Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) Project

The Boreal MAPS in the Oil Sands Project is part of the continent-wide Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship program, which uses standardized bird-banding to understand the demographics and vital rates of landbird species. The project’s objectives are to advance knowledge of avian population dynamics in reclaimed, disturbance-affected, and natural habitats; gather data for estimating population vital rates of Boreal forest–nesting birds; and provide a research platform for complementary studies. In 2012, 24 bird-banding stations were operated across the Fort McMurray North and South locations, representing different habitat types. Fieldwork followed MAPS protocol, collecting data through mist-netting, point counts, and habitat characterization, with the aim of supporting impact assessment, reclamation monitoring, and conservation planning.

Results showed high adult population sizes overall, with Tennessee Warbler, White-throated Sparrow, and Chipping Sparrow among the most abundant species. Productivity varied by habitat, with reclaimed sites showing higher adult populations but lower productivity, suggesting potential sink habitats, while disturbance-affected sites had the opposite pattern. Two species of concern—Canada Warbler and Least Flycatcher—were captured in sufficient numbers for preliminary analysis, revealing strong population sizes but contrasting productivity trends. Diversity was highest in Fort McMurray North, with 118 species observed over two years, 30 of which are species of concern. Initial hypotheses suggest that vertical habitat complexity, rather than the number of habitat types, plays a key role in bird population size and diversity, and that diverse planting prescriptions in reclamation could accelerate avian colonization and breeding success.