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Drawing on the Salish Sea: A Zoom course in support of the Mitlenatch Island Stewardship Team (MIST)Have you wished that you could keep a nature journal or paint the life around you? During three Zoom sessions you can explore how to quickly capture wildflowers, inter-tidal life and birds You’ll learn how to draw quickly and accurately, starting with simple shapes, then using some refining techniques, which will help you draw with less frustration!You’ll look at materials: papers, pens, and coloured mediums like pencil crayons. Then you’ll jump into watercolours with a simple palette and mixes as well as quick watercolour techniques you can use in the field or at home. All the lessons will be accompanied with downloadable notes.You will finish the course ready to start your own Nature Journal.Zoom recordings will allow you watch the sessions at your convenience during the course and for a month after we wrap up. About Mitlenatch Island:Mitlenatch Island is a small rocky island that sits between Campbell River and Powell River, in the Salish Sea. Cast in the rain shadow of Vancouver Island, its flanks are clad in golden grasses and its meadows host an explosion of spring wildflowers. Anchored where tides rush in from the north and south, rich waters encircling the island teem with fish; intertidal life flourishes and thousands of seabirds nest on cliffs, in rocks, and on open ground. It’s shores provide refuge for mother seals with their pups, and haul out for sea lions in the winter. In recent years Humpbacks have returned to nearby waters, to feed on krill and schooling fish. With so much life, much of it on exposed nesting areas, the island has a special vulnerability. The Mist volunteer wardens are in place for the summer months to welcome people to the island (which is accessible by boat only) and to relate to visitors the natural and human history of the island. For 25 years Alison Watt has spent a week on the island in the summer, as a volunteer warden. Her journals are full of Mitlenatch sketches. She finds it a delight and a privilege to return each year to this jewel of the Salish Sea. MIST is a special organisation which works closely with BC Provincial Parks to ensure that Mitlenatch Island remains a haven for the plants and animals of the Salish Sea.Sign up and donate through www.alisonwatt.ca/drawing-on-the-salish-seaFor more information on Mitlenatch Island visit www.mitlenatch.ca/mitlenatch-island
Comox Valley Nature invites its members and the public to CVN’s October general meeting, where you can hear the following keynote presentation by our guest speaker: Birdbrains – Smarter than you think- with Sandra Milligan Once dismissed as “birdbrains,” birds are now recognized for their remarkable intelligence. Sandra explores the evolution of our understanding of avian neuroanatomy, focusing on local species. Through engaging stories and videos, Sandra explores how birds solve problems, use tools, express empathy, and communicate with rich vocabulary – inviting you to see these creatures with newfound respect and wonder.Sandra Milligan has been teaching university level biology at North Island College for over twenty years. With graduate degrees in neuroscience, she’s now a generalist, naturalist, and lifelong learner. In Campbell River, she’s a recognized environmental advocate and public educator. Her passion for birding has evolved into a deep interest in avian behaviour and intelligence. Drawing on her neuroanatomy background, Sandra has followed the growing research on bird cognition, confirming what many intuitively felt – birds display an extraordinary range of intelligent behaviours. Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 3 pm in the main hall of Comox United Church, 250 Beach Drive, Comox. Members of the public welcome.This will be an in-person only meeting. We will not record the presentation on this occasion [this is a correction to previous information].As always, there will be a break after the presentation with a chance to meet new people and socialize with old friends. Tea, coffee and treats will be available (by donation).A brief meeting follows. Reports from some of our interest groups and projects are an opportunity for guests to learn more about what we do.
It's that time of year! A couple of off leash dogs have been seen romping at the confluence of Morrison Creek and the Puntledge River. Dogs get quite excited to see those big chum. The chum do spawn right at the mouth of the creek, salmon eggs are very sensitive to disturbance so paws, or feet, in the creek kill eggs. Keep your dog on a leash, especially if you do not want a smelly dog! Dogs like to roll in dead fish. Salmon spook, be a quiet calm wildlife paparazzi.
Fish Walk!!! ( Well, not really...but don't miss this chance to follow their journey!)Join the Morrison Creek Streamkeepers for a walk along Morrison Creek, starting at its confluence with the Puntledge River in Puntledge Park, to watch salmon spawning after their remarkable journey back from the ocean. Register here: form.jotform.com/262924316992264
Thanks to community support, a property in Deep Bay is now protected, safeguarding its mature forests, salmon streams and diverse shoreline.Now, we’re helping restore this land so it can regenerate into a healthy forest.Join the Comox Valley land Trust and WolfTree for a hands-on day to rehabilitate the former homestead by planting trees and shrubsIf you'd like to volunteer your time, the work party is Sunday, October 25th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.Meet at Rosewall creek Provincial Park parking lot at 9:50 to carpool to the deep bay restoration site.See this link or link in bio to register and for more information: www.jotform.com/form/262826298698277
Author Archives: Krista
Bird Outing Report: Moorecroft Park, June 17, 2017
Seven birders went to Moorecroft R.P. in Nanoose Bay. The weather was overcast with a cool breeze off the water. The park was fairly quiet with only 20 species found. An early lunch there was freezing (the birders, not the … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Wildwood Marsh & One Spot Trail,May 31,2017
This morning five birders went to Wildwood Marsh and the far north end of One Spot Trail. Highlights were a Pied-billed Grebe, baby Wood Ducks and a Red-breasted Sapsucker entering the nest, all at the Swamp; and at least four … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Bear Creek Park, May 25, 2017
Today, May 25th, twelve birders spent a sunny morning at Bear Creek Nature Park and found 30 species. Birds were active and abundant with many individuals heard and seen. Common Merganser Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Rufous Hummingbird Belted Kingfisher Red-breasted … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Eagles Drive Park, May 18,2017
It was an interesting morning as six birders went out to Eagles Drive and saw 31 species, including a Western Wood-Pewee. The other highlight was going down to the beach to see a handful of Harlequin Ducks and 18 Band-tailed … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Pipeline Area, May 4,2017
Six birders went out to the pipeline for a gray morning and saw or heard 30 species. Highlights were a good look at a MacGillivray’s Warbler singing his heart out, many ‘boys’ displaying for their ‘girls’, especially the hummingbirds, and … Continue reading
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Comox Spring Bird Count Report: Sun. Apr. 30, 2017
The Comox Valley Annual Spring Bird Count was held on Sun. April 30 and resulted in a total of 135 species. Notable birds included House Wren, California Quail and Bullock’s Oriole. Greater White-fronted Goose Brant Canada Goose Trumpeter Swan American … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Cumberland Marsh, Apr. 27, 2017
Today, April 27th, thirteen birders spent a pleasant morning at Cumberland Marsh; the rain started just as we finished. We found 29 species; highlights were many spring arrivals, Anna’s Hummingbird on a nest, and breeding plumage Wood Duck and Hooded … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Lazo Marsh & Nature Park, Apr. 20,2017
Today, April 20th, we finally had a Thursday with a break in the weather . Twelve birders spent a sunny morning at Lazo Marsh and Lazo Wildlife Park and found 35 species. Highlights were many spring arrivals including Purple Martins … Continue reading
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Trumpeter Swan Counts 2016/2017
Apr. 19, 2017: TRUS adults 11 Juv. 8 Total 19 27 additional swans (5 adults, 22 juveniles) were seen at Comox Bay Farm but not included in the official total. The swan count is now finished for the season. Apr. … Continue reading
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Macdonald Wood AGM Features Speaker Art Martell
Noted local birder Art Martell is guest speaker at the Macdonald Wood Park Society (MWPS) annual general meeting on April 18th. Art’s new talk is entitled “Some of our Common Forest Birds and their Conservation”. As the Volunteer Caretaker for … Continue reading
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