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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
Comox Valley Nature’s Wetlands restoration group has been working on the Courtenay Rotary Trail removing invasive plants.Removing invasive plants ensures that native plants can thrive. A vigorous native plant population also provides food for insects and birds.Join us in liberating native plants from invasive thugs such as ivy.We meet at the end of 21st street in Courtenay, where it meets the Courtenay Rotary Trail near Dogwood Park. You’ll find us there every Sunday starting Oct 18 to mid-Dec, mid-Jan to March 14, from 1:00 to 3:30 Bring gloves and water, dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.For more information contact
Category Archives: Plants and fungi
Social distancing?
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 31. During these days of social distancing it’s heartening to see troops of gregarious fungi gathering in the woods…quite heedless of human disasters. Here are some groups and clusterings I’ve … Continue reading
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Big laughing gym at Seal Bay
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 24. There are some spectacular displays of “big laughing gym”, also known as “western jumbo gym” (Gymnopilus ventricosus) at Seal Bay Park. You can find it about 3/4 of … Continue reading
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Lobsters and corals
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 23. Lobsters & corals bring to mind sea creatures, but these are actually just strange, exotic-looking fungi! My Mom, Betty, and I were having a great time looking at … Continue reading
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Greens, blues and purples (Alison’s fungi notes, part 3)
Note by Alison M. to the Botany Group, distributed by Jocie on October 20. Notes on shades of green, blue and purple in gilled mushrooms Still in the category of gilled shrooms, shades of greens and blues are not commonly found … Continue reading
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Coral fungi
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 17. There are many coral fungi fruiting just now…this is a strangely beautiful group of fungi, often arising mysteriously from the forest duff. Amazing! Corals, often in the genera Ramaria or Clavulina, are characterized … Continue reading
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Cowichan native flora presentation and walk
Members of Comox Valley Nature (and others) may be interested in a native flora presentation and walk to be held in the Duncan area on October 29. This event will be led by Genevieve Singleton who is a friend of … Continue reading
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More notes on fungi and slime moulds
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 14. A few things: Here is a link from Mandy for an article in the Guardian that explains the importance of fungi. Alison has provided us with an excellent handout which … Continue reading
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Apricot jelly, anyone?
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 10. Here are some photos and notes from Alison M. about the lovely apricot jelly fungus. Alison’s notes I’d like to add these photos of Tremiscus helvelloides, which would I … Continue reading
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Weird random fungi (and a slime)
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 9. The fun of fungi is never knowing what will turn up from one year to the next…every year I seem to find fungi that are new to me. … Continue reading
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More lichens!
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 2. Sharon N. sent in these lovely lichen pics from Miracle Beach Park. [Click photo to enlarge.] I think this is one of the beard lichens (in the genus … Continue reading
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