Seabird Colonies and Distributions around Devon Island and Vicinity

Abstract

Nineteen glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) colonies, two Thayer gull (L. thayeri) colonies, and three fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) colonies were recorded during one intensive, and several short, aerial surveys around Devon Island in the summer of 1972. Observations were also made of distributions of seabirds at sea and at colonies on some adjacent islands (Dundas, Margaret, Baillie- Hamilton, and Cornwallis). Only 2 of the 29 colonies examined have been described previously. The great importance of Lancaster Sound to the present and future welfare of arctic seabirds is discussed.