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An Interview with Dr. Jeff Wells

Birds around the world are in trouble. North America alone has 2.9 billion fewer birds today than 50 years ago. Dr. Jeff Wells has been working with Poplar River First Nation to record bird sounds in Pimachiowin Aki using leading-edge technology—Songmeters—to record bird sounds and help identify any changes in bird populations over time. Jeff shares his concerns for the future of birds, as well as some of his favourite bird recordings.

Pimachiowin Aki is home to over 200 bird species, including up to 14 species of conservation concern. What makes the Land that Gives Life important habitat for this amazing diversity of birds?

The large, intact and healthy forests, wetlands, lakes, rivers, streams and other habitats of Pimachiowin Aki make it an ideal place for millions of birds to thrive as well as mammals, fish, insects, trees and other plants, and many other living things. 

As part of one of the largest intact forests left on the planet and one of very few large intact forests in the southerly reaches of the Boreal biome, Pimachiowin Aki is crucial as a refuge for the species inhabiting it today to be able to have healthy populations that are more resilient to climate change impacts.

The Songmeter project brings together Indigenous science and Western science. Tell us about your work with Poplar River First Nation.

We started the project in 2016 as a way to begin gathering more information on the birds on Poplar River First Nation lands within Pimachiowin Aki and to test a new tool (Songmeter) that could be deployed by people on the ground in the community who had the best idea for where it would be useful to know more.   

Norway Rabliauskas (now a Poplar River First Nation Guardian) took the lead and has since done the work of maintaining the Songmeters, making sure they are working properly and are programmed to record at the times we wanted, and placing them out on the land. 

The project uses Songmeters under the direction of Indigenous stewardship to decide what areas are best suited for and most in need of further bird inventory and monitoring efforts. This collaboration opens up new avenues for understanding and learning that will provide increased ability to monitor birds and other wildlife and plants in Pimachiowin Aki. 

How do Songmeters work?

Songmeters are sound recording devices in watertight, rugged containers. They can be programmed to turn on and off on a prescribed time schedule. The sounds are recorded to an SD card and the unit can be left out for months at a time. The sound recording files can then be downloaded to a computer to listen and identify the birds that can be heard singing or calling. Sophisticated software can also be used to search through the files and find sounds of particular high priority species. We usually have the units record for several hours at dawn and dusk each night when they are deployed for the summer breeding bird season.

What findings concern you the most? 

The three recent scientific findings that have concerned me the most are:

• The number of species around the world that are in danger of extinction has reached one million 
• North America has 2.9 billion fewer birds today than 50 years ago 
• There are widespread declines of insects occurring across the globe 

What findings make you most hopeful?

The findings that make me the most hopeful are:

• Lands managed by Indigenous people have better biodiversity protection outcomes
• Maintaining large, intact forest habitats have a large number of benefits to biodiversity and society
• 70% or more of the North American boreal forest is still intact and healthy and through Indigenous governments and communities it is and can continue to be maintained and stewarded

What are some of your favourite recordings? 

Some of my favourite bird species recorded in the Songmeter recordings include:

• A Barred Owl giving its “who-cooks-for-you” song that echoes through the woods 
• Several Whip-poor-wills calling back and forth at night
• A Canada Warbler singing exuberantly on a May day after returning from its wintering grounds in South America
• The rattling calls of a Belted Kingfisher in the rain
• Early morning choruses that include the sweet whistled songs of White-throated Sparrows, Magnolia and Tennessee Warblers and Ovenbirds and in the background the piping of a Bald Eagle and the yodeling cry of a Common Loon

The sound recordings provide an opportunity to share a type of virtual experience with people from all over the world to increase their interest in and support of Pimachiowin Aki and its communities.

Experience the birds of Pimachiowin Aki:

What are some of your fondest memories out on the land in Pimachiowin Aki?

On a trip to Aikens Lake and the Bloodvein First Nation in 2011, I got the chance to see, hear, photograph, sound record and video many birds, flowers (not sound record these of course), and beautiful scenes. It was incredible to see the ancient drawings at Aikens Lake, experience a drum ceremony at the falls on the Bloodvein RIver and thrill to the amazing birdlife throughout the forests and wetlands of Pimachiowin Aki. 

I have wonderful memories of watching and sound recording Bay-breasted and Blackburnian warblers in the tops of tall spruce trees, passing by a small rocky island on which were nesting Herring Gulls, hearing the loud, piping “Quick-three cheers” song from an Olive-sided Flycatcher sitting boldly upright at the top of a spindly tree in a bog, perhaps a bird just returned from its northern South American wintering grounds.

What’s next for the Songmeter project?

We were able to get a large number of recordings from four locations in 2016 from late May through early July. In 2017 we were unable to get the units out because of the fires and evacuations from the community. Norway deployed them again in 2018 and 2019. 

The Songmeters collected a large amount of recordings and processing them has been a challenge. We have only summarized the 2016 field season so far, and will be releasing in a joint report with Pimachiowin Aki in 2020. In the meantime, we have found that we can use the recordings to continue to engage the broader public to become aware of Pimachiowin Aki and its importance to birds by sharing short, lively segments of recordings of different birds through social media channels.

Have you used Songmeters in other areas, too? 

Yes, in the Northwest Territories with the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation to monitor birds on their Thaidene Nene IPCA. We deployed another version of this technology in the community of Deline on Great Bear Lake, also in the Northwest Territories. We have provided Songmeters to the Waswanipi First Nation within the Cree Nation in Quebec as well. The Moose Cree First Nation in Ontario has deployed these devices through their own project but has allowed us to use their recordings as they work to protect one of their most important watersheds, the North French River watershed.

Dr. Jeff Wells is a scientist, conservationist and author. He is the Vice President of Boreal Conservation for the National Audubon Society, and a supporter of Pimachiowin Aki.  

Thirty middle school students from Miskooseepi School in Bloodvein River First Nation enjoyed a thrilling overnight stay at Manitoba Museum, where they explored the wonders of technology in the Science Gallery and a private behind-the-scenes tour of the museum galleries.

Before they unrolled their sleeping bags and settled down for a sleepover at the museum, the students had a first look at the new Pimachiowin Aki exhibit. 

“It’s a part of who we are,”13-year-old Jenelle said about her ancestral homeland. 

Ainsley, age 13, said that keeping the land and water clean is one way to help protect the land. This sentiment was echoed by many of her classmates.

Miskooseepi’s language and culture instructor Yvonne drummed and sang with the students in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language). She reminded the youth of the importance of Pimachiowin Aki.  

“Let’s honour those who have walked on our land before us,” Yvonne said. “We thank the Creator for them.”

The students shared their gratitude for the cultural teachings they experience in their school, including taking ice-fishing day-trips, Anishinaabemowin, and going on dog-sled rides.

“I’ve learned how to trap different animals,” Trinity, age 12, said when asked what makes her school unique. They also learn at a young age how to care for, and respect, the land. Anishinaabe knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation. These young students receive the ancient teachings that will allow them to carry on the sacred responsibility of keeping the land.

Join the private tour: https://youtu.be/vdAyfWOB7G8

There has been much dispute about global warming and climate change but Anishinaabeg have long known that poor land use planning can have damaging results. The Elders who came before us have taught us to respect the earth. Pimachiowin Aki is a gift from the Creator, and Anishinaabeg have a sacred responsibility to care for it.

Years ago, Elders spoke about the impending changes in weather patterns and cautioned us that we must work together to make a difference for current and future generations, says Pimachiowin Aki Board Co-Chair William Young. “We have our own scientists,” he says, referring to the Elders in the communities. 

William generously translates as we speak with Bloodvein First Nation Elder Leslie Orvis. Born in Bloodvein, Leslie has worked all over Manitoba as a commercial fisherman, and is an experienced hunter and trapper.

Leslie sees the changes that Elders talked about long ago. “They used to be able to do various things, like make it rain. Now that’s all changed,” he says. 

While we may no longer be able to call upon the clouds to open up, the Elders in Pimachiowin Aki are the knowledge keepers. Sharing their traditional knowledge is invaluable. They talk about the effects that global warming has on the wildlife in their communities. 

At the end of November, Bloodvein was experiencing rain and unusually warm weather for about a week and a half. “When it rains this time of year,” Leslie says, “it freezes onto the twigs, trees and bushes, which the moose and rabbits rely on to eat.“   

Lack of food for wildlife inevitably affects the trappers and hunters.  

“The wolves are starving,” William adds. Recently three wolves were spotted on the road walking at night, desperately searching or food, coming closer than normal to residents’ homes.

Communities Affected by High Waters 

Dennis Keeper, a Pimachiowin Aki Guardian who observes the lands and waters in Little Grand Rapids is very concerned about the unusual weather patterns and erratic water levels that he has witnessed over the last few years.

“Usually at this time of year, the water levels drop and the current slows down,” he says. But this year is different. The lake froze once in the fall and then opened again near the end of November. Yet in June and July, water levels were lower than normal. Dennis says that in 2018 Little Grand Rapids had low water levels all year.

Pauingassi First Nation, 18 kilometres north of Little Grand Rapids, is experiencing its highest water levels ever, with some parts of the community swallowed up and becoming islands. The high waters prevent trappers from accessing their trap lines. 

“We have to rely on outside food, says Dennis. “It puts pressure on the community.”

It also affects communities’ access to transportation. Typically, for about one month each winter, people use winter roads to travel to and from the communities of Pimachiowin Aki. The roads are a direct route across the lakes. But those roads won’t open until the lakes freeze, and Dennis worries that the roads won’t be open for as many days as needed. 

 “It takes a month of minus 30 degrees Celsius for it to freeze,” he explains. It takes six to eight weeks to get the roads passed as driveable, which results in 22 to 30 days of winter road driving. The slow freeze-up can also result in the trucks having to carry smaller loads, cutting the weight of the loads in half from 80,000 pounds to 40,000.

This is unsettling news for Little Grand Rapids, which is expecting 1500 loads of supplies this winter via the winter road. The trucks will be carrying materials to build the community’s own much-needed high school this spring.  

“Global warming is not a myth,” Dennis says. “Come over here and see it for yourself.”

Elder Leslie says, “There will be days ahead that will be hard, and we have to prepare our youth by teaching them skills like hunting, trapping, fishing and survival.” He believes that we can, and should, all work together toward sustainable hunting in order to build a brighter future for all.

Each season brings its own gifts to Pimachiowin Aki. As the landscape, wildlife, plants and trees go through seasonal changes, life on the land changes, too. Use our calendar to gain seasonal knowledge and trace our traditional land use activities throughout the year.   

In February, Moose avoid travel because the ice on the snow cuts their shins.

Download the calendar

Parts of Canada are well known for fierce winds and dangerously low temperatures during the winter months. We asked the Pimachiowin Aki Guardians for tips on how to stay safe this winter.

1. Report to the Band Office

“Stop in to say hello, so that we know that you are out there,” says Bloodvein First Nation Guardian Melba Green.  

2. Travel with a Buddy

No matter how much experience you have in the outdoors, heavy snow and high winds can reduce visibility, making travel, especially on foot, very difficult. Little Grand Rapids Guardian Dennis Keeper warns, “It’s a good idea to travel with somebody, especially at this time of year.”  

3. Use Nature (and Your Buddy) to Stay Warm

Many years ago, trappers would walk to traplines as far as 100 kilometres away from the community. They knew how to survive the elements during these long outings. They would walk in winter and sleep out in the open, using shrubs and tree branches for mattresses and blankets. They would also build a fire, taking turns to stoke it during the night.

This knowledge has been passed down through generations to the many trappers and hunters in Pimachiowin Aki today who use the survival skills that they learned from their fathers and grandfathers.

Melba says, “Years ago, my dad, cousin and brother got lost coming back from the trapline and spent three days out in the woods. They made shelter, and huddled together, walking during the daylight hours through very deep snow.”

“Use old pine trees for firewood to make a fire,” says Colin Owens, Pauingassi First Nation Guardian. Colin also recommends building a shelter to stay warm if you are lost. Like Elder Leslie, he suggests using the branches from the trees for ground cover and as blankets.

Melba suggests using ferns, willows and young trees, which are flexible, and therefore ideal for building shelter. 

4. Eat Cat Tail Roots

Vegetation is scarce during the winter months, so foraging for food may be difficult. “You can dig up snow looking for berries, but you’re not always successful,” says Melba.

“Unless you know where the wild parsnips are,” Dennis adds. “You can also eat the roots of cat tails,” he says, noting that they are an acquired taste.

Learn more about seasonal trips, past and present, in Pimachiowin Aki: https://pimaki.ca/the-land-that-gives-life/habitation/

For more information about the Pimachiowin Aki Guardians program: https://pimaki.ca/keeping-the-land/guardians-program/

During this time of year, known as freeze-up, people usually stay close to home. But Dennis Keeper, Little Grand Rapids First Nation Guardian, reports that hunters and trappers are travelling greater distances than usual to prepare for the winter ahead.

A devastating fire has made moose and rabbits scarce, he says. “With no vegetation for the animals to eat, we have to go farther to find them. But we don’t have to go far to collect firewood.”   

People in newer homes do not have wood stoves, but they do collect wood for outdoor fires. Those who live in older homes rely on wood for cooking and heating their homes throughout winter. A wood stove is a great asset, especially when the power goes out during a winter storm.  

Pauingassi Guardian Colin Owens is confident that all members of his community will be warm this winter. Six men are hired to cut wood for those who are unable to cut it themselves, he says.

Stocking Up

Preparing for the long winter includes stocking up on meat. Little Grand Rapids was fortunate to harvest  moose this year. They also had a good waterfowl season. “This will help the community,” says Dennis. “We’re just waiting for the ice to be able to go fishing.”

In Bloodvein First Nation, trappers are setting traps for rabbit, lynx, beaver and muskrat on just one side of the island. “They’re going out on the land to put out traps, but they can’t cross the river until it freezes,” Melba says.

Once the land is covered with enough snow, travel will be made easier with snowshoes and snowmobiles.

The fur of beaver, rabbit, lynx, fox and wolf is used to make warm mittens and hats. Rabbit fur is used as an extra layer for keeping your feet warm. Blankets are made out of rabbit fur and moose hide is tanned and made into durable outerwear.