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Spring migration is in full swing and many birds are shedding their dull winter plumage to dress in the breeding finery. This one example is pretty extreme as the Horned Grebes prepare to leave for northern and interior lakes to nest.This recent photographic encounter required the donning of insulated chest waders and a strong tripod to wade into the Salish Sea near the Little River ferry terminal to get close up detailed shots.
Once in the water these birds, like many others see threats differently and can display a curiosity that can been seen by how close this bird came to me. I'm sure if it had a camera it would have take a shot of me!
The last photo is of the same species in winter plumage where it is simply trying to lay low until summer comes.
These birds have mostly left now but many more species continue to pass through or come here for the breeding season...
Discovering the Groves:🌳You nominated a tree, and we discovered a grove.
🌳A single tree can be an impressive sight, yet to be amidst a group of mature trees in an urban or semi rural environment can be awe inspiring. 🌳Groves of a single species can give us insights into natural habitats, and reminds us of the stewardship required so that these groups of trees continue to enrich our communities.
🌳The English Walnut, (#8) is fourth in a line of walnut trees on Comox Ave and Port Augusta. As a non native tree, these walnuts were likely planted for shade and nuts, and perhaps also as a reminder of a far away home. It is growing on the site of the old Lorne Hotel which burned down in 2011 (1878-2011). It was one of the oldest pubs in BC. The original seedlings or nuts may have been sourced from Mack Laing’s Baybrook fruit and nut orchard.
🌳Tree # 19, is a Sitka spruce that is part of a grove of spruce located in a very wet area in Seal Bay Park. This is an ideal habitat for these trees, and the protection provided by the park has ensured that this grove of Spruce continues to survive and thrive.
🌳A Garry Oak, (#6) is one of a line of trees growing along Topland Road. It is part of a larger population of Garry oaks that is spread out across the neighbouring properties, one of which has at least 16 of these rare trees in their yard. The open fields and southern exposure of this hillside provide an ideal habitat for Garry Oak.
🌳The grove of Douglas Fir on Stewart Street (# 25), is an impressive stand of mature second growth trees. Perhaps their location in and adjacent to the Comox Golf Club has ensured their continued existence.
#treeoftheyear #garryoak #douglasfir #sitkaspruce #englishwalnut #urbantrees #comoxvalley #comoxvalleynature
Comox Valley Conservation Partnership brings together environmental and stewardship groups to create a strong voice to protect our watersheds and forests
Take the survey, your voice matters!🌎Your Voice Matters on Climate Change. What are your thoughts on the impact and priorities within our community? Take a short survey and share your feedback. Visit www.engagecomoxvalley.ca/climatestrategy#ComoxValleyRD #ClimateAction
🌸On Wednesday May 15th from 10 am to noon, join CVN Naturalist Karen Cummins as we explore diverse habitats in the two sections of Little River Nature park. This walk will take you past ponds and salt marsh, over beach plain and estuarine plain and offer a chance to view a provincially designated sensitive stream.🌸This approximately 2km, 2 hour ramble will feature spring flowers growing on the native beach plain, including Menzies Larkspur, Blue Eyed Mary and Bare-stemmed Desert Parsley.
🌸This area is a relatively new park and lots of restoration work has been done by CVN volunteers to remove invasive species. This work is ongoing and volunteers will be engaged in this work while we visit the park
🌸Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy these spring wild flowers!
🌸email for more information or to get your name on the waitlist
Comox Valley Regional District - Local Government
CV Land Trust & Conservation Partnership
City of Courtenay
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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