People living near the Deschê​nes Rapids say kayakers and other thrill-seekers on the Ottawa River are putting a vulnerable colony of waterbirds at risk. Brian Tychie raised the alarm about recreational users of the Ottawa River disturbing protected waterbirds during the nesting season. Jack Hughes, a wildlife biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service who specializes in the assessment and management of migratory bird populations, believes the colony chose the island precisely because of its isolation. 'If they’ve chosen it, it’s because it’s a good spot,' said Jack Hughes, a biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service. (Brian Tychie) Hughes said the Canadian Wildlife Service will begin tracking complaints, and may start monitoring the island and speaking with kayakers and other recreational users.

Source: CBC News May 10, 2018 07:52 UTC