Nestor One is located 35 miles southeast of Churchill and two miles west of Hudson Bay. The camp is only accessible by air in the spring and summer. Field work involves considerable walking in search of goose nests. Living conditions are primitive, but comfortable. The camp consists of three buildings: a 12′ x 10′ storage shed; a 16′ x 20′ mess hall and most recently a 20′ x 40′ building used as the sleeping quarters. The mess hall is fully equipped with all cooking items, utensils, etc. There is a shower, electricity (via solar panels and a generator) and running water (via gravitation feed from an elevated storage tank). The weather is highly variable, but often cold, dependably windy, and sometimes wet. June temperatures average about 35oF. Summer temperatures range from 20°F to 80°F, sometimes in the same day. Fog is common. We generally work any day that the weather allows. Polar bears are commonly seen and can be dangerous. There have been no serious incidents, but as a standard safety procedure we carry shotguns.
Research projects on Eastern Prairie Population (EPP) Canada geese conducted at the Nestor One study area have included range descriptions and aerial survey development (Malecki 1976), study of brood movements (Didiuk 1980, Nack 2003), determination of age-specific reproduction (Moser 1987), movements and nesting success (Allen 1996), and evaluation of population ecology (Walter 1996, 1999). Projects on arctic fox, breeding birds, and frogs have also been based out of Nestor One. In addition, Canada goose breeding density, nesting success, and productivity have been estimated annually since the early 1970s.
The study site area is now part of Wapusk National Park. Therefore, collection of any materials without a permit is prohibited (e.g., caribou antlers, whale bones, skulls, etc.). Also, all activities at the site must be now coordinated through the park, and all crew members are listed on our permit to work within the park.