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
Posted inBirds|Comments Off on Bird Outing Report: Morrison Park, Apr. 14,2016
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
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)
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
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 inField Trips, Plants and fungi|Comments Off on Botany Outing Report: Oyster River to Salmon Point, April 11th, 2016
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.
Posted inGuest Speakers|Comments Off on Guest Speaker: Brian Walwork, ‘Natural History of Costa Rica’, Sun. Apr.17,2016
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
Posted inBirds|Comments Off on Bird Outing Report: Cumberland Marsh, Apr.7,2016
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
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
Posted inBirds|Comments Off on Bird Outing Report: Courtenay Airpark, Mar. 31,2016
Rene Savenye Scholarship deadline – June 3, 2016. Application Link
FGM 2016 – Prince George, September 22-26, 2016 – Schedule and Registration will be posted May 1, 2016
Bird Blitzs – Skagit – May 6-8, 2016 Robson – June 3, 2016 Manning, June 17-19, 2016 need more information, please refer to your Spring magazine or email
BC Nature Members and drones in Parks – Your Experience
In recent months, BC Nature has been in touch with the BC Ministry of the Environment to request that the Ministry develop regulation concerning the recreational use of drones in provincial parks. The Ministry has indicated that they are examining this issue and that it would be helpful to have examples of experiences BC Nature members have had with drones in parks.
If you have had an experience with drones in a park or natural area in BC that you would like to share with the Ministry of Environment, please send details to me via email at Email I will collate this information and provide it to the Ministry.
Issue 48
Date March 2016
When will Spring be back?
BCnature Spring 2016 Magazine is now available online
The BCnature Spring Magazine is now available for download in the “members only” area. If you do not have your password or access name, please email the office for your information (). For those that currently receive the magazine via Canada post mail, your name as it is written on the label and your password (top left corner) are your access to the members only area.
Keep cats safe. Save birds lives. Build Healthier Communities
It’s better for cats. It’s better for birds. It’s better for people. For more information, contact . John Neville says: Cats are killing 1.4 billion birds per annum worldwide. If we wish to go on seeing and hearing birds, we need to keep our cats indoors and safe. Make sure you watch “the Messenger” a new documentary film about declining songbirds. The Messenger Documentary Link
The Squamish Environment Society is very proud of our new website which was created by Rachel Shephard and lots of little elves. View Here
About Town
Spread Your Wings for Bird Conservation – Link
The Microsemi Science Fair Fun Run – The annual Science Fair Fun Run is the largest timed 5K fun run in the province and is now a major event in Vancouver. Teams of five or more are welcome to register now, and can customize their technical t-shirts with a team logo. Families can meet science fair participants, view science fair projects and enjoy activities provided by Microsemi and other sponsors as they await the results and prizes at the awards ceremony. In addition, all registered Fun Run participants are entered into the grand prize drawing and will receive free admission to TELUS World of Science on race day.Adults 19 and older can register before the early bird deadline of April 30 for only $40, while those 18 and under can register for only $25. Entrants can also participate in the 1K Mini Fun Run for children with an accompanying adult, with an entry fee of $20 each. To register online, visit www.sciencefairs.ca/funrun. All proceeds from the event go to The Dr. Michael Smith Science Fair Endowment to support the promotion and development of The Science Fair Program throughout the province.
“2015 marked one of the most exciting and successful years yet for British Columbia students at both the national and international Science Fairs, with three of the top four Grand Awards at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Fredericton, New Brunswick, two awards at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and gold medals at the Taiwan International Science Fair in Taipei,” said Patti Leigh, executive director, SFF BC. “By participating in The Microsemi Science Fair Fun Run, our community helps encourage young people like these students to pursue careers in science and technology—and to become tomorrow’s innovators.”
The 12th Annual Wild ARC Open House! BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC), Victoria – Link
Conservation Issues in our Province
Fish habitat worries stalls approval of B.C.’s Pacific NorthWest LNG project – Link
Against Port Expansion in the Fraser Estuary – Link
Helping children connect with our natural world. for information on how to Knowledge-share with the children of your local nature Kids, please visit this Link
Love bees — especially the wild ones!
By the David Suzuki Foundation – Many environmental campaigns over the past 50 years have aimed at getting people to care for imperilled species in wild, far-off places. The focus in Canada has often been on large, photogenic, culturally important animals, with bonus points for campaigns that include alliteration, bumper sticker-friendly slogans and plush toys. This has been a sensible and often successful strategy. Over the past few years smaller, charismatic critters closer to home have buzzed into the spotlight: bees. About a decade ago, beekeepers in Europe and North America started noticing serious declines in honeybee populations. Bees have lost much of their natural habitat to urbanization and industrial agriculture and face increased stress from climate change-related drought and severe winters. These threats, coupled with the global spread of diseases and pests and a dramatic increase in the use of agricultural pesticides like neonicotinoids, have resulted in unprecedented losses for beekeepers. (Because bees and other insects provide ecological services like pollination, it makes no sense to declare war against all just to eliminate or control the few nuisances.) For complete article – see this Link
Federation of BC Naturalists (BC Nature) join call to protect Central Walbran Valley – See more at: this Link
BC’s 2016 endangered rivers list targets key waterways by region
To Unsubscribe , please contact the BC Nature Office. All email addresses are protected from misuse by BC Nature by way of off site storage on a secure server. Questions or comments? Contact us via Email to BC Nature
On July 1, 2014 Canada implemented new laws that regulate how we communicate electronically with our “followers”. Since our electronic communications are not commercial in nature, the new Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation does not apply. However, we wanted to take the opportunity to remind you that you can unsubscribe from our distribution list at any time by clicking the link above.
Posted inBC Nature|Comments Off on BC Nature eNews, March 2016
The Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program officially recognized Comox Valley Naturalist Society in March with a Community Engagement Grant of $500. The grant was awarded in conjunction with the upcoming BC Nature Conference and AGM, May 12 to May 15.
A partnership between BC Hydro, the Provincial Government, and Fish and Oceans Canada, the Program is designed to support efforts to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife stocks adversely affected by the construction of BC Hydro Dams. The Program is a voluntary initiative of BC Hydro in the Coastal Region, which includes Vancouver Island.
In the grant submission, Loys Maingon stressed our Society’s commitment to Wetland Restoration, and the many educational and informative Field Trips planned during the 4-day Conference. Trips include visits to Morrison Creek Watershed, Towhee Creek, Comox Estuary, and the Comox Lake watershed, as well as workshops and speakers dedicated to similar topics. The Conference will be used as a focal point to start our Society’s campaign to save Morrison Creek Headwaters as an important and productive salmon habitat.
In his cover letter to the Society, Trevor Oussoren Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program Manager for the Coastal region, wrote “Good luck with the work and thank you for providing the FWCP with the opportunity to support your efforts to benefit local fish and wildlife.”
Maingon officially presented the $500 Cheque to the Conference Organization Committee at the regular monthly meeting of the Comox Valley Naturalist Society on March 20.
Posted inBC Nature AGM 2016 News|Comments Off on Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program Recognizes CVNS
A note of thanks has been passed along to the CVN birders group, from a CVN member who has for several years connected with a group in Mexico and supported birders in the community there.
Early morning at San Pancho lagoon
“Would love to get these out to everyone, including the folks that supported the cause with used binocs and scopes ….. This is an early morning community outing led by my biologist friend Luis Morales ….. all shapes and sizes, locals and gringos alike ….. great energy and enthusiasm from everyone, it was amazing ….. went for a guided walk afterward through a forested hillside conservation area that Luis’ group is stewarding ….. I will continue with the program, very rewarding ….. thanks for your assistance!”
Morning Birding Group
Posted inBirds, News|Comments Off on Thanks to CVN Birders From Mexico
Chanchal Cabrera Of Innisfree Farm Presents at CVN Regular Meeting
The members who attended the regular monthly CVN meeting had a real treat in store. Chanchal Cabera of Innisfree Farm gave a wonderful talk and slide show on Botanical Gardens around the world. Innisfree Farm is one of only seven registered Botanical Gardens in British Columbia. Chanchal a Master Gardener and Horticulture Therapist.
There are still spots available in the two trips to Innisfree Farm, complete with a guided tour by Chanchal, but they are likely to go fast.
Join the Comox Valley Conservation Community for a day long celebration of the watersheds and waterways that connect us all in the Comox Valley!Learn about restoration and habitat enhancement projects, salmon cycles, drinking water, forests, creeks, wetlands and estuaries – and so much more. Art projects, kids activities, volunteer engagement opportunities, hands on learning and guided walks – all looking out over the beautiful Puntledge River.Comox Valley Nature will be there with our new outreach tent. Come by and say hello, and try our bird identification game. We can also show you why native plants are best for your garden, and how to spot invasive species.Pack a picnic and stay for the day! Saturday Sept 19th from 9 am – 3 pmin Puntledge Park 1111 1st , Courtenay ...
In her memoir, Pacific Northwest author Caroll Simpson recounts the highs and lows of running a remote fishing lodge on her own following the untimely death of her husband, and of falling in love with the natural world. Simpson tells stories of living in the remote wilderness and managing the lodge, becoming an accidental environmental activist, fending off wild animals, working as an angling guide and finally, fighting off a proposed mining operation and participating in the development of a government land management plan as a spokesperson for the wilderness tourism industry.While Simpson welcomed paying guests at Ookpik Lodge, unwanted house guests included a woodchuck, a pack rat, and martens. Simpson constantly had to watch out for grizzlies, moose, and cougars. Storms and extreme weather also provided fodder for hair-raising tales. All this makes for wonderful storytelling.Caroll’s story is essentially a love story. In an essay for Sierra Club, Simpson wrote: “I developed an immense passion for flora and fauna. Just walking back and forth on the 300’ dock several times a day, I was exposed to the unbelievable beauty of the northern spectrum of water life: the golden eagle soaring above, the osprey and kingfisher diving and coming up with fish for their hatchlings, the muskrats and otters looking for an easy meal, the tireless beaver working into the late evening sunsets. All of these creatures and more expressed their generational ownership of this small piece of the world. In return each was given my utmost respect and admiration…As I listened to the loons at the end of each day and the owl and the wolf in the night, I felt blessed to be witnessing such beauty. “On September 20th, join Comox Valley Nature and Save Our Forests Team for an afternoon of storytelling about this remarkable time spent living on a remote British Columbia lake.The event is being held at the Comox United Church Hall. (250 Beach Drive, Comox) Admission is by donation. Doors open at 2:30; the event begins at 3:00 p.m. There will be time for Q&A after the presentation, as well as books available for purchase. Tea/coffee and cookies - including forest-themed cupcakes - will be available for a donation.Join us, and prepare to fall in love. ...
🎟️ Get your tickets to the Project Watershed 2026 Keeping It Living Dinner today! projectwatershed.ca/2026-keeping-it-living-dinner/Every ticket holder makes a difference. 💙 🎟️ Get your tickets to our 2026 Keeping It Living Dinner today! projectwatershed.ca/2026-keeping-it-living-dinner/When community and local businesses invest in conservation, our entire ecosystem benefits. Ticket sales directly support habitat restoration, scientific research, and environmental education, while the generosity of our sponsors helps offset event costs, ensuring that more of the funds raised can go directly toward this important work. Thank you to our incredible sponsors and dinner attendees for believing in the power of community-led conservation. Odlum Brown Community and Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, 40 Knots Winery, CNB Together, we're keeping our watersheds living. 🌿 Hope to see you September 12, 5 - 8 pm at 40 KNOTS Winery #KeepingItLiving #ProjectWatershed #CommunitySupport #Conservation #ComoxValley ...
The City of Courtenay is developing a long-term vision for Bill Moore Park and Dogwood Park to guide future improvements. To help guide these decisions, three initial concepts have been developed, and there is an opportunity for you to offer your input.The latest survey on the City website engagecomoxvalley.ca/bill-moore-and-dogwood-park asks for feedback on three concept plans and specifically which concept you prefer. The three concepts present a range of recreation possibilities and there is room on the survey for your comments.Dogwood Park is a 2.32‑hectare nature park featuring mature forested areas, natural habitat and a small wetland. Only Concept A will maintain the intact forest areas in Dogwood Park. Concepts B and C propose increased recreation in the park including an off leash dog park, disc golf course, pump track (a purpose built track for children’s cycling) and nature play areas. While the planners may say that no trees or few trees will be taken down to accommodate this, the under-story will not survive this level of trampling and fragmentation. The trees as well as all the wildlife who now call that area home will disappear over time. For those of us who value this forest, Concept A is the only option that makes sense.Dogwood Park is one of the few islands of green for many, many blocks. It provides habitat for wildlife, shade, retains water and acts as a carbon sink. On the architect's base plan of current conditions it is now characterized as an "underutilized space". The City has heard from sports enthusiasts but not nature lovers. Let them know why you value an intact forest and your connection to it. The survey is open until Sept 15. ...
The Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation (CCIPR) wants the federal government to establish a regulatory body for the horticultural industry and create a national database identifying invasive plants and their risks in different regions. "Even if we don't prohibit them, we need to let the public know when there is potential harm," said CCIPR co-founder Cathy Kavassalis. "We do this on other products, and we should do it on plants too. It's just common sense."In July, Nanaimo council passed a motion to pursue a bylaw amendment restricting the sale of plants on a list maintained by the Invasive Species Council of B.C. A week later, Surrey moved to ban sales by businesses including nurseries, large retail chains and florists. Kavassalis said a problem that could be addressed at higher levels of government is being pushed down to municipalities."These are all patchwork solutions that, in some ways, just waste a lot of resources," she said. The CCIPR says a national database could give provinces, territories, retailers and gardeners a shared source of information about which plants pose risks in different regions. Kavassalis also wants invasive plants removed from shelves or clearly labelled.For more on this story visit www.cbc.ca/news/science/invasive-plants-sale-federal-regulation-9.7312362 or see our link in bio ...
