Cape Vera

Cape Vera

Cape Vera (76.25 N, 89.25 W) is a stunning, 330 m high promontory at the eastern tip of the Colin Archer Peninsula on northern Devon Island, situated beside the Hell Gate / Cardigan Strait polynya. The site supports the northernmost colony of Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) in Canada, as well as breeding Glaucous Gulls (Larus hyperboreus), Black Guillemots (Cepphus grylle) and Snow Buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis). A couple of kilometres offshore lies St. Helena Island, which supports breeding colonies of Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima borealis), Thayer's gulls (Larus thayeri), as well as Glaucous Gulls and Black Guillemots.

The site serves as a northern magnet for migratory birds, as open water is available in the polynya long before any birds arrive, and thus species diversity at this site is high compared to the surrounding region. The polynya also supports a non-migratory population of Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus), as well as Bearded (Erignathus barbatus) and Ringed Seals (Pusa hispida). Unlike many other marine bird colonies in Nunavut, there is a large, coastal foreland supporting numerous freshwater ponds below the cliffs. These sites were the basis of well-publicized, collaborative research on biotransport of nutrients and contaminants by seabirds.

The field station has 2 cabins (as of 2011), one below the cliffs that can easily sleep 8 people, and a smaller one above the cliffs that can support 4 people. Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) are common in the area, so all people working at the site are required to carry and know how to operate shotguns, as well as having Standard First Aid certification. Above the cliffs, water comes from melted snow and is in very limited supply. Below the cliffs, however, there is a wonderful stream that holds meltwater from the nearby Devon Ice Cap --- a bit chilly for bathing, but lovely to drink. Access to the station is by Twin Otter or helicopter. A full field season runs from early June to late August.