Tag: Field trip

Lang Creek Hatchery

Phil explains the process of harvesting salmon eggs and sperm.
– N. Pezel
This is how they get from here…
– L. Bridger
There are always questions…
– L. Bridger
Pink salmon in Lang Creek
– L. Bridger
David explaining the building of the gazebo.
It may look like we’re praying – we’re actually looking at the salmon decorations in the cement floor!
– L. Bridger
Michael telling us about the gardens and the variety of native species planted there.
– L. Bridger

Lang Creek Hatchery
by David Bedry, 30 Sept 2017. 

About a dozen people met at Lang Creek to see the returning salmon and learn about the Lang Creek egg collection facility run by the Powell River Salmon Society.  With only two paid staff the PRESS relies on alot of volunteer help, especially at this time of year.

With recent rains and on shore winds the salmon have been making a steady return.  About three quarters of this years’s brood stock are already being held in the facility until they are ready to harvest the eggs.  The other fish are allowed to swim up stream to spawn in various locations of Lang Creek.

Michael Stuart finished off the morning with short talk about the Lang Creek Native Plant Garden, and the variety of plantings there.

Alpine Adventure – by helicopter!

Absolutely the very best way get into the alpine…
– D. Bedry
Coming into Skwim Lake
– A. Bryant
The ridge we spent the day exploring., and our perfect landing spot
– A. Bryant
The upper lake still covered in snow and ice
– T. Koleszar
Alpine flowers and snow patches along the ridge.
– T. Koleszar
Dressed for the environment!
– D. Bedry
Skwim Lake, with rafts of avalanche snow still floating around.
– T. Koleszar
The shoreline of the upper lake.
– T. Koleszar
Form and Colour; interesting snow and ice sculptures along the edge of the upper lake..
– T. Koleszar
More form and colour
– A. Bryant
Alpine flowers in a pleasant little rock garden.
– T. Koleszar
unknown dipteran on fireweed
– A. Bryant
Photographing fossils
– D. Bedry
Ancient sediments turned on edge by the forces that formed the west coast of North America.
– T. Koleszar
Folded and faulted rock layers speak of the intense deformation this area experienced long ago.
– T. Koleszar
Meltwater streams were common, flowing through the rocks and mosses.
– T. Koleszar
Small lupines were one of the many flower types we saw.
– T. Koleszar
A marmot burrow surrounded by fireweed.
– T. Koleszar
A lovely, but rather shy, Hoary marmot
– A. Bryant
A Mountain Ash where it belongs!
– A. Bryant
A lovely patch of heather
– D. Bedry
The whole crew!. (except Andrew, who was still chasing marmots)
– T. Koleszar
another impressive floral display
– A. Bryant
Another pleasant little rock garden.
– D. Bedry
More form and colour
– A. Bryant
Helicopter departing for the Freda Lake staging area at day’s end.
– T. Koleszar

Alpine Adventure – by helicopter!
by Tom Koleszar, 12 August 2017.

Twenty members of the Malaspina Naturalist Club recently enjoyed an alpine adventure, travelling by helicopter to an area near Skwim Lake.  While some were able to fly in directly from the airport, most of us flew from a staging area near Freda Lake.  Pilot Ben made sure all the flights were very interesting indeed!  We were also very lucky with the weather, finding a window just as the forest fire smoke was leaving and before the clouds arrived!

We spent the day exploring a ridge just above Skwim Lake and enjoying the views of the surrounding landscape. Our explorations included a tour along the ridge before lunch looking at the geology, flowers, shrubs, trees, and even a marmot!  Thanks to Andrew Bryant for an impromptu lecture on marmots and marmot habitats!  We found some fossils in the ancient sedimentary rocks of the area, and enjoyed several different varieties of wildflower growing among the snow patches, rocky terrain, and stunted alpine trees.  While Skwim Lake itself was mostly free of snow and ice, the upper lake near our ridgetop was still almost entirely covered, with some fascinating snow and ice formations around the shoreline!  After lunch, we had some free time to explore as we wished, or just relax and enjoy a beautiful alpine day. Our local alpine areas are fascinating, but very difficult to get to, so I think a great time was had by all exploring new territory (or in a few cases, revisiting old haunts!).

Special thanks go to Laurette Hamoline and Nancy Pezel for helping to organize the trip, our drivers who took folks to the staging are over many kilometers of dusty roads (Mel Lougheed, David Bedry, Nancy Pezel and Andrew Bryant), and also to Pilot Ben Berukoff of Oceanview Helicopters for safe flying and interesting tours!

Postscript:
Andrew and Laurette sent out the following emails upon their return:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi everyone,
Something quite amazing happened at the very end of the trip.
Specifically, we were on final approach to landing on the logging road.  I was in the front seat snapping photos.  The first two images show our landing approach.  The 3rd image shows the helicopter landing in the same spot (taken earlier in the day).  We were about at the same altitude, facing the same way, when Pilot-in-Command Ben exclaimed:
“what the F___ is THAT going on ABOVE us?”
It took a second to see what Ben had already seen through the swirling helicopter dust.
Tumbling arse-over-teakettle down through the shubs, and then down the bare slope, was an adult deer.  With a large cougar firmly attached to it.  I have an image of alternating paws, hooves and frenzied shubbery.  That was a lot of body mass to be performing somersaults. I saw this apparition quite clearly – and then I didn’t – because they tumbled down behind the log pile.  A moment later we were on the ground.  Unscheduled shut-down.  Fumbling with seatbelts and doors to disembark.  Five of us stood there, knowing there was an excited cat behind that wood pile, and a dead or dying deer there too.  We didn’t go closer.  A few moments later we caught another glimpse – the cougar streaking back up the embankment and disappearing into the undergrowth.  Ben rebooted his helicopter and was quickly airborne.  We thought it best not to check on the deer, but instead loaded gear and drove home.
Several things make the event noteworthy for me.  In 25 years of fieldwork on Vancouver Island, I only saw about 15 cougars, and never watched one kill a deer in front of me.  Second, I had the camera, literally in my hands, but the moment was too fleeting even to raise it to my eye.  Finally, the time elapsed from frame DSC_300 and touchdown was short…maybe 10-15 seconds?  So I suspect that both predator and prey must be somewhere in that photo – but damned if I can see them.
Nature, red and tooth in claw
Andrew
on approach
location of observation
Observer position
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
To continue Andrew’s story ……. I was in the next shuttle run to the landing and Ben was, of course, telling us of the raw nature scene you had witnessed so we are anxious to see how the story was unfolding and especially to know where that cougar was now.  As we approached we were amazed to see the wounded deer limping across the landing right across our parking spot and down into the brush below.  It was, to be sure, a rather pitiful and disturbing sight but it’s just nature taking its course.  I’m quite certain that cougar, frightened off by all the noise of the chopper, was keeping a close eye on his supper and was just waiting for us to all to leave.  Quite something!
Laurette

A Mitlenatch day-trip

The lovely Misty Isles
– P. Miniato
Steller sea lions
– P. Miniato
Pelagic Cormorants at the rookery
– P. Miniato
Some of our group up at the gull blind
– P. Miniato
Black Oystercatcher and Harbor Seals – What a great day!
– P. Miniato
A Glaucus-winged gull chick!
– P. Miniato

A Mitlenatch day-trip
by Marg Reckenberg, 29 June 2017.

What a warm, sunny, calm day as the twelve of us set out for Mitlenatch Island aboard the Misty Isles with Captain Mike Moore and assistant Amy.  We left Lund Harbor at 10 am after a quick stop at Nancy’s Bakery.  Then we were on our way, for the 2 hour trip past Major Rock, then through Baker Passage between Hernando Island and Twin Island.

Mike showed us our course on the marine map and told us interesting tidbits about the islands that we past.  We saw lots of white jellyfish in the water en route and an eagle skimming along the water with a large fish.  The eagle could not get airborne and had to struggle just to land his fish on shore.  Mike explained the optical illusion of Mitlenatch looking close but, in fact, it took us another 45 min. before we arrived.

The Island is surrounded by a fairly shallow rocky shoal so we anchored and half our group went ashore by zodiac.  (Note from Misty Isles crew – remember to bring water shoes as a dry docking is not always possible).  The group on shore looked at wildflowers – including one prickly pear cactus in bloom – the island has a desert-like climate and we visited the naturalist cabin and then the nesting areas of the seagulls and many of us saw for the first time gull chicks scooting under their Moms.

Meanwhile the other half of the group went around the island in the zodiac with Mike.

He was wonderful at pointing out the nests of Pelagic and Double-crested Cormorants, Black Oystercatchers, Harlequin ducks, Pigeon Buillemots, and Great Blue herons as well as crows, ravens, eagles and gulls.  We saw plenty of harbor seals and Stellar sea lions.  From their growling noises we understood where they got their name.  Then these huge sea lions began to take to the water – and soon afterwards we saw a nearby humpback whale.  If this wasn’t bonus enough we saw a humpback further away breaching.

It just doesn’t get better than this.  Of course, the two groups switched places halfway through the allotted time.  At the end of the leisurely afternoon we headed back to Lund.  Of note, on our return trip, was a brown scummy substance, widely spread across the water.  Mike thought this was likely an algae bloom that the changing tides brought our way.  It gave the boat’s wake a muddy appearance.

We returned, feeling that the day had been truly magical!

In search of saprophytes

Looking for those elusive saprophytes
– N. Pezel
Candystick (Allotropa virgata)
– D. Bedry
Another nice Candystick (Allotropa virgata)
– D. Bedry
Sally sharing some of their saprophyte photos –
– N. Pezel
Walter and Lu checking some details in the Lewis and Clark field guide –
– N. Pezel
The one we saw wasn’t as nice as these. Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) at McFall Creek trail, 3 July 2012 –
– D. Bedry
One to watch for. Pine Sap (Hypopithys monotropa) at Lang Creek, 15 July 2012.
– D. Bedry
Another to watch for. Vancouver Groundcone (Boschniakia hookeri) at Taylor Way, 27 July 2012
– D. Bedry
Definitely not a saprophyte, but nice nevertheless!
Salal (Gaultheria shallon) in flower
– D. Bedry

In search of saprophytes
by Nancy Pezel, 24 June 2017.

Walter Kubany and his wife Sally led an enthusiastic group of 14 naturalists on a hunt for saprophytes along the trails of Valentine Mountain on this beautiful summer day.

We learned that many of these plants live on dead and decaying vegetation, but some like the Indian-pipes and Groundcones are parasitic on other plants.   They don’t have green leaves and chlorophyll, but interestingly some of them are in the winter-green family.   Because these unusual plants don’t seem to be very long lived, we were lucky to find some striking Candysticks in full bloom, a few Coralroots of varying shades of orange and purple, and a Pinesap.

Without Walter’s keen eye we would have missed the white Indian-pipe that was just emerging from the soil at the edge of the trail and some delicate orchids off the main trail.  For any of the saprophytes that were already finished flowering or hadn’t emerged yet, Sally and Walter had beautiful photos so we would know what to look for on future walks!

Bute Inlet Epic

Paul Jones samples a shrimp he bought off the prawn boat.
– M. Moore
Exploring the Cumsack River.
– M. Moore
Group hike.
– M. Moore
Rose Marie admiring Teakerne Arm falls.
– H. Harbord
Julie and Hugh enjoying the mountain scenery.
– H. Harbord
Mt. Waddington from the head of Bute Inlet.
– H. Harbord
Chuck guiding Misty up the river.
– H. Harbord
Harbour seals at the head of Bute Inlet.
– H. Harbord
The glacier above Homathko Camp.
– H. Harbord
Indian Paintbrush, Homathko Camp.
– H. Harbord
Finding the 4-leaf clover plant.
– H. Harbord
The Misty Isles at Homathko Camp dock.
– H. Harbord
Merganser pair on Cumsack River.
– H. Harbord
Canada Goose gosling on Cumsack River.
– H. Harbord
Cumsack River rain forest.
– H. Harbord
Western Toad, Cumsack River..
– H. Harbord
Prospector’s cabin on Southgate River.
– H. Harbord
Tree Swallows, Homathko Camp, Bute Inlet.
– H. Harbord
Barn Swallows, Homathko Camp.
– H. Harbord
Maureen about to get wet.
– H. Harbord
Read Island approach.
– H. Harbord
Relaxing at Discovery Lodge, Quada Is.
– H. Harbord
Chuck telling a Bute Inlet story at Homathko Camp.
– H. Harbord
Enjoying Vintage Misty Isles.
– H. Harbord
Home in a storm.
– H. Harbord

Bute Inlet Epic
by Rose Marie Williams, 8 June 2017.

After filling up with coffee and cinnamon buns from Nancy’s bakery in Lund, our skipper, Mike welcomes 12 of us aboard his schooner, Misty Isles.   We leave the harbor and turn north, through Thulin Passage.  All stretch their memories to match  names to faces.  Not easy for some, but we do it.  In the Copeland Islands we pause to view the red pictograph on the rocks on our starboard side.  It’s been close to 40 years since I last sailed Desolation Sound and beyond.  It is exciting as memories  flood back.  The sea is calm, the sky is blue and the sun shines brilliantly over the water.  Mike amuses us with stories and facts about the surrounding area.

Our first stop is Refuge Cove.  It’s early in the season and the harbor is empty.  We clamber onto the dock and up to the store where we peruse the books, charts and other trivia offered for sale. Once everyone in Desolation Sound came here for mail, supplies and gossip.  Continuing up Lewis Channel we enter Teakerne Arm, docking below the waterfall.  The adventuresome ones hike up the path to Cassel Lake above the falls.  Mike takes three of us for a cruise around the bay in the zodiac.

Back on board, Devon serves everyone a mug of a most delicious tea and cookies as we enter Calm Channel and pass the most northern point of Cortes Island, Bullock Bluff. Steering to port we enter Drew Passage between Read Island and the Rendezvous Islands. Passing Mayes Point we again steer to port and thread our way through Surge Narrows meticulously following the marked course between Read Island and Maurelle Island.  It’s been a long and exciting day as we head to the far east side of Quadra Island and come to rest at Discovery Islands Lodge.  Our skipper and his mate turn their hands to kitchen duty, and with the help of the lone person at the lodge soon have a salmon dinner on the table. In the morning we awake to freshly baked bread, porridge with many extras, and of course coffee.

On board again, Mike introduces us to the complicated intricacies of tides in Surge Narrows. We retrace our way through the Narrows heading north, cross Calm Channel, observe the site of Church House before beginning our ascent up Bute Inlet, passing Stuart Island on our port side.

Bute Inlet is 80 km long and averages 4 km wide with spectacular mountain vistas. The water is a deep blue and the land on both sides of the inlet is green with the native forests. Barbara Sherriff shows us maps of the geology and discusses the rocks that the trees conceal. As we travel up the inlet the water changes color as melting ice from the surrounding glaciers merge with the seawater.  Toques, mitts, scarves and warm coats appear as the temperature drops.  The wind off the numerous glaciers and massive ice fields is frigid.

After lunch we enter Bear Bay and we seem to be standing still as the tide is running against us.  Mike takes us for a zip around the bay in the zodiac. Now the water is a milky grey turquoise. By late afternoon, mountains and glaciers that rise 9000 feet above sea level surround us. Mike maneuvers the boat to the far northeast corner where the Southgate River enters Bute Inlet and by looking to the north west we can see in the distance snow covered Mt. Waddington, the highest mountain in B.C. (13,186 ft.).  Chuck, a guide from the Homathko Logging camp leads us up the river to the camp where we will spend the next two nights.

In the morning we hike in the surrounding area and instead of warning us about dangerous animals, Chuck says: “Do not disturb or frighten the wild life.” In the afternoon we take the zodiacs and explore the nearby Cumsack and Southgate rivers. The former has exquisite mountain reflections and the latter an old homestead that we explore.

Wednesday morning we begin the return trip down the inlet.  En route Paul Jones  buys fresh prawns off the boat that caught them and Devon serves them with garlic butter. Our last night is spent at another comfy Discovery Islands Lodge, tucked in a bay on Read Island off Sutil Channel.

On the 5th morning we travel south down the west side of Cortes Island. The day is grey, raining and we encounter a stormy southeastern wind. We duck in to Mansons Landing where very kind residents drive us to the local museum and then to Cortes Bay.  Heading into the howling “southeaster” and towering seas, Mike and Devon alone take the Misty Isles down and around the most southern tip of Cortes Island, Sutil Point, to Cortes Bay. We board the vessel for a rough ride, battling 6 ft waves, until we reach the north end of Thulin Passage and the Copeland Islands protect us from the battering wind.  We arrive in Lund harbor peacefully at 5:15 as planned.

Rhododendron gardens

Just one of the many, many, wonderful rhododendrons in bloom
– D. Bedry
Some of the gang
– D. Bedry
A really nice day out
– D. Bedry
Taking time to smell the… everything!
– D. Bedry
Wow those are big
– D. Bedry
David Smith pointing out some of the features
– D. Bedry
A break in the shade
– D. Bedry
– D. Bedry
A lovely specimen indeed
– D. Bedry

Rhododendron gardens
by David Bedry, 27 May 2017.

Ten of us were blessed with a cloudless sky as we toured the amazing Rhododendron garden that David Smith has carved out of his property off Crowther Road, on the way to Okeover Inlet.

David’s is a year round labor of love as he plants not only rhododendrons from around the world, but other native shade tolerant plants in his hillside garden.  It’s really a Botanical Garden, with rhodos as the centerpiece.  To make a fertile and hospitable planting substrate David conditions the soil with native mulch.  All of has planting is natural as well as chemical free.  David was an excellent tour guide, telling us about his work in the garden and answering all of our questions.

David’s passion for what he does has spilled over onto two of his neighbours properties, creating a garden to rival any that I have visited both in Canada and abroad – and we have it right here in our own back yard!

Return to Mitlenatch and Twin Islands

Murres off Savary Island
– D. Bedry
Oystercatcher at Mitlenatch Island
– T. Koleszar
Pigeon Guillemots near their nesting site, Mitlenatch Island
– T. Koleszar
A few of the many California and Steller sealions at Mitlenatch
– T. Koleszar
The view from Mitlenatch to Vancouver Island’s snowcapped peaks
– T. Koleszar
Double Crested Cormorants building their nests atop the sea cliffs
– T. Koleszar
Pelagic Cormorants nesting lower on the sea cliff faces
– T. Koleszar
We also saw several groups of Harlequin Ducks at Mitlenatch
– T. Koleszar
The Zodiac and Island groups exchanging places. That’s the Misty Isles in the background.
– T. Koleszar
Gulls nesting on East Hill, Mitlenatch Island
– T. Koleszar
Monkey Flowers are common on the rocky areas of Mitlenatch
– T. Koleszar
A sudden weather change: the northwest gale is coming!
– T. Koleszar
The gardens on South Twin Island provide vegetables, fruit, berries, and flowers.
– T. Koleszar
Guide George getting us to listen to the birds on South Twin Island.
– T. Koleszar
Tom describing the area geology: where Wrangellia, the Coast Plutonic Complex, and glacial sediments meet!
– T. Koleszar
Those who made it all possible: Mike, Samantha, Mark, Amy, and George!
– T. Koleszar
Our group of hardy voyagers at the Twin islands lodge.
– T. Koleszar
Hoisting the sails for the trip back to Lund.

Return to Mitlenatch and Twin Islands
by Tom Koleszar, 23 May 2017.

Twelve of us boarded the Misty Isles at Lund for a 2 day trip with Captain Mike Moore and naturalist leader George Sirk.  We sailed south around Savary Island and Mystery Reef, finding hundreds of Pacific Loons and Common Murres, along with many other sea birds. From Savary we continued on to Mitlenatch Island, where we split into 2 groups – half going ashore and the other half circumnavigating the island in Mike’s zodiac.

There was a profusion of sea lions, seals, and cormorants and other sea birds for the zodiac groups, and many wildflowers and gulls for the island groups.  The second activity for each group was cut a bit short by a sudden (but forecast) change in the weather.  Strong northwest gale force winds came up suddenly and forced a quick return to the boat, and then made the trip from Mitlenatch to Twins Island a very interesting ride!  We made it in safely, however, and then were treated to a fantastic salmon dinner at the Twin Islands lodge by Captain Mike, Amy, Samantha and host Mark Torrance.

After a very comfortable night, some of us went for a pre-breakfast bird walk lead by George Sirk, then all enjoyed a wonderful breakfast provided by Mike’s crew.  After breakfast, our host Mark gave us a tour showing what he is doing to make his place environmentally friendly and sustainable – solar and micro-hydro power systems, extensive gardens, etc. – a very informative morning!  The walk then continued down through the dry forests of South Twin Island (where guide George continued our bird and plant education) to Iron Point (where trip participant Tom Koleszar gave a summary of the area geology).  From there it was back to the lodge for a great lunch, and then on to the boat for the trip back to Lund – and we put up the sails for this nice, relaxing final stage of the journey!

Special thanks to Captain Mike Moore and guide George Sirk for a great couple of days of learning, to Amy and Samantha for the great meals, and to our host at Twin Islands Mark Torrance for opening his place to us and showing us around.  We all learned a lot and had a great time.  Thanks also to Heather Harbord for making all the trip arrangements for the Club.

Birding by Ear – Part VII !

See that bright yellow warbler flitting from branch to branch? Nah, I didn’t either…
– A. Bryant
That’s why we call it “birding by ear”
– A. Bryant
Lack of ear-birding skills doesn’t stop one from looking down occasionally
– A. Bryant
Because it’s spring – in Powell River
– A. Bryant
And you don’t often get to see views like this
– A. Bryant
Look! A bird! Turkey Vultures fly with wings-held up (dihedral), which makes them really easy to identify at a distance
– A. Bryant
The Wildwood Bluffs are, ecologically-speaking, one of the treasures of Powell River
– A. Bryant
the wildflowers alone are enough to make one blush…
– A. Bryant
This male Anna’s Hummingbird did everything possible to make a photographer’s day…he sang, flew, and was predictable…alas, this photographer wasn’t ready…
– A. Bryant
Thanks for a great day everybody!
– A. Bryant
Whew! Our track was 5.85 km, with a elevation of about +/- 200 vertical metres given the dips and jumps in the terrain
– A. Bryant
Which leads me to suspect that Pierre is already scheming to keep us in training for next year…lead on mon vieux!
– T. Koleszar

Birding by Ear – Part VII !
by Pierre Geoffray, 16 May 2017.

Fifteen of us met at the Italian Hall for “Birding by Ear”.  The weather decided to give us a break and we enjoyed the dry and cloudy spell (the best we can wish for this year!) as we toured the Wildwood Bluffs.

Right around the Italian Hall, we had some good views of our first Black-headed Grosbeak, singing for us in the open at the tip of an alder tree. Also there, a Yellow Warbler and a pair of Western Tanagers, all freshly arrived from their long migration, showed very well.

This year has been particularly quiet, with birds being shy and not very vocal. The cold temperatures surely have something to do with it. In a way it made it easier for us as it helped us focus on the fewer songs we heard.  The warblers especially can be confusing when they are all singing together!  So we unravelled them, mostly one at a time:

“Sweet, sweet, I’m so so sweet” (Yellow),

“CHI chi chi chichiCHI!” (Wilson’s),

“CHICHICHI chachacha” (MacGillivray’s), and the new mnemonic found I think by Lois,

“Chim, chim chim CHIMNEY!” (Black-throated Gray Warbler)…

The vireos were very present yesterday. We heard many Warbling, a rapid series of notes with the last two going up, encountered a cooperative pair of Hutton’s and heard the sluggish call and response song of a Cassin’s Vireo on the bluffs: ” Where are U? Here I am”, with that slurry Mexican accent that makes it roll the R’s, remember?

We walked along the bluff trail, so beautiful at this season with all the flowers blooming. There we had a different set of birds: Hammond’s and Pacific-slope Flycatchers… We heard an Oregon Junco singing, an uncommon breeder here, a musical trill very similar to the “dropping” trill of the Orange-crowned Warblers we had heard earlier in the second growth.

While admiring the view from the bluffs over the Straight, an Osprey flew by, another not so common bird for PR north. All in all we had 31 species.

It was a very fun walk, thanks to all participants for their enthusiastic and focused attitude.

Good Birding all!  And don’t forget to use those Binoculars when they dangle around your neck!

Note: Pierre also supplied his Ebird list for the day, and encouraged us to take advantage of that extraordinary internet birding resource:

The “it’s not a field trip” Purple Martin field-trip

An adult male arrives to check out the scene – A. Bryant
Ready for installation… – A. Bryant
Andrew getting high – D. Bedry
Many hands make light work – D. Bedry
Even the artificial habitats are threatened…some of those pilings are getting awfully rickety – D. Bedry
Looking good… – D. Bedry

The “it’s not a field trip” Purple Martin field-trip
by Andrew Bryant, 30 April 2017.

Some of the Purple Martin nest boxes at the Myrtle Rocks colony suffered a bit at the hands of winter storms – and needed some attention.

After an aborted attempt on a dangerously gusty and rainy Saturday, Sunday saw fair skies. David Bedry, John Treen, Bill Whyard and myself replaced seven boxes and installed some new anti-predator barriers.

Purple Martins are interesting for many reasons, not least of which is that here in BC, we have a species that is now completely reliant upon man-made habitats – because the natural cavity-nesting habitat has been destroyed.

You can learn more about Purple Martins, their history in BC, and the hugely successful volunteer-based nest-box program here, here and here.

Thanks to Rona for providing construction materials, and to Relay Rentals for loaning us their very tall (and very heavy) ladder.
And thanks to all who braved the winds on Saturday!

Texada Gold Rush

Archivist Doug Paton describes Texada Gold Rush – L. Hamoline
Bob Duker shows off his gold processing mill – L. Hamoline
John Dove shows some Evergreen Huckleberry branches – L. Hamoline
John Dove talks about the Little Billie Mine – L. Hamoline
Mine entrance – L. Hamoline
Rain forest moss was particularly lush – L. Hamoline
The false gold of iron pyrites – D. Bedry

Texada Gold Rush
by Joan Treen, 19 April 2017.

The morning was spent at the Texada Museum, which was quite a surprise for most of us who did not know it existed.  It’s an amazing place, housing information about the development of mining on the island and the pioneers who settled there, many of whose descendants remain to this day. The folks on Texada deserve a lot of credit for producing, and continuing to expand such an interesting display of the island’s history which dates back to 1873 and earlier.  Two of the museums volunteers, Doug Paton and Ken Barton explained the history in fascinating detail.

We were also fortunate to visit Bob Duker’s property to view his home-made gold processing plant which he and his partner used for many years. He was very generous with his time and we felt fortunate to be able to visit him.  In the afternoon Geologist John Dove and Prospector Dave Murphy showed us the remains of the Little Billie Mine in Vananda where we found samples of various minerals in the rocks.  We also discovered the closed off opening to the now defunct mine shaft.

Our trip along the trail to Emily (Turtle) Lake was lovely with stops along the way to view a beaver dam and various island plants such as Lungwort Lobaria pulmonaria (Pojar p.489), Evergreen Huckleberry, salal, and many wild red current bushes in bloom.

Some of the group also saw the nesting site of the turtles and one out sunning itself on a log in the lake.  We ended our day with a short hike to Clam Bay while awaiting our ferry, then back to Powell River with memories of the uniqueness of Texada Island, and appreciation of the fascinating history of this mining community.

Thanks to Heather Harbord for organizing and leading this interesting field trip.

Winter Twigs and Greens

Some of the group
– L. Hamoline
This one’s for Ioni
– L. Hamoline
Cascara have naked buds
– L. Hamoline
Hemlock versus Yew
– L. Hamoline
Lovely Hammill Lake
– L. Hamoline
Driftwood and ice on Hammill Lake
– L. Hamoline
Hotdogging at Hammill Lake!
– L. Hamoline

Winter Twigs and Greens
by Nancy Pezel, 25 February 2017.

A small but enthusiastic group of our members spent a couple of hours enjoying a walk along some of the trails off McLeod Road.

There the group learned how to identify western yew and western hemlock, how to differentiate between alder and cherry, that true firs have needles with notched tips, and that Cascara has naked buds. We also saw a variety of native shrubs including Bald-hip rose, salmonberry, thimbleberry, salal, Oregon grape, Spirea and Pacific Ninebark.

After working up a bit of an appetite, we enjoyed hotdogs on the campfire and the peaceful scenery of Hammill Lake before heading back up the trail and home.

Tiny Brown Birds

Mister and Mrs. Purple Finch
– M. Stewart
Clyde checking out some movement in the bushes
– H. Harbord
Male Anna’s hummingbird showing black iridescent feathers
– M. Stewart
They’re really impressive close up!
– M. Stewart
David Bedry and Johanna Moore watching the feeders
– H. Harbord
Chestnut-backed Chickadee at the feeder
– H. Harbord
A Spotted Towhee comes around
– H. Harbord
Purple Finch at the feeder
– H. Harbord
Another view of the male Anna’s – with very different lighting…
– H. Harbord

Tiny Brown Birds
by Heather Harbord, 14 January 2017.

Eight members joined Clyde at 8am on Saturday for the Tiny Brown Birds trip.  After carpooling from town, we drove to the Lang Creek Hatchery, crossed the road and walked among the prime TBB habitat.

At the start, Clyde explained how carefully and quietly we should move to avoid scaring the birds.  Unfortunately, the sun went behind a cloud and it was very cold so only a few Towhees and Ruby-crowned Kinglets cooperated.  At the Hatchery, we saw a Pacific Wren beside the creek where the Dippers are often found at this time of year.

Next stop was Michael Stewart’s feeders which were much more fruitful for our purpose.  Hidden inside her house, after a slow start we enjoyed prime views of seven birds on Heather’s hand-out of TBBs plus several Anna’s Hummingbirds which sat on twigs to display their black throats and shocking pink and orange lapels, an iridescence caused by the way light hits microscopic barbules in their colourless feathers. Oregon Juncos were the commonest birds.  The red squirrel-proof feeder had both male and female House Finches on one side and Purple Finches on the other often interrupted by Spotted Towhees and Juncos.  Clyde showed us how to distinguish between them.

Both Song and Fox Sparrows put in brief appearances and also demonstrated Clyde’s distinctions.  We were grateful to him for sharing his vast knowledge of birds and their behaviours and setting us on track to become more competent birders.  The area has potential for a birding or tree frog field trip in the spring when the weather should be more clement.

Note: Apart from leading the trip, Clyde and Heather have produced a really useful “mini-field guide” to some of our local TBBs…you can get it here.

Iris Griffith Centre

The Iris Griffith Centre
– N. Hauser
The “Welcome Woman” carving
– N. Hauser
Some of our group in front
– N. Hauser
Here’s the interior with our tirelsss hostess & driver, Le-Ann Ennis, at right
– N. Hauser
The lovely orca carving
– N. Hauser

Iris Griffith Centre
by Cindy Dalcourt, 5 November 2016.

While rushing to catch a ferry to the peninsula, have you ever noticed the sign for the Iris Griffith Centre and wondered what is was?

Well, this Saturday 17 of us found out.   After carpooling to Saltery Bay and walking on the ferry, we were picked up by Lee-Ann Ennis in the “Wood Duck” bus, and taken to the Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society headquarters.  The Society’s mission is to preserve and enhance the natural habitat and wildlife of the Ruby lake Lagoon, facilitate local environmental education, and help monitor the ecological health of the region.  Their state-of-the-art Field Studies and Interpretive Centre is named after Iris Griffith, a local grassroots naturalist and activist.

On arrival we were greeted by Anne, a founding member of the Society, and treated to tea and snacks, while Lee-Ann provided background about the society and centre.  The society provides facilities for study and research, fosters good stewardship ethics, promotes respect for First Nations history, cultural traditions and heritage, and promotes leadership in environmental building design.  Lee_Ann also told us of their newest endeavour which is to build a “Pender Harbour Ocean Discover Station” (PODS).  This is to be a centre for viewing marine creatures in their natural habitat, marine research and lab work as well as a community gathering space.  The proposed architectural plans are amazing and if built, will someday be a great place to visit.

Lee-Ann then took us on a tour of the beautiful centre and surrounding area.   We viewed their reclaimed wetland area which is home to ducks, turtles, frogs, beavers and much more.  She explained their monitoring of the western painted turtle and showed us their nesting sites which have been enhanced by the society.  Tips on dealing with the invasive Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) were also mentioned.   We walked some of the trails in the area which connect to the “Suncoaster Trail” a multi- use trail that stretches from Earls Cove to Halfmoon Bay. We continued our walk through the property next door which is owned by the Ruby Lake Resort and saw their luxury camp set up and unique amphitheatre.

Upon leaving the centre we were taken on a very short tour of Egmont and then to the Egmont Heritage Centre across the street from the entrance to Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park.  There we learned about Egmont’s history and enjoyed the many artifacts displayed.   Then it was back to Earls Cove for the trip home.  Lee-Ann was an enthusiastic guide and we thoroughly enjoyed our day.  So next time you’re on the peninsula make sure to take the time to stop and see the sights – you’ll be glad you did!

Princess Louisa Inlet

The dolphins hunted close to us
– B. Harker
Approaching Malibu camp
– B. Harker
Everyone could keep warm inside
– B. Harker
At Chatterbox Falls
– B. Harker
Hunter pictograph
– H. Harbord
Sea lions performing for us
– H. Harbord
Leftovers from a grizzly’s cow parsnip feast
– H. Harbord
Varnished conk, at left, and artist’s conk at right
– H. Harbord
Soda Creek
– H. Harbord

Princess Louisa Inlet
by Heather Harbord, 29 September 2016.

Nine out of ten members enjoyed our trip up Princess Louisa Inlet.  The tenth was too sick to come, and the only person on the waiting list was also unable to fill in.  Bryce Christy’s boat, the B-Line, was very comfortable.  Everyone could be inside in the well-heated cabin. John Dafoe identified the sea birds we passed and pointed out geological and other interesting natural history features.

No humpbacks showed but, on the way up, we saw lots of Marbled murrelets, Horned, Red-necked and Western grebes, Steller’s sea lions and Surf scoters.  The highlight, however, was three Pacific White-sided Dolphins chasing something hiding under the boat. Everyone had a good look at them.

Bryce showed us several pictographs and related the stories told to him by the Sechelt elders.  The flush toilets and tour of Malibu Camp were a much appreciated preliminary to the wondrous sight of Chatterbox Falls at the end of Princess Louisa.  Without a snow pack up above, the falls were not in full spate, but were still spectacular.

We were the only boat at the dock when we landed.  After viewing the falls up close from different angles, we ate lunch in the big gazebo and then marveled at the industriousness of what John thought was likely a grizzly bear.  He or she had had a good feed after digging up cow parsnip roots all along the trail beside the shore.

On the way back, we stopped at the spigot of Soda Creek which falls directly into the ocean with much white froth.  There were no goats on the heights likely because they were all sheltering under the trees.  “This kind of drizzle is pretty normal for here,” John told us.  Just as we approached Saltery Bay, three Steller’s sea lions put on a big show of waving their salmon catches above the surface in the manner of Excaliber.

At the end of the trip, John pulled out a basket of pine mushrooms gathered yesterday and gave us all a sample.  A great finish to a fun day in the rain.

Oh deer me

Our intrepid group sets out
– A. Bryant
It rained
– A. Bryant
The scenery was less than awe-inspiring, but we did learn a bit about the recent forest history of these lands
– A. Bryant
Here’s Rick pointing out some of the relationships between deer and forestry practices
– A. Bryant
Did we mention that it rained?
And check out that little tree in the background…
– A. Bryant
Have you ever seen such a perfect deer-sculpted yew?
– A. Bryant
There were splashes of colour to be found here and there
– A. Bryant
But mostly we found the splashes
– A. Bryant
Here’s McFall Creek in full flow
– A. Bryant
We saw nary a deer – and not even many tracks or pellets
– A. Bryant
But a little rain never hurt anyone, right?
– A. Bryant

Oh deer me
by Heather Harbord, 21 October 2016.

Seven members dripped their way around the forest with Rick Page, the previous night’s speaker.  We started out near the former Artaban Centre and walked through to the pole line and back along McFall Creek, which was in full flood.

Rick pointed out various examples of foliage which had been recently and not-so-recently dined on by deer.  A five foot yew tree had been sheared back to its trunk from the ground up to about the four foot level.  It was a strange piece of topiary to find in the middle of a regenerating clear-cut.

My rain jacket leaked through to an under jacket and the wallet in my pocket was sopping.  Nobody drowned, but we all soaked our car seats on the way home and undressed into the dryer.

The area has potential for a birding or tree frog field trip in the spring
when the weather should be more clement.

A Walk in the woods with Frank Ritcey and Hugh Marshall

Early mushrooms – B. Sherriff
Rule #1 is simple. Most disturbance to wildlife can be minimized by using binoculars, or sporting scopes – A. Bryant
Frank and the Kamloops Naturalists, cleaning up the Dewdrop area. – CBC News
A nurse-stump– B. Sherriff
Black slug on tree mushroom – B. Sherriff
Frank explaining that a bear has pulled up the stump to get at the bugs in the dead wood – B. Sherriff
Frank Ritcey – B. Sherriff
Group discussion – B. Sherriff
Holes drilled by sapsuckers – B. Sherriff
Frank describing the new classification of indian pipes– B. Sherriff

A Walk in the woods with Frank Ritcey and Hugh Marshall
by Barbara Sherriff, 16 September 2016.

Sixteen members of the Malaspina Naturalists joined Frank Ritcey (Wildsafe BC coordinator) and Hugh Marshall (forester) for an interesting and educational walk along the Millennium Trails at the rear of the Recreation Complex.

Things we learnt included:

  • Bear bells attract bears rather than repel them (a.k.a. dinner bells)
  • Whistles can sound like distressed small animals and attract bears
  • Bear spray deters bears, cougars and wolves even if you don’t hit the animal. Do not walk in the woods without a can
  • Bears dig up rotting stumps or mud wasp nests to look for larvae leaving holes in the ground
  • Bears drag garbage bags into a “staging area” in the woods to enjoy it in peace
  • Conifer species vary in their light requirements, which influence the structure of the forest. Hemlock and cedar, for example, tolerate shade and commonly come in under the more light-demanding Douglas fir and broadleaved species.
  • If a bear is huffing and puffing, it is being defensive
  • If a bear is coming towards you quietly (stalking like a cat), it could be considering eating you
  • Cougars only attack weak prey so always fight back if attacked
  • spit bugs should be called fart bugs as the air inside the bubbles does not come from their mouths
  • Slugs have just one asymmetric breathing hole on the right side of their head
  • Trees can control the local water table aggressively pulling up water from a wide area.
  • Cutting down trees will change the water table considerably
  • Sapsuckers feed on both the sap and the bugs that come to feed on the sap oozing out of holes that they have drilled in a tree

Rock Art with Judith Williams

Humpback outside Lund Harbour – M. Stewart
Pictograph at Durham Point – M. Stewart
One of Mike’s many stories – M. Stewart
Going closer to shore in zodiac – M. Stewart
Pictographs in Walsh Cove, West Redonda – M. Stewart
Another pictograph – M. Stewart
Another day in paradise – M. Stewart
Judith mixing material for making our own pictograph – M. Stewart
Unusual sunset – M. Stewart
Judith seeing this petroglyph for the first time…– M. Stewart
…was memorable – M. Stewart
Preparing to embark – M. Stewart
The Misty Isles in her element – M. Stewart
Rock Art – M. Stewart
Rock Art II – M. Stewart
Entrance to Gorge Harbor – M. Stewart
A happy group – H. Harbord

Rock Art with Judith Williams 
by Michael Stewart, 15 September 2016.

Mike, skipper of Misty Isles, his wife Samantha, guest historian Judith Williams, and six naturalists departed Lund Harbour, thrilled to hear that there were  Humpbacks just outside the harbour.  We were able to watch the 2 humpbacks  and have  this extra  unplanned “event”  for the beginning of our 2 day voyage.  The weather was perfect and  the scenery is so amazing.  We  motored up Thulin Pass to see  the first pictograph of our trip.  It was very interesting to see what animal was in the pictograph!

We continued past Sarah Point and into Desolation Sound while hearing many tales from both Judith and Mike.   The seas were calm  and visibility was perfect so we enjoyed the   wonderful scenery; then we went north into Waddington Channel where Mike found the location of the next pictograph near  Durham Point on East Redonda Island. We continued up Waddington Channel to Walsh cove on West Redonda Island where  Misty Isles  anchored.  From the zodiac, Judith pointed out and explained the pictographs and was delighted to point out the magical dancing reflections on the same rock faces.

Sarah presented us with a  tasty home-cooked lunch on board and then Judith  demonstrated rock art by mixing us red paint with a base of pulverized salmon eggs.  Each person   painted an example of their own rock art.

We continued west through Pryce channel where we saw some seabirds, a Dall’s porpoise,  another  pictograph and more wonderful scenery.  At the end of the afternoon, we landed in Evans Bay on Read Island to stay at Coast Mountain Lodge overnight.  We  were presented with an amazing home  cooked(Samantha) gourmet dinner and enjoyed the company of the owners, Ralph and Lannie, and their son and staff.  Many more stories were enjoyed.

After breakfast in the lodge, we set out towards Quadra Island.  We anchored and all went ashore in the  Zodiac to see a petrogylph that Judith had not yet seen.  It is in a beautiful setting just north of Rebecca Spit Marine Park.  The rock formations were amazing let alone the petroglyph.

Back on Misty Isles, we  continued through Uganda Pass and  the entrance to Gorge Harbour on Cortes island to see more  pictographs.  We  were entertained with more tales of early settlers and First Nations culture from our skipper and  Judith and then another wonderful  lunch  prepared by Samantha.  We  had  a sunny, calm trip all the way  back to Lund.

 

East Thurlow Island

Exploring the coast with the faithful Misty Isles – S. Samborski
A map pf our route – C. Brown
Sea lions in Yuculta Rapids – H. Harbord
Transient orca digesting a seal– H. Harbord
Another of Mike’s tall tales – M. Reckenberg
Hole-in-the-wall – H. Harbord
A new (to Captain Mike) petroglyph, on Quadra Island – C. Brown
Tall tales on the foredeck – H. Harbord
Rock researchers return – H. Harbord
Yawning sea lion – H. Harbord

East Thurlow Island 
by Caroline Brown, 29 Aug 2016.

Pictographs, a “brand new” petroglyph, exotic geology, whales, dolphins, stories of gin and tonic sailors, mistresses, tall and not-so-tall tales were some of the highlights for twelve of the Malaspina Naturalists as we headed to East Thurlow Island aboard the Misty Isles – for three whole days!

For most of us, this was a new area to be explored and although the weather was not totally cooperative, it was a great three days and two nights (Aug 27-29). Mike Moore and his crew, Jonah Weyler, welcomed us in Lund and we set sail – well, not actually.  Although Misty is a gaff rigged schooner, Mike used its “functional seaworthiness of a west coast troller” for this trip.

Our first sighting was toward Little Mitlenatch Island, or as Mike calls it, an orca snack bar and also a hangout for glaucous-winged gulls and cormorants. As we passed through the waters of gorgeous Desolation Sound, known to have as many as 300 boats in Prideaux Haven, Mike reminded us of Captain Vancouver’s 1792 journal notes describing this area as “gloomy and dismal….dreary rocks.” Perhaps, but certainly not for us!

After travelling through the Gillard Pass and around the northern side of East Thurlow Island, our first night was on West Thurlow Island at Blind Channel Resort, originally the site of a thriving cannery.  A delicious salmon dinner completed Day 1.  Our accommodation was luxurious in the two, new, two-bedroom cabins, although one of our group opted to sleep on MI.

Before breakfast Sunday, several of the group explored the well-maintained trails behind the resort.  Soon after cast-off, Mike scooted to Mayne Passage, finding us 002 Pod – four orcas, including Tumbo, a large male with a bend in his fin. And later in the day, in Nodales Channel, we were entertained by a school/pod of Pacific white-sided dolphins.  The day had been chilly and wet and we all appreciated the warmth of the fireplace at Discovery Islands Lodge.  Our third meal of the day (all meals were provided by Mike and Jonah, with thanks to the pre-preparation of Mike’s wife, Samantha) was equally enjoyable.  The spacious, welcoming “great room” of the lodge allowed for good conversation.

Following a yummy breakfast prepared by our lodge hosts, we began our homeward journey.  Only the wished-for humpbacks were missing.  BUT the next day, our two Victoria participants saw a pair from the ferry.

Thanks to all our eclectic, delightful and well informed travelling companions for a memorable trip!

 

Marmots at Mount Washington

A couple of things to remember…don’t jump… – A. Bryant
…and don’t look down – A. Bryant
Our gang after the final summit push – D. Bedry
Great views! – D. Bedry
Starting the walk down the service road – D. Bedry
Late summer wildflowers – this is all marmot food! – D. Bedry
Late summer – A. Bryant
We only saw one marmot – and he was a long ways away – it was, as always, really nice to see – A. Bryant
A few of us went wine-tasting, and a few made a 20 minute detour to Paradise Meadows instead – A. Bryant
It was a nice detour – A. Bryant
A really nice detour! – A. Bryant
Hmm…I suspect our paths will cross again…– A. Bryant

Marmots at Mount Washington 
by Lu Wuthrich, 13 August 2016.

On a sunny Saturday eleven of the Naturalists went up to Mount Washington for a second Marmot tour, led by Andrew Bryant.

We were on the chair lift early in the morning and had a sunny, clear day to view the wonderful vistas around the top of Mount Washington.   Andrew chose several areas to stop and give the group a comprehensive history of Marmots, their habitat and behaviors.  He also discussed the local ecosystems, clear cut logging and the history of the Marmot Breeding Program and building on Mount Washington.  We had one sighting of a large Marmot in a beautiful meadow; the alpine meadows were in their full glory.

The group left with a good understanding of Marmot ecology, predation and current issues.

Thanks to Andrew and the members that made this trip such a pleasant experience.

 

Mitlenatch Island

Cormorants nesting on the west side of Mitlenatch.– T. Koleszar
Choppy waters prevented the zodiac from getting to far towards the southern part of the island. – T. Koleszar
Resting seals curious about the tourists passing by! – T. Koleszar
Peering south around the east end of Mitlenatch. – T. Koleszar
The Misty Isles at anchor in Northwest Bay. – T. Koleszar
A young gull chick. – T. Koleszar
A gull chick and its parent. – T. Koleszar
Some last remaining wildflowers. – T. Koleszar

Mitlenatch Island 
by Tom Koleszar, 19 July 2016.

On July 19 the Malaspina Naturalists made the annual trip out to Mitlenatch Island, departing from Lund once again aboard the Misty Isles with Captain Mike Moore. The weather was a bit cooler and windier that we are used to in mid-July – but at least the wind meant we had the opportunity to raise the sails!

Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park protects the largest seabird colony in the Strait of Georgia, and, since its boundaries extend 300m from shore, all marine life near the island as well.

The group split into 2 parts and took turns going ashore and viewing the island and its wildlife from the zodiac. The group ashore saw a few wildflowers still blooming, but the highlight was viewing the gull chicks from the bird blind. We were able to see many ~2 week old chicks at very close range! Unfortunately due to the blustery weather, the zodaic was not able to circumnavigate the island. We had to stay mostly on the north and west sides, but still saw lots of seals and many seabirds, including Glaucous-winged Gulls, Double-crested and Pelagic Cormorants, Pigeon Guillemots, and Black Oystercatchers. Insome places the rocks and cliffsides were covered in nesting cormorants!

We all had a great time at Mitlenatch Island, and then enjoyed a relaxing trip back to Lund on the Misty Isles (complete with tea and cookies!).

 

Plant Walk with Ioni Wais

Cornflower – B. Sherriff
Buttercup – B. Sherriff
Bindweed – B. Sherriff
Curly Dock – B. Sherriff
Entrance to Willingdon Beach Trail – B. Sherriff
Ioni and Japanese Hogweed – B. Sherriff
Examining spores on Sword Fern– B. Sherriff
The plant group – B. Sherriff
Nightshade – B. Sherriff
Julie and Ioni – B. Sherriff
Ioni Wais – B. Sherriff
Ioni and Skunk Cabbage – B. Sherriff

Plant Walk with Ioni Wais 
by Laurette Hamoline, 26 June 2016.

A small gaggle of enthusiastic naturalists (about 10-12 of us) gathered in Willingdon Park on Sunday to learn about plant classification.  Ioni Wais was our charming and knowledgeable guide as we wandered around the grounds learning about strange “relations” in the plant kingdom.  There are numerous ways in which we categorize plants but the main one both taxonomists and us regular folk use is a plant’s morphology, or how it looks. We observe the color and shape of the blossom and of the leaf and stem.  Is it tall or short?  Where is it growing and when?  Does it have a taproot, a fibrous root or perhaps a rhizome?  How does it disperse its seed – through the digestive system of animals, by wings like dandelion fluff or perhaps with hooks like a burr?  These are all helpful in determining what family it may belong to but taxonomists go even deeper, studying the chemical compounds found in plants and even DNA to help them determine “family traits”.

The suffix “aceae” designates the family name.  For example, po-“aceae” refers to the grass family, which is a huge family including our grains, corn, sugar cane and bamboo.

In the araceae family, also known as arums, there is usually a spadix (stem with flowers/seeds) surrounded by a spathe (leaf like structure) such as in the skunk cabbage.  Some members of this family are thermogenic, creating their own heat, even melting through snow or ice.  The flowers are often stinky in an effort to attract insects necessary for pollination.  An interesting tidbit is that when bears break hibernation they seek out and consume skunk cabbage (with high concentrations of calcium oxalate) not as a food source but as a laxative to get their sluggish system functioning again.   Plantain, commonly found in our lawns, belongs to this family and has been referred to as nature’s bandaid because of its many medicinal qualities.

We learned that the ranunculaceae family, which includes the common buttercup, likes moist conditions and the word ranunculus means “little frog”.

Within the polygonaceae or buckwheat family, many species exhibit a zigzag pattern on the stem with swollen nodes at each bend. The name is derived from Greek where “poly” means “many” and “goni” means “knee”.  Japanese knot weed is a good example of this trait.  There is also most often a sheath which covers the new growth.  Think of your rhubarb when it first pops out of the ground.

Ioni made a valiant attempt to correct a few common misconceptions.  There is no official or even universal classification for weeds or even invasive species.  These are subject to the environment, political situation and even our own personal preferences.

Trees are not classified as coniferous opposed to deciduous.  There are coniferous trees that lose their foliage in certain seasons and trees with leaves that are evergreen.  Never mind what you were taught in school way back when!!

And it was very interesting to look at the inflorescence (proper name for the blossom) of different plants. Sunflowers and dandelions are composite flowers with a compact flower head consisting of hundreds of individual florets surrounded by many bracts or rays.  And common yarrow or even cauliflower is a large cluster of florets.

So have a closer look at the plants around you.  You might just learn something!

 

Hernando Reef with Rick Harbo

Rick Harbo, Captain Mike Moore and Izi Loveluck aboard the good ship Misty Isles. – L. Hamoline
Crew member Christine and Rick Harbo aboard the Misty Isles. – L. Hamoline
The first group disembarks – L. Hamoline
… followed by a sunflower star – J. Young
Captain Mike found a large leather star – L. Hamoline
Here’s us at the southern tip of Hernando reef – L. Hamoline
We’re “In the Weeds” here. So much colorful vegetation. What a beautiful garden. We’re examining a small dead flounder that was found. – L. Hamoline
This poor flounder has seen better days – L. Hamoline
unidentified seaweeds – J. Young
unidentified seaweeds – L. Hamoline
This is Turkish Towel seaweed – L. Hamoline
This is “heaven-knows what” seaweed – L. Hamoline
Orange finger sponge – L. Hamoline
Reactions were decidedly mixed – L. Young
Mike with a horse clam – L. Hamoline
More unidentified seaweeds – L. Hamoline
We’re apparent a “hands-on” club – L. Young
Midshipman fish eggs. We found quite a few of the males under the rocks guarding the eggs. – L. Young
and a Midshipman! – L. Young
and a Midshipman! – L. Hamoline
Midshipman fish eggs again. The male fish is in the water but difficult to see. – L. Hamoline
We’re still learning our leather stars one at a time – L. Young
And there ARE rewards from getting “out and about” – L. Young
All too soon it was time to treasure the moment… – L. Young
…and head home – L. Young

Hernando Reef with Rick Harbo 
by Julia Young, 5 June 2016.

On a calm sunny morning the Misty Isles, captained by Mike, left Lund with 12 passengers.   En route to the reef, Mike used his navigational maps to illustrate the uplifting of peaks around us, the carving of deep channels by ice, and the effects of tides, currents and water temperature on the diversity of ecological zones and marine life in the region.

As we closed on to Hernando Reef, the vivid green, waving sea grass, darting fish and scurrying red rock crabs in the shallows under the Zodiac was the start of a fascinating few hours exploring the myriad life on the flat rocky reef, guided by renowned marine biologist Rick Harbo, on a day and time of the year’s lowest tide.   Much of the life at the reef’s shoreline was hidden under numerous species of green, red and brown seaweeds, from the prolific invasive Sargassum from Japan to the most delicate and coral-like structures.

As a shell and shellfish specialist, Rick found and identified for us a huge variety of clam, oyster, cockle, snail, limpet and chiton species, ranging from tiny 1 or 2-year old limpets and oysters clinging to shells and rocks to the big horse clams with their huge gaping siphons.

At this lowest of low tides all forms of exposed life are forced to find shelter under seaweed and rocks.  Most carefully upturning and then replacing rock after rock, Rick pointed out and described the interdependent life of dozens of shell, crab, sponge, shrimp, slug, fish species akin to complete ecosystems.   Of special note for us, were the 4 to 6-inch male “midshipmen” fish guarding the large orange eggs laid by the females on the undersides of small boulders.   Some of these same watery nooks were home to literally dozens of animal species of all shapes and sizes, some hardly identifiable by beginners as animals at all.  This was an amazingly rich experience for us and we all felt most grateful to Rick for giving his time to us.  But we know he enjoyed it too.

As the zodiac returned us back to the boat, we counted fifteen eagles soaring above and sitting on the rocks:  their once-a-year feast opportunity.  Back on board Christine served iced tea and cookies and Mike, having a little extra time, took the Misty Isles on a detour to point out rock structures where black basalt intruded into the granite cliffs as well as pointing out a petroglyph that long ago was left by First Nations Peoples.

 The “Hernando reef trip” is highly recommended and an absolute must for those wanting to know about intertidal life.  Thank you to the organizers of this trip and to Misty Isles Captain, Mike Moore and a “very big thank you indeed” to Rick Harbo for sharing his vast knowledge with us.  The ocean  floor became a new world for us and we realized that this ocean floor nursery of so many creatures is one of the most diverse on our planet.

P.S: Laurette Hamoline also provided a link to a nice six-minute video about the life-history of Midshipman fish, which can be seen here.

 

Twin Islands and Mitlenatch

Steller’s sea lions at Mitlenatch – H. Harbord
Sea Urchins – H. Harbord
Black Oystercatchers – H. Harbord
Two Mikes and the Treens aboard the Zodiac – H. Harbord
Twin Islands Lodge – H. Harbord
Belted Kingfisher in the swamp– H. Harbord
Fledgling American Robin – H. Harbord
Twin Islands Workshop
Mike Yip and Joan Treen examine dock life– H. Harbord
The Misty Isles under sail – H. Harbord
Lunch on board – H. Harbord
Phyllis Ogis talks to Joan Treen – H. Harbord
Mike Yip dries h is shoes – H. Harbord
The dining room – H. Harbord
Lounging in the lounge – H. Harbord

Twin Islands and Mitlenatch
by Heather Harbord, 26 May 2016. 

Ten members boarded the schooner, Misty Isles, at Lund on May 26th bound for Mitlenatch and Twin Islands.  It was great to have extra time on Mitlenatch especially as the Tiger Lilies were coming into bloom in the meadow and the Glaucous-winged gulls were beginning to sit on eggs.  The Stellers and California sea lions, Harbour seals, Pelagic and Double-crested cormorants, Black Oystercatchers and a few Pigeon Guillemots gave star performances which we watched from the zodiac.   As the wind was a bit strong we only circumnavigated the southern part of the island on both sides of Camp Bay instead of going all the way round.   As usual, Mike and his staff gave a knowledgeable presentation of what we were seeing supplemented by two of us (Janet May and I) who had been wardens the previous week.

We then went on to Twin Islands stopping at the rock where the Arctic Terns had been seen for the previous four years.  Unfortunately, they did not return for us.  The lodge at Twin Islands was fascinating and we enjoyed Mike Yip’s talk and photos of butterflies and birds. He is a wonderful photographer and some of us bought his books which he gave us a special rate on.  The following morning, we were on the go at 7am for a bird walk with Mike.  We did a bit too much exploring and didn’t have much time to spend at the swamp in the centre of the southern island where there was a Kingfisher and a Red-winged blackbird.  In the well-fenced garden a wobbly fledgling robin looked down on us from a tree.

After breakfast, the owner of the lodge, Mark Torrance, showed us his solar power system which he can control from his computer.   This was quite fascinating.  As we sailed away after lunch, we put up the red sails, got into the dingy and admired our handywork.

Thanks, Mike and Jonah, for another wonderful trip on Misty.

 

Birding by Ear Part VI

Day One was frankly a bust, with me getting the time wrong. The birds were mostly uncooperative, like this Song Sparrow… – A. Bryant
Pierre and I walked a long way … – A. Bryant
…without seeing very much – A. Bryant
But the rafts of Pacific and Common Loons were a nice treat – A. Bryant
And this was my first blue of the season.
14 May: This was so much better – Pierre and I showed up at the right time this time!
The birds were a bit more cooperative, like this Purple Finch – A. Bryant
See? – A. Bryant
Ah…springtime – A. Bryant
We had a brief glimpse of a young black bear – A. Bryant
Pierre showing some diagnostic bird features– A. Bryant
Like the wedge shape of raven tails – A. Bryant
A nice Orange-crowned Warbler – A. Bryant
Always nice to get out! – A. Bryant

Birding by Ear Part VI
by Andrew Bryant, 30 April 2016

Both Pierre Geoffray and I thought it a bit strange that nobody had showed at the Italian Hall by 8:00 AM – so we hung around for a bit, and decided to go birding anyway.

Thus I was horrified to later learn that I’d mis-remembered the time – our advertised walk was scheduled for 8:30 AM, and not 8:00 AM as I’d discussed with Pierre and announced at our last club meeting.   The fault is all mine, folks, and mine alone.  Fervent apologies to all who showed up after we’d prematurely left the scene.  Oops.  So Pierre and I decided we needed to do it again…

Birding by Ear Part VI !!! 
by Pierre Geoffray, 14 May 2016

This morning a group of 10 birders walked the trails at the Wildwood Bluffs. The weather was perfect for birding, sunny but not too hot.  AND the birds were there for us too, specially in the first 2 hours and they kept us busy trying to unravel the threads of their songs!

We found 20 species and that was pretty good for such a big group… The Black-headed Grosbeaks took first prize. They were everywhere, calling their “spik” notes or singing their long melodious whistles with the long upward note we learnt to recognize this morning? ( am I right?)

I stopped counting them after 15…Another bird we heard a lot this morning was the Wilson’s Warbler.  A cascade of “chi chi chi chi” going down… The Yellow Warblers which just arrived in the last days were also omnipresent, further complicating things with their “sweet, sweet I’m so sweet!”, a song that can be easily confused with the MacGillivray’s two part (one high, one low) song… You are still following me?

Another warbler we had was the Orange-crowned Warbler.  A thin trill dropping at the end like the bird had suddenly lost steam, and we compared it to the even pitched trill of the Spotted Towhee.

Today was also the first sighting of Swainson’s Thrush freshly returning from their South American wintering grounds.  We had a small group of 4-5 birds at the beginning of the walk.  They were not singing yet but giving instead they “huit” call so typical of our summer evenings…

At the end of the walk, one more warbler, the cute Common Yellowthroat played hard to get with us as he called and sang incessantly near the parking lot, allowing only short glimpses of its beautiful plumage.  Birds can be difficult sometimes!

I really enjoyed the walk this morning and getting to know new birders in town was a real bonus.  Thank you to all participating.  Special thanks to Andrew Bryant to coordinate it.
Good Birding to you all.

 

Clam Gardens with Judith Williams

– D. Bedry
– D. Bedry
– D. Bedry
– D. Bedry
– D. Bedry


Clam Gardens with Judith Williams
by Heather Harbord, 7 May 2016

Eighteen members attended the May 7th, 2016 field trip following Judith Williams’ talk on Clam Gardens.  Since Judith was unable to walk far, most of us did not go down onto Westview Beach which is mapped on pages 110-111 of her 2006 book Clam Gardens; Aboriginal Mariculture on Canada’s West Coast.

Instead, we carpooled from the meeting place at the start of the Seawalk to the foot of Oliver St.  We then walked along the side of the road stopping en route for Williams to point out the patterns in the rocks on the beach that Sliammon Elder Norm Galligher had told her were the fish traps and clam gardens that Elisabeth Harry had asked her to investigate.  Both Gallagher and Harry passed away shortly after this so Williams was unable to question them further though other band members were able to help.

When she tried to report her findings to the BC Archaeological survey they disbelieved her saying that there was nothing in the literature.  Previous researchers had only talked to men.  The clam gardens were the prerogative of women and were a highly organized activity dating back thousands of years.

One of the Malaspina Naturalists attending the trip said she remembered seeing a 10 lb Ling cod caught in one of the traps even though it had not been kept up for decades.   In retrospect, we would prefer to do this down on the beach so that we could get away from the noise and danger of the almost continuous traffic.

 

Gulls with Art Martell

Mew Gull at Willingdon Beach – L. Hamoline
Mew Gull at Willingdon Beach – H. Harbord
Mew Gulls with California Gulls in background – H. Harbord

Gulls with Art Martell
by Heather Harbord, 18 March 2016. 

Ten members accompanied Art Martell to Willingdon Beach and Sliammon on Friday.

On the way down to the creek mouth at Willingdon, we stopped to look at a lone Mew Gull with magnificent mirrors on its tail feathers.  At the creek, we found three mature California Gulls which loomed clear in Art’s scope showing off their heavy bills with red and black spots. Unfortunately and eagle put all the gulls up and the Californias did not return, leaving only a small huddle of Mews.

Out at Sliammon, we saw Thayers Gulls, Glaucous-winged and Glaucous-winged x Western crosses.  Also, Art identified a group of Glaucous-winged x Herring Gull crosses which we likely would not have noticed without him.

He reminded us that among the previous night’s slides were some showing that dark or light eye colour by itself is not a sufficient identification mark.  It must be combined with size, beak configuration, shade of grey on the back and tail feather mirrors which all have to match.

Gulls likely to hybridize are those whose breeding colonies overlap such as Glaucous-winged and Western in the Pacific North West or Glaucous-winged and Herring (Larus smithsonianus) in the Gulf of Alaska.  The progeny of the former migrate up the centre of Georgia Strait and the latter come down from Alaska in the winter.

75% of Puget Sound gulls are Glaucous-winged x Western crosses and in the Seattle area are often referred to as Olympic Gulls.  Unlike popular beliefs about hybrids, these gull hybrids are not sterile and can reproduce with each other quite happily and continuously causing further confusion among birders.  A new species could be in the process of evolving.

 

Trail-busting with ORUG

ORUG meets Malnats – D. Bedry
only part of it was scary – D. Bedry
This bit is now a little less so – D. Bedry
The rain wasn’t so bad – D. Bedry
…except it was… – D. Bedry
and it’s not so big a job….– D. Bedry
except…it kind of is!

Trail-busting with ORUG
by Barbara Sherriff and David Bedry, 27 February 2016. 

No, it’s not the title of  bad movie.  Rather, because our members gain so much from having such a wonderful network of local trails, we thought it time to give something back.

So on a misty February morning, seven intrepid Malaspina Naturalists set out to clear the trail along the south side of Powell Lake from Powell River Bridge to Block Bay.

We cut back blackberry, salal and alder to allow free access along the path. Grating was also installed on a small slippery bridge as well as some shovel work for drainage.

After this experience, we’re personally much more appreciative of the many kilometres of hiking trails that are cleared by hard working volunteers coordinated by the ORUG (Outdoor Recreation Users Group).

 

Early Logging Practices

Given the day, the turnout was good – B. Sherriff
Bert told a terrific tale of tall trees – B. Sherriff
Early lumberjacks must have needed strong hands! – B. Sherriff
wow – B. Sherriff
What a collection! – B. Sherriff
Some of the gang – B. Sherriff

Early Logging Practices
by Barbara Sherriff, 23 January 2015.

Bert Finnegan of the Powell River Hisorical Museum and Archives gave us a slide show of magnificent photographs and explanations of early logging operations in and around Powell River.

He began by putting things in context, that is by stressing with the fact that the First Nation Sliammon people had been using local trees to build houses, canoes, household goods, masks and clothing from local trees for thousands of years.  The present era of logging only began in the late 1800s with men, balanced on spring boards notched into old growth trees, cutting trees over 10 feet in diameter.

Bert described how the logging industry had evolved from hand saws and oxen trains to move logs, to steam engines, trains and finally trucks.  In the logging museum, we saw a selection of the tools utilized in this process including an amazing collection of chain saws.

 

Forest Ecosystems

Nancy giving us an introduction to the 1st (lowest) site in the Coastal Western Hemlock forest – T. Koleszar
Rapt attention as we look at forest soils and plants at the 1st site – T. Koleszar
Getting an overview of the very different plant life in the Mountain Hemlock zone (1100m) – T. Koleszar
Janet May coring a Mountain Hemlock to check its age (~150 years!) – T. Koleszar
A small soil pit showing the layers present: ~5cm of organic matter; a thin, light coloured leached layer; and the mineral soil underneath) – T. Koleszar
Comparing the Mountain Hemlock and Yellow Cedar of the top site to the Western Hemlock and Red Cedar from the lower sites – T. Koleszar
Our tailgate party (i.e., lunch break) near the top site – T. Koleszar
The group in the forest at the 3rd site: hard hats were necessary due to the condition of many of the trees – T. Koleszar

Forest Ecosystems
by Tom Koleszar, 17 October 2015.

Twelve Naturalists participated in the forest ecosystems field trip.  The goal of this trip was to examine forest soils and plants at different elevations near Powell River.

Lead by our guide, Nancy Pezel of Western Forest Products, we looked at 4 sites along A Branch between 500 and 1100m elevation.  At each site Nancy described the forest soils, the climate/moisture conditions, and the resulting plant assemblages. (At the 1st 2 sites she was ably assisted by Rod Tysdal and our own Janet May.)  The lower 3 sites (between 500 and 900 m elevation) were varying examples of Coastal Western Hemlock forests, while the topmost site was in the Mountain Hemlock zone.

Some great discussions took place at each stop, and I think we all learned many new things about the forests we thought we new so well! We also had a great spot for lunch at the top, which would have had a wonderful view if only the clouds had gone away (at least it didn’t rain!).

Special thanks to Nancy not only for guiding us through the trip, but for all her advance preparation and for answering all our many, many questions so well.

 

Salmon at Sliammon

A few onlookers – D. Bedry
Exploring the hatchery – D. Bedry
The fish channel and reconstructed weir– D. Bedry
A few more onlookers – D. Bedry
Lee explaining some of the finer points – D. Bedry
Wet naturalists! – T. Koleszar

Salmon at Sliammon
by David Bedry, 10 October 2015.

Ten hardy people braved the miserable weather to see the Sliammon hatchery.

Lee George, the hatchery manager, talked to us about the returning salmon, the harvesting of eggs, rearing the fish and their final release back into the river. We also saw the rebuilt weir over the stream. Besides seeing chum salmon in the water we were treated to a mother bear and her cub.

Lee also talked about community involvement with the hatchery. There is a smoke house the community uses, as well as school groups coming and spending a day at the facility-usually the beginning of November.  Water quality is also a major concern for rearing the salmon.