Bird Outing Report: Quadra Island, Apr.28,2016

Posted on April 29, 2016 by Krista

Thursday 8 birders spent a pleasant day on Quadra Island, hosted by Vibeke Pedersen and Lyn Paterson. We visited Village Bay Marsh and Vibeke’s yard. Highlights included a Red-breasted Sapsucker at a nest, a Ruffed Grouse and, seen from the ferry, Common Murres and a large flock of Bonaparte’s Gulls. We found 45 species:

Green-winged Teal.
Ring-necked Duck
Ruffed Grouse
Pacific Loon
Common Loon.
Double-crested Cormorant
Pelagic Cormorant
Great Blue Heron.
Turkey Vulture.
Bald Eagle.
Bonaparte’s Gull.
Glaucous-winged Gull
Common Murre
Pigeon Guillemot
Rock Pigeon.
Band-tailed Pigeon.
Rufous Hummingbird.
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker.
Pileated Woodpecker.
Hammond’s Flycatcher
Cassin’s Vireo
Northwestern Crow.
Common Raven.
Purple Martin
Chestnut-backed Chickadee.
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Pacific Wren.
Marsh Wren.
Golden-crowned Kinglet.
American Robin.
European Starling.
Orange-crowned Warbler.
Yellow-rumped Warbler.
Black-throated Gray Warbler
Townsend’s Warbler
Common Yellowthroat.
Spotted Towhee.
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow.
White-crowned Sparrow.
Red-winged Blackbird.
Red Crossbill
Pine Siskin.

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YNC Outing: MARS (Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society), May 29th 2016, 1pm

Posted on April 26, 2016 by Botany

Hello Families,

Our next Explorer Day will be on Sunday, May 29, 1:00 at the MARS (Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society) facility at 6817 Headquarters Road. Volunteer Rene Jorgenson has offered to introduce us to the MARS education owls and give us a tour of the facility. To find out more about MARS check out the website at www.wingtips.org Afterwards, we may take a short walk on a trail there.

A reminder to dress for the weather and bring a snack and water bottle.

We hope to see you on the 29th,
Regards,
Jarrett Krentzel & Jocie Brooks, Volunteer leaders
Comox Valley NatureKids
The Nature Exploration Club for Families

www.naturekidsbc.ca
Facebook: NatureKidsBC

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Bird Outing Report: Lazo Marsh, Apr.21,2016

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Krista

Today 11 birders spent a pleasant morning at Lazo Marsh. The rain had cleared by the time we started and we found 31 species. Highlights included good looks at Red-breasted Sapsucker and Brown Creeper. We saw two Bushtit nests but, unfortunately, they were not home. We also saw (and heard) some Snowbirds; seasonally regular in the Comox Valley but not on our checklist 🙂

Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Rufous Hummingbird
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Hammond’s Flycatcher
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
Common Raven
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Pacific Wren
Marsh Wren
Bewick’s Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
American Robin
Orange-crowned Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Townsend’s Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Purple Finch
Red Crossbill
Pine Siskin

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Trumpeter Swan Counts 2015/2016

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Krista

Apr. 12, 2016:

TRUS adults 0
Juv. 3
Total 3

This makes the 2015/2016 Swan Count season officially over.

 
Apr. 5, 2016:

TRUS adults 15
Juv. 24
Total 39

 
Mar. 29, 2016:

TRUS adults 108
Juv. 52
Total 160

 
Mar. 22, 2016:

TRUS adults 215
Juv. 127
Total 342

 
Mar. 15, 2016:

TRUS adults 557
Juv. 244
Total 801

 
Mar. 8, 2016:

TRUS adults 1203
Juv. 350
Total 1553

 
Mar. 1, 2016:

TRUS adults 1494
Juv. 324
Total 1818

 
Feb. 23, 2016:

TRUS adults 1050
Juv. 283
Total 1333

 
Feb. 16, 2016:

TRUS adults 1175
Juv. 327
Total 1502

 
Feb. 9, 2016:

TRUS adults 631
Juv. 207
Total 838

Possibly a lot of swans not visible due to the fog.
 
Feb. 2, 2016:

TRUS adults 1050
Juv. 341
Total 1391

 
Jan. 26, 2016:

TRUS adults 1207
Juv. 354
Total 1561

 
Jan. 19, 2016:

TRUS adults 1213
Juv. 316
Total 1529

 
Jan. 12, 2016:

TRUS adults 1314
Juv. 405
Total 1719

Two banded CAGO were sighted this week in the Comox Valley. Of the 200 birds collared by the Campbell River Canada Goose banding project, an impressive 159 have been sighted. The sightings on Vancouver Island range from Campbell River through the Comox Valley all the way to Saanich. The furthest from Campbell River being Cave Junction, Oregon at 885 km away.
 
Jan. 5,2016:

TRUS adults 901
Juv. 295
Total 1196

3 Snow Geese were at Comox Bay Farms.
 
No swan count Dec. 29.
 
Dec. 22,2015:

TRUS adults 1205
Juv. 351
Total 1556

 

Dec. 15,2015:

TRUS adults 1002
Juv. 311
Total 1313

 

Dec. 8,2015:

TRUS adults 1157
Juv. 329
Total 1486

 

Dec. 1,2015:

TRUS adults 1183
Juv. 271
Total 1454

 

Nov. 24,2015:

TRUS adults 673
Juv. 243
Total 916

 

Nov. 17,2015:

TRUS adults 202
Juv. 58
Total 260

 

Nov. 10, 2015:

TRUS adults 301
Juv. 84
Total 385

Two Snow Geese were at Comox Bay Farm.

Nov. 3,2015:

TRUS adults 80
Juv. 22
Total 102

 

Oct. 27, 2015:

TRUS adults 3
Juv. 3
Total 6

First swan count of the season- The thick fog made sightings a bit difficult.

 

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Bird Outing Report: Morrison Park, Apr. 14,2016

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Krista

Thursday 12 birders (+one in training) spent a pleasant morning at Roy Stewart Morrison Nature Park. The initial overcast sky cleared nicely as we found 23 species. Highlights included great views of Red-breasted Sapsuckers, Pileated Woodpeckers and Pacific Wrens.

Great Blue Heron
Cooper’s/Sharp-shinned Hawk (flyover)
Anna’s Hummingbird
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Pacific Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Townsend’s Warbler
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
House Finch
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin

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Botany Outing Report: Oyster River to Salmon Point, April 11th, 2016

Posted on April 17, 2016 by Botany

Greetings all, Group Report:

Botany Group walked from the Oyster River

Botany Group walked from the Oyster River

On Monday 11th the Botany Group walked from the Oyster River to Salmon Point – and took two and a half hours (!!) for the approximately 2 kilometer trail since there was so much in bloom.
The early female cones on the Hemlock and Douglas fir were striking in their purple and red tones.  Douglas fir cone below.

Douglas fir cone

Douglas fir cone

Of the shrubs noteworthy were the yellow flowers of the twin berry (Lonicera involucrata) and the delicate white and red bells of the wild black gooseberry (Ribes divaricatum). The latter is exemplified by a huge bush right beside the trail – see below:

wild black gooseberry (Ribes divaricatum)

wild black gooseberry (Ribes divaricatum)

Wildflowers included Hooker’s fairybells, at least four species of Claytonia, the tiny blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia parviflora) , pink twink (Phlox gracilis) , beach spurry (Spergulia salina) and many others. Fawn lilies appears along the river, as well as this stunning patch of white ones (Erythronium ore

Fawn lilies

Fawn lilies

gonum) as one starts along the beach trail.

Other News:
According to Terry Thormin the spring gold and red maids are blooming, and the camas is in bud on DND property at the end of the runway on Knight Road. The camas on Hornby (Grassy point)  are already in bloom, along with the Menzies larkspur, spring gold and otehr Garry Oak ecosystem plants.

Next Group Meeting:
Our next gathering will be on April 25th, when Helen Robinson will head a preliminary foray to

Maple Lake to begin the plant inventory of the area. Meet at the church on Harmston at 10.00 am.
Alison

Posted in Field Trips, Plants and fungi | Comments Off on Botany Outing Report: Oyster River to Salmon Point, April 11th, 2016

Guest Speaker: Brian Walwork, ‘Natural History of Costa Rica’, Sun. Apr.17,2016

Posted on April 9, 2016 by Krista

Comox Valley Nature is pleased to welcome Bryan Walwork, who will give a presentation of photographs from a recent Natural History Trip to Costa Rica. Walwork’s intense two-week trip was designed for the naturalist. The trip leader, Dr. Keith Wade taught biology, ecology and bio-geography at Capilano University for thirty nine years. A very knowledgeable Costa Rican guide accompanied the group throughout the trip. The combined experience of these two leaders resulted in fabulous animal and bird sightings, which Bryan was able to photograph.
With over 900 species of birds and a mixture of habitats, Costa Rica is a Mecca for birdwatchers. For them, Bryan’s bird photos will probably be the highlight of his presentation, but there is plenty of other wildlife to be seen in this show. From the large to the small, Bryan likes to photograph it all!
Bryan Walwork developed an interested in photography at a young age when he learned to develop and print in the darkroom. Over the years, his photography has evolved to cover a wide range of subjects and he has embraced new technologies in the process. A self-described generalist, he enjoys photographing a broad range of subjects. He uses photography as a means to share the natural world, exotic places and the intriguing things he has seen abroad and at home in Canada.
Since his retirement to the Comox Valley in 2002, Bryan has been sharing his knowledge and techniques by conducting workshops and photo sessions in his private studio. He is a member of the Comox Valley Photographic Society, the Canadian Association for Photographic Art (CAPA), the Comox Valley Naturalist Society (and their photography group) and the Comox Valley Shooters. Walwork’s lecture, entitled: “A Natural History Adventure in Costa Rica; A photographic presentation” will take place at the Florence Filberg Seniors Centre at 7pm (sharp) April 17, 2016.
Comox Valley Nature is a non-profit society affiliated to BC Nature consisting only of unpaid volunteers. CVN fulfills its educational mandate by hosting monthly lectures, organizing free weekly guided hikes for members, and a free monthly walk open to the public. The society also undertakes a variety of environmental projects. Aside from its main activity as a non-profit, Comox Valley Nature also supports specialized groups (Birding, Botany, Conservation, Garry Oak Restoration, Wetland Restoration, Photography and Young Naturalists) all of which have separate monthly activities.
Membership in BC Nature and Comox Valley Nature is $30 per adult and $40 for a family. Founded in 1966, it is one of the oldest environmental societies on the North Island. Meetings and lectures of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society are held on the third Sunday of most months at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay. Meetings and guided walks are open to the public, including children and youth.
Lecture is free, though a $4 contribution from non-members is appreciated. New memberships are always welcomed.

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Bird Outing Report: Cumberland Marsh, Apr.7,2016

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Krista

Today 18 birders (+one in training) went to Cumberland Marsh. We enjoyed a lovely, warm morning of spring birding and found 30 species, many of which were busy singing and drumming. Highlights included great views of Red-breasted Sapsuckers and Ring-necked Ducks as well as several singing warblers.

Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Bufflehead
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Rufous Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Steller’s Jay
Common Raven
Violet-green Swallow
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Pacific Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
American Robin
Varied Thrush
European Starling
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Dark-eyed Junco
Song Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Pine Siskin

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YNC Outing: Tsolum River Walk, April 10th 2016 from 1pm – 3pm

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Botany

Hello families,

Our next Explorer Day will be Sunday, April 10th from 1pm – 3pm for a Tsolum River Walk!

Join us down at the beautiful Tsolum River to explore spring wildflowers. Woodland wildflowers are abundant this season, and we are sure to find white and pink fawn lilies and trilliums. The trail starts at the Courtenay Exhibition Grounds and loops through prime lily habitat. A few wildlife viewing highlights that can be found along the river are bald eagles, kingfishers and herons. Some of the natural features include dense thicket of alder, small remnant forest of Douglas fir, wet areas of alder, salmonberry, and skunk cabbage and some of the largest Sitka spruce that can be found in the Tsolum River floodplain trails.

Meeting Place:   The exhibition grounds parking lot, beside the Comox Valley Curling Club on Headquarters Road, across from Vanier High School.

Please dress for weather with boots, toques, gloves or rain gear as needed. You may wish to bring a snack and water bottle.

Note that we usually go ahead rain or shine, however, in the event of heavy rain, strong winds, or snow, we will cancel. If we cancel we will send out an email the morning of the Explorer Day.

We hope to see you on the 10th!

Jarrett Krentzel & Jocie Brooks, Volunteer leaders
Comox Valley NatureKids
The Nature Exploration Club for Families

www.naturekidsbc.ca
Facebook: NatureKidsBC
NatureKids Head office: 604-985-3059; ; 1620 Mt. Seymour Rd. North Vancouver, BC V7G 2R9

Posted in Field Trips, NatureKids | 2 Comments

Bird Outing Report: Courtenay Airpark, Mar. 31,2016

Posted on March 31, 2016 by Krista

It was a beautiful spring morning at the Air Park. Fourteen birders saw 39 species with highlight being Greater Yellowlegs, Black-bellied Plover, and both Pacific and Bewick’s Wrens.

American Wigeon
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Bufflehead
Common Merganser
Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle
Black-bellied Plover
Killdeer
Greater Yellowlegs
Mew Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Northwestern Crow
Common Raven
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Bushtit
Brown Creeper
Pacific Wren
Bewick’s Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
American Robin
Varied Thrush
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Fox Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Golden-crowned Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
House Finch
Pine Siskin
House Sparrow

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