Details of Eastern Coyote, <em>Canis latrans</em>, Predation on Great Black-backed Gull, <em>Larus marinus</em>, Eggs on Boot Island National Wildlife Area, Nova Scotia

Abstract

We detail field observations of Eastern Coyote eating Great Black-backed Gull eggs for the first time in the literature. Photographic evidence of the remaining egg shells allowed us to identify the Coyote as the predator.

Decline in breeding of the Great Black-backed Gull, <em>Larus marinus</em>, and the Herring Gull, <em>L. argentatus</em>, on Boot Island, Nova Scotia, 1986 to 2010

“…It is noteworthy that there was an increase in the ratio of occupied to empty Great Black-backed Gull nests from 2006 to 2010 when the Herring Gull colony had been reduced to fewer than 25 nests (Figures 3 and 4). During this same period, Coyote began to visit the island and predation by this species became a more obvious and regular event (MacKinnon et al 2007).…”

“…Coyote sign (scat) was first recorded on Boot Island in 1998 with additional evidence (tracks and scat containing small bones) in 2000 and 2002. In 2004, one animal was observed feeding on Great Blackbacked Gull eggs (MacKinnon et al 2007). This animal readily swam across the narrow channel dividing Boot Island from the mainland and, on arrival, promptly started consuming gull eggs.…”