Ongoing Events:
Year-Round:
Tuesday morning birding group: Meet at the foot
(waterfront) of Bowker Ave. (off Beach Dr.) at 9:00 am. Birding
activities take place at various locations around Greater Victoria.
For more information, call Bill Dancer at 250-721-5273.
Saturday morning birding: Call the Rare Bird Alert (250-704-2555) or click 'Rare Bird Alert' on the VNHS website (<www.vicnhs.bc.ca>) 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 or email Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca. Novice and experienced birders all welcome.
September to April: (No
presentations scheduled during May to August, or between December 14 and January 1.)
Natural History Night: 2nd Tuesday, 7:30
pm, University of Victoria (see details below for locations)
Botany Night: 3rd Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Swan
Lake Nature Centre
Birders' Night: 4th Wednesday, 7:30 pm, University
of Victoria (see details below for locations)
Marine Night: Last Monday, 7:30 pm, University
of Victoria (see details below for locations)
Codes for Field Trip Difficulty Levels:
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
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Saturday, September 4
FIELD TRIP
Saturday Morning Birding
Call the Rare Bird Alert (250-704-2555) or click ‘Rare Bird Alert’ on the VNHS website (<www.vicnhs.bc.ca>) 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 or email Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca. Novice and experienced birders all welcome.
Sunday, September 5 NEW!
FIELD TRIP
Shorebirding the Victoria Waterfront
Join Marie O'Shaugnessy for a morning of birding at a number of locations along the Oak Bay and Victoria waterfronts. 7.30 am start at Cattle Point to form carpools to visit Bowker Ave, Oak Bay Marina, Clover Point and Ogden Point with coffee to finish in the Ogden Point Cafe.
Saturday, September 11
FIELD TRIP
Saturday Morning Birding
Call the Rare Bird Alert (250-704-2555) or click ‘Rare Bird Alert’ on the VNHS website (<www.vicnhs.bc.ca>) 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 or email Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca. Novice and experienced birders all welcome.
Tuesday, September 14
NATURAL HISTORY PRESENTATION
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
FIELD TRIP
Saturday Morning Birding
Call the Rare Bird Alert (250-704-2555) or click ‘Rare Bird Alert’ on the VNHS website (<www.vicnhs.bc.ca>) 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 or email Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca. Novice and experienced birders all welcome.
Saturday, September 18
EVENT
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
EVENT
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.
Sunday, September 19
Field Trip (LEVEL 3)
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 thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634 to register or for more information.
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!
Wednesday, September 22
BIRDERS’ 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
FIELD TRIP
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. VNHS Members! – Stay afterwards for a BBQ Social – check out the invitation on the bottom of page 4 in this newsletter.
Sunday, September 26
FIELD TRIP (Level 1)
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 or emailing her at
motmot@shaw.ca.
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!
October 2010
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Saturday, October 2
FIELD TRIP
Saturday Morning Birding
Call the Rare Bird Alert (250-704-2555) or click ‘Rare Bird Alert’ on the VNHS website (<www.vicnhs.bc.ca>) 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 or email Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca. Novice and experienced birders all welcome.
Saturday, October 9
FIELD TRIP (Level 1)
Juan De Fuca Pelagic Birding
Please see description under Sunday, September 26.
Saturday, October 9
FIELD TRIP
Saturday Morning Birding
Call the Rare Bird Alert (250-704-2555) or click ‘Rare Bird Alert’ on the VNHS website (<www.vicnhs.bc.ca>) 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 or email Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca. Novice and experienced birders all welcome.
Tuesday, October 12
NATURAL HISTORY PRESENTATION
Sea Otters and Persistent Organic Pollution
MSc. candidate Cait Nelson will discus her research into the impacts of persistent organic pollutants on a population of marine foraging river otters on southern Vancouver Island. Previous research has established that river otters are being exposed to high levels of environmental contaminants, particularly PCBs, through their diet. There is however limited knowledge of coastal river ecology in this region. As a top predator species, the river otter plays a critical role in ecosystem stability and as such is well suited as a sentinel species for environmental monitoring. The goal is to begin to quantify contaminant exposure in these animals by first defining home ranges, habitat use and movement patterns. The study employs a multi-disciplinary approach, including non-invasive genetic techniques, to better our understanding of river otter and ecosystem health in the study area. 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, October 16
FIELD TRIP
Saturday Morning Birding
Call the Rare Bird Alert (250-704-2555) or click ‘Rare Bird Alert’ on the VNHS website (<www.vicnhs.bc.ca>) 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 or email Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca. Novice and experienced birders all welcome.
Tuesday, October 19
BOTANY NIGHT
Identification Blitz
Clean off your computer folders or slide binders and bring your jpegs and slides that you cannot identify. In case that you do not have any unidentified botanical photos, bring your best stuff to challenge the others. Swan Lake Nature House, 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Bring a friend!
Saturday, October 23
FIELD TRIP
Saturday Morning Birding
Call the Rare Bird Alert (250-704-2555) or click ‘Rare Bird Alert’ on the VNHS website (<www.vicnhs.bc.ca>) 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 or email Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca. Novice and experienced birders all welcome.
Sunday, October 24
FIELD TRIP (Level 1)
Juan De Fuca Pelagic Birding
Please see description under Sunday, September 26.
Monday, October 25
MARINE NIGHT
The Effect of Ocean Acidification on Intertidal Mollusks
The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide is leading to increased acidity in the ocean surface. In the next 90–100 years this may have a dramatic influence on the species that inhabit the intertidal zone, particularly those that secrete shells of calcium carbonate. Most studies of this phenomenon have been limited to the adult stage, however early development may also be impacted as mollusk shells often begin forming within days of fertilization. Heather Stewart, a Masters student at UVic, has been studying the disruptions at this early developmental stage and will present some background and report on her findings. Meet at 7:30 p.m. in Room 159 of the Fraser Building. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Bring a friend!
Wednesday, October 27
BIRDERS’ NIGHT
Birds at Sea
Marine birds are among the most spectacular and diverse members of the marine environment. They are also among the most vulnerable to human activities. Beginning in 2005, Raincoast Conservation Foundation has undertaken extensive at-sea marine bird surveys in the waters that stretch from Dixon Entrance south through Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound. With major industrial developments, including oil supertankers, being proposed for these waters, marine bird conservation concerns are growing. Join Caroline Fox, Marine Bird Program Coordinator, on a seasonal journey with the marine birds that inhabit the waters lying adjacent to the Great Bear Rainforest. 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, October 30
FIELD TRIP
Saturday Morning Birding
Call the Rare Bird Alert (250-704-2555) or click ‘Rare Bird Alert’ on the VNHS website (<www.vicnhs.bc.ca>) 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 or email Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca. Novice and experienced birders all welcome.
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