Rouge Valley Conservation Centre
2009 Deer Census
Rouge River Valley
– Central Woodland Complex to
Steeles Avenue
By Paul Harpley
The day started out fully overcast at 9:00a.m. and with extremely cold temperature and moderate wind conditions. The temperature was definitely seasonally cold ranging from -16ºC in the morning to -10ºC by midday. As the light began to appear by 7:30a.m. the sky remained 100% clear the entire day. By 10:00a.m. moderate winds declined, making conditions pleasant for surveying deer. There was still some snow on the ground in spite of a major thaw a few days earlier. In the bush, snow was deep and compacted. In fact, with the recent cold snap (two days) the snow surface had become very hard and until about 1:30p.m. snow in the fields supported direct weight by surveyors walking on its surface. All surveying was done by foot with snowshoes, skis were not needed.
As in past years, deer were surveyed by signs (and estimated as to number) and by actual observation of individual deer seen. Signs observed and recorded ranged from tracks, trails, scat (pellet groups), beds, buck rubs, browse evidence, urine spots, kills (dead deer or parts – coyote or railway caused), corn and other agricultural browse evidence, to proto-yarding areas. Final day data was reviewed and evaluated by each major geographic survey area. A final informed estimate of overall deer numbers for the census area was determined by those in the field that day. The past established count methodology was followed and informed by current field knowledge of current local conditions as well as previous observations and past experience of organizers.
The census ended at sunset (5:45p.m.). A few key management comments can be made. There was evidence of deer hunting (poaching) in the area (within the boundaries of Toronto) as in past years. A few deer stands were found (some recent and relatively elaborate). Much coyote (Brush Wolf) track was seen on survey day, and some individual animals. As opposed to winter 2008, much of the deer activity was observed in the northern end of the survey area in 2009. Deer browse of a number of recent planting sites was seen throughout the survey area. A group of 29 deer were observed browsing at dusk on the survey day, on the recent tree plantings at the new pond site at Reesor Road north of Finch Avenue.
There were fewer buck rubs reported than in some past surveys. In winter, some traditional deer areas were being used more by people (and dogs not on leashes), and in these areas (old Woodland Park and the Bear Landfill and Little Rouge areas) deer have started to move out as compared to past years. Some future refinement to human use trails in these areas may lessen human impact on deer in these areas. In general all deer observed looked to be in good health. A few dead deer and parts were observed and documented.
In total, 150 White-tailed deer were estimated to be in the count area on the survey day (observed and inferred by sign), and 50 individual deer were actually seen by participants (mainly adult does, 10% yearlings, and 3 bucks) during the day. There were also 8 other mammal species observed (listed below – Appendix I). In addition, 21 species of birds were observed (or inferred from signs) as listed below – Appendix I.
Many thanks to those who contributed to the census.
Paul Harpley B.Sc. (Hon.) M.A. Doctoral Candidate, York University
Appendix I – Summary of all Mammal and Bird Data
Mammals Observed/signs seen on the Census Day (9 species)
Raccoon – 2
Coyote (Brush Wolf) – 4
Red fox – 2
Eastern Gray squirrel – 3
Red squirrel – 2
American beaver - 2
Meadow vole (snow tunnel systems) – 18
Eastern cottontail - 2
White-tailed deer – 150
Birds Observed on the Census Day (21 species)
Trumpeter swan - 2
Canada geese - 153
Red-tailed hawk - 4
American kestrel - 1
Ruffed grouse - 1
Wild turkey - 2
Ring-billed gull – 20
Mourning dove – 3
Great Horned owl – 1
Pileated woodpecker – 4
Hairy woodpecker – 1
Downy woodpecker – 1
Blue jay – 2
Black-capped chickadee - 43
W.B. Nuthatch - 1
American crow – 9
Brown creeper – 1
Common redpoll – 38
American goldfinch – 4
White-winged crossbill - 22
Dark-eyed junco - 1
List of Participants:
David Cartwright
Kathryn Cartwright
Dave Dickson
John F. Foster
Caitlin Gillis
Paul Harpley
Cody Laing
Robert Marshall
Doug Robinson
Sheryl Santos
White-tailed deer in the Rouge River Valley. Photo by Bill Lewis.
February 28, 2009
The official annual Rouge Valley Deer Census took place on February 28, 2009 beginning with the pre-census strategy meeting at the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre. There were 10 participants (Appendix I), including naturalists from the local Rouge area and other communities in and around the Toronto, York and Durham Regions. The Rouge Valley Deer Census has become well known over the years for its unique naturalist experience and consistent records and deer observations.
To donate to the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre click on the button below:
Special Events
Donate
About Us
Rouge Valley Conservation Centre © 1995 – 2010 All rights reserved