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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