By: Raquel and Connor

The biology research team completed our first environmental monitoring trip this past week, deploying acoustic monitors on Pickerel Lake to identify bird populations in the area. The morning of our trip we got everything organized within the staff house for our departure. We were quickly picked up and relocated to Stanton Bay by Trevor Gibb, the park superintendent. The drive was smooth and without hassle, with Trevor reminding us of all the safety precautions and possibilities the trip holds for us. Upon our arrival, the weather was sunny and cloudless, with the waters being still on the horizon and onward.

Our first destination once hitting the water was to leave the Stanton area and head into Pickerel Lake proper, following the lake’s northern coast until reaching the first location we were designated to set up a song meter. The paddle there took the rust off the muscles and the trudge into the marshy landscape helped acclimate us to the rougher sides of the park, something that would help us in setting up the 12 other song meters around the lake.

These meters were being deployed in the heart of spring, also known as the peak breeding season of the local bird populations. Their purpose is to track and understand the location of these avian species within the different habitats of the park, using their calls as a form of identification. We deployed 13 overall, with some being in marshes, forested regions, highly elevated pine stands, and other niche environments. For each of these places, we would anchor our canoe on the closest shoreline and hike into the bush in a direct line to the destination, getting to see beautiful streams, forests, and fauna on our way. Once there we would ensure the song meter was working by doing a few tests, ultimately affixing them to a nearby tree and making the monitors obvious enough for our next visit to retrieve them, but also discreet enough to ensure they do not disrupt the experience of park visitors.

The nights spent on Pickerel Lake after this job were tranquil, with our team not spotting another pair of individuals the entire time. Spending time by the fire after hours of paddling was truly relaxing, allowing time to plan and get ready for the next day, but also to enjoy the views we had around us. Overall, this trip was a great preparation for what’s to come further in the summer and was a fantastic introduction to the beauty that is Quetico Provincial Park.