the central okanagan naturalists' club … of... · thursday birding trips meet 8 am (apr-sep)...
TRANSCRIPT
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November 2014 The Central Okanagan Naturalists' Club
www.okanagannature.org
To Know Nature
and keep it worth
knowing
Index
Club Information 2
The Birding Report 3
Central Okanagan Land Trust
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Naturalization of Fascieux Creek
September Minutes
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Note the different date (the hall is not available on 11th November - Remembrance Day).
When: 7:00 pm Where: Evangel Church, Gordon Drive
Title: Title: Bird Conservation in New Zealand. Speaker: Andrew Veale, PhD New Zealand (Aotearoa) in many ways looks similar to British Columbia, with wild coastlines, mountain ranges and large tracts of forested wilderness, but the conservation problems experienced in New Zealand are fundamentally different to those experienced in Canada. New Zealand has been separated from any other landmass for 80 million years, and because of this isolation there are no native terrestrial mammals - New Zealand was a land of birds. The first people (Māori) arrived in Aotearoa comparatively recently in 1280 AD, and with them came pacific rats and dogs. Europeans then arrived in the late 18th century, bringing a whole suite of new animals and plants, which the native fauna and flora were completely unprepared for. This mammalian invasion brought about catastrophic extinctions and declines for New Zealand's bird fauna. In this talk I will describe the current efforts (often community led) to save and restore New Zealand's birds. About Andrew: After completing his BSc in Biology at the University of Auckland, he went to veterinary school hoping to become a wildlife vet. His experiences abroad led him to realise that to make a difference for conservation, he needed to be involved in research, policy development and teaching. Because of this, he completed a Master of Science looking at the genetic connectivity of marine invertebrates to better plan marine reserve design, and then went on to a doctorate focusing on the genetics and ecology of introduced short-tailed weasels (stoats) - a major invasive species in New Zealand. Currently he has a research position looking at the genomics of kokanee salmon at UBC Okanagan in Mike Russello's lab.
Monthly Meeting
© Pam Laing
2014 Fall Report of the Commissioner
of the Environment and
Sustainable Development
Type in the report title in your
browser for best access.
4TH NOVEMBER 2014
Christmas Carolling Get Together
Sunnyside Beach campfire and carol sing Wednesday December 3
rd. Meet at 11am.
Those who wish may walk from Casa Loma through Kalamoir Park. The beach area is part of the subdivision (Taxes paid by the residents).
Carol sheets will be provided. Bring hot dogs etc. and Christmas Cheer (goodies and drinks if you wish). This was an annual event in years past, let us resurrect it. Information from Pat Westheuser. [email protected]
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Central Okanagan Naturalists’ Club. www.okanagannature.org P.O. Box 21128, RPO Orchard Park, Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 9N8
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Telephone email Representing President: Craig Lewis 250-765-2511 [email protected]
Vice-President: Jorma Jyrkkanen 250-859-5330 [email protected]
Secretary Mervyn Scott 250-762-9303 [email protected]
Treasurer Perry Jacobsen 250-451-9042 [email protected]
Immediate Past President
Fiona Flook 250-860-9751 [email protected]
BC Nature Don Guild 250-768-3334 [email protected] BC Nature Director and Conservation Chair
Directors: Sherrell Davidson 778-478-1956 [email protected] Hiking
Peter Courtney 250-860-9765 [email protected]
Rick Gee 250-763-0124 [email protected] Hiking
Peter Green 250-765-1737 N/A Botany
Rayne Jacobsen 250-451-9042 [email protected]
Jorma Jyrkkanen 250-859-5330 [email protected] Birding
Ian Walker 250-807-9559 [email protected] Programme
Harvey and Elaine Abraham
250-764-1226
[email protected] [email protected]
Membership
NEWSLETTER: Editor: Teresa Smith 250-860-9133 [email protected]. Deadline date for submissions is the fourth Tuesday of each month. Send submissions to Teresa Smith, [email protected]. Mailing address is, 292 Rio Drive South, Kelowna, B.C V1V 2B1 or drop off at Second Tyme Around (front desk), corner of Spall and Springfield. Mailing: Norma Coburn 250-763-4499 Email distribution: Harvey & Elaine Abraham. [email protected] or [email protected] WEBSITE: www.okanagannature.org. Webmaster: Teresa M. Smith [email protected] MEMBERSHIP: Harvey & Elaine Abraham. [email protected] or [email protected] ANNUAL DUES: single $30, family $42, students $14, includes Newsletter (except January, July & August). Membership form and waiver form can be found on CONC website www.okanagannature.org. Send your name, address, telephone number, email address, waiver form and dues to: CONC Membership, Box 21128, Orchard Park P.O., Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 9N8. Honorary Life Members: Brenda Thomson (2005), Harry Almond (2005). REGULAR ACITIVITIES All activities are seasonal. If in doubt, check with the contact person. Or phone any of the executive. MONTHLY MEETINGS: Held on the 2
nd Tuesday of each month, September to June at 7
p.m. in the Evangel Church, 3261 Gordon Drive, Kelowna. Visitors are welcome. Hosts: Bev Thomas 250-762-7610, Liz Daley 250-764-2310. Librarian: vacant Programme Coordinator: Ian Walker 250-807-9559 [email protected] BIRDING: Howard Braun 250-768-4339 and Gwynneth Wilson 250-762-6876. TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE Thursday birding trips meet 8 am (Apr-Sep) or 9 am (Oct-Mar) at St. Charles Garnier Church, 3645 Benvoulin Rd. Saturday Birding: 2nd Saturday of the month 7:30 am Apr.- Sept. 8:30 am Oct. - Mar. Meet at the Apple Bowl* BOTANY: Peter Green 250-765-1737. Friday Botany trips: Meet 9:15 am (departure 9:30 am) at the Apple Bowl* HIKES. (Bring a lunch). General information Sherrell Davidson 778-478-1956. All Hikers meet at the Apple Bowl* - Wednesday 9 am Hikes: Meet at 8:45 am at the Apple Bowl.* Contact Sherrell Davidson 778-478-1956 - Wednesday 9:30 am Ramblers: Contact Shirley Fitzpatrick 250-860-1576 or Jeanette Dunagan 250-762-2399 - Weekend Hikes: Saturdays and Sunday. Meet at the Apple Bowl* Times as per schedule. Contact: Rick Gee 250-763-0124 *1555 Burtch Road, the Apple Bowl parking lot, corner of Burtch and Bernard.
OTHER COMMITTEES and KEY CLUB REPRESENTATIVES
BC Nature Director and Conservation Chair Library Mildred Wardlaw Nature Trails Young Naturalists’ Club of Kelowna (YNC) Publicity
Don Guild Vacant Don Wilson 250-763-8036 and Fiona Flook 250-860-9751 and Carole Courtney 250-860-9765
250-768-3334 Rick Gee 250-763-0124 Pat Westheuser 250-769-6605 [email protected]
Please bring your own
coffee mugs to the meetings.
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September 18 started out rainy but we still had several hardy birders show up. Our first stop was Woodhaven where a Pilated Woodpecker was heard by all and viewed by a few. A walk up the trail at the end of Bullock road brought Dark-eyed Juncos and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet as well as splendid views. The skies were clearing when we reached Thompson Pond so the birds were more active with Song Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows and an excellent look at a Warbling Vireo. After coffee we walked on Mission Creek dyke to look at Common Mergansers and Great Blue Heron. Our final stop was Belmont Park where we saw Coots, and Red-winged Blackbirds. Those in the group interested in gardening enjoyed checking out the various trees in the park that are labeled with species name and favoured care instructions. On October 2 the weather had returned to bright and sunny. We headed to the Hall Road area with Oliver Court as the first stop. The area was lively with American Goldfinches, House Finches, Robins, and Steller's Jays. Some in the group got brief glimpses of what appeared to be a Nashville Warbler and a Blackpoll Warbler. We travelled on to Dunsmuir where Yellow-rumped Warblers were plentiful. Also seen were Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Kestrel and the bird of the day a Great Horned Owl, We stopped at Sutherland Hill Park to enjoy a male Wood Duck. A final stop at Munson's Pond gave us three White-fronted Geese with the Canada Geese. October 9 was the day for our annual run down Lakeshore Road to view the Common Loons gathering on Okanagan Lake to prepare for their annual migration to the coast. Our first stop was at Bertram Creek where the Yellow-rump warblers were plentiful. Also seen were Horned Grebes, a Red-necked Grebe, Clark’s Nutcrackers and Evening Grosbeaks. As we traveled south we started to see the Common Loons flocking on the lake. Over 50 birds were in the first group we saw. The total number was about 250 by the day's end. At this time of year we get to enjoy the gentle murmuring sound of the large flocks communicating with each other. As we continued into the park we spotted Steller’s Jays, Western Grebe, American Kestrel and Adult Bald Eagle. The best bird of the day was a Harlan’s Hawk circling overhead while being harassed by a determined Kestrel . We had excellent looks at this unusual form of Red Tailed Hawk in a dramatic setting.
MERGANSERS are a group of diving ducks that feed on fish. They have serrated bills that are the reason for their old name of Saw Bills. Their flight is rapid with a horizontal body posture. All of them have white wing patches. We have three species of this group in the valley.
Common Merganser, male - female Hooded Merganser, male - female
The Birding Report by Margaret Bryan
wikipedia. Warbling Vireo
wikipedia Ruby-crowned Kinglet
wikipedia Nashville Warbler
wikipedia Black Poll Warbler
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The most frequently seen merganser in the valley is the Common Merganser. It is the largest of the three at 25 inches in length and 3.4 pounds. The male is mainly white with a pinkish wash on the belly, the head, back and wingtips are black and the bill is orange. The female is mostly slatey gray. She has a rufus head and neck and an orange bill. They prefer fresh water. The preferred nest would be in a hollow in a deciduous tree but a hole in a bank, a space under boulders, a root hollow or under shrubbery will also be used. The female raises 6 to 18 precoccial young that are incubated for 28 to 35 days and fledge at 63 to 85 days. They feed on fish and aquatic invertebrates. The smallest local merganser is the Hooded Merganser at 18 inches long and 1.4 pounds. They are usually found on forest ponds. The male in breeding plumage is colourful with orange sides contrasting with black on the back, bill, head
and outer edge of the crest. The large conspicuous crest has a white canter and can be raised and lowered. The female has a smaller rufus crest. She has buff coloured sides and head and a black back. The nest is built in a tree cavity or a hollow log. The female raises 7 to 13 precocial young after 28 to 41 days incubation. The young fledge at 71 days. They feed on fish and aquatic invertebrates.
The least commonly seen merganser in the is the Red-breasted Merganser. It is smaller than the Common at 23 inches length and 2.3 pounds. It prefers salt water The crest is ragged. The male has a black head and yellow bill, with a white neck-band and rufous breast blending into black at the forewing. The wing area is gray. The female has a dull rufous head and crest and a yellowish bill . The preferred nesting location is a small island with low vegetation. The female raises 5 to 11 precocial young that hatch after 29 to 35 days incubation. They fledge at 59 days. They feed on fish and crustations.
The Central Okanagan Land Trust (COLT) is the interior’s leading land conservation organization. For more than twenty years they have worked with various partners to acquire natural lands and wildlife habitat through purchase, donation, and conservation covenants. The Trust cares for these lands with annual inspection programs and works in partnership with local governments and local conservation groups to
steward these lands in support of a healthy biodiversity in the region. At a recent COLT event for Robert Hobson CONC made a donation of $5,000 to the Trust. Robert’s family are donating a considerable sum of money to the Central Okanagan Foundation as an endowment and a sizeable portion of that money is segregated to be used as an endowment for COLT. The recent
donations to COLT including CONC's donation, will be added to this endowment fund and so it will not just be spent. Rather, it will continue to support COLT’s future work. The fund now will be in excess of $50,000. COLT is very grateful for this support. More information about the Trust can be found on their website, www.coltrust.ca
Red-breasted Merganser, top male, bottom female
The Central Okanagan Land Trust (COLT) www.coltrust.ca
The Okanagan Institute for Biodiversity, Resilience and Ecosystems Services - BRAES, is pleased to announce the "BRAES in the Classroom Speaker Series" for Wednesday, October 29th 2014 with the following presentation (poster
attached):
Wed., October 29
th 9:30 to 10:30 AM Room: EME 1151
“Forest Carbon Offsets and their Potential Markets” Speaker: Kelly Sherman, CEO ECORA (Local Forestry
Consulting Company). Host Prof.: Adam Wei
Open to the public - Refreshments will be served.
For more information please contact: [email protected] www.braes.ok.ubco.ca for more information about the Institute
Grass Spider - male Grass Spider - female
“Grass Spiders” are represented by 13 species collectively found throughout most of the U.S. and southern Canada, and northern Mexico. Like all members of the funnel weaver family Agelenidae, they spin dense, non-sticky, sheet-like webs with a funnel-like retreat where the spider hides. www.spiders.us serves as a community as well as an informational and pictorial library providing accurate spider identification resources to the public.
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Background: The approximately 200 metre section of Fascieux Creek that flows through the school grounds has been enclosed in a concrete-capped culvert for many years. In addition to concerns with the culvert becoming blocked over time there has been a general desire to uncover and naturalize the creek. When Western Painted turtles were found nesting on the school grounds the desire to proceed with the naturalization was heightened. The naturalization was also seen as a unique opportunity to enhance the education experience at KLO Middle school using outdoor classrooms to experience nature in its own backyard. The project has been driven by KLO Middle School teacher Michelle Hamilton and the school’s Green Parent Committee. Michelle and the school’s EcoClub attended two CONC meetings where they described the
project and raised funds through the sale of bird feeders. These and other fund raising efforts resulted in the accumulation of about $85,000. However, when escalating estimates of the project reached $500,000 the project was divided into two phases so that the raised funds could be utilized (rather than given back) and that some progress on the ground could actually be made. School Board and regulatory approvals were obtained and Phase 1 began October 11 of this year. Work in Progress: The Phase 1 work involves the lower 60 metres of the creek. The work done so far has included the removal of the concrete tops from the culverts, diversion of the creek around the work area, removal of over 300 small fish from the 60 metres section of culvert after it was isolated, and removal of the existing bridge and culvert. The ongoing work involves the
rehabilitation of the creek bed adding some wetland features and small creek meanders, and a new bridge. Then trees and shrubs will be planted to complete the work on Phase 1, expected to be completed before the end of this year. Several CONC members have been involved in the planning, fund raising and implementation of this project and $5,000 of CONC funds was donated to the effort in 2013. CONC members will be working with the students during the upcoming tree and shrub planting. Future Work: The Phase 2 work will involve the naturalization of the remaining 140 metres of creek still covered in culvert and is planned for next year. While the administrative, regulatory, and logistical issues are now mostly known as a result of the Phase 1 experience there remains a significant challenge in raising the necessary funds for this project.
Removal of culvert concrete tops View up t
A Western Grebe photographed by Pam Laing, 23 October. It was only when scanning the photos that I realized the bird was
injured. The other side of its beak/gape not shown in this image was badly lacerated. Maybe it caught fishing line or something similar. It
seems to be a young bird. Let’s hope it is healing, can now feed and will survive the journey south.
Naturalization of Fascieux Creek on KLO Middle School property
This Prickly Sculpin, one of over 300 fish removed.
view up the creek after tops removed
Diversion works and existing bridge
Arachnophobia is the fear of spiders
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CONC MEETING TUESDAY OCTOBER 14 2014 AGENDA 7:05 CALL TO ORDER. A QUORUM was in attendance. MEMBERSHIP AND GUESTS: 97 single memberships, 102 family - total 199 members Five new members tonight: Linda Robin, Al Marinda, Carol Ulm, Deborah Watt, Francis Fisher. UNUSUAL SIGHTINGS. Judy Adams - River Salmon Run. Craig also. In Edmonton at Jctn.6, seven grizzlies were seen Craig saw river otters. Gwynneth reported there were several hundred loons in Okanagan Mountain Park. Hugh John’s Property UV light - cougar and elk Rick Gee large owl seen in meadow on way to ski area Reifel Refuge - 5000 snow geese A huge flock of Sandhill Cranes see at Holbrook Rd. ADOPTION PREVIOUS MINUTES September 14. meeting. JOHN CARPENTER MOVED ALL ADOPTED BUSINESS ARISING: RDCO Land Acquisition announcements. 1. GOATS PEAK. 53.6 ha 900 m foreshore $5.05 million 2. BLACK MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK. 259 ha. 125 ecological a gift, 125 ha crown land, 1300 acres hwy 33 to
microwave tower to Tower Ranch Golf course. 3. GLEN CANYON REGIONAL PARK 3.9 acres. 4. SCENIC CANYON REGIONAL PARK expands greenway 2.1 kms for 18.6 km trails 5. ROBERT HOBSON RETIREMENT Our best friend on council. There was a wrap up party Legacy Parks Legacy
People, Oct 17 $100.00 per person. $50.00 tax return. Don Flook . Presented a motion. The Central Okanagan Land Trust (COLT) is an NGO worked 24 years securing and protecting natural areas in the central Okanagan just as Nature Trust of Canada has done Canada wide. COLT has a similar function at local level. Two Chairmen, Hugh Westerhauser, and Barry Jones, are also CONC club members. Hobson has had a strong hand in the area of securing and protecting natural areas and worked closely with COLT. With the growth of the city and more demand for parkland more opportunities to secure park land are needed. Hobson has donated $25,000 to COLT from own pocket. (WOW). MOTION that our club make a contribution to COLT. Seconded by Cecil Dillabough. So moved. Donation of $5000. was suggest. Bev supported $5000 donation. Cecil suggested we give the money as a gift from the club in honour of Robert Hobson. If we get the cheque by Friday we can give it at the Dinner. Gwynneth to present. (Hobson was Gwynneth’s student in grade school-a bit of a connection there, the Gwynneth Factor). DIRECTOR REPORTS HIKING: Sherrel. Re hiking. Hiking Crystal Mountain tomorrow. Saturday we had planned a bike trip to Summerland and bike towards Penticton or maybe something closer to home. Subject to change. Spaghetti Factory Oct 29th Whistler trip was great and a trip to Waterton is planned for next summer. RAMBLERS 9:30 Wed. Meet at the Apple Bowl BOTANY: Peter. Though group is small still going out to identify mushrooms. Meet us there next Friday. Get to know your mushrooms. BIRDING: JORMA. Discussed global chatter increasing in conservation concerns and success of programs ex Ducks Unlimited. Forgot to mention bird repelling glass invention now discussed on CBC and the idea is spreading. (Should move for council to adopt it for all new buildings in Kelowna. )
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OKANAGAN MOUNTAIN BIRD COUNT for May 29,30,31 Les Gyug. CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTs: Lake Country and Penticton Dec 14th. Kelowna Dec 20. Vernon Dec 21. BC Field Ornithologists (BCFO) to hold RVZ here . May 28 birding BCFO AGM May 29,30,31. Les to validate information when dates finalized. BC NATURE CONSERVATION COMMITTEE - DON GUILD Talks on shorebirds. Summary of 14 years observations. Some numbers dropping. At AGM bylaw change. Exec of BC Nature can serve two 3 year terms. Passed. Conservation. Not a tremendous amount going on. Don stepping down and needs replacement in the new year. CONSERVATION COMMITTEE meets the First Monday of the month at 10:00 AM. NOV MEETING DATE CHANGE TO NOV 4 2014. First Tuesday in Nov. Monthly meeting here. JANUARY AGM AND ELECTIONS: Directors, President, Conservation Chair and BC Nature representative. PROGRAM DIRECTOR IAN WALKER---“ HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER” Speaker at 4 November meeting will be Post Doc Andrew Neil. His topic: Bird Conservation in New Zealand. Speaker: 9 Dec 2014 40th Anniversary. Murray Cob or Wyn Darlington to speak. Eight Speakers tonight. 1. RICK DEWAR. A Good Year to be Birding. Lewis’s woodpecker. Paul's tomb trail. Sandhill cranes resident in
sanctuary. Juvenile Western Bluebird, Long-billed Dowitchers in winter plumage, Least Sandpipers, Hooded Mergansers, Harlequin Ducks at Sooke Harbour, Golden-crowned sparrows, Wood ducks and Ring--necked ducks, Witches butter fungus,
2. IAN CRUIKSHANK. Three French hens, Western Grebe, Black Oystercatchers, Black Turnstones, Scrub Jays, Says Phoebe, Black-throated Sparrow, Verdins, Costas Hummingbird, Pygmy nuthatches, Male House Finch, Red squirrel, Eastern Kingbird, Hoary marmots and Vesper sparrows, Rufous hummingbird, Ruddy duck, Lazuli bunting, Grey catbird, Sagebrush mariposa lily.
3. LINDA WALKER, Papke, Livingston, Walker Family Hiking holiday. Kokanee Lake mountains. Pika. Mouth full of anemone. Paintbrush, Hellebore, Angelica. Pink mimulus, Columbian ground squirrel, Hike to Saphire Lake, anemone, swimming, Pika. (Gloria and I did this one once-Fabulous area).
4. HUGH WESTERHEUSER. Pribilof Islands. Bering Sea. St Paul Island. Native Aleuts. The Galapagos of the Bering Sea. Tundra. Volcanic. 500 people. Crab cannery. Main income. Subsistance halibut fishing. Fur seals beachmaster. Lesser males try to get at the females. He fights two months. (Sneaky rutters score big-Fisher) Young ones head out after a month. 2.5 million sea birds breed on cliffs. Thick billed and common, Kittiwake. Puffins. Auklets. Tufted Puffin only in N Pacific. Horned Puffin. Parakeet Auklet. Jaeger. Pribilof Wren evolved from Bewick's Wren. Bar-tailed Godwit, fly to New Zealand non-stop 8-9000 kms. Rock sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstone, Asian cuckoo-(Gwynneth called it), Lapland longspur, Snow bunting. Cost ~$3500. +flight to Alaska.
5. ROLAND. Glacier National Park, USA. Two weeks hiking. Couldn’t go to the lake because grizzlies feeding on spawning cut throat trout. Big mountain Gentian his favourite. Fabulous area. Goats and Bighorn sheep, flowers deluxe.
6. LES GYUG. Bristlecone Pine. Sierra Nevada. 5000 year old trees. Zion and Red Rock country southern Utah. Virgin river. California Condor release site. The Wave amazing folded sandstone formation, Arizona Utah border. Amazing formation.
7. CRAIG. Monashee and Glacier Park. Mt Cartier. Mt Bikers opened the trail. Mulvey Lake friendly goats. Mt Begbie. Steep glacier walk and a narrow ledge for those more vertically inclined.
8. SHERRELL. Trail clearing and Fall 2014. Partner: Friends of the South Slopes. Myra Bellville Goods Basin. Buckwheat. Common selfheal. Roy and Harvey.