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South Shore (Barrington Bay Sector) (NS018)

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South Shore (Barrington Bay Sector) (NS018)

Barrington Passage, Nova Scotia

Latitude 43.532°N
Longitude 65.585°W
Altitude 0 - 5m
Area 42.06km²

Site Description

This site includes the following coastal, sandy beaches of Barrington Bay in southernmost Nova Scotia: Burks Point, Sebim Beach, Northeast Point, Goose Point, and Clam Point. These beaches are scattered throughout the bay, which is large and shallow and contains extensive sand and mud flats. The climate is maritime, and there is little lasting snow and ice in winter months. The tidal range is about 3m.

Birds

In 1991, 11 Piping Plovers (globally near-threatened and nationally endangered), or 2.6% of the estimated Atlantic Canada population were recorded at the Barrington Bay area beaches. However, a 1996 survey found that numbers had decreased significantly to only one bird.

Sea ducks, such as eiders and scoters also pass through the area during spring and fall migration. Some of these ducks also winter in the area.

Conservation Issues

Nesting Piping Plovers are likely disturbed by beach-goers. Illegal hunting activities have historically been a problem at this site. Some hunters ignore hunting regulations by exceeding bag-limits on ducks and may also hunt shorebirds.

IBA Criteria Habitats Land Uses Potential or Ongoing Threats Conservation Status
Great Black-backed Gull
Number Year Season
3,0972014Winter
1,4782005Winter
1,3972000Winter
American Herring Gull
Number Year Season
5,0792014Winter
Great Cormorant
Number Year Season
3952000Winter
3941999Winter
3481996Winter
Dovekie
Number Year Season
122003Winter
Roseate Tern
Number Year Season
432000Summer
Piping Plover
Number Year Season
62020Fall
52015Fall
52015Summer
122013Summer
82012Summer
82011Fall
6 - 82011Summer
32006Summer
22001Summer
11996Summer
111991Summer
Savannah Sparrow
Number Year Season
252015Fall
312000Winter