August 9 evening – Victoria Natural History Society

August 9 evening

On July 2 morning, we posted a photograph of a syrphid fly, but I didn’t know who the photographer was. Will anyone admit to photographing it? In any case I’m happy to say that we now have an identification for the fly if not for the photographer. Thanks to Michelle Locke for identifying it as Dasysyrphus intrudens, which she describes as “a complex of species, yet to be sorted out”.

Jeremy Tatum shows a photograph of a female caterpillar of the Vapourer Moth (also known as the Rusty Tussock Moth) from English Hawthorn at Quick’s Bottom.

Vapourer (Rusty Tussock) Orgyia antiqua (Lep.: Erebidae – Lymantriidae) Jeremy Tatum

May 2025

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Birding at Little Saanich Mountain (Observatory Hill)
Birding at Little Saanich Mountain (Observatory Hill)

May 3, 2025 @ 7:30 am - 10:30 am
National Research Council Canada, 5071 W Saanich Rd, Victoria, BC V9E 2E7, Canada

FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2.5)

Meet at 7:30 a.m. Join us on a birding walk at Little Saanich Mountain, locally known as Observatory Hill. Western Tanagers, House Wrens, and a variety of woodpeckers, flycatchers, and warblers are among the possibilities.

LEADER: Kevin Slagboom

DIRECTIONS: Meet at the bottom of the road leading up the mountain (5071 West Saanich Road).

See more details
Wildflower Tour of Uplands Park
Wildflower Tour of Uplands Park

May 3, 2025 @ 8:45 am - 12:00 pm

FIELD TRIP (Level 1.5)

Check in at 8:45 a.m., walk starts at 9 a.m. and runs until about noon. The walk is considered easy but some of the walk will take place on fairly narrow trails around small rocky outcrops. Uplands Park has one of the highest concentrations of rare plant species in the province and some of the best Garry oak meadows and woodlands in the capital region. The first restoration work ever conducted was started by Girl Guides who began removing Scotch Broom in the 1990s. Restoration has expanded greatly since that time and is now guided by an 8-year management plan and involves the participation of community, the municipality and the provincial and federal governments. Wylie Thomas, a restoration practitioner and botanist, will lead the tour, sharing information on the federally funded restoration project that has been underway since 2006. The wildflower meadows promise to put on a colourful display that will not disappoint. Maximum 20 participants. A waitlist will be maintained.

NOTE: Registration is required. Meet-up location details will be sent with registration confirmation. Please send registration requests to: eeaston.vnhs@gmail.com.

See more details

Monthly Butterfly Walk
Monthly Butterfly Walk

May 4, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Field trip (Level 2)

Join us on our monthly Butterfly Walk. Each outing is intended to help us learn more about local butterflies. This field trip is weather-dependent as it needs to be sunny and warm to make it worthwhile. We start at the top of Mount Tolmie (off Cedar Hill X Road). Meet at 1 p.m. in the lot by the reservoir where we will have an initial look for butterflies and then decide where to go from there. Car-pooling is encouraged. We try to return by 4 p.m.  Cancellations or special instructions will be posted on the calendar closer to the date. Contact Gordon Hart at 250-721-1264 or butterflies@vicnhs.bc.ca  for more information.

See more details
The Evening Chorus at Blenkinsop Lake
The Evening Chorus at Blenkinsop Lake

May 4, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Lochside Trail Parking, 4050 Lochside Dr, Victoria, BC V8X 2C8, Canada

FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 1)

Meet at 7:00 p.m. -- Blenkinsop Lake is a great place for evening birding. Commuting cyclists and group running clubs are done for the day, and we should have the trail largely to ourselves. Late in the day, diurnal birds are starting to wind down but are still foraging for the day's last meal for themselves and their young. A few songbirds sing until late in the day or even for a while after sunset. Crepuscular birds such as owls will be active.

LEADER: Kevin Slagboom

DIRECTIONS: Parking is available between Don Mann Excavating (4098 Lochside Drive) and the Lochside Trail.

See more details

Tuesday Birding
Tuesday Birding

May 6, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria

TUESDAY BIRDING. We meet every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 am, or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 am, 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

World Migratory Bird Day
World Migratory Bird Day

May 10, 2025 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Victoria Region

FIELDTRIP (LEVEL 2)

Meet at 10:00 a.m. for a joint Nature Victoria / RPBO walk at Beacon Hill Park to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD). Each year, WMBD selects a central theme to inspire action and concentrate global efforts towards preserving the habitats and well-being of migratory birds. The 2025 theme underscores the urgent need for bird-friendly cities, combining scientific insights with practical steps for individuals and communities to support these remarkable creatures. DIRECTIONS: Meet at the large parking lot next to the petting zoo on Circle Drive.

See more details

Tuesday Birding
Tuesday Birding

May 13, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria

TUESDAY BIRDING. We meet every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 am, or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 am, 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

Evening Birding at Blenkinsop Lake
Evening Birding at Blenkinsop Lake

May 14, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Lochside Trail Parking, 4050 Lochside Dr, Victoria, BC V8X 2C8, Canada

Meet at 7:00 p.m. -- Join us for a delightful evening walk at Blenkinsop Lake, starting from the Don Mann entrance on Lochside Drive, where we'll venture along the scenic south trail to Lohbrunner and back.

This area is particularly vibrant in the evenings, making it an ideal opportunity for birdwatching enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of bird species that inhabit the trail and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us.

LEADER: Kevin Slagboom

DIRECTIONS: Parking is available between Don Mann Excavating (4098 Lochside Drive) and the Lochside Trail.

See more details

Birding the Power Lines and Ponds at the Hydro Substation Near Francis/King Park
Birding the Power Lines and Ponds at the Hydro Substation Near Francis/King Park

May 17, 2025 @ 7:00 am - 10:00 am
Francis/King Regional Park, Munn Rd, Saanich, BC V9E 1J2, Canada

FIELDTRIP (LEVEL 3)

Meet at 7:00 a.m. Join us for a walk along the power lines that border Francis/King Park and the area around the Hydro substation. This is a great place to hear or see most of our warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, and is the most reliable spot for Black-throated Grey Warbler. This is a 4 to 5 hour walk. Bring a drink and a snack if you wish.

LEADER: Kevin Slagboom

DIRECTIONS: Meet at the Francis/King Park Nature House on Munn Road.

See more details

The Evening Chorus at Blenkinsop Lake
The Evening Chorus at Blenkinsop Lake

May 18, 2025 @ 7:15 pm - 9:15 pm
Lochside Trail Parking, 4050 Lochside Dr, Victoria, BC V8X 2C8, Canada

FIELDTRIP (LEVEL 1)

Meet at 7:15 p.m. -- Blenkinsop Lake is a great place for evening birding. Commuting cyclists and group running clubs are done for the day, and we should have the trail largely to ourselves. Late in the day, diurnal birds are starting to wind down but are still foraging for the day's last meal for themselves and their young. A few songbirds sing until late in the day or even for a while after sunset. Crepuscular birds such as owls will be active.

LEADER: Kevin Slagboom

DIRECTIONS: Parking is available between Don Mann Excavating (4098 Lochside Drive) and the Lochside Trail.

See more details

Natural History Cycling Tour of the Galloping Goose Trail from Sooke Potholes to Leechtown
Natural History Cycling Tour of the Galloping Goose Trail from Sooke Potholes to Leechtown

May 19, 2025 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am

FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 3)

Meet at 8:00 a.m. Join Daniel Dönnecke on a cycling tour into the Sooke Hills. We will enjoy the birds and scenery along the way. Bring a lunch, as this trip often runs into the early afternoon. You must register for this trip in advance at birdingfieldtrips@gmail.com. DIRECTIONS: Meet at the Galloping Goose parking lot 2.3 kilometres along Sooke River Road (off Sooke Road).

See more details

Tuesday Birding
Tuesday Birding

May 20, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria

TUESDAY BIRDING. We meet every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 am, or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 am, 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

Saturday Birding
Saturday Birding

May 24, 2025 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Victoria Region

Meets every Saturday morning, usually at 8:00 a.m., rain or shine. We ask that participants have both vaccines completed, to come on this walk. 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.

See more details

Tuesday Birding
Tuesday Birding

May 27, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria

TUESDAY BIRDING. We meet every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 am, or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 am, 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

Saturday Birding
Saturday Birding

May 31, 2025 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Victoria Region

Meets every Saturday morning, usually at 8:00 a.m., rain or shine. We ask that participants have both vaccines completed, to come on this walk. 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.

See more details

	May 2025
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
				1	2	3 Birding at Little Saanich Mountain (Observatory Hill) Birding at Little Saanich Mountain (Observatory Hill) May 3, 2025 @ 7:30 am - 10:30 am National Research Council Canada, 5071 W Saanich Rd, Victoria, BC V9E 2E7, Canada FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2.5) Meet at 7:30 a.m. Join us on a birding walk at Little Saanich Mountain, locally known as Observatory Hill. Western Tanagers, House Wrens, and a variety of woodpeckers, flycatchers, and warblers are among the possibilities. LEADER: Kevin Slagboom DIRECTIONS: Meet at the bottom of the road leading up the mountain (5071 West Saanich Road). See more details Wildflower Tour of Uplands Park Wildflower Tour of Uplands Park May 3, 2025 @ 8:45 am - 12:00 pm FIELD TRIP (Level 1.5) Check in at 8:45 a.m., walk starts at 9 a.m. and runs until about noon. The walk is considered easy but some of the walk will take place on fairly narrow trails around small rocky outcrops. Uplands Park has one of the highest concentrations of rare plant species in the province and some of the best Garry oak meadows and woodlands in the capital region. The first restoration work ever conducted was started by Girl Guides who began removing Scotch Broom in the 1990s. Restoration has expanded greatly since that time and is now guided by an 8-year management plan and involves the participation of community, the municipality and the provincial and federal governments. Wylie Thomas, a restoration practitioner and botanist, will lead the tour, sharing information on the federally funded restoration project that has been underway since 2006. The wildflower meadows promise to put on a colourful display that will not disappoint. Maximum 20 participants. A waitlist will be maintained. NOTE: Registration is required. Meet-up location details will be sent with registration confirmation. Please send registration requests to: eeaston.vnhs@gmail.com. See more details • •
4 Monthly Butterfly Walk Monthly Butterfly Walk May 4, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Field trip (Level 2) Join us on our monthly Butterfly Walk. Each outing is intended to help us learn more about local butterflies. This field trip is weather-dependent as it needs to be sunny and warm to make it worthwhile. We start at the top of Mount Tolmie (off Cedar Hill X Road). Meet at 1 p.m. in the lot by the reservoir where we will have an initial look for butterflies and then decide where to go from there. Car-pooling is encouraged. We try to return by 4 p.m.  Cancellations or special instructions will be posted on the calendar closer to the date. Contact Gordon Hart at 250-721-1264 or butterflies@vicnhs.bc.ca  for more information. See more details The Evening Chorus at Blenkinsop Lake The Evening Chorus at Blenkinsop Lake May 4, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Lochside Trail Parking, 4050 Lochside Dr, Victoria, BC V8X 2C8, Canada FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 1) Meet at 7:00 p.m. -- Blenkinsop Lake is a great place for evening birding. Commuting cyclists and group running clubs are done for the day, and we should have the trail largely to ourselves. Late in the day, diurnal birds are starting to wind down but are still foraging for the day's last meal for themselves and their young. A few songbirds sing until late in the day or even for a while after sunset. Crepuscular birds such as owls will be active. LEADER: Kevin Slagboom DIRECTIONS: Parking is available between Don Mann Excavating (4098 Lochside Drive) and the Lochside Trail. See more details • •	5	6 Tuesday Birding Tuesday Birding May 6, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria TUESDAY BIRDING. We meet every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 am, or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 am, 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 •	7	8	9	10 World Migratory Bird Day World Migratory Bird Day May 10, 2025 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Victoria Region FIELDTRIP (LEVEL 2) Meet at 10:00 a.m. for a joint Nature Victoria / RPBO walk at Beacon Hill Park to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD). Each year, WMBD selects a central theme to inspire action and concentrate global efforts towards preserving the habitats and well-being of migratory birds. The 2025 theme underscores the urgent need for bird-friendly cities, combining scientific insights with practical steps for individuals and communities to support these remarkable creatures. DIRECTIONS: Meet at the large parking lot next to the petting zoo on Circle Drive. See more details •
11	12	13 Tuesday Birding Tuesday Birding May 13, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria TUESDAY BIRDING. We meet every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 am, or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 am, 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 •	14 Evening Birding at Blenkinsop Lake Evening Birding at Blenkinsop Lake May 14, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Lochside Trail Parking, 4050 Lochside Dr, Victoria, BC V8X 2C8, Canada Meet at 7:00 p.m. -- Join us for a delightful evening walk at Blenkinsop Lake, starting from the Don Mann entrance on Lochside Drive, where we'll venture along the scenic south trail to Lohbrunner and back. This area is particularly vibrant in the evenings, making it an ideal opportunity for birdwatching enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of bird species that inhabit the trail and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us. LEADER: Kevin Slagboom DIRECTIONS: Parking is available between Don Mann Excavating (4098 Lochside Drive) and the Lochside Trail. See more details •	15	16	17 Birding the Power Lines and Ponds at the Hydro Substation Near Francis/King Park Birding the Power Lines and Ponds at the Hydro Substation Near Francis/King Park May 17, 2025 @ 7:00 am - 10:00 am Francis/King Regional Park, Munn Rd, Saanich, BC V9E 1J2, Canada FIELDTRIP (LEVEL 3) Meet at 7:00 a.m. Join us for a walk along the power lines that border Francis/King Park and the area around the Hydro substation. This is a great place to hear or see most of our warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, and is the most reliable spot for Black-throated Grey Warbler. This is a 4 to 5 hour walk. Bring a drink and a snack if you wish. LEADER: Kevin Slagboom DIRECTIONS: Meet at the Francis/King Park Nature House on Munn Road. See more details •
18 The Evening Chorus at Blenkinsop Lake The Evening Chorus at Blenkinsop Lake May 18, 2025 @ 7:15 pm - 9:15 pm Lochside Trail Parking, 4050 Lochside Dr, Victoria, BC V8X 2C8, Canada FIELDTRIP (LEVEL 1) Meet at 7:15 p.m. -- Blenkinsop Lake is a great place for evening birding. Commuting cyclists and group running clubs are done for the day, and we should have the trail largely to ourselves. Late in the day, diurnal birds are starting to wind down but are still foraging for the day's last meal for themselves and their young. A few songbirds sing until late in the day or even for a while after sunset. Crepuscular birds such as owls will be active. LEADER: Kevin Slagboom DIRECTIONS: Parking is available between Don Mann Excavating (4098 Lochside Drive) and the Lochside Trail. See more details •	19 Natural History Cycling Tour of the Galloping Goose Trail from Sooke Potholes to Leechtown Natural History Cycling Tour of the Galloping Goose Trail from Sooke Potholes to Leechtown May 19, 2025 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 3) Meet at 8:00 a.m. Join Daniel Dönnecke on a cycling tour into the Sooke Hills. We will enjoy the birds and scenery along the way. Bring a lunch, as this trip often runs into the early afternoon. You must register for this trip in advance at birdingfieldtrips@gmail.com. DIRECTIONS: Meet at the Galloping Goose parking lot 2.3 kilometres along Sooke River Road (off Sooke Road). See more details •	20 Tuesday Birding Tuesday Birding May 20, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria TUESDAY BIRDING. We meet every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 am, or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 am, 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 •	21	22	23	24 Saturday Birding Saturday Birding May 24, 2025 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am Victoria Region Meets every Saturday morning, usually at 8:00 a.m., rain or shine. We ask that participants have both vaccines completed, to come on this walk. 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. See more details •
25	26	27 Tuesday Birding Tuesday Birding May 27, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, Victoria TUESDAY BIRDING. We meet every Tuesday, one block south of the foot of Bowker Ave on the waterfront (off Beach Drive) at 9:00 am, or at the foot of Bowker Ave at 9:30 am, 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 •	28	29	30	31 Saturday Birding Saturday Birding May 31, 2025 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am Victoria Region Meets every Saturday morning, usually at 8:00 a.m., rain or shine. We ask that participants have both vaccines completed, to come on this walk. 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. See more details •