Printable Coloring Pages
The Bay of Fundy Coloring Pages
The Bay of Fundy, nestled between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia on Canada’s Atlantic coast, is a region of extraordinary ecological diversity and striking natural beauty. Known for its world-record high tides, the bay's dynamic waters sculpt cliffs and intertidal zones that are both dramatic and richly productive. These tides churn nutrient-rich waters that nourish a vast array of marine and bird life, from the majestic North Atlantic right whales to flocks of migratory shorebirds. The intertidal mudflats and salt marshes teem with life, providing critical feeding and breeding grounds for countless species. Above the waterline, the surrounding shores are lined with dense coastal forests and expansive wetlands that support diverse terrestrial ecosystems. This interaction between the mighty tides and the land fosters a unique environment where each cycle of the tide weaves a complex web of life, deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage and livelihoods of the local communities. The Bay of Fundy is not just a hub of biodiversity; it is a testament to the dynamic forces of nature and their capacity to shape life in myriad forms.
American crow (bird) - The American crow, commonly seen in and around the Bay of Fundy, is smaller than the raven and features a more squared-off tail and a less imposing bill. Like ravens, crows are all-black and highly intelligent, often observed using tools and complex strategies to obtain food. Crows are extremely social birds; they can be seen in large family groups especially outside of the breeding season, and are known for their loud, cawing calls. In the Bay of Fundy, they thrive in a variety of habitats, from rural fields and forests to urban areas, adapting easily to human presence. Crows play an important ecological role by cleaning up carrion and waste, and their presence is a common feature across the landscape of the Bay of Fundy.
Atlantic Puffin (bird) - With their distinctive colorful beaks and charming appearance, Atlantic puffins are iconic residents of the Bay of Fundy, where they breed on the rocky islands during the summer months. These small but robust birds are perfectly adapted to life at sea. Their striking beaks, which brighten further during the breeding season, are not only a visual spectacle but also highly functional, capable of holding several fish at once during feeding. Puffins are exceptional swimmers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater much like they are flying, which allows them to dive and chase down small fish with remarkable agility.
Atlantic Salmon (fish) - Atlantic salmon migrate to the river systems connected to the Bay of Fundy to spawn. Intriguingly, after spending one to three years at sea, they return to the exact river where they were born to spawn, guided by a keen sense of smell.
Bald Eagle (Bird) - Majestic bald eagles are frequently observed soaring over the Bay of Fundy, hunting for fish. They build some of the largest bird nests known, often reused and added to each year, which can be up to 2.5 meters in diameter.
Bald eagles in and around the Bay of Fundy are a spectacular sight and an integral part of the local ecosystem. These birds are particularly drawn to the area due to the abundant fish populations, which are bolstered by the bay's extreme tides stirring up nutrients and attracting a plethora of marine life. The Bay of Fundy's unique geographical features provide ideal perching and nesting spots for bald eagles, especially along the wooded shorelines and on the cliffs overlooking the water.
Barred Owl (bird) - These owls are common in the forests surrounding the Bay of Fundy. The dense, old-growth forests provide an ideal habitat for barred owls, offering ample hunting opportunities and nesting sites. Barred owls prefer forested areas that are close to water sources, which are abundant around the Bay of Fundy due to its complex network of rivers and streams. These owls are known for their distinctive "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?" call, which can often be heard at night.
Blue Mussel (invertebrate) - Blue mussels are a common sight in the intertidal zones of the Bay of Fundy, where they form dense and extensive beds. These mussel beds are not only crucial habitats for many small marine creatures, offering protection and sustenance, but they also play a significant role in the ecosystem by filtering water. As filter feeders, blue mussels consume plankton and other small particles suspended in the water, which helps maintain water clarity and quality in their environment. This filtration process is essential for purifying the bay's waters, contributing to the overall health of the marine ecosystem.
In addition to their ecological role, blue mussels are highly valued as a culinary delicacy. They are widely consumed and appreciated for their sweet, rich flavor, which makes them a favorite in both local and international cuisine. Mussels from the Bay of Fundy are particularly prized due to the clean, nutrient-rich waters in which they thrive, giving them a distinctive taste that is sought after by seafood connoisseurs. Typically steamed or cooked in wine with herbs and aromatics, blue mussels are not only delicious but also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a nutritious addition to the diet. The harvesting of blue mussels provides economic benefits to local communities around the Bay of Fundy, supporting fisheries and aquaculture industries that rely on sustainable practices to ensure that mussel populations remain healthy and productive for future generations.
Dog-day Cicada (insect) - Dog-day cicadas are a familiar feature of the late summer soundscape around the Bay of Fundy, known for their loud and persistent buzzing noises. These cicadas, typically emerging during the hottest days of summer, are named for the period known as the "dog days of summer," which coincides with their most active phase.
The distinctive sound that these insects produce is a mating call, generated by a specialized structure called a tymbal on the males’ abdomens. This call can resonate through the landscape, reaching volumes loud enough to be heard up to a mile away, ensuring that females can locate them for mating purposes.
Dulse (plant - seaweed) - Dulse is a type of edible red algae that grows abundantly on the rocks at low tide around the Bay of Fundy. It attaches itself to rocks by a holdfast in the subtidal or intertidal zones, making it accessible at low tide, which is when it is commonly harvested. It is harvested by hand during low tides and is popular as a snack or cooking ingredient, known for its rich, smoky flavor.
Harbour Seal (mammal) - Harbour seals are a common sight, often seen lounging on the rocks around the Bay of Fundy. These seals can dive up to 500 feet deep and hold their breath for nearly 30 minutes while hunting for fish.
Herring Gull (bird) - Herring gulls are prevalent across much of North America, especially along coastlines and near large bodies of water like the Bay of Fundy, where they are often seen in large numbers. It is the most common seagull found in the Bay of Fundy habitat
Herring gulls are adaptable birds that thrive in a variety of environments but show a particular affinity for coastal areas. They have a classic seagull appearance: a white body with a gray back and wings, and black wingtips with white spots. Adults have yellow eyes and a yellow bill with a red spot near the tip. They are larger than many other gull species, making them easily recognizable.
Their presence is also important for maintaining ecological balance, as they help control populations of smaller marine organisms and contribute to the nutrient cycling within their habitats. Herring gulls are also known for their loud, raucous calls, which are a familiar sound along the shores of the Bay of Fundy.
Humpback Whale
Humpback Whale (mammal) - Humpback whales visit the Bay of Fundy to feed on the rich supplies of krill and small fish.
In the Bay of Fundy, humpback whales are primarily observed for their feeding behaviors rather than mating. The Bay of Fundy is a crucial feeding ground for humpback whales during the summer months. The bay's unique tidal dynamics contribute to high productivity of their food sources.
While humpback whales are famous for their complex singing and spectacular breaches, these behaviors are more typically associated with their breeding grounds, which are located in warmer tropical waters. In the Bay of Fundy you might still observe occasional surface activities, such as tail slapping and lobtailing, which serve various functions including communication, play, and possibly to dislodge parasites.
The focus of the whales in the Bay of Fundy is on the essential task of feeding in preparation for their long migratory journey back to their breeding grounds in the winter.
Lady's Slipper Orchid (Plant) - This beautiful orchid thrives in the moist woodland areas around the Bay of Fundy. The Lady's Slipper Orchid is named after its unique flower shape, which resembles a soft slipper and is a treat for any botanist or hiker lucky enough to find one.
Yellow Lady's Slipper, like many other orchids, is protected under various local conservation laws due to its sensitivity to habitat disturbance and its appeal as a collectible plant, which can lead to overharvesting.
The Yellow Lady's Slipper features one or two yellow flowers per stem, each with a distinctive inflated pouch (the "slipper") and twisted petals that create an intriguing appearance. The plant typically grows in the understory of forests, often in areas with dappled sunlight and well-drained but moist soils. This orchid's striking beauty makes it a gem of the forest habitats where it thrives, contributing to the biodiversity and visual appeal of these ecosystems.
Mosses and Lichens (plants):In the diverse ecosystems surrounding the Bay of Fundy, mosses and lichens play a significant yet often understated role. These small but mighty organisms thrive in the unique environmental conditions created by the Bay’s famous high tides and foggy, moist climate. Mosses, with their lush, soft carpets, cover the forest floors and drape over the rocks and tree trunks in the coastal and inland forests. They excel in this humid environment, helping to stabilize the soil and retain moisture, which is crucial for the health of the forest ecosystems.
Lichens, those complex symbiotic organisms made up of fungi and algae, festoon the branches and stones, adding a layer of diversity to the landscape. They come in various forms—crusty, leafy, or shrubby—and in a range of colors from bright oranges and yellows to subtle grays and greens. Lichens are particularly important as bioindicators, sensitive to air quality and environmental changes, thus reflecting the health of their habitats.
Together, mosses and lichens contribute significantly to the biodiversity of the Bay of Fundy region. They provide essential functions such as aiding in the decomposition of organic materials and contributing to the formation of soil. Furthermore, these organisms offer critical habitats and food sources for a variety of small invertebrates and microorganisms. In the Bay of Fundy, where the interplay of sea and land creates a constantly evolving landscape, mosses and lichens are key players in maintaining ecological balance and supporting the complex web of life that defines this unique area.
North Atlantic Right Whale (mammal) - Endangered North Atlantic right whales use the Bay of Fundy as a crucial feeding and nursery ground. They are easily identified by their massive heads and the distinctive callosities on their upper heads.
North Atlantic right whales are classified as endangered due to a combination of historical and ongoing threats. Historically, they were a prime target for whalers because of their slow swimming speeds, tendency to float after being killed, and high blubber content, which made them the "right" whales to hunt. This whaling drastically reduced their populations. Today, although whaling is no longer a threat, their numbers remain low, and they face new challenges that hinder their recovery including ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.
Peregrine Falcon (bird) - Known as the world's fastest bird, peregrine falcons can reach speeds over 200 mph during their hunting stoop (high-speed dive). They nest along the cliffs of the Bay of Fundy, providing them with a perfect vantage point to spot potential prey.
Raven (bird) - The Common Raven is a widespread resident around the Bay of Fundy, easily recognizable by its all-black plumage, large size, and wedge-shaped tail. Ravens are highly intelligent birds, known for their problem-solving skills and complex social behaviors. They have a varied diet that includes insects, small animals, carrion, and garbage, which allows them to adapt to different environments, from remote wilderness areas to populated human settlements. Ravens often form monogamous pairs that mate for life, and they are known for their deep, resonating "croak" sounds. In the Bay of Fundy, their remarkable adaptability and mysterious aura contribute to the rich tapestry of local wildlife and folklore.
One notable piece of folklore from the broader indigenous cultures of the Maritime provinces, including the Mi'kmaq—a group indigenous to northeastern New England and the Maritime provinces—portrays the raven as a trickster. In many of these stories, Raven is depicted as a cunning character who sometimes helps other creatures but often pursues his own mischievous ends. Raven stories serve to explain various natural phenomena and teach moral lessons.
Rockweed (plant - seaweed) - Rockweed is a type of seaweed found throughout the Bay of Fundy, where it forms dense mats on rocky shores. It provides essential shelter and food for a myriad of marine species and is also harvested for various uses, including fertilizers and animal feed.
Sand Dollar (Invertebrate) - Sand dollars are a fascinating and common feature of the sandy seabed areas of the Bay of Fundy. These marine invertebrates belong to the class of echinoderms, which also includes sea stars and sea urchins. In the Bay of Fundy, the unique tidal environment creates ideal conditions for sand dollars, which thrive in the dynamic, nutrient-rich waters.
When alive, sand dollars are not the white, coin-shaped shells that many people commonly find on the beach; rather, they are covered in tiny, velvety spines. These spines, which range in color from purple to reddish-brown, are crucial for the animal's mobility and feeding. They enable sand dollars to move across the seafloor and burrow into the sand for protection or to escape predators. These spines also assist in catching and holding onto food particles that flow by with the currents.
Sand dollars play a significant role in their ecosystem, primarily by helping to aerate the ocean floor as they burrow and sift through the sand, which maintains the health of the seabed habitat. This activity is essential in the Bay of Fundy, where the high nutrient turnover supports diverse marine life. Additionally, sand dollars serve as prey for several marine species, linking them into the broader food web.
The remarkable adaptations of sand dollars to their environment make them an intriguing study for both scientists and visitors. Their presence in the Bay of Fundy highlights the diversity and complexity of marine life in this unique tidal region, showcasing the ecological interactions that sustain these vibrant underwater communities.
Sitka Spruce (tree) - Sitka spruce trees line the shores around the Bay of Fundy, standing tall against the harsh maritime winds. These trees are not only beautiful but also industrially valuable, used in the production of musical instruments like violins and guitars due to their superior acoustic properties.