Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
A field of greater snow geese lifts off near Cap Tourmente, Quebec.
The over-grazing opens up the monotypic Spartina stands, however, leading to a greater diversity of plant
species and providing habitat for shorebirds and wading birds. The feeding activity also helps to recycle nutri-
ents in the system for other salt marsh consumers. The geese return to the St. Lawrence marshes in the spring,
though they tend to spread out more extensively along the river and estuary at this time.
SNOW GEESE ARE
not the only waterfowl to exploit the river's estuarine environment. Between Rivière-du-
Loup and Kamouraska, in the Lower Estuary, a series of dramatic bald islands stand in stark profile against the
river's steely face and, beyond that, the ramparts of the Canadian Shield on its North Shore. I once had the
privilege of visiting these islands to witness the annual gathering of eiderdown, the profits from which are used
to support conservation of this island ecosystem.
