This is the smallest of all the Alberta protected sites at less than an acre. An island in Lake Athabasca, it protects a nesting site for Caspian Terns.
- Map of the Area
- Other Information
- Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist.ca)
- Site Statistics
- References
- Further Reading
- Site Inspections
Map of the Area
Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.
Other Information
Egg Island Ecological Reserve, located on Lake Athabasca, was established to protect a major breeding colony of Caspian Terns, a “vulnerable species”. The terns are believed to have nested on this island since the early 1900s. They usually nest near the centre of the island with large numbers of California gulls. The island is nearly devoid of vegetation on the windward side; on the leeward side, raspberry, gooseberries, and the occasional willow, balsam poplar, and aspen are found.
No access is permitted within 100 metres of the island during the bird breeding season from April 15 to August 15 [1].
Terns of Reference. The regal Caspian Tern is the largest tern in the world, easily recognized by its brilliant red fish-knife of a bill and deep, raspy call. Found all over the world, the Caspian favors both freshwater and saltwater environments. It feeds mostly on fish, captured in nimble aerial dives. On the nesting grounds, paired Caspian Terns perform splendid displays in the air, rising up to great heights in tandem. They migrate nocturnally and, in autumn, their rolling calls are sometimes heard overhead during the night [2].
Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist.ca)
Are you a member of iNaturalist.ca? It is free to join and you can help nature by making observations with your smart phone.
If there are no or only a few observations, how about visiting and adding some? While there, complete a site inspection report (but read the Site Inspections terms and conditions first).
Observations & Projects for this Natural Area
Projects in iNaturalist are created allow for the management of observations for different purposes (e.g. bio-blitz, bird counts, etc.). SAPAA notes the following projects but they are not managed by us. Nevertheless, be sure to contribute to makes these projects successful!
- Observations for this Natural Area
- No iNaturalist Projects
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Egg Island |
| Site Type | Ecological Reserve |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Athabasca Plain |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 612/92 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 534 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 401 |
| Total Area | 0.36 ha. (0.89 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | none noted |
| IUCN | IA |
| Operated By | Parks Division |
| Notes and Comments |
References
The following links are provided as a courtesy but are not verified or endorsed by SAPAA. Clicking on the link will cause you to leave the SAPAA website. Primary source of information is: Information & Facilities – Egg Island Ecological Area | Alberta Parks (All links accessed on 2023-01-23).
- Travel Alberta, Egg Island Ecological Reserve.
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds, Caspian Tern.
Further Reading
Site Inspections
- No Site Inspections to date.
SAPAA 