Farah McCrate

The capelin rolling in Newfoundland and Labrador is an event that always sparks a lot of excitment. These small silvery fish arrive in abundance in June or July bringing with them a host of seabirds, whales and other marine life that follow the capelin as a food source. The arrival of the capelin feels like the kick-off to summer and many beaches around the province provide spawning grounds for these little fish. In Newfoundland and Labrador, word spreads like wildfire when 'the capelin are rolling'. People flock in droves to beaches to try and catch sight of or to actually catch some of these wriggly fish. They are a traditional food source and I remember as a child my parents also using them to fertilize our lawn. According to the provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador, there are over 30 different coves across the province with capelin in their name, demonstrating the importance of this fish to the culture of Newfoundland.On a kayak trip out of Chance Cove, Trinity Bay on Canada Day, I was lucky enough to witness schools of capelin darting this way and that underneath my boat. They move as a shimmering mass and it is mesmerizing to watch. The weather conditions that day meant I was able to paddle in close to shore to have an excellent view of the capelin in the shallow, clear water. I could see the females washing up on the beach to lay their eggs in gravel that had already been fertilized by the males. We are fortuante to witness this annual spectacle in Newfoundland and being in a kayak provided a really interesting and not commonly seen perspective on the capelin roll.

Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve is touted as the most accessible seabird nesting site in North America. It is located about 65 kilometres from Placentia and 175 kilometres from the provincial capital of St. John’s, Newfoundland. At this time of year (April) the birds are returning in abundance to their annual summer home. The cacophony of sound and motion are stunning to behold.

Pictured in this video are mainly Northen Gannets who dot the entire surface of Bird Rock. The surrounding cliffs are also home to nesting sites for other species such as kittiwakes and common turres. It is hard to fathom how they successfully hatch and rear young on these tiny ledges. There is an interpretation centre at Cape St. Mary's which is open during the peak summer season. From the interpretation centre it is a fairly level 1.4 km walk to Bird Rock. There are many great views of the rock as you approach, but there is nothing like reaching the last few steps when you are right there with the birds. Cape St. Mary’s is characterized by high cliffs with sheer drops. The weather in this region of the province is often damp and foggy so extra care must be taken when close to the edge.

Although the birds are the main attraction for many visitors, Cape St. Mary's is home to one of the world’s most southerly expanses of sub-Arctic tundra. Mosses, lichens, alpine wildflowers, and low-growing shrubs are a botanist’s delight. There is lots of IDing to be done! Additionally, there is a lighthouse at Cape St. Mary's. Neighbouring communities along this stretch of the Cape Shore include St. Bride’s, Point Lance and Branch. All worth a visit in their own right!