• Level 1 – easy walking, mostly level paths
• Level 2 – paths can be narrow with uneven terrain
• Level 3 – steeper grades or obstacles in paths requiring agility
• Level 4 – very steep, insecure footing or longer hikes requiring good physical condition

September 2010 Field Trips

The following are walks and presentations hosted by the Victoria Natural History Society during the month of September, 2010. To learn more about the VNHS please visit their website at http://www.vicnhs.bc.ca/.

Saturday Morning Birding
September 4, 11, 18; October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Call the Rare Bird Alert (250-704-2555) or check the VNHS website Rare Bird Alert on the Thursday or Friday before to find out this week’s location. Starting at 8:00 a.m., rain or shine. For more details, call Rick at 250-885-2454. Novice and experienced birders all welcome.

Saturday morning bird walks with the Victoria Natural History Society may provide a chance to "get to know the gulls."

Tuesday, September 14
Wolverines: A Story of Ecological Myths and Economic Realities

Wolverines have a tough reputation as a dauntless and tenacious icon of untamed wilderness. But as untamed wilderness declines, what does this mean for wolverines? Wolverines used to range across Alberta’s Rockies, Prairies, and boreal forests, but they have declined significantly in the last century. With extensive oil and gas development, the remaining suitable habitats for wolverines may be dwindling as well. Wolverine ecology in Alberta was a blank space on the map before we started a five-year study of these elusive and rare predators. We used camera trapping and non-invasive genetic research to examine wolverines in a protected mountain forest landscape, and in an adjacent foothills forest landscape with extensive forest harvesting and energy development. We found that the myth of wolverines’ resilience is built on unsteady ground: economic development has clashed with this icon of wilderness. The outcome for all western Canadian wolverines from Ontario to BC may be uncertain, but dispelling the myths and embracing a true understanding of wolverines and their ecological requirements can help conserve this species across their range. Join wildlife ecologist Dr. Jason Fisher as he takes us on a remarkable scientific and photographic journey to reveal 
hidden insights into this largely unknown animal. We meet at 7:30 p.m. in Room 159 of the Fraser Building. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Bring a friend and a coffee mug.

Saturday, September 18
Don’t Panic, Grow Organic

As part of the District of Saanich Pesticide-Free Gardening Series, Carolyn Herriot demonstrates through her own garden the fact that you can have a beautiful healthy landscape without using products that are harmful to nature or wildlife. Come and discover some simple natural techniques to keep your garden in balance, allowing Mother Nature to take over, while you enjoy the garden. 11:00 a.m. at the Pearkes Recreation Centre, 
Ross Room.

Saturday, September 18
Life After Pesticides: Beautiful Yards and Healthy Gardens

Dr. Linda Gilkeson will give an illustrated talk on how to have lovely yards, food gardens, and lawns, without resorting to pesticides. She will change how you think about dealing with weeds, insects, and other pests with her emphasis on prevention and low-cost, simple methods. She shows why it is essential to correctly identify pests, how to know when to treat and the right way to use organic treatments. Part of the District of Saanich Pesticide-Free Gardening Series: 1:30 p.m. at the Pearkes Recreation Centre, Ross Room.

Learn how to make your garden more insect friendly!

Sunday, September 19
Endangered Avatar Grove

We will visit the magnificent but endangered “Avatar Grove”, home to ancient redcedars and now rare old-growth Douglas-fir trees. The Grove is flagged for logging despite its potential to become a major tourism destination. TJ Watt from the Ancient Forest Alliance will show us the way around the grove, explain its significance, and what we can do to help. We will stop at spots along the way and return via Lake Cowichan. Please note that the area where we will be walking is rugged and irregular. Be prepared to climb over large logs and scramble over big roots, obstacles, and steep terrain. Limited number, VNHS members only. Leaving Victoria at 8:00 a.m. and returning late, possibly with a quick supper stop at a restaurant so have some cash for that. Pack a lunch as we will not be stopping near food facilities until evening. Preregister by contacting Agnes between Sept. 1-15. The first eight people have the option of coming in her van. Others to carpool by pre-arrangement only. Road is paved except for a few short sections of good gravel road. Cost to come in the van or carpool with others will be about $25 for the day. No pets please. Contact Agnes at 250-721-0634 to register or for more information. Field Trip Level 3.

Tuesday, September 21
Botany Night – Some Interesting Ferns And “Fern Allies” of British Columbia

There are several puzzles among the more than 100 species of British Columbia ferns and fern allies, and some taxonomical problems have been swept under the carpet. Adolf & Oluna Ceska will try to expose some of them. You might be surprised that even the most common BC ferns hide some deep secrets. Swan Lake Nature House, 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Bring a friend!

Licorice Fern

Wednesday, September 22
Birder’s Night – Birds of Vancouver Island

Join Mike Yip as he takes us on a photographic journey 
off shore of Vancouver Island. In 2006 he spent 13 days at 
sea on a fishing boat sighting pelagics. This trip was filled 
with albatrosses, shearwaters, and the first sighted and documented Lesser Nighthawk in BC. Mike will also present photos of other uncommon birds seen since 2006. We meet at 7:30 p.m. in Room 159 of the Fraser Building. Admission is 
free and everyone is welcome. Bring a friend and a coffee 
mug.

Saturday, September 25
Hawk Watch

Join CRD Regional Parks, the Victoria Natural History Society, as well as staff from Pacific Northwest Raptors for live displays and activities at Aylard Farm. Experts with spotting scopes will be at the viewpoint above Beechey Head. The hike up to the viewpoint requires sturdy footwear and a 20-minute trek up a steep and rocky trail. Bring binoculars, water, and a lunch. Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the parking lot off Becher Bay Road.

Turkey Vultures at East Sooke Park.

Sunday, September 26
Juan De Fuca Pelagic Birding

We have hired a boat (the Fantasea II) to go from Victoria Harbour out into the Juan de Fuca Strait and to Race Rocks 
to find some of the pelagic species that feed there. We will follow the tide debris line that occurs between Victoria and 
Race Rocks as the currents cause an upwelling of nutrients from the bottom, resulting in the best feeding spots for the birds. Possible birds include shearwaters, murrelets, auklets, jaegers, Northern Fulmar, Tufted Puffin, many species of gulls, phalaropes, and other pelagics. Sea mammals, including 
whales, are also possibilities. There is room for 20 people; the cost is $60.00 (including HST) per person for a five-hour trip 
(9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.). You must pre-pay on the VNHS 
website or by cheque to VNHS and pre-register by phoning 
Ann Nightingale at 250-652-6450. Field Trip Level 1.

Monday, September 27
Marine Night – Whales, Satellites, and Cold Lunches on the Edge of Antarctica

In 2007, Charles Short and a small group of researchers studied Antarctic killer whales and humpbacks, using satellite tags to track their movements and migratory behaviour. Prior to that he studied eastern Pacific Gray Whales off Vancouver Island. He will present aspects of both these projects. These studies have helped biologists to understand the role of marine protected areas for wide ranging species such as whales. 
Charles is presently with the Integrated Land Management Bureau in BC where he focuses on the design of marine protected area networks. Meet at 7:30 p.m. in Room 159 of the Fraser Building. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Bring a friend!

• Level 1 – easy walking, mostly level paths
• Level 2 – paths can be narrow with uneven terrain
• Level 3 – steeper grades or obstacles in paths requiring agility
• Level 4 – very steep, insecure footing or longer hikes requiring good physical condition

August 2010 Field Trips

The following are walks and presentations hosted by the Victoria Natural History Society during the month of August, 2010. To learn more about the VNHS please visit their website at http://www.vicnhs.bc.ca/.

Monday, August 2
Dragonflies for Beginners

As Dennis Paulson says in his book, Dragonflies of Washington, “Perhaps even more than butterflies, dragonflies are bird-watchers’ insects.” Meet Darren and Claudia Copley at the Beaver Lake Retriever Ponds at 1:00 p.m. (an advantage over birding) and we’ll see what we can find. We’ll look at what field guides are available, some tricks to catching dragonflies, and even how to key out the difficult ones. Bring binoculars, an insect net (if you have one – 
we can provide), and hope for sunny weather. Field Trip Level 1.

Paddle-tailed Darner (Aeshna palmata)

Tuesday, August 3
Insectmania at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary

They’re creepy, they’re crawly and they’re cool. Explore with us 
the fascinating world of insects and spiders. Hands-on exploration, live bugs, crafts, songs, and games. Admission by donation, Crafts $3. Event is at the Nature House 12 noon to 3:00 p.m.

Friday, August 6
Mount Washington Botanical Day Trip

Indian Hellebore (Veratrum viride)

This trip is planned for peak bloom time but the area is interesting over several weeks with a succession of flowers. The plan is to meet at Raven Lodge on the mountain around 11:00 a.m. and decide when we get there what we will do with our day. If snow levels permit, we will walk around the Lake Helen MacKenzie – Battleship Lake route. We will also fit in a tour around Paradise Meadow on our way to and from our main adventure. The trail will be on hilly and uneven ground but will be done at a slow pace. We will leave Victoria at 7:00 a.m. and return late, stopping for a quick supper on the way home. Pack a lunch that we’ll eat someplace out on the trail. Preregister by contacting Agnes after July 1. First nine people to sign up have the option of coming in her van. Others to carpool by pre-arrangement. Cost to come in the van or carpool with others will be about $30 for the day from Victoria. Additional cost of $15 ($12 senior) if we go up the chairlift for a scenic tour if time permits and weather cooperates. Remember to bring money for a fast-food supper. Wear proper footwear and bring a hiking stick plus bring warm clothes as it is usually cold up there. No pets please. Contact Agnes at ‘thelynns at shaw.ca’ or 250-721-0634 to register or for more information. Field Trip Level 3.

Sunday, August 8
Olympic Park Hike from Obstruction Point to Deer Park

This hike in Washington’s Olympic National Park is only for fit hikers as it is almost 13 kilometers over challenging terrain, along open ridges exposed to winds. The flowers and the views make it worthwhile. We will be dropped off by our bus driver at Obstruction Point and we have arranged for the bus driver to meet us at Deer Park to take us back to the ferry. Both ends of the hike are excellent wildflower areas as well. Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Also wear sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles would be an asset. Bring a lunch, snacks and lots to drink as we will not be near any facilities. Meet at the Black Ball Ferry terminal in the Inner Harbour at 5:45 a.m. for the 6:10 a.m. sailing of the M.V. Coho. Allow time to park and purchase your ferry ticket which costs about $31.00 CDN return. Important!! You will require a passport or enhanced driver’s licence for going through U.S. Customs. You’ll have to get your birding in on the way over because we will return to Victoria on the 9:30 p.m. sailing (90 minute crossing time). We will have dinner in Port Angeles. Cost of the charter bus and entry to the park is $70 CDN. Very limited number of participants so reserve your spot early. Do not book before July 1 or after August 1. Reserve your spot by paying through Paypal on the VNHS website or you can pay by cheque. Send it to VNHS, Box 5220, Victoria BC, V8R 6N4. Either way, you must let Agnes Lynn know that you are coming on the trip after you have made a payment. Contact Agnes at ‘thelynns at shaw.ca’ or 250-721-0634 for more information. Field Trip Level 4.

Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15
Victoria Butterfly Count

We are always looking for keen-eyed volunteers, so get out 
your field guides. Call James Miskelly (count coordinator) at 
250-477-0490 if you would like to help out.

Zephyr Anglewing

Sunday, August 15
Olympic Peninsula: Tufted Puffins, Brown Pelicans and More

We are going to merge two trips on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula that we have done before with our trusted tour bus leader. This time, we hope to enjoy seeing some good birds but there will be lots for all to enjoy along the way at a leisurely pace. We will start with the tour to Cape Flattery, the most northern point on the west coast of the continental United States and one of the closest locations to Victoria where you can see Tufted Puffins. Islands off the point are home to thousands of seabirds throughout the year. The birds can be observed from platforms which are located about a half hour’s walk through the forest. Instead of stopping at the excellent museum on this trip, we will continue south to La Push and other beaches where we hope to see Brown Pelicans and other sea birds that might not venture as far north as Victoria. We will make intermittent stops along the way to enjoy the beaches, where we can test our knowledge of dune plants. The Olympic Peninsula is covered with the lush growth of giant trees and luxuriant vegetation, making it a very scenic trip. Tour leader Willie also is full of fascinating facts about the area. This will be a long day so bring a lunch, snacks, and drinks as we will not stop near any facilities. Meet at the Black Ball Ferry terminal in the Inner Harbour at 5:45 a.m. for the 6:10 a.m. sailing of the M.V. Coho. Allow time to park and purchase your ferry ticket which costs about $31.00 CDN return. Important!! You will require a passport or enhanced driver’s licence for going through U.S. Customs. You’ll have to get your birding in on the way over because we will return to Victoria on the 9:30 p.m. sailing (90 minute crossing time). We will have dinner in Port Angeles. Cost of the charter bus and entry to the park is $60 CDN. Limited number of participants so reserve 
your spot early. VNHS members get priority. Do not book before July 1 or after August 8. Reserve your spot by paying through Paypal on the VNHS website or you can pay by cheque. Send it to VNHS, Box 5220, Victoria BC, V8R 6N4. Either way, you must let Agnes Lynn know that you are coming on the trip after you have made a payment. Contact Agnes at ‘thelynns at shaw.ca’ or 250-721-0634 for more information. Field Trip Level 2.

Tuesday, August 17
Fabulous Frogs at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary

Long sticky tongues, breathing through skin, and webbed feet! Discover what makes frogs so fabulous. Join us for a puppet show, hands-on displays, live animals and froggy crafts. Admission by donation. Crafts $3. Event held at the Nature House 12 noon to 3:00 p.m.

Red-legged Frog

Sunday, August 22
Discovery Island and Chain Islands Ecological Reserve Bird-watchers Kayak Tour

Discovery Island Provincial Marine Park presents many opportunities for viewing wildlife. The tour will also explore the nearby Chain Islands, which are protected bird sanctuaries and seal rookeries. You may see Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Harlequin Ducks, various sandpipers, and other shorebirds. By kayak, we are able to see the numerous sea birds that nest and feed in and around these shores such as the Pigeon Guillemots, Black Oystercatchers, and cormorants. Baby Harbour Seals remain undisturbed as we quietly glide past. You do not need to be an experienced kayaker as enough instruction will be given for you to enjoy a safe day on the water. Cost: $95.20 for a 5-hour guided tour starting at 9:00 a.m. Minimum required: 8 people/tour. Sign up as soon as possible but at least a week in advance. We normally pull up on a beach to have our lunch and do a bit of exploring on the island. Depending on the day’s weather, be prepared to layer up or down while on the water. Suggested gear: sunglasses, sun hat, sun screen, footwear you can get wet, windbreaker, toque, binoculars, lunch, snacks, and lots of liquid to drink. For more information/to register, phone Pacifica Paddle at 250-665-7411. Field Trip Level 3.

The Coastal Naturalist program begins on Friday, June 25th on BC Ferries sailings between Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Photo by Sara Borck - © Parks Canada

Have you ever wondered why Orcas are called ‘Killer Whales’ or what an eelgrass meadow is? Did you know that during the BC Ferries sailing between Victoria and Vancouver, you are actually in the midst of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve? While traveling onboard BC Ferries this summer, join us for an onboard presentation where our Coastal Naturalists will inspire you to learn about the natural world around you.

Now in its fifth year, the Coastal Naturalist program offers BC Ferries passengers an opportunity to get to know the wonders of BC’s coast, introducing topics about the ocean, BC’s unique wildlife and marine environments, coastal, nautical and cultural history, and what to see and do in local Parks Canada places. The 2010 Coastal Naturalist program is celebrating BC Ferries 50th anniversary of maritime history, 125 years of national parks in Canada and the 150th anniversary of Fisgard Lighthouse!

Look for the Coastal Naturalist program on-board BC Ferries this summer.

“Are we there yet?” won’t be ringing in your ears this summer. Our ten Coastal Naturalists are armed with a heap of new programs, and some great new props for your kids to try on – yours might become a giant purple sea star or the next Great Blue Heron! Last year, the Coastal Naturalists engaged with over 174,000 passengers, helping to inspire, educate and inform them about the great experience they are part of on this amazing coast. Passengers love this program and have complemented it frequently – they tell us it exceeds their expectations and increases their appreciation of the area. One passenger commented, “the value of learning about our natural environment is a way to form a closer, connected relationship with our community of life around us. This connection will help us protect and save our environment and wildlife.”

Become a giant Purple Sea Star during a Coastal Naturalists program!

For locals and tourists, young or youthful, seasoned BC Ferries traveler or your first time onboard; the Coastal Naturalist has something for you. Additionally, each presentation is prepared with you in mind; created with a variety of themes and interesting facts. You might learn about the amazing creatures found under the waters in the Strait of Georgia on one sailing, or on another, the compelling stories of the people who call Coastal BC home. You will also learn about the fragile and complex environments of Pacific Rim and Gulf Islands National Park Reserves. All this while catching a glimpse of wildlife and marine life from the deck, on almost half of the coastal naturalist sailings.

The 2010 Coastal Naturalist program begins Friday, June 25th and runs until Monday, September 6, 2010 onboard BC Ferries vessels traveling between Vancouver/Tsawwassen and Victoria/Swartz Bay, and West Vancouver/Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo/Departure Bay. Coastal Naturalists are onboard mid-day sailings Friday thru Monday. In addition, beginning mid-July, Naturalists are onboard the Spirit Class vessels sailing between Vancouver and Victoria daily. Watch for a Coastal Naturalist onboard your vessel during these times, introduce yourself and join the presentation. A detailed schedule of sailing times with onboard Coastal Naturalists is found on www.bcferries.com through a link to the Coastal Experiences starfish logo on the bottom right corner of the homepage.

The Coastal Naturalist Program is proudly brought to you by BC Ferries and Parks Canada.

A small group of Chickweed Monkey-flower (Mimulus alsinoides) growing in a vernal seep.

The vantage point of the top of Mount Douglas in Saanich offers a spectacular 360^o view of rural Saanich, downtown Victoria, and the Olympic Mountains across the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Washington state. However, it is worth turning one’s eyes from the striking vista and looking to the ground at this time of year. Much of the area at the top of Mount Douglas is exposed rock and moss, with small groves of stunted Garry Oak and the odd Arbutus. A number of beautiful flowers can be found with careful searching.

Broad-leaved Shootingstar (Dodecatheon hendersonii) is just starting to come into bloom. Look for the round basal leaves of new plants.

Broad-leaved Shootingstar (Dodecatheon hendersonii) is beginning to come into flower and the round leaves that characterize this species of Dodecatheon are locally common. D. hendersonii tends to be found in open grassy habitat and occurs from the dry Southern Gulf Islands south along the coast to California. Look for the downward pointing flowers with magenta to lavender petals and reddish-purple stamen tube.

Small-flowered Woodland Star (Lithophragma parviflorum) lights up the forest and grassy bluffs.

Small-flowered Woodland Star (Lithophragma parviflorum) can also be found on the grassy south and west facing slopes of Mount Douglas. This saxifrage has beautiful white to pink flowers that consist of deeply three-lobed petals. It is associated with dry Garry Oak forests and coastal bluffs along the southern part of the Strait of Georgia and Gulf Islands but can also be found in similar habitat throughout southern British Columbia. The common name suggests that the flowers look like small stars.

Spring-gold (Lomatium utriculatum) is a bright sign of spring.

At this time of year, Spring-Gold (Lomatium utriculatum) is also in bloom on the the grassy slopes. Appropriately named, the bright yellow cluster of flowers make this member of the Apiaceae (Carrot) Family distinctive. Its leaves are carrot-like as well, soft and lacy and divided into small, very narrow segments. Spring-gold has a taproot and may have been one of the “wild carrots” eaten by First Nations peoples on Southern Vancouver Island.

The "chimp-like" flower of Chickweed Monkey-flower (Mimulus alsinoides).

The Chickweed Monkey-flower (Mimulus alsinoides) favours vernally moist seeps along the mossy slopes and can grown in bright yellow clumps. The Latin for these delightful flowers comes from “mimulus” which means “little actor” and “mimus” which means a “buffoon” – both refer to the fact that the flowers look like little monkey faces. The flowers are small, much smaller than the more showy Yellow Monkey-flower (M. guttatus) and marked with brownish red spots on the lower lip. “Alsinoides” means “like-chickweed” which refers to the chickweed like look of the leaves.

White Fawn Lily (Erythornium oregonum) were thick in the Licorice Fern underneath stunted Garry Oaks on Mount Douglas.

Amongst the Garry Oak (Quercus garryana), White Fawn Lily (Erythronium oregonum) were plentiful on the eastern summit of Mount Douglas, poking out through carpets of thick Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza). White Fawn Lily has a white, nodding flower and long, paired basal leaves that are mottled in colour. Like the other species of plants found on the top of Mount Douglas, White Fawn Lilies tend to be found on the eastern side of Vancouver Island in both grassy open areas, and, as in this case, thick rocky woodlands.

Photographing all of these small flowers can be challenging. Macro work requires close attention to depth of field and ideally the use of a tripod or bean bag for camera support. The top of the mountain can be windy so search for flowers that are growing in a sheltered area. Late afternoon light is ideal as the south and west facing slopes where many of these flowers are found will still be lit late in the day. With careful positioning of the camera it is possible to have the flower lit and the background in shade creating a nice contrast.

White Fawn Lily (Erythornium oregonum) against a soft blue sky.

Access to Mount Douglas is easy, perhaps too easy. Churchill Drive, a narrow paved road that begins at the base of the mountain where Cordova Bay Road, Cedar Hill Road and Shelbourne Road intersect climbs to the top. Parking is limited at the summit and the top of the hill is a popular destination for people enjoying the view. The impact of the large number of people that visit the summit is visible and obvious – numerous trails form a network through sensitive habitat and in many places they have worn the rock bare. Mountain bikers sometimes ride up the paved road and then down the narrow tracks creating more damage. Try to stay on the existing trails and do your best to ignore the broken glass, discarded beer cans, plastic bags and other garbage.

The top of Mount Douglas definitely isn’t a pristine ecosystem but it is worth the effort to visit and explore, especially when you get away from the more heavily used areas. A better strategy to enjoy the park may be to leave your vehicle at a trail head and walk up to the top. At 227m, the climb is not too onerous and it can be a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. Refer to the District of Saanich Mount Douglas Park web page to download a map of the park and the access trails.

About the Contributor:

Dave Ingram is a nature photographer and writer based in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. More of his images can be seen on Flickr and on Dave Ingram’s Natural History Blog.

Don't let the rain stop you - Satinflowers (Olsynium douglasii) look splendid with a few drops of water on the petals.

Early spring on Vancouver Island means it’s time to lace on the hiking boots and head out to see the Satinflower (Olsynium douglasii) show. From mid-February to early April this tiny member of the Iris (Iridaceae) family dots the coastal hills with ribbons of winking hot-pink blossoms. Found from Vancouver Island to California, the species thrives in open settings, mainly in shallow mossy soil on rocky knolls and meadows.

A rare white Satinflower. Variegated ones (magenta and white) are possible too.

Olsynium douglasii is also known as Sisyrinchium douglasii. The “douglasii” part is easy to remember – it commemorates David Douglas, the Scottish botanist who described and catalogued plants in the Pacific Northwest in the early 1800′s (he is the “Douglas” in Douglas-fir). But the difference between Olsynium and Sisyrinchium is a bit more subtle – generally speaking, plants are Sisyrinchium if they have flared stems and flowers with pointed petals that face sideways or up, like stars. Plants belong to the closely related Olsynium if they have rounder stems and flowers that hang like bells.

Raindrops bring out the texture of the petals.

On Vancouver Island these showy little flowers can be seen on hillsides from mid-Island down. However, perhaps one of the premier sites for viewing these beauties is Mt. Wells Regional Park. Located to the west of Victoria, close by the community of Goldstream, Satinflowers appear here in profusion. At their peak (usually in March) they carpet the ground in a spectacular display of flashing magenta colour. The petals truly look like they have been fashioned from the finest satin ribbon. The texture of the petals are such that they catch the light and glint brightly in the slightest breeze. Close examination of the blooms show golden-yellow anthers, laden with pollen.

A look into the heart of a Satinflower (Olsynium douglasii). Notice the golden-yellow anthers and the long white style.

Mt. Wells is easy to access with a short, well-built trail coming up from just beyond the parking lot on the north end of Humpback Lake Road. However, there are some steep bits, which can be slippery, so do take care. The main trail up the northern flank of Mt. Wells is well travelled, and it is advisable to stay on the trail as much as possible to avoid disturbing the delicate plant life.

Most people stop at the summit, then turn around and go back down, but don’t be so quick to head back. Although not marked on the official map, the trail continues south from the summit down into a draw full of Douglas fir and Shore pine. The draw exits onto a lower, broadly spreading summit that holds the best satinflower displays of all.

Satinflower (Olsynium douglasii) - not quite open yet.

O. douglasii make wonderful photographic subjects, especially when using a macro setting and/or lens. The detail in these plants is amazing. For best results the camera should be on a tripod, or something very stable ( a bean bag, or small bag of rice can make a great camera rest ). Do watch camera setup – it is possible to get so focused on the perfect shot that other plants get crushed.

Satinflowers will be in their prime during the month on March, so time spent rambling on Mt. Wells will definitely not disappoint! If Mt. Wells is a bit too adventurous, in the Victoria area Satinflowers also grow in Mt. Douglas Park, Mill Hill Regional Park, and on the Lewis Clark Trail in Thetis Lake Park. Seeing these wildflowers in their native setting is a spring time treat, and a great reason to get out and explore.

For more information on Satinflowers, check out www.eflora.bc.ca

About the Contributor:

Mary Sanseverino is an avid outdoor/nature photographer. More of her images can be found on Flickr and she keeps a blog on her outdoor adventures at Mary’s View.

Victoria Natural History Society Walk

Joining a local natural history club is an excellent way to learn more about nature and meet like-minded people. The Victoria Natural History Society (VNHS) has a number of interesting walks and presentations for both members and non-members throughout the year. Field trips are ranked according to difficulty:

• Level 1 – easy walking, mostly level paths
• Level 2 – paths can be narrow with uneven terrain
• Level 3 – steeper grades or obstacles in paths requiring agility
• Level 4 – very steep, insecure footing or longer hikes requiring good physical condition

March 2010 Field Trips

The following are walks and presentations hosted by the Victoria Natural History Society during the month of March, 2010. To learn more about the VNHS please visit their website at http://www.vicnhs.bc.ca/.

Saturday, March 6
Birding in Parksville

Come to see the spectacle of the annual Pacific Herring spawn. Massive numbers of sea ducks and gulls are close to where we can observe them feeding on the herring roe. We can also enjoy the beginning of the congregation of the Brant Geese in the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Wildlife Management Area and vicinity. Meet at Helmcken Park & Ride at 7:00 a.m. This will be an all-day trip so bring lunch. Carpool expenses will be about $15.00 per person. Contact Rick Schortinghuis, 250-885-2454, for more information. Field Trip Level 1.

Sunday, March 7
Royal Roads Native Tree Walk

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) cone.

Hans Roemer will share his knowledge of the big trees on the Royal Roads University and neighbouring Department of National Defense (DND) properties. Hans has been researching these trees for several years and it is delightful to enjoy a walk through the woods with him, admiring these giants that include Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Grand Fir (Abies grandis) and other natives. Several of these trees are considered exceptional due to their size. Hans will explain how they have reached these huge proportions, as well as talk about other interesting natural features in the area. Although we will be walking at a slow pace, this will be an outing for those who are comfortable clambering up and down hills on uneven ground.

A walking stick and good hiking boots are recommended. Dress for the weather. Bring a snack and a drink if you wish. Starts from the tennis courts near the entrance to Royal Roads at 9:30 a.m. There is a fee for parking at Royal Roads. No pets please. Contact Agnes at or 250-721-0634 for more information. Field Trip Level 3.

Tuesday, March 9
Natural History Presentation and AGM

Polar Bears: Outstanding Survivors of Climate Change

Polar bears are remarkably resilient to changing climate, attested to by their survival through a multitude of past climate shifts, some of inconceivable magnitude. Join Dr. Susan Crockford of the University of Victoria Anthropology department for this talk that incorporates little-known biological and historical facts commonly omitted from popular polar bear accounts into a balanced overview of life and adaptation on Arctic sea ice.

We meet at 7:30 p.m. in Room 159 of the Fraser Building. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend and a coffee mug.

Sunday, March 14
Enjoying Native Trees and Shrubs

It should be feeling a lot like spring by this time with buds bursting open and most leaves starting to form but still challenging to identify the native shrubs and trees. We will wander around Ten Mile Point, visiting Konukson and Phyllis Parks, and walking along the cliffs near the water to check for early flowers. We’ll also visit the Bald Eagle nests, and maybe even find an early Rufous Hummingbird. Start at the Lynns (3913 Woodhaven Terrace, off Tudor Avenue) at 10:00 a.m. Although we will be walking at a slow pace, this will be an outing for those who are comfortable clambering up and down hills on uneven ground. A walking stick and good hiking boots are recommended. Dress for the weather and bring a snack and a drink if you wish. No pets please. Contact Agnes or 250-721-0634 for more information. Field Trip Level 3.

Red-flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum)

Sunday, March 14
Nature Walk at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park

Join Darren and Claudia Copley for a walk in the park – who knows what we’ll find! Meet at the group shelter near the “Filter Beds” parking lot at the south end of Beaver Lake at 9:30 a.m. For those taking public transit, the #72 from downtown will
drop you off outside the park entrance around 9 a.m. Field Trip Level 2.

Tuesday, March 16
Botany Night – Alpine Plants in Northern BC

In connection with Botany BC 2009, Hans Roemer and Ryan Batten used as many opportunities as they could to access alpine habitats and brought back plenty of photographs, specimens, and observations. Swan Lake Nature House,
7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Bring a friend.

Wednesday, March 24
Birders’ Night – Birds Oiled at Sea

Oil, even in very small amounts (chronic oiling), can kill marine birds. The Birds Oiled at Sea (BOAS) Program aims to estimate the number of marine birds that come into contact with oil at-sea and seeks ways to reduce the likelihood of interactions with oil. The problem is a tricky one because the source of oil on the ocean is very hard to track and, further, if a bird is oiled at sea it may never be found because of variable winds, currents, and eventual sinking of dead birds. BOAS works closely with Bird Studies Canada, who monitor many beaches for dead birds, and, with Transport Canada to gauge ocean traffic by aerial surveys and monitoring of the ocean surface using radar based on satellites. Dr. Pat O’Hara will outline the BOAS program with emphasis on our work on the British Columbian coast. We meet at 7:30 p.m. in Room 159 of the Fraser building. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend and a coffee mug.

Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28
Fossil Fair

Brachiopod and Jackknife, Marble Meadows, Strathcona Provicial Park

Who lived here millions of years ago? Fossils are our window to the past. Palaeontologists from the Victoria Palaeontology Society will share their personal fossil discoveries including many from this past year. Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission by donation.

Sunday, March 28
Satin Flowers and Birds at Juan de Fuca

For those of you who are not up to the strenuous walk up Mount Wells, this outing is another chance to see the satin flowers (Olsynium douglasii) as well as other early spring flowers without the effort. Plus it is an excellent place to check out the birds, so this trip will have some of each. Bring a snack and a drink if you wish. Meet at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre (Westshore Parks and Recreation), 1767 Old Island Highway, at 10:00 am. We will start from the end of the parking lot nearest to town. No pets please. Contact Agnes or 250-721-0634 if you need more information. Field Trip Level 2.

Monday, March 29
Marine Night – Using Seabird Diets to Track How Climate Change is Affecting Arctic Ecosystems

University of Victoria Masters student, Jennifer Provencher, studied the effects of climate change on seabirds in the Eastern Canadian Arctic. Using historical and current data, she examined changes in the diet of Thick-billed Murres in the low, mid, and high Arctic. She collected samples in the summer and spent winters in the lab sorting and identifying fish bones, zooplankton, squid beaks, and some unnatural objects such as plastic and bird shot. By comparing her results with similar studies done in the 70’s and 80’s, she has tracked how their diets have changed through the years as the ice cover has moved. Meet at 7:30 p.m. in Room 159 of the Fraser Building. Everyone is welcome.

The Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) is considered a "vulnerable" species by the whole world, but in Canada it is treated as a pest.

Everyone has heard of the Red-winged Blackbird, and many are familiar with the Brewer’s Blackbird, but how many have seen or even heard of a Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus)? Not very many I would wager. It’s not surprising because the Rusty is uncommon in the west, and its North American population has declined over 90% in the past 50 years.

The Rusty is the same size as a Brewer’s Blackbird. It is aptly named because of the rusty colouring on its winter plumage. The non-breeding male is black with rusty edges on its feathers. The female is lighter brown with buffy and rusty mottling. Both sexes have yellow eyes. The breeding male is black with an iridescent purple head and chest. It is very similar to the male Brewer’s Blackbird but not as glossy. The breeding female is a dull brown.

The Rusty breeds from the interior of B.C. to the Atlantic coast in the east and to Alaska in the north. During the fall most of the population migrates to the southeast quadrant of the United States. However, it is not uncommon to find the occasional one wintering on Vancouver Island. I would estimate that for every flock of a thousand blackbirds there is one Rusty. There is at least one or two reported in the Victoria region every year, and I bet veteran birders like Art Morgan and Art Martell have seen them in the Comox Valley.

On January 7 I had the pleasure of escorting a deceased Great Horned Owl to the Royal B.C. Museum. The conversation on the way down was quite one-sided as the owl didn’t give a hoot for anything I said. However, I got the last hoot as the trip gave me the opportunity to look for the Rusty that had been reported by Victoria birders at King’s Pond since mid-December. King’s Pond is one of my favorite locations to photograph ducks like Wood Ducks, Northern Shovelers, Lesser Scaups, Ring-neckeds, and Buffleheads. If I couldn’t find the Rusty, I would still enjoy photographing the ducks as well an assortment of winter songbirds like Fox Sparrows, Bewick’s Wrens, Anna’s Hummingbirds, and House Finches. However, Lady Luck was on my side. I didn’t see any blackbirds around the pond, but there were about 12 in the tall trees at the adjacent golf course. I set up my camera and scoped the birds. The first 4 were juvenile Brewer’s, but the 5th was different. I couldn’t see the back, but it had a mottled white and black chest. It had to be the Rusty.

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) feeding on seed at King's Pond, Victoria, British Columbia.

I waited patiently for 20 minutes, and sure enough, the blackbirds flew down to a tree by the pond. I quickly grabbed a bag of seed from my back pack and spread it on the ground. The blackbirds immediately flew down right in front of me. I had no problem picking out the Rusty. Its rusty-edged feathers stood out like a neon light. I was excited because it was the first Rusty I had ever seen.

The Rusty Blackbird situation in Canada is an absolute joke. 70% of the Rusty population breeds in Canada, and it is internationally acknowledged that the population is threatened. Our national organization for conservation, COSEWIC, has declared the Rusty as a “species of concern.” Meanwhile, our Migratory Bird Act does not recognize or protect the Rusty. Instead, the Rusty is lumped together with blackbirds which are considered as pests and may be indiscriminately killed as a nuisance bird. You figure it out. The whole world (IUCN) recognizes the Rusty as a “vulnerable” species, but in Canada it is still treated as a pest! You bet I’m disgusted, but I can’t say I’m surprised. It’s just another case of Canadian “lip-service” instead of a meaningful process to conserve and protect another piece of our disappearing natural world. For starters, how difficult would it be to get it on the migratory bird list where it belongs?

About the Contributor:

Mike Yip is a Vancouver Island photographer who has published two very successful books on birds and has just released his third. More of his bird images can be found at his website Vancouver Island Birds.