Overwintering Birds Observed Along The Mackenzie-Great Slave Lake Highways

Abstract

The Rae and Heart Lake regions fall within the Hay River, Upper Mackenzie and northwestern transition sections of the transcontinental boreal forest region and mostly within the Canadian life zone. The subarctic climate is characterized by long cold winters, short warm summers and light precipitation. Of approx 105 bird species that breed in these areas, only 13 species overwinter. An annotated list of these species is given.