While many established Port Moody residents have learned to grin and bear the whistle that signals a CP Rail train coming down the Ioco spur line, one collection of newcomers isn't too thrilled.
A fledgling heron colony in Shoreline Park could be at risk of abandoning its nests due to the loud train whistle, say local environmentalists.
"This is a very sensitive time," said Elaine Golds, president of the Burke Mountain Naturalists and a PoMo resident, as the herons are building nests and preparing to lay their eggs.
Golds and others have spotted six nests, with a seventh possibly under construction, for a total of about a dozen herons in the area.
The large, graceful birds are extremely sensitive to noise disturbances and have been seen leaving en masse when the train whistle blares. Golds is concerned the herons, which are returning to the colony after establishing it last year with just a few nests, will abandon the area before they have a chance to hatch and raise at least one chick.
"Once their eggs hatch and they have babies to feed, they're much more compelled to stick to the colony… but right now their fidelity to the site is weak," said Golds, who writes The Tri-City News' Green Scene column.
Environmentalists have asked CP Rail to implement whistle alternatives — having a CP employee walk the train through the two level crossings in Port Moody — until mid-summer to give the colony time to establish but have been frustrated by the response.
CP spokesperson Salem Woodrow explained train whistle use falls under federal regulations monitored by Transport Canada; the whistles are used at public grade crossings in a specific sequence and apply 24 hours a day. In addition, the whistles must be sounded even if the crossing is equipped with flashing lights, bells and gates.
There are no exceptions for environmental and/or wildlife protection, Woodrow told The Tri-City News.
But Golds invoked other regulations, suggesting CP could be held liable under the BC Wildlife Act if there is evidence a colony has been abandoned because of noise or construction. A large colony of about 200 herons that had made Colony Farm Park home for about 20 years recently abandoned the area and Golds suspects it was due to the work around dismantling the old Port Mann Bridge.
"We just wish [CP Rail] would be a little more diligent about taking care of our wildlife," she said.
In the meantime, Golds is asking Shoreline Trail users to be aware of the heron colony and not gather in large groups near the nests, which have been cordoned off by city staff.
"This is a very critical time and people need to be very respectful in the area," she said.
