In spring these populations migrate north to their breeding sites and are replaced by millions of birds that have overwintered offshore on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. They are soon joined by migrants from southern latitudes and in the case of the Arctic Terns from the southern hemisphere. By May these millions of birds are busily engaged in breeding and nesting in hundreds of sites along the coast. Just about every small island and cliff face has a colony of nesting birds. The most important have been given ecological reserve status.
Green Island contains North America's second largest colony of common murres.
Birders interested in more information about Newfoundland birds can check with the Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador .