These included the first Irish occurrences of Bonaparte's Gull and American Bittern. These wetlands are the southernmost nesting site for the American bittern. The sanctuary is Vancouver Island's only documented breeding site of American bittern. Also American bittern, canvasback and Ross's goose. The American bittern is protected under the United States Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. The American bittern ("Botaurus lentiginosus") is a species of wading bird in the heron family. Other species sought by birdwatchers include American bittern, seaside sparrow, fulvous whistling-duck, and black rail.