Hope soars as endangered black swifts build most nests in 17 years in Banff's Johnston Canyon
Nesting habitat of endangered bird species, monitored in Banff National Park since 2015, protected by closure
An at-risk bird population now has the highest number of recorded nests in 17 years at Banff's Johnston Canyon.
Canada's population of black swifts — a smallish bird characterized by dark plumage, streamlined body and long, curved, pointed wings — has been declining for decades.
Between 1973 and 2012, their numbers declined by more than 50 per cent. They're now listed under the Species at Risk Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Canada National Parks Act.
But things seem to be looking up. According to Parks Canada, five active nests were discovered in Johnston Canyon this year.
Jennifer Reimer, a wildlife biologist who leads the black swift monitoring program for Parks Canada, says this increase in successful nests is exciting, especially since the bird lays only one egg a year.
"It's pretty significant given that over the last 16 plus years, we've only had one or two active nests. Last year, we had an increase in nesting numbers as well," she said.
While it's still too soon to say the black swift is making a comeback in Banff, Reimer is hopeful that by next year's update, the numbers will remain stable or improve.
The endangered bird has been monitored in the national park since 2015. Parks Canada says there are only two known nesting areas.
"It is likely that black swifts will return every year to the same nesting sites in various places throughout Johnston Canyon. Nesting habitat is limited as they nest in crevices or ledges on cliff faces, near or beside waterfalls," said Parks Canada in statement.
- At-risk bird species increases its numbers in Johnston Canyon
- Photogs trespassing on habitat of endangered black swifts face whopping fines
Parks Canada has plans to collect more information from the five nests, but it is also asking the public to do its bit to help the population recover.
"We're calling on the public to adhere to the seasonal restriction, maintain that buffer between visitors and nesting birds, as well as ask questions and do research on the birds' life history a bit more," said Reimer.
In 2018, an official order was implemented to keep hikers from wandering off the trails in Johnston Canyon, in part to protect the black swift.
With files from Karina Zapata and Hannah Kost