Seabird Concentrations in Late Summer Along the Coasts of Devon and Ellesmere Islands, N.W.T.

Abstract

The presence of large concentrations of northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis ) and black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla ) along coasts of Devon and Ellesmere islands was documented in 1976 and 1978 by aerial surveys. Fulmars were present along these coasts from late July until mid-September, with peaks in late August and early September along Devon Island, and mid-September along Ellesmere Island. Black-legged kittiwakes were abundant along Devon Island after mid-September, but common along Ellesmere Island from late August to late September. Densities of both species were significantly higher in front of glaciers than along coastlines.