The Brier Island Nature Preserve

The steward for the Nature Preserve is resident June Swift. Working tirelessly, June has established important goals in the preservation of this vital area. As an author, photographer and amateur naturalist, she is well suited to the job. Many thanks to her for the information and pictures below (except where noted ). For more information on Brier Island's flora and fauna treasures be sure and visit her web site: www.juneswift.ca

Following are some of the habitats found on Brier Island:

Big Pond & Little Pond

Big Pond and Little Pond are shallow, brackish ponds that receive freshwater drainage from the uplands and are periodically flooded with seawater. Both Ponds are protected on the seaward side by a barrier beach. Just east of Big Pond is a relatively small dune system. Rare plant species have been found in these areas.

Basalt Cliffs

Sea cliffs, especially at Western Light and New Road Cove have a breathtaking display of columnar basalt cliffs. Jasper, agate and amethyst may be found near Whipple Point and along the northern shore.

Big Meadow

Big Meadow is one of the most striking features of the island. The raised bog, which is partially owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, is habitat to Dwarf Birch and the endangered Eastern Mountain Avens.

Bog Habitat

Bog Habitat consists of an area covered with sphagnum moss which absorbs water like a sponge. This is essential because the only source of water to bogs is rainfall. Bog waters are typically cold, acidic and nutrient poor. Some of the plants found here include Pitcher plants, Sundews, the endangered Eastern Mountain Avens, Golden-Crest, Curly Grass Fern and many different species of rare orchids.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Numerous seabird species frequent the shores of Brier Island and the surrounding waters. In August & September, large flocks of Red and Red Necked Phalaropes, Sooty, Manx and Greater Shearwaters, Eiders, Fulmars, Wilson Storm Petrels, Murres and Puffins gather west and northwest of the island.

Brier Island's strategic position along the Atlantic flyway accounts for the exceptional number of rare birds observed during spring and fall migrations. Rare species such as Hudsonian Godwit, Baird's Sandpiper, Yellow-crowned Night Heron and Harlequin Duck have been noted at these times.

During peak migration, it is possible to find thousands of land birds, including numerous warbler species, on the island. In the fall, the island's hawk migration is considered important, and in recent years increasing numbers of the threatened Peregrine Falcon have appeared.

To find out what bird species have been sighted on the island recently, check out June Swift's website: www.juneswift.ca, where she keeps a bird and flower log.