Southwest Bylot Plain facts for kids

The Southwest Bylot plain is a flat area of land in a very cold part of Canada called Nunavut. It's on the southwestern side of Bylot Island, right next to a body of water called Eclipse Sound. The closest town is Pond Inlet. This plain is super important because it's home to the biggest known group of greater snow geese that come here to have their babies.

What the Plain Looks Like

This plain is a bit bumpy, like gentle waves, and it's made of rocky areas and tundra. Tundra is a type of land where the ground is frozen most of the year. The highest parts of the plain are about 500 m (1,600 ft) above the sea. Over time, rivers formed by melting ice have cut through the plain, making it slope down towards the mountains nearby.

Plants of the Plain

Even though it's a cold place, plants grow here! You'll find short shrubs and small plants, along with a type of tundra that has sedges (grass-like plants). In the river valleys, there are also heath plants and willow bushes.

Animals of the Plain

The most famous animal here is the greater snow goose, which comes to breed. But many other cool birds live or visit the Southwest Bylot plain too. These include the black-legged kittiwake, ivory gull, peregrine falcon, Ross's gull, and thick-billed murre. You can also find other types of waterbirds and waterfowl here.

Bird Life Cycle

Many of these birds, especially the greater snow geese, travel thousands of miles to reach the Southwest Bylot plain. They come here in the spring to build nests, lay their eggs, and raise their young. The plain provides them with plenty of food and a safe place away from many predators. Once their babies are big enough, the birds fly south again for the winter.

Protecting the Plain

The Southwest Bylot plain is a very special place, so it's protected. It's known as a Canadian Important Bird Area (its special code is #NU013). This means it's recognized as a key spot for bird conservation. The plain covers a huge area of 1,511 km² (583 sq mi) and is part of the Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a safe place for birds that travel long distances. The Southwest Bylot plain is one of three Important Bird Areas on Bylot Island, showing how important this island is for birds.