Cape Hay

View of Cape Hay in the High Arctic.

Cape Hay is an uninhabited headland on Bylot Island in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut, Canada. It is located at the island's northwestern tip, protruding into Lancaster Sound. The Wollaston Islands are offshore.

It is named in honor of Admiral Sir John Hay, Secretary of the Royal Navy.[1]

Geography

The habitat is characterized by coastal cliffs, rocky shores, and tundra. The elevation can reach 460 m (1,510 ft) above sea level. It is 3.5 km2 (1.4 sq mi) in size.

Conservation

The cape is a Canadian Important Bird Area (#NU004) and an International Biological Program site. It is situated within the Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary and the Sirmilik (North Baffin) National Park.[2] Other IBAs on the island include Cape Graham Moore and the Southwest Bylot plain.

Avifauna

Notable bird species include Black-legged Kittiwake, Thick-billed Murre, colonial waterbird, and seabird. The area is frequented by narwhal, polar bear, harp seal, ringed seal, and white whale.

References

  1. ↑ Brown, Richard (1983). Voyage of the Iceberg: The Story of the Iceberg That Sank the Titanic. James Lorimer & Company. p. 63. ISBN 1-55028-632-3.
  2. ↑ "Cape Hay". bsc-eoc.org. Retrieved 2009-04-25.

Coordinates: 73°45′00″N 080°22′12″W / 73.75000°N 80.37000°W