October 7 – Victoria Natural History Society

2019 October 7

Some of Jochen Möhr’s moths from Metchosin yesterday, identified by Libby Avis.

Ceranemota fasciata (Lep.: Drepanidae – Thysanurinae) Jochen Möhr

Agrotis ipsilon (Lep.: Noctuidae) Jochen Möhr

Tetracis jubararia/pallulata (Lep.: Geometridae) Jochen Möhr

…and some from this morning:

Tetracis jubararia/pallulata (Lep.: Geometridae) Jochen Möhr

Ceranemota fasciata (Lep.: Drepanidae – Thysanurinae) Jochen Möhr

On October 5, Jochen photographed the harvestman below, which is not the ubiquitous Phalangium opilio. Dr Philip Bragg of UBC writes: It is difficult to be completely sure about this identification since I cannot see some of the diagnostic features I would have liked to have seen, e.g . is the palpal claw toothed? However, I think it likely that this harvestman is Nelima paessleri.

So, photographers, next time you snap a harvestman, be sure to get a close-up of the palps! And, by the way, did you know that the second pair of legs of most harvestmen is the longest? Well, ye ken noo.

Probably Nelima paessleri (Opi.: Sclerosomatidae) Jochen Möhr

October 2019

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Tuesday Birding
Tuesday Birding

October 1, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria

TUESDAY BIRDING Meets every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 a.m., or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 a.m, rain or shine. Birding activities take place at various locations around Greater Victoria.
For more information call Bill Dancer at 250-721-5273 or Agnes Lynn at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634. Novice and experienced VNHS members all welcome.

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Swan Lake Bird Walks
Swan Lake Bird Walks

October 2, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada

Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk.

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Saturday Birding - Whiffin Spit
Saturday Birding - Whiffin Spit

October 5, 2019 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Whiffin Spit, CAPITAL, SUBD. C, BC V9Z 0T4, Canada

The VNHS Saturday Birding Group on Sat Oct 5 will be visiting Whiffin Spit. Meet at 8:00 am at Whiffin Spit. To reach Whiffin Spit, go through Sooke and watch for Whiffin Spit Rd on your left (same turnoff as Sooke Harbour House). There should be a few shorebirds and maybe a Lapland Longspur or Horned Lark or other interesting migrant stopping by. It’s a nice walk along the Spit.For more details, contact Agnes Lynn at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634.

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Birds of Beechey Head
Birds of Beechey Head

October 5, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
East Sooke Regional Park - Aylard Farm Parking Lot, 288 Becher Bay Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 1B7, Canada

Birds of Beechey Head CRD walk with Geoffrey Newell – non-VNHS event

Join expert birder Geoffrey Newell for a second opportunity to observe raptors and other birds during the fall migration at the Hawk Watch lookout in East Sooke Park, on Saturday, Oct. 5. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the kiosk at Aylard Farm, in East Sooke Park.

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Swan Lake Bird Walks
Swan Lake Bird Walks

October 6, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada

Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk.

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Juan de Fuca Pelagic Birding
Juan de Fuca Pelagic Birding

October 6, 2019 @ 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 3B9, Canada

FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 1)

We have once again hired the boat Fantasea II to go from Victoria Harbour out into the Juan De Fuca Strait and towards 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, many species of gulls, phalaropes and other pelagics. We generally are able to go through Race Rocks to see close-up the variety of sea lions and seals who laze on the rocks there. We are sometimes treated to views of whales if they are in the area.
There is room for 20 people. The cost is $75.00 per person for VNHS members, $95.00 for non-members. The trip is 5 hours (9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.). Please book as soon as possible, by Sunday September 29 at the latest. First contact Agnes to reserve your spot. Then pay online (details when you register) or you can pay by cheque (address when you register). See more details about the trip at http://vicnhs.bc.ca/fantasea.html . Contact Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca or (250) 721-0634 to reserve or if you need more information.

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Tuesday Birding
Tuesday Birding

October 8, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria

TUESDAY BIRDING Meets every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 a.m., or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 a.m, rain or shine. Birding activities take place at various locations around Greater Victoria.
For more information call Bill Dancer at 250-721-5273 or Agnes Lynn at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634. Novice and experienced VNHS members all welcome.

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Early Naturalists
Early Naturalists

October 8, 2019 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Room 159, Fraser Building, Fraser Bldg, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada

NATURAL HISTORY NIGHT

In Nature’s Realm: Early Naturalists Explore Vancouver Island
Michael Layland will introduce his third book delving into the progression of European knowledge of Vancouver Island. The book celebrates how the diverse local flora and fauna captured the interest of naturalists among the explorers, settlers, and visitors. As a life-long amateur naturalist, Michael has combined this interest with his researches into the history of exploration and cartography of our island and its surrounding waters. Trained as a map maker and officer in the Royal Engineers, he has worked on many mapping-related projects.
Copies of his books will be available for sale and signing. Program begins at 7:30 p.m. in Room 159 of the Fraser Building, UVic. Everyone is welcome.

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Swan Lake Bird Walks
Swan Lake Bird Walks

October 9, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada

Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk.

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Visit to UVic Observatory
Visit to UVic Observatory

October 10, 2019 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
University of Victoria - Bob Wright Centre - Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (BWC), 3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada

Thursday, October 10
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2)
Visit to UVic Observatory
Dr. Karun Thanjavur will lead us on a private tour of University of Victoria’s Observatory, located on the main campus in the Bob Wright Centre, starting at 7:00 p.m. and lasting 1.5 to 2 hours. He will begin by discussing astronomy and some of the topics will include how telescopes work, what work the University is presently engaged in and astronomical topics you may have seen in the news. You will be able to look through some of the smaller telescopes as well as the 80 cm one. You will be given an opportunity to ask questions.
You must reserve before October 3 as there are a limited number of spaces available. We will meet in the lobby of the Bob Wright Centre (by the main entrance on the Ring Road side). Dress appropriately as we will be outside for part of the tour to look through the telescopes. Parking with a fee of $3.50 in lot 1 or some space in lot B or come by bus. Contact Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca or (250) 721- 0634 to reserve or if you need more information.

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Birding at Viaduct Flats - Changed Date
Birding at Viaduct Flats - Changed Date

October 12, 2019 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Interurban Rd & Viaduct Ave W, Saanich, BC V9E 2B7, Canada

FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2)

CHANGED DATE - Birding at Viaduct Flats
Come join the VNHS Saturday Birding Group at Viaduct Flats. Some birds will be back enjoying this area by now after the quiet summer season. As well as good birds on the water, there should be lots in the surrounding woods. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the viewing platform. This is near the intersection of Interurban Road and Viaduct Avenue. Contact Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca or (250) 721-0634 for more information.

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Juan de Fuca Pelagic Birding
Juan de Fuca Pelagic Birding

October 12, 2019 @ 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Wharf Street, Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W, Canada

FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 1)

Juan de Fuca Pelagic Birding
We have once again hired the boat Fantasea II to go from Victoria Harbour out into the Juan De Fuca Strait and towards 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, many species of gulls, phalaropes and other pelagics. We generally are able to go through Race Rocks to see close-up the variety of sea lions and seals who laze on the rocks there. We are sometimes treated to views of whales if they are in the area.
There is room for 20 people. The cost is $75.00 per person for VNHS members, $95.00 for non-members. The trip is 5 hours (9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.). Please book as soon as possible, by Saturday October 5 at the latest. First contact Agnes to reserve your spot. Then pay online (details when you register) or you can pay by cheque (address when you register). See more details about the trip at http://vicnhs.bc.ca/fantasea.html . Contact Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca or (250) 721-0634 to reserve or if you need more information.

See more details

Swan Lake Bird Walks
Swan Lake Bird Walks

October 13, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada

Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk.

See more details

Tuesday Birding
Tuesday Birding

October 15, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria

TUESDAY BIRDING Meets every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 a.m., or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 a.m, rain or shine. Birding activities take place at various locations around Greater Victoria.
For more information call Bill Dancer at 250-721-5273 or Agnes Lynn at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634. Novice and experienced VNHS members all welcome.

See more details
Bufflehead Speaker Series
Bufflehead Speaker Series

October 15, 2019 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Bateman Centre for Nature, 470 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8V 1W9

Local birding expert, Ann Nightingale will share her views on The Joy of Birds and Why Birds and Buffleheads Matter during a 45min presentation with a Q&A to follow.

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Botany Night
Botany Night

October 15, 2019 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Swan Lake - The Nature House, Saanich, BC V8X 2B1, Canada

BOTANY NIGHT

The Curious World of Broomrapes
Orobanches and their close relatives are holoparasitic plants. The species found in BC are mostly seen as curiosities. Elsewhere in the world, however, they can be crop pests. Perhaps their ecological role is underestimated. Join Matt Fairbarns at the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature House, 7:30 p.m. to learn more about these unusual plants. Everyone welcome.

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Swan Lake Bird Walks
Swan Lake Bird Walks

October 16, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada

Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk.

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Saturday Birding - North Saanich - CHANGED LOCATION
Saturday Birding - North Saanich - CHANGED LOCATION

October 19, 2019 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Surfside Place, sidney bc

The VNHS Saturday Birding Group will be going to check out the waterfront areas north of Sidney this Saturday October 19.(CHANGED from Naturalist which had Viaduct Flats) Since October 19 will celebrate All Buffleheads Day this year, we are going in search of the return of the Bufflehead who generally return to this area on or about October 15 every year. Of course there will be lots of other birds on and off the water to see as well. Meet at 8:00 am at the end ofSurfside Place in Sidney. To reach Surfside, from Beacon go left on 3rd, right on Beaufort, right on to Surfside. We hope to link up with the ceremony organized by the Friends of Shoal Harbour for All Buffleheads Day at 9:30 – 10:00 am at the Ardwell Beach Access. See more details for the All Bufflehead Day events on this web Calendar.

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2019 All Buffleheads Celebration
2019 All Buffleheads Celebration

October 19, 2019 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Ardwell Road and Resthaven Drive, Sidney BC

2019 All Buffleheads celebration of migratory bird sanctuaries, naturehood & community

Friends of Shoal Harbour invite you to our annual Bufflehead Welcoming ceremony
10:00 am, Saturday, October 19
Beach access at the intersection of Ardwell Road and Resthaven Drive, Sidney BC
Birdwatching, children’s activities, displays and more organized by Friends of Shoal Harbour supported by Nature

canadabufflegabmail@gmail.com or 250 656 7953

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Bufflehead Speaker Series
Bufflehead Speaker Series

October 19, 2019 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC V8X 3W1, Canada

Birds of Canada author, Dr. David Bird, will share his views on The Joy of Birds and Why Birds and Buffleheads Matter during a 45min presentation with a Q&A to follow. Do not forget to bring your favourite edition of one of Dr. Bird’s many books with you to be signed!

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Swan Lake Bird Walks
Swan Lake Bird Walks

October 20, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada

Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk.

See more details

Tuesday Birding
Tuesday Birding

October 22, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria

TUESDAY BIRDING Meets every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 a.m., or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 a.m, rain or shine. Birding activities take place at various locations around Greater Victoria.
For more information call Bill Dancer at 250-721-5273 or Agnes Lynn at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634. Novice and experienced VNHS members all welcome.

See more details

Swan Lake Bird Walks
Swan Lake Bird Walks

October 23, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada

Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk.

See more details
Birders' Night
Birders' Night

October 23, 2019 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Room 159, Fraser Building, Fraser Bldg, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada

Marine-fuelled Birds of the Great Bear Rainforest

Join John Reynolds from Simon Fraser University to learn about how nutrients from salmon, river otters and beached kelp find their way into songbirds. Much of this information comes from the 100 Islands Project of the Hakai Institute, where researchers are looking at how nutrients from the sea are affecting the ecology and interactions of plants, birds, mammals, and insects.

We meet in Room 159 of the Fraser Building, UVic at 7:30 p.m. Come early to socialize! Presentation begins after VNHS announcements and coffee. Everyone is welcome.

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Saturday Birding
Saturday Birding

October 26, 2019 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Victoria, BC, Canada

Meets every Saturday morning, usually at 8:00 a.m., rain or shine. Check here on the Thursday/Friday before to find out the week’s time and location. Novice and experienced VNHS members all welcome. Non-members can participate up to three times, after which they are expected to join the Society.

For more details or to find out time & location if it is not described here, contact Agnes Lynn at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634.

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Swan Lake Bird Walks
Swan Lake Bird Walks

October 27, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada

Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk.

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Deep-Sea Discoveries
Deep-Sea Discoveries

October 28, 2019 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Room 159, Fraser Building, Fraser Bldg, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada

MARINE NIGHT

Deep-Sea Discoveries: Exploring the Underwater Volcanoes offshore of British Columbia
Dr. Cherisse Du Preez and Tammy Norgard will speak about underwater volcanic mountains that are home to a wealth of marine life, from tiny corals to giant whales. These deep-sea oases are prominent features in Canada’s Pacific waters. Over the last two years, in a unique and collaborative scientific effort, Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists from Vancouver Island have led oceanic expeditions to map and explore these seamounts. The teams have used large ships, submersible vehicles, and underwater cameras to document habitats thousands of meters below the waves—filming a hidden world and its alien-like animals, including many species that are new to science.
Join us at 7:30 pm in Room 159 of the Fraser Building, University of Victoria. Everyone is welcome.

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Tuesday Birding
Tuesday Birding

October 29, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria

TUESDAY BIRDING Meets every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 a.m., or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 a.m, rain or shine. Birding activities take place at various locations around Greater Victoria.
For more information call Bill Dancer at 250-721-5273 or Agnes Lynn at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634. Novice and experienced VNHS members all welcome.

See more details

Swan Lake Bird Walks
Swan Lake Bird Walks

October 30, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada

Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk.

See more details

	October 2019
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
		1 Tuesday Birding Tuesday Birding October 1, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria TUESDAY BIRDING Meets every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 a.m., or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 a.m, rain or shine. Birding activities take place at various locations around Greater Victoria. For more information call Bill Dancer at 250-721-5273 or Agnes Lynn at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634. Novice and experienced VNHS members all welcome. See more details •	2 Swan Lake Bird Walks Swan Lake Bird Walks October 2, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk. See more details •	3	4	5 Saturday Birding - Whiffin Spit Saturday Birding - Whiffin Spit October 5, 2019 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am Whiffin Spit, CAPITAL, SUBD. C, BC V9Z 0T4, Canada The VNHS Saturday Birding Group on Sat Oct 5 will be visiting Whiffin Spit. Meet at 8:00 am at Whiffin Spit. To reach Whiffin Spit, go through Sooke and watch for Whiffin Spit Rd on your left (same turnoff as Sooke Harbour House). There should be a few shorebirds and maybe a Lapland Longspur or Horned Lark or other interesting migrant stopping by. It’s a nice walk along the Spit.For more details, contact Agnes Lynn at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634. See more details Birds of Beechey Head Birds of Beechey Head October 5, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm East Sooke Regional Park - Aylard Farm Parking Lot, 288 Becher Bay Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 1B7, Canada Birds of Beechey Head CRD walk with Geoffrey Newell – non-VNHS event Join expert birder Geoffrey Newell for a second opportunity to observe raptors and other birds during the fall migration at the Hawk Watch lookout in East Sooke Park, on Saturday, Oct. 5. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the kiosk at Aylard Farm, in East Sooke Park. See more details • •
6 Swan Lake Bird Walks Swan Lake Bird Walks October 6, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk. See more details Juan de Fuca Pelagic Birding Juan de Fuca Pelagic Birding October 6, 2019 @ 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 3B9, Canada FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 1) We have once again hired the boat Fantasea II to go from Victoria Harbour out into the Juan De Fuca Strait and towards 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, many species of gulls, phalaropes and other pelagics. We generally are able to go through Race Rocks to see close-up the variety of sea lions and seals who laze on the rocks there. We are sometimes treated to views of whales if they are in the area. There is room for 20 people. The cost is $75.00 per person for VNHS members, $95.00 for non-members. The trip is 5 hours (9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.). Please book as soon as possible, by Sunday September 29 at the latest. First contact Agnes to reserve your spot. Then pay online (details when you register) or you can pay by cheque (address when you register). See more details about the trip at http://vicnhs.bc.ca/fantasea.html . Contact Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca or (250) 721-0634 to reserve or if you need more information. See more details • •	7	8 Tuesday Birding Tuesday Birding October 8, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria TUESDAY BIRDING Meets every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 a.m., or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 a.m, rain or shine. Birding activities take place at various locations around Greater Victoria. For more information call Bill Dancer at 250-721-5273 or Agnes Lynn at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634. Novice and experienced VNHS members all welcome. See more details Early Naturalists Early Naturalists October 8, 2019 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Room 159, Fraser Building, Fraser Bldg, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada NATURAL HISTORY NIGHT In Nature’s Realm: Early Naturalists Explore Vancouver Island Michael Layland will introduce his third book delving into the progression of European knowledge of Vancouver Island. The book celebrates how the diverse local flora and fauna captured the interest of naturalists among the explorers, settlers, and visitors. As a life-long amateur naturalist, Michael has combined this interest with his researches into the history of exploration and cartography of our island and its surrounding waters. Trained as a map maker and officer in the Royal Engineers, he has worked on many mapping-related projects. Copies of his books will be available for sale and signing. Program begins at 7:30 p.m. in Room 159 of the Fraser Building, UVic. Everyone is welcome. See more details • •	9 Swan Lake Bird Walks Swan Lake Bird Walks October 9, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk. See more details •	10 Visit to UVic Observatory Visit to UVic Observatory October 10, 2019 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm University of Victoria - Bob Wright Centre - Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (BWC), 3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada Thursday, October 10 FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2) Visit to UVic Observatory Dr. Karun Thanjavur will lead us on a private tour of University of Victoria’s Observatory, located on the main campus in the Bob Wright Centre, starting at 7:00 p.m. and lasting 1.5 to 2 hours. He will begin by discussing astronomy and some of the topics will include how telescopes work, what work the University is presently engaged in and astronomical topics you may have seen in the news. You will be able to look through some of the smaller telescopes as well as the 80 cm one. You will be given an opportunity to ask questions. You must reserve before October 3 as there are a limited number of spaces available. We will meet in the lobby of the Bob Wright Centre (by the main entrance on the Ring Road side). Dress appropriately as we will be outside for part of the tour to look through the telescopes. Parking with a fee of $3.50 in lot 1 or some space in lot B or come by bus. Contact Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca or (250) 721- 0634 to reserve or if you need more information. See more details •	11	12 Birding at Viaduct Flats - Changed Date Birding at Viaduct Flats - Changed Date October 12, 2019 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am Interurban Rd & Viaduct Ave W, Saanich, BC V9E 2B7, Canada FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2) CHANGED DATE - Birding at Viaduct Flats Come join the VNHS Saturday Birding Group at Viaduct Flats. Some birds will be back enjoying this area by now after the quiet summer season. As well as good birds on the water, there should be lots in the surrounding woods. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the viewing platform. This is near the intersection of Interurban Road and Viaduct Avenue. Contact Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca or (250) 721-0634 for more information. See more details Juan de Fuca Pelagic Birding Juan de Fuca Pelagic Birding October 12, 2019 @ 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Wharf Street, Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W, Canada FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 1) Juan de Fuca Pelagic Birding We have once again hired the boat Fantasea II to go from Victoria Harbour out into the Juan De Fuca Strait and towards 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, many species of gulls, phalaropes and other pelagics. We generally are able to go through Race Rocks to see close-up the variety of sea lions and seals who laze on the rocks there. We are sometimes treated to views of whales if they are in the area. There is room for 20 people. The cost is $75.00 per person for VNHS members, $95.00 for non-members. The trip is 5 hours (9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.). Please book as soon as possible, by Saturday October 5 at the latest. First contact Agnes to reserve your spot. Then pay online (details when you register) or you can pay by cheque (address when you register). See more details about the trip at http://vicnhs.bc.ca/fantasea.html . Contact Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca or (250) 721-0634 to reserve or if you need more information. See more details • •
13 Swan Lake Bird Walks Swan Lake Bird Walks October 13, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk. See more details •	14	15 Tuesday Birding Tuesday Birding October 15, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria TUESDAY BIRDING Meets every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 a.m., or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 a.m, rain or shine. Birding activities take place at various locations around Greater Victoria. For more information call Bill Dancer at 250-721-5273 or Agnes Lynn at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634. Novice and experienced VNHS members all welcome. See more details Bufflehead Speaker Series Bufflehead Speaker Series October 15, 2019 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Bateman Centre for Nature, 470 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8V 1W9 Local birding expert, Ann Nightingale will share her views on The Joy of Birds and Why Birds and Buffleheads Matter during a 45min presentation with a Q&A to follow. See more details Botany Night Botany Night October 15, 2019 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Swan Lake - The Nature House, Saanich, BC V8X 2B1, Canada BOTANY NIGHT The Curious World of Broomrapes Orobanches and their close relatives are holoparasitic plants. The species found in BC are mostly seen as curiosities. Elsewhere in the world, however, they can be crop pests. Perhaps their ecological role is underestimated. Join Matt Fairbarns at the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature House, 7:30 p.m. to learn more about these unusual plants. Everyone welcome. See more details • • •	16 Swan Lake Bird Walks Swan Lake Bird Walks October 16, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk. See more details •	17	18	19 Saturday Birding - North Saanich - CHANGED LOCATION Saturday Birding - North Saanich - CHANGED LOCATION October 19, 2019 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am Surfside Place, sidney bc The VNHS Saturday Birding Group will be going to check out the waterfront areas north of Sidney this Saturday October 19.(CHANGED from Naturalist which had Viaduct Flats) Since October 19 will celebrate All Buffleheads Day this year, we are going in search of the return of the Bufflehead who generally return to this area on or about October 15 every year. Of course there will be lots of other birds on and off the water to see as well. Meet at 8:00 am at the end ofSurfside Place in Sidney. To reach Surfside, from Beacon go left on 3rd, right on Beaufort, right on to Surfside. We hope to link up with the ceremony organized by the Friends of Shoal Harbour for All Buffleheads Day at 9:30 – 10:00 am at the Ardwell Beach Access. See more details for the All Bufflehead Day events on this web Calendar. See more details 2019 All Buffleheads Celebration 2019 All Buffleheads Celebration October 19, 2019 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Ardwell Road and Resthaven Drive, Sidney BC 2019 All Buffleheads celebration of migratory bird sanctuaries, naturehood & community Friends of Shoal Harbour invite you to our annual Bufflehead Welcoming ceremony 10:00 am, Saturday, October 19 Beach access at the intersection of Ardwell Road and Resthaven Drive, Sidney BC Birdwatching, children’s activities, displays and more organized by Friends of Shoal Harbour supported by Nature canadabufflegabmail@gmail.com or 250 656 7953 See more details Bufflehead Speaker Series Bufflehead Speaker Series October 19, 2019 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC V8X 3W1, Canada Birds of Canada author, Dr. David Bird, will share his views on The Joy of Birds and Why Birds and Buffleheads Matter during a 45min presentation with a Q&A to follow. Do not forget to bring your favourite edition of one of Dr. Bird’s many books with you to be signed! See more details • • •
20 Swan Lake Bird Walks Swan Lake Bird Walks October 20, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk. See more details •	21	22 Tuesday Birding Tuesday Birding October 22, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria TUESDAY BIRDING Meets every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 a.m., or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 a.m, rain or shine. Birding activities take place at various locations around Greater Victoria. For more information call Bill Dancer at 250-721-5273 or Agnes Lynn at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634. Novice and experienced VNHS members all welcome. See more details •	23 Swan Lake Bird Walks Swan Lake Bird Walks October 23, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk. See more details Birders' Night Birders' Night October 23, 2019 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Room 159, Fraser Building, Fraser Bldg, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada Marine-fuelled Birds of the Great Bear Rainforest Join John Reynolds from Simon Fraser University to learn about how nutrients from salmon, river otters and beached kelp find their way into songbirds. Much of this information comes from the 100 Islands Project of the Hakai Institute, where researchers are looking at how nutrients from the sea are affecting the ecology and interactions of plants, birds, mammals, and insects. We meet in Room 159 of the Fraser Building, UVic at 7:30 p.m. Come early to socialize! Presentation begins after VNHS announcements and coffee. Everyone is welcome. See more details • •	24	25	26 Saturday Birding Saturday Birding October 26, 2019 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am Victoria, BC, Canada Meets every Saturday morning, usually at 8:00 a.m., rain or shine. Check here on the Thursday/Friday before to find out the week’s time and location. Novice and experienced VNHS members all welcome. Non-members can participate up to three times, after which they are expected to join the Society. For more details or to find out time & location if it is not described here, contact Agnes Lynn at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634. See more details •
27 Swan Lake Bird Walks Swan Lake Bird Walks October 27, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk. See more details •	28 Deep-Sea Discoveries Deep-Sea Discoveries October 28, 2019 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Room 159, Fraser Building, Fraser Bldg, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada MARINE NIGHT Deep-Sea Discoveries: Exploring the Underwater Volcanoes offshore of British Columbia Dr. Cherisse Du Preez and Tammy Norgard will speak about underwater volcanic mountains that are home to a wealth of marine life, from tiny corals to giant whales. These deep-sea oases are prominent features in Canada’s Pacific waters. Over the last two years, in a unique and collaborative scientific effort, Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists from Vancouver Island have led oceanic expeditions to map and explore these seamounts. The teams have used large ships, submersible vehicles, and underwater cameras to document habitats thousands of meters below the waves—filming a hidden world and its alien-like animals, including many species that are new to science. Join us at 7:30 pm in Room 159 of the Fraser Building, University of Victoria. Everyone is welcome. See more details •	29 Tuesday Birding Tuesday Birding October 29, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria TUESDAY BIRDING Meets every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 a.m., or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 a.m, rain or shine. Birding activities take place at various locations around Greater Victoria. For more information call Bill Dancer at 250-721-5273 or Agnes Lynn at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634. Novice and experienced VNHS members all welcome. See more details •	30 Swan Lake Bird Walks Swan Lake Bird Walks October 30, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada Every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street. Note that the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Store in Shelbourne Plaza posts the bird reports from the Sunday walk. See more details •	31