in some higher numbers than we've seen over the last few weeks.

Checklist for FeederWatch Ontario Birds
Canada Goose 10
Cooper's Hawk 1
Mourning Dove 12
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 3
Blue Jay 10
American Crow 4
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
European Starling 23
American Tree Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 15
Northern Cardinal 1
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 18
House Sparrow 15

Long-eared Owl in Oakville!!

Dave just sent this my way and I wanted to share it with any local birders:


Subject: Long-eared Owl in Oakville
From: Bill
Date: Tue, Dec 7, 2010, 2:55 PM

My neighbor has had one sitting in his spruce tree most of the day. I was
able to get some good pics within 25ft.
Area of Burton Rd and Rebecca street south west Oakville

Here's a link to the whatbird.com profile for this beautiful bird.

Project FeederWatch Count for Dec 4/5

Our winter numbers are starting to rise, especially in terms of the various Finches and the Juncos. The suet feeders are particularly busy with all the woodpeckers. We were happy to see two American Tree Sparrows and surprised to see three Cowbirds (2 males, 1 female). Cardinals have been scarce. We did see one female on Monday. The Pileated Woodpecker made a rare appearance on Friday, the day before the count started for the week. The crows have been hanging out in the front yard quite a bit. We usually see them up in the trees, but they've been on the driveway and on the lawn more than usual. I'm not sure what they're snacking on, but my mom reported she saw them eating peanuts in her front yard.



Checklist for FeederWatch Ontario Birds
Canada Goose 40
Cooper's Hawk 1
Mourning Dove 20
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 8
Common Raven 4
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
European Starling 13
American Tree Sparrow 2
Dark-eyed Junco 25
Brown-headed Cowbird 3
House Finch 16
American Goldfinch 10
House Sparrow 15

Project Feeder Watch count for Nov 27/28

Checklist for FeederWatch Ontario Birds
Canada Goose 12
Cooper's Hawk 1
Mourning Dove 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 3
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 16
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
American Robin 3
European Starling 13
American Tree Sparrow 1
Chipping Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 6
Northern Cardinal 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
House Finch 6
American Goldfinch 7
House Sparrow 20


In addition, to this list, we saw a Northern Mockingbird on Monday and just today had a Pileated Woodpecker in the backyard.

Project FeederWatch count for Nov 20/21

Checklist for FeederWatch Ontario Birds


Cooper's Hawk 1
Mourning Dove 15
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 4
Hairy Woodpecker 3
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 4
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
European Starling 3
Dark-eyed Junco 10
House Finch 7
American Goldfinch 10
House Sparrow 5

Black birds everywhere!

Yesterday, Thursday, October 28th, I observed well over 100 American Crows in a distant farmer's field. I suspect they were migrating and came down for a break due to the high winds. Luckily my mother and aunt were here to witness it as well. It was amazing to see so many at once (definitely a first for me!). They just kept coming and coming! They were too far away to get a picture, but it's something I won't forget!

This morning we have another massive flock of black birds in the yard. They are mostly Red-winged Blackbirds (including at least one female), and a few Cowbirds and Grackles. We also saw 5-7 American Robins, including some eating grapes off the vine on the back deck.

Just a reminder that Project Feeder Watch starts soon! It's not too late to sign up and it's a fun project to participate in.


Pictures of the Fox Sparrows we saw on October 23rd:

230 birds dead after landing on toxic oilsands pond

Published On Tue Oct 26 2010 Dean Bennett The Canadian Press

EDMONTON—More than 200 birds died after they landed on a gooey, toxic Syncrude tailings pond just days after the oilsands giant agreed to pay more than $3 million in a similar image-soiling case where 1,600 ducks died.

The Alberta company has blamed freezing rain for the latest landing. A news release on the company’s website said workers noticed the birds Monday night in parking lots and on roads around its operation. They appeared exhausted and unable to fly.

Initially Syncrude said 125 birds had to be killed after landing in its Mildred Lake tailings pond, which contains a thick brew of poisonous oilsands by-product. By late Tuesday afternoon spokeswoman Cheryl Robb said 230 couldn’t be saved.

“This definitely is not something that we wanted to see happen,” Robb said. “It’s hit us really hard.”

Provincial Environment Minister Rob Renner was first to go public with the latest case, saying his department will investigate.

“It’s discouraging in the extreme,” Renner said. “I thought we had moved the agenda significantly forward so that this kind of incident would be minimized, but the fact of the matter is that we are now dealing with what appears to be a similar incident.

“The timing,” he added, “obviously, couldn’t be worse.”

Last Friday, Syncrude was ordered to pay $3 million in penalties for the deaths of 1,600 ducks on its Aurora tailings pond in 2008. The company initially reported that 500 ducks were involved, but later admitted the actual number was triple that amount.

The ruling wrapped up a two-year legal odyssey that saw images of tar-fouled and suffering birds flashed around the world to the benefit of oilsands critics.

“It just happened last week and now we have this other incident, which is not only frustrating, it makes one angry,” Premier Ed Stelmach told the legislature. “But on the other hand, let’s get the full details about the investigation.”

Syncrude had argued during trial that the company was caught off guard by a late-spring snowstorm that left the birds with nowhere to land but the tailings pond.

Court also heard Syncrude was having problems with its bird deterrence program and was two weeks behind in setting up air cannons and scarecrows.

Syncrude pledged to restore its image after Friday’s decision.

The company said air cannons, flare guns and air horns were all working Monday night, but had no effect on the tired waterfowl.

“You know, the incident in 2008 is something that we’ve regretted from the beginning — we can do things better,” Robb said. “We just didn’t expect an incident again to happen at Syncrude. We’ve been doing our very best to prevent anything from happening again.”

Federal NDP environment critic Linda Duncan, who is also an Alberta MP, said the time has come to shut down the tailings ponds.

“This is reprehensible,” said Duncan in a phone interview from Ottawa. “It makes a mockery of the (recent) conviction.

“No amount of penalty or donation to a large institution will prevent this from continuing to happen.”

Opposition Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann blamed the province.

“This government has to take responsibility for setting standards, monitoring standards and enforcing standards — the basic role of government,” he said.

Mike Hudema of the environmental activist group Greenpeace said the latest incident proves that nothing has changed.

“Syncrude needs more than a slap on the wrist and this government needs to do more than just being the public relations firm for the tarsands industry,” said Hudema.

“The minister of the environment needs to stop being disappointed and start actually getting mad and regulating these companies.”

But Alberta Energy Minister Ron Liepert said the government will continue to foster the development of its oilsands resource.

“Clearly, we’ve got a very strong commitment to develop those resources in a responsible way and we are going to continue to do that.”

Bird List for Saturday, October 23, 2010

21 Species observed over a few hours on Saturday morning. Two exciting views- the Fox Sparrows and Hermit Thrush!

The complete list in order of appearance:

Mourning Doves
Blue Jays
Red-winged Blackbirds
Downy Woodpecker (M and F)
Canada Goose
Gold Finch (only one, but the first we've seen in awhile)
American Crow
Common Grackle
American Robin
House Finch (3M, 2 F)- again, the first sighting in awhile and the largest group in quite some time. They were very busy on the dirt pile out front.
European Starling
Dark-eyed Juncos (many in the side yard, working through the gravel)
White-breasted Nuthatch
Hairy Woodpecker (M)
Fox Sparrows (3-4 in the trees and then 2 were in the side yard, digging through the gravel. This was our longest and best view of these birds ever! Great pics to come)
Brown-headed Cowbird (M and F)
White-throated Sparrow
Chickadee
Hermit Thrush- first time seeing this bird in the front yard!
Northern Mockingbird
House Sparrow

On Monday, Oct. 25th we observed the Red-breasted Nuthatch for the first time weeks and weeks! Welcome back!

Tuesday, Oct. 26th- a Cooper's Hawk was in the front tree. Hopefully this guy stays safe (aka AWAY from the neighbour).

Thanksgiving Weekend Bird List

Some significant sightings from the last few days include:

Hundreds of blackbirds landing in the yard for a pit stop- Starlings and Grackles were feasting on the Virginia Creeper berries.





Yellow-rumped Warblers and Golden-crowned Kinglets continued to visit.




Our formal list for Saturday included: Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, 2 Chipping Sparrows, 5 Dark-eyed Juncos, Canada Goose (many flocks flying over and/or landing in adjacent fields), a record number of +50 Rock Pigeons, Down Woodpeckers, 2 American Robins (including some eating the grapes directly off the vine on the back porch), Black-capped Chickadees, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and the Hairy Woodpecker.





On Sunday we saw a male Red-winged Blackbird for the first time in weeks. We would later see two males RWBBs at my parents house.

We went for a hike in Glenorchy Conservation area on Sunday morning and we observed the following: Pileated Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, many White-throated Sparrows, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Cardinals, 2 great Blue Herons, an unidentified Hawk (unsure if it was Cooper's or Sharp-shinned as it was flying quickly overhead), Hermit Thrush (a new life lister for us!), Robins, Chickadees, Downy Woodpecker, an unknown Warbler (it was moving too quickly for us to get a detailed identification), Chipping Sparrows, Crows, Blue Jays, Canada Goose, and Juncos.

And to wrap up the weekend, we observed a Northern Mockingbird in the dead tree out back (another sighting we have not had for quite awhile). We also had more than 20 Dark-eyed Juncos in the yard on Monday afternoon.

So the highlight would definitely be the Hermit Thrush- another new addition to the life list! We were able to make the ID based on size, spots on the chest, and reddish tail. The Hermit Thrush is considered to have one of the most beautiful songs, but of course we didn't hear it sing (I guess it would be unlikely at this time of year).

Whatbird.com lists these interesting facts about the Hermit Thrush:

* In the Appalachian Mountains the Hermit Thrush is displaced at lower elevations by the Veery and at higher elevations by Swainson's Thrush.
* East of the Rocky Mountains it usually nests on the ground. In the West, it is more likely to nest in trees.
* Walt Whitman construes this bird as a symbol of the American voice, poetic and otherwise, in his elegy for Abraham Lincoln, 'When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'.
* A group of thrushes are collectively known as a "hermitage" and a "mutation" of thrushes.

Northern Parula!

If I hadn't been sick with this cold, I would have posted this exciting news right away. On Tuesday, we saw a Northern Parula in the Oak trees at the side of the house. This is a first time sighting for us! We were able to make the id based on the blue on it's back, the distinct white wing bars, the eye ring and the yellow breast. Such a beautiful bird!

Here's a thumbnail picture from birdfreak.com. You can see additional (and larger pictures at the link.



Here is some additional information on the Northern Parula from allaboutbirds.org:

"A small warbler of the upper canopy, the Northern Parula can be found in two rather distinct populations. The southern population nests primarily in hanging Spanish moss, while the northern population uses the similar-looking old man's beard lichen.

Cool Facts
* The distribution of the Northern Parula has an unusual break north to south. It may formerly have nested in that zone, and was eradicated. Explanations for the disappearance may be changes in habitat or increasing air pollution, which limited the growth of epiphytes on trees that the warbler depended on for nesting.

* Since the 1950s, Northern Parula has nested several times along the coastal region of northern California, far from the normal range. "


It's amazing how many different species of birds live in and/or travel through this area. We are so fortunate to be able to see such a variety of birds and that even after three years of record keeping, we are still surprised by new sightings.

Glenorchy Conservation area really is a special spot and needs our continued protection. Issues concerning green space, preservation and protection should be foremost in our minds with the upcoming municipal election. Oakville recently received some good news- there will be no new power plant built in Oakville! Yay!! But there are other threats to the area- continued development, proposed extensions of Burnhamthorpe and James Snow Parkway, etc. Please, please do your research and vote very carefully. Dave and I recently learned we are in Ward 5, not Ward 4, and now have to do our homework all over again in terms of Local and Regional Councillors. We are VERY disappointed in not being able to vote for Brian Burton and Allan Elgar (but if you live in Ward 4, you should really consider these green-friendly candidates!). Oakvillegreen is hosting an all-candidates meeting on October 12th at Town Hall. This will be a great opportunity to hear what candidates have to say (and pay attention to what they do NOT say- this can be just as telling!).

Saturday, October 2nd

After remarking that all was quiet in the yard, our sighting list took an exciting turn today!

Ruby-crowned Kinglet- a fleeting glance, but I think this was the first time we've seen this in the yard.

Gold-crowned Kinglets- at least three in the trees! This was our longest and best look at this species. It was amazing to get a close-up view of this beautiful bird!

Yellow-rumped Warblers- four or more were quite busy in the Oak trees.

Chickadee- a good view of this bird for the first time in quite awhile.

Some usual suspects: White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker (Male and 2 Female), Blue Jays (more than 20), Mourning Doves, Hairy Woodpecker, Great Blue Heron (flying high above), Canada Goose (multiple flying above), Brown-headed Cowbirs (M and F- the first we've seen in weeks and weeks), Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Robin (+10), Northern Flicker (F), American Crow (4), Cooper's Hawk (juvenile) and....

Dark-eyed Junco! The first of the season! Very exciting to see the return of this winter favourite!!

And in the last few days, we've observed some of the fall sparrows- Chipping Sparrow (5+), Song Sparrow (2-3), and the White-throated Sparrow (1)

Bobolink Update for September

This just arrived in my email! I hope the lands we have observed the Bobolinks in will now be protected. Stay tuned!


Hi Jennifer:

As you may be aware, the Bobolink is being designated as Threatened (as of today, I believe) and should be subject to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. I know that some of the discussions with respect to the subwatershed study have included the need to provide for habitat for area sensitive species and Bobolink was noted in the subwatershed study as needing more study. We have just received the functional servicing reports and environmental management reports that are a follow up to the subwatershed study, which should give some direction as to how they will be looking at dealing with species of this nature.

Bob Edmondson

Director, Watershed Management Services
Conservation Halton
2596 Britannia Road West
Burlington ON L7P-03G
T: 905-336-1158 x.228
F: 905-336-6684
www.conservationhalton.ca

All quiet on the western front....

It has been a very quiet week in the yard. Prior to our trip to B.C., the feeders were quite busy. In addition to the usual visitors, on the 2nd we had an Eastern Phoebe in the front yard, along with a Northern Flicker and a Red-tailed Hawk. On the 14th we had more than 35 Gold Finch!



We also had two Catbirds right on the back deck, hiding in the roses and hibiscus plants. We also observed the Catbirds and Robins eating the blackberries. The next day, we had three Catbirds up close again.







Then things started to get quiet. On the 15th we had a lone Grackle int eh yard- the first we had in awhile. On the 20th, we had two White-breasted Nuthatch, which was our first sighting of any Nuthatch in a few weeks.

Here's our official count for Saturday, September 25th

Blue Jay-5
Black-capped Chickadee (heard only- we haven't seen a Chickadee in ages!)
Mourning Dove- 20
Canada Goose- +20
Rock Pigeon- 2
American Crow
Cooper's Hawk (juv)
Gold Finch- 2
Turkey Vulture- 3
Hairy Woodpecker M
Down Woodpecker M
White-breasted Nuthatch- 2
Great-horned Owl- we heard two calling back and forth around 8 p.m. We did not see any GHOs last year at all, so it would be great to get another sighting soon.

On Sunday there were a few variations to the list with a Red-bellied male, a Grackle, over 20 Blue Jays, 2 male House Finch and a male and female Hairy Woodpecker together in the yard.

Birding on the way to B.C.

We traveled from Calgary to Fernie, BC last week. This drive gave us the opportunity to do some birding and add a few to the life list. We observed quite a few hawks and Merlins on the drive back to the Calgary airport- we'd guess somewhere around 50 over the 40 hour drive.

New to the life list:

Black-billed Magpie. Such beautiful birds! Love the colours and the long tail. They were in groups along the roadside.



We also saw the Swainson's Hawk. Here's the description from whatbird.com:


Overview

Swainson's Hawk: Large hawk, dark brown upperparts, white throat, rufous upper breast, pale buff underparts. Tail is gray with faint bars, dark terminal band, and white trailing edge. Yellow legs, feet. Alternates series of powerful deep wing beats with long glides. Soars on thermals and updrafts.

Range and Habitat

Swainson's Hawk: Breeds on the western plains of North America and southwest Canada from Texas to the Yukon. In the winter, most fly south to the pampas of Argentina, a distance of more than 5,000 miles. Preferred habitats include prairies, plains, and other wide-open ranges with minimal tree cover; commonly seen perched on poles or fence posts.



Another new to the list is a sub-species of Northern Flicker- the Red0Shafterd Northern Flicker is the Western sub-species of this bird.

Of note is that we saw a Blue Jay, which at the time we dismissed. When going through Sibley's later, we realized that Blue Jays are not very common out west at all, so it was actually a significant sighting. We just took it for granted b/c we see them all the time out here! Sadly we did not see a Stellar's Jay as we had been hoping.

In addition to the new birds, we saw a Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Red-Tailed Hawks, a Great Blue Heron, a Downy Woodpecker, Pine Siskins, a Turkey Vulture (juv), Crows, many groups of Robins and a large group of Ravens. The Ravens were congregating and making such a variety of calls to each other. It was really interesting to observe. We also saw what we think was a Junco, but we can't be sure if it was the Yellow-eyed (which would be new for us) or the Dark-eyed.

Project FeederWatch 2010-2011

Don't forget to sign up for this year's Project FeederWatch! It's a fun activity that just requires a few hours a week. Whether you get many birds or just a few, it's important to make a contribution and help out the birds! From Bird Studies Canada:

Project FeederWatch
Project FeederWatch Needs Your Help!

At regular intervals from November to April, thousands of FeederWatchers count the kinds and numbers of birds at their feeders, then submit their observations to us. This information helps scientists study winter bird populations.

Project FeederWatch participants receive a full-colour bird poster and calendar, a FeederWatch Handbook and Instruction Book, access to the data entry portion of the FeederWatch website, and the chance to contribute to a continent-wide bird research project.

Project FeederWatch is a joint program of Bird Studies Canada and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. In Canada, you must be a member of Bird Studies Canada (BSC) to participate. BSC membership benefits include a subscription to our bi-weekly Latest News e-newsletter, four issues a year of BirdWatch Canada magazine, free participation in any of our volunteer programs, and a charitable tax receipt for the full amount of your membership.

Next PFW Season: Saturday, November 13, 2010 to Friday, April 8, 2011.

Join Project Feederwatch

Contact Information:

Project FeederWatch
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160, 115 Front Street
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0
1-888-448-2473 / 519-586-3531
Fax: (519) 586-3532
Email: pfw@bsc-eoc.org

Oakville Municipal Elections

Municipal elections are around the corner- October 25th is election day! It's important to take some time to research the candidates. Issues surrounding the environment, the Natural Heritage System, green space, waste management, power plants, etc are of special concern for us.

Oakvillegreen has a very special all candidates event planned for October 6th at 7 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to meet the various candidates for council, regional chair, school trustee, and mayor.

Here's a link to the current candidate list in Oakville. Friday is the last day interested candidates can submit their intent to run.


I am looking forward to seeing what all the candidates in the various wards plan to do with regards to the environment. I do think that the current mayor, Rob Burton and most of the council are very pro-environment and green initiatives. I live in Ward 4 and I am supporting Allan Elgar for Ward 4 and Regional Councillor and Brian Burton for Ward 4 Town Councillor.

For those of you living in Oakville's Ward 1, you should know that John McMullen is running for Town Councillor. He is hosting a barbeque on Wed. Sept 15th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Bronte Harbour Yacht Club at 2514 Lakeshore Road West. The cost is 10.00 and all proceeds go to two local charities. You have to RSVP by Sept. 12th to bethstewart@teksavvy.com or call 905 582 0647.

Here's a link to more information about John:


And even though I'm not in Milton, I do hope anyone living in Ward 1 in Milton will take a good look at Andrew Salmons. He has been very helpful with my concerns for the local Bobolinks. I also really like his ideas about "integrating farmland, woodlots, and open space in an urban setting." Good luck Andrew!!


I'd be happy to hear from readers as to who they plan to vote for and why (you can post anonymously!) What issues are important to you? What is your vision for Oakville in the next few years?

Birds dying in oilsands at 30 times the rate reported, says study

Birds dying in oilsands at 30 times the rate reported, says study

Published June 7, 2010

EDMONTON—A new study says birds are likely dying in oilsands tailings ponds at least 30 times the rate suggested by industry and government.

The results add weight to arguments that depending on industry to monitor its own environmental impact isn’t working, said study author Kevin Timoney, an ecologist whose paper was published Tuesday in the Wilson Journal of Ornithology.

“We need to have credible scientific monitoring,” Timoney said.

Bird deaths are currently tracked through industry employees reporting carcasses. The eight-year annual average of such reports, from 2000 to 2007, is 65.

“It’s basically ad hoc,” said Timoney, who decided to take a different approach for the tailings ponds of Suncor, Syncrude and Shell.

He started with counts of dead birds taken from formal shoreline surveys of tailings ponds done in the 1980s to get an idea of deaths per square kilometre. Those surveys remain relevant because methods of deterring bird landing haven’t changed much since then, Timoney said.

The surveys were combined with studies looking at how many birds out of the total number that flew over actually landed and were “oiled” on the tailings ponds.

Timoney then factored in reports of bird deaths obtained from the Alberta government through freedom-of-information legislation.

Using averages for the mortality rate of oiled birds, and adjusting for the increased size of tailings ponds over the last two decades, Timoney came up with what he says is a more reasonable estimate for bird deaths in the 120 square kilometres of ponds he studied.

The 14-year median, including raptors, songbirds, shorebirds and gulls, is 1,973 deaths every year. That’s more birds than died in the April 2008 incident that saw Syncrude convicted of charges under the environmental protection legislation earlier this year.

And the total is probably higher than that, said Timoney. His study, which was funded by Dalhousie University, didn’t account for birds that landed and were oiled at night or that simply sank under the surface of the ponds.

The total mortality is unlikely to have much overall impact on the millions of birds from dozens of species that migrate through the Athabasca watershed, one of the continent’s main flyways.

However, Timoney pointed out some populations, such as endangered whooping cranes, are vulnerable to a single catastrophic event. As well, oiled birds that escape take contamination with them into their summer or winter habitat.

And Timoney said the disparity between official estimates and his results is disturbing.

“Industry-reported data on bird deaths are problematic as they are not systematic, repeatable and statistically robust,” the paper says. “Government should assume responsibility for development of systematic monitoring and research on tailings pond bird landing, oiling and mortality rates.”

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Minister Mel Knight points out that oilsands operators are required to have deterrence and monitoring systems in place for all kinds of wildlife. But he acknowledges there’s room for improvement.

“I would not argue at all with the study with respect to the fact that there could be better work done on monitoring, and we’re going to work to do that,” he said. “At the end of the day we’ll come to appreciate the advice that is being given to us and we’ll use it.”

Senior government biologist Todd Powell said the official figure of 65 dead birds wasn’t meant to be a summary of all mortality, just an indicator of where the birds are dying.

“The numbers that we banter around here are kind of unknowable because the way we’ve organized our system isn’t meant to estimate that,” he said Tuesday. “It’s all about trying to improve upon the system that’s in place.

“We’re working toward streamlining a monitoring process that gives us a more precise estimate of the number of birds that will contact the tailings ponds.”

But Knight told reporters on Tuesday that an end to industry self-monitoring is unlikely.

“I don’t believe there’s anything negative about the self-reporting system, particularly when we go out and do audits of what they’re doing,” he said. “That has to still form part of the ongoing work with respect to getting better.”

Timoney’s is not the first independent study to question official figures on the environmental impact of the oilsands.

Last December, one report suggested hydrocarbon emissions are nearly five times greater and twice as widespread as industry figures say. Another suggested that tailings leakage from storage ponds is also underestimated. A third suggested that if deforestation and wetlands removal are considered, greenhouse gas emissions from oilsands development are about 25 per cent higher than government and industry say.

Knight said government data are based on round-the-clock, seven-day-a-week monitoring by industry, unlike independent studies. He said government scientists are working to determine the natural levels of hydrocarbons in the environment so they can understand the industrial impact.

“On the basis of long-term monitoring and baseline loading, we’re going to come to the conclusion that of course human development has an impact on our environment.”

Pics from our trip to the Finger Lakes District