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The Société d’aménagement de la baie Lavallière (SABL) is involved in various studies and research undertaken in the wetlands of Lake Saint-Pierre.
One species of birds identified as threatened or vulnerable in Quebec, the Least Bittern, is the subject of a study localizing its distribution in the marshes of Lavallière Bay. This small wading bird is an indicator of the state of the marshes, according to water levels of the Saint Lawrence River. This study is conducted in collaboration with the Canadian Wildlife Service.
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An inventory of the colonies of Black Terns enables us to follow their evolution, and to detect various causes of their disappearance.The presence of this species allows us to evaluate the condition of the marshes as compared to the level of the Saint Lawrence River. The Canadian Wildlife Service is conducting this study, in cooperation with SABL.
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The Black Tern’s nest floats on water. It usually contains two or three eggs. Here we see the actual hatching.
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The Black Tern’s hatchlings are weighed and banded.
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Mr. Paul Messier of the SABL is personally committed to the monitoring of the population of Eastern Bluebirds, by installing nest boxes at the base of high tension power towers. He counts the number of hatchings, and bands the nestlings of this species.
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Waterfowl numbers are evaluated in order to establish hunting quotas, among other things.The condition of the waterfowl habitat is also examined. This study is undertaken by the Canadian Wildlife Service and SABL.
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The stage of moulting and general health condition is evaluated (to detect botulism and bird flu), for each duck captured. Then, a numbered band is attached to its leg in order to ensure a follow-up.
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The colouring of the speculum on the wings of ducks helps identify each species. The Green-Winged Teal wears striking green speculum feathers, the Black Duck has violet ones edged in black, and the Mallard’s are blue, framed by two black and white bands.
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Ducks gathered in an enclosure can only exit through the tunnel. In this way, as they are let out, one by one, they are examined, and then set free.
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Nest boxes are set up by the SABL in order to ensure the nesting of the Great Crested Flycatcher and the Eastern Screech-Owl. Other kinds of nest boxes are used by Wood Ducks.
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In Lavallière Bay, at its junction with the Yamaska River, a migratory passage has been installed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Fauna, in order to allow free circulation of fish.Thus, more than thirty species of fish can spawn in the flooded areas during springtime, and return to the river with the alevins (young fish) when the water subsides.
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The Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières has acquired a research ship, the Lampsilis, in order to undertake studies on aquatic ecosystems.
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