BIRD LIST – Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

The following Bird List for Race Rocks Ecological Reserve was reorganized by Ernie Chang of Metchosin, BC. in November 2024 in order to have the correct AOU NACC order and to add observations recorded in iNaturalist. The Race Rocks species list and image gallery with all species recorded in the Ecological Reserve is the source of the Race Rocks List.

Race Rocks List (in AOU NACC order) iNaturalist list (link to gallery)
Order Anseriformes: geese and ducks:
Chen caerulescens (Lesser Snow goose)
Anser albifrons (Greater white-fronted Goose) Anser albifrons – 1 (Greater White-Fronted Goose)
Branta bernicla (Black Brant Goose): Branta bernicla – 1  (Black Brant)
Branta hutchinsii (Cackling Goose): Branta hutchinsii – 1 (Cackling Goose)
Branta canadensi (Canada Goose): Branta Canadensis – 18 (Canada Goose)
Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard): Anas platyrhynchos – 1 (Mallard)
Anas carolinensis (Green-winged Teal): Anas crecca carolinensis – 1 (American Green-winged Teal)
Histrionicus histrionicus  (Harlequin duck) Histrionicus histrionicus – 8 (Harlequin Duck)
Melanitta perspicillata ( surf scoter) Melanitta perspicillata – 1 (Surf Scoter)
Bucephala albeola (Bufflehead) Bucephala albeola – 1 (Bufflehead)
Mergus merganser (Common merganser) Mergus merganser – 1 (Common Merganser)
Order Podicipediformes: grebes:
Aechmophorus occidentalis (Western Grebe): Aechmophorus occidentalis – 1 (Western Grebe)
Order Columbiformes: doves:
Columba livia (Rock Dove): Columba livia domestica (Feral Pigeon)
Order Charadriiformes: other shore&seabirds
Haematopus bachmani (Black oystercatcher): Haematopus bachmani – 19 (Black Oystercatcher)
Pluvialis squatarola (Black-bellied Plover): Pluvialis squatarola – 1 (Black-bellied Plover)
Pluvialis dominica (American Golden Plover): Pluvialis dominica – 1 (American Golden-Plover)
Charadrius vociferus (Kildeer): Charadrius vociferus – 1 (Killdeer)
Numenius phaeopus (Whimbrel): Numenius phaeopus – 1 (Whimbrel)
Limosa fedoa (Marbled godwit) Limosa fedoa – 1 (Marbled Godwit)
Arenaria interpret (Ruddy turnstone): Arenaria interpres – 1 (Ruddy Turnstone)
Arenaria melanocephala (Black turnstone): Arenaria melanocephala – 19 (Black Turnstone)
Calidris canutus (Red Knot): Calidris canutus – 1 (Red Knot)
Aphriza virgata (Surfbird): Calidris virgata – 5 (Surfbird)
Calidris alba (Sanderling): Calidris alba – 2 (Sanderling)
Calidris alpina (Dunlin) Calidris alpina – 4 (Dunlin)
Calidris ptilocnemis (Rock sandpiper): Calidris ptilocnemis – 1 (Rock Sandpiper)
Calidris minutillam (Least sandpiper): Calidris minutilla – 1 (Least Sandpiper)
Calidris mauri  (Western sandpiper): Calidris mauri – 2 (Western Sandpiper)
Limnodromus griseus (Short-billed Dowitcher): Limnodromus griseus – 2 (Short-billed Dowitcher)
Actitis macularius (Spotted Sandpiper): Actitis macularius – 1 (Spotted Sandpiper)
Tringa incana (Wandering Tattler): Tringa incana – 1 (Chevalier errant)
Tringa melanoleuca (Greater Yellowlegs): Tringa melanoleuca – 1 (Greater Yellowlegs)
Phalaropus lobatus (Red-necked Phalarope): Phalaropus lobatus – 4 (Red-necked Phalarope)
Phalaropus fulicarius ( Red Phalarope): Phalaropus fulicarius – 1 (Red Phalarope)
Order Charadriiformes: Stercorarius Jaegers
Stercorarius pomarinus – 1 (Pomarine Jaeger)
Order Charadriiformes: Alcidae
Uria aalge (Common Murre): Uria aalge – 9 (Common Murre)
Cepphus columba (Pigeon Guillemot): Cepphus columba – 36 (Pigeon Guillemot)
Brachyramphus marmoratus (Marbled Murrelet ): Brachyramphus marmoratus – 1 (Marbled Murrelet)
Synthliboramphus antiquus (Ancient Murrelet): Synthliboramphus antiquus – 1 (Ancient Murrelet)
Cerorhinca monocerata (Rhinocerous Auklet): Cerorhinca monocerata – 3 (Rhinoceros Auklet)
Order Charadriiformes: Larinae: gulls:
Xema sabini – 1 (Sabine’s Gull)
Larus philadelphia (Bonapartes gull): Chroicocephalus philadelphia – 1 (Bonaparte’s Gull)
Larus heermanni (Heermann’s Gull): Larus heermanni – 14 (Heermann’s Gull)
Larus canis (Mew gull): Larus brachyrhynchus  – 1 (Short-billed Gull)
Larus occidentalis (Western gull): Larus occidentalis – 2 (Western Gull)
Larus californicus (Califiornia Gull): Larus californicus – 6 (California Gull)
Larus argentatus – 1(EuropeanHerring Gull)
Larus glaucescens (Glaucous-winged gull): Larus glaucescens – 13 (Glaucous-winged Gull)
Larus hyperbolus (Glaucous gull): Larus hyperboreus – 1 (Glaucous Gull)
Larus thayeri (Thayer’s gull): Larus glaucoides thayeri – 3 (Thayer’s Gull)
Rissa tridactyla (Black-legged Kittiwake): Rissa tridactyla – 1 (Black-legged Kittiwake)
Larus galucesens x occidentalis  -1 (Olympic Gull)
Order Charadriiformes: terns
Hydroprogne caspia(Caspian Tern): Hydroprogne caspia – 1 (Caspian Tern)
Sterna paradisaea – 1 (Arctic Tern)
Order Gaviformes: Loons
Gavia pacifica (Pacific Loon) Gavia pacifica – 2 (Pacific Loon)
Order Procellariiformes: albatrosses,shearwaters:
Phoebastria mutabilis (Laysan Albatross):
Ardenna tenuirostris (Short-tailed Shearwater) Ardenna tenuirostris – 2 (Short-tailed Shearwater)
Order Suliformes: Phalacrocoracidae cormorants
Phalacrocorax penicilatu (Brandt’s Cormorant): Urile penicillatus – 18 (Brandt’s Cormorant)
Phalacrocorax pelagicus (Pelagic Cormorant): Urile pelagicus – 9 (Pelagic Cormorant)
Phalacrocorax auritas (Double Crested Cormorant): Nannopterum auritum – 5 (Double-crested Cormorant)
Order Pelecaniformes: Pelicans and Herons
Pelecanus occidentalis (Brown pelican): Pelecanus occidentalis – 5 (Brown Pelican)
Ardea herodia (Great Blue Heron): Ardea herodias – 1 (Great Blue Heron)
Order Cathartiformes: Vultures
Cathartes aura (Turkey Vulture):
Order Acciptriformes: hawks and eagles:
Pandion haliaetus (Osprey): Pandion haliaetus – 1 (Osprey)
Haliacetus leucocepfalus (Bald eagle): Haliaeetus leucocephalus – 34 (Bald Eagle)
Buteo jamaicensis (Red-tailed Hawk): Buteo jamaicensis calurus – 1 (Western Red-tailed Hawk)
Order Strigiformes: owls:
Bubo virginianus (Great Horned Owl): Bubo virginianus – 1 (Great Horned Owl)
Bubo scandiacus (Snowy Owl): Bubo scandiacus – 1 (Snowy Owl)
Strix varia (Barred Owl): Strix varia – 1 (Barred Owl)
Aegolius funereus (Boreal Owl): Aegolius funereus – 1 (Boreal Owl)
Order: Coraciiformes 
Megaceryle alcyon  ( Belted Kingfisher):
Order Falconiformes: falcons:
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine falcon):
Order Passeriformes: corvidae
Corvus caurinus (North Western Crow): Corvus brachyrhynchos caurinus – 1 (Northwestern Crow)
Corvus corax (Common Raven): Corvus corax – 1 (Common Raven)
Order Passeriformes: Alaudidae
Eremophila alpestris (Horned lark): Eremophila alpestris – 1 (Horned Lark)
Order Passeriformes: Hirundinidae
Progne subis (Purple martin):
Hirundo rustica (Barn Swallow): Hirundo rustica – 1 (Barn Swallow)
Order Passeriformes: Regulidae
Regulus satrapa (Golden-crowned kinglet): Regulus satrapa – 1 (Golden-crowned Kinglet)
Order Passeriformes: Troglodytidae
Troglodytes pacificus (Pacific wren): Troglodytes pacificus – 2 (Pacific Wren)
Order Passeriformes: Sturnidae
Sturnus vulgaris (European Starling):
Order Passeriformes: Turdidae
Turdus migratorius (American Robin): Turdus migratorius – 1 (American Robin)
Order Passeriformes: Motacilladea
Anthus rubescens (American Pipit): Anthus rubescens – 1 (American Pipit)
Order Passeriformes: Fringillidae
Spinus tritis (American Goldfinch) Spinus tristis – 1 (American Goldfinch)
Order Passeriformes: Calcaridae
Calcarius lapponicus (Lapland Longspur): Calcarius lapponicus – 1 (Lapland Longspur)
Plectrophenax nivalis (Snow Bunting): Plectrophenax nivalis – 1 (Snow Bunting)
Order Passeriformes: Passerellidae sparrows
Junco hyemalis (Oregon Junco): Junco hyemalis – 1 (Dark-eyed Junco)
Passerella iliaca (Fox Sparrow): Passerella iliaca – 1 (Fox Sparrow)
Zonotricha atricapilla (Golden-crowned sparrow): Zonotrichia atricapilla – 1 (Golden-crowned Sparrow)
Passerculus sandwichensis (Savannah sparrow): Passerculus sandwichensis – 1 (Savannah Sparrow)
Passer domesticus (House Sparrow): Passer domesticus – 1 (House Sparrow)
Melospiza melodia (Song Sparrow):
Order Passeriformes: Icteridae
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (Yellow-headed blackbird) Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus – 1 (Yellow-headed Blackbird)
Agelaius phoeniceus (Red-winged blackbird) Agelaius phoeniceus – 1 (Red-winged Blackbird)
Molothrus ater (Brown-headed cowbird):
Order Passeriformes: Parulidae
Dendroica coronata (Audubon’s yellow-rumped warbler): Setophaga coronata – 1 (Yellow-rumped Warbler)
Setophaga townsendi (Townsend’s warbler) Setophaga townsendi – 1 (Townsend’s Warbler)
Now if anyone wants to volunteer to do the same with the other Chordates, the  invertebrates, algae and fungi on the Race Rocks Taxonomy , examine  iNaturalist records for other Ecological Reserves, Ernie Chang  has produced this handbook: https://ecoreserves.bc.ca/2024/11/29/using-ecoreserves-of-bc-umbrella-for-birds/

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve Proposed as a KBA – Key biodiversity area

In June 2023 Ian Adams presented for the Annual General Meeting of Friends of Ecological Reserves on the Key Biodiversity Areas program in Canada.  This presentation is available here: https://ecoreserves.bc.ca/2023/06/07/key-biodiversity-areas-ian-adams-fer-agm-june-2023/

The website of KBA Canada is here: https://gis.natureserve.ca/portal/apps/dashboards/8a89d50ea0b04c7790e19791ab9ae6e8


Race Rocks Ecological Reserve is on the list of proposed KBAs in British Columbia along with several other Ecological Reserves in the province .

See the pdf: KBASummary_GeneralReview_XwaYeNRaceRocks_2023-06-19 KBASummary_GeneralReview_XwaYeNRaceRocks_2023-06-19

Below is a copy of that document.:
XwaYeN (Race Rocks) KBA, British Columbia

Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris)

Instructions for Reviewers
1. Read through the “Summary of Proposed KBA” section.
2. Answer the survey questions in the Online Review App.
3. For additional information, see:
 What are KBAs and how are they assessed?
 Instructions for reviewers

Summary of Proposed KBA
Please note that this summary was generated automatically, and as a result there may be species scientific names that are not italicized.
KBA Name: XwaYeN (Race Rocks)

Location (province or territory [mid-point lat/long]): British Columbia [48.297 /-123.53]
KBA Scope: National

Proposal Development Lead: Ian Adams
1.
5. Trigger Biodiversity Element(s):
● Species: Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris)
6. Site Status Summary:
XwaYeN (Race Rocks)
is a candidate National
KBA for the following KBA criteria:
● National D1a [criterion met by 1 taxon] – Site predictably holds an aggregation representing ≥1% of the national population size of a taxon,
over a season, and during one or more key stages of its life cycle (Mirounga angustirostris).
● National D1b [criterion met by 1 taxon] – Site predictably holds a number of mature individuals that ranks the site among the largest 10
aggregations known for the taxon in the country (Mirounga angustirostris).
7. Site Description:
The XwaYeN (Race Rocks) KBA overlaps with Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, which was created to protect intertidal and subtidal communities
that are extremely rich as a result of strong tidal currents. Energy and nutrient inputs attributable to the nearly continuous currents are large,
and light penetration in these shallow, clear waters is excellent. These factors result in a high production of algae and invertebrates, while the
varied topography promotes ecological diversity. Consequently, the marine communities here are unusually luxuriant and rich. XwaYeN is in the
Coastal Douglas-fir Moist Maritime biogeoclimatic zone (BC Parks 2022), though none of the islands are forested.

1 Meets criterion D1b because it is one of 10 largest aggregations in Canada for this taxon.

2 Composition of 10 Reproductive Units (RUs): Elephant seals are polygynous so 10 RUs is 10 adults females and 1 adult male. . Source of RU
data: IUCN 2016; Fletcher 2016; Race Rocks Ecoguardians 2022.

3 Derivation of site estimate: Other. Explanation of site estimate(s): Five Elephant seal pups were born at the site in 2021 (Race Rock
Ecoguardians 2022; BCCDC 2022). Race Rock Ecoguardian observation data collated for 1 Jan 2014 through 20 Jan 2016 found almost continual
presence of Northern Elephant Seal at Race Rocks. Counts range from 1 to 34 individuals, including all age classes: adults, sub-adults and pups.
A best estimate of 5 individuals is an approximate average during this time. Source(s) of site estimate(s): Race Rock Ecoguardians 2022;
Fletcher 2016; BCCDC 2022.

4 Explanation of national estimate(s): Five Elephant seal pups were born at the site in 2021 (Race Rock Ecoguardians 2022; BCCDC 2022). Race
Rock Ecoguardian observation data collated for 1 Jan 2014 through 20 Jan 2016 found almost continual presence of Northern Elephant Seal at Race Rocks. Counts range from 1 to 34 individuals, including all age classes: adults, sub-adults and pups. A best estimate of 5 individuals is an approximate average during this time. Source(s) of national estimate(s): BCCDC 2022; Race Rock Ecoguardians 2022; Fletcher 2016.

*The threat status displayed is the one that qualifies the species as a criterion A1 trigger under KBA rules, if applicable. Other statuses may exist.

9. Assessment Details – KBA Trigger Ecosystems: None
10. Delineation Rationale:
The ecological reserve boundary was followed due to the presence of rich intertidal and subtidal invertebrates that are not well documented as potential KBA eligible species. This also facilitates management options for the KBA.

11. Technical Review:

Name Affiliation Email
Garry Fletcher Lester B. Pearson College (retired); Director with Friends of Ecological Reserves Society garryf use the @ sign gmail.com

Strahan Tucker Fisheries and Oceans Canada Strahan.Tuckeruse the @ sign dfo-mpo.gc.ca

12. Additional Site Information:
Rationale for site nomination XwaYeN (Race Rocks) KBA is the only Northern Elephant Seal rookery in Canada. As such, it meets criteria as a national D1a and D1b KBA.

Additional biodiversity at the site A unique hydroid, Rhysia fletcheri, was described as a new species from this site (Brinckmann- Voss et al. 1993), but its abundance and range extent are unclear. Several bird species stop over at the rocks during migration,Including Red Knot (Calidris canutus roselaarim, COSEWIC. Threatened). There are nesting colonies for seabirds including Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba), Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) and Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens). Brandt's Cormorants (Urile penicillatus) occur at the site but do not nest there.
Both Steller (Eumetopias jubatus, COSEWIC Special Concern) and California (Zalophus
californianus) sea lions use Race Rocks as a winter haul-out. Quillback rockfish (Sebastes
maliger, COSEWIC Threatened) are present and partially protected by a Rockfish Conservation Area (FAOC 2021, see Site Management). Plants including Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima) and Tracy’s Romanzoffia (Romanzoffia tracyi) are present. Rare lichens are present such as Orange Sea Lichen (Flavoplaca marina – previously called Caloplaca marina) and a Grey Lichen (Myriolecis straminea – previously called Lecanora straminea). Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) can be found in large numbers and will likely be added as a contributing species in the future.
A full list of species observed at the site is available at https://racerocks.ca/race-rocks-animals-plants/taxonomy-image-gallery/

Customary jurisdiction at site

Traditional territories of the Sc’ianew First Nation, Esquimalt First Nation, and T’Sou-ke First
Nation. Á,LEṈENEȻ ȽTE (W̱SÁNEĆ); Te’mexw Treaty Association; Douglas Treaty may include
Race Rocks.

Conservation:

The site is a BC Parks Ecological Reserve which is staffed and managed by Lester B. Pearson UWC (United World College). The site is part of a Rockfish Conservation Area, established by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to protect inshore rockfish;from all mortality associated with recreational and commercial fisheries; (FAOC 2021). Race Rocks is in Rockfish Conservation Area 19 (FAOC 2015). The KBA is within the Juan de Fuca Strait Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area (EBSA) identified by Fisheries and Oceans Canada as well as Critical Habitat for Southern Resident Killer Whale (Orcinus orca).

Ongoing conservation actions Formal education; Invasive/problematic species control; Resource & habitat protection;

Site/area management; Site/area protection; Training Ongoing threats Human intrusions ; disturbance; Pollution Conservation actions needed

Awareness ; communications; Compliance and enforcement; Formal education;
Invasive/problematic species control; Policies and regulations; Resource & habitat protection;
Site/area management; Site/area protection

13. References:
B.C. Conservation Data Centre. 2022. BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer. B.C. Minist. of Environ. Victoria, B.C. Available:
https://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/ (accessed Mar 6, 2022).
BC Parks. 2022. Race Rocks detailed ecological reserve description. Available:
https://bcparks.ca/eco_reserve/racerocks_er/Race%20Rocks%20ER%2097.pdf?v=1646607034131 (accessed Mar 6, 2022).
Brinckmann-Voss A, Lickey DM, Mills CE. 1993. Rhysia fletcheri (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa, Rhysiidae), a new species of colonial hydroid from
Vancouver Island (British Columbia, Canada) and the San Juan Archipelago (Washington, U.S.A.). Canadian Journal of Zoology. 71: 401-406.
https://doi.org/10.1139/z93-056
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (FAOC). 2015. Rockfish conservation areas – Areas 19 and 20. Website: https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-
gp/maps-cartes/rca-acs/areas-secteurs/1920-eng.html [accessed August 23, 2022]
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (FAOC). 2021. Rockfish conservation areas. Website: https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/maps-cartes/rca-
acs/index-eng.html#permit [accessed August 23, 2022]
Fletcher G. 2016. Marine Mammals Hauled out on Race Rocks Jan 2014-Feb 2016. online graph image available: https://racerocks.ca/marine-
mammals-hauled-out-on-race-rocks-2014-2015/ (accessed August 12, 2022)
Race Rocks Ecoguardians. 2022. Race Rocks species list and image gallery. Available: https://racerocks.ca/race-rocks-animals-
plants/taxonomy-image-gallery/ (accessed Mar 6, 2022).