East Point (ON147)

East Point (ON147)

Southern James Bay, Ontario

Site Description

This historical IBA was discontinued in 2017 and incorporated into a new, larger site called Pei lay sheesh kow. The text and data describing this historical IBA are retained here for reference.

East Point is located in Ontario on the eastern edge of southeastern James Bay. It is about 70 km east of Moosonee, and within 15 km of the Québec border. The site includes the southeast side of James Bay, and extends north from East Point for about 10 km to Gull Point (near the Québec border), and south for about 15 km to the Missisicabi River. The area south of East Point contains some of the widest coastal marshes within James Bay. Supertidal marshes extend as far as 6 to 7 km inland, while intertidal marshes and mudflats extend another 2 to 3 km offshore. In some areas north of the point, scrubby vegetation extends almost to the shore, but mudflats and shoals are present and in some areas they are as extensive as they are farther south. In many respects, this site forms an extension of the Hannah Bay IBA, which is located immediately to the south.

Birds

During the fall of 1986, a total of 10,000 Brant (ssp. hrota), were observed at East Point over a 24-day period. This would represent about 8% of the estimated eastern North American population. Other birds occurring in significant numbers include 34,000 Long-tailed Ducks (representing about 1.2% of the estimated North American population), and 18,000 Dunlin (representing about 8% of the central Canadian breeding population).

In addition to waterbirds, large concentrations of landbirds were also recorded at this site. During the 1986 study, a total of 1,107 Rough-legged Hawks was observed at this site over an 18-day period (about 1.5% of the estimated Canadian population) as were 18,000 to 20,000 Common Redpolls over a 15 day period.

Conservation Issues

The intertidal and supertidal marshes south of East Point are within the limits of the Hannah Bay Migratory Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary has been identified as a wetland of international significance under the Ramsar Convention. The effects of hydroelectric development on the flow regime of the rivers entering James Bay in the vicinity of East Point are a concern. However, plans for such development appear to be on hold. Alterations to the hydrology of the area could lead to degradation of habitats through the disruption of water flows, salinity gradients, sedimentation patterns, and freshwater nutrient inputs.

IBA Criteria Habitats Land Uses Potential or Ongoing Threats Conservation Status

• Hudsonian Godwit2,383 (max.)
• Brant10,000 (max.)
• Long-tailed Duck34,000 (max.)
• Dunlin18,000 (max.)
• Waterbirds34,000 (max.)
• Pectoral Sandpiper489 (max.)