Returning Species
Returning Species
Returning Species: This is a term that we have attributed to species that had previously inhabited the 1000 Islands ( extirpated ) and are now successfully returning to the Islands and re-establishing sustainable populations.
Photo credit to Andrew Kane and Feather in Flight Productions ©
Bald Eagle:
Some of the more common Returning Species that you will notice in the 1000 Islands are the Bald Eagles soaring overhead. They are not hard to tell apart from the many hawks and Osprey that we are so used to seeing. Bald Eagles can have an average wingspan of 80 inches while Osprey average out at 60 inches.
In May 2023 the Ontario government announced that the Bald Eagle was
declared no longer at risk.
Photo credit to Stuart Arnett ©
Trumpeter Swan:
Swans have made a huge comeback in the 1000 Islands, but it is important to note that there are actually 3 distinct species of swans that inhabit North America, and all 3 visit the 1000 Islands. Originally native to Ontario, the Trumpeter Swans extirpation from eastern Canada over 200 years ago was primarily due to hunting pressure and habitat loss.
Biologist Harry Lumsden at the Wye Marsh Center began a provincial reintroduction program in the early 1980’s to re-establish the Trumpeter swan in its former habitat and range. Trumpeter Swans in Ontario now have a population that is sustainable and no longer relies on rehabilitation facilities.
https://www.wyemarsh.com/swans
What you can do to help:
Report Trumpeter Swan sightings
https://www.trumpeterswanconservationontario.com/copy-of-report-injury
Do not feed them (or any other waterfowl) bread
https://www.wyemarsh.com/usercontent/PDFs/Angel_Wing_Syndrome.pdf
Click here to read more about trumpeter swans.
Photo credit to Stuart Arnett ©
River Otter:
River Otters are the fun mammals of the 1000 Islands. Curious, playful and excellent swimmers make them amazing animals to watch and photograph. They are gradually becoming more popular throughout the many rivers of Ontario, and the St. Lawrence is no exception.
River otter populations declined significantly throughout the late 1800s due to over-harvesting and water pollution. However, through conservation management and reintroduction efforts, populations have recuperated and are now considered stable or increasing.
https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/what-we-do/resource-centre/featured-species/mammals/river-otter.html
Pitch Pine on Blue Mountain, Leeds and the Thousand Islands, photo by Doug Bickerton ©
Pitch Pine:
The Ontario Pitch Pine population is found at the northeastern range margin of the species, mainly occurring within the Thousand Islands Ecosystem on the Frontenac Arch Precambrian shield exposed rock. To the south the Pitch pine occupies eastern United States habitats from central Maine south to northern Georgia where it is often the dominant species in pine barrens.
In 2003 there were fewer than 20,000 Pitch Pines remaining in Canada, all old growth with few seedlings or saplings to indicate any chance of survival of the Canadian growth. Doug Bickerton of Gananoque made it his mission to save the Pitch Pine. Out of his basement germination chamber he was able to produce around 1000 seedlings a year (the steps to germinate pitch pine seeds are posted on the TIA website under the Returning Species tab along with specific planting instructions if you are lucky enough to obtain a Pitch Pine seedling). Approximately half of Doug’s seedlings went to Parks Canada where they were planted on Parks Canada property in the Thousand Islands. The rest were distributed to individuals and to the Gananoque Urban Forestry Advisory Committee. There are now young Pitch Pines growing on the Islands, in Gananoque and along the Thousand Island Parkway, thanks to a dedicated group.
* If you would like to purchase a Pitch Pine seedling, all of Doug’s seeds have gone to the Ferguson Tree Nursery (a not for profit) where they sell young trees in 2 gallon pots.
For more details on growing and caring for Pitch Pines, here are links for more information: