ISSN 0228-8842

B.C. NaturalistWINTER, DECEMBER 1989 VOL. 27 NO. 4

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

The Federation of B.C. NaturalistsOffice: 321 -1367 West Broadway

Vancouver, B.C. V6H 4A9phone: 737 3057

FAX:7387175

DIRECTORYOF

AFRLIATED CLUBSAND DIRECTORS

LOWER MAINLAND

Regional Coordinator:Daphne Smith13577 Marine, White Rock,V4A1G1 (5317436)

Alouette Reid Naturalists:#301-9143Satuma,Bumaby, V3J 7K1D: Beryl Cunningham (463 3694)

Bowen Nature Club:Box 20 Site G, RR*1,Bowen island, VON 1 GOD: Michael Dunn (666 6544)

Chilliwack Field Naturalists:PO Box 327, Vedder Crossing,VOX1ZOD: Birch Van Home (795 5108)

Langley Reid Naturalists:Box 3243, Langley, V3A4R6D: Eunice Wilson (581 1274)

Fender Harbour & District Wildlife Society:Box 220, Maderia Park, VON 2HOD:TBA

Royal City Reid Naturalists:c/o 844 Kent St., New Westminster,V3L4W6D: Norma Boutillier (524 2930)

Sechelt Marsh Protective Society:Box 543, Sechelt, VON 3AOD: Vince Bracewell (885 7259)

Squamish Estuary ConservationSociety:Box 1274, Squamish, VON3GOD: Brian Giles (898 5240)

Vancouver Natural History Society:Box 3021, Vancouver, V6B 3X5D: Syd Cannings (734 0140)

Jude Grass (520 3706)Stephen Partington (985 4296)Rosemary Taylor (228 9966)Bill Merilees (929 1291)

VANCOUVER ISLAND

Regional Coordinator:Connie Hawley1310 Franklin Terrace, Victoria,V8S1C7 (3852535)

Arrowsmith Natural History Society:Box1542, Parksville, VOR2SOD: Pauline Tranf ield (248 6607)

Comox-Strathcona Naturalists:Box3222, Courtenay, V9N 5N4D: Jim Lunam (338 6055)

Cowichan Valley Naturalists:Box 361, Duncan, V9L 3X5D:Sue Griffin (7486145)

Mitlenatch Reid Naturalists:Box 392, Campbell River, V9W 5B6D: R & H Kelterhals (285 3570)

Naniamo Reid Naturalists:Box 125, Naniamo, V9R 5K4D: Jill Sims (722 3648)Alt. Karen Mullen

Render Island Field Naturalists:c/oRonMcUrdy,RR#1,Pender Island, VON 2MOD:RonMcLardy

Salt Spring Trail and Nature Club:Box 998, Ganges, VOS 1EOD:AilsaPearse (537 9261)

Victoria Natural History Society:Box 5220, Victoria, V8R 6N4D: Wilf Medd (658 5829)

Bob Nixon (727 6630)Rueben Ware

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN

Regional Coordinator:Peter LeggBox 751, Vemon, V1T 6M7(5429031)

Central Okanagan Naturalists Club:Box 396, Kelowna, V1Y 7N8D: Mike Chappell (763 1437)

Kam loops Naturalists:Box 625, Kamloops, V2C 5L7D: Alan Vyse (372 8607)

North Okanagan Naturalists Club:Box 473, Vemon, V1T 6M4D: Peter Legg (542 9031)

Frank Paul (542 7629)

North Shuswap Naturalists:General Delivery, Celista, VOE 1LOD: Helen Akrigg (955 2963)

White Rock and Surrey Naturalists: Oliver-Osoyoos Naturalists:Box 44, White Rock, V4B 4Z7 Box! 181 ? Qsoyoos, VOH 1VOD: Ann Schell (531 5816) D: Haro|d King (495 6907)

PAGE 2 B.C.NATURALJST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER)

Shuswap Naturalists:Box 1076, Salmon Arm, VOE 2TOD: Mary McGilivray

South Okanagan Naturalists Club:Box 375, Penticton, V2A 6K6D: Dennis SL John (492 0206)

CARIBOO

Bella Coola Trail and Nature Club:Box 604, Bella Coola, WO 1 COD: Tony Karup (799 5937)

Quesnel Naturalist:Quesnel, V2J 3H8D: S. Baumbrough (992 5000)

Williams Lake Reid Naturalists:Box 4575, Williams Lake, V2G 2V6D: Anna Roberts (392 5000)

NORTH CENTRAL

Bulkley Valley Naturalists:Box 3089, Smithers, VOJ 2NOD: Rosamund Pojar (847 9784)

Prince George Naturalists:Box1092,Stn.A,Prince George, V2L 4V2D: Jack Bowling (963 7837)

PEACE

Timberline Trail and Nature Club:Box 779, Dawson Creek, V1G 4H8D: Don Johnson (782 3400)

KOOTENAY

Regional Coordinator:Hazel StreetBox 65, South Slocan, VOG 2GO(3597426)

Arrow Lakes Naturalists Club:Box 294, Nakusp, VOG 1ROD: Gary Davidson (265 4456)

Boundary Naturalists Association:Box 2194, Grand Forks, VOH 1 HOD: Ray Orser (442 3698)

West Kootenay Naturalists Assoc.Box 3121, Castlegar, V1N 3H4D: Hazel Street (359 7426)

DIRECTOR REPRESENTINGINDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

D: Peter Hatfield3809 Osier St., Vancouver, V6H2W7(738 8345)

O

*

B.C. Naturalist is published quarterlyby

The Federation of British ColumbiaNaturalists,

321 -1367 West Broadway,Vancouver, B.C. V6H 4A9

Second Class MallRegistration No. 6247

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORY

HONORARY PRESIDENTDr. Ian McTaggart-Cowan

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTAdeline Nicol - on leave

OFFICESECRETARYFrieda Davidson9a.m.-5p.m. Monday-Friday7373057

EXECUTIVE:

PRESIDENT:Syd Cannings3007 West 7th Avenue,Vancouver, V6K1Z7(7340140)

VICE-PRESIDENTS:Duanne van den Berg12554 Grace St., Maple Ridge,V2X5N2 (4638743)

Rosamond PojarBox 3089, Smithers, VOJ 2ND(8479784)

TREASURER:T.B.A.

RECORDING SECRETARY:Laurence Brown3948 West 24th Avenue,Vancouver, V6S1M2(2288861)

PASTPRESIDENT:Joe Lotzkar7195 Selkirk St.,Vancouver, V6P6J4(261 5685)

COMMnTEECHAIRPERSONS

CONSERVATION:DickStace-Smith4274 West 13th Avenue,

^Vancouver, V6R 2T8 (224 7027)

EDUCATION AND RECREATIONV.C. (Bert) Brink4135 West 16th Avenue,Vancouver, V6R 3E4 (224 7078)

THE B.C. NATURALISTEDITORIAL COMMUTE E

EDITOR:Jude Grass103-7065 Stride Ave., Burnaby,V3L1T3(5203706)

ADVERTISING:Arno Seidelmann6749 Carncross Cresc., Delta,V4E 1L6(596 3386)

ADVISORY BOARD:Bert Brink, Norman Purssell, andSyd Cannings

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING -1990will be held in Kelowna on May 10-12 withfield trips on Sunday, May 13 in Vernon.The AGM follows immediately the FBCNcamp in Vernon from May 3-10.

Full details will appear in the - Spring 1990B.C. Naturalist.. Tentative plans call foraSharing Nature in yourCommunity Work-shop on the Thursday and a Project Wildand a Wildlife Viewing workshop on Fri-day. The meeting and banquet will takeplace on Saturday.

FALL ENERAL MEETING -1990will be held in Salmon Arm from October19-21.

CAMP REGISTRATIONFORMSfor the

1990 Vemon and Bamfield Campspage 31

Register early - space limited.

CONSULTANTS TO THEFEDERATION OF B.C.

NATURALISTSMaitland and CompanyBarristers andSoMcitors

Ross McCutcheon-partner100-625 Howe St.,

:;; Vancouver, B.C.

Peat, Marwick and ThorneChartered Accountants

RoyY. Uyeno2500-1177 West Hastings St.

Vancouver, B.C.

NOTES PROM THE EDITORIn this edition we are starting of a seriesof articles that we asked our advertisersto submit. They were to describe interest-ing places that they visit and to make youfamiliar with some of the spectacularplaces that you may not have been able tovisit 'til now. They were not to be just"adverts". We have been overwhelmedwith articles. I have chosen two veryinteresting ones for this copy - one byMichael Sat her on Spatsizi and the otherby Tony Loxton on Masai Mara in Africa.In the future you will visit the QueenCharlotte Islands, Bamfield, England andother exciting places.

In the next edition you can also find outabout all the exciting things that went onat the Smithers camp this past summer.

SALMON ARM CLUB PRODUCESBIRD CALENDAR

The Shuswap Naturalists Club have pro-duced a very lovely booklet entitled "ANature Calendar of Birds", which canbe obtained from the club for $5.00 ea.plus postage. The booklet was fundedwith aid of grants from the Public Conser-vation Assistance Fund and the SalmonArm Bay Nature Enchancement Society.It is illustrated with painting by local BirderFrank Kime who along with Deane Munroand Jim Shaver collected the bird obser-vations. Copies are available from theclub (the address is on Page 2).

NEW PROVINCIALBIRD CHECKLIST

The FBCN and the Royal B.C. Museumhave joined forces to produce a newchecklist of BirdsforB.C. The list includes448 species known to have occurred inB.C. through June 1989. Copies will sellfor 50 cents each and are availablethrough the FBCN office orthroughttheMuseum as indivudual copies or in bulk.

Adelines on the mend....Adeline Nicol, Administrative Assistant, isrecovering from major surgery and is notexpected to return to work until late Feb-ruary. Get well soon Adeline we missyah!!.

A VERY BIG, WARM THANK - YOUto all who have so kindly responded toThe President's Appeal this fall. There isstill time to donate and get a receiptforthe1989 tax year.

B.C. NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER) PAGE 3

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE:

TALKBACK

When the bittern sprang up almost from under my feet, Iinstantly shouted "Green-backed Heron!" As it flapped away inthe mist and cleared the dyke, I used the excuse that it was tooearly in the morning to think straight, and that my brain was asfoggy as the lagoon was. At least there were only eight of us outon that early morning walk! We were in Langiey for our FallGeneral Meeting, and I suppose that the forty participants wereeither still in their cozy beds, enjoying a morning swim in thehotel's indoor pool, or sipping a hot coffee in the restaurant.

On our short dawn tour of the lagoon and the woodlands of thenearby ForsIund-Watson property that the Langiey Field Natu-ralists are caretakers of, I was impressed by the amount ofcreative effort that the naturalist have put into these areas.These are great examples of the projects we can do on a localscale that, when added together, make our province a richerplace for wild plants and animals.

The meetings were well organized by the Langiey group andthere was plenty of time to delve into and discuss a variety ofissues that face naturalists these days. But if you have everattended conferences, I'm sure you will agree that some of themost enjoyable and productive part of these affairs often are theinformal gatherings and conversations during the breaks oroutside of the meeting themselves. This particular weekendwas no exception.

A dominant theme of these conversations was the need toincrease communications between the members and the Fed-eration board. This is not a new topic, as I've discovered inreading through old issues of the B.C. Naturalist.. Perhapsbecause of a lack of personal contact, an "us and them" relation-ship often develops between the membership and the Federa-tion, when in reality the members ARE the Federation. Becauseof the concentration of population in the southwestern comer ofthe province, most of ourdirector's meetings are held in Vancou-ver and most our executive is from the Lower Mainland. Thismay result in a situation where Interior clubs are left out of thepicture, but this need not be. The executive is sensitive, in factsometimes oversensitive, to this situation.

In theory, none of these problems should exist in this age ofinstant communication. But there really isn't a substitute forface-to-face meetings and chats over coffee for real communi-cations. Overthe next year I (and other executive members) willtry to visit a number of our clubs to talk to you about the Federa-tion and your role in it. Please give me a call if you would like avisit - - I'll certainly do my best to get there.

In our present system, club delegates are the key to communi-cation with the Federation board and office. Please insist thatthey pass on to members the highlights of Federation meetingsand that they bring any issues you would like discussed todirector's meetings. If the delegates cannot come to meetings,your concerns can always be passed along by a letter or atelephone call.

We are also looking for ways of involving members from outsidethe Lower Main land in active committees without them havingtoappear in the flesh at meetings. There are probably many thingsthat could be done easily through the mail or by fax. I wouldreally like to see education and conservation committee mem-bers throughout the province working on both local and provin-cial projects. An example of such involvement that some of ourmembers have been delegated to produce discussion paperson a broad range of important subjects that touch on naturalhistory and conservation. These will be circulated to each clubfor comment as they are produced. We do want to hear fromyou!

These issues of communication involvement, which are soimportant in our effectiveness as an organization, are oftenignored on the agendas of regular meetings—so, on the eveningof January 27th, afterourConservation Day, we are planning aninformal meeting where we can discuss just these sorts ofthings. I hope to see a crowded Sport B.C. boardroom thatevening, but if you can't make it, please send me your ideas sothat they can be discussed. We, in the thick of things in theLower Mainland, probably get a little narrow-minded in our wayof running things sometimes, so we would appreciate somecreative thought from the fresh air of the outside world!

Syd Cannings

UBC CENTRE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION

<JS£ UBC

1990 Spring TravelGray Whales and Seabirds with DICK CANNINGS and SALLYCARSON: 3 days, March/April

Coastal Villages: A Voyage in the Past with RICHARD MACKIE ANDSTEVEN ACHESON: May 9-15

Dempster Highway Adventure with SYD CANNINGS and CHRIS andJENNY HARRIS: June 4-13 and June 14-23

Wildflowers of Hornby and Denman Islands with Dr. GERALDSTRALEY: June 11 -14

For further information on these Natural History Programsor programs with a cultural focus which include New York, SouthernItaiy, Germany and Austria, Spain, Scotland, London and Pan's, Indiaand Korea please call (604) 222-5207/521 9 or write to:

UBC ^e'̂ Studies and Educational Travel ProgramsUBC Centre for Continuing Education5997 lona DriveVancouver, B.C. V6T2A4

PAGE4 B.C.NATURALJST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER)

PSST.....HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU

REALLY IMPORTANT NEWSYOU JUST GOTTA TO KNOW

AWARDS

Elton Anderson Award: The purpose of this award is to rec-ognize the service of a member of the FBCN who has servedtheFederation and who has emulated to a profound degree thededication, devotion and energy exhibited by ourformer Presi-dent, Elton Anderson, to further the Federation across theprovince.

Club Service Award: The purpose of this award is to recog-nize outstanding service at a local level by a person or personsbelonging to a member organization of the Federation.

Recognition Award: Presentedtoapersonorpersonsfromoutside the Federation or its affiliates who has made an out-standing contribution to the understanding and appreciation ofthe natural history of B.C. (e.g. authors, teachers, administra-tors, media personalities, or to other prominent persons).

Barbara Chapman Award: This award is made to a youngnaturalist under the age of 18 years who has shown an interestin and has made a contribution to the appreciation and under-standing of the natural environment. This award was estab-lished in memory of a member of the Victoria Natural HistorySociety who was killed by a bear while working in GlacierNational Park.

Nominations may be made by any member of the FBCN or itsaffiliates. DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS MARCH 15.1990 for presentation of awards at the Annual General Meetingin Kelowna. Each nomination must be accompanied by anoutline or resume giving the reasons why the candidate is beingproposed.

DuanneVanden BergChairperson - Awards Committee

FBCN RESOLUTIONS

All resolutions received by March 15,1990 will be circulated inlate March to all clubs and FBCN Executive, (and individualmembers on request). All resolutions will be dated and num-bered by the Secretary on their arrival and will be discussed inthat order.

Resolutions received after March 15, 1990 will be treated asresolutions from the floor.

Resolutions from the floor at the Annual General Meeting will behandled ONLY if time allows and providing there are two copiesavailable for the Resolutions Chairperson and the RecordingSecretary. If there is not time for discussion they will bepresented at the Fall General Meeting.

Resolution Format

An attempt should be made to follow the following format:

1- To whom is it addressed? (This can be more than onceagency, person etc.)

2. Body of Resolution - clear and concise3. Comments - information to provide background data.

{Additional news items, briefs, etc. may be attached)4. Club name - if applicable, individual members may

submit - but need a seconder.5. Mover/Seconder-these people need not necessarily be

at the Annual General Meeting BUT there should besomeone delegated to speak to the resolution at thattime.

Resolutions Committee consists of a Chairman plus two assis-tants. The Resolution Committee will screen the resolutionsupon arrival at the Federation office and then give them back tothe secretary for distribution. Those returnedto the originatorformore information, rewriting, etc., must be resubmitted - and willrenumbered - and must still meet the deadline of March 15th.

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

then SNOWATER nearGlacier, Washington is the

perfect place to stay.

Reasonable rates for fuffyequipped condominium.

For further information, phone:

JULIETTE AUSTIN

(604) 929-6553 (evenings)

B.C. NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989(WINTER) PAGES

SUMMER REPORT 1989

Although observations of wildlife are important in recording thebiodiversity of British Columbia, naturalists are also makingmajor contributions in other ways. This past summer, partly asa result of naturalist information and concern, governmentagencies initiated studies on the FLAMMULATED OWL andMARBLED MURRELET. In 1987 Rick Howie prepared a statusreport on the FLAMMULATED OWL, using naturalists recordsfor the Committee of the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Can-ada. One of his recommendations, a comprehensive survey,was completed this past summer. Wildlife Branch biologistDave Low reported that 109 calling male FLAMMULATEDOWLS were tallied, 33 on Wheeler Mountain near Kamloopsand 76 from Ward Creek on the west side of the Fraser Rivernear Big Bar to Monte Lake southeast of Kamloops. Heestimated the minimum population for the Thompson-Nicolaregion at over 2,000 birds! On the coast CWS staff visitedCarmanah Valley to collect information on birds in old-growthforests, especially MARBLED MURRELETS. Seabird techni-cian Moira Lemon found these tiny alcids common and veryactive and vocal around sunrise in areas with extensive amountsof old-growth forests. The significance of this behaviour is stillunknown but appears to be related to breeding activities.

During the summer recording period weatherwas near normal.Temperatures in early June averaged just above normal every-where in the province. It was very wet overthe Queen CharlotteIslands and Vancouver Island and also over some southernInterior valleys with 150% of normalJune precipitation. In con-trast, the north coast, the eastern lower Fraser River valley, andmuch of central and northern B.C. received less than naff of theirnormal precipitation amounts. A severe hail storm hit theOkanagan area on June 19, the height of the breeding season.Weather patterns in July and August were similar. A series ofcold upper troughs, located just offshore and at times movingover the province, dominated the weather. As a result veryunsettled weather occurred, with well-above average numbersof thunderstorms on the coast and in the interior. Temperaturesaveraged within a degree or so of normal over most of theprovince.

The movement of early migrants, in late June and early July, wasunspectacular. Shorebirds moved into areas on time, with popu-lations gradually building to expected numbers. Due to mildweathersome "peeps" stayed longer atfavorite stop-over areasthan was usual. Several birders reported "fall-outs" of warblersthe most impressive of which occurred inTerrace. On 13 AugustD.V. George found an unusually large and varied (in terms ofnumbers of species) group of about three dozen migratingPAGE6 B.C.NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER)

warblers in his backyard on Gair Avenue. In addition to common 'species such as YELLOW, YELLOW-RUM RED, WILSON'S,TOWNSEND'S and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, hespotted an adult male BLACK-AND-WHITE WABLER and animmature CANADA WARBLER.

The seasonal highlight was the truly unexpected occurrence ofa YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO on southern Vancouver Island.

NOTEWORTHY RECORDS

Most records of birds areforthe period July and August althoughafewsignificantsightlngsfrom May and June, missed in the lastreport, have been included. All reptile and amphibians recordsare from 1989.

BIRDSLoons to Ducks

The FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL occurs in Juan de FucaStrait and the Strait of Georgia during autumn migration frommid-August through October, with peak numbers recorded inlate August and early September. A single bird seen off CattlePoint (Victoria) on 2 August by Wayne Campbell and Neil Dawewas probably an early migrant. A BROWN PELICAN seen nearChain Islands in Oak Bay on 11 July by sportfishermen HowardRands was about a week early for post breeding dispersalarrivals. A late-departing TRUMPETER SWAN was present atCourtland Flats from 6 to 29 June. Ron Satterf ield indicated the ̂bird looked healthy. A female GARGANEY, the fifth record for1

the province, was reliably reported by RickToochin and brothersDanny and Rick Tyson, at Peace Island Park south of Taylor on4 July. They watched the bird for 1 1/2 hours and compared itwith nearby BLUE-WING ED TEAL and AMERICAN WIGEON.

Vultures to Cranes

An unusually high number of OSPREYS was reported for theFraser River valley. On 15 July Lorraine Andrusiak counted 14birds during a cruise up the Pitt River between Pitt River bridgeand Pitt Lake. Eaglet Lake, 25 km northeast of Prince George,

Figure 1. Immature Cooper's Hawk, Eaglet Lake, 30 August 1989(Nancy Krueger). Note characteristic round tip to tail and broad terminaltail band.

was the hotspot for raptors with eight species seen in July andAugust. Mostnotable were two adult BROAD-WINGED HAWKSwhich circled low over Chris Siddle on 1 July and an immatureCOOPER'S HAWK which was photographed on 30 August(Figure 1). The latter recorded is one of the few documentedoccurrences for northern portions of its range in the province. AFERRUGINOUS HAWK, photographed by Syd Roberts atTranquille (Kamloops) on 29 July (Figure 2), is the 18th record,but first photo-recorded, forthe province.

Figure 2. Ferruginous Hawk, Tranquille, 2 July 1989 (Syd Roberts).

Frank Kime and Deane Munro watched a PEREGRINE FAL-CON for five minutes causing flocks of waders and gullsto errupt over mudflats near Shuswap Lake on 31 Augustand Dick Cannings reported a PRAIRIE FALCON was killedby collision with a firetruck at the Penticton airport of15 July.

An adult SORA reported by Joanne Dickeson 3 km west ofSechelton7JulywasthefirstSunshine Coast record. Thebirdwas actually run over by a lawn mower and subsequently died.The elusive YELLOW RAIL reported by Wayne Weber in thespring at Boundary Lake may still be there. On 6 July RickToochin and Danny Tyson heard the birds distinctive call butdespite their best efforts they never saw it. Next year?

Plovers to Puffins

Jackand Dorothy Williamsfound a WILLET at WoodhusSloughnear Miracle Beach on 1 0 May. This large shorebird is a veryare vagrant in spring on Vancouver Island. A rarer shorebird,

at least in the southern interior, the HUDSONIAN GODWIT wascarefully studies by Deane Munro and Frank Kime on theSalmon Arm foreshore on 28 August. A RUFOUS-NECKEDSTINT was present on Sidney Spit (Vancouver Island) on

18 July. Rhys Bullman, who is familiar with this tinyshorebird in Europe, submitted detailed field notes. AWHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, casual on the coast, wasstudied by JoAnn and Hue McKenzie at lona Island on 2July. Two juvenile STILT SANDPIPERS seen at Rock Lakenear Riske Creek on 22 August was a life-bird for AnnaRoberts. At Tranquille and Watlander Lake Rick Howieand Syd Roberts counted 1 2 - 1 5 STILT SANDPIPERS,with LESSER YELLOWLEGS, on 25 August.

POMARINE JAEGERS are rare anywhere in British Columbia inearly July so two birds seen in Hecate Strait on 3 July by D.V.George and a single bird seen by Margo Herne off Masset on 4Julyarenoteworthy. VicGoodwillfoundtwoadultFRANKLIN'SGULLS at Swan Lake (Vernon) on 9 June and another adult atDuck Lake (Creston) on 22 June. At Clover Point (Victoria)dedicated birder Ron Satterfield discovered a LITTLE GULL on13 July and a HORNED PUFFIN on 19 July. FORESTER'STERNS are still doing well at Duck Lake (Creston). On 21 JuneVic Goodwill countedfive adults overthe big marsh at the southend of the lake.

Doves to Woodpeckers

Mary Hooper was surprised to see a lone BAND-TAILEDPIGEON at the 1,817 metre level on Mount Arrowsmith on 24June. A YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO was hit by a car in the2300 block on Shakespear Street, Victoria on 5 July. It diedshortly and was given to SPCA staff Rick West. This is the firstforthe province in 62 years! It status has now been elevatedfrom "extirpated" to accidental". During June and July LucilleTremblay had up to 28 RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS at herfeeders in Port Renfrew. Numbers during the summer are veryunusual for coastal areas. W.G. Harris foundthe male THREE-TOED WOODPECKER back at its nest site a Battleship Lake inStrathcona Park on 25 June.

Flycatchers jo Vireos,

A WESTERN KINGBIRD spent most of June at Bella Cooia(Figure 3).

Figure 3. Western Kingbird, Bella Coola, June 1989 (Eva Mack).

Mike Bentley spotted 3 to 4 PURPLE MARTINS flying aroundNaniamo harbour on 14 July. Tony Greenfield found an adultROCK WREN, in a sidehill logging slash at Meikle Creek westof Gwillim Lake Park, on 11 June.

B.C. NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER) PAGE 7

Warblers to Finches

A male CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was seen regularly byPhil Gehlen at Okanagan Falls Provincial Park from 20 - 27August. A pair of INDIGO BUNTINGS, suspected to be breed-ing, was found at Scotch Creek by Sandy Rathbone during thelast week of July. Asinging adult male LECONTE'S SPARROWwas heard in a hay field, east of Giscome by Chris Siddle andKathy Antaoniazzi on 1 July (Figure 4).

Rgure4. LeConte'sSparrow,Giscome, 1 July 1989(ChrisSiddle).

At Boundary Lake (Peace River) RickToochin and Danny Tysonsaw LECONTE'S, SHARP-TAILED, and SWAMP SPARROWSwith 10 feet of each other during 2 minutes of bird-watching.Rick said "It was truly incredible". BOBOLINKS were reportedfrom three locations: No 22 Road midway between the Oka-nagan River and Highway 97; up to two adult males, 12 to 19June (Vic Goodwill), Duck Lake (Creston), two adult ma!eson21June (Vic Goodwill); and Giscome, 2 males and 1 female on 1and 3 July (Jack Bowling, Chris Siddle, and Nancy Muirhead).All sightings were associated with hayfields.

A single YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen on Van-couver Island by Jack and Dorothy Williams at Woodhus Sloughon 10 May; and by Bob and Mary Hooper at the Cowichan Riveron 11 July.

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

Noteworthy records in 1989 included observations three spe-cies of reptiles and one amphibian. On 20 May commercialfisherman Pat Tessier spotted a large marine turtle near MarbleIsland at the west end of Skidigate Inlet. He later identified it asa LEATHERBACK. This constitutes the sixth record for theQueen Charlotte Islands and the twenty-third for the province.Most records are in autumn (J-0, F-0, M-1, A-0, M-1, J-0, J-2, A-6, S-12, O-O, N-1, D-0.) A sluggish, nondescript snake waspicked up alive crossing the highway about 6 km north ofQuesnel on 28 June. Tourist Robert Hovey photographed thesnake which turned out to be a RUBBER BOA, our northernmost record! The animal was latter released near Kamloops. InJuly 1988 ayoungsterfrom Victoria took his two live pet snakesto Sandspit with him. The following year, in mid-May, he got tiredof caring f orthem and released them in the sand dunes nearthegovernment wharf at Sandspit. From photographs the snakeswere identified as COMMON GARTER SNAKES. I searchedthe entire beaches surrounding the airport on 20 and 29 May andcould not find any evidence the snakes had survived. Nextsummer I will look again. The only herps found on the Charlottes

PAGES B.C.NATURAUST DECEMBER 1989(WINTER)

are the native WESTERN TOAD and the introduced PACIFICTREEFROG. Lots of excitement at Rolley Lake Provincial Park(near Ruskin in the Lower Fraser Valley), when on 5 August,Park Naturalists Al Grass found and photographed (Figure 5)an adult male TAILED FROG. This is the first confirmed recordf orthe park. It was found at the edge the plunge pool created bya 15 metre high water fall.

f

Figure 5. Tailed Frog , Rolley Lake, 5 August 1989 (Al Grass)

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

The following articles may be of interest to naturalist. A briefsummary of important findings, accuracy, and source of thepublication accompany each title.

1. Calder, W.A. and E.G. Jones. 1989. IMPLICATIONSOF RECAPTURE DATA FOR MIGRATION OF THE RUFOUSHUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus rufus ) IN THE ROCKYMOUNTAINS AUK 106:488-489

A juvenile female Rufous Hummingbird, banded in northwesternMontana on 25 July 1988, was recaptured 15 days later, on 9Augu$t,at Gothic, west central Colorado, a distance of 1,202 km.The author suggests this travel was accomplished in a singleflight

2. Fraser, David F. 1989. CHECKLISTTO THE BIRDS OFSALTSPRING ISLAND (APRIL 1989). Available from ThimbleFarms, 175 Arbutus Road, Ganges, B.C. VOS 1EO

List of 237 species by 6 status and 8 abundance codes.Hypothical species include Smew, Snowy Egret, White-facedIbis, and Great Gray Owl. Recently introduced species includeChukar, Common Peafowl, Wild Turkey and Northern Bobwhite.

3. Gaston, AJ. and D.W. Powell. 1989. NATURAL INCU-BATION, EGG NEGLECT, AND HATCHABILITY IN THEANCIENT MURRELET. AUK 106:433-438.

incubation period for Ancient Murrelets at Reef Island, QueenCharlotte Islands was 30.1 +- 0.6 days. Developing embryoscan withstand periods of chilling during incubation (e.g. eggneglect by parents), which is characteristic of some Procellariiformes (tube-nosed birds).

4. Norwood, Dennis and Tom Parkin. 1989. ISLANDSFOR DISCOVERY: AN OUTDOOR GUIDE TO B.C.'S QUEENCHARLOTTE ISLANDS. Orca Book Publishers, P.O. Box5266, Station B. Victoria, VSR 6S4. 200 pages.

A guide book for naturalists visiting the "Canadian Galapagos".Accounts for nearly 30 areas to visit with details on how to getto each location, a historical sketch, and natural history uniqueto the area. Compete lists of mammals, birds, reptiles, andamphibians, by season, are helpful for the experienced natural-ist. Well illustrated with maps and both black-and-white andcoloured photographed.

5. Lueke^Joyce, Theresa. 1989. WILDLIFE VIEWINGGUIDE- NORTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND. McMillan Bloe-del Limited and Western Forest Products, Port McNeil, B.C. 28pages.

A delightful, attractive and well researched booklet on theamphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals of northern Vancou-ver Island. Lists 16 viewing areas and lists of animals by seasonand habitats. Introductory sections include getting started andviewing equipment. Details available from WFP, Box 250, PortMcNeil, VON2ROorMB, Box 5000, Port McNeil, VON2RO.

6. Morris, Mary. 1989. CHECKLIST OF BIRDS OF THEQUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS. Leaflet available from Box131, Queen Charlotte City, B.C. VOT 1SO.

Lists 211 species of 6 abundance codes and 8 season ofoccurrence codes. Nine additional species are hypothetical.

7. Teske, Irene E. 1989. MANAGING HABITAT FORWINTERING BALD EAGLES IN THE FRASER VALLEY OFBRITISH COLUMBIA 1988-1989. British Columbia WildlifeBranch Report, Victoria. 40 pages.

Two areas were studied- Wahleach Slough and the Harrison/Chehalis area between 16 November 1988 and 31 January1989. Eagle numbers peaked at Wahleach Slough on 27December (93 birds) and at Harrison/Chehalis between 10December and 5 January (844-887 birds). Roost sites includedconiferous stands (usually tallest and largest Douglas-firs andwestern redcedars), and deciduous groves (mostly matureblack cottonwoods). Management suggestions include retain-ing major roost trees within patches of major wintering areas forBald Eagles.

R. Wayne CampbellP.O. Box6218

Station C, Victoria,V8P 5L5

E JOURS1990 TOUR SCHEDULE

PHOTOGRAPHYYellowstone WinterFebruary 9-17

WALKING• Southern Arizona

March 17-24November 3-10

• Grand Teton &YellowstoneJune 22 - 27

• WashingtonWalkaboutAugust 5 - 12

• The Oregon DunesAugust 18 - 23

• Vancouver IslandSeptember 6-13

• New MexicoSept. 30 - Oct. 6

• San DiegoDecember 4 - 8

• Santa BarbaraDecember 8-12

HIKINGZion & BryceMay 4 - 1 1

Manning ParkJuly 5 - 7September 15 - 17

Olympic NationalParkJuly 8 - 12September 18 - 22

Canadian RockiesJuly 21-28

WHALEWATCHING

Grey WhaleMigration,March 10-April 28

Whale Watcher'sSpecialJune 17-21August 26 - 30

NATURALHISTORY

Indian Pueblos - NewMexico & ArizonaApril 22 - May 2

Grand Canyon, Zionand BryceMay 12 - 22

Oregon - the Coastand the GorgeJune 2 - 10

Eastern Fall ColoursOctober 1-12

Northern California:Redwoods andButterfliesOctober 20 - 28

Christmas inYellowstoneDecember 22 - 30

BACKPACKING• West Coast Trail I

June 23 - 30August 17-24

• West Coast Trail IIJuly 7 - 15

• Tweedsmuir ParkAugust 4 -12

• Spatsizi ParkSeptember 5-16

FOR BROCHURE AND ITINERARIES CONTACT:

HUMMINGBIRD NATURE TOURS#31 - 22374 LOUGHEED HIGHWAY

MAPLE RIDGE, B.C. V2X 2T5(604)467-9219

B.C. NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER) PAGE 9

WALKING HOUDAYSIN BRITAIN

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—5 nights in Yorkshire with Naturalist Guide—6 miles a day — New for 1990

Any date departure and return fromVancouver — March to October 1990

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Brochures available mid-DecemberAsk for details of slide shows

Call or Write:

JANET VENNGodfreys Travel of Canada Limited

#103 - 1701 West BroadwayVancouver, B.C. V6J 1Y2

(604) 731-8294

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Training and leaching techniques on biology ofthe area are provided. Commitment of up to 2hours per week during busy season requested.First Orientation: Wed.,Feb. 14,1990.

Contact Meggin Messenger at 273-7015

Come and visit theREIFEL BIRDSANCTUARYLocated on Westham Island in the

Fraser Delta, a.short drive from Vancouver.Bring your whole family to enjoy this beautifulhabitat, preserved for thousands of migratory andresident birds.— It is one of British Columbia's major bird winter-

ing areas,— 244 species of birds have been sighted here,— Watch the waterfowl families — proud parents

showing off their ducklings and goslings,

— Buy the special seeds available and feed the ducksand geese,

— Members of the B.C. Waterfowl Society pay noadmission fee.

VISITING HOURS:9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m

For Information, call:(604)946-6980

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PAGE 10 B.C.NATURAUST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER)

^ FRONT COVER

GARRY OAK -ENCHANTRESS OF THE WILD

"Nature took hundreds and even thousandsof years to create them, and man with his terrible me-chanical powercan destroy one of these marvels of lifein minutes...."

Rutherford Platt

It is always a thrill to be with Garry Oaks, for to me they speakof warm spring days spent on my knees, photographing thewildf lowers growing aroundtheir'feet". Trees like, Garry Oaks,enrich our lives in so many ways; not the least of which is thecharacter they lend to our landscapes. From the lean spire-shapes of Sub-alpine Firtothewizenedforms of Garry Oak, theyall bring something meaningful to bear on our lives. LikeLongfellow's "Druids of eld" they speak with voices that arereassuring, rising up asthey do with theirarmsraisedto the sun,and their feet firmly planted into the earth. Garry Oak it seemsto me, does very well at capturing the very essence of this earth/sun relationship.

Garry Oak (Quercus garryana ) or Oregon White Oak asit sometimes known, is truly unique in British Columbia,indeed in all of Canada, for it is this province's onlynative oak. Its geographical range is restricted to SouthVancouver Island and adjoining Islands, with a fewmainlands sites such as Sumas Mountain, Abbotsford andYale. It is interesting to note that the Fraser Canyon siteis said to be associated with "an ancient Indian campingplace. (Brayshaw, 1976}. On good growth sites it canattain a height of 25 metres and a DBH of 1.5 metres. Inmany locations however where soils are shallow it takesa shrub-like form. Brayshaw (1976) notes that it is apoor competitor, "being very intolerant of competi-tion". Species found growing near Garry Oaks includeDouglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii ), Grand Fir (Abiesgrandis ), and Arbutus (Arbutus menziezii ). Thiscombination of tree species speaks of the rather "Cali-fornian" climate conditions associated with this tree.

Garry Oak belongs to a group of oaks known as the "whiteoaks" (hence its other frequently used common name"Oregon White Oak"). White Oaks are characterized(amongst other things) by their rounded lobbed, ratherthan pointed lobbed, leaves and by the fact that the fruits(acorns) mature in one year, instead of two. The 100-150 mm long leaf has 5-9 rounded lobes; is rather shinyabove, and paler and somewhat hairy below. The twigsare slender, grey to reddish-brown; with 12 - 15 mmorangy-brown buds (first season), later becoming hair-less, and characteristically reddish-brown.

aks have twokinds of flowers. The female (pistillate) isthe sizeof a little bud and will become the acorn. The male (staminate)is in the shape of a tassle about 50 mm long. Bundles of paleyellowish-green tassles dangle from the ends of branches for afew days in spring. Fruit is a 2.0 -3.5 mm long acom enclosed

in a shallow saucer-shaped cup. A hand lens will reveal detailsof the thickened hairy scales that cover this cup.

Winter is the season when many trees reveal their specialbeauty, and none more that Garry Oak, with its rounded crownand twisted heavy branches. The light ashy-grey bark isnoticabte at a distance; close up it typically irregularly plated orfurrowed with narrow ridges. Interesting in fail, the leaves turnto a ochre or yellowish-brown colour, and notto flame-red oftenassociated with eastern oaks.

Tennyson wrote:

"Summer-richThen;and then

Autumn-changed,Somberer-hued

Gold again."

Brayshaw (1976) comments:

"In British Columbia the stands are mostly small; theonly extensive original stand being now occupied bythe built up area of Greater Victoria. Nearly all the re-maining stands are on private land, and are threatenedwith destruction as land-clearing and sub-divisionsproceed."

Garry Oak has little commercial value, but its spiritual values tous all are without price. With our rapidly expanding urbanpopulation it is important that we preserve this tree (and its as-sociated flora and fauna) so that it will not be added to thegrowing list of endangered species.

References:

Brayshaw, T.C. 1976. CATKIN BEARING PLANTS OF BRIT-ISHCOLUMBIA. B.C. Provincial Museum. Victoria. ReportNo.18. Occassional Paper Series.

Hosie, R.C. 1969. NATIVE TREES OF CANADA. Canada,Department of Fisheries and Foresty. Ottawa.

Trivia Quiz

What hasthe name of a B.C. tree got in common with the formername of a Manitoba town?

The answer is Nicholas Garry, after whom the tree andtown (Fort Garry) are named. David Douglas, named thetree in honor of Garry who was a Hundon's Bay Companyofficial, and patron of Natural Sciences.

Al GrassEDITOR'S NOTE:

Photographer Peggy Young of Royston, submitted this pictureof Garry Oaks taken in the winterof 1976, a few kilometres northofCourtenay.The Comox Strathcona Naturalists have been interested in pre-serving as "heritage trees"the Garry Oaks of the Comox Valley.Peggy notes that "...asfar as lean make out.driving with one eyeon the traffic on a curvy road, the same trees are still standing,even the one that looks dead".

B.C. NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER) PAGE11

PROJECT FEEDERWATCH IN BRITISH COLUMBIA1988-1989

Each winter across North America, peoplewith backyard feeders and a thirst forknowledge about thebirds that visit them,bank together to report those birds in asurvey called Project FeederWatch.Project FeederWatch began in 1987 whenthe Long Point Bird Observatory decidedto expand its popular Ontario Bird FeederSurvey to include ail North America. It isa cooperative research venture of theCornell Laboratory of Ornithology andLong Point Bird Observatory.

Studies have indicated that feeder sur-veys can be used to monitor regionalpopulation fluctuations in a large propor-tion of the species that regularly occur atfeeders. Thus, in addition to taking part ina fun project, FeederWatch participantsare contributing to our knowledge of win-ter bird species and their numbers acrossNorth America.

During the winter of 1988-1989, 7,000observers took part in the project. Ofthose, 935 were registered in Canadaand 87 observers registered from BritishColumbia. Feeder locations in the prov-ince ranged from Victoria and Creston toPrince George and Smithers and fromBella Coola to Golden. Of the 87 peoplewho were registered, only 31 submittedcomplete records, thus our first year'sdata are based on only 31 feeder house-holds across the province.

Table 1 shows the top 22 species re-ported from feeders in British Columbiaduring the winter of 1988-1989. ProjectFeederWatch considers widespreadspecies as those that visit more than 50%of all feeders during the winter; a speciesis considered abundant if the averagenumber of individuals per FeederWatchcount is more than one. However, wehave included inthe Table all species thatvisited more than 20 % of the feeders inthe province. Dark-eyed Junco was themost widespread species followed by PineSiskin and Black-capped Chickadee.Evening Grosbeak was the most abun-dant species followed by Dark-eyed Junco,Pine Siskin and House Finch. The 5 mostwidespread species reported in NorthAmerica were Dark-eyed Junco, HouseSparrow, Black-capped Chickadee, BlueJay, Downy Woodpecker; in Canada,Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay,Downy Woodpecker, House Sparrow andPAGE 12 B.C.NATURAUST DECEMBER

Dark-eyed Junco. The 5 most abundantspecies visiting feeders in North Americawere House Sparrow, American Gold-finch, and Common Redpoll.

Next year we'll be able to look at fluctua-tions in numbers between last year andthe one that will soon be upon us. Hope-fully, we'll also have a larger number ofparticipants from throughout the prov-ince. This is an activityforthose who lovethe birds of British Columbia and enjoyparticipating in a cooperative project thatwill contribute to our knowledge of thosebirds that winter here. It's also an idealactivity forthose confined to home orwhocan't participate in the favourite Christ-mas Bird Counts that are conductedthroughout the province.

If you would like more information aboutProject FeederWatch write to ProjectFeederWatch, c/o Canadian WildlifeService, RR1, Site 12, C-14, QualicumBeach, B.C. VOR 2TO.

Neil and Karen DaweProject FeederWatch Regional

Coordinators for British Columbia

TABLE 1. Birds observed at31 ProjectFeed-erwatch feeders in B.C. during the winter of1988-89. Only those species occuring with afrequency >20% or with average numbers of 1or more have been included in the table.

SPECIES

Dark-eved JuncoPine SiskinBlack-capoed ChickadeeSonq SparrowVaried ThrushRufous-sided TowheeEvenina GrosbeakHouse FinchSteller's JavNorthern FlickerPurple FinchRed-winaed BlackbirdEuropean StarlingChestnut-backed ChickadeeDowny WoodpeckerAmerican RobinRed-breasted NuthatchHairy WoodpeckerSonq SparrowSharp-shinned HawkMountain ChickadeeAmerican Goldfinch

FEEDER YARDSVISITED (%)

97777774686158585252454242424239353532262319

AVERAGE NO BIRDSPER FEEDER YARD

9.306.703.900.601.000.8012.706.001.200.400.802.401.500.900.700.300.700.501.000.100.703.10

•

1989 (WINTER)

GREEN-BACKED HERON NEST LOCATED

Finding a bird nest and recording the details on a B.C. NestRecord Scheme card also provides an opportunity to learn, firsthand, something about the bird's behavior. Too often I have letsuch an opportunity slip by. My card entries have only recordedthe basics of the find.

This summer, however, I fulfilled an ambition to find the nest ofthe Green-backed Heron and made up my mind to learn what Icould about the growth and development of the young.

A check with Wayne Campbell, Curator of Ornithology, Verte-brate Unit, Royal British Columbia Museum, gave me somehistorical detail and the status of this small heron in B.C.: thatthe Green-backed Heron extended its range into B.C. from theState of Washington and became known with a sighting in 1953in Chilliwack; David Stirling report a sighting at Duncan onVancouver Island in 1963; a report of the heron from the Comoxarea was received in 1971. Fromthatdateuntilrecently, only sixnests had been found in B.C.

As I was also interested in trying to photograph the nest andyoung, this nest contained 2 nestlings and 3 eggs, I would needto set up a blind. Then came one of those strokes of luck allbirders appreciate. Not liking the approach to the nest I circledaround the thicket to come in from another direction. This newroute to the nest I liked better without realizing I had inadvertentlystumbled onto a second nest and for a short time thought it wasthe first. This second nest, like the first, was in overhangingcrabapple trees and also about eleven feet above the two feetof stagnant waterthat covered the ground.

Taking Wayne's advise to leave the nest undisturbed during thecritical hatching period I stayed away for what I though asuitablelength of time. It was on my return to set up the blind I realizedI was at a second nest which found contained 5 eggs. Accordingto my rough calculations these eggs would soon hatch. Aftersetting up the blind I again stayed away for several days.

I was reasonably certain the blind would be out of sight of otherpeople. The thicket, of about one third of an acre, white wellwithin the city limits of Courtenay, was on private property.Along with crabapple trees there was a mixture of willow, bittercherry, some English hawthorn, and a few northern blackcottonwood. The latter trees gave the adult herons a vantagepoint from which they could look over the nest area. TheCourtenay River Estuary was nearby, as was a marshy area anda small pond.

During the period I stayed away, I read through the informationWayne was able to send me about the status of the Green-backed Heron in B.C. Otherreferencestoowere: Life Historiesof North American Marsh Birds, Bent series; A Field Guide toNest, Eggs, and Nestlings of North America by Colin Harrison;The Birds of Canada by W. Earl Godfrey.

Although the blind was below the lip of the nest, I could seeinrough the loosely constructed sticks that comprised the nest.I started my frequent visits five days after seeing the firstnestling. Thenestlingswerepartiallycoveredwrthdown. Onthehead, the down matted together at the ends, giving a spiky ap-

pearance. On my first day of observation, which I called Day 5,the nestlings showed an ability to shunt about the nest as ifwanting toexplorethe limits. One of the nestlings was obviouslysmaller than the others. Before this first day of observation wasover, some of the nestlings were trying to get up on their toes.To excrete waste, they backed to the edge of the nest.

Over the next 14 days the five nestlings molted into Juvenalplumage and developed the ability to move about at will amongthe adjoining branches of other crabapple trees. At the end ofthese two weeks or Day 19 since hatching, these Juvenal birdsweresoscatteredamongthetreetops, Icouldonlyfindone. Thenest was no longer needed.

The relationship of the nestlings and the nest was interesting.Day 7 saw nestlings starting to climb off the nest onto nearbybranches. As they grew older they went off onto the branchesmore often and stayed away for longer periods of time.

When clambering down from a perch above the nest thenestlings would have wings partly open brushing againstbranches during the descent. The last distance to the nest wascovered with a jumpdown. At first they favoured one side of thenest when leaving and often 3 andsometimes 4 nestlings wouldbe huddled in the top branches. Later they would climb awayfrom the nest on any branch that was at hand.

As one might expect early feedings took place at the nest, butby Day 12 it wasnt unusual to see the young herons being fedout on the branches. Onetime I noticed the returning adult perchaway from the nest. The nestlings, which were in the nest at thetime scrambled out among the branches to the aduit to be fed.The first ones to arrive were the ones that were fed.

The nest was important during the first days as a place to rest.The longest period of rest during the day was usually in theafternoon when all five huddled down together. When older,theycould be seen resting in the branches, ratherthan spendingmuch time on the nest. Nestling hardly seems the right word touse at this later stage of growth.

Seeing the rapid change in plumage was interesting. From adistance, until about Day 12, the down feathers dominated theappearance. Close in from the blind, as early as Day 5,1 couldsee the many darker feather sheaths that enclosed the juvenilefeathers. About Day 9 enough secondary feathers of the wingwere protruding to form a dark line among the down feathers. ByDay 12 white tip markings to these secondary feathers wereplain to see and a hint of chestnut color in the upper breast andneck feathers. The chestnut colour was obvious by Day 15, aswas the general juvenile plumage pattern. By Day 17 thispattern overall was well established. Down feathers still clingingto the new feathers were no longer so apparent as before exceptfor the crown area.

Many hours had to be spent watching and taking notes of whatI was able to observe. At the same time I felt it was a privilegeto be able to do.- ? and well worth the aches and sitting so longin one position. I fully recommend to others to take the time toleam more about the birds whose nest the find, keeping in mindthe welfare of the birds comes first.

DOUGLAS W. INNES COURTENAYB.C. NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER) PAGE 13

The Enlichenment with TREVOR COWARD

LICHEN AT THE EDGE

At time of writing, our home library contains no fewer thanseventy-five mushroom books. Strange though this may seemfor the library of a lichen addict, what is even stranger is that Iactually spend a lot of time reading them.

Browsing through my mushroom books the other day, I wasintrigued to note that virtually none of them is particularlyenlichening on one of the most plentiful, widespread and insome ways remarkable mushrooms in Canada: Omphalinaericetorum.

Why is this? The answer is simply that Omphalina ericetorum(alias the Parasol Mushroom) is really not a mushroom at all, butalichen. Orbetter.it is bothamushroomaQdalichen. Nobodyhas properly understood it because it stands at the outer edgeof three different disciplines, namely mycology (the study offungi), algology (the study of algae) and lichenology (the studyof what you get when you combine a fungus with an alga).

Earlier this autumn after I collected a little colony of Omphalinaericetorum from a decaying Douglas-fir log only a few metresoutside our home. That colony now sits beside me on thecomputer table - a loose assortment of delicate white parasols,each no bigger than your little toe.

In most regards these "mushrooms" resemble any number ofother tiny fungi growing from decaying conifer logs each au-tumn. What sets them apart is the thin green crust growing attheir base. If you wereto squint atthat crust through a hand lens,you'd see it is composed of hundreds of minuscule algal balls,each resembling an elfin grape. About one hundred and fiftyyears ago, the French lichenologist Louis Alphonse de Brebis-son happened to be squinting at just such a crust through hismicroscope. An observant sort, he noted that it was interwovenwith alightweboffungalthreads. "Aha".satdhetohimself,"thatmakes this crust a lichen crust". And so he named it Botrydinavulgaris (Greek botrys, a cluster of grapes) — a name which li-chenologists have been using ever since.

The algologists, fortheirpart, have been no less industrious. Tothem the alga in question was first and foremost an alga, not alichen; and as such, it needed an algal name. Enter, then,Palmella botryoides — another reference to its grape-like ap-pearance.

Until a few decades ago, mycologists could only wonder at thefactthat theircollections of the Parasol Mushroom were inevita-bly accompanied by Botrydina vulgaris/Palmella botryoidescrusts. Might there be a connection? The answer to thatquestion had to wait until 1962, when the Austrian scientistHelmut Gams showed that Omphalina ericetorum was morethan just associated with the Palmella crust - - it was actually

PAGE 14 B.C.NATURAUST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER)

eating it. The Parasol Mushroom, in other words, turned outtobe the fruiting body of the same algae-hungry fungus that deBrebisson has seen in 1944. Botrydina vulgaris and Omphalinaericetorum turned out to be the same thing.

CL"

ANOTHER GOLDEN MOULDIE

What do you call it when lichens grow around the oilfields of Alberta.

A. Greased lichening I

If some of the above confuses you, don't worry about it. Instead,bear in mind that what we generally call amushroom is really justashort-livedf ruiting body of a (usually) long-livedf ungus. Whenfungiarenotfruiting, most of them resemble wefts of thread vari-ously coloured. These threads (technically mycelia) colonizewhatever it is the fungus is feeding upon: a dying tree; a deadfish; or the otherworldly bottoms of your feet.

In the case of Omphalina ericetorum, the mycelia happen toassociate in apermanent relationship with Palmella botryoides,and doing so they form a lichen. Since, moreover, lichens arenow namedf ortheirf ungal partner (and not, as in de Brebisson'sday, for the composite lichen, the Botrydina vulgaris {=thelichen) was redundnat for the earlier fungal name Agaricusericetorum, which in a later incarnation has come out as Omph-alina ericetorum. All clear?

Now that you've mastered some of the lesser intricacies offungal nomenclature, here's another question for you: Why isOmphalina ericetorum so unusual among lichens? Why, inother words, aren't the fruiting bodies of other lichens alsomush room-1 ike? The answer is that most of them actually are -- only the mushrooms in question belong, as they do, to a branchof the fungal kingdom called the Ascomycetes. Here the basicfruiting structure is the cup, not the umbrella, and so the fruitingbodies of most lichens resemble tiny saucers. (You may wish toconfirm this detail on a boulder near you).

By contrast, the fact that Omphalina sends up little fleshyparasols reveals its membership in a quite different group offleshy fungi - - the Basidiomycetes. Different from the Ascomy-cetes, more than half of which team up with algae in lichenrelationships, the Basidiomycetes are only very rarely liche-nized. The ratio is about one in a thousand forthe Basidiomy-cetes, compared with one in two forthe Ascomycetes. Why thedifference? One theory has it that the Basidiomycetes aresimply a younger g roup than the Ascomycetes, and have not ye.had time to become enlichened.

Interestingly, Omphalina ericetorum is unusual not only among

the Basidiomycetes, but also among the members of its owngenus. By no means all Omphalinas, you see, share itsinsatiable appetite for algae. In fact, of the twenty-odd Omph-alinas thusfar described, only about six appearto have adoptedthe lichen habit. The rest get along by eating living moss ordecaying wood.

A few years ago, Canada's own Scott Redhead proposed thatthe lichen-producing Omphalinas ought to be placed in a sepa-rate genus, Phytoconis. At the time of writing, therefore,Omphalinaericetorum maybeabouttoernergeas Phytoconisericetorum. While it is too early to know if this name will win wideacceptance, what does seem certain is that the Parasol Mush-room, no lessthan our understanding of it, is a mushroom on themove. _

BOOK REVIEW

NATURE WELLS GRAY:SPEAKING THE UNSPEAKABLE

One of the most important and influential works in twentiethcentury philosophy, Wittgenstein's "Tractatus", ends with thecryptic proposition: "What we cannot speak about, we must passover in silence." So begins Nature Wells Gray bv Trevor Gowardand Cathy Hickson, identifying wilderness as that part of thelandscape which goes unsaid. In the 200 pages that follow,however, much is said that draws one towards the unspeakablebeauty which is Wells Gray Provincial Park.

The partnership of Goward, a well known naturalist and liche-noiogist, and Hickson, a volcanologist presently with the Geo-logical Survey of Canada, is a good combination to bring forththe essential qualities of the Park's flora, fauna, and geology/geography. After all, to many people Wells Gray is HelmckenFalls and the Trophy Mountain wildf lowers.

But first, the mechanics: Nature Wells Gray is a diverse yet wellorganized collection of natural history notes, mini-essays, check-lists, illustrations, and stops of interests. The first section is the"Who's Who", the second and largest section is the "WhatsWhere", the third is "The Park in Winter", and the fourth, aselection of references. To the book's credit is its exceptional"user-friendly" orientation that does not sacrifice technical pre-cision: latin names and technical terms are gently introduced,while photographs are complemented by excellent sketches.The mood of the book is one of merriment, inviting the readertodelight in the author'sfinding. Of course, lichens are mentionedoverforty-fourtimes, with at least eleven illustrations, two mini-essays, and a checklist.

The often jocular text does not shy away from addressingenvironmental concerns. Human meddling - - in the guise ofmanagement, sport, industry, or ignorance — is indicated whereappropriate. However, the light-hearted and whitty prose occa-sionally does give mixed messages. Aside from the groanswhen are sure to accompany the puns, there is the problem of

Interpreting the often poetic phrases. For example, page forty-one encourages tree identification by smell: crushing needles"Go ahead. No one's watching". Presumably, we are beingurged to overcome embarrassment, but I shudderto thing of themessage interpreted as an invitation to pick needles, rocks,

flowers, or (heaven forbid) lichens as long as no one is watch-ing. A similar problem is presented on page 103, where one isinvited to sample the unpalatable "milk" of the mushroomLactarius rufus. It would perhaps be fitting to state quite bluntlythat L. rufus Is in fact poisonous (Miller), especially since Ldeliciosus (an edible species) is mentioned immediately follow-ing. Without the twinkle in the writers eye, one is not alwayscertain how the interpret some comments.

Upon first scanning Nature Wells Gray, an odd oversight poppedout: page seventy-five describes an American Redstart, but thebird list lacks theentry! Only thirty-five of the Park'stwohundredand eighteen bird species makes the list - - perhaps the list couldbe expanded slightly, although I am sure that a complete list isreadily available. Similarly, the mosses Polytrichum juniper-inum and sphagnum spp. are mentioned in the text, but are notincluded in the list of common mosses. However, these pointsdo not really detract from Nature Wells Gray, as it does not tryto be a field guide per se. I would, however, like to see anothermap or two and some diagrams of typical geological features.

By far the largest section of Nature Wells Gray is the "stop ofinterest" guide for the vehicle-bound traveller. Although this isa useful way to present information (reminding me of anotherpopular book on Wells Gray Park), the result is that onebecomes a participant in a guided tour that stays fairly close tothe highway corridor, not an adventurer making one's own dis-coveries. This is not so bad since the tour guides are excellent,but there is nothing that can compare with one's own trips and"discoveries".

On the back cover of Nature Wells Gray, the book is describedas being 'lor people who want to know more" about Wells GrayPark. Indeed, the text and illustrations provide super insight intothe natural and cultural history of the Park. However, throughthe efforts of Goward, Hickson, and the other contributors,something is learned about that of which we cannot speak: asense of joy—an almost child-like delight—bubbles throughthepages, drawingthe readertowards an appreciation of unspokenbeauties. Informative and entertaining, Nature Wells Gray is avaluable addition to any library, both for what it speaks about -- and what it does not.

Eric DarnerVictoria

A BIRD COUNT WITH A DIFFERENCEDoes anyone care to join us on December 31st for the thirdannual Wells Gray Christmas Bird Count? Judging from theresults of last year's count (21 species), ours is one of the lessdemanding counts in the province. Unless, that is, you'rereferring to physical exertion-then it's one of the toughest.Participants should be prepared to travel mostly by ski orsnowshoe. Fortunately, the frozen waterfalls and wildenesssurroundings of the Clearwater Valley more than make up forthe hardships. What is more, lodging is available nearby invarious hotels and motels. Rugged types may, of course, preferto camp out under the stars at Dawson Falls Campground. Formore information give us a call at 674 2553.

Trevor Goward and Helen Knight

B.C. NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER) PAGE 15

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PAGE 16 B.C.NATURAUST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER)

r Close up on Nature WITH AL GRASS

THE WINTER SCENE

For many long weeks this Autumn, I felt that the balmy days werealmost endless. Today I was brought back to my senses bysheets of pelting rain and blustery winds. I could not help butwonder about the kind of winter just around the corner. The"wisdom of the ages" has given us afew aids in order to help uspredict the climaticf uture. For example, the amount of brown ona wooly bear caterpillar is supposed to foretell the severity of thecoming winter - - apparently the wider the band the milder thewinter will be. Many farmers its said "swear" by this prediction,but alas, the other day I went on a wooly bear hunt to test thisthesis and found that the band was different on every individual.Still I am told that "statistically" the prediction tends to favor theinsect.

Whateverthe winter brings, there are many wonderful things tosee and do - let me share some of these with you.

1. TREES - once most flowers are done for another year,many naturalists put their botany books back on the shelf untilnext spring - don't; turn to the trees for their beauty and the in-spiration they provide. Deciduous trees having shed their cloak

^of leaves present wonderful profiles against the winter land-;3cape. The contributions made by trees in winter to generalquestions of aesthetics and philosophy aretopics worthy of veryconsiderable thought. Suffice it to say here that the literature isrich. Forthepainterand photographer, the creative possibilitiesare endless. Buds of deciduous trees will provide many hoursof enjoyment in both their beauty and the technical challenge inlearning to identify them.

2. MOSSES AND LICHENS - You've always been curiousaboutthem(right?); Thenwhynottakeupthechallenge! Winteris a perfect time to begin expanding your botanical knowledgeand you will discoversome of nature's most exquisite creaturesin the form of mosses and lichens. Don't be put off by upro-nouncable scientific names. Start slowly by learning afew termsand names and it will get easier. Again they are wonderfulsubjects for the macro lens.

3. FROST - A 10X hand lens should be in kit of everynaturalist, for it will introduce you to the world of the small, fromthe delights of mosses and lichens to the amazing designs offrost and snow crystals. Frost crystals sparkling like diamondson a sunny winter day, add a sense of magicto ourappreciationofthewinterscene. Look carefullyfor some flashing brilliant redor electric blue and ask yourself how this works. Frost crystalscome in many shapes and sizes depending on how they wereformed. Also lookforotherforms of winter ice including rime andneedle ice. And what about the fabulous patterns in the ice on

all mud puddle - loops, ovals and curves of grace offer*anty of fodder for the mind.

4. SNOW - you will definitely need a 10X lens and good fieldguide to snow (there are several excellent books of this type).

Many enjoyable hours can be spent identifying everything fromplates to needles. Discover for yourself if no two "snowflakes"are alike.

5. SNOW BEASTS - some careful searching and you candiscover the work of snow insects. There are snow scorpions,flies, stoneflies and even snow fleas (dont worry, they do notbite).

6. TRACKING -tracking animals in the snow seems almostto be a lost art. Here adventure is combined with the joy ofdiscovery. Not only that, you have to be a bit of a "SherlockHolmes" as well so that by piecing the clues together a storyunfolds.

7. ET. AL. - there are several additional winter projectsworth considering as outings:

-find and identify old bird nests-search for galls on plants - who made them?-winter weeds, usually dried skeletons are often beautifulin their starkness-what manner of creatures lurk in winter streams? orponds?

Take time to fully appreciate all of the aspect of nature in winterthat make it a truly magical season.

"Wether we wake or sleep,Wither we carol or weep,

The sun and his planets in chime,Marketh the going of time".

E.Fitzgerald (1809-1883)

For a copy of the booklet 'The Winter Scene" drop me a note,and I will be pleased to send you one. It contains lots of ideasfor making winter wonderful.

P.S. Sheridan (1751 -1816) left us a wonderful way of charac-terizing the twelve seasons:

January SnowyFebruary Flowy

March BlowyApril ShoweryMay FloweryJune BoweryJuly Moppy

August CroppySeptember PoppyOctoberBreezy

November Wheezy]DecemberFreezy

Amen

B.C. NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER) PAGE 17

A GLIMPSE OF SPATSIZI

It was late afternoon as I hurried my horse across the headwa-ters of Kliweguh Creek on the Spatsizi Plateau. Pausing toscope and classify a small band of caribou I had spotted in thedistance I had fallen behind the group of hunters I was accom-panying. My mount, atalldark mare, needed little urging; eagerto join hercompadres she broke into atrot leading us on agentleslope downward amongst the frequent clumps of willow anddwarf birch. The shrubbery soon became thick as I turned themare into one of the tributaries of Kliweguh Creek where thehunting camp was located. Our progress slowed considerablyas the cloak of the September even ing gathered around us. Withraising concern I drove the mare onward along the progressivelydeteriorating trail, she was showing a marked lack of enthusi-asm for the path I had chosen. Soon the path was all but naught;the horse and I standing scratched and disgruntled in the gloam.Finally, I turned back with no particular idea of salvation. To mysurprise and growing confidence t was carried on sure andquickening feet down the tributary and left at the main creek tofind myself within the half hour riding happily, if somewhat char-grined, into camp. I'm sure the mare regaled her pals that nightwith the tale of rescuing the young biologist from the netherregions of the Spatsizi Plateau. What were those neighs t heardin the night if not laughter?

With lighter heart I wended my way alone on my own two feetupwardthroughthesubalpinefirin the following perfect northernmid-September morning. The hunting camp and its activities didnot appeal to me but my wildlife inventory duties with theProvincial Parks branch bade me there in that year of 1976.Now, away from hunters, guns, and great pieces of dead meathanging about, my breathing came easier despite the inclineupon which I made my way. The subalpinefir, birch, and willowfalling away I stood on a rolling grassland at the edge of one ofthe two masses of alpine tundra that form a significant part ofSpatsizi Wilderness Provincial Park. The heightening day, thesun from a cloudless sky - short sleeve weather! The quiet, thebliss, the peace of a place so empty and so full, but, somethingwas missing. Itwastooquiet. I had walked these alpine tundrasbefore and scarce anywhere did I go that I was not accosted withthe "wheee..." of the whistler. Yet no whistles pierced thepleasantautumnair. The hoary marmot hadgonetosleep-theirfurry bodies virtually assuming the ambience of their subterra-nean holds while arctic fronts played through the winter nighto'erhead. No fall fun in the sun for the marmots; their tinypituitaries beaming into the equinoctial day had chased themdown for their long winter's nap.

Progressing up the gentle alpine slope the vista before and toboth sides of me was one of a gently rolling grassland broken ontop by the rich blue sky. The effect upon me was a profound andwarm memory of places I had been before. Although myupbringing was in the rural Peace River parkiands I had visitedthe prairies and at that moment I felt easily that I could bestanding on the rolling plains somewhere outside of the city ofCalgary.PAGE 18 B.C.NATURALJST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER)

Reveries suspended, I bent to the serious task of biology; ofcounting, classifying and recording the wildlife of Spatsizi. Themost readily observed large mammal on the Spatsizi Plateau isthe mountain caribou. Higher now on the plateau, at a pointaffording a view of the large Marion Creek drainage as well asthe tributaries and main body of Kliweguh Creek, I settled in thetundra with my Bushnell 20-40 X spotting scope before me.Soon variously sized groups of caribou fell delightful prey to mynotebook, duly recordedforthe annals of science whilst they ca-vorted in nuptial bliss beneath the open northern sky. It was agood tally, with all told more than two hundred falling to theBushnell that day. Biologists counted overtwo thousand indi-vidual caribou in the Spatsizi that fall out of an estimatedpopulation of twenty five hundredtothreethousand. More thanthree hundred were seen in a single grouping. As we begin thenineties one wonders if such congregations will everbe seen inSpatsizi again.

No such solemn thoughts crossed my mind that day as I mademy way across the broad expanse of the headwaters of MarionCreek, tributary of the might Stikine River. On topping a knoll myprogress was abruptly arrested by a band of thirty five cariboustampeding off not forty yards distance. With trembling haste Isough a nearby fourfoot high bolder where I could aim my thirt'"five millimeter camera armed withf our hundred millimeter ParksBranch issue lens. With heads held high and white coats glis-tening the band was a good hundred yards off before the firsttripping of the shutter; too farfor a meaningful shot even if theold lens hadn't been dropped one time too many on some lonelyplain. But lo! The caribou swing round in an arc and, not unchar-acteristically as I was laterto learn, came storming backtowardstheir disturber. Now it is not aggression mind you that this is thecause of this unusual behaviour, but rather a sense of curiositytempered by a wealth of confidence in those long gangly legs ter-minated with almost circular cloven hooves. Nonetheless, Icannot say it was only excitement that quickened my pulse asI crouched beside my lone boulder on that vast plain watchingthe chests, hooves and antlers swiftly enlarging through the oldfour hundred. The pounding and snorting were about withinsmelling distance when they turned aside and went dancing byme. Later, feeling both blessed amazed, I pondered wryly uponwhat a challenge it would be for the hunting party to disposed ofone of these.

Late afternoon, descending the plateau, acres of rich reds andoranges bedecked the hills -this carpet of colourcreated by theturning of the dwarf birch and the inches high arctic willow. Mymind settled in depths I had not known, an effect of my environ-ment. The northwestern plateaus, wild, high, remote,spacious...the essence of these places is unique and powerfulupon the senses and distinctly different in charade r from that ofany other place I have been. A

A singular journey in wild places is a remarkable experience butthe following morning found me back on my equine accomplicefollowing a hunter and two native guides on another route to the

r plateau. Our guides showed us the track of a grizzly in the softearth proceeding us on the path but not yet having connected thepossible imminence of the progenitor of its spoor, I was sur-prised in a short while to witness a smallish dark bear burstingfrom a thicket downhill a distance to our side. Although nothunting bear, the guides dismounted posthaste unslinging theirtwenty-two calibre rifles enroute. Several quick round and withthe disappearance of the bear I anxiously announced both outof concern for the animal and concern for my own perambula-tions in the vicinity that I hope they had not injured the bear. Oneof our guides responded to me lightly that they had no intentionof hitting the bear although the reason fortheir shots will remainforever a mystery to me.

My second pronouncement at this juncture was that it seemedthat the bears of the Spatsizi "liked me," although like wasperhaps not the appropriate word. I had sighted thirteengrizzlies that season, one of which was on distinctly moreintimate terms than I would have preferred, but that is anotherstory. Oneof the young Iskutmenslowlyturnedto me with a lookthat I felt held elements of concern, dislike, fear, or awe andslowly responded "yes, I think the bears do like you."

In those late days of September, 1976 I hiked down from theSpatsizi Plateau, my gaze following the Spatsizi River acrossthe Stikine to the far reaches of the Toodoggone where eventhen miners searched the earth for the ores that mankind turnsto the things of civilization. Thirteen years later the mining andexploration continues both to the east and to the south-west of

pjSpatsizi and the caribous' access to their northern ranges' across the Stikine hinges upon the need for electricity to drive air

conditioners in Los Angeles or some other commercial consid-eration. I have now the blessings of this wild place but wonderhow many other will now them. And yet, I know too that we arenotmerelypawns, helplesslysweptbythetideofourcivilization.We do have the power to effect the changes that must be madeto preserveand create a world habitable forhumans and nature,a world that has space for Spatsizi.

Editor's Note:Michael Sather currently leads backpacking trips in SpatsiziPlateau Wilderness Provincial Park for Hummingbird NatureTours, (see ad page 9)

OVER THE EDITOR'S DESK

Sighting Correction

Dear Editor:

The gremlins got loose again! Please note that the Chestnut-sided Warbler which I reportedly found on Mount Revelstoke,according to Page 7 of the September 1989 B.C. Naturalist,was actually a Black-throated Green Warbler. The secondChestnut-sided Warbler referred to in the account is correctlyidentified, but was found at the base of Mount Revelstoke by

n Woods on June 23, and was not seen by me untilJune 29.t's put the record straight.

Wayne C. WeberSurrey

UP AND COMINGJAN 8 FBCN Director's Meeting - Vancouver * 6:15 pm

JAN 16 Southwestern B.C. Annual Bald Eaale Census. - coor-dinated by Dave Dunbar of the B.C. Ministry of Environment - WildlifeBranch. Those who wish to participate should contact Dave (584 8822)by January 8th.

JAN 27 FBCN Annual Conservation Day, St Mathias Church,680 West 49th Avenue, Vancouver (just west of Cambie) 9:30 am -4:pm. Lunch will be available for a nominal charge. Provincial issues,reports from government agenciesand general discussion will make thisan informative day and will provide the Federation with directions on thevarious "key" issues that surround us. Everyone Welcome.

* DIRECTOR'S NOTE: The will be an informal dinner and meeting intheevening to discuss finance, administration, conservation and educationitems to provide direction to the Executive. Details have been mailedto you in mid December.

FBCN Executive Meeting. Vancouver* 6:15 pmFEB5

FEB 17 FBCN Lower Mainajand Regional Meeting at DeasIsland Regional Park, Delta. Contact Daphne Smith for details.

FEB 21 Pacificgeabird Group meeting at Victoria hosted by theRoyal B.C. Museum. Program will include a major symposium entitled"Ecology and Conservation of Marine Birds of the Temperate NorthPacific" -co-sponsored by PSG, RBCM, Ministry of Environment-Wild-lidfe Branch and Canadian Wildlife Service. For information write Dr.Kees Vermeer c/o Institue of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, B.C.

FEB 21 The Canadian Heritage Rivers System- with speakersMark Angeio and John Mikes. Sponsored by the Candian Parks andWilderness Society. Newcombe Theatre, Victoria at 7:30 pm.

MAR 3 (SAT) FBCN Directors Meeting. Vancouver* 13 noon

MAR 3 A Rails to Trails Symposium sponsored by the Oka-nagan Similkameen Parks Society, takes place at Summerland. Con-tact John Bremmer, RR#1, Road #12, Oliver, (phone 498 4781)

MAR9-12 The Interpation Orca Symposium held at Victoria. Forinformation write: The Whale Museum, Friday Harbor, Washington98250.

MAR 19-23 Globe 90 - Global Opportunities for Business and theEnvironment - an intemation Trade fair and conference. Vancouver.Contact David Marshall, 250-1130 West Pender, Vancouver, V6E4A4(phone 681 6126)

* meetings held at 1367 West Broadway unless otherwide stated.

DEADLINE AND DISTRIBUTION DATESFOR THE B.C. NATURALISTS (Revised Aug. 15, 1989)

EDITIONSpringSummerFallWinter

DEADLINEJanuary 15April 15July 15October 15

DISTRIBUTIONMarch 1June 1September 1December 1

B.C. NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER) PAGE 19

PAINTED TURTLESPROTECTED

Painted turtles are now a protectedspecies in British Columbia. Thisannouncement was made onNovember 1,1989 by then Minis-terof Environment Bruce Strachan.

"These animals have been offi-cially designated as "wildlife" andthis means anyone wishing tocap-ture or keep them will first have toobtain a permit" stated Strachan.

"People often pick them up andtake them home for pets, but latelythere is a more disturbing trendtowards collecting the turtles inquantityforcommercial purposes.The time has come to give themlegal protection."

The species is fairly common inthe Okanagan Valley and theKootenay region. It occurs insmallernumbers in the LowerMain-land, on Vancouver Island, andsome of the Gulf Islands.

Scientists are concerned thatuncontrolled collecting could se-verely endanger current turtle re-search in B.C., and ultimately mightresult in a loss of genetic diversityin the province's turtle population.

For further information on the pro-tection of the painted turtle andother non-game wildlife in BritishColumbia, contact Chris Dodd,Ministry of Environment, Victoria,tel. 387-9763.

BEWISE

Join the many satisfied customers whohive nude use of the fine products andservices advertised in the B.C. Naturalist.Help yourself and you help support ourPublication by ptironizinj our advertiserswho nuke an important financial con-tribution to the B.C. Naturalist.WE NEED YOUR COOPERATION

I#NCOUL/ERCOLLEGE

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Natural HistoryCoursesSNOWFLAKE PHOTOGRAPHY (502834)Single crystals of snow and each oneunique...capture snowflakes on Him with photogra-pher, David Jennings. Course includes lectures oncomposition, lighting and weather, a field trip toMount Seymour and a critique of student's work.$40Lectures: Monday, Jan 22 and Tuesday, Jan 30,7:30-9:30 pmField Trip: Saturday, Jan 27,9:00 am - 2:00 pm

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY (502835)Enhance the quality of your wildlife photographswith professional photographer, David Jennings.Course covers the unique requirements of wildlifephotography-blinds and photographer's behaviourand a review of photographic basics. A field sessionto Squamish River to photograph bald eagles pro-vides the chance to photograph these birds underprofessional guidance. $55Lectures: Thursday, Feb 1.84 15, 7:30-9:30 pmField Trip: Saturday, Feb 10, all day

BIRDS, BIRDS, BIRDS (502814)With avid birder, Alice Cassidy, leam bird biologyand the identification and ecology of Vancouver sresident and winter migrants. Lectures are exten-sively illustrated with slides, preserved specimensand sound recordings. Field trips to Jericho andStanley parks and Reifel Sanctuary offer guidedfield study. $65Lectures: Monday, Feb 5, 12 & 19,7:30-9:30 pmField Trips: Sunday, Feb 11, 18 & 25, mornings

VICTORIA BIRDING WEEKEND (S02821)Victoria boasts an abundant, diverse and rare collec-tion of wintering birds. With ornithologist, AliceCassidy, this excursion introduces the richestbirding spots in and near Victoria...Martindale Flatsfor trumpeter swans. Quick's Bottom for eaglesClover Point for various 'rarities' and BeaconHilfPark for forest specialities. Lodgings at Sun-nymeadeB.&B. ($31.50 double). Carpools ar-ranged at orientation. $90Orientation: Monday, Feb 26,7:30-9:30 pmTrip: Mar 3 & 4

GULF ISLANDS DAY CRUISE (502813)On a boat trip around the Gulf Islands, observe thethousands of seabirds and other marine animalswhich congregate at the peak of herring spawning.Wildlife biologist, Rob Butler, accompanies cruiseand provides a wealth of information on the naturalhistory of the area and on the field habits of seabirds.Cost includes boat chatter. Bring lunch. $70Lecture: Wednesday Mar 14,7:30-9:30 pmTrip: Sunday, Mar 18, all day

UCLUELET NATURAL HISTORY WEEK-END (502810)Discover the west coast with experienced biologistPeter Ball in. Study seashore, coastal forest and sand

dune ecology via daily field trips and evening lec-tures and films. Expect to see colourful marine life,misty rainforests, and perhaps gray whales on a boattrip offshore. Cost includes food, transportation,lodging in school. (Motel accommodation can bearranged.) $150Orientation: Thursday, Mar 22, 8:00-9:30 pmTrip: Mar 30, 3 land Apr 1

BOWEN ISLAND HIKE (502822)With enthusiastic biologist, Nancy Baron, explorethe natural heritage of this island on a day hikethrough 200 hectare Crippen Regional Park. High-lights include binding lagoons, spectacular ex-amples of Canada's largest maple species, fishspawning channels bogs nch in insect-eating plantsand with luck,..fields with blacktail deer. Costsinclude ferries. Bring lunch. $35Trip: Sunday, Apr 22, all day

NEWCASTLE ISLAND HIKE (502812)Join naturalist, Bill Merilees, on a comfortable hikeof this interesting island. Located across the channelfrom Nanaimo, the island was the site of some ofB.C.'s earliest coal mines, sandstone quarries, andJapanese herrings alteries. Now a Provincial MarinePark, it bo astsl/miles of hi king trails, active beavercolonies and rich samplings ofnative plants. Costsinclude ferries. Bring lunch. $40Trip: Sunday, Apr 29, all day

GULF ISLANDS NATURAL HISTORYCRUISE (502803)Aboard motor sailer. Island Roamer, cruise theecological reserves marine parks and historicallyinteresting areas of the Gulf Islands. With accompa-nying biologists, visit Sydney Spit, Mandarte Islandseabird colony, rich shores of Race Rocks and HaroStrait..home to the southern community of killerwhales. $425 ($140 tax-deductible tuition in-cluded)Orientation: Wednesday, Apr 25,7:30-9:00 pmTrip: May4,5&6

QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS (502808)These islands are the earth's special gift. They arebiologically unique—there are plants here whichoccur nowhere else in Canada, land mammals aresubspecific to the islands and close to 500,000seabird pairs nest here yearly. Human history is alsoof great importance~the decaying Haida poles atNinsiints are protected as world treasures. Biologistand anthropologist accompany cruise. $1,875($200 tax-deductible tuition included)Orientation: Wednesday, May 16,7:30-9:00 pmTrip: May31-Jun9

WHALES, EAGLES AND TOTEMS (502809)The waters and lands of Johns tone Strait provide astimulating introduction to B.C.'s marine life andKwaquitl culture. The area teems with life - sea-birds, bald eagles, sea lions, and minke, gray andkiller whales, lixplore virgin rainforests and studyabandoned native villages with biologist Marja deJong Westman and accompanying anthropologist.World renowned killer whale biologist, John Ford,presents introductory lecture. $550 ($200 tax-de-ductible tuition included) Lecture: Tuesday, Aug14. 7:30-9:30 pmTrip: Aug 30,31, Sep 1 & 2

For information and booking call 875-S200Courses coordinated by Marja de Jong Westman

PAGE 20 B.C.NATURALJST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER)

r

COLLEGE

CONTINUING EDUCATION

NATURAL HISTORYTRAVEL TOURS

I.THAILAND'S NATURAL HISTORY Thailand is oftenhailed as the best country in which to see the lush tropical forestof southeast Asia. Stretching 1000 miles from the temperateforest of its northern mountain ranges to the jungles and pristinebeaches of the Malay Peninsula, Thailand has an incrediblydiverse flora and fauna. Although it is only half the size of B.C.,it is home to more bird species than the entire North Americancontinent. Thailand is also committed to conservation—itsgovernment recently banned all logging. On this tour we willvisit Thailand's highest mountain at Doi Inthanon National Park;one of the finest tracks of tropical forest in southeast Asia inKhao Yai National Park; the beaches, seabird colonies andlimestone caves near Phuket; and the coastal marshlands of SamRoi Yot National Park.Dates: Feb24-Mar 16,1990.Cost: $3650 (includes tax-deductible tuition of $750);_eader: Dick Cannings, Naturalist, Cowan Vertebrate Museum,UBC

For information and booking: Call Great Expeditions 263-1476

2.MEXICO - EXPLORING NATURE UNDER THEVOLCANOES During this one-week natural history adventureto the relatively unexplored areas of Barras de Navidad andColima on the Pacific coast of central Mexico, there will beample opportunity to observe, photograph and enjoy a range ofoutdoor activities.Barras - Sleepy fishing village with animal-rich mangroveestuaries.Tenacatito - One of the most gorgeous beaches in Mexico whichalso offers terrific snorkelling and birding potential with regularsightings of white pelicans, brown boobies and skimmers.Colima - Volcanoes National Park - Birding on the slopes of twinvolcanoes, "Fire" and "Ice," for gray silky flycathcers and red-faced warblers.San Antonio - Tropical forest and birds such as shrike tanagersand trogons.Dates: Feb 18-26,1990Cost: $1545 (includes tax-deductible tuition $350)Leaders: Biologists, Nancy Baron and Alison WattFor information and booking: Call Great Expeditions 263-1476

3.THE HIGH ARCTIC (502836) Touch another world-experience life with an Inuit family, travel by dog sled, camp onthe ice and observe an unparalleled wildlife spectacle of belugawhales, narwhals, seals, polar bears and walrus.Base camp is established on LancasterSound and daily excur-sions to the ice floe edge for wildlife observations are planned.Experienced hunter-guides ensure the comfort of participants andVancouver Aquarium researcher, Nancy Baron accompanies tour.Dates: Jun 16-24,1990Cost: $3700 approximate (includes on-site transportation, food,lodging and guides; excludes airfare from Vancouver to Reso-lute)For information and booking call: Wayne Decle - 875-8200

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lULF ISLAND KASAKTNC5

Cont from page 24 Masai

All of these remain In Masai Mara all year round.but the wildebeest depart in late October. Oneday not long after ourvisit, the long lines of grey-black animals wilt form up, led usually by a fewbulls who, it is thought, may have detected thelightning flashes in the Southern horizon signal-ling the onset of the November rainstorms, andthe greatest masses of wildebeests will moveslowly and erratically back to the plains of theEastern Serengeti. There, in February, whenthe new grass sprouting afterthe rains providessucculent milk-producing fodder, the femalewildebeest will give birth to 400-500,000 calvesand , a few months later, the whole migratorycycle will begin again. One thing iscertain: if wereturn to Masai Mara next Fall, the wildebeestwill be there.

T. LoxtonKingfisherTours

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FUJV-DAMENTAL! «(see ad on page 23)PAGE 22 B.C.NATURAtlST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER)

jBOOK REVIEW:

ENDANGERED SPACES: The Future of Canada's Wilderness

Monte Hummel, General EditorKey Porter Books, 288 pages, $39.95 Hardcover

I am sure that most British Columbians would agree that thealarming deterioration of the environment has become a keyissue in the 1980s. If so, they will welcome the publication of EN-DANGERED SPACES. It was the pressure associated withurban expansion, industry, agricufture and pollution and theresulting alteration of our land that stimulated the compilation ofthis volume. Itsucceeds in providing a Canadian perspective onthis complex issue by pulling together contributions by 20leading Canadian conservationists and 40 nature photogra-phers from across the country. The result is a hard cover book,close to 300 pages, that is attractive, factual and authorative.

In his introduction to the book, Monte Hummel asks the funda-mentalquestion-howimportant is wilderness to the future of ourcountry? The contributing authors have no difficulty in answer-ing the question but how about Canadians as a whole. Will the

ture come about by design or default? Do we see wilderness3 obsolete, a part of Canadian society that we have outgrown?

These and other questions must be answered and answeredsoon. Some conservationists feel that the opportunity to com-plete a national network of protected lands and waters is slippingaway fast and that by the year 2000,this opportunity will be lost.ENDANGERED SPACES is meant to launch a ten-year cam-paign to push for the establishment of protected areas repre-senting each of the natural regions of the country.

We in British Columbia feel that our province has more to offerin this respect than most other areas in Canada. We wouldtherefore expect to be well represented in the list of contributingauthors in this volume. Indeed we are - 3 of the 20 contributingauthors, Yorke Edwards, Bristol Foster and Ian McTaggart-Cowan, are from this province. Each of these men are accom-plished authors and their chapters are a pleasure to read. In thisreview, I shall direct most of my comments to these threechapters and, at the same time, readily admit that the otherchapters are equally well written.

Yorke Edwards contributed a chapter to Part 1 - Learning fromthe Past. His chapter "Wilderness Parks: A Concept with Con-flicts" is a historic view of wilderness in Canada. His openingsentence sets the theme "Whatever other convictions Canadi-ans have held about wilderness over the past century, the faceof Canada today proclaims that in the main we have regarded itas something to be destroyed". He notes further "that from the^pinning there were other views and through the years they^V e become more widely held that the old ones based onpioneer fears and robber-baron precepts".

Part 3 of the book examined "The state of wilderness acrossCanada today" and Bristol Foster contributed a controversial

chapter 'The West Coast: Canada's Rain Forest". He provideda fresh look at the problems associated with the loss of our oldgrowth forests. In answer to the question "are solutions pos-sible?", he does not offer much hope. Noting that the cream ofthe forest is almost gone, he suggests the following solution, "Itis time for someone in the forest industry to break ranks andprovide leadership by arguing for a balance of sound silvicuttu-ral management on lands identtfiedfor cutting and preservationof wilderness areas." Both are needed but he feels that, to date,industry has chiefly promoted maximum short-term financialgain. He further states that one thing is certain: protection ofsignificant samples of Canada's rain forest in British Columbiais a public issue that will increasingly become more urgent untileither endangered spaces are protected or the last tree islevelled.

conton page 31 - Endangered Spaces

AFRICA AT ITS BESTTony Loxton's WILDLIFETOURS to Kenya's magnifi-cent national parka and gamereserves enable you to observeand photograph a remarkablynumber of species of animalsand birds at very closaquarters, 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,AMBOSEU 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. 20, Feb. 17 & Oct. 6, 1990On all our tours, wa travel in small groups, and use firstclass hotels and gome 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

B.C. NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER) PAGE 23

THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTHMasai Mara's Wildebeest Migration

Wildebeest galore! As our safari van moves slowly across therolling grasslands of Kenya's great Masai Mara national gamereserve in the October sunshine, the swarms of grey-blackanimalsshouldereachotherasideto let us pass, and then closeup behind us. Soon we are completely surrounded by a solidmass of wildebeest. Our veteran nature photographer triesvainly to capture the spectacle with a single shot, but finallythrows up his hands in despair, and we stop the vehicle so thathecansetupatripodandshootallroundthecompass. Thefinalresults shows an unbroken wall of animals stretching fromhorizon to horizon in every direction.

Yesterday, we had crossed the flat floor of the Rift Valley thatbisects Kenyafrom Northto South, teeming withgazelle grazingon the sweet short grass of the valley bottom, and had travelledin comfort on the good blacktop road that now runs throughMasai country almost to the gates of Mara. As we crossed theopen plains into the low hills that guard the Eastern approach tothe park, we had encountered more and more wildlife: statelygiraffe feeding on acacia foliage or pacing along in processionby the road, zebra by the dozen crowding in to the shade of thesparse trees, shy hartebeest galloping away into the bush, and,unexpectedly, a handsome caracal, an animal closely resem-bling our North American lynx, leaping across the roadside ditchat our approach.Arriving at our lodge, spectacularly sited on a hilltop spuroverlooking the meadows of the Mara River, in the Westernsector of the reserve, we had been warmly welcomed by ourKenyan hosts, and had dined lavishly before retiring to ourcomfortable rooms. At 2,000 metres elevation, the night waspleasantly cool, and we all slept soundly, disturbed only theoccasional coughing roar of a distant lion echoing across theriver and the eerie whopping of hyaena prowling around theperimeter of the lodge.PAGE24 B.C.NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989{WINTER)

Masai Mara game reserve stretches for some 80 killometresalong the Kenya/Tanzania border, occupying a huge wedgeshaped block of land that teems with animals and birds; imme-diatelytothe South isTanzania'sgreat Serengeti National Park.During the years between the wars, the Mara region was heavilyhunted by safari parties, and many of the largeranimals were se-riously reduced in numbers. In recent years, wise policies haveprevailed, hunting has been banned throughout Kenya, andMasai Mara has been restored to its former glories. Nowadays,the reserve is administered by the Masai Tribal Council for thebenefit of the tribe, with the help of government agencies, anda share of the park entrance fees and revenue from lodge con-cessions goesto the Masai. The latter have agreed to keep theirenormous herds of cattle, goats and sheep outside the parkboundaries, and no conflicts arise overgrazing and water rights.The park is an excellent example of successful cooperationbetween local people, the central government, and the touristindustry and its clients, which is rare in Africa.

The park's varied unspoiled scenery and extraordinary range ofwildlife also make it unique. The landscape includes rolling hillcountry, wide plains and broad river valleys, all carpeted in richgrasses, so thatthegreen appearance of the terrain reminds thevisitor of English downland or the Alberta foothills, rather thanAfrica. The word "Mara" in the Masai tongue means "specklec^or "spotted", referring possibly to the few isolated trees that do.the landscape. Human development in the reserve is restrictedto two main tourist lodges and some tented camps, with onegravel road running through the park. It is still possible to driveall morning across the grasslands and not see another humanbeing.

Rising early, and taking our binoculars out onto the lodgeterraces, as the sun started to illuminate the broad panorama ofgrassy hills and wooded valleys stretching around the lodge, wehad found the slopes dappled with myriads of animals quietlyfeeding in the cool of the early morning, but nothing had pre-pared us for the spectacle awaiting us when we drove out intothe park after a massive breakfast. Everywhere, as far as theeye can see, are wildebeest by the tens of thousands. As wemove across the sunlit uplands, every shallow valley revealsmore animals, sometimes packed dense herds, elsewheremoving slowly in long skeins. Little organization seems to exist:unlike buffalo, which form very eft ectivedefensivegroups againstpredators, and zebra, which operate in compact family groups,the wildebeest or white-bearded gnu lives in unstructured as-semblies in which the only strong bond is between a mother andhercalf. The main defensive mechanism is simply passive: theherds instinctively leave a gap of about 100 meters betweenthemselves and every adjacent area of thick bush, so thatpredators will have less chance of approaching them unde-tected.

aAs we move along them, we can study the wildebeest closand we find them astonishingly uniform in appearance: a blackclownish face with wispy facial hair, ox-like horns, an equinemane and tail, the sloping back of a hyaena, and spindly legs.

he herds are surprisingly quiet: individual wildebeest can emita variety of low-pitched snorting and grunting sounds, the greatherds produce only the subdued noise of thousands of animalsmoving through the tall grass and grazing steadily. Wildebeestare highly successful herbivores. Their wide rows of incisorteeth harvest the grass very efficiently and leave it ready forother antelope, who feed on the shorter stems and the stubble.We can see that where the wildebeest have passed by, it looksas if a gigantic lawnmowerhad been at work.

Suddenly, as we reach thecrest of low ridge, the scenechanges. Below us are hun-dreds of zebra, their sleekblack and wh Ite coats glisten-ing in the sunlight. At once,the air is filled with a cacoph-ony of warning calls and alarmsignals and, as we drivethrough them, the alert andsuspicious stallions shepherdtheir families away from uswith adrumming of hooves, tostand and watch us curiouslywhen the are out of harm'sway. Thousands of zebra ac-company the great Serengeti

^[lldebeest herds on theirf?Tinual migration journey, but

many others are resident inMara. Wherever they are,theirprotective family organi-zation is scrupulously maintained.

The Serengeti ecosystem of which Masai Mara forms theNorthern sectorcontains overs million animals, of which the 1.5million wildebeest are the dominant species, with over 300,000gazelle and some 200,000 zebra. All the wildebeest and manyof the zebra participate inthe annual mig rat ionforwhich the parkis famous, always moving in search of fresh new grass andwater. The animals leave the open plains of the EasternSerengeti in July, and move in their thousands into the hilliercountry on the Tanzania/Kenya border, looking for the crop ofnew succulent grasses sprouting after the "Long Rains" of April,May and June. Eventually, they reach Masai Mara where theyremain until late October, when the long return trek to theEastern Serengeti begins. The entire circuit involves a journeyof over 800 killometres.

Towards the end of the morning, we find an area of opensavannah markedly empty of wildebeest. Suspecting the pres-ence of predators, our driver, who has spent a lifetime findinggame for is clients, castes around until at length he sees, faraway, the momentary movement of atawny head above the longgrass. Driving closer, we find a pride of 14 lions, including a mag-

»nt black-maned lion, lying asleep in the scanty shade of atull tree, sprawled in lazy abandon like well-fed domestic cats.

Close by are the remains of a young wildebeest run down fromambush at dawn, when lion can approach the herds unseen. Wedrive closerto the group who regard us sleepily with no curiosity,but we know that, if we were to set foot outside our van, their

seeming indifference would change instantly to ail-too keeninterest. The Serengeti ecosystem contains some 1,500 - 2,000lion, and of these up to 500 may be present in Masai Mara, somein resident prides of up to 30 animals, other moving nomadicallywith the migrating wildebeest herds.

In Masai Mara, lion prides establish fixed territories, and patroland defend their boundaries as zealously as house-cats in a

Vancouver suburb. Ourdriverrecalls meeting, on the mainroad to our lodge, an elopingcouple with a young male lionattempting to abduct a comelyfemale from her pride, hotlypursued by her two brothers.When allfourreachedthe prideboundary, and lady halted,thought better of it and retreatedto the pride's territory, leaving

_ her frustrated suitor to roar hisdisappointment from beyondthe demarcation line.

Later that day, we ourselvessee territorial discipline at work.As we drive out for a late after-noon excursion to view hippoin the Mara River, we encoun-ter a small group of eland,Africa's largest antelope, mov-ing through the grasslands onone side of our track and,almost immediately, spotthree

superb female lion formations on the otherside, clearly stalkingthe eland. We stop, the lion move amongst ourvansstill intentlyeyeing the eland, but then lie down in evident disgust: the lineof the road is the pride boundary, and they are loth to cross it.The eland trot away to a safer distance, and our cameraenthusiasts hope they have captured the whole sequence onfilm.

Apartfrom lion, Masai Mara contains many otherpredators: weare lucky enough toseeacheetah successfully stalk and pursuea gazelle, and find a multitude of hyaena, sunning themselvesoutside their dens or lurching through the long grass, bent onmischief and mayhem. Jackal and bat-eared box are every-where, always on the lookout for leftovers from bigger animals'feasts, and leopard lurk in the wooded ravines. Mara is famousfor its large herds of Cape buffalo, up to 500 animals in a singlewell-organized unit and, increasingly, for elephant, which havemultiplied in the park after having been driven out of their formerhabitat near Lake Victoria by the spread of farming. Now we seethem every where we go in Mara, including massive animals withfine tusks, needing so much food to sustain life that they must eatalmost continuously to maintain their daily intake of 250 kilos ofgrass. Giraffe are abundant, andthe reserve is home to most ofthe principal East African species of antelope, including thegraceful impala and the colourful topi with its flossy purple hideand yellow legs, found only in large numbers in the Serengetiecosystems. The Mara River itself contains more hippo thanany other African river of its size.

cont on page 22 - Masai

B.C. NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER) PAGE 25

KwarrttenCoilegeFor Registration, please call 591-1111

Visa and Mastercard Accepted

Natural History Walking Tour of Galiano IslandOrientation: January 25,7 - 9 p.m. $28Trip: January 27,9am. (Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal)

Natural History of Harrison Bay and Chehalis Marsh,featuring eagles and swans $48Orientation: February 1,7-9 p.m.Trip: Februarys

Gulf Islands Photography WorkshopsOrientation:February 8,7 - 9 p.m. $28Trip: February 10,9 a.m. (Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal)

Hawks and Owls of the Fraser DeltaOrientation:February 15,7 - 9 p.m. $20Trip: February 17

Basic BlrdwatchlngOrientation:March 8, 7 - 9 p.m. $33Trips: March 10 and 17

Natural History of Crescent Beach Intertidal ZoneOrientation: Aril 5,7-9 p.m. $20Trip: April 7

Spring Wildflowers of Galiano IslandOrientation: April 19,7 - 9 p.m.Trip: April 21 $28

Porro Prism Models Roof Prism ModelsSwarovski 8x30 $575 B&LElite 8 *42 $950Mirador 8x32 $275 Nikon 8 x40D$1250B&L Custom 8x36 $275 Zeiss 10x40B$1650Mirador 9x35 $350 Pentax 10x42 $349For our full product line, call 604-388-4174.

the field-naturalist1241 Broad St., Victoria, B.C. V8W2A4

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PAGE 26 B.C.NATURALJST D'ECEMBER 1989 (WINTER)

7MInl WITH BUNNY

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B.C. NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER) PAGE 27

SKILLAN'SI \J U M\S OAVIO SKILL AN

& SAFARISproudly presents

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KENYAJanuary 4,1990

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(David Skillan is a well-knownworld iraveller, former residentof Kenya and safari veteran.)

ENQUIRE: ABOUT OUROTHER WORLD-WIDE

EXOTIC TOURS.For colour brochure & further infor-mation contact:

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181 West Broadway.Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1P4Telephone: (604)879-9377

BRACEWELL'S ALPINE WILDERNESS ADVENTURES

FEATURE TRIP: CHILCO PHOTO-SAFARI/WILDLIFE VIEWINGJoin ANTHONY CARTER, Professional Photographer, Outdoors Writer,Author, and Publisher of "SOMEWHERE BETWEEN", THIS IS HAIDA","ABUNDANT RIVERS", and "FROM HISTORY'S LOCKER".

Trip leader ANTHONY CARTER will be demonstrating and assisting allparticipants in making photographs worth of their subjects. Highlights ofthe trip will include snow-capped mountain peaks, unsurpassed Alpineflowers, ice caves, 50-million year-old fossils, the stalking of wildlife suchas mountain goat, mule deer, and other species.This exclusive trip will be conducted in conjunction with

BRACEWELL'S ALPINE WILDERNESS ADVENTURES, run by a third-generation pioneer family with a solid background in the skills andknowledge of wilderness exploration in the Coast Range mountains.

CALL NOW TO MAKE PLANS! PHONE: (604) 372-2338

KEVAN BRACEWELLBRACEWELL'S ALPINE WILDERNESS ADVENTURES

1111 PINE STREET, KAMLOOPS, B.C., V2C 3A7

The Federation of B.C. Naturalists is coordinating trips to Costa Rica

Trios leave:Jan. 2; Jan. 16, Jan. 30 . Feb.13, Feb. 27 and Mar. 13,1990

Duration of trip: 2 weeks total (1 week in rainforest, 1 week in cloud forest)

Cost: Airfare $825 per person (from Vancouver)(payable when registering)

Accommodation, meals etc. - depend on the number of people thatsign up i.e.(the more that go the cheaper the cost)1 person -$1300 4 persons $6752 persons $750 6 persons $6503 persons $700 8 persons $637.50This is payable (in U.S. funds) upon arrival in Costa Rica.

For more information phone the Federation office Monday to Friday between9:00 am and 5:00 pm

To register send name, address and phone number and the week preferredalong with a cheque payable to the FBCN-COSTA RICA. When the chequeis received the FBCN will make the arrangements with the leader in CostaRica, book a passage and request the airline send the ticket directly toparticipant. Note the fee at this time only covers the airfare and theAccommodation fee must be taken to Costa Rica in U.S. funds and given to,the trip leader Steve Friedman. Participants will need to carry addition uf̂funds for side trips or other purchases. Travel insurance is the responsibilitiyof the individual.

PAGE 28 B.C.NATURALJST DECEMebfl 1989 (WINTER)

OVER THE EDITOR'S DESKSUSTAINABLE FORESTRY

Dear Editor:

The Spring edition carried an article by Prof. Hamish Kimmins ofUBC on the subject of sustainable development and forestry, inwhich environmentalists were quoted as stating that "once anold-growthforestiscut down, there can neverbeaforest like thaton the site again." Prof Kimmins says that this statement isinaccurate. I would suggest that the QUOTE is inaccurate.

Given enough time, a thousand years or so, there should be aforest on the site that's pretty much the same as the one cutdown. It's not that there CAN'T be another such forest, it's thatthere WONT be, because full forest renewal will not be permit-ted. The loggers will return as soon as there's enough market-able "fibre" on the site to turn a quick profit.

Sustainable forestry is nothing more that wishful thinking so longas we continue toexport the fertility of our land in theform of logsand lumber and pulp. In return for our highly valued forestproducts, we're getting mo re and more trash forouroverflowinglandfills. It's not a fair exchange.

Onthematterofclearcuts.everyoneseemstoagreethatthey're.hockingly ugly. But we're reminded over and over again thatk:6 ugliness is only temporary; the clearcuts soon 'green-up"

and, to foresters at least, look very nice.

The obvious problem with this reassurance is that each recov-ering clearcut will always be surrounded by newercuts which arestill ugly. And of course every regrowth will be wiped out longbefore it has a chance to become a forest.

One need only take a flight over any part of this province to seethe immense destruction of forest taking place. Along with themany problems relating to soil degradation, habitat loss andwatershed damage, this massive and accelerating deforesta-tion is effectively reducing the input of solar energy to ourbiosphere. We tend to overlook the fact that virtually all of theenergy we depend upon every day come to us from the sun byway of our forests.

Tom AndersonGeneral Delivery

Summerland, VOH1ZO

PINE SISKINS INFO

Dear Editor:

I noticed in the Fall edition of the B.C. Naturalist that John Youds,Ministry of Environment found a dead banded Pine Siskin north/̂ •Williams Lake in August. On June 21 I observed a banded

Idn near my feeder, which is located 5 km north of WilliamsLake. The adult birds'left leg was banded. Itwasinthecompanyof two other adult birds. A lot of siskins were migrating throughWilliams Lake at this time.

Could this information please be passed on the the bird bandersin Shelby, North Carolinaorcould their address beforwarded tome. Thank you.

Michaela J. Waterhouse.C-14Site14

RR#2, Williams LakeV2G 2P2

DARK-EYED JUNCO:UNUSUAL NEST SITE

I thought naturalists might be interested in the unusual nestingplace of a Dark-eyed Junco at our ranch in the last two years. Inearly spring of 1988 she went through the chicken wired windowof our bam, made her nest in a leather horse muzzle hangingwith bridles, ropes, etc. approximately five feet above the floor.She hatched five eggs. When the clutch was about ten days oldthey vanished. It was likely a Red Squirrel got them as the nestwas not disturbed. She was back laying eggs within a very fewdays. When that hatch left the nest within a week or less she wasback laying again. They also survived. Needless to say we hadlots of Dark-eyed Juncos in our garden that year.

In 1989 she came back to the same nest hatched herclutch, theones I took the pictures of. When they were approximately fivedays old the clutch and the mother vanished. The nest still notdisturbed not a grass blade out of place.

On September 2, 1989 I was very thrilled to spot a whiteMountain Bluebird with a flock of five blue blue birds. It wasraining at the time and I did not get a good look at its eyes so donot know if it was an albino. Since then four friends of mine haveseen the white bird with a large flock of about 50 MountainBluebirds.

Bunny Adele CooperHo rsethief Ranch

Box 125, Invermere, B.C.VOA 1KO

B.C. NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER) PAGE 29

REGISTRATION FORMFBCN CAMP

SEPTEMBER 2 TO 9,1990BAMFIELD MARINE STATION

NAME:

ADDRESS:

CITY: CODE:

PHONE:

LOCAL NATURALISTS CLUB AFFILIATION

DO YOU WISH TO ROOM WITH A FRIEND?.WITH WHOM? /nam« ariHrgcc tolo )

NOTE: Most dorm rooms accommodate 4, in two double bunks.There are some rooms with one double bunk - priority is givento married couples.

CAMP FEES: $435.00 forthe week. Includes dorm bed, threeexcellent meals each day, days and evenings filled with variedactivities and programs. {For details, see Sheila Riley's articleon the 1989 camp on this page of the B.C. Naturalist.)

HOW TO REGISTER - Fill out form and send it along withcheque for $435.00 made out to FEDERATION OF B.C.NATURALISTS - CAMP and postdated to May 1,1990 to:

Helen Akrigg8-2575 Tolmie Street

Vancouver, B.C. V6R4M1phone: 228-8606

(best 7-8am or after 5 pm)

Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Full de-tails re camp, what to bring and how to get there will be sent toyou by early summer.

IF YOU HAVE TO CANCEL: Before June 30th, full refund isgiven, after that date refund given on a pro rata basis. Whencancelling, please notify me as soon as possible so that thevacancy can be offered without delay to another. And do nothestitate to contact me if there are any questions you want tohave answered.

REGISTRATION IS LIMITED. Althoug h this 1990 camp will bethe fourth one at Bamfield sponsored by the FBCN, we againexpect a very good response-including some who have enjoyedit so much the first time that they want to come back. So, if youare interested in coming to Bamfield in September 1990, pleasesend in your registration NOW. (This also applies to people whocould not make it last year and asked that their names be put ona tentative waiting list for 1990.)

HAPAGE30 B.C.NATURALJST DECEMBER 1989(WINTER)

BAMFIELD FBCN CAMP -1989

The sun shone brightly over Bamfield, September 3rd, 1989,when fifty naturalists met at the Marine Station for a week of non-stop activity.

Bamfield, located on the south shore of Barkley Sound on thewest coast of Vancouver Island, was atthe turn of the century thewestern terminus of the trans-Pacifictelegraph cable. Today theold cable station is the site of the Bamfield Marine Station, aresearch facility funded by five British Columbia and Albertauniversities. The Marine Station, although set up primarily toprovide labs, library and otherfacilities for visiting scientists andstudents, is now being used more and more in the off-season bygroups such as the FBCN. With comfortable lodgings, deliciousmeals in the dining room overlooking the sea, and a temperaterainforest on every side, the stage was set for a complete get-away from the everyday world and a leap into learning aboutmarine organisms, sea birds and mammals, kelps, and muchmore. The biggest decision one had to make on any day waswhat f ootwearto select -especially when we walked near "man-eating" mud.

The choice of activities was optional and included a tour of thefacility, four day-long hikes, Journeys by skiff to study creaturesin the intertidal zones, and laboratory sessions involving se^weeds, sea cucumbers, algae art and fish printing, to name ̂few. The MA/Aita , carrying 26 people, took us out several timesinto the Sound for birding, viewing mariculture operations, ordredging and trawling for marine animals. Each evening wewere entertained by marine biologists with lectures and slidepresentations, and at 1 0 pm boarded a skiff to see the biolumi-nescence.

The various hikes to Keeha Beach, Execution Rock, Cape BealeLighthouse and Pachena Lighthouse, situated 1 0 km along theWest Coast Trail, broug ht us in touch with the h istory of the area,its flora and fauna (including sea lions and bear). The beauty ofthe beaches and sea stacks makes one realize there is no needto go to Oregon - its all here in B.C.!

Birders were not disappointed. There were two 6 am birdingsessions out in the Sound. Great Blue Herons are so commonin Bamfield they are referred to as "GBH's". Common Murresare plentiful too. These plump, short-winged seabirds use theirwings to propel themselves underwaterto great depths.

All was not serious study. When each of us was asked to dressas their favourite marine organism, the imaginations ran wildand the costumes were innovative, to say the least. A campfireand sing-song wound up the activities and all too soon the sun-filled week was over and it was time to return to reality.

ThankstoSally Carson, the FieldTrip Co-ordinator, and herfor making our stay at Bamfield a memorable one.

Sheila RileyNorth Shuswap Naturalists

REGISTRATION FORMFBCN CAMP - MAY 3 TO 10,1990CAMP HURLBURT, VERNON, B.C.

NAME:

ADDRESS:

CITY: CODE:

PHONE:

LOCAL NATURALISTS CLUB AFFILIATION

If registering for more than yourself, please send full addressand telephone numberforthe others.Registration is limited to 70. Applications are accepted on a first-come basis on receipt of form and fee in full.

Cost is $295.00. Make you cheque payable to NONC CAMP

Post-date your cheque to Febraury 1st, 1990, and send to-gether with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:

ELSIE NYKYFORKSITE11.COMP.29, R.R.#4

VERNON, B.C. V1T6L7

Full refunds will be made up to March 1 st, 1990. Afterthat partialrefunds will be made, deducting camp costs already committed.

Do you need transportation?.

Can you offertransportation?.

How Many?.

. How many?.

Do you wish to sleep in your van or camper?.

A directional map and list of camp requirements will be includedwith you receipt.

FBCN CAMP DATES CHANGEDTO

MAY 3-10,1990

To accommodate the Annual General Meeting, which will beheld in Kelowna May 10th to 12th, 1990, the Camp dates havebeen changed to Thursday, May3rdthrougnThursday, May 10,1990. Campers will be able totake in the AGM while homewardbound!

Next year's camp, sponsored by the North Okanagan Natural-ists' Club, will be based eight miles southwest of Vemon atCamp Hurlbert, a United Church facility. Situated beside asandy beach of Okanagan Lake, the cabins hold eight to tenbunks. They are clean, though sparse.

The roomy, well-equipped kitchen will please Angie Berger,already booked as our cook, and the large lounge/dining areacontainsafireplaceanda piano. Aspacious patio off the loungecontains three barbecues, and overlooks a breathtaking view ofthe Okanagan mountains reflected in the ever-changing watersof the lake.

There are six flush toilets and three showers, with a smallwash room for the cook.

We will do our best to accommodate small or medium trailers forthose who wish to sleep in their vehicles. The Committee is nowplanning trips to appeal to all tastes and with various degrees ofdifficulty, covering every aspect of natural history from birding,botany andhiking, to historical, sightseeing and industrial tours.

OurOkanaga.n spring is at its peak in May - the hills are verdantwith new growth, with the spring sunflower (arrowleaf balsam-root to purists!) competing in spectacular displays with orchardsin full bloom.

As Camp Director, I am looking forwardto renewing old acquain-tances, and I especially invite those who have never attended aCamp to give us a.try!

Elsie NykyforkCamp Director.

\.\t from page23 Endangered Spaces Review

an McTagganVcowan's-chapter "Room at the Top?" is irin Part 4 - Strategies for the Future. It is devoted to an anjof what is required in the way of national parks, provincial parks,wilderness areas and wildlife refugestoensure the perpetuationof those species at the top of the food chain (bears, wolves,cougars). The areas involved-will be large but, as Ian states,they are identifiable and, more important, they are still available.He notes that we urgently need to devise new strategies toconserve the summit predators and the Rocky Mountain Na-^Aal Parks, together with adjacent provincial parks in British,'lumbia and the wilderness areas in western Alberta offerattractive immediate opportunities. He warns that one potentialthat still exists in being swallowed"by our thoughtless devotionto development at any cost.

No one who purchases this book will be disappointed. It is ani .-^excellent collection of articles devoted to topics of Interest to5«^Canadians. Monte Hummel has every right to be proud of his

achievement. Let us hope that the momentum created by thisbook does provide a much neededtoolfor activists to chart whatneeds to be done and to mobilize support for the task.

Dick Stace-Smith

B.C. NATURALIST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER) PAGE 31

Trips for Naturalists

Christmas in OaxacaDecember 21 - 29, 1989

Discover MexicoJanuary 29 - February 13, 1990

Costa RicaFebruary 12 - 26, 1990

Southern MexicoFebruary 26 - March 16, 1990

In Quest of the Quetzal

April 5-17, 1990

Florida & the CaribbeanApril 19 - 30, 1990

Southeastern ArizonaApril 21 -29, 1990

Point PeleeMay 5 -13, 1990

Queen Charlottes CruisesMay - September, 1990

Dempster Highway WildlifeJune 14 - 25, 1990

Killer Whale WatchingJuly & August 1990

Herschel IslandJuly 1990

Yukon Alaska Grand CircleAugust 18-28,1990

Queen Charlottes/Inside PassageAugust 11 - 19, 1990

Princess Louisa InletSeptember 1990

Maritime ExplorerOctober J990

Splendors of JapanOctober 1990

Call us Toll Free 1-800-663-7615Swiftsure Tours Ltd., 1241 Broad Street, Victoria, B.C. V8W2A4 (604) 388-4227 I

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PAGE 32 B.C.NATURAUST DECEMBER 1989 (WINTER)