issn 0228-8842 b.c. naturalist · 2018-02-21 · issn 0228-8842 b.c. naturalist winter, december...

ISSN 0228-8842

B.C. NaturalistWINTER, DECEMBER 1988 48 VOL. 26 NO. 4

Snowy OwlPhoto: Fred Chapman

The Federation of British Columbia Naturalists, #321 - 1367 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V6H 4A9

DIRECTORYFEDERATION OF BRITISHCOLUMBIA NATURALIST

AFFILIATED CLUBSAND DIRECTORS

LOWER MAINLAND

Regional Coordinator:Daphne Smith,

13577 Marine, White Rock,Y4A 1G1 (531-7436)

Alouette Field Naturalists:#301-9143 SaturnaBumaby, V3J 7K1

D: Beryl Cunningham (463-3694)

Bowen Nature ClubBox 20 Site GR.R. #1 Bowen IslandVON 1GO

D. Michael Dunn (666-6544)

ChilHwack Field NaturalistsP.O. Box, 327, Vedder Crossing,VOX 17.0

D: Birch Van Home (795-5108)

Langley Field Naturalists:Box 3243, Langley V3A 4R6

D: Eunice Wilson (581-1274)

Royal City Field Naturalistsc/b 844 Kent St., New Westminster,V3L 4W6

D: Norma Boutillier (524-2930)

SecheU Marsh Protective Society:Box 543, Sechelt VON 3AO

D: Vince Bracewell (885-7259)

Squamish Estuary ConservationSociety: Box 1274,Squamish VON 3GO

D: Brian Giles (898-5240)

Vancouver Natural History Society:Box 3021, Vancouver V6B 3X5

D: V. C. Brink, (224-7078)O: Jude Grass, (.520-3706)D: Svd Cannings, (734-0140)b: Lawrti.vc Jrown (228-8861)D:TBA

White Rock and Surrey Naturalists:Box 44, White Rock V4B 4Z7

D: Mary McGowan (536-4152)

VANCOUVER ISLAND

Regional Coordinator:Acting: Jim Lunam,Box 3802, CourtenayV9N 7P2 (338-6055)

— B.C. Naturalist December 1988

Arrowsmith Natural HistorySociety: Box 1542Parksville VOR 2SO

D: Pauline Tranfield (248-6607)

Comox-Strathcona Naturalists:Box 3222, Courtenay V9N 5N4

D: Jim Lunam

Cowichan Valley Naturalists:Box 361, Duncan V9L 3X5

D: Audrey Casperson (748-8506)

Mitlenatch Field Naturalists:Box 392, Campbell River V9W 5B6

D: Frances MacPherson (287-4142)

Nanaimo Field Naturalists:Box 125, Nanaimo V9R 5K4

D: Jill Sims (722-3648)Alt.: Karen Mullen

Fender Island Field Naturalists:c/o Ron McLardy, R.R. #1Pender Island VON 2MO

D: Ron McLardy

Salt Spring Trail and Nature Club:Box 998, Ganges VOS 1EO

D: Edna Gatt

Victoria Natural History Society:Box 5220, Victoria VSR 6N4

D: Wilf Mead (658-5829)D: Robin BairdD: Rueben Ware

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN

Regional Coordinator:Peter LeggBox 751, VernonV1T 6M7 (542-9031)

Arrow Lakes Naturalist ClubBox 294, Nakusp VOG IRQ

D: Gary Davidson (265-4456)

Central Okanagan Naturalists ClubBox 3%, Kelowna V1Y 7N8

D: Dan Norris (764-8067)

Kamloops Naturalists:Box 625, Kamloops V2C 5L7

D: Karen Willies <376-9587)

North Okanagan Naturalists;Box 473, Vernon V1T 6M4

D: Peter Legg (542-9031)D: Frank Paul (542-7629)

North Shuswap Naturalist:General Delivery, CelistaVOE 1LO

D: Helen Akrigg (955-2693)

Oliver-Osoyoos Naturalists:Box 1181, Osoyoos VOH 1VO

D: Daphne Malins (498-4300)(Winter)

Shuswap Naturalists:Box 1076, Salmon Arm VOE 2TO

D: Mary McGilivray

South Okanagan Naturalists:Box 375, Penticton V2A 6K6

D: Ruth Cox (493-8480)

CARIBOO

Williams Lake Field Naturalists:Box 4575, Williams Lake V2G 2V6

D: Winifred Bennie (392-7045)

Bella Coola Trail and Nature Club:Box 604, Bella Coola V07 ICO

D: Tony Karup (799-5937)

NORTH CENTRAL B.C.

Prince George Naturalists:Box 1092, Stn. A, Prince GeorgeV2L 4V2

D: Don Wilson (964-4643)

PEACE

Timberlme Trail and Nature Club:Box 779, Dawson Creek V1G 4H8

D: Don Johnson (782-3400)

KOOTENAYRegional Coordinator:

Hazel Street(359-7426)

Boundary Naturalists Association:Box 2194, Grand Forks VOH 1HC

D: Penny Gardner (442-2816)

West Kootenay Naturalists Association:Box 3121, Castlegar V1N 3H4

D: Hazel Street (359-7426)

DIRECTOR REPRESENTINGINDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

D: Peter Hatfield, 3809 Osier St.,Vancouver V6H 2W7 (738-8345)

INDEXPtarmigan Tracks 5B.C. Wildlife 6The Enlichenment 15Close-up on Nature 17The Gnats Whiskers 21

Consultants to the Federation of BritishColumbia .Naturalists

Maitland and Company - Barristers andSolicitors - Ross McCutcheon - partner100-625 Howe Street, Vancouver, B.C.

Thorne Ernst and Whinney - CharteredAccountants - Ken Armstrong andWendy Lum2500-1177 West Hastings Street, Van-couver, B.C.

B.C.' Naturalist is published quarterly byThe Federation of British ColumbiaNaturalists, 321-1367 West Broadway,Vancouver, B.C. V6H 4A9.

Second Class MailRegistration No. 6247

EDITORJude Grass

ADVERTISINGArno Seidelmann6749 Carncross Cresc., DeltaV4E 1L6; 596-3386

ADVISORY BOARDBert Brink Norman Purssell

ifiiimiiiiniiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMifiiiuiifiiiiiMiiii!

Executive Directory

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTAdeline Nicol 9 a.m.-5 p.m.321-1367 W. BroadwayVancouver, B.C. V6H 4A9(737-3057)

HONORARY PRESIDENTDr. Ian McTaggart Cowan

EXECUTIVEPresident: Joe Lotzkar7195 Selkirk St., Vancouver,V6P 6J4 (261-5685)

Vice-Presidents:Duanne van den Berg12554 Grace St., Maple Ridge,V2X 5N2 (463-8743)Syd Cannings3007 West 7 Avenue, Vancouver,V6K 1Z7 (734-0140)

Treasurer: Paul Calderhead2-2223 Victoria Dr.Vancouver, (253-3803)

Recording Secretary: Lawrence Brown3948 West 24th Ave., VancouverV65 1M2 (228-8861)

Past President: Jude Grass7709 17th Avenue, Burnaby,V3N 1L8 (520-3706)

COMMITTEES

Conservation Chairman:Dick Stace-Smith4274 W. 13th Ave., Vancouver,V6R 2T8 (224-7027)

Education Chairman: Bert Brink4135 West 16th Ave., Vancouver,V6R 3E4 (224-7078)

FBCNRESOLUTIONS

DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSIONSMARCH 15, 1989

All resolutions received by March 15,1989 will be circulated in late March toall clubs and F.B.C.N. Executive, (andindividual members on request). Allresolutions will be dated and numberedby the Secretary on their arrival and willbe discussed in that order.

Resolutions received after that datewill be treated as resolutions from thefloor.

Resolutions from the floor at the An-nual General Meeting will be handledONLY if time allows and providingthere are two copies available for theResolutions Chairperson and the Recor-ding Secretary. If there is not time fordiscussion they will be presented at theFall General Meeting.

Resolution FormatAn attempt should be made to follow

the format as shown below:

Important Features1. To whom is it addressed? (This

can be more than one agency, person,etc.).

2. Body of resolution — clear andconcise.

3. Comments — information to pro-vide background data. (Additional newsitems, briefs, etc. may be attached.)

4. Club Name — if applicable, in-dividual members may submit — needseconder.

5. Mover/Seconder — these peopleneed not necessarily be at the AnnualGeneral Meeting, but there should be so-meone delegated to speak to the resolu-tion at that time.

Resolutions CommitteeChairman plus two assistants.The resolutions committee will screen

the resolutions upon arrival at theFederation office and then give themback to the secretary for distribution.Those returned to the originator formore information, rewriting, etc., mustbe resubmitted — and will berenumbered — and must still meet thedeadline.

JFG

Annual GeneralMeeting

InformationPage 22-23

F.B.C.N. Awards:In 1978 the F.B.C.N. executive

established several awards for service invarious aspects of natural history.Nominations for these awards (to bepresented at the Spring A.G.M.) must bereceived by MARCH 15, 1989.

The Awards are as follows:

Elton Anderson Award: The purposeof this award is to recognize the serviceof a person or persons who have servedthe Federation and who have emulatedto a profound degree the dedication,1devotion and energy exhibited by ourformer president to further the Federa-tion across the province.

Club Service Award: The purpose ofthis award is to recognize outstandingservice at a local level by a person or per-sons to an affiliated organization or theF.B.C.N. by the F.B.C.N.

Recognition Award: Presented to a per-son or persons who have made anoutstanding contribution to theunderstanding and appreciation of thenatural history of British Columbia,(e.g. to authors, teachers, adminis-trators or museums, aquariums, (etc.) orto other prominent persons.

Barbara Chapman Award: This award ismade to a young naturalist under the ageof 18 years who has shown an interest inany field of natural history. This awardwas established in memory of a memberof the Victoria Natural History Societywho was killed by a bear while workingin Glacier National Park.

Nominations may be made by anymember of the F.B.C/.N. Each nomina-tion must be accompanied by an outlineor resume giving the reasons why thecandidate is being proposed.

Please send nominations to: AwardsCommittee, F.B.C.N.

FRONT COVER

Snowy Owl on Boundary Bay, Delta. Aregular winter visitor who likes to feedon small shorebirds and waterfowl.

photo: Fred Chapman

B.C. Naturalist December 1988 (Winter)

inn UKBIRDING

Coastal MigrationApril 25 - May 1

Interior MigrationMay 15 - May 19

PHOTOGRAPHYYellowstone WinterJanuary 21-29

• Grand TetonJune 8 - 16

• Southern Chilcotinby HorsebackJuly 6 - 15

WHALEWATCHING

HIKINGManning ParkJuly 20 - 22

• Olympic NationalParkJuly 24 - 28

• Canadian RockiesAugust 5-12

BACKPACKING• West Coast Trail

July 1 - 9

• Tweedsmuir ParkAugust 5-13

• Spatsizi ParkSeptember 4 - 15

UP & COMINGNovember 19-20 2nd Annual Snow Goose Festival presented

by the B.C. Waterfowl Society at theGeorge Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary —Delta. Admission is by donation on thesedays only. Concession. Shuttle bus serviceavailable from Ladner townsite. Guidedwalks throughout both days.

December 3 FBCN Director's Meeting, 12 noon at 1367West Broadway, Vancouver.

December 17 Start of Christmas Bird Counts. See below.January 9 FBCN Director's Meeting, 6:15 p.m. at

1367 West Broadway, Vancouver.January IS The Annual Bald Eagle and Swan Count

sponsored by the Ministry of Environment— Wildlife Branch. For details, contactDave Dunbar at the Surrey office(584-8822) or your local wildlife office ifyou wish to participate.

January 28 FBCN Annual Conservation Day starting at9:30 a.m. in the basement of St. MatthiasChurch, 680 West 49th Avenue, Van-couver. Everyone welcome.

February 6 FBCN Executive Meeting, Vancouver.

1988 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT — DATES

Date Count Name Coordinator Tel. No.

MMMMBMMM^HMMi• Grey Whale

Migration,twice weeklyMarch 4 - April 23

• Resident GreyWhalesJune 10-12July 17 - 19August 17 - 19September 8 - 10

• OrcasAugust 21-23

, WALKING• New Mexico

May 6 - 12

• Southwestern B.C.May 28 - June 41 OO Of»June 22 - 29

• Oregon CoastOctober 7-13

• San DiegoDecember 27 - Jan. 2Santa BarbaraPre-tripDecember 23 - 27

FOR BROCHURE AND

HUMMINGBIRD

••MMMHHBM^HBMMB Dec. 17 ChilHwack Gladys Brown 858-8032UiUBlSlSliH Victoria Michael Shepard 658-5850

• Costa Rica• February 2-17

• Anza BorregoDesertMarch 11 -18

• Grand CanyonMay 15 - 25

• Southern Alberta:Dinosaurs andMedicine WheelsJune 16 - 23

• Mt. St. HelensAugust 28-31

• Yellowstone andGrand TetonSept. 23 - Oct. 1

• Northern California:Redwoods andButterfliesOctober 16-23

• HawaiiNov. 19 - Dec. 2

ITINERARIES CONTACT:

NATURE TOURS1 3738 -232ND STREET

MAPLE RIDGE, B.C. V2X 7E7(604)467-9219

Dec. 18 Vancouver Wayne Wever 421-2020Pitt Meadows Wilma Robinson 465-5207

Dec. 27 Ladner Jude Grass 520-3706Penticton Dick Cannings 228-4665

Dec. 28 Osoyoos Jean KingDec. 29 Vaseux Lake Dick Cannings 228-4665Dec. 31 Wells-Gray Trevor Goward 674-2553Jan. 2 White Rock/Surrey Madelon Schouten 536-6018

We did not receive the dates for other counts. Please contactthe local club for information — using the Director (Page (2) ofthe B.C. Naturalists.

For those going to the Yukon for the Christmas period hereare two new (revived) counts you may wish to participate in.

Kluahne and Haines Junction counts (dates unknown at thistime) will be co-ordinated by Magi Nams, c/o the Arctic In-stitute of North America, Mile 1054 Alaska Highway (viaWhitehorse) Y1A 3V4. Whitehorse has been doing regularcount for many years now as well.

DEADLINE:B.C.• ̂ ^»

NATURALISTJANUARY 15,

1989 — B.C. Naturalist December 1988 (Winter)

ptarmigan ptracks DAVIDwith STIRLING

Getting there on a low-energy budget.

Many of the world's long distancefliers are relatively small creatures, mak-ing incredible journeys twice each yearin order to get from north to south andback again. One of these, for instance,the Blackpoll Warbler, has a flight pathwhich may take it from the Yukonmuskeg to the rainforests of Venezuela.It prepares for its epic flight by spendingthe last weeks of its northern sojournbuilding up a reserve of fat, to providefuel for the many days 'on the trail'.

Large birds such as cranes and mostraptors, on the other hand, make lessstrenuous journeys, avoiding watercrossings and using the limitless energyof the sun. While migrating these birdsare held aloft by thermals, the warm air'bubbles' rising from hot hillsides, andby updrafts formed where the windblows against cliffs and ridges.

The combination of large waterbodies and hills can produce someremarkable bird spectacles. The bestknown of these bird bottlenecks occur insouthern Europe and in the Middle East,where migratory barriers like theMediterranean, the Black Sea and theArabian desert deflect and concentratehuge numbers of storks, cranes,vultures, hawks and eagles over theTarifa-Gibraltar area in Spain, theBosporus in Turkey, and Elat in Israel.

In North America the only similarbarriers north of Central America arethe Great Lakes, which force migratingraptors to use the long route aroundLakes Erie and Superior. In mid-September this gives birders an oppor-tunity to enjoy thousands of Broadwing-ed Hawks aloft at Hawk Cliff, Ontario,and Duluth, Minnesota.

Large soaring birds are usually laterisers. Ten a.m. or later, depending onthe weather, brings the first individualsand flocks up from roosting or feeding.As the birds rise in a brisk thermal, thefirst ones may soon be hundreds ofmeters above the trees. This formation isknown as a 'tower' or 'chimney'. Atower containing perhaps hundreds ofbirds may extend upward over 2000meters. When enough altitude has beenobtained or the limit of the thermal hasbeen reached, the top birds will peel offand glide away.

~ - - Glide stream

TOWER

Kettle

. ' . . -

Air over coldwater is cooledand descends

Updrafts

. Onshore wind helps birds return

The birds usually lose height untilanother body of rising air is en-countered, providing another chance tosoar. Birds circling at roughly the sameheight form a 'kettle' which may containhundreds atop a cell of upwelling air.Cranes and pelicans kettle with closemilitary precision, circling in one direc-tion and one termination streamingaway in neat Vs and lines. Hawks kettleas individuals; masses of BroadwingedHawks, each one pursuing its own tightcircle, appear from a distance to be aswarm of insects.

Not all the large flocking speciesmaintain good drill order. In Israelrecently I watched an enormous flock ofWhite Storks towering and kettling in amost chaotic manner, seemingly with noregard to air traffic control.

In British Columbia there are fewplaces where big soaring birds concen-trate. One is at Rocky Point, a forestedhill at the southern tip of VancouverIsland between Victoria and Sooke. On-ly 20 kilometres from the shores ofWashington's Olympic Peninsula, thepoint is a jumping off place for many ofthe Island's southbound migrants. OnSeptember 22 of this year I counted 280Turkey Vultures here, all testing thewinds. The presence of so many, conti-nuing for the next three weeks, raises thequestion of whether they are movingthrough, being steadily replaced from'up-Island', or all the same crowd. Ifthey are the same, how do so many findenough food for such a waiting period?

Dense fog blanketed the shore andvalleys, while the higher ridges remained

B.C.

clear, allowing the vultures and othermigrants to drift down the Island, butpreventing them from crossing theStrait. Then one day about noon the foglifted, the temperature rose quickly anda southwesterly breeze developed. Theenergy-efficient vultures in their un-breakable alliance with the sun rosefrom the trees. Soon there were twochimneys wheeling over the hills like ed-dies of autumn leaves..More birds flewin to ride the invisible elevator until 150were aloft.

At their required altitude the birdsbegan gliding off to the vicinity of EastSooke Park, where they swirled in aleisurely kettle. Striking out in a longstream in the direction gf the OlympicMountains they were soon lost in themist, but within ten minutes I noticed aline of vultures flying, not soaring, intoward Rocky Point at tree-top heightfrom over the water. They had en-countered descending air over the coldwater and had turned back, but notbefore dropping so low they had to usetheir own energy to return to shore.

Every year between September 20thand October 10th, this gathering ofTurkey Vultures is a major natural eventin the Victoria region. Rocky Point, amilitary reserve, is out of bounds to thepublic, but good viewing is possiblefrom an overlook at Becher Bay andfrom Mallock Road. In good conditionsRed-tailed Hawks, Sharp-shinnedHawks and perhaps a Golden Eagle maybe seen, riding up the thermal elevatorsthat in the autumn provide an escapefrom the approaching winter.

Naturalist December 1988 (Winter)

SUMMERREPORT 1988

The weather generally continuedwarm and hot throughout the provincewith very few unseasonable storms. Theimpact of the drought in the southernCanadian prairies continued to be felt inBritish Columbia. For example the inva-sion of avocets. and stilts continued withthe former breeding on the coast for thefirst time (Table 1). Some notable occur-rences and numbers of seabirds, wadingbirds, raptors and shorebirds werereported. But the most exciting birdswere passerines, many of which werefound and photographed nearRevelstoke by Doug Powell and ArnieChaddock.

NOTEWORTHY RECORDS — BIRDSMost records are from the period mid-

May through June, 1988 unless other-wise stated.

The BLACK-FOOTED ALBA-TROSS may make a quick tripfrom breeding grounds on MidwayIsland to our coast. A bird banded on 24or 25 June, 1987 was found off theQueen Charlotte Islands on 3-5 July,1987! As more birders spend time inpelagic waters our knowledge of thedistribution and occurrence of seabirdsincreases. Al and Irene Whitney saw aLAYSAN ALBATROSS off AnthonyIsland (Q.C.I.) on 29 May. TheSHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERcontinued its rare occurrence off thecoast. Wayne Campbell counted 18 in aflock of Byers Island on the centralmainland coast on 8 June. At least15,000 SOOTY SHEARWATERS werefound off Rose Split (Q.C.I.) on 20 Julyby Peter Hamel.

Eighteen AMERICAN WHITEPELICANS were spotted on VaseuxLake on 24 June by Mel Elias and DickCannings. A single adult DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT was foundnear the HERRING GULL colony atStum Lake on 29 May by Anna Roberts.

photo: Barry Zettergreen

On 17 May Barry Zettergreen found 3WHITE-FACED IBSES at Surges andJames Gadsen Park. Two werephotographed (RBCM Photo 1216), andremained until 20 MAY.

Two ROSS' GEESE were at Surgesand James Gadsen Park near Goldenwith a flock of 40 CANADA GEESEfrom 13-16 May. Anna Roberts andMartin Gabauer counted waterbirds onStum Lake on 16 June. Substantialnumbers of LESSER SCAUP (243),WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (265) andBARROW'S GOLDENEYE (515) weretallied.

There were 2 falcon records of in-terest: an adult PRAIRIE FALCONnear Riske Creek on 6 May seen by DaveSmith and Wendy Nixon and an adultmale PEREGRINE FALCON seen atRevelstoke on 10 July by Peter Hameland Douglas Powell.

Seven records of shorbirds are worthhighlighting. A WHIMBREL, rare inthe interior, was seen at Duck Lake(Creston) by Vic Goodwill on 10 May.Single MARBLE GODWITS werefound at Separating Lake (Riske Creek)by Dave Smith and Wendy Nixon on 6and 8 May and on 7 May the secondPeace River record was reported by FredHarper and Wayne Campbell. A large,and early flock, of 25,000 WESTERNSANDPIPERS was recorded at Boun-dary Bay by Dick Cannings on 10 July.A RUFOUS-NECKED STINT, inbreeding worn plumage, was found byMichael Price at lona Island on 26 June.It was last seen on 5 July. A LITTLESTINT, the second Vancouver recordwas spotted at Boundary Bay on 10 July

by Brian Kautesk, Frank Walker, andLynn Miller. A rare spring occurence ofthe STILT SANDPIPER in the LowerMainland was reported by JoAnn andHue MacKenzie. It was seen at Serpen-tine Fen (Surrey) on 15 May.

CASPIANS TERNS were reportedfrom Campbell River (8 on 27 June—EdMygren and Don Tretheway), VaseuxLake (3 on 23 May — Wayne Weber and8 on 24 June — Mel Elias), and WilliamsLake (4 adults on 9 June — AnnaRoberts). Two FORSTER'S TERNSwere found at their breeding site at DuckLake (Creston) by Vic Goodwill on 10May.

A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO wasone of many exciting birds found atRevelstoke by Doug Powell and ArnieChaddock Sr.. On 2 July it wasphotographed (RBCM Photo 1221).Danny Tyson heard 2-3 FLAM-MULATED OWLS at Loon Lake northof Cache Creek on 11 June. This extendsthe tiny owl's range west and north inthe province. A NORTHERN HAWK-OWL was seen on Hudson's Bay Moun-tains near Smithers on 3 April by D.V.George caused local excitement. On 1May a dead LONG-EARED OWLsalvaged as a road kill was identified byFrank Guillen. This species is very rareanywhere north of Prince George.

VAUX'S SWIFTS arrived at StanleyPark (Vancouver) on 29 April (several,Brian Kautesk) Summerland on 8 May(3, Laurie Rockwell) and DelkatlaSlough on 21 May (1, Margo Hearne).Neil Dawe watched 4 PURPLE MAR-TINS entering nesting cavities in pilingson the Campbell River estuary from 27to 29 June. From 11-13 July Tom Davieshas a male ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDat his feeder at Clinton.

There were 2 coastal occurrences ofWESTERN KINGBIRDS — Delta 5June 1, Wayne Campbell and NorthVancouver 7 June 1 at landfill by AndyStewart. A GREY CATBIRD seen byEric MacBean at Pitt Meadows on 8June was the earliest reported arrivaldate for the coast. A NORTHERNMOCKINGBIRD was present in Sum-merland from 19-25 June. It was firstconfirmed by Steve Cannings and laterseen by Laurie Rockwell and DaveMclntosh.

Four species of passerines found inthe vicinity of Revelstoke by DougPowell and Arnie Chaddock lured well-known birders Gary Davidson, WayneWeber, and Chris Siddle to the area. Thebirds? a male CHESTNUT-SIDEDWARBLER on 18 and 19 June inthe vicinity of Revelstoke by DougPowell and Arnie Chaddock lured well-known birders Gary Davidson, Wayne

— B.C. Naturalist December 1988 (Winter)

Weber, and Chris Siddle to the area. Thebirds? a male CHESTNUT-SIDEDWARBLER on 18 and 19 June (RBCMPhoto 1222), a male BAY-BREASTEDWARBLER on 3 July, 5 LECONTE'SSPARROWS On 9 July and a pair onINDIGO BUNTINGS on 13 July(RBCM Photo 1224). Two coastalrecords of OVENBIRDS were notewor-thy. Hue and JoAnn Mackenzie foundan adult in south Surrey on 12 June andon 8 August a dead bird was picked upbelow a house window by Judy Nelsonin North Vancouver, The bird wasprepared as a study skin by Steve Elfreyand will be donated to a museum. Twosingle male LAZULI BUNTINGS werereported from North Vancouver (5 June— J. Kribs) and Big Lake (Cariboo) (25June — Anna Roberts).

Syd Cannings found a BREWER'SSPARROW at the 6500 foot level onMount Kobau (Richter Pass) on 25 Junealong with LAZULI BUNTINGS andWESTERN MEADOWLARK! A maleLARK BUNTING was photographed byChris Siddle 28 May at Fort St. John.Two elusive GRASSHOPPER SPAR-ROWS were spotted on 22 May atWestbench, Penticton by LaurieRockwell. In the north-central interiorCrank Guillon found a WESTERNMEADOWLARK on 12 June atVanderhoof and 2 male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD at TobogganLake on 19 June. Back on the coast RickIkona and Steve Baillie found a Nor-thern Oriole at the sewage lagoons nearCourtenay on 15 May.

'Forbes, L.S. 1988. WESTERNGREBES NESTING IN BRITISHCOLUMBIA, Murrelet 69(l):28-33.

*Hearne, M.E. and J.M. Cooper,1987. ALEUTIAN TERN, Sternaaleutica, A NEW BIRD FORCANADA, Canadian Field-NaturalistI01(4):589-590.

"Hooper, T.D. 1988. HABITATS,REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS,AND NEST-SITE TENACITY OFURBAN-NESTING GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS AT VICTORIA,BRITISH COLUMBIA. Murrelet

LARK BUNTINGphoto: Chris Siddle

PUBLICATIONS OF INTERESTArticles with an asterisk (*) are the

result, in part, of naturalists records andinformation in data bases at the Provin-cial Museum.

•Kennedy, Des. 1988. THE GREATTRANSFORMER. Nature Canada17(3):34-39.

*Runyan, C.S. 1987. LOCATIONAND DENSITY OF NEST OF THERED-TAILED HAWK, Buteojamaicensis, IN RICHMOND,BRITISH COLUMBIA. Canadian FieldNaturalist 10I(3):415-418.

*Sealy, S.G. and N. Gessler. 1988. ASPECIMEN OF THE LONG-EAREDOWL FROM THE QUEENCHARLOTTE ISLANDS, BRITISHCOLUMBIA. Murrelet 69(l):27-28.

*Shelford, C.M. 1988. THEFALCON IS TELLING USSOMETHING: REPORT OF THECOMMITTEE OF INQUIRY ONFALCONS. Queen's Printer, Victoria.60 pages.

R. Wayne CampbellRoyal British Columbia Museum

Victoria, V8V 1X4.

TABLE ONECHRONOLIGICAL LIST OF STILTS AND AVOCETS

RECORDED IN BRITISH COLUMBIAIN SPRING AND SUMMER, 1988

BLACK-NECKED STILT1. Duck Lake (Creston) 24 April to 7 May2. Serpentine Fen 29 April to 2 May3. Shuswap Lake 7 May

AMERICAN AVOCET1. Okanagan Lake2. Golden *13. Sea Island4. Serpentine Fen5. Duck Lake (Creston)6. Duck Lake (Creston)7. Okanagan Lake8. Fort St. John9. Fort St. John

10. Upper Hat Creek11. lona Island

18 April21 April24 April24 April-22 June7 May8 May10-12 May11 May12 May14 May25-29 June

Bob Purdy1 Wayne Weber1 Deane Munro

(RBCM Photo 1227)

13 Gary/Arlene Lawrence1 Barry Zettergreen1 fide R.J. Canningsup to 6 Many observers. *218 Gary Davidson17 Vic Goodwill5 Steve Cannings19 Chris Siddle3 Wayne Campbell1 Elizabeth Hunter2 fide Wayne Weber

* I Burges and James Godsen Park*2 Two nests with 4 eggs each on 9 June (RBCM Photo 1226) by Kathleen Fry and Douglas Wilson


MNCOUPRCOMMUNITY

NATURAL HISTORY COURSESFor Information and booking call:

Bright* Ktrmta B7S-8200 or Carol Nickle

BIRDS, BIRDS. BIRDS (602814) (60.00This extensively illustrated course focuses on general bird biology, identification, andthe ecology of both inshore and open ocean waterbirds. Lecture sessions coverbiological information and trips to Reifel Waterfowl Refuge, Jericho Park, U B.C. En-dowment Lands and the Stanley Park Seawall offer the chance for guided field study.(Alice Casskty).Lecture*: Tuetday», January 31. February 7 and 14; 1900-2100Field Trip*: Sundays, February 6, 12 and 19; morning* for 3 hr*.

WATERFOWL PHOTOGRAPHY - (6(0816} (Aquarium member* MO.OQ1(non-mornbers K6.00)

Vancouver is a winter home to thousands of migratory waterfowl — snow geese,Canada geese and ducks galarel You will have the opportunity to photograph thesebirds under professional guidance. Course includes an introductory workshop, fieldsession at Reifal Waterfowl Refuge and a critique session. (Finn Larsen).Thursday; January 26; 1900-2200, Vancouver Aquarium Science CenterTheatreSaturday, January 28; afternoon tisid trip; 4 hoursSaturday, February 4, 0900-1200; Vancouver Aquarium

GULF ISLAND BIRD-WATCHING TRIP - [6028131 WB.OODuring an all-day trip around the Gulf Islands, you'll observe the thousands of seabirdsand other marine animals which congregate at'the peak of herring spawning.Biologists aboard boat will provide natural history information and helpful hints for thefield identification of seabirds. Cost includes boat charter. Bring lunch. (Ian Robert-sun, Rob Butler).Lecture: Monday, March 13; 1900-2030Boot Trip: Saturday, March 18, all dey

UCLUELETNATURALHISTORYWEEKEND -1602810) »176.00Discover the west coastl Study seashore, coastal forest and sand dune ecology viadaily field trips and evening lectures end films. Expect to see colourful marine life, mis-ty rainforests, coastal birds and .,. gray whales on a short boat trip offshore. Cost in-cludes food, transportation, and lodging in school. (Nearby motel accommodation canbe arranged). (Peter Ballin).Orientation: Monday, March 20; 1900-2100Trip: March 24, 25 and 28

VICTORIA BIRDING WEEKEND - (6018211 990.00Victoria boasts one of the most abundant, diverse and rare collections of winteringbirds in Canada. This two day excursion will introduce you to the richest birding spotsin and near Victoria - . . Martindate Island View mudflats for native swans, CloverPoint known for rarities of all kinds. Quick's Bottom for eagles and, of course, BeaconHill Park for forest specialties and waterfowl gelorelCourse will appeal to novice and experienced birders alike. Lodgings have been ar-ranged at Tucker's Bed and Breakfast (Elk Lake) for 427.00 (single occupancy). Car-pools can be arranged at orientation. (Alice CassidyiOrientation: Tuesday, February 21, 1900-2100Trip: February 26 end 26

BOWEN ISLAND HIKE-IB02822 (36.00Discover the natural heritage of this island on a day hike through the 200 hectare Crip-pen Regional Park, Highlights include birding lagoons, spectacular examples ofCanada's largest species of maple, fish spawning channels, bogs full o( insect-eatingplants and with luck . . . fields with Blacktail deer. (Syd Cannings). Ferry costs includ-ed. Bring lunch.Saturday, April 8, all day.

NEWCASTLE ISLAND HIKE- (502812) 436.00With naturalist. Sill Merilees, join us on a comfortable hike on this interesting island.Located across the channel from Nanaimo Harbour, the island was the site of some ofB.C.'s earliest coal mines, sandstone quarries, and Japanese herring satteries. Now aProvincial Marine Park, it boasts 12 mites of hiking trails^active beaver colonies and arich sampling of native plants. Ferry costs included. Bring lunch.Saturday, April 16, all day.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS-(502808)The Queen Charlotte Islands are some of the most treasured lands on our planet andare unrivalled in Canada as a place to explore by water. The islands are a biologicallyunique area — there are plants here which are found nowhere else in Canada, the landmammals are subspecific to the islands and close to 500,000 pairs of seabirds nest hereeach year. The human history is of great importance and the remnants Of decayingHaida Poles at Ninstints are protected as world treasures. The rugged mountainscenery, giant sitka spruce and cedar forests, and diverse marine life make seeing theislands and unparalleled experience. Biologist and anthropologist will accompany tour.Cruise on motor sailor. Island Roomer. $1,850.00 (includes tax deductible tuition4200); excludes airfare.Orientation: Wednesday, May 24, 1930—King Edward CampusBoat Trip: June 6-13,1989.

GULF ISLANDS NATURAL HISTORY SAILING TRIP-1502803)Aboard the luxurious yacht, Island Roamer, cruise the ecological reserves, marineparks, and areas of historical interest in the Gulf Islands. We'll start at Canoe Cove andvisit Sydney Spit Marine Park, Mandarte Island seabird colony, explore the DiscoveryIsland Lighthouse, observe the rare and unusual coastal plants on Trial Island'secological reserve and study the richly-laden shores of Race Rocks — just to highlighta few stopsl $400.00 (includes tax-deductible tuition 9140.00).Orientation: Wednesday, May 3,1930—King Edward CamputBoat Trip: May 12/13/14, 1969.

WHALES, EAGLES AND TOTEM8-15028091This ihree-day tour of the waters and lands of Johnstone Strait provides a stimulatingintroduction to British Columbia's rich and diverse marine life and the unique KwaguitlIndian culture. Johnstone Strait teems with life at this time of year — seabirds, baldeagles, seals, sea lions, Call's porpoise, and minke, gray and killer whales — not tomention the thousands of marine invertebrates smothering the seashores. Observewhales, listen to their underwater sounds, beachcomb, explore a virgin coastal rain-forest, and study the sites of abandoned native villages. Cost includes accommoda-tion, bus travel, boat charter and food. Anthropologist and biologist accompany tour.$550.00 (includes tax-deductible tuition $200.00).Orientation: Tuesday, July 4, 1930—King Edward CampusTrip: July 20-23 or August 31-Sept. 3/39.

GALAPAGOS AND ECUADOR NATURAL HISTORY TOURAndean highlands, Indian villages, subtropical rainforests and ... the legendary andenchanting Galapagos Islands. Come and see the amazing animals and plants whichso inspired Charles Daiwin over 100 years agolTour is for both novice and experienced natural historians and offers a wide range ofareas characterizing the diversity of Sooth America's natural life.A few highlights are:— Quito — world's highest active volcano—Tinalandia—subtropical forest renowned for exotic birds— Rio Palengue Research Station — lowland jungle and life on banana and AfricanPalm plantations—Cotopaxi National Park — via "Avenue of Volcanoes" come to see endemic floraand fauna of the paramo (Andean alpine)— Saauisili — Indian marketplace with a cornucopia of foods & wares.—Nono-Mindo Road — little travelled road through varied countryside—Galapagos Islands — a week abord comfortable yacht to discover giant tortoise,lava lizards, mangrove swamps, pelicans, sharks, flamingos, booby birds, penquinsand much, much morelDates: November IB-December 6.1999Coat: $4996* subject to change, includes tax deductible tuition $876Leader: Biologist and Natural Historian, Syd Cannings; Curator of SpencerEntamology Museum, U.B.C.

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— "B.C. Naturalist December 1988 (Winter)

GREAT BLUE HERON COLONY POINT ROBERTSOrigins: The herons moved to PointRoberts after their nest trees' were threetimes destroyed by land development inTsawwassen during 1940-60.

Numbers: Since 1977, the colony has in-creased from 185 active nests to a record338 this year. The average heron colonyin British Columbia has only 34 nests,and the Point Roberts colony is by farthe largest in British Columbia and adja-cent Washington-

Nests: The colony nests in red alder, 55to 65 feet from the ground. Most treeshave one nest, but some have two orthree. When possible, herons choose asingle tree species for nesting.

The birds lay 2-5 eggs, usually 4, in anest of sticks. They reproduce well inPoint Roberts. During 1977-81 theyfledged an average of 2.43 to 2.94 youngper nest annually,

Food: The Point Roberts colony issituated in one of the richest feedinggrounds in the Pacific Northwest, andmost feeding is done in Canada in Boun-dary Bay, southern Roberts Bank,andalong the south arm of the Eraser River.The colony is truly international!

Herons rarely eat commercial fishspecies. In Point Roberts food itemsrecovered from the ground under nestsinclude shiner perch, starry flounder,tidepool sculpin, valleye pollack,staghorn sculpin, plainfin midshipman,threespine stickleback, and meadowvole.

Remarks: Herons are protected by lawin Canada and the United States, andare not generally an endangered species,but because they need safe stands of bigtrees near feeding grounds for nesting,the destruction of nest sites haseliminated or endangered populations inlocal areas. Point Roberts seems to bethe last site in the general area of Boun-dary Bay and the southeastern GeorgiaStrait where so large of colony could ex-ist.

Biologists suspect this colony may beespecially important because it suppliesrecruits and genetic variability to smallerand less secure colonies over a wide area;moreover, it shows no evidence of theenvironment contamination that isresulting in aberrant behaviour and un-successful raising of young in other col-onies. It is a world-class, internationalwildlife resource.

However, the colony, situated onprivate property, is threatened byresidential development (zoned for .the

nest site) that will inevitably accompanyan adjacent proposed golf course. If thecolony is to survive this treat, it must beprotected by: (1) the acquisition (basedon accurate land survey) of the nest siteand a surrounding, scientifically recom-mended 660 foot (200 metres) radial buf-fer zone of undisturbed forest: and (2)the erection of a fence around the im-mediate nest site, and the observance ofa non-disturbance period during thecrucial nesting season of February to Ju-ly.

Currently the State Wildlife Depart-ment is proposing "land swaps" to ac-quire the land.

The presence of such a woodedpreserve in Point Roberts will increaseproperty values and provide green beltto balance development; and in time thecolony may enjoy international atten-tion.

BINOCULARSSPOTTINGSCOPES

forBIRDING ANDNATURE STUDY

byBUSHNELL

BAUSCH & LONBCELESTRONSTEINER

SWAROVSKITASCO/SAFARI

CARL ZEISS,JENA

Herons are big birds - over 3 feet high,with a 6 foot wingspan — and can live 15years. It is remarkably fortunate that 60of these huge birds can nest successfullyin Point Roberts, and it presents us witha rare opportunity to ensure these wildcreatures continue to grace the skies overour homes.

Please send a letter, expressing sup-port for the acquisition of the nest siteand surrounding 660-foot wooded buf-fer zone, to:

Council-At-LargeWhatcom County Council

311 Grand AvenueBellingham, Washington 98225

andthe Point Roberts Heron Preservation

CommitteeP.O. 1441, Station A,Delta, B.C. V4M 3Y8

Amex, Visa,ft/Card

VANCOUVER TELESCOPE CENTRE102-2220 WEST BROADWAY,VANCOUVERCORNER OF YEW 738-57/7

VANCOUVER NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETYCELEBRATES IT'S 70TH BIRTHDAY

On the evening of October 19, 1988members of the Vancouver NaturalHistory Society gathered in the RufousGibbs Hall of the Vancouver PublicAuditorium to celebrate the 70th Birth-day of the society. The evening wasmostly a social time — to revisit withfriends from the past and reminise aboutcamps, outings and issues.

President Bill Merilees introduced Dr.Ian MacTaggart-Cowan and Dr. Bert

Brink — both Past-Presidents whoreviewed the history of the society fromtheir perspective. Dr. Murray Newman,of the Vancouver Aquarium, welcomedthe society and acknowledged the VNHSparticipation in the establishment of theaquarium many years ago.

A special presentation was made toDr. Brink making him the HonouraryPresident of the Society and bestowedon him the Honourary Gavel to carryout his duties.

B.C. Naturalist December 1988 (Winter) Page

B.C. NEW ECOLOGICAL RESERVES

The ROBSON BIGHT EcologicalReserve (#111), located southeast ofPort McNeill on the east coast of Van-couver Island, was created in 1982 toprotect important rubbing beacheswhich are frequented daily by killerwhales during the summer months.However until recently, this reserve onlyincluded marine waters (1248 ha) andhad no terrestrial component. A 412-haupland addition was created in March1988 to provide a buffer for the beachesand the whales, and to preserve theTsitika River estuary. A privately owned38-ha portion of this addition was pur-chased jointly by the Province of B.C.,the Nature Trust of B.C., and WildlifeHabitat Canada. Another 86 ha will beadded in late 1988 or early 1989. Thisupland buffer varies in width fromroughly 200 m to 1500 m, protectinglands between the shoreline and the firstheight-of-land, except in the Tsitikaestuary where the reserve follows thevalley upstream for over a kilometer.The mature forest growing in the reserveis very diverse, including in order ofabundance western hemlock, westernredcedar, amabilis fir, shore pine,Douglas-fir, red alder and Sitka spruce.A fire has created 60 to 90 years oldsecond-growth stands around theestuary; Douglas-fir, shore pine, westernhemlock and Sitka spruce dominate inthis area. The Tsitika estuary, which isnow the only undisturbed estuary on theeast coast of Vancouver Island, supportstwo major plant communities. An exten-sive tufted hairgrass community oc-cupies the upper estuary, being replacedseaward by stands of Lyngbey's sedge.All five species of Pacific salmon, plussteelhead, cutthroat trout, dolly vardenchar and eulachons migrate through theestuary to spawning grounds in theTsitika River. The estuary supports highpopulations of invertebrates, creating arich rearing habitat for fish.

The NIMPKISH RIVER EcologicalReserve (#118) was created in May 1988to protect a sample of Canada's tallestDouglas-fir forests. The reserve islocated on a 18-ha island in the Nim-pkish River, roughly 6 km north of Ver-non Lake on Vancouver Island. Theforest on the island is primarily compos-ed of Dougls-fir and western red cedar,with the majority of the stands being aDouglas-fir/redcedar - devil's club -vanilla leaf/oak and swordfern com-munity. Douglas-firs attain on average1.3 m in diameter and 66m in height,with occasional specimens reaching 2.0

to 2.4 m in diameter and 80 to 96 m inheight. The majority of the Douglas-firsare estimated to be about 360 years old,with a few larger trees belonging to anolder generation that could be 500 to 600years of age. Although the island itself isCrown land, the Province had to com-pensate for existing timber rights tocreate the reserve, at a cost exceeding$900,000. The B.C. Ecological ReservesProgram has also already spent $35,000to stabilize the island against erosion bythe river. More work is needed to firmlysecure the island.

The TAHS1S RIVER EcologicalReserve (#119) was established in May1988 to protect an unaltered estuary atthe head of the Tahsish Inlet on the nor-thwest coast of Vancouver Island. Thepresence of a pristine, well developedestuary on this coast is exceptional asmost other estuaries have been severelydisturbed by human activities. The 70-hareserve includes an island and mudflatsenclosed between two major channels ofthe Tahsish River. A small forest coversabout one quarter of the reserve and in-cludes three treed communities, i.e.Sitka spruce - sword fern, Sitka spruce -herb/grass, and red alder - salmonberry.Near high tide levels, grassy meadowsand tidal flats support Nootkareedgrass, tufted hairgrass andLyngbye's sedge. Below this, surf grassand algal communities occur, with rockweed (Fucus) and green algae being themost abundant. Animal life in theestuary is diverse and biological produc-tivity is high. Salmon use the river chan-nels as migrating, spawning and par-ticularly rearing habitats. Migrating andwintering shorebirds and waterfowlmake extensive use of the tidal flats.Bald eagles are common. Black bears,mink, raccoons, river otters, deer andRoosevelt elk all make use of the area atdifferent times of the year.

The DUKE OF EDINBURGHEcological Reserve (#120) was created inJune 1988 to commemorate the visit ofPrince Philip to British Columbia in thefall of 1987 and to recognize his con-tribution to the protection of the worldwildlife. This reserve, which is locatedoff the northeast end of VancouverIsland, encloses roughly 125 ha of landdivided among the Pine, Storm, Tree,Naiad, and Buckle Islands. The reservealso includes 535 ha of marine waters toa depth of 20 fathoms. The islands con-sists mostly of wind swept rocks suppor-ting small areas of Pacific reedgrass. Atthe middle of the larger islands, smallwindbattered forests of Sitka spruce

grow surrounded by thickets ofsalmonberry. By day, the islands seemrather ordinary as a few pigeonguillemots and black oystercatchers areseen along the shorelines. Small coloniesof glaucous-winged gulls and pelagiccormorants are found on those fewrocks that rise well above the waves. Yetthis reserve contains the second largestcolony of breeding seabirds in Canada,as it is a nesting ground for nearly onemillion seabirds. It is only at night thatthese birds can be observed flying to andfrom the islands. Four species of noctur-nal burrowing seabirds raise their younghere. These are the Leach's storm-petrel,numbering 549,200 birds; the rhinocerosauklet, 280,000; the fork-tailed storm-petrel, 120,000; and the Cassin's auklet,16,000. The reserve protects 63 percentof the storm-petrels breeding on theCanadian west coast. The rhinocerosauklet population represents 62 percentof the Canadian population and overone third of the North Americanpopulation.

Additional information on thesereserves can be obtained by writing to:

Dr. Louise GouletEcological Reserves Coordinator

Ministry of Parks4000 Seymour Place

Victoria, B.C.V8V 1X5

FOUNDER OF ECOLOGICALRESERVES RECEIVESNATIONAL AWARD

Dr. Vladimir Krajina of Vancouverwas honoured by the Canadian Councilon Ecological Areas with a major awardat the council's annual meeting inCharlottetown.

Largely due to Dr. Krajina's efforts,British Columbia passed the firstEcological Reserves Act in Canada in1971. This served as an inspiration forother provinces to follow. By 1980British Columbia had over 100 reservesincluding one of the largest named inhonour of Dr. Krajina. Although nowretired from the University of BritishColumbia, Dr. Krajina continued todevote many hours to promoting theEcological Reserves Program. Not allbattles have been successful but he con-tinues to fight for the cause and to in-spire others to do the^same.

This award tops a lifetime of achieve-ment by a remarkable individual whowas born 84 yeaxs ago inCzechoslovakia. Dr. Krajina arrived in


Canada in 1948 and took up his positionas Professor of Plant Ecology at theUniversity of British Columbia. Whenthe International Biological Programbegan in the early 1960's, Dr. Krajinabegan supporting the concept of naturalresearch areas in his province.

The award was presented at the Cana-dian Council on Ecological Areasseventh annual meeting in Chariot-,tetown, Prince Edward Island, by theHonourable Tom McMillan, FederalMinister of Environment on behalf ofthe Council.

The Council, composed of scientists,nongovernment conservation organiza-tions and provincial/territorial andfederal governments was established in1982. It is an independent organizationwhich encourages the establishment of anation-wide system of protectedecological areas and provides a forumfor workers in the field to share solu-tions information.

Dr. Krajina received one of threeawards granted by the council this year.The other awards went to the IslandNature Trust of Prince Edward Islandfor its protection and management ofnatural areas and to the HonourableDon Sparrow, former Minister ofForestry, Lands and Wildlife in Alberta.

PLANT ALERTNow, some people are believing that

the natural extracts are more effectiveand have fewer side effects than the syn-thetics and cutting cascara bark is againin evidence in the Pacific Northwest.

The Cascara tree (Rhamnus purshi-niana) is again being harvested as amedicinal. Extracts from the bark of thetree can be used as a laxative. Collectionof the bark has almost ceased after theessential chemicals were synthesized anddrug companies switched to the syn-thetics.

The species was almost exterpated bybark collectors a few decades ago —needlessly. If the bark is stripped fromthe standing tree, infections usually oc-cur and the tree dies; if however, the treeis sawn at the base, sprouts are usuallyproduced and the tree reestablishes(much after the fashion of coppicedwillows). Harvesters should be appraisedof the "wrinkle". The species is justnow reestablishing itself in the LowerMainland of B.C., and a fair number oftrees are to be found, mature enough toagain produce the blue berried fruits.These are being distributed by our birds.

V.C. Brink

REGISTRATION FORMFBCN CAMP - AUGUST 6-13, 1989DRIFTWOOD VALLEY, SMITHERS

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY POSTAL CODE

PHONE

If registering for more than yourself, please send full address and telephonenumbers for others.Registration is limited to 60. Applications are accepted on first-come basts onreceipt of form and fee. Cost: $255.00. Make cheque payable to FBCN CAMP.Post date cheques to May 1, 1989 and send it together with a stamped self-addressed envelope to:

BARBARA BLOW,n -1811 Purcell Way,North Vancouver, B.C.

V7J 3H4 — Phone 987-8492Refunds: Full refunds will be made up to June 1, 1989. Beyond that date partialrefunds will be made with deductions for camp costs already committed.Other information needed:

Do you need transportation

Can you offer transportation.

for how many.

_for how many.

Do you wish to sleep in your van or camper

How do you expect to travel to camp? car _ bus aircraft other

FBCN Camp Goes NorthIn '89 Smithers

August 6-13, 1989

The site is the Driftwood Creek BibleCamp. It is located on a lovely spot in atreed hollow along the side of DriftwoodValley, on a winding back road 8-9 milesin a northeasterly direction fromSmithers (approximately 15-20 minutes).

There is a well-equipped kitchen, alarge dining area and a large meetinghall, as well as a smaller lounge typeroom. The camp will accommodate 60persons in five cabins equipped withbunk beds and foam mattresses. Personswith RV's may wish to use them forsleeping and relieve crowding in thecabins. There is a suitable area wheretents can be erected. There are severalouthouses on the property and aseparate toilet hut which provides theladies with three flush toilets and twoshowers. For the men, there are twoflush toilets, one individual and onegang shower.

Smithers is 1,157 km from Vancouverand for most club members it will be atwo-day car journey. Bus and air flightsare also available.

There are many possibilities for tripsaround Smithers. Alpine areas arenumerous and very good for flowers.Wildlife is fairly abundant and moun-tain goats are common. Access to someof these areas will be on rough roads notsuitable for low clearance or highvehicles. The Indian village of Ksan iswithin driving range and can be combin-ed with a visit to the historic Indianfishing area at the canyon and falls onthe Buckley Valley at Mauricetown.

Smithers is central to many areas ofinterest on Highway 16 and furtherafield sightseeing could be enjoyedbefore or after the camp.

B.C. Naturalist December 1988 (Winter) Page II

1987 CHRISTMASBIRD COUNT RESULTS

Every way you look at it, the 1987Christmas Bird Count in British Colum-bia was a great success. More people onmore counts saw more birds of more dif-ferent kinds than ever before. To be ex-act, 1534 observers on 49 counts saw897,050 birds of 220 species, all newB.C. records as far as I can tell!

For those of you out there who don'tquite know what all the fuss is about,more than 1500 Christmas Bird Countsare held each year across NorthAmerica. Most follow the basic rules oftaking place within a 24-km (15-mile)diameter circle and on a single daywithin 10 days or so of Christmas, andmany (37 of 49 B.C. counts) are submit-ted to the National Audubon Societyjournal American Birds for publication.Only wild birds can be counted of course(no stuffed turkeys!), and results areusually carefully screened to keepreports as accurate as possible, since thepublished counts provide a continent-wide data base for early winter birdpopulations.

Victoria set a new Canadian recordwith 145 species on their count, in-cluding a remarkable total of rarities andhigh individual counts. Pentictonsmashed the Interior record with 104species, beating the magic 100 mark setby Vernon a few years ago. The bird ofthe year was hard to choose this year,but I'll give the nod to the Sabine's Gullat Comox was the second record for aCanadian count. The Gray Catbird atVaseux Lake, Hermit Thrush at Oliver-Osoyoos, Clark's Grebe at Vancouver,and Emperor Goose and Yellow-belliedSapsucker at Victoria were all closerunner-ups. Vernon birders came close-after walking the Interior's first TuftedDuck some October, they couldn't seethe bird on a count-day blizzard! Twonew counts (at least as far as reporting tothe B.C. Naturalist) entered in grandstyle — take a look at the results fromCreston and Fort St. James. The "TrueGrit" award goes to Peter Hamel,Margo Hearne, and Charlie Bellis whobraved 90 kph winds, blowing sand, andheavy rain at Rose Spit and were reward-ed with ruined binoculars and the sightof 20,470 Oldsquaw streaming by intoHecate Strait.

Details given below for each count in-clude the following: date; number ofobservers (obs,); number of bird species(spp.); total number of individuals (in-

div.); a brief list of noteworthy birdspecies (with numbers), selected for theirrarity, large numbers, or uniquenesswithin B.C.; sponsoring club, if any;and name of compiler or organizer. Of-ficial counts, to be published in full inAmerican Birds, are identified by (AB)after the title.

A notice giving dates and other detailsfor the 1988-89 Christmas Bird Count isincluded elsewhere in this issue. Onceagain, I thank all count compilers andobservers for their efforts, and we wishyou the best of luck on the comingwinter's counts. Merry Christmas!

Bamfield (AB) — Dec. 27; 11observers, 67 spp., 4014 indiv., 36Trumpeter Swans, 1 Western Gull, 1Cassin's Auklet, 5 Western Screech-Owls, 1 Bewick's Wren, 2 HermitThrush. (Alan Burger).

Boundary District (Christina L.,Grand Forks, Greenwood, Midway,Rock Creek, Bridesville) — Dec, 26; 75obs., 72 spp., 5455 indiv., 8 Bald Eagles,4 Golden Eagles, 3 Merlins, 37 GrayPartridges, 55 California Quail, 80Mourning Doves, 1 Western Screech-Owl, 19 Cedar Waxwings. (BoundaryNaturalists; Ray Orser).

Bowen Island — Jan. 3; 28 obs., 58spp., 2631 indiv., 1 Yellow-billed Loon,1 Brant, 1 American Kestrel. (BowenNature Club; Michael Dunn).

Campbell River — Jan. 3; 53 obs., 91spp., 26073 indiv., 987 Pacific Loons,4725 Western Grebes, 30 TrumpeterSwans, 3 Eurasian Wigeon, 97 BaldEagles, 80 Black-bellied Plovers, 1California Gull, 3 Anna's Humm-ingbirds. (Mitlenatch Field Naturalists;Elaine Sanderson).

Chilliwack (AB) — Dec. 19; 22 obs.,63 spp., 14472 indiv., 162 Wood Duck, 1Osprey, 2 Mountain Chickadees, 1Yellow-rumped Warbler. (ChilliwackField Naturalists; Gladys Brown).

Comox (AB) — Dec. 20; 45 obs., 96spp., 23191 indiv., 1 Green-backedHeron, 724 Trumpeter Swans, 441Sanderlings, 1 Sabine's Gull, 1 Black-legged Kiniwake, 1 Common Barn-Owl,I Northern Pygmy-Owl. (Comox-Strathcona Naturalists; Willie Haras).

Cranbrook (AB) — Dec. 20; 8 obs.,29 spp., 1026 indiv., 1 Bald Eagle, 1Nor thern Pygmy-Owl , 20 PineGrosbeaks. (Anni Coulter).

Creston (AB) — Jan. 2; 21 obs., 6spp., 2860 indiv., 20 Tundra Swans, 2Wood Duck, I Northern Goshawk, 9Rough-legged Hawks, 9 AmericaKestrels, 134 Wild Turkeys, 2 BarreOwls, 2 Great Gray Owls, 1 Long-eareOwl, 1 Yellow-headed Blackbirc(Robert Purdy).

Deep Bay (AB) — Dec. 29; 19 obs., 1spp., 12158 indiv., 67 Trumpeter Swan;317 Harlequin Ducks, 340 Bald Eagle(Comox-Strathcona Naturalists; WillHaras).

Duncan (AB) — Dec. 19; 30 obs., 11spp., 27808 indiv., 2664 WesteiGrebes, 40 Mute Swans, 163 TrumpetSwans, 2 Redheads, 522 Ring-necktDucks, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler,Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 TowsendWarbler, 4 Savannah Sparrows,White-throated Sparrows. (Cowich.Valley Naturalists; Steve Bazett).

Fauquier (AB) — Dec. 27; 7 obs.,spp., 469 indiv., 1 W. Grebe, 1 BaEagle, 7 Ruffed Grouse, 17 Americ;Dippers, 1 Brewer's Blackbird. (RuBumpus).

Fort St. James (AB) — Jan. 3; 5 ob34 spp., 801 indiv., 112 TrumpeSwans, 1 White-tailed Ptarmigan,Ruffed Grouse, 8 Three-toWoodpeckers, 1 Varied Thrush, 3 ScSparrows, 1 Red-winged Blackbird,White-winged Crossbills.

Golden - Dec. 27; 19 obs., 28 sp895 indiv., 1 Hooded Merganser,Common Snipe, 24 White-winiCrossbills, 97 Common Redpolls.

Kamloops (AB) — Dec. 20; 20 ol77 spp., 5363 indiv., 9 Great EHerons, 32 Tundra Swans, 1 W<Duck, 59 Chukar, 3 Sharp-taiGrouse, 29 Killdeer, 3 Dunlin, 1 NGull, 106 Herring Gulls, 1 Le'Woodpecker, 1 Winter Wren, 28 RFinches. (Kamloops Naturalists; FHowie).

Kelowna (AB) — Dec. 19; 53 obs.spp., 21,362 indiv., 8 Eared GrebesTundra Swans, 2584 Canada GeesiBlue-winged Teal, 3 Dunlin, 1 GlaucGull, 3 Glaucous-winged Gulls,Thayer's Gulls, 645 Herring Gulls,Ring-billed Gulls, 94 Cedar Waxwi:2013 House Finches. (Central OkanaNaturalists; Brian Holmes).

Kitimat (AB) — Dec. 26; 6 obs.species, 3613 indiv., 5 Trumpeter Sw7 Ring-necked Ducks, 3 C. (Yel.-Flickers, 14 Bohemian Waxwing;Rusty Blackbirds. (Dennis Horwoo<

Page \L ~ B.C. Naturalist December 1988 (Winter)

Ladner (AB) — Dec. 27; 41 obs., 128spp., 232203 indiv., 6 Black-crownedNight-Herons, 10000 Snow Geese, 18536Mallards, 25325 Northern Pintail, 10Eurasian Wigeon, 45114 AmericanWigeon. 1 Osprey, 93 Bald Eagles, 7Peregrine Falcons, 33 Short-eared Owls,4 N. Saw-whet Owls, 4 Lincoln's Spar-rows. (Jude Grass).

Lake Windermere District — date?;48 obs., 47 spp., 2699 indiv., 5 GreatBlue Herons, 2 Northern Pintail, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Golden Eagle, 3 Mourn-ing Doves, 25 Pileated Woodpeckers, 71Clark's Nutcrackers, 408 MountainChickadees, 9 Brown Creepers, 277Evening Grosbeaks. (Larry Halverson).

Masset (AB) — Dec. 20; 24 obs., 79spp., 6352 indiv., 2 Short-tailed Shear-waters, 3 Greater White-fronted Geese,1115 Canada Geese, 1 Peregrine Falcon,151 Black Oystercatchers, 3 RuddyTurnstones, 11 Least Sandpipers, 193Rock Sandpipers, 11 Long-billed Dowit-chers, 1 Cassin's Auklet. (Islands Pro-tection Society/Council of the HaidaNation; Peter Hamel).

Nakusp (AB) — Dec. 27; 12 obs., 39spp., 1812 indiv., 176 Canada Geese, 1Great Horned Owl, 10 PileatedWoodpeckers, 58 Varied Thrushes, 36White-winged Crossbills, 468 PineSiskins.

Nanaimo (AB) — Dec. 27; 27 obs.,107 spp., 25543 indiv., 1364 Brandt'sCormorants, 1826 Pelagic Cornorants, 1

American Bittern, 326 TrumpeterSwans, 241 Bid Eagles, 1 Yellow-rumpedWarbler. (Nanaimo Field Naturalists;Peter van Kerkoerle).

North Pine (AB) — Dec. 27; 6 obs.,26 spp., 718 indiv., 2 NorthernGoshawks, 2 Sharp-tailed Grouse, 2Three-toed Woodpeckers, 15 Blue Jays,2 Brown Creepers, 25 Hoary Redpolls.(Chris Siddle).

Oliver-Osoyoos (AB) — Dec. 28; 40obs., 98 spp., 13794 indiv., 1 PacificLoon, I Yellow-billed Loon, 292 Com-mon Mergansers, 1541 California Quail,1 Common Barn-Owl, 1 Hermit Thrush,1 Loggerhead Shrike, 1 Northern Water-thrush, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow. (Oliver-Osoyoos Naturalists; Syd Cannings &Joan King).

Fender Islands (AB) — Dec. 22; 9obs., 70 spp., 7973 indiv., 1282 Brandt'sCormorants, 55 Bald Eagles, 104 Surf-birds. (Pender Island Field Naturalists;Ronald McLardy).

Penticton (AB) — Dec. 27; 51 obs.,104spp., 20201 indiv., 2704 Redheads, 2Spruce Grouse, 2334 California Quail, 1Thayer's Gull, 1 Glaucous-winged Gull,12 Northern Pygmy-Owls, 1 Boreal Owl,1 White-headed Woodpecker, 41

Western Bluebirds, 797 AmericanRobins, 1 Snow Bunting, 1444 HouseFinches. (South Okanagan Naturalists;Richard Cannings).

Pitt Meadows (AB) — Jan. 2; 19 obs.,92 spp., 18352 indiv., 107 Great BlueHerons, 1313 Canada Geese, 1 SnowGoose, 3 Eurasian Wigeon, 1 Gyrfalcon,1 Peregrine Falcon, 72 Long-billedDowitchers, 4 Mountain Chickadees, 2Water Pipits, 16 Yellow-rumpedWarblers. (Alouette Field Naturalists;Wilma Robinson).

Port Clements (AB) — Dec. 18; 4obs., 51 spp., 3144indiv., 51 TrumpeterSwans, 9 Brant, 3 Eurasian Wigeon, 1Peregrine Falcon, 4 Northern Saw-whetOwls. (Islands Protection Society/-Council of the Haida Nation; PeterHamel).

Prince George — Jan. 3; 30 obs., 39spp., 3557 indiv., 4 Bald Eagles, 2Sharp-shinned Hawks, 68 CommonGoldeneye, 2 Dunlins, 2 Three-toedWoodpeckers, 122 Brewer's Blackbirds,4 Rusty Blackbirds, 29 Red-wingedBlackbirds, 15 White-winged Crossbills,941 Common Redpolls. (Prince GeorgeNaturalist Club; Nancy Muirhead).

Prince Rupert (AB) — Dec. 27; 7obs., 37 spp., 2845 indiv., 3 HarlequinDucks, 4 Black Oystercatchers, 4 Com-mon Snipe, 1 Hermit Thrush. (JoanScruton; Prince Rupert Naturalists).

Quesnel — Dec. 27; 26 spp., 1890 in-div., 1 Bald Eagle, 7 Ruffed Grouse, 211Evening Grosbeaks, 27 Pine Grosbeaks.(Quesnel Naturalists; Shelley Baum-brough).

Revelstoke (AB) — Dec. 21; 16 obs.,50 spp., 7181 indiv., 2117 CanadaGeese, 5 Short-eared Owls, 9 BorealChickadees, 120 Varied Thrushes, 144White-winged Crossbills. (Bob Brade).

Rose Spit (AB) — Dec. 17; 3 obs., 33spp., 26037 indiv., 1 Sooty Shearwater,20470 Oldsquaw, 2 Black-legged Kit-tiwakes, 2 Water Pipits. (Islands Protec-tion Society/Council of the Haida Na-tion; Peter Hamel).

Salmon Ann — Dec. 20; 30 obs, 62spp., 2893 indiv., 23 Tundra Swans, 3Merlins, 2 Northern Shoveler, 5 Short-eared Owls. (Shuswap Naturalists,Deane Munro).

Saltspring Island — date?; 144 obs.,92 spp., 15656 indiv., 17 Mute Swans, 93Harlequin Ducks , 98 HoodedMergansers, 303 California Quail, 112Band-tailed Pigeons, 1 Northern Saw-whet Owl, 11 Red-breasted Sapsuckers,2 Hutton's Vireos. (Mrs. C.E.Wooldridge).

Shuswap Lake Prov. Park (AB) —Dec. 17; 16 obs., 3 Common Loons, 1N. Saw-whet Owl, 21 PileatedWoodpeckers, 21 Pine Grosbeaks, 148Common Redpolls. (North ShuswapNaturlists; Rick Howie).

Skidegate Inlet (AB) — Dec. 19; 10obs., 72 spp., 9709 indiv., 127 Red-necked Grebes, 4 Greater White-frontedGeese, 1 Snow Goose, 212 Brant, 1Merlin, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 83 BlackOystercatchers, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 1Mountain Bluebird, 28 Water Pipits, 2Bohemian Waxwings, 2 Yellow-rumpedWarblers, 1 Townsend's Warbler, 2Savannah Sparrows. (Islands ProtectionSociety/Council of the Haida Nation;Peter Hamel).

Smithers (AB) — Dec. 27; 31 obs., 40spp., 2409 indiv., 7 Wood Ducks, 41Ruffed Grouse, 1 Common Snipe, 2Three-toed Woodpeckers, 1 Clark'sNutcracker , 637 Black-cappedChickadees, 15 Rosy Finches, 110 PineGrosbeaks. (Bulkley Valley Naturalists;Rosamund Pojar).

Sooke (AB) — Jan. 2; 23 obs., 106spp., 13638 indiv., 1168 Brandt's Cor-morants, 10 Mute Swans, 6 EurasianWigeon, 2 Golden Eagles, 4 PeregrineFalcons, 66 Black Oystercatchers, 3Northern Pygmy-Owls, 17 HermitThrushes. (Michael Shepard & CynthiaZoyetz).

Squamish (AB) — Jan. 3; 17 obs., 79spp., 7021 indiv., 1 Yellow-billed Loon,56 Trumpeter Swans, 976 Bald Eagles, 1N. Saw-whet Owl, 1 Three-toedWoodpecker, 1 Bewick's Wren, 1 MarshWren, 41 American Dippers, 1 HermitThrush, 1 Hutton's Vireo. (RichardCannings).

Sunshine Coast (AB) — Dec. 19; 16obs., 89 spp., 8857 indiv., 2 TrumpeterSwans, 2 Eurasian Wigeon, 2 VirginiaRails, 8 Rock Sandpipers, 13Bonaparte's Gulls, 1 Northern Pygmy-Owl, 1 Hermit Thrush, 2 Hutton'sVireos. (Sechelt Marsh Protective Socie-ty; Tony Greenfield).

Terrace (AB) — Dec. 27; 13 obs., 67spp., 3661 indiv., 91 Trumpeter Swans,91 Brant, 58 Bald Eagles, 1 SpottedSandpiper, 1 Anna's Hummingbird.(Diane Weismiller).

Vancouver (AB) — Dec, 20; 183 obs.,129 spp., 120671 indiv., 1 Yellow-billedLoon, 1 Clark's Grebe, 1 Greater White-fronted Goose, 7 Mandarin Ducks, 6Black Oystercatchers, 1 Spotted Sand-piper, 2 Blue Jays, 45450 EuropeanStarlings, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler,1608 Song Sparrows, 1 Harris* Sparrow.(Vancouver Natural History Society;Wayne Weber).

Vaseux Lake (AB) — Dec. 29; 21obs., 92 spp., 8969 indiv., 55 TundraSwans, 5 Trumpeter Swans, 1 MuteSwan, 1 Eurasian Wigeon, 366 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Harlequin Duck, 18

cont. on page 16 - CBC


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The Enlichenment with TREVOR COWARD

INVESTINGNECESSITIES

It was four years ago this summer thatI sat down to write my first "Enlichen-ment". Since then the articles havefollowed, with fair regularity, everyquarter. In them I have discussedeverything from lichen growth forms toacid rain, from nationalism to cowdung, and from geriatrics to wildernesspreservation. In short, I have kept to mysubject — lichens — with a stick-to-itness exceeded only by that of a teflonfrying pan.

The time has come to answer a coupleof questions which have doubtless bynow posed themselves in the minds ofmy more restless readers: 1) What onearth is this series about; and 2) Why doI call my articles "enlichenments"? Thetime has come to explain myself.

I can do no better than to begin with aquote from one of my all-time favouritenature writers:

One of the penalties of anecological education is that one livesalone in a world of wounds. Much ofthe damage inflicted on land is quiteinvisible to laymen. An ecologistmust either harden his shell andmake believe that the consequencesof science are none of his business, orhe must be the doctor who sees themarks of death in a community thatbelieves itself well and does not wantto be told otherwise.

When Aldo Leopold set the abovewords to paper, he had in mindnaturalists: cranky individuals whooften suspect that the really importantthings of this world have less to do withthe promise of athletes and the promisesof politicians than they do with theundertakings of falcons, cedar trees,salmon and, yes, lichens.

I don't know about you, but as forme, I confess to being something of aborn-again naturalist. For absolutes Iaccept the certainties of natural diversityor, as I like to call them, the"thingnesses of things". For creed Icherish the ebb and flow of natural pro-cess, be it the turning of aspen leaves inmid Autumn, or the returning ofnighthawks in late Spring. And thenthere's always that delicious sense ofmoral rectitude which associates withany perspective broader than the usual

man-centred one. Such are the comfortsof the naturalist viewpoint.

The discomforts are something elseagain. Over and over I remind myselfthat if even continental glaciers have aright to scour the earth, to rearrange thefurniture, to burn evolutionary bridges,then why not humans, too? Ar-chaeologists confirm that Armageddonhas been visited upon our speciesnumerous times in the past, so why notagain? Who am I to begrudge the com-ing interview?

This line of reasoning, though straightand true, is yet not entirely convincing tonaturalists who, like myself, place theirfaith in the natural order of things.Mountain Caribou roaming the summitsof Wells Gray's Trophy Mountains inApril may not be "necessary" in anycosmic sense, but to me they arenecessary; and faced with a social orderthat cares little about the likes of Moun-tain Caribou, I do the only thing it ispossible for me to do: I preach.

Preaching, if you pause to consider it,is really what naturalists are all about.Common to all of us is the amassing andtelling of stories — a new bird sightedhere, an old familiar mushroomphotographed there. And in commonwith other brands of preachers, we tendto preach best when we are excited aboutwhat we are preaching: first because thatis how all good preaching, and teaching,is effected; and second because, at a cer-tain level at least, excitement itself is ouressential message: excitement for theout-of-doors.

************ANOTHER GOLDEN MOULDIE

Q. If you were a boulder, how might youmost appropriately compare the presentwith the past?A. Easy! Just lichen the old days!

************

Excitement by itself, however, finallyboils down to a rather weak tea. It wantsflavouring and local colour, the mostreliable sources of which inevitablyderive from close study and first-handexperience. Sad to say, these ingredientsare precisely what many of our naturaliststories are lacking these days. Perhapsthis is understandable, given that we allfind it easier to accept a story, and passit on, at face value, without any real ac-quaintance with the details, than to siftthrough the literature upon which it isbased, or otherwise verify it on our ownauthority. In literary terms such stories

— nurse logs, forest succession and the"sensitive" alpine are three that come tomind — would be called cliches. Innaturalist terms, cliches have the effectof arresting the curiousity at the level ofvague generalities, of seeming to obviatethe need for personal experience, and ofpromoting attitudes and behaviourwhich may or may not be defensibleunder close scrutiny. In short, they dolittle to enhance our reputation asserious thinkers.

I believe that natural history is morethan a mere drawing up of birdchecklists, and repeating of worn-outstories. Or better, if it is not more thanthese, then it is nothing: an insipid diver-sion enjoyed by timid souls in search oftitillation. As naturalists we must neverlose sight of the fact that we have adefinite, and critical, role to play insociety: to stay, somewhat, mankind'sheadlong rush toward extinction. Livingas we do somewhere near the outer rimof the anthropocentric vantage, we havea duty to remind our fellow men that weare not alone on this planet.

It all comes down to a question of thepower of ideas over human action. Oncehatched, an idea can be very nearly in-destructable. The proposal to dam theSkagit River has proved to be such anidea. So is the initiative to log the Stein.The essential durability of these projectproposals lies not in any socio-economicbenefits that may accrue to them (it hasbeen convincingly demonstrated thatthere are none to speak of), but in themere fact they are, after all, feasible.

"If it can be done, it must be done,and the sooner the better" would seemto be a fair assessment of the rationalebehind such projects as these. And it isfor this reason that naturalists wastetheir time when they attempt to opposethem using rational arguments and otherhonest techniques. Mere facts can havelittle purchase upon grand ideas.

The only thing that can stop a grandidea, once it has taken hold, is anothergrand idea of equal, but opposing force.Recently, in South Moresby, Canadianenvironmentalists were witness to astruggle of this kind.

Now had South Moresby remainedwhat it is — just another tree-clad islandoff the coast of B.C., with ancientforests crying to be harvested —doubtless the chainsaws would be buzz-ing there are this very moment. But itturns out, which is also true, that SouthMoresby is our "Canadian Galapagos".

cont. on page 16 ...


CBC. . . cont. from page 13

Chukar, 2 Virginia Rails, 7 NorthernPygmy-Owls, 40 Downy Woodpeckers,60 Hairy Woodpeckers, 1 Three-toedWoodpecker, 11 Black-backedWoodpeckers, 15 PileatedWoodpeckers, 8 Canyon Wrens.(Richard Cannings).

Vernon (AB) — Dec. 20; 66 obs., 97spp., 17255 indiv., 32 Gray Partridge, 1Glaucous-winged Gull, 4 Short-earedOwls, 4 Anna's Hummingbirds, 12Horned Larks, 3 Boreal Chickadees, 700American Robins, 8 American TreeSparrows, 1 Swamp Sparrow. (NorthOkanagan Naturalists; Phil Ranson).

Victoria (AB) — Dec. 19; 120 obs.,145 spp., 79208 indiv., 1 EmperorGoose, 19 Eurasian Wigeon, 24Cooper's Hawks, 1 Northern Goshawk,1 Golden Eagle, 5 Peregrine Falcons, 1Whimbrel, 1 Red Phalarope, 1 NorthernPygmy-Owl, 1 Barred Owl, 43 Anna'sHummingbirds, 1 . Yellow-bellied Sap-sucker, 17 Eur. Skylarks, 1353Chestnut-backed Chickadees, 1886Golden-crowned Kinglets, 1 Townsend'sSolitaire, 13 Hermit Thrushes, 1 PalmWarbler, 1 Swamp Sparrow, 1 SnowBunting. (Victoria Natural HistorySociety; Michael Shepard & CynthiaZoyetz).

West Kootenay — Dec. 29; ? obs., 75spp., 5092 indiv., 29 Gadwall, 1 scoter?P.-» A .-Northern Goshawk, 3 SpruceGrouse, 1 Glaucous Gull, 1 Snowy Owl,1 Blue Jay. (West Kootenay Naturalists;Jim Street).

White Rock (AB) — Jan. 3; 62 obs.,122 spp., 70432 indiv., 13 EurasianWigeon, 1464 Ruddy Ducks, 1 GoldenEagle, 118 Black-bellied Plover, 1 LesserYellowlegs, 5 Least Sandpipers, 10792Dunlin, 71 Band-tailed Pigeons, 1 Bar-red Owl, 1 Great Gray Owl, 1 Long-eared Owl, 12 Anna's Hummingbirds, 8Mountain Chickadees, 3 HermitThrushes, 8 Hutton's Vireos, 28Western Meadowlarks. (White Rock &Surrey Naturalists; Madelon Schouten).

Williams Lake — Jan. 3; 49 obs., 37spp., 2089 indiv., 2 Three-toedWoodpeckers, 7 Pileated Woodpeckers,1 Boreal Chickadees, 24 American Dip-pers, 2 Golden-crowned Kinglets, 11Towsend's Solitaires, 1 Harris' Sparrow,261 White-winged Crossbills. (WilliamsLake Field Naturalists; Anna Roberts).

Yoho National Park — Dec. 27; 18obs., 17 spp., 212 indiv., 1 Bald Eagle,36 Clark's Nutcrackers, 4 AmericanDippers. (Rob Scoble).

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Enlichenment . . .cont. from page 15

This epithet — an opposing grand idea— having once been applied to SouthMoresby, it was not long before Cana-dians everywhere were clamouring tohave it set aside as a National Park. Oneisland: two visions. In this case thenaturalist perspective prevailed. TheCanadian Galapagos was a new story foran old island.

I for one believe in the power of newstories. That is why, four times everyyear, I chain myself to my writing desk,refusing food or drink or other comfortuntil, at the end of days, I emerge withcopy to send to our good editor. Thestories I tell may not always be well con-

ceived, or well researched, or even wellwritten, but I do hope my readers con-tinue to find them enlichening. Who cansay that one of my stories won't someday help someone somewhere tcpreserve his corner of paradise? I call it"inventing necessities".

Deadline and distribution dates forthe B.C. Naturalist.

Edition

SpringSummerFallWinter

Deadline

Jan. 15April 1July 15Oct. 15

Distribution

March 1June 1Sept. 1Nov. 1


CLOSE UP ON NATURE ALwith GRASS

"It begins to bud —Close to the trunk- of the great tree

I strain my ears to listen.

Takahama Kyoshi (1874-1959)

Slowly the days are getting shorterand shades of night drawing eversooner. The afternoon sun is stillagreeably warm, but the evening air nowhas a distinct "bite" and is noticiblycooler than ever a few weeks ago. Thelast few wildflowers such as aster andgoldenrod await the First nip of frost.Maples in a blaze of orange, gold andred are putting on a good show. Soonthe forest floor will be ankle deep withfallen leaves of alder, cottonwood andmaple, giving a good excuse to shuffleone's feet. But wait! As trees "lose"their leaves and bare themselves, theypresent some interesting opportunitiesfor study and thought. Now is the timeto take note of the wonderful gardens ofmosses and lichens festooning and en-crusting the bark and limbs of "nakestrees". And what about the beautifulforms of deciduous trees and shrubs inwinter - all have characteristic forms andgrowth patterns. With a bit of care, onecan learn to identify many species. Theirbranches reach up to the sky like somany arms of a mutti tentacled creature.Tree profiles are thus excellent subjectsfor the creative photographer. Theelegant designs of winter trees are bestcaptured in black and white, using filtersto produce images of poetic beauty.Here poetry and science are one. Treeskeltons look forlorn against the oftenmoody winter sky, but they are full of

PROMISES OFSPRING

The Cascara is the only tree native toBritish Columbia with "naked buds."Note the leaf scar at base of bud.

the promise of spring to come. No doubtour ancient ancestors had deep stiringsof this kind when they looked at mightytrees such as elms and oaks anchored tomother-earth with powerful trunks andbranches reaching to the sky. Trees werebeings who seemed to die each autumn,and then as if by some miracle, werereborn in spring. Such feelings musthave been strong indeed.

It is however the ends of the branchesthat excite me the most. Twigs withbuds! Beautiful buds, elegant buds

-glistening, sticky, hairy, painted,rounded - all jewels. Buds like jewels areoften many faceted. To begin with, theyare an excellent way to identifydeciduous trees and shurbs in winter,and there are some good keys available.You will have to notice details such asshape, colour, resin, hairs and bud ar-rangement just to mention a few. Leafscars on the twigs can also be importantaids in identification often showingunusual patterns. Again, photography isof immense help in appreciating buds,but here you will need a macro lens. Thestudy and appreciation of winter treesand shrubs is important because I see instructures such as buds the promise ofnew and vigourous life. Make them apart of your winter naturalizing. Recallto mind the words of Chief Dan George:

"The beauty of the trees,the softness of the air,

the fragrance of the grass,speaks to me."

There are several books which providehelpful winter tree keys.Winter Botany by William Trelease(Dover) - really an "eastern" book butuseful key to many native and exoticgenera. Considered to be a classic.Native Trees of Canada by R.C. Hosie(Canadian Forest Service) has very gooddetailed photographs of winter twigs,winter profiles and keys to deciduoustrees in winter. Excellent.My Heart Soars by Chief Dan George(Hancock House) has helped me to ap-preciate the context on which I seethings, like trees, especially on thebleaker days of winter.

FEEDER WATCHING IS MORE THAN FUNSaturday morning, February 6. Blow-

ing snow and 10 degrees F. A good dayto sit around in pyjamas, drink coffeeand read the paper. But today is alsocount day for Project FeederWatch, sowe'll drink our coffee by the windowoverlooking our bird feeder. Let's see —2 chickadees, 1 Downy Woodpecker —here come the grosbeaks, 6, 10 ... no,17, And there's the first Purple Finch ofthe season!

So goes the morning for participantsin Project FeederWatch, a continent-wide survey of bird feeders begun lastyear by the Cornell Laboratory of Or-nithology and Canada's Long PointBird Observatory. The project is an ex-panded version of one run in Ontario for

11 years, designed to answer questionsfrequently asked by feeder owners:"Why are there so few EveningGrosbeaks this winter?" "What can I doto discourage Starlings?" "Why doesmy neighbor get all the Blue Jays while Ihave none?"

Feeder surveys can start to answersuch questions by documenting thenumbers and kinds of birds at feeders.Moreover, work in Ontario showed thatbird numbers at feeders could be used tohelp monitor winter bird populations.The continental coverage of ProjectFeederWatch should allow scientists tofollow changing winter distributionsthroughout North America, both withinand between years.

B.C.

Last winter, over 4,000 participantsfrom Alaska to Florida showed that theDark-eyed Junco was the mostwidespread species at feeders, by a largemargin (see Table 1). The House Spar-row was more than twice as abundant,even though it was seen at fewer feeders.An outstanding feature of last winterwas the unusually large number of PineSiskins in all parts of the continent.

The most abundant species aregenerally those that occur coast to coast,but detailed results from all regionsshow fascinating differences in the lesscommon species. People in the deepsouth (whose daffodils may bloom inFebruary) are able to attract orioles and

cont. on page 20Naturalist December 1988 (Winter)

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Natural History of Costa Rica: February 16 -March 4Gray Whales & Seabirds: Bamiield Marine Station: March 31-April 2

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FALL CAMPBAMFIELD

On Sunday, Sept. 4, participants inF.B.C.N.'s Fall Camp congregated atBamfield Marine Station; some fromVancouver Island itself, others from theLower Mainland and interior, the lattergroup crossing by ferry accompanied bya few brave souls from as far east as On-tario. On arrival, volunteers speedilydealt with registration and accommoda-tion, leaving the latter part of the dayfree for an orientation tour of the sta-tion, its labs, library and dock on the in-let, not to mention the attractively laidout grounds with their commemorativeplaque celebrating the Trans-PacificCable, of which this was the NorthAmerican terminus.

The camp staff, young and en-thusiastic, began the series of eveningmeetings that very night; an alternationof talks and films, most of the latter be-ing devoted to nature on the West Coast:eagles, killer whales and the temperaterain forest. The last graphically il-lustrated the ecological changes follow-ing on clearcutting. The main features ofthe camp were its day trips, with somedestinations reachable by water andtrail, the majority of destinations beingremote West Coast beaches with theirsand or gravel, background cliffs andisolated rocky stacks, many carved intofantastic shapes by the power of thewater. In addition, the Station's littlefleet provided trips by water to variousislands in the sound, in the process, col-lecting specimens of fish and seaweedfor lab study.

The land trips took us to Brady'sBeach with its blow hole, involving aboat trip across Bamfield Inlet, plus ashort walk on Mills Peninsula, Execu-tion Rock near Second Beach, with itslegends of treachery and revenge, CapeBeale with its light at the very mouth ofBarkley Sound, plus Keeha Bay; this lastnamed involving an interesting balanc-ing act to cross the outlet of KichhaLake.

For many though, the highlight wasthe trip along the most northerly sixmiles of the West Coast Trail from itsterminus east of Bamfield to PachenaPoint, another bold headland also grac-ed with a light. On this stretch, the trailundulates along a bench with the watersof the Pacific below and here and there,through the trees, glimpses of sea lionssunning themselves and responding toone another with raucous roars. Finally,just before the point, the trail leaves theforest and there is the lighthouse, itscrew reduced by automation so that the

little schoolroom on the ground floor ofthe light is no longer in use.

Though the Station's two skiffs werebusy ferrying hikers to their jumping offpoints, they also carried out some in-shore trips while M. V. Alta did longerday cruises on Barkley Sound, one ortwo of which were not without incident.One party, on Wizard Island, had helpfrom the coastguard, while members ofanother found the combination ofPacific swell and the downwind ef-fluvium from a group of sea lionssomewhat overpowering; no one,however, suffered any lasting ill-effectsand all seemed ready to do justice to thelavish meals supplied by the cateringstaff.

For those wishing to extend theirknowledge of marine organisms, a varie-ty of labs provided hands-on andtheoretical experience, with dissectionsof vertebrates and inspections of in-vertebrates under a microscope, the lat-ter study amplified by lavish printoutscovering creatures as diverse as sponges,worms, barnacles and sea urchins, plusnumerous others. Similar detail wasbrought to the study of plankton andseaweeds, their sheer variety and theirtype determined by habitat coming as asurprise to those of us for whom sea

plants have hitherto been classifiedunder "seaweed" purely and simply.

But even this crowded program of dayand evening activities did not exhaustthe staff, and the company enjoyed twosocial evenings as well as an after-darktrip to the head of Grappler Inlet,situated just round the point from Bam-field. This was a national light show withluminous flashes of varied quality andcause, a most striking display with thesheen on the surface contrasting with thelights of nearby homes.

With so much to do the week sped byand while most headed directly home, afew diehards made for Carmanah Valleyto see what MacMillan-Bloedel wasabout to do to one of the few stands offirst growth Sitka spruce, a sobering endto the trip, for it was difficult to view,unmoved, the threatened giants and toponder the implications of logging thissteep-sided valley, a few slides alreadyindicative of worse to come.

One last word; failing to thank theF.B.C.N. volunteers would be churlish,from Bert Brink, coordinator, to thecommittee chaired by Barbara Blow,members of which cheerfully registeredcampers, all 55 of us, and allocated ac-commodation, so getting things off to agood start.

David Macaree

Birders are enthusiastic about the Kowa TSNscopes from Japan! The 77 mm objective easilyhandles a 40x eyepiece for normal use, and the20x wide angle is sharp from edge to edge.Prices start at $700.00.

We have many new field guides available,especially for Europe, Africa, and Australasia. Ournew catalogue is available for $2.00, refundablewith your order. For more information, contactBruce Whittington.

Please make a note of the new phone number -652-1529

the field-naturalistSpecial order book service for naturalists

P.O. Box 161, Brentwood Bay, B.C.VOS 1AO Telephone 652-1529


AFRICA AT ITS BESTTony Loxton's WILDLIFETOURS to Kenya's magnifi-cent national parks and gamereserves enable you to observeand photograph a remarkable,number of species of animalsand birds at very closequarters, in a natural setting.The time to see East Africa'ssuperb natural heritage isNOW, while it still survives.

Our fully escorted tours are designed to show you KENYA'S land-scape, culture and wildlife in detail, at an easy pace. You will ex-plore the varied ecosystems and view the fine array of animals inno less than 9 major parks, including MASAI MARA, SAMBURU,AMBOSELI and TSAVO, enjoy an unforgettable stay at one of thelegendary TREE HOTELS and at the remarkable SALT LICK lodge,see the amazing display of waterbirds on LAKE NAKURU, andrelax at resorts in the scenic RIFT VALLEY and on the slopes ofspectacular MOUNT KENYA.

Our next Kenya tours leave Vancouver on

Jan. 21, Feb. 18 and Oct. 7, 1989On all our tours, we travel in small groups, and use firstclass hotels and game lodges. Our affordable tour prices arefully inclusive of airfare, accommodation and all mealswherever we go,

For our brochures, call 980-5853 or write:

KINGFISHER TOURS134A — 140 East 14th Street,

North Vancouver, B.C. V7L 2N3

BC SPACE SCIENCES SOCIETYpresents

VOYAGE TO THELOST CIVILIZATIONS

15 DAY CRUISEFebruary 5-20,1989

From . . . USD3632.00Experience the wonder and natural beauty of theGalapagos Islands. Explore the legendary Machu-Picchu,Cuzco and the mysterious Nazco Lines. Visit the world'sleading observatory.

Distinguished scholars will lecture and guide passengersthrough this voyage of discovery.

DEBBIE TWININGP. LAWSON TRAVEL

4255 Arbutus StreetVancouver, B.C.

V6J4R1PH. (604) 736-1261

Feeders . . . cont. from page 17

hummingbirds along with their juncosand Evening Grosbeaks, while Feeder-Watchers out west reported Black-billedMagpies, Gambel's Quail, and ScrubJays.

Anyone who can identify the birds attheir feeders may join Project Feeder-Watch. Counts are made on one or twodays every second week from Novemberto April, and recorded on specialcomputer-readable forms. FeederWat-chers pay $9.00 annually to support theproject, and in return receive 4 newslet-ters, including a full report on resultsthat is mailed a few months after the endof the winter season.

FeederWatch is aiming for at least 50participants in each state and provinceand about 10,000 overall, so we hopeyou'll join us! Find out how your feederstacks up while also contributing impor-tant scientific data. Sign up by sendingyour name and address and $9.00 to:Project FeederWatch, Long PointObservatory, P.O. Box 160, PortRowan, Ontario, NOE 1MO. Now, let'ssee ... 3 more American Goldfinches, 2Tree Sparrows . . .

Erica H. Dunn — B.C. Naturalist December 1988 (Winter)

Table 1. Most widespread and abundant feeder species at North American feedersduring winter 1987-88, as shown by Project FeederWatch.

Species listed are those seen at 50% or more of all feeders (column 1), or with anaverage weekly abundance per feeder of 1.0 or more birds (column 2). Column 3,"average where present", also shows the average weekly abundance, but includes dataonly from feeders where the species was actually sighted. Column 4 shows the averageweekly number of each species at the single feeder where that species was most abun-dant.

SpeciesDark-eyed JuncoPine SiskinHouse SparrowBlack-capped ChickadeeAmerican GoldfinchDowny WoodpeckerEuropean StarlingBlue JayHouse FinchNorthern CardinalMourning DoveRed-winged BlackbirdPurple FinchCommon CrackleWhite-crowned SparrowEvening GrosbeakCommon Redpoll

Percentageof feeders

visited8765645756525149484840403434262313

Averageweekly

number5.27.0

11.21.85.70.52.31.25.52.42.81.81.11.11.02.55.1

Averagewhere

present6.0

10.817.53.2

10.21.04.52.4

11.55.07.04.53.23.23.8

10.939.2

Highestweekly

average60

27819844

1987

11228

17246

15973453546

12869

THE GNATSWHISKERS

CHILDREN'S PAGEwith BUNNY


FEDERATION OF B.C. NATURALISTS1989 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGTHURSDAY, MAY 4th - SUNDAY, MAY 7th, 1989UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA, VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA

ThursdayMAY 4

FridayMAYS

5:00-8:00 pin8:00 pm10:00 pm

6:00 am8:30-9:00 am9:00-11:00 am9:00-11:00 am

12:00 pm1:30-5:30 pm

SaturdayMAY 6

SundayMAY 7

7:00-9:00 pm

6:00 am8:30-9:00 am9:00 am6:30 pm7:30 pm

6:00 am9:00 am

Registration (Housing Office) Tea, coffee & cookies.Tour of the University Rhododendron Gardens.Owling at the University of Victoria

Early morning birding.Registration—Cornet! Building.Round Table (by invitation)Slide Shows Introducing Victoria's flora & fauna (Flowers—Kay Suttill;Birds—Bruce Whittington; Sea Life—Pam Stacey).Lunch (not included in registration fee).Choose from the following field trips by bus. Cost $10.00 each.(A) Sidney Spit Park. Short ferry trip to see shore birds & fallow deer.(B) Witty's Lagoon — 2 km walk through woods by waterfall to ocean.(C) Thetis Lake Park. Birds & spring flowers.(D) Island View Beach. Seabirds & sand dune plants.(E) Propect Lake Park. Birds & waterfowl. (Giff Calvert's).Registration, Reception & Slide Show (Commons Block).

Early morning birding.Registration (Cornell Building).A.G.M. with breat at 12:30 for lunch.Social hour at Dunsmuir Lodge (cash bar).Banquet at Dunsmuir Lodge with Guest Speaker—Wayne Campbell.

Early morning birdingChoose from the following field trips:(F) Botanical Beach (Drive along west coast to see a rich assortment of inter-

tidal species) $25.00.(G) Oak Bay Islands (Discovery, Chatham & Chain — rare plants, pelagic

birds & marine life) $25.00.(H) Whale Watching (Limit 12 people) $25.00.(A), (B), (C), (D) & (E) Trips repeated if enough participants. Cost $10.00.

REGISTRATIONSPlease send form with cheque made out to V.N.H.S. to:

Margaret Mackenzie-Grieve2600 Penrhyn StreetVictoria, B.C. V8N 1G3 Tel: 477-2402.

Suggested activities for those not attending theA.G.M. or for those extending their visit (Informationwill be available).

Butchart GardensRoyal B.C. MuseumGulf Island Ferry TripSwan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature SanctuaryGoldstream Provincial ParkCapital Regional District Parks

ACCOMMODATION: Bed & Breakfast available atU.Vic from Thursday, May 4 to Sunday, May 7. Cost$20.00 per person/per night. Longer stays are possible.Cost of lunches (or box lunches) & dinners are theresponsibility of each participant. Approximate cost:Box Lunches $5.00, Dinner $6.00.Please make your own room reservations with:

UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIAHousing and Conference ServicesP.O. Box 1700Victoria, B.C. V8W 2Y2

CAMPING: There are Provincial & Private Parks in thearea. Details if requested.


FROM THE HOST CLUB

Should any members from the rest ofB.C. be coming to Victoria for the firsttime, please don't expect us to be thatlegendary "bit of Old England". We areready to admit we have our charm, butwe are fast becoming just another NorthAmerican city. As the retirement havenfor the rest of Canada, and as a Meccafor tourists, our population grows apaceand many of our favourite nature walkshave disappeared.

But don't be put off by this somewhatdisparaging introduction. We still have atremendous lot to offer, in fact, aweekend isn't nearly long enough to seeeverything. We have the ocean and allthat means in the way of bird andmarine life; by good fortune there willbe zero tides each morning of your visit.We have delightful parks with their gianttrees and sunny flower-covered slopes.We have the Royal British ColumbiaMuseum, which we hope everyone willhave time to visit. If you realJy want toget the most out of your time in Vic-toria, buy a copy of THENATURALISTS GUIDE TO THEVICTORIA REGION, published by ourSociety, P.O. Box 5200, Station B, Vic-toria, Price $11.95. It is especiallyhelpful to those interested in geology.

Our society — The Victoria NaturalHistory Society — was formed in 1944;its predecessor, the Natural HistorySociety of B.C., existed from about 1898to 1916. From small beginnings in theold Provincial Museum, our presentSociety has grown apace, and we nowhold our monthly meetings in themagnificent Newcombe Auditorium. Atlast count our membership stood at 637.Over the years, we have had wonderfulamateur leaders in the fields of botany,marine biology, geology, and, of course,

EXPLOREMT. BAKER!

if you love snowshoeing,x-country and downhill skiing,

then SNOWATER nearGlacier, Washington is the

perfect place to stay.

Reasonable rates for fullyequipped condominium.

For further information, phone:

JULIETTE AUSTIN(604) 929-6553 (evenings)

REGISTRATION FORM

Registration fee: $20.00 ($25.00 after April 20, 1989)

Banquet $20.00

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY CODE

TEL. #

CLUB AFFILIATION

REGISTRATION $20.00 ($25.00 after April 20,1989)

BANQUET $20.00

FIELD Friday 1st choice A B C D E 2nd choice A B C D E

TRIPS Sunday 1st choice F G H 2nd choice F G H

A B C D E A B C D E

TOTAL AMOUND ENCLOSED

Please indicate days you wish Early Morning Birding

ornithology. More and more, birdinghas become the main interest, but ourleaders in the other fields have, in themain, been generous staff members ofthe Museum, Parks Branch and theUniversity.

Naturally we take part in theChristmas Bird Count, vying with Van-couver for the greatest number ofspecies. Last year our count of 145 wasthe all-time Canadian record! We stillhave skylarks! The dwindling popula-tion of the Western Bluebird has been a

concern, inspiring two of our seniormembers to construct and erect well overa hundred suitable nesting boxes.

Six times last year, THE VICTORIANATURALIST appears with articles onvaried interest and a calendar of futureevents.

We have a Rare Bird Alert; thenumber to call being 592-338 J.

The weekend of May 4-7 should be avery special one, and we warmly inviteyou all to share in the accompanyingprogram.

NEW AWARDS ANNOUNCEDNature Observation Awards to be presented for an ongoing study of a subjectin the world of nature.There are all sorts of possibilities,Study a plant family, what makes it a family.Different birds nests, where located and why.Life span of a flower, from budding to seed.A year in your own backyard.Or an area in the woods, or pond, or wherever.Study on butterflies, beetles or spiders.If you can afford it you could - follow the swallows.You are limited only by your imagination.It must be written observations accompanied by drawings or photographs but itmust be an ongoing study over a period of several months or a year.The award will be presented at the Fall '89 meeting and at all futureFall Meetings.So, Naturalists, get out there and get busy!


The Birds of British ColumbiaVolume I, Parts 1 and 2: Introduction, Ornithological History,The Environment and Species Accounts — Loons through Woodpeckers

by R. WAYNE CAMPBELL, NEIL K. DAWE, IAN McTAGG ART-CO WAN, JOHN M. COOPERGARY W. KAISER, and MICHAEL C. E. McNALL

Published by the Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, B.C.,Canada in cooperation u»ith the Canadian Wildlife ServiceThis long-awaited treatment of the Province's birds will be the standard, indispensable reference for decadesto come. Seasonal status, habitat preferences, migration patterns, breeding biology, and a wealth of otherlife-history information are discussed for the 266 species recorded. Coloured maps illustrate thedistribution and status of each species. The authors examined over a million records from bothhistorical and modern sources, representing the efforts of over 4.000 contributors. Introductorychapters outline ornithological history, conservation and management activities, and theenvironment. Included are hundreds of tables, graphs, maps, and black-and-white photographsof birds and their habitats.

PRE-PUBLICATION SALEIn order to finance the printing of this large and important work, a pre-publication sale is underway. Until June 30, 1989. the two hardcover 'books comprising Volume I will be sold at $49.95 for the set; after this,the price will be $59.95. Publication will be in mid-1989. Volume 11 (Perching Birds)is scheduled for publication in mid-1992; the price is yet to be determined.

Those ordering at the pre-publication price will receive, byreturn maU, a card describing the book. This card acts as areceipt and can also serve as an attractive announcement tothe recipient if the books are to be given as gifts. As soon asthe books are printed, they will be shipped to the purchaser.

Volume 1, two book set, approx. 1000 pages in total;illustrated, 9"X 12" hardcover $49.95 CAN pre-puhlication.

Please send orders with pre-payment to: Birds of B.C.,c/o Jennifer Buscall, Friends of the Royal B.C. Museum,675 Belleville St., Victoria, B.C., Canada V8V 1X4.Include $2.00 for handling. VISA and Mastercard arewelcome; please include number and expiry date.

MEMBERSHIPSend to:

Membership Chairman F.B.C.N.321-1367 W. Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V6H 4A9

D RegularD SustainingD ActiveD ContributingD PatronDLife

$10.00$15.00$25.00$50.00

$100.00$200.00

D Associate Membership — $10.00 and up.D Subcription — $10.00 and up.

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