VOLUME #17 ARROWSMITH NATURALISTS NEWSLETTER ISSUE #3 OCTOBER 2011 Table of Contents Kids Fest.....................4 - 5 Presidents Report......page 1 Fall AGM & Conference..6 to 10 Christmas Bird Count.........2 Financial Statement...........10 Club Information.............. 3 Meetings and Outings..11 & 12 To Know, Enjoy and Presrve Nature President’s Report As is usual, the summer is a rather quiet time for the Arrowsmith Naturalists. July saw a return to Rathtrevor Provincial Park for our annual club picnic. Although the afternoon and evening were blustery, this event was still as enjoyable as ever. August, of course, brings Kidfest at the Parksville Community Park. Once again, Betty Collins and Robert Mercer organized a very successful display of all manner of ocean critters for the youngsters to view “up close and personal”. Thanks, not only to Betty and Robert once again for their work, but also to those who helped out at the display tent and who collected the many specimens for display. For next year we will need a new team of organizers, as Betty and Robert are “retiring” from their positions. Please let the executive know if you would like to help with Kidfest for 2012. After our rather abbreviated summer, autumn seems to be on us in earnest, and with it a new season of activities. Penny Marshall and Maggie Little have provided several field trips already - Fossili Park, Rosewall Creek and the new Moorecroft Regional Park – see upcoming Outings schedule, p. 11. Our participation in Rivers Day at the Englishman estuary didn’t happen as planned. Hours before we were to set up it rained hard and our partners –MIVHES– had decided not to go ahead. We called our volunteers to cancel the event and within an hour the rain had stopped. Too late to regroup. Fortunately, a partial program by MIVHES did go ahead. Thanks to Sandy Gray for persevering and representing us.Thanks also to Val Tinney for once again organizing the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup and to the club members who hunted the shores of Qualicum Bay for rubbish. It seemed that this year there was less debris than in previous years to be bagged up and carted off for disposal. Perhaps a hopeful sign. Planning for the 2012 Fall General Meeting of BC Nature, with the theme of Nature ByThe Salish Sea, is making good progress, with meetings happening every few weeks. The budget is close to being set and the outline of social activities, speakers, field trips and so on is taking shape. We are very fortunate to have Dr. C.S. (Buzz) Holling as our keynote speaker. Dr. Holling is internationally recognized for his theory of “resilient ecosystems” and, by all accounts, an excellent speaker. Brian Kingzett, field manager of the Deep Bay Centre for Shellfish Research, has tentatively agreed to speak at the Saturday night banquet. I urge you all to read the report on this year’s FGM at Tsawwassen to get a sense of just what to expect when we co-host with the Nanoose Nats next September. http://www.arrowsmithnats.org! PAGE 1 VOLUME #17 ARROWSMITH NATURALISTS NEWSLETTER ISSUE #3 OCTOBER 2011 PRESIDENT’S REPORT...cont’d The strength of any organization lies in a and Rhys from their participation in supportive membership. With that in mind, we community birding events and will come to were very happy that, at our September know Luxana by her enthusiasm and eagerness meeting, we could recognize the invaluable to contribute to the club. efforts of six of our members – all women. Alison Bakker, Pam Helem, Sallie Dabb, Carol It is unfortunate, however, that we are losing Anne Philion, Gail Armstrong and Maggie Little one of our stalwart members – Betty Collins. each received “President’s Choice” certificates in recognition of the quiet and Apart from organizing our participation in tireless work that they do for the Kidfest for the past several years, Betty Arrowsmith Nats. I’d also like to thank our served as club President for two years. Past President, Roger Simms, for instituting Whenever we needed advice about club policy this form of recognition during his tenure as or leadership in planning the club’s future, President. Kudos also to Sandy Gray for Betty’s mentorship was invaluable. We will taking over from Pat Bourgeois the position of miss you, Betty, and hope that you and John Liaison with BC Nature. are nicely settled into your new home in Penticton. A warm welcome is extended to three new members who were introduced at our last Dave Hutchings, President meeting – Luxana Hall and Terry and Rhys Harrison. A number of you will know Terry BC PARKSVILLE - QUALICUM (BCPQ) CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT birds from home for the Feedercount. Help assess the wintering bird population here in the BCPQ Count Circle. All skill levels welcome! Come enjoy the Pot Luck/Wrap-up Dinner immediately following the Count. (Location to be confirmed.) Lots of great information at the CBC website: Sunday, December 18th – Parksville http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird- Qualicum Beach Christmas Bird Count count Be part of what is a favourite event for many For more info and to sign up contact: nature enthusiasts across North America. Join a team in the field (3-7 birders) or count Sandra @ 250-248-5565 NANOOSE BAY CBC at home feeders are most welcome to join Friday, December 16th with the Nanoose Naturalists. For further The count circle covers Nanoose Bay and information, please contact: Rhys Harrison Lantzville. Volunteers to count in the field and (250) 248-5305, [email protected] http://www.arrowsmithnats.org! PAGE 2 VOLUME #17 ARROWSMITH NATURALISTS NEWSLETTER ISSUE #3 OCTOBER 2011 PARKING THE ARROWSMITH Arrowsmith Naturalists NATURALIST ... Officers and Contacts: If you find you have to is published three times a park in the over-flow lot year in February, June and President: Dave down the street from the October. Articles on birding, school, be aware that the Hutchings (250) 752-1613 travel, botany and gates are locked at 9:30 environmental matters are Past President: Roger p.m. One of our members welcomed by the end of the Simms was locked in and had to month prior to publication. Vice President: Bill phone for a ride home. The next deadline is January Campbell 2012 for the February 2012 Secretary: Pam Helem NO SMOKING edition. Treasurer: Carol Anne Hand-written or typed Philion articles are accepted. Some Smoking is not allowed Membership: Gail editing may be required for anywhere on school length or held off for another Armstrong property. edition according to available Directors: space. Please e-mail articles to Gilles Gratton; SUNSHINE [email protected] or send by Martin Hill mail to: 194 Valdez Ave, Qualicum Beach, B.C. V9K Programs: If you know of an 1R8. Editor: Margaret Hill Dave Hutchings; Arrowsmith Naturalist, who (250) 752-2728 is ill, in hospital or recently Bill Campbell bereaved, please contact: Field Trips: Pam Helem, at (250) General Information: Maggie Little; 468-7475 or at Club membership information [email protected] Penny Marshall is available at both of the public libraries, on the web site http:// Promotion: CLUB PUBLICATIONS www.arrowsmithnats.org, or Sallie Dabb write to Arrowsmith Refreshments: Naturalists, Box 1542 Parksville, A reference copy of the B.C. V9P 2H4 Alison Bakker current newsletter is Membership includes Young Naturalists: available at each of the monthly meetings (talks and/or Alison Bakker libraries in Parksville and Qualicum Beach. slide shows), regular outings Conservation/ Meetings and Outings (bird watching, botanical), BC Environment: Gary & Ronda information sheets are Nature newsletter four times a Murdock available at Mulberry Bush year and club newsletter in Web Site: David Helem Book Stores in Qualicum February, June, October. (250) 468-7475 Beach and Parksville. New memberships are BC Nature: Sandra Gray always welcomed. http://www.arrowsmithnats.org! PAGE 3 VOLUME #17 ARROWSMITH NATURALISTS NEWSLETTER ISSUE #3 OCTOBER 2011 K I D F E S T 2011 Article by: Robert Mercer & Betty Co#ins This picture is a special one. Forwarded to us by John Buchanan, a visitor to the Naturalist's exhibit at Kidfest. He took it with an underwater camera in a tub containing other specimens as well, which were supplied by Island Scallops Ltd. He sent it to us on our request...gratis. The Spot Prawn has two pairs of spots on the abdomen and white lines on the carapace (shell). Formal name is Pacific Prawn. KIDFEST 2011 – STANDING ROOM ONLY! Wow! Another great Kidfest event with even more interest than in previous years. Wonderful weather, terrific visitors and fantastic volunteers!! Again we had some great animals and plants at our display. And the Young Naturalists table drew a lot of interest. Many times kids and adults were lined up to see, touch and talk about the displays. The new tent was a great addition because it provided shade to the live animals in the display tubs – and to the volunteers!. Some of the animals were collected at French Creek beach – crabs (Dungeness, hermit), sea stars (leather and ochre and purple), oyster, sculpin, anemones, eels, and a saddleback gunnel. Island Scallops provided some animals from deeper water – large scallops, a Giant sea cucumber, a sea lemon; some fantastic looking crabs - the Rhino crab, the Scaled crab and the bright red Puget Sound king crab and a spotted shrimp. There was an interesting comment from one of the Kidfest organizers. She had a phone call from a family to ask if Arrowsmith Naturalists would be there this year; if so they would come to Kidfest, if not they would not be coming. At one point Pat Bourgeois was showing a particular animal to a young girl from Vancouver, and the comment was that she knew what it was, because she was here last year and told her parents they had to come again this year. All in all, a very successful Kidfest thanks to Island Scallops and the Arrowsmith Naturalists volunteers. A great big thank you to Alison Bakker, Pat Bourgeois, Lynne Brookes, Bill Campbell, Marilynn Futer, Maria Hamann, Penny Marshall, Pam Helem, Margaret Hill, Martin Hill, Chris Hutchings, David Hutchings, Val Tinney, Tony Wyckoff, and Ron Wyckoff. See photos on page 4 http://www.arrowsmithnats.org! PAGE 4 VOLUME #17 ARROWSMITH NATURALISTS NEWSLETTER ISSUE #3 OCTOBER 2011 SEEING SEA CREATURES AT KIDFEST From Island Scallops. A Sailfin Scupin and a Bullhead in local terms and Scallops. Tub with sea stars, leather star and sea weed Special THANKS to Robert Mercer for these great photos. The Arrowsmith Naturalists tent at Kidfest. http://www.arrowsmithnats.org! PAGE 5 VOLUME #17 ARROWSMITH NATURALISTS NEWSLETTER ISSUE #3 OCTOBER 2011 BC Nature Fall General the fantastic migrations (up to and pleated throat. For the Meeting and Conference 11,000 kms!) of some species, winter, Grey whales migrate to but he also revealed the variety the Baja area of Mexico to give 2011 - Tsawwassen of cues that influence the birth to their young, and timing and the direction of possibly to escape the predation Report by: Dave Hutchings migrations. The availability of of killer whales. Humpback food when traveling and rearing whales migrate both to Mexico The theme of this year’s Fall young, social cues, the quality of and Hawaii to breed and bear General Meeting, attended by daylight and hormonal cues all young. Marilynn Futer and Bill influence when birds migrate to Campbell, Pam and David Helem their breeding grounds and Of the two species, the and Chris and Dave Hutchings, return to their wintering Humpback has the more and hosted by the Delta grounds, the route they take spectacular behaviours. Naturalists’ Society, was and the speed of the migration. Whereas the Greys scour the Nature on the Move – Fall In addition, many birds make bottom of the sea for food, the Migration through the Delta. most of their journey at night Humpbacks feed in the water The “delta”, of course, is the and, therefore, navigate using column for krill and small fish, massive Fraser River delta, the stars and a built-in gulping in up to 17,000 litres of home to several globally- compass. Probably, the most water at a time and straining significant ecosystems. As one interesting “factoid” – for me, that water through their fine might expect, the September at least – was that a number of baleen to separate out the food. 29 – October 2 gathering species have the ability to put Often they will work focused on all things migratory one-half of their brain to sleep cooperatively to scare fish, – birds, whales, and fish. for part of the day and then using “bubble netting” and Speakers: alternate to the other half for vocalization, into tight On Thursday evening, Anne the remaining hours, thereby formations which are easier to Murray provided a broad conserving energy. Very useful capture. overview of the Fraser River when a creature is traveling estuary and the Boundary Bay vast distances. Happily, both whale species are ecosystems “during the height rebounding from their near of fall migration, when nature is Caitlin Birdsall, of the BC extinction when whaling was on the move and plant life is Cetacean Sightings Network prevalent in our waters. preparing for winter”. and the Vancouver Aquarium, Collisions with ships, the focused primarily on the Grey ingestion of debris, fishing nets The first of Friday morning’s and Humpback whales which and ropes, and killer whales are speakers, Dr. Jason James - an visit BC’s waters each year. all threats to these gentle internationally recognized Through slides, video and sound giants. However, it was expert who works with the recordings and graphs, we heartening to learn that Vancouver Avian Research learned how to identify each of Boundary Bay is a feeding spot Centre – covered all aspects of these giant species – Greys: no for significant numbers of Grey bird migration: why birds dorsal fin, mottled skin covered whales during migration, a good migrate, how they navigate, in barnacles, rounded flukes, reason to do all we can to where they go and the bottom feeders; Humpbacks: prevent the pollution of these different types of migrations. low dorsal fin, big pectoral waters. Dr. James described not just flippers, a knobby nose area, http://www.arrowsmithnats.org! PAGE 6 VOLUME #17 ARROWSMITH NATURALISTS NEWSLETTER ISSUE #3 OCTOBER 2011 as training walls erected to the South Fraser Perimeter The “Salmon Habitat of the “protect” human development, Road and have contributed to Fraser River and the Impacts disrupt both the migration of planned mitigation measures. of Human Activity and sediments and estuarine Development” was the focus of organisms (e.g. fish), forcing Charlie Palmer(Senior Ecologist) Dr. Marvin Rosenau’s talk. young fish out into waters and Jay Rourke, both employed Having focused much of his where predators wait. We are by Hemmera , an environmental work on the gravel reaches of interfering with natural consulting firm, spoke about the Fraser from Hope to processes without the scientific “Sandhill Cranes – the ‘Canaries’ Mission, Dr. Rosenau has understanding of the of the Fraser Valley/Lower become an outspoken critic of repercussions on the Mainland Wetlands”. They government management of the ecosystem, states Dr. Rosenau. described the life cycle, the river and, as such, has run afoul breeding places and the of both provincial and federal The habit of removing large migration routes within, to and politicians. He described the woody debris from water bodies from the Lower Mainland. Fraser estuary, which starts offers another danger. Not Their research and ecological near New Westminster, as the only does the woody debris give assessments are also part of recipient of about 17,000,000 protection to fish, it inhibits the planning of the South tonnes of nutrient-rich erosion of river banks and ocean Fraser Perimeter Road. sediments which come down the shores. Dr. Rosenau river each year. As these mix recommends the replacement of Russell Cannings – BC’s 2010 with the sea water of the Salish woody debris when and where Birder of the Year – Sea, they provide a biologically possible. entertained us at the Saturday active area which nourishes and night banquet. Most of Russell’s encourages all manner of life: The Friday evening barbecue – a talk centered on his efforts to fish, whales, birds and so on. very pleasant affair catered by break the record for the the local Lions Club – featured number of bird species Dr. Rosenau sees both the two more talks. Sofi Hindmarch recorded in one year. His estuary and the Fraser itself as of the Centre for Wildlife sometimes hilarious helter- threatened. Agriculture, Ecology at SFU presented her skelter race back and forth development, shipping and research on the effect of across the province resulted in dyking have resulted in the loss urbanization on Barn Owls. The spotting a record-breaking 373 of 85% of the wetlands from loss of old barns and trees, species, including a Tropical Hope down to the sea. Riparian along with increased traffic, Kingbird, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, areas have been lost and the has caused the decline of owls a Brambling and a Little Blue river has been dredged so over the past 16 years. Heron. The audience was deeply that erosion and Whereas Barn Owls habitually regaled with pictures and ecosystem loss have threatened hunt in a circle only a kilometer accounts such as traveling non- any sustainable management of or so from their nests, urban stop from Sandspit, on Haida the river. Barn Owls are being forced to Gwaii, to Prince Rupert and then widen their search for their driving for 16 hours to Creston, However, Dr. Rosenau singled preferred food: voles. The to see a bird not yet on his list, out two major impacts. results of Ms. Hindmarch’s only to find that it has moved Causeways and dock structures research have been on. Luckily, it returned several (such as the ferry terminal and incorporated into the days later and was duly the Roberts Bank port), as well environmental assessments for recorded. Over the year, http://www.arrowsmithnats.org! PAGE 7 VOLUME #17 ARROWSMITH NATURALISTS NEWSLETTER ISSUE #3 OCTOBER 2011 boat tour of the Fraser be the impacts of certain Russell teamed up with young estuary. actions?; what mitigation birders all over the province, measures have been among them our own Sunday: tours of the Boundary considered?; have alternatives Christopher Stevens. Although Bay Regional Park old field been considered, and so on. In a number of his sightings habitat and an ecology walk other words, use a positive, involved a judicious amount of through the Park; Lighthouse cooperative approach. informed “luck” (as with many Park and Lily Point at Point b) Financial report: revenue for birders), the sheer energy and Roberts; and the Iona Beach this year is down slightly knowledge of this intrepid Regional Park in Richmond. although the Federation should young birder gives us hope that break even because of the small the skill and knowledge of our We came away from surplus from last year. “mature” birders is being Tsawwassen with an c) A presentation by Bob Ross passed into very capable hands. appreciation not just of the of SBC Insurance: in part Field trips: human impact on the Fraser because of the increased limit The field trips provided by the River and its estuary, but with of liability insurance the Delta Naturalists offered a some knowledge of the fragile Arrowsmith Naturalists club number of opportunities to abundance of wild flora and has been required to carry, BCN experience, first-hand, the fauna which it supports. Not with Mr. Ross’s help, reviewed abundant bird life and the only were the field trip leaders the guidelines of our liability ecosystems of the Fraser knowledgeable but they were insurance and the trends which estuary. also experts in their fields. seem to be developing. To Perhaps we all will have a summarize: Thursday: a pre-conference trip deeper appreciation of the 1) our insurance covers the to the George C. Reifel Bird Delta the next time we drive activities of members for bodily Sanctuary to see the off the ferry at Tsawwassen. injury and property damage Dowitchers, Greater and Lesser where compensation is needed; Yellow legs, Sharp-tailed Directors’ Meeting: 2) all activities must be Sandpipers, Wood Ducks, As usual, the Directors’ Meeting approved by the club executive. Hooded Mergansers in eclipse dealt with a fairly full agenda as Cycling and activities involving plumage, Sandhill Cranes and well as some weighty topics boats are not approved Black-crowned Night Herons, introduced as “Other Business”. activities. Use of power tools among others. a) Business Arising from May 14 may be a problem and must be Minutes: an update was negotiated with BCN Executive Friday and Saturday: trips to provided by Langley Naturalists and the insurance provider; the Alaksen National Wildlife regarding the lawsuit brought 3) clubs need to be familiar Area, the Reifel Sanctuary; by a local farmer. The farmer with the “field trip guidelines” Brunswick Point and Delta has lost his case but is booklet provided by BCN; farmlands; Boundary Bay dykes appealing. The advice arising 4) all members must sign and Blackie Spit; Burns Bog; the from this incident is that clubs both the “release of liability” OWL Wildlife Rehab Centre; a should not publicly criticize and “waiver” forms as a guided beach walk to learn actions of other individuals or condition of membership; about the biology/ecology of groups as wrong or unethical. 5) clubs, if they wish, can cover the low and high intertidal Instead, any concerns should be the cost of day memberships areas of Boundary Bay; and a voiced in the form of open- rather than insisting on a day ended questions: e.g. what will membership fee; http://www.arrowsmithnats.org! PAGE 8 VOLUME #17 ARROWSMITH NATURALISTS NEWSLETTER ISSUE #3 OCTOBER 2011 may hold public town hall Recreation Council before 6) clubs should maintain a meetings, similar to those held Christmas. “sign-in” guest book, which on the HST campaign, regarding 6) Mary Cuthbert, of the contains a copy of the waiver environmental issues Also, the Friends of Semiahmoo Bay form, for members of the modernization of the Water Society, asked that naturalists general public who attend club Act is being timed for next begin to look at partnerships meetings to sign-in (providing summer. A follow-up meeting with other non-profit groups, liability protection for the club will discuss the issue of park local government and and potential membership funding, interpretation and corporations in order the carry follow-up); related issues. out programs. She stated that 7) there is a trend to require 3) Several BC Nature the current reliance on senior increased liability limits. executive positions require government for leadership and d) BC Naturalists’ Foundation filling: vice-president, education funding is not working. report: investment funds chair and communications Apparently, Surrey has adopted managed by the Foundation have director. Nominations/ a good model of this approach. yielded better than those volunteers needed. managed by the Vancouver 4) The Office Manager – Fall General Meeting: Foundation. Consequently, the Betty Davison - has taken over a) President’s Report: John Foundation will be able to offer responsibility for producing the Neville referred us to his about $6,000 in grants for club BC Nature Magazine – in written report. projects along with some extra addition to her other tasks – b) Changes to the Bylaws and funding from BC Nature. saving the organization about Constitution: several minor e) Other business: $4,000/year. Penny Edwards, deletions and additions to the 1) BC Nature has a new from Victoria, has volunteered Bylaws to bring them in line agreement which provides her journalist’s skills to assist with current conditions and office space for five more Betty with editing and layout. practices were recommended at years at the present site at no 5) The Kitimat Naturalists the AGM and passed at FGM. cost in exchange for services; are concerned about the Details can be found in the BC 2) John Neville, Claudia cumulative effects of logging, Nature magazine. Copley and Bev Ramey met with natural gas and methanol c) Office Report: Betty the provincial Assistant Deputy facilities, the aluminum smelter Davison reported that the for Parks to voice concerns over and the proposed Gateway provincial membership stands at a lack of communication and the Project of Enbridge on the 4,800, which is a growth of over absence of Species At Risk Kitimat River environment. Ten 300 members. Her current goal legislation, given the chance new pipelines are pending for is to strengthen communications that the federal government Kitimat. As registered within the organization. may try to weaken the federal interveners for the Gateway Comments from the meeting SARA. No action was promised, Project, the Kitimat club is acknowledged Betty’s hard work so it seems that the public seeking to have their river and efficiency. needs to urge that provincial placed on the list of the 10 d) Other reports: conservation, legislation is brought in quickly. most-endangered rivers in BC. parks and protected areas, However, there are plans to In their view, the river has the education, camp and club update the Wildlife Act and BC second largest estuary and reports were circulated as Nature will be kept informed. delta in BC. Letters requesting written reports or published in The Asst. Deputy Minister this status need to be written the magazine. indicated that the government to Mark Angelo of the Outdoor http://www.arrowsmithnats.org! PAGE 9 VOLUME #17 ARROWSMITH NATURALISTS NEWSLETTER ISSUE #3 OCTOBER 2011 The Young Naturalists are Krista Englund, the IBA 2) events: AGM 2012 – May expanding. Daphne Solecki and Program Coordinator, showed 11-13 at Kelowna; FGM 2012 – Tammy Keetch reported that the FGM the new signs Sept. 27-30 in Parksville; Salt the YNC have become involved produced by Nature Canada Spring camp – June 4-8, 2012; with Environment Canada and which will identify the IBA Manning Bird Blitz – June 15-17, participated in the “Healthy By sites to the public and provide 2012. Nature” conference. some interpretation. e) Project updates: Jude Grass f) Upcoming events and I know that this is an extensive reported that the Habitat deadlines: report, but it is my purpose to Conservation Trust Fund has 1) deadlines: club grants from provide insight into the work provided $44,000 for the the Foundation – Jan. 31, 2012; and concerns of naturalists Okanagan Wildlife Tree AGM resolutions – Feb. 28, throughout the province, while Stewardship (WiTS) program. 2012; nominations for BC giving a flavour of what we can Funding is still being sought for Nature Awards – Feb. 28, 2012; expect to experience when the the Lower Mainland and Rene Savenye Scholarship – Arrowsmith Nats co-host the Vancouver Island programs. Apr. 4, 2012; FGM next September. ARROWSMITH NATURALISTS - STATEMENT OF OPERATION 2011 - JUNE 27 TO SEPTEMEBER 30 REVENUE Coffee Fund $ 29.80 Membership Fees 82.00 Net Proceeds from Picnic Auction 59.00 170.80 EXPENDITURES Canada Trust - Charitable Donation to “Friends of the Environment Foundation” Fee for June to September @ $5.00 monthly x 4 20.00 Room Rental - S.D. #69; September 2010 to June 30 2011 252.00 B.C. Nature - Balance of Extra Insurance re SD #69 61.60 Kid Fest - Table Rental (Black & White Rentals) 32.66 Cheque Order Charges - 2 Deposit Books 29.75 Honouratium re September 26 (Lacelle) 20.00 416.01 Balance as at June 26 2011 2749.10 plus Revenue - June 27 to September 30 170.80 2919.90 less Expenditures - June 27 to September 30 416.01 Balance as at September 30 2011 $2503.89 $ Carol A. Philion, Treasurer$ $ October 4, 2011 http://www.arrowsmithnats.org! PAGE 10