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. Test.
Saturday morning birding: Call the Rare Bird Alert (250-704-2555) or click 'Rare Bird Alert' on the Thursday or Friday before to find out this week's location. Starting between 7 am and 8 am depending on sunrise., 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
May 2012
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Saturday, May 5
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 3)
Birding Witty’s Lagoon
This walk is part of the Metchosin BioBlitz. Meet at the main parking lot at 7:00 am. Leader TBA. Call Rick at 250-885-2454 for more information.
Sunday, May 6
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2)
Birding Rithet’s Bog
Join Marie O’Shaughnessy to observe local and migrating
birds arriving to nest in this area. Meet at 7:30 am off Chatterton Way by the interpretive sign for Rithet’s Bog. Call Marie at
250-598-9680 for more information.
Sunday, May 6
EVENT
Camas Day – 21st Annual Celebration of the Garry Oak Habitat (Beacon Hill Park)
This event includes guided walks (about one hour each).
See details p.11.
Sunday, May 6
Field Trip (LEVEL 3)
Mount Prevost Glacier Lilies
Mount Prevost is just north of Duncan. It’s an excellent area for plants, birds and butterflies but our trip is planned for us to see the yellow Glacier Lilies (Erythronium grandiflorum) that should be in bloom at this time. Normally these plants are found at much higher elevations in the subalpine areas and appear just after snow melt. The population found here and in other parts of the Cowichan Valley are probably a separate subspecies or even a separate species. Experts are arguing this one out! These flowers are very short compared to the ones found at high elevations. If time permits on the way back, we will check out the Somenos Garry Oak Preserve to see the Yellow Montane Violets (Viola praemorsa). Bring a lunch, snacks and drinks for the all day outing. Wear sturdy footwear and you might wish to bring a walking stick. You might also bring binoculars. No pets please. Meet at Helmcken Park & Ride at 9:00 am to carpool. Contact Agnes Lynn at thelynns@shaw.ca or 250-721-0634 for more information.
Tuesday, May 8
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 4)
Intertidal Exploration at Whiffin Spit NOTE- TIME CORRECTION
Join Phil Lambert to explore the intertidal zone at Whiffin Spit in Sooke. This beach usually provides many examples of exposed west coast flora and fauna. From Sooke follow the West Coast Road about 1.7 km west then turn left on Whiffin Spit Road. To carpool meet at Helmcken Park and Ride at 9:00 am or Whiffin Spit parking lot at 10:00 am. Rubber boots recommended and a walking stick if you have one. Bring water and a snack or lunch. For more information call Phil at 250-477-5922.
Wednesday, May 9
EVENT
Have You Seen This Shark? Basking Sharks in British Columbia: The Past, Present and Future of Canada’s First Listed Endangered Marine Fish Species
A presentation by Romney McPhie, Research Biologist, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, on the biology and
ecology of the Basking Shark – the second largest fish in the world, and one of the most imperiled. Ms. McPhie is a research biologist working with sharks, skates and rays at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo, BC. Admission; $14 for adults, $8 for children aged 6–17 years. Free to Discovery Centre Members and Annual Pass Holders. 7:00 pm at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, 9811 Seaport Place, Sidney B.C., Contact 250-665-7511.
Saturday, May 12
EVENT
3rd Annual International Migratory Bird Day!
The Victoria Natural History Society, Rocky Point Bird Observatory, and CRD Regional Parks are proud to present the 3rd Annual International Migratory Bird Day from 7:00 am – 2:00 pm at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Help celebrate and learn more about the journey that birds take from their summer and winter homes by participating in this free all-day event that offers engaging activities for birders of all ages, expertise, and abilities. Participate in guided bird walks, mist-netting demonstrations, hummingbird and passerine banding demonstrations, live raptors, and children’s activities. Be sure to check out booths representing local organizations focused on studying migratory birds and gather information on ways to help conserve species and their habitats.
9 am: Event opening – Picnic shelter (at the Elk/Beaver Lake filter beds). Displays, touch tables, crafts, scavenger hunts, games, fun! Follow the signs!
9 am to 2 pm: Bird banding demonstrations – mist nets will be nearby and constantly checked for songbirds.
9 am to 2 pm: Hummingbird banding demonstrations – hummingbird feeder traps will be monitored all day.
Birding walks: There will be a 7:00 am walk with the VNHS Saturday Morning Birding Group. Meet at the main parking
lot at Beaver Lake. All other walks (~ 40 minutes in length) leave from the picnic shelter and run every hour, starting at 10:15 am).
Live raptors: Pacific Northwest Raptors will have birds of prey at the event, with a demonstration flight in the morning and afternoon.
Sunday, May 13
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 3)
Birding Royal Roads and Esquimalt Lagoon
Join Ann Nightingale for a birding walk around Esquimalt Lagoon. We should see a good variety of migrating shorebirds and passerines. Meet at the south end by the washrooms at
7:30 am. This is a five-hour walk. Bring a snack and a drink.
Call Ann at 250-514-6450 for more information.
Monday, May 14
Field Trip (LEVEL 3)
Brooks Point on South Pender Island
This CRD Park was described in an article in the last
Victoria Naturalist, so we are trying to organize a trip to see the wildflowers. Details for the trip are not yet finalized but we hope to catch the 8:30 am ferry, returning at 3:10 pm. Participants will be expected to carpool and share in transportation expenses. Although the terrain is not terribly rugged, wear sturdy footwear and you might wish to bring a walking stick. You must pre-register between May 1 and May 10 for this event when more definitive plans will be in place. Bring a lunch, snacks and drinks for the all day outing. No pets please. Contact Agnes Lynn at thelynns@shaw.ca or
250-721-0634 to register or for more information.
Friday, May 18
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2)
Birding Mt. Newton
Meet at the corner of Haldon Road and Newton Heights at
7:30 am. This is a great area to see Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Black-throated Grey Warblers, and Mourning Doves. Leader TBA. Call Rick at 250-885-2454 for more information.
Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20
EVENT
Victoria Butterfly Count
We are always looking for keen-eyed volunteers to get out their field guides! James Miskelly is the count coordinator; give him a call at 250-544-0455.
Saturday, May 19
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 3)
Birding Blenkinsop Lake and Mount Douglas
Meet at the south end of Blenkinsop Lake opposite Don Mann at 7:00 am. Call Rick at 250-885-2454 for more info.
Sunday, May 20
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2)
Butterflies, Birds, and Blooms on Mt. Tolmie
Join Rick Schortinghuis for a natural history walk on Mt. Tolmie. Meet at the main parking lot just north of the summit at 10:00 am. Call Rick at 250-885-2454 for more information.
Monday, May 21
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 3)
A Natural History Cycling Tour of the Galloping Goose Trail from Sooke Potholes to Leachtown.
Join Rick Schortinghuis on a cycling tour into the Sooke Hills. We will enjoy the flowers, birds, and scenery along the way. Meet at the Galloping Goose parking lot 2.3 km along Sooke River Road at 8:00 am. Bring a cool drink and lunch. Call Rick at
250-885-2454 if you need more information.
Saturday, May 26
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 4)
Birding the Power Line off Stewart Mountain Road
Meet at the mailboxes on Stewart Mountain Road, which is off Millstream Road in the Highlands at 7:00 am. It is a great place to see warblers, vireos, and flycatchers. Call Rick Schortinghuis at 250-885-2454.
Sunday, May 27
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 3)
Birding Little Saanich Mountain (The Observatory)
Join Ed Pellizzon on a birding walk up and around Little Saanich Mountain. This is an excellent place to see lots of migrant species of birds. Meet at 7:30 am at the bottom of the road leading up the mountain at the big sign for Centre of the Universe on West Saanich Road.
Sunday, May 27
Field Trip (LEVEL 3)
Scramble up the Back of Mount Douglas
This will be a chance to enjoy the birds and the flowers on Mount Douglas. The Great Camas (Camassia leichtlinii) and the Menzies’ Larkspur (Delphinium menziesii) are both the same colour and will be in bloom together along with the yellow Wooly Sunflower (Eriophyllum lanatum) and other late spring flowers. Please note the trail is very steep and challenging but will be taken at a leisurely pace to enjoy the habitat. Meet at the trail entrance on Blenkinsop near Lohbrunner at 9:00 am. Bring a snack and a drink if you wish. You will want to bring binoculars. Wear sturdy footwear and you might wish to bring a walking stick. No pets please. Contact Agnes Lynn at thelynns@shaw.ca or 250-721-0634 for more information.
June2012
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Saturday, June 2
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 4)
Birding the Power Lines and the Ponds at the Hydro Substation along Francis King Park
Join Rick Schortinghuis for a walk along the power lines that border Francis King Park and the area around the Hydro substation. This is a great area to hear or see most of the warblers, vireos, and flycatchers we have in our area. This is a four-to-five-hour hour walk. Meet at the Nature House on Munns Road at 7:00 am. Call Rick 250-885 2454.
Sunday, June 3
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2)
Birding the Duncan Area
We will try to find a Red-eyed Vireo and other warblers, vireos and flycatchers. Meet at Helmcken Park & Ride 7:00 am or at Cowichan Bay Dock Road at 8:00 am. Call Rick at 250-885-2454 if you need more information.
Sunday, June 3
Field Trip (LEVEL 3)
Grasses of Observatory Hill
Many people think that grasses are all the same or that the differences are highly technical. On the contrary, they are
as distinctive and recognizable as many other groups of
plants. Learning a handful of local grasses adds interest to
every stroll. Join James Miskelly for an exploration of the grasses of Observatory Hill. We will meet at the bottom of the hill at 10:00 am and walk up the road. On the way, we will encounter species typical of Douglas-fir forest, oak woodland, moss bald, and disturbed habitats. No pets please. Contact James at james.miskelly@gmail.com or 250-544-0455 for more information.
Sunday, June 3
EVENT
World Oceans Day at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
and Beacon Park in beautiful Sidney, BC.
Entertainment, activities and exhibitors brought together to celebrate all things ocean. This family friendly event runs
from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. For more information visit
http://www.oceandiscovery.ca/
Saturday, June 9
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2)
Birding Jordan River Area
Join Mike Mcgrenere for a trip to Jordan River. In the past
it has been a hot spot for rarities in the spring and fall, and
it is a great place to hear Fox Sparrows singing in the spring. Meet at the Helmcken Park & Ride at 7:00 am. Bring
lunch, etc. Call Mike at 250-658-8624 if you need more information.
Saturday, June 16 and Sunday, June 17
EVENT
Victoria Butterfly Count
We are always looking for keen-eyed volunteers to get out their field guides! James Miskelly is the count coordinator; give him a call at 250-544-0455.
Saturday, June 16
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL TBA)
Saturday Morning Birding
Call the “Rare Bird Alert” 250-704-2555 or click “Rare Bird Alert” on the website on Thursday or Friday before to find out each week’s location. Usually starting at 7:00 am, rain or shine. For more details, call Rick at 250-885-2454 or email Agnes at thelynns@shaw.ca. Everyone is welcome.
Sunday, June 17
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2)
Duncan Butterflies
Meet at the entrance of the boardwalk at Somenos Marsh at 10:00 am. This trip is weather dependent, it needs to be sunny. Meet at Helmken Park and Ride at 9:00 am for car pooling. Call Rick at 250-885-2454 if you need more information.
Sunday, June 17
Field Trip (LEVEL 3)
Cowichan River Footpath
This is an area well known to hikers and fisherman. Jack Sutherland has enjoyed hiking this area but this time he will slow down and be looking for the wildflowers and enjoying the birds along this scenic waterway. We will be investigating the area between Skutz Falls and Marie Canyon. There is a small segment of Garry Oak meadow where we will see some of the late spring wildflowers but the highlight of this section of trail is the abundance of plants found in the “Oddballs” section of the field guide by Pojar & McKinnon. This includes Ground Cones (Boschniakia hookeri) and Candy Sticks (Allotropa virgata). Meet at Helmcken Park & Ride at 7:00 am to car-pool. Although the terrain is not terribly rugged, wear sturdy footwear and you might wish to bring a walking stick. Bring a lunch, snacks and drinks for the all day outing. No pets please. Contact Agnes Lynn at thelynns@shaw.ca or 250-721-0634 for more information.
Saturday, June 23
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL TBA)
Saturday Morning Birding
Call the “Rare Bird Alert” 250-704-2555 or click “Rare Bird Alert” on the website on Thursday or Friday before to find out each week’s location. Usually starting at 7:00 am, rain or shine. For more details, call Rick at 250-885-2454 or email Agnes at thelynns@shaw.ca. Everyone welcome.
Sunday, June 24
Field Trip (LEVEL 3)
Jordan Ridge and San Juan Ridge
Due to uncertainty regarding access to areas high above Jordan River, please contact Agnes to get on an email list which will provide details on field trips in this area (probably starting on June 24) closer to the dates. Trips may include visits to see some high elevation early wildflowers such as Smith’s Fairy Bells (Prosartes smithii), high elevation bogs containing plants such as Common Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris), areas with fields of White Avalanche Lilies (Erythronium montanum) and other meadows rich in plants normally at much higher elevations such as White Rhododendron (Rhododendron albiflorum). B.C. Breeding Bird Atlas data will be gathered on these trips. Trips may include hiking on the Kludahk Trail (goes along the San Juan Ridge). You must pre-register for these trips due to transportation limitations and potential change of plans due to snow cover and/or road conditions and changeable access. Number of participants will be dependent on availability of high-clearance or 4-wheel-drive vehicles for carpooling. Generally start from Victoria at 8:00 am. Be prepared for cold and/or wet weather. Wear sturdy footwear, and a hiking stick is a good idea due to the uneven ground. Bring a lunch, snacks and drinks for the all day outings. No pets please. Contact Agnes Lynn at thelynns@shaw.ca or 250-721-0634 for further information on these trips.
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