ISSN 0228-8842

B.C. NaturalistSEPTEMBER 1990 VOL. 28 NO. 3

"LIGHT AND LIFE." The Western Hemlock Forest.Photo: Al Grass,

The Federation of British Columbia Naturalists, 321-1367 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V6H 4A9

The Federation of B.C. NaturalistsOffice: 321-1367 West Broadway,

Vancouver, B.C. V6H4A9phone: 737 3057

FAX:7387175

AFFILIATEDCLUBSAND DIRECTORS

LOWER MAINLAND

Regional Coordinator:Daphne Smith13577 Marine Dr., White Rock,V4A1G1 (5317436)

Alouette Field Naturalists:20976 Dewdney Trunk Rd.Maple Ridge, V2X 3E9D: Beryl Cunningham (463 3694}

Bowen Nature Club:Box 20 Site G, RFW1.Bowen Island, VON 1 GOD: Michael Dunn (666 6544)

Burke Mountain Naturalists:C/01723 Hammond AvenueCoquitlam,V3K2P8D: April Mol (942 2532)

Chilliwack Field Naturalists:P.O. Box 372, Vedder Crossing, VOX 1ZOD: Birch Van Home (795 5108)

Delta Naturalists:1265-52nd Street Delta, V4M 2Z1D: Linda White (943 3695)

Langley Field Naturalists:Box 3243, Langley, V3A4R6D: Eunice Wilson (581 1274)

Fender Harbour & District Wildlife Society:Box 220, Maderia Park, VON 2HOD:TBA

Royal City Field Naturalists:c/o 844 Kent St., New Westminster,V3L 4W6D: Norma Boutillter (524 2930)

Sechelt Marsh Protective Society:Box 543, Sechelt, VON SAOD:Peggy Wagner

Squamish Estuary Conservation Society:Box 1274, Squamish, VON3GOD: Jim Wisnia (898 2000)

Vancouver Natural History Society:Box 3021, Vancouver, V6B 3X5D: Lawrence Brown(228 8861)

Syd Cannings (734 0140)Jude Grass (520 3706)Stephen Partington (985 4296)Daphne Solecki (736 9471)Rosemary Taylor (228 9966)Wayne Weber (597 7201)

VANCOUVER ISLAND

Regional Coordinator:Connie Hawley1310 Franklin Terrace, Victoria,V8S1C7 (3852535)

Arrowsmith Naturalists:Box1542,Parksvilte, VOR2SOD: Pauline Tranfield (248 6607)

Comox-Strathcona Naturalists:Box 3222, Courtenay, V9N 5N4D: Allan C. Brooks (3878180)

Cowichan Valley Naturalists:Box 361, Duncan, V9L3X5D: Sue Griffin (746 8518)

Mitlenatch Field Naturalists:Box 413, Harriot Bay, VOP 1 HOD: R & H Kellerhals (285 3570)

Nanaimo Field Naturalists:Box 125, Nanaimo, V9R 5K4D: Jill Sims (722 3648)Alt.: Karen Mullen

Salt Spring Trail and Nature Club:Box 998, Ganges, VOS 1EOD: Ailsa Pearse (537 9261)

Victoria Natural History Society:Box 5220, Victoria, VSR 6N4D: Will Medd (658 5829)

Bob Nixon (727 6630)

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN

Regional Coordinator:Peter LeggBox751,Vernon, V1T6M7(5429031)

Central Okanagan Naturalists Club:Box 396, Kelowna, V1Y 7N8D: Mike Chappell (763 1437)

Kam loops Naturalists:Box 625, Kamloops, V2C 5L7D: Alan Vyse (372 8607}

North Okanagan Naturalists Club:Box473,Vernon,VlT6M4D: Peter Legg(542 9031)

Frank Paul (542 7629)

North Shuswap Naturalists:General Delivery, Celista, VOE 1LOD: Helen Akrigg (955 2963)

Oliver-Osoyoos Naturalists:Box 1181, Osoyoos, VOH 1VOD: Harold King (495 6907}

Shuswap Naturalists:Box 1076, Salmon Arm, VOE 2TOD: Mary McGilivray

CARIBOO

Bella Coola Trail and Nature Club:Box 604, Bella Coola, V7O 1 COD: Tony Karup (799 5937)

Quesnel Naturalists:RFW3, Box 12, Milburn Lake Rd,Quesnel, V2J3H7D: June Wood (249 5532)

Williams Lake Reid Naturalists:Box 4575, Williams Lake, V2G 2V6D: Anna Roberts (392 5000)

NORTH CENTRAL

Bulkley Valley Naturalists:Box 3089, Smithers, VOJ 2NOD: Rosamund Pojar(847 9784)

Prince George Naturalists:Box1092,Stn.A,Prince George, V2L 4V2D: Jack Bowling (963 7837)

PEACE

Timberline Trail and Nature Club:Box 779, Dawson Creek, V1G 4H8D: Ellen Schoen (782 4485)

KOOTENAY

Regional Coordinator:Hazel StreetBox 65, South Stocan, VOG 2GO(359 7426)

Arrow Lakes Naturalists Club:Box294,Nakusp,VOG1ROD: Gary Davidson (265 4456)

Boundary Naturalists Association:Box 2194, Grand Forks, VOH 1 HOD:JimGlanville (4423865)

Rocky Mountain Naturalists:404 Aspen Road, Kimberty, Vl A 3B5D: Ruth Goodwin (427 5404)

West Kootenay Naturalists Assoc.:Box 3121, Castlegar, V1N 3H4D: Hazel Street (359 7426)

DIRECTOR REPRESENTINGINDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

D: Peter Hatfield3809 Osier St., Vancouver, V6H2W7(7388345)

White Rock and Surrey Naturalists: South Okanagan Naturalists Club:Box 44, White Rock, V4B 4Z7 Box 375, Penticton, V2A 6K6D: AnnSchell (531 5816) D: Dennis St. John (492 0206)

PAGE2 B.C.NATURALISTSEPTEMBER1990(FALL)

.::..: ::;.:;:;•:.. ;v.INDEX..:

Christmas Bird Counts -89 4Pulp to Peak 7B.C. Wildlife Report 10RaveriTalk 13The Enlichenment 22Close-up on Nature 25Fall General Meeting (form) ; 131Old Growth Forest Workshop 31

'89 CHRISTMAS BIRDCOUNT RESULTS

PA

Forty-seven Christmas Bird Counts were held in British Colum-bia in the 1989 season, involving 1538 observers who reported218 species and 895149 individuals. Ladner topped all othercounts with 139 species, followed closely by last year's cham-pion, Victoria, with 137. Vernon led Interior counts with 97species.

Unlike most of the continent, British Columbia had a very mildNovember and December, and the Interior had hardly anyaccumulation of snow, making access easy but reducing theconcentrations of birds. Rarities were scattered across theprovince, but the star was a Smew actually discovered on theWhite Rock count, becoming quite a media celebrity over thenext month. Other highlights were a Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerand Western Tanager at Vancouver, a Common Grackle and aBrambling at Revelstoke, another Brambling at Skidegate Inlet,and three Mountain Bluebirds at Vaseux Lake.

The individual endurance award this year goes to Gary Dav-idson of Nakusp, who participated in six counts, including five ina row from Dec. 27 to 31. Well done!

Details given belowforeach count include the following: date;number of observers (obs.); number of bird species (spp.}; totalnumber of individuals (indiv.); a brief list of noteworthy birdspecies (with numbers), selected fortheir rarity, large numbers,or uniqueness within B. C.; sponsoring club, if any; and name ofcompiler or organizer. Official counts, to be published in full inAmerican Birds, are identified by (AB) after the title. Thesecounts all take place in a 24-kmdiameter circle on one day inthecount period and are carefully scrutinized for accurate countsand identifications; the other counts in the list may or may notfollow those guidelines. Compilers of all counts, including"officiarones, are requested to send copies of yourcount resultsdirectly to the fl.C.Mafura//sf in January, so that this summarycan be produced as quickly as possible.

Once again, I thank all count compilers and observers for theirefforts, and we wish you the best of luck on the coming winter'scounts. Merry Christmas!

Bamfield (ABJ —Dec. 29; 9 observers, 71 spp., 3137 indiv., 21Trumpeter Swans, 1 Glaucous Gull, 1 Mutton's Vireo. (AlanBurger).

Boundary District (Christina L, Grand Forks, Greenwood,Midway, Rock Creek, Bridesville) — Dec. 26; 78 obs., 72 spp.,6308 indiv., 14 Bald Eagles, 2 Golden Eagles, 2 Lewis' Wood-peckers, 12Chukars,39RosyFinches. (BoundaryNaturalists;Ray Orser).PAGE 4 B.C. NATURAUSTSEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL)

Campbell River (AB)—Dec. 27; 23 obs., 86 spp., 23834 indiv.,466 Pacific Loons, 2 Gr. White-fronted Geese, 1 Brant, 4156Common Murre. (Stan Paterson, Howard Telosky, HeatherAsplin).

Chilllwack (AB) — Dec. 17; 24 obs., 74 spp., 23718 indiv., 7Tundra Swans, 75 Trumpeter Swans, 66 Wood Ducks, 8 Harle-quin Ducks. (Chilliwack Field Naturalists; Gladys Brown).

Comox (AB) — Dec. 17; 29 obs., 93 spp., 32047 indiv., 440Trumpeter Swans, 2 Wood Ducks, 1 N. Harrier, 1 Bam Owl.(Comox-Strathcona Naturalists; Willie Haras).

Cranbrook (AB) — Dec. 26; 6 obs., 33 spp., 1499 indiv., 2 Great {Blue Herons, 3 Merlins, 6 Pileated Woodpeckers, 1 Blue Jay, 6'JWhite-breasted Nuthatches. (Anni Coulter).

Deep Bay (AB) — Dec. 30; 17 obs., 85 spp., 14428 indiv., 11Eared Grebe, 51 Trumpeter Swans, 10 Greater Yellowlegs, 6:Western Sandpipers. (Comox-Strathcona Naturalists; WillieHaras).

Duncan (AB) — Dec. 16; 34 obs., 108 spp., 30596 indiv., 242Pacific Loons, 320 Trumpeter Swans, 93 Mute Swans, 110Wood Ducks, 213 Bald Eagles, 1 Golden Eagle, 1 Western]Sandpiper, 3 Least Sandpiper, 1 White-throated Sparrow.(Cowichan Valley Naturalists; Derrick Marven, Dave Aldcroft).

Fauquler (AB) — Dec. 27; 10 obs., 42 spp., 959 indiv., 1Common Loon, 3 N. Pygmy-Owls, 2 Barred Owls, 1 HornedLark. (Ruth Bumpus).

Fort St. James (AB) — Dec. 30; 14 obs., 30 spp., 528 indiv., 102Trumpeter Swans, 2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Three-toed Wood-peckers, 5 Boreal Chickadees, 3 Rosy Finches. (Joanne Law- 're nee).

Golden — Dec. 27; 20 obs., 26 spp., 497 indiv., 1 Bald Eagle,6 Pileated Woodpeckers, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 3 BrownCreepers. (Ellen Zimmerman, Big Bend Resource Society).

Kamloops (AB) — Dec. 17; 14 obs., 71 spp., 6227 indiv., 22Tundra Swans, 15TrumpeterSwans,2Oldsquaws,1 PeregrineFalcon, 7Chukar, 1 GreatGrayOwl, 1 Anna's Hummingbird, 39Homed Larks, 2 Harris' Sparrow. (Kamloops Naturalists; RickHowie).

Kelowna (AB)— Dec. 16; 56 obs., 93 spp., 17112 indiv., 211Horned Grebes, 42 Tundra Swans, 6 Mute Swans, 7 Thayer'sGulls, 12 Glaucous-winged Gulls, 2 Glaucous Gulls, 1 N. Hawk

B.C. Naturalist Is published quarterly byThe Federation of British Columbia

Naturalists, 321-1367 West Broadway,Vancouver, B.C. V6H 4A9

Second Class MailRegistration No. 6247

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORY

HONORARY PRESIDENTDr. Ian McTaggart-Cowan

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTFrieda Davidson9a.m.-5 p.m. Monday - Friday(7373057)

EXECUTIVE:

PRESIDENT:Syd Cannings3007 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, V6K 1Z7(7340140)

VICE-PRESIDENTS:Duanne van den Berg12554 Grace St., Maple Ridge, V2X5N2(4638743)

Rosamund PojarBox 3089, Smithers, VOJ 2NO(8479784)

TREASURER:JackHusted1102-2177 Nelson St., Vancouver, V6G 2Y2(6858668)

RECORDINGSECRETARY:Laurence Brown3948 West 24th Avenue,Vancouver, V6S1M2(2288861)

PAST PRESIDENT:Joe Lotzkar7195Se1kirkSt.t Vancouver, V6P6J4(261 5685)

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

CONSERVATION:DickStace-Smith4274 West 13th Ave., Vancouver, V6R 2T8(224 7027)

EDUCATION AND RECREATION:V.C. (Bert) Brink4135 West 16th Ave., Vancouver, V6R3E4(224 7078)

DEADLINEJAN. 1991 EDITIONB.C. NATURALIST

SEPTEMBER 15,1990

THE B.C. NATURALISTEDrTORIALCOMMirrEE

EDITOR:Jude Grass103-7065 Stride Ave., Burnaby, V3L1T3(520 3706)

ADVERTISING:AmoSeidelmann6749 Camcross Cres,. Delta, V4E 1L6(596 3386)

ADVISORY BOARD:Bert Brink, Norman Purssell, Syd Cannings

Circulation: 6,000

Printed by College Printers, Vancouver B.C.

EDITOR'S COMMENTS

NEW DEADLINES

This is the last edition for this year. Start-ing in January 1991 we will be switching toa bi-monthly edition format. The newdeadlines for submitting material aretherefore changed to the following:

EDITIONJanuary 91MarchMayJulySeptemberNovember

DEADLINE1 5 October 9015 January1 5 March15 May15 July1 5 September

The distribution date for each edition isthe first of the edition month.

VANCOUVER BIRD ALERTNEW TELEPHONE NUMBER

Birder's should note the new number forthe Vancouver Rare Bird Alert.

7379910Michael Price is the new coordinator.

ShareyourB.C. Naturalist with a Mend,or better yet - give them a gift member-ship!

CONSULTANTS TO THEFEDERATION OF B.C.

NATURALISTS

Mai Hand and Company-Barristers andSolicitors-Ross McC utcheo n-partner100-625 Howe St., Vancouver, B.C.

Peat, Warwick and Thome - CharteredAccountants-Roy Y. Uyeno

2500-1177 West Hastings St,Vancouver, B.C.

HELP WANTED

The ftC. Naturalist is looking for volun-teers to help with two very importantaspects of newsletter production:

1. Advertising Manager: duties in-clude contacting regular and new adver-tisers, arranging for ads to be cameraready, and coordinating the billing. Out ofpocket expenses will be covered. Fordetails please contact Arno Seidelmannat 596 3386.

2.Typists - must be familiar with Macin-tosh (Apple) Word 4 or compatable pro-gramto type articles that will be convertedinto the final Pagemaker, camera ready,edition otthe B.C. Naturalist. This workcan be done outside the Lower Mainlandas disks can be mailed. When ever pos-sible we can FAX the articles to be typed.The Editor will instruct typists on correctformat that will be required.

Please note that starting in January 1991the B.C. Naturalist will be produced sixtimes per year. In order to meet ourdeadlines help in the aforementionedpositions is URGENTLY needed. Con-tact the Editor Jude Grass at 520 3706 forfurther information.

Two people (Thank-you) have respondedfrom our last request - would still likemore!

BITS AND PIECES

FBCN DISPLAY: This lighweight andportable display is available to the clubson afirstcome basis, tt should be bookedwell in advance to allow for shipping.Contact Frieda the office.

FBCN BROCHURE: Our new bro-chure is readyfordistribution. There is aninformation box for clubs to put their owncontact names and numbers. OrderyourClub's supply from the office.

B.C. CHECKLIST OF BIRDS: Copiesare available from the office. Rates are -single copy $1.00 or 3 copies for $2.00 -including postage. Clubs can order inbulk. Checklists were produced by theRoyal B.C. Museum and the FBCN.

B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL) PAGE 3

Owl, 1 Yellow-headed Blackbird. (Central Okanagan Natural-ists; Brenda Thomson).

Kitimat (AB) — Dec. 16; 7 obs., 43 species, 4891 indiv., 17Great Blue Herons, 47 Bald Eagles, 1 Peregrine Falcon. (DennisNorwood).

Ladner (AB) — Dec. 23; 62 obs., 139 spp., 242932 indiv., 4Black-crowned Night-Herons, 49 Tundra Swans, 282 Trum-peter Swans, 165 Brant, 10 Peregrine Falcons, 1 Gyrfalcon, 1Prairie Falcon, 1456 Black-bellied Plover, 1 Snowy Owl, 3 Long-eared Owls, 1 Swamp Sparrow. (Jude Grass).

Lake Windermere District — Dec. 26.; 39 obs., 46 spp., 1767indiv., 1 Horned Grebe, 4 Tundra Swans, 39 Townsend'sSolitaires, 2 American Tree Sparrows. (Larry Halverson).

Massot (AB)—Dec. 17; 20 obs., 80 spp., 4611 indiv., 4 Yellow-billed Loons, 1 Short-tailed Shearwater, 21 Trumpeter Swans,1 Semipalmated Plover, 8 Black-legged Kittiwakes, 11 Cassin'sAuktet, 16 American Pipits, HOWhrte-winged Crossbills. (Councilof the Haida Nation; Peter Hamel).

Nakusp(AB) —Dec.31; 12 obs., 45 spp., 1391 indiv., 2 White-breasted Nuthatches, 1 Swamp Sparrow, 2 White-throatedSparrows, 1 Harris' Sparrow, 1 White-winged Crossbill. (GaryDavidson).

Nanalmo(AB)—Dec. 17;25obs.,111 spp., 33452 indiv.,2943Brandt's Cormorants, 184 Trumpeter Swans, 1 Spotted Sand-piper, 15543 Glaucous-winged Gulls. {Nanaimo Field Natural-ists; Peter van Kerkoerle).

North Pine (AB)—Dec. 16; 9 obs., 20 spp., 774 Indiv., 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse, 20 Blue Jays, 3 Snow Buntings. (Derek Con-nelly).

Ot i ver-Osoy o os (AB) — Dec. 29; 25 obs., 95 spp., 12335 Indiv.,12 Common Loons, 5 Chukar, 1386 California Quail, 1 BarredOwl, 1 Boreal Chickadee, 5 Canyon Wrens, 347 Rosy Finches,46 White-winged Crossbills. (Oliver-Osoyoos Naturalists; SydCannings & Joan King).

Fender Islands (AB) — Dec. 18; 10 obs., 81 spp., 7557 indiv.,6 Eared Grebes, 735 Brandt's Cormorants, 1 Heermann's Gull,98 Marbled Mu rrelets. (Render Island Field Naturalists; RonaldMcLardy).

Pentlcton (AB) — Dec. 30; 59 obs., 89 spp., 19966 indiv., 2504Redheads, 2339 California Quail, 3 Glaucous-winged Gulls, 4Lewis' Woodpeckers, 490 Mountain Chickadees, 515 PygmyNuthatches, 72 Western Bluebirds, 2 White-throated Sparrows.(South Okanagan Naturalists; Richard Cannings).

Pitt Meadows (AB)—Dec. 31; 30 obs.. 86 spp., 21312 indiv., 31Trumpter Swans, 1 Gr. White-fronted Goose, 115 Wood Duck,i N. Pygmy-Owl, 3 Yellow-rumped Warblers. 2 Lincoln's Spar-

rows. (Alouette Field Naturalists; Wilma Robinson).

Port Clements (AB) — Dec. 19; 7 obs., 47 spp., 4221 indiv., 62Trumpeter Swans, 10 Eurasian Wigeon, 1799 American Wigeon,4 Black-bellied Plovers, 30 White-winged Crossbills. (Council ofthe Haida Nation; Peter Hamel).

Prince George (AB) — Dec. 30; 21 obs., 41 spp., 1842 indiv.,1 Great Blue Heron, 6 Bald Eagles, 2 Merlins, 1 N. Hawk Owl,1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Boreal Chickadee. (Prince George Natu-ralist Club; Nancy Krueger).

Prince Rupert (AB)—Dec. 30; 6 obs., 35 spp., 9295 indiv., 300Canada Geese, 3312 Mallards, 26 Hooded Mergansers, 1hummingbird. (Joan Scruton; Prince Rupert Naturalists).

Revelstoke (AB)—Dec. 30; 14 obs., 53 spp., 4159 indiv., 1744Canada Geese, 1 Common Grackle, 1 Brambling, (Bob Brade).

RoseSptt(AB)—Dec. 18;7obs., 38 spp.,2068 indiv., 1 Short-tailed Shearwater, 2 Peregrine Falcons, 1 Gyrfalcon, 174 An-cient Murrelet, 1 Cassin's Auklet, 11 Snow Buntings. (Councilof the Haida Nation; Peter Hamel).

Salmon Arm (AB)— Dec. 17; 13 obs, 72 spp., 5798 indiv., 52Tundra Swans, 4 Trumpeter Swans, 1 Red-naped Sapsucker,2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets. (Shuswap Naturalists, Frank Kime).

Saltsprlng Island — Dec. 17; 154 obs., 98 spp., 23054 indiv.,15 Eared Grebes, 204 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Peregrine Fal-con, 911 California Quail, 1474 Chestnut-backed Chickadees.(Mrs. C.E. Wooldridge).

Shuswap Lake Prov. Park (AB) — Dec. 16; 10 obs., 63 spp.,3275 indiv., 1 Red-necked Grebe, 5 Tundra Swans, 4 Tru mpet e rSwans, 1 Thayer's Gull, 3 N. Pygmy-Owls, 2 Barred Owls.(North Shuswap Naturalists; Rick Howie).

Skldegate Inlet (AB) — Dec. 16; 12 obs., 69 spp., 6628 indiv..158 Pacific Loons, 2 Yellow-billed Loons, 236 Brant, 2 Semipal-mated Plover, 1 Ruddy Turnstone, 1 Black-legged Kittiwake, 5Townsend's Warblers, 1 Brambling. (Council of the HaidaNation; Peter Hamel).

Smithers (AB)—Dec. 30; 39 obs., 38 spp., 3138 indiv., 30 BaldEagles, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Boreal Chickadees, 1 RustyBlackbird, 1 Rosy Finch. (Bulkley Valley Naturalists; RosamundPojar).

Sooke(AB)—Dec. 30;20obs.,104spp., 15689 indiv., 2 Clark'sGrebes, 3 Greater White-fronted Geese, 2 Turkey Vultures, 25Greater Yellowiegs. (Michael & Cynthia Shepard).

Squamlsh (AB) — Dec. 16; 16 obs., 84 spp., 8390 indiv., 20Trumpeter Swans, 400 Surf Scoters, 963 Bald Eagles, 2 Glau-cous Gulls, 2 Anna's Hummingbirds, 1 Three-toed Woodpecker,6 Mountain Chickadees, 2 White-winged Crossbills. (D Kragh)

B.C.NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL) PAGES

Owl, 1 Yellow-headed Blackbird. (Central Okanagan Natural-ists; Brenda Thomson).

Kltlmat (AB) — Dec. 16; 7 obs., 43 species, 4891 indiv., 17Great Blue Herons, 47 Bald Eagles, 1 Peregrine Falcon. (DennisNorwood).

Ladnar (AB) — Dec. 23; 62 obs., 139 spp., 242932 indiv., 4Black-crowned Night-Herons, 49 Tundra Swans, 282 Trum-peter Swans, 165 Brant, 10 Peregrine Falcons, 1 Gyrfalcon, 1Prairie Falcon, 1456 Black-bellied Plover, 1 Snowy Owl, 3 Long-eared Owls, 1 Swamp Sparrow. (Jude Grass).

Lake Windermere District—Dec. 26.; 39 obs., 46 spp., 1767indiv., 1 Horned Grebe, 4 Tundra Swans, 39 Townsend'sSolitaires, 2 American Tree Sparrows. (Larry Halverson).

Masset(AB) — Dec. 17; 20 obs., 80 spp,, 4611 indiv., 4 Yellow-billed Loons, 1 Short-tailed Shearwater, 21 Trumpeter Swans,1 Semi pat mated Plover, 8 Black-legged Kittiwakes, 11 Cassin'sAuktet, 16 American Pipits, 110White-winged Crossbills. (Councilof the Haida Nation; Peter Hamel).

Nakusp (AB) — Dec. 31; 12 obs.. 45 spp., 1391 indiv., 2 White-breasted Nuthatches, 1 Swamp Sparrow, 2 White-throatedSparrows, 1 Harris' Sparrow, 1 White-winged Crossbill. (GaryDavidson).

Nanalmo (AB)—Dec. 17; 25 obs., 111 spp., 33452 Indiv., 2943Brandt's Cormorants, 164 Trumpeter Swans, 1 Spotted Sand-piper, 15543 Glaucous-winged Gulls. (Nanaimo Field Natural-ists; Peter van Kerkoerle}.

North Pine (AB)—Dec, 16; 9 obs., 20 spp., 774 indiv., 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse, 20 Blue Jays, 3 Snow Buntings. (Derek Con-nelly).

Oliver-Osoyoos (AB)—Dec. 29; 25 obs., 95 spp., 12335 indiv.,12 Common Loons, 5 Chukar, 1386 California Quail, 1 BarredOwl, 1 Boreal Chickadee, 5 Canyon Wrens, 347 Rosy Finches,46 White-winged Crossbills. (Oliver-Osoyoos Naturalists; SydCannings & Joan King).

Pender Islands (AB) — Dec. 18; 10 obs., 81 spp., 7557 indiv.,6 Eared Grebes, 735 Brandt's Cormorants, 1 Heermann's Gull,98 Marbled Murrelets. (Pender Island Field Naturalists; RonaldMcLardy).

Penticton (AB) — Dec. 30; 59 obs., 89 spp., 19966 indiv., 2504Redheads, 2339 California Quail, 3 Glaucous-winged Gulls, 4Lewis' Woodpeckers, 490 Mountain Chickadees, 515 PygmyNuthatches, 72 Western Bluebirds, 2 White-throated Sparrows.(South Okanagan Naturalists; Richard Cannings).

Pitt Meadows (AB)—Dec.31;30obs.,86spp.,21312indiv.,31Trumpter Swans, 1 Gr. White-fronted Goose, 115 Wood Duck,1 N. Pygmy-Owl, 3 Yeilow-rumped Warblers, 2 Lincoln's Spar-

rows. (Alouette Field Naturalists; Wilma Robinson).

Port Clements (AB) — Dec. 19; 7 obs., 47 spp., 4221 indiv., 62Trumpeter Swans, 10 Eurasian Wigeon, 1799 American Wigeon,4 Black-bellied Plovers, 30 White-winged Crossbills. (Council ofthe Haida Nation; Peter Hamel).

Prince George (AB) — Dec. 30; 21 obs., 41 spp., 1842 indiv.,1 Great Blue Heron, 6 Bald Eagles, 2 Merlins, 1 N. Hawk Owl,1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Boreal Chickadee. (Prince George Natu-ralist Club; Nancy Krueger).

Prince Rupert (AB)—Dec. 30; 6 obs., 35spp., 9295 indiv., 300Canada Geese, 3312 Mallards, 26 Hooded Mergansers, 1hummingbird. (Joan Scruton; Prince Rupert Naturalists).

Revelstok* (AB)—Dec. 30; 14 obs., 53 spp., 4159 indiv., 1744Canada Geese, 1 Common Grackle, 1 Brambling. (BobBrade).

ROM Spit (AB)—Dec. 18; 7 obs., 38 spp., 2068 Indiv., 1 Short-tailed Shearwater, 2 Peregrine Falcons, 1 Gyrfalcon, 174 An-cient Murrelet, 1 Cassin's Auklet, 11 Snow Buntings. (Councilof the Haida Nation; Peter Hamel).

Salmon Arm (AB)—Dec. 17; 13 obs, 72 spp., 5798 indiv., 52Tundra Swans, 4 Trumpeter Swans, 1 Red-naped Sapsucker,2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets. (Shuswap Naturalists, Frank Kime).

Saltsprlng Island — Dec. 17; 154 obs., 98 spp., 23054 indiv.,15 Eared Grebes, 204 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Peregrine Fal-con, 911 California Quail, 1474 Chestnut-backed Chickadees.(Mrs. C.E. Wooldridge).

Shuswap Lake Prov. Park (AB) — Dec. 16; 10 obs., 63 spp.,3275 indiv., 1 Red-necked Grebe, 5TundraSwans,4TrumpeterSwans, 1 Thayer's Gull, 3 N. Pygmy-Owls, 2 Barred Owls.(North Shuswap Naturalists; Rick Howie).

Skldegate Inlet (AB)—Dec. 16; 12 obs., 69 spp., 6628 indiv.,158 Pacific Loons, 2 Yellow-billed Loons, 236 Brant, 2 Semi pal-mated Plover, 1 Ruddy Turnstone, 1 Black-legged Kitttwake, 5Townsend's Warblers, 1 Brambling. (Council of the HaidaNation; Peter Hamel).

Smithere(AB)—Dec. 30;39 obs.,38 spp., 3138 indiv., 30 BaldEagles, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Boreal Chickadees, 1 RustyBlackbird, 1 Rosy Finch. (Bulkley Valley Naturalists; RosamundPojar).

Sooke(AB)—Dec. 30;20 obs., 104 spp., 15689 indiv., 2 Clark'sGrebes, 3 Greater White-fronted Geese, 2 Turkey Vultures, 25Greater Yellowlegs. (Michael & Cynthia Shepard).

Squamlsh (AB) — Dec. 16; 16 obs., 84 spp., 8390 indiv., 20Trumpeter Swans, 400 Surf Scoters, 963 Bald Eagles, 2 Glau-cous Gulls,2 Anna's Hummingbirds, 1 Three-toed Woodpecker,6 Mountain Chickadees, 2 White-winged Crossbills. (D Kragh)

B.C.NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL) PAGES

Sunshine Coast (AB) — Dec. 16; 24 obs., 92 spp,, 9791 indiv.,1 Cattle Egret, 38 Rock Sandpiper, 128 Bonaparte's Gulls, 217Marbled Murrelets, 2 N. Pygmy-Owls, 2 Bared Owls, 60 RosyFinches. (Sechelt Marsh Protective Society; Tony Greenfield).

Terrace (AB) — Dec. 26; 12 obs., 43 spp., 2335 indiv., 2Trumpeter Swans, 27 Bald Eagles, 19 Northern Flickers, 1Yellow-rumped Warbler, 3 Am. Tree Sparrows. (Diane Weis-miller).

Vancouver (AB) —Dec. 17; 127 obs., 134 spp., 108956 indiv.,6388 Western Grebes, 1 Green-backed Heron, 3 MandarinDucks, 1 Wood DuckX Mandarin Duck, 5652 Surf Scoters, 3 N.Goshawks, 241 Long-billed Dowitchers, 1 Yellow-bellied Sap-sucker, 1042 Bushtits, 1 Western Tanager, 2692 Song Spar-rows, 9 Lincoln's Sparrows, 1 Swamp Sparrow, 1 Harris' Spar-row. (Vancouver Natural History Society; Wayne Weber).

Vaseux Lake (AB)—Dec. 28; 19 obs., 83 spp., 6231 indiv., 264Ring-necked Ducks, 7 Golden Eagles, 3 Virginia Rails, 1 W.Screech-Owl, 1 White-headed Woodpecker, 2 Rock Wrens, 10Canyon Wren, 3 Mountain Bluebirds, 41 White-winged Crossbills.(Richard Cannings).

Vernon (AB) — Dec. 17; 43 obs., 97 spp., 16303 indiv., 8 GrayPartridges, 246 Ring-necked Pheasants, 8 Short-eared Owls, 2Yeiiow-rumped Warblers, 17 Am. Tree Sparrows, 2 White-throated Sparrows. (North Okanagan Naturalists; Phil Ranson).

Victoria (AB) — Dec. 16; 193 obs., 137 spp., 84942 indiv., 90Trumpeter Swans, 9 Gr. White-fronted Geese, 7 PeregrineFalcons, 24GreaterYellowlegs, 1 Whimbrel, 12 Western Gulls,2231 Ancient Murrelets, 4 N. Pygmy-Owls, 4 Barred Owls, 40Anna's Hummingbirds, 1095 Bushtits, 5 White-throated Spar-rows. (Victoria Natural History Society; Michael Shepard & MikeMcGrenere).

Wells Gray (AB) — Dec 31,6 obs., 17 spp., 294 Indiv., 3 RuffedGrouse, 7 Pileated Woodpeckers, 8 White-winged Crossbills.(TrevorGoward).

West Kootenay (Nelson, Trail, Castlegar, Salmo, Rossland}—Dec. 30; 70+ obs., 72 spp., ? indiv., 3 Red-necked Grebes, 1Tundra Swan, 1 Harlequin Duck, 1 Mew Gull, 9 Rosy Finches,1 Golden-crowned Sparrow. (West Kootenay Naturalists; JimStreet).

White Rock (AB) — Dec. 30; 68 obs., 126 spp., 58685 indiv., 2Eared Grebes, 1 Green-backed Heron, 4 Brant, 1 Smew, 2Peregrine Falcons, 1 Willet, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Barred Owl, 1 Long-eared Owl, 2 Mountain Chickadees, 1 Townsend's Solitaire, 7Yellow-rumped Warblers. (White Rock-Surrey Naturalists;MadelonSchouten).

Williams Lake — Dec. 30; 31 obs., 29 spp., 2345 indiv.. 1 GreatBlue Heron, 3 Bald Eagles, 568 American Crows, 11 Townsend'sSolitaires, 219 Pine Grosbeaks, 200 Rosy Finches. (Williams

PAGE 6 B.C. NATURAUSTSEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL)

Lake Field Naturalists; Anna Roberts).

Yoho National Park — Dec. 17; 8 obs., 13 spp., 103 indivThree-toed Woodpeckers, 5 Boreal Chickadees, 3 Am. Dipp(Rob Scobte).

Richard Cannii

CBC DATESDECEMBER 1990-JANUARY 1991

If you would like to participate in a Christmas Bird Count, wrever your experience level, we have a job for you. Dri\, observers are all needed. Please contact the pers

listed (in the previous article)forthe count your interested to fout the date etc. At press time (early August) it is really hareget information on Christmas Bird Counts. The following daare certain. The ones marked with a * are tentative.

Dec. 15 Sunshine Coast *Dec. 16 VancouverDec. 22 Squamish *Dec. 23 LadnerDec. 28 Vaseux LakeDec. 29 PentictonDec. 30 Olive r/OsoyoosDec. 31 Wells-Gray

SKILLIAN'S

DAVID 5ECUAD

DVai

TOURS & SAFARIS

> JMk«

**iLtf~iiOAVID SKILLA

11 IF

JKTLLAN'S 15 DAY TOURS TOOR & GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Next Departure

March 12, 1991$375 per person

(price subject to change)

avid Skillan is a well-knownicouver-based world traveller.

ENQUIRE ABOUT OUR OTHERWORLD-WIDE EXOTIC TOURS

To Australia, Europe, India & Africa

For colour brochure &. further information, contactSKILLIAN TOURS & SAFARIS

181 West BroadwayVancouver, B.C. V54Y 1P4Telephone: (604) 879-9377

PULP THE PEAKS

uuring the last two or three years, many of us have beendelighted to see real improvements in our forest management.Replanting has been expanded in a major way and the federalFRDA grants have helped to restock many areas that had beenleft barren after previous logging or fires. Input from theFederation and from other outdoor groups seemed to be takenseriously. Both the Old Growth Workshop and the Round Tablefor Environment and Economy were established for the expresspurpose of developing strategiesfororderly development and toavoid the shrill and often unproductive public controversies overresource decisions.

I must admit that I shared these hopes, even when progress wasslowerthan expected.

What made my hopes evaporate was a detailed look at thePulpwood Agreements which the Ministry of Forests proposesto grant. In their present form, the agreements represent a re-lapse into thedarkest age of single-use forest exploitation. If theagreements are not changed, they will create a major threat tovast stretches of Old Growth forest in the southern two-thirds ofthe interior of B.C. In our own area here, the Okanagan Valley,the so far unlogged mountain tops would be prime potentialtargets for pulpwood logging, as would all other areas with slow-growing subalpine forests which are characterized by small-diameter timber.

If you suspect by now that this short article will end up as a callfor action by you and other naturalists, you are right. But beforeI come to that, I want to give you some more background andspecific details. The full story of pulpwood "harvesting" andprocessing is complicated, fascinating and much too technicalto compress into a few pages. The present controversy, on theother hand, centres on a few simple facts which the ministrydoes not deny.

The major purpose of the agreement is to promote increasedlogging of pulpwood and to give companies an expanded andsecure source of pulpwood forthe next 25 years. Similar agree-ments in the past have not been used by the companies becauseenough raw material was available as leftovers from sawmills.As the mills are improving technology, they are making increas-ingly better use of the timber and the raw material for thepulpmills is dwindling. At the same time, the ministry wants to"liquidate" (their word, not mine!) climaxforests of small-diame-ter timber which it considers to be "decadent". Unfortunately,around here, this means especially the subalpine semi-openmixed forests with the irhighlyvariedground flora and fauna, theprime hiking and cross-country skiing areas, the last undis-turbed wilderness areas which have escaped the chain saw sofar precisely because the timber was too small for dimensionlumber. From an ecological and economic point of view, theseareas are also of major importance forthe water household ofthe forest and are major watersheds for the irrigation damswhich supply the whole valley with water during the summer.Time and again we had been told that these mountain tops

would be safe from single-use exploitation, that they were notincluded in the AAC (Annual Allowable Cut), that we would nothave to worry.

As we collected more information about the pulpwood agree-ments, it became obvious that they are to be granted without aprior environmental assessment, without consideration formostother uses (park proposals from public groups were not consid-ered, norwere most municipal watersheds!), without considera-tion for long-term sustainable pulpwood production. In fact, theagreements are specifically written for 25-year non-renewableterms.

The ministry does not deny these details. However, one officialversion states thatthese needs will be looked afterlateron in theplanning process. Unfortunately, this would almost invariablylead to the bitterconfrontation which we have now: "protection-ists" on the one side, in a last-ditch attempt to save a fewthreatened pieces of old growth and the occasional watershedfrom the chainsaw, "destructionists" on the other side, armedwith official permits and agreements, ready to disregard allforest use except the logging for pulp.

Another official version states that these details are irrelevantanyway, because the purpose of the agreement is not really toprovide trees for pulp, but to provide collateral (written guaran-tees of securesupply)for pulpwood companies, so thattheycansecure cheaperloansforexpansionfromthebanks. One officialwas even willing to bet that no trees would be cut under theseagreements during the next 10 years.

I must admit that this second aspect came as a relief to me,because it will provide a 10-year breathing space during whichthe agreements could be restructured to provide the necessarysafeguards forthe environment, forthe watershed, for animalhabitats and for floral diversity, in other words for all those usesand values that we as naturalists cherish.

This breathing space will also come as a relief for those nativeand non-native communities in the central interior which dependon the intact forest for their livelihood and which would be mostseverely affected by the proposed large-scale clearcutting.

Can we nudge the ministry in the right direction? I think we can,if we are willing to invest a little effort and time. There are manypeople writing the ministry who are tryingdiligently to improve allkinds of logging practices, including pulpwood logging. Thereare many in the industry who feel unhappy with various stipula-tions of the agreements. Several members of cabinet, for alltheir secrecy, seemto be very much in favour of environmentallysound and integrated forest management.

Let's show them our support by requesting an immediate reviewof the pending pulpwood agreements. I feel that demands forlong-term sustainability, for assessments of environmental

cont. Page 8

B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL) PAGE 7

British ColumbiaNaturalist Profile

MAURICE ELLISON

Maurice Ellison is one of the oldest, active naturalist in BritishColumbia. For nearly six decades he has quietly recorded birdand mammal life in the west Kootenay region of the Province andhas regularly sent his sightings to various data bases includingthe B.C. Nest Record Scheme. Last January I was finally in aposition to travel to Trail to visit him - to my great pleasure.

I called Maurice (pronounced Morris) andcaught him as he walked into the housefrom his morning bird walk along the shoresof the Columbia River. "Six robins backtoday he said, That's early for them in thispart of the country." Although a bit shy, Isensed he was excited to have another

.birdercall. We planned a lunch meeting athis home in Trail that afternoon.

When I arrived he put on soup and madesandwiches after which we immediatelystarted talking about birds. Nearly half anhour later Maurice service the soup - Icecoldi In our excitement he had forgotten toturn on the stove! We crammed 77 years ofliving in Trail into the next hour or so andthen went birding. Overthe next two hourswe visited Gyro Park, Upper and LowerColumbia Gardens, Waneta, and walkedalong the snow-covered shores of"Maurice's" river. We tallied 22 species,several of which were newfortheyear, andone, a Mew Gull, was a new bird for thearea.

Maurice was born in Trait in 1912 and spent all of his youth andmost of his adult life living in what is today the heart of the city.Only recently he moved into his second home, closerto the riverhe loves. He served three years in the Canadian army and 40years as an electrician with Cominco, the smelter in Trail. He

was married and raised an adopted son who now lives In Ontarioand works as a computer expert.

His introduction to birds came through his days as a Boy Scout.He recalls being issued a tiny booklet called The Canadian BoyScout and Wolf Club Diary which contained two pages ofblack-and-white line drawings of common birds. As the months

passed he was able to identify some of thebirds in Trail and by 1933 he knew he haddiscovered a life-long avocation with nature.Since then he has faithfully recorded hisdaily wildlife observation in diaries. Besidesdaily lists he maintains a "Year List" and a"Life List." In 1989, for example, he found107 species withintheenvirons of Trail., Hisbest bird that yearwas an Oldsquaw. His listfor British Columbia stands at 250 species;his Canadian list includes 280 species.

Maurice has always been attracted to wild-life and enjoys birdwatching because it ishealthy activity, personally very challenging,and can always be done alone. By recordingobservations Maurice says he becomesaware of patterns in nature and better appre-ciates and understands the dynamics ofbirdsandtheirhabits. Heisquicktonotethatthe outdoor experience is always a humblingone.

Very few people, anywhere in the world,have so carefully monitored the happenings of the wildlife of anarea for so long a period. Fortunately for British Columbians,Maurice has unselfishly shared his discoveries with us andmade us more knowledgeable about wildlife in the West Koote-nay region. We appreciate his years of dedication, discipline,and communication.

Text and Photo: R.WAYNE CAMPBELL

V A N C O U V E R I S L A N D

Legendary Wilderness Adventures

STRATHCONAPARKgJjQDGE

L EDUCATION CENTRE

C A N A D I A NOUTDOOR LEADERSHIP

FALL COLT PROGRAMMEMid September - Mid December

ALPINE TO OCEANADVENTURES

Due to Colt's popularity we are now offeringit in'the fall; for reservations ormore information

/ntended for mature, fit adults 19 pleasi;phoneyears or older who have a true orlove of the outdoors.Programme includes both water & landbased instruction.

Write for our free Adventure Guide . . . BOX 2160. CAMPBELL RIVER. B C.. V9W 5C9 TEL (604; 286-3122 FAX (604) 287-2301

B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL) PAGE 9

Kime photographed an adutt on the Salmon Arm foreshore onShuswap Lake on 15 June.

The regular wintering flock of TRUMPETER SWANS at thenorth end of Fraser Lake was estimated at 350 birds by GrantHazelwood on 22 April. In the interior a pair of adult birds wasseen on the south end of Columbia Lake at Canal Flats on thelate date of 24 BRANT, casual in winter in the interior, was atTranquille on 1 January (Ralph Ritcey). A pair of HARLEQUINDUCKS was found sleeping on a log near the Scout IslandNature Centre in Williams Lake by Anna Roberts on the earlydate of 9 May.

Vultures to Cranes

A BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE, the first record for Canada,was seen independently by John Ireland and Dave Smith at theG.C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary (Delta) on 26 April. Thatbrings the provincial total to 450species, the highest in Canada!Nineteen TURKEY VULTURESwere counted on a beach log inComox Harbour by David Stirlingon 25 June. On 18 April Grant Ha-zelwood witnessed a small migra-tory movement of raptors usingt hermals off rolling hills just east ofFraser Lake. In just over an hourhe counted 5 RED-TAILEDHAWKS. 20 ROUGH-LEGGEDHAWKS, 20 AMERICANKESTREL, and 8 PEREGRINEFALCONS. An adultSWAINSON'S HAWK was atQuick, east of Smithers, on 31March (David Hatler), a lateROUGH-LEGGED HAWK washovering Boundary Lake, east of Fort St. John, on 1 July (Rickand John Toochin), and an adult PRAIRIE FALCON was flyingover cultivated fields along the Duck Lake Road near Creston(Vic Goodwill).

The illusive YELLOW RAIL is still taunting birders to BoundaryLake. Chris Siddle and Wayne Campbell missed the bird on 15June. However, Rick and John Toochin, heard the steady,monotonous 'lic.tic.tic.tic" call there on 6 July. The bird re-sponded to taped calls but it was not actually seen.

Plovers to Puffins

Ten BLACK-NECKED STILTS were watched as they fed inshallow water on the shore of Shuswap Lake near Salmon Armby Frank Kime and Deane Munro on 11 and 12 April. This is thefirst record since May 1988. Two other were at 150 Mile Housein the Cariboo on 29 April (Wayne Campbell). AMERICANAVOCETS were at the Serpentine Fen (1 on 31 March, TomHanrahan), White Lake (5 pairs from 23 April to 12 May RickMcKelvey), Buse Lake (2 adults on 7 May-Vic Goodwill), Ber-esf ord Lake (4 on 8 May-Rick Howie), and Clinton (6+on 2 June-PatandPeterMcCallisterandDaphneOgilvie). Single LONG-BILLED CURLEWS were reported at Telkwa on 19 May (DavidHatler), and Whiff in Spit, Vancouver Island on 20 May (Michael

Spencer and Bill Maule). Four RED KNOTS at Delkatla WildlifeSanctuary (Q.C.I.) seen on May by Margo Heame was the firstsighting since 1983.

Vic Goodwill, during his annual spring trip to the southerninterior, found FRAN KLIN'S GULLS at Duck Lake (2 adult on 25May) and Kilpoola Lake in Richter Pass (1 adult on 30 May) andFORSTER'S TERNS also at Duck Lake (8 on 26 May). A largeflock of 440 MARBLED MURRELETS was counted off Thor-manby Island on 13 April by Michael Rodway.

Doves to Woodpeckers

A BAND-TAILED PIGEON was found on Carson Road in GrandForks on 11 June by Derek Peach and confirmed by DaphneHamilton. A FLAMMULATED OWL was heard in Douglas-firhabitat on Premier Ridge north of Cranbrook on 24 June by RickHowie. This Is encouraging since it suggests small pockets of

appropriate habitat across interiorsouthern B.C. may support thistiny bird. Dave Low, WildlifeBranch, reportedthat a BURROW-ING OWL was present along theLac DuBois Road fromSto 16 Julyand that the sighting was the firstfor the area since 1938. On 26May David Stirling noticed aVAUX'S SWIFT enter a chimneyin a building in Grand Forks (Fig-ure 1). It did not return after 15minutes suggesting the bird wasnesting.

Flycatchers to Vireos

Single HAMMOND'S FLYCATCH-ERS were heard and seen by many

observers, Including Wayne Campbell, at Tiell on 6 June andRose Spit on 7 June. These are the first records for the QueenCharlotte Islands. PURPLE MARTINS were at their traditionalsites in Cowttchan Bay but 7 counted by Dennis Martin atLadysmith Harbour near Nanaimo on 26 May was an excitingfind. A nice flock of 300 WATER PIPITS seen by Vic Goodwillon 14 April on the Saanich Peninsula was the largest groupreported. Up to 9 PYGMY NUTHATCHES were seen everymorning and evening at Dave Low's home in Barnhartvale eastof Kamloops during June. Their activity seems coincidental withan outbreak of the Pine White butterfly.

Warblers to Finches

The mid-summertripto the Peace River area by Rick and JohnToochin, ThorDiakow, Steven and Jerry Ansell and Mark Wynjaproduced most of the eastern warblers. An adult CAPE MAYWARBLER was observed carrying foodto a nest site in a sprucetree nearthe Fort Nelson airport on 4 July, an adutt BLACKBUR-NIAN WARBLER was seen in the same area on the same date,an adutt male BAY-BREASTED WARBLER was singing at theFort Nelson R.V. Park on 3 July, two adult CONNECTICUTFigure 1. Suspected location of a Vaux's Swift nest in the chimney ofthe Longhom Hotel, Grand Forks, 26 May 1990.Photo: David Stirling

B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL) PAGE 11

WARBLERS were singing on territory In an aspen grove in thesame area on 2 July, and adult MOURNING WARBLERS wereadded to the list at Moberiy Lake Park on 30 June and AndyBailey Park on 5 July. The most exciting find, however, was anadult male HERMIT WARBLER, by experienced birderMfchaelCh utter, on 2 May west of Nanaimo. the bird was heard and seensinging atop a young Douglas-fir In a second growth forest.Unfortunately no one else was the bird and for the time beingmust be considered hypothetical.

A male INDIGO BUNTING wasfound intheSimilkameen valleynear Princeton on 29 June by June Ryder and Michael Church.BOBOLINKS were observed in 4t least 19 locations (e.g. DuckLake near Creston, Nakusp area, Oliver, etc.) but the mostnoteworthy sighting was made by Doug Innis on VancouverIsland. From 20 to 22 June he watched a pair near 2864Rennison Road In Courtenay. He suspects they were breedingin the area. Single adult HARRIS' SPARROWS were at Kelownaon 15 and 19 April (Denfse Brownline, Joan Burbridge, RobinYellowlees, and Brian Holmes) and Summeriand on 22 May(Audrey and Dave Mclntosh). A LARK SPARROW was photo-graphed on Satu ma Island by Lorratn* Fontaine on 29 May. And

John and Rick Toochin saw the elusive SHARP-TAILED SPAROW at Boundary Lake on 6 July. It may be one of the mothreatened species in the province because of low numbers arestricted habitat.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Bennett, Bruce, 1989. CHECKLIST OF THE BIRDS OF MMNING PROVINCIAL PARK. Leaflet available from B.C. ParkBox 10, Cuftus Lake, B.C. VOX 1HO

Updates 1975 edition. Lists 216 species by none locatiowithin the park. Ust includes four status categories and sabundance designations.

Reynolds, RchardT. and Brian D.Linkhart. 1990. LONGEVI1RECORDS FOR MALE ANDFEMALEFLAMMULATEDOWLJournal of Field Ornithology 61 (2): 234244

Minimum ages, from banding, was 7 years 1 month for a maand8years 1 month fora female.

R. Wayne Campt*

GULF

KHYAKINONo Expwtonc*

KayakCosta Rica7 Day Winter West Coastadventure for inexperiencedand intermediate paddters.B & B aocomodation *3000 acre biological reserve

December thru FebruaryExcellent birding

Comfort A

• One Day Vacation -Adventure - Intro/NMunTours - Daily in season-Easy pace

< B-t-B tours - Expbr* th>islands in comfort

> 3+4 day local remoMIsland camping &Desolation sound

> Migratory wfWHatoMngweeklySepterrtoer- Decscambw& February - May

• Mountain BiXe Tours

' Rentals• Easy accesss 1 hr tonynde from Vancouver orVictoria - Free shultafrom f any

,, _^, .̂ - ̂

CJULF ISLAND KAYAKINGR.R. 11, Ooliaao liland. Mltah Colombia TOM IPO

(MCMMttl

Exploration of the Sea & ShoreAtthe Bamfield Marine Station

The Bamfield Marine Station, a modern university-sponsored marineresearch and education facility, is located on the south side of BarkleySound, on the Uest Coast of Vancouver Island. The great diversity of marineand terrestrial habitats and local history make it an ideal location for avariety of natural history field trips. The program cost includesaccommodation in cabins, meals, and instruction. For further information andregistration please call the Bamfield Marine Station at (604) 728-3301 duringoffice hours (08:30-16:30, M-F)

ETHNOBOTANY & NATURAL HISTORY OF COASTAL PLANTS(Sept. 21-23, 1990)

Cost (2 nights): $220.

ARCHAEOLOGY & ETHNOGRAPHY OF THE WEST COAST PEOPLES(Oct. 5-8, 1990)

Cost (3 nights): $290.

BIRDS OF THE SEA AND SHORE(Oct. 26-28, 1990)

Cost (2 nights): $220.

PLUNGE INTO THE PACIFIC WITH A SCIENTIST(Nov. 2-4. 1990)

Cost (2 nights): $220.

FISHING AND AQUACULTURE - ISSUESFACING B.C.'s RENEWABLE RESOURCES, OCEAN INDUSTRIES

(Nov. 2-4, 1990)Cost (2 nights): $220.

FISHY FUN FOR FAMILIES(NOV. 10-12, 1990)

Cost (2 nights): $220,

PROTECTING THE PACIFIC, AN ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERIENCE(Nov. 16-18, 1990)

Cost (2 nights): $220.

PAGE 12 B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL)

RAVENTALKYour Federation in Action: information, committee reports, projects and concerns

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Summer is the time when naturalists like to spend as much timeas possible outdoors, exploring our coasts, valleys, and highcountry, and I've been fortunate to see a lot of the northwest thissummer.

In early June I drove up the Dempster Highway from DawsonCity to Inuvik—I've done this trip several times before, but thatvast northern wilderness never fails to take hold of me. Theultimate car camping trip!

The nextjoumey was aroundtheBowron Lakes—I'vewantedtocanoe this remarkable chain in central British Columbiafor manyyears, so when the opportunity came up to go with a group ledby Chris & Jenny Harris, I jumped at itl And it was an unforget-table trip—in addition to the experience of canoeing past tenmoose in thirty minutes and hearing countless loons wailing inthe mountain valleys, the experience of simply getting myselfaround seventy miles of wilderness under my own power was anuplifting one. (The wilderness nature of this unique provincialpark is threatened, however, with encroaching clear cuts ofimmense size and a planned highway from McBridetoQuesnel,which will come within a hair's breadth of one of the far cornersof the circuit.)

Then it was off to the Okanagan for a week; back home to warmnights filled with the scent of pines and the song of poorwills.After spending a number of summers surveying the insects ofthe Yukon, the Okanagan always surprises me with Its diversityof insects and other crawling creatures. And what really sur-prises me is how little we know about the invertebrates of thisvalley (let alone the whole province). For example, in just a fewdays at the UBC Geology Camp near Oliver, we came acrossfour mantispid flies (these are beautiful insects, stunning ex-amples of convergent evolution with praying mantises)—anumber that doubled the number of reports of this species fromCanada!

Come to think of it, we really know very little about all of our floraand fauna. Right next to camp we were shown a poorwill nest—the first one that I had ever seen!

Finally, I recently spent a couple of days on Galiano Island,hiking the long, sun-soaked, manzanita-cloaked spine of BodegaRidge and studying its insects. The residents of Galiano are

currently negotiating with MacMillan Bloedel to have this beau-tiful and ecologically valuable area set aside, and UBC isinvolved with a survey of the insects that are restricted in Can-ada to the dry Douglas-fir forests of Galiano and the othersouthern Gulf Islands.

While I was in the Okanagan, our Executive Assistant, AdelineNicoi, died after a lengthy illness. Well before her battle withcancer, she was astrong-willed fighter—fighting forthe creationof parks like Campbell Valley Regional Park. I had visited her inJune to give herthe carving that the Federation had presentedto herin appreciation of all herenergetic service. At that time shewas smiling and still full of advice about the Federation and theconservation scene. I certainly had depended upon her help,advice, and knowledge about the Federation's inner workingsduring my first year as President. We will all miss her energy, herorganizational skills, and her mischievous smile.

When I've talked to members over the past year about what isneeded in the Federation, one common suggestion wasthat wehire someone who could work with our member clubs, andanother was that we hire someone who could help us in ourprovincial conservation and education efforts. In the past twomonths, an opportunity has arisen that will hopefully allow us toaccomplish part of both those goals.

Firstly, we have available to us the interest from a sizeablebequest to the Federation, a sum of about $10,000. Secondly,a perfect candidate became unexpectedly available for employ-ment. Nora Layard was formeriydirector of the British ColumbiaEnvironmental Network, so herconnections inthe conservationfield are many and valuable; she was also interim director of theOutdoor Recreation Council for a time, so she knows thatorganization (with which we have close connections) very well.After several discussions amongst the executive, and approvalby the directors, we have signed a contract with Nora for aboutsix months. Her duties during this time will be varied, but willfocus on involving our members and key individuals outside theFederation in conservation and nature education workshopsand roundtable discussions.

Another major thrust of her work will be to seek outside funding

B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL) PAGE 13

RAVENTALK

that will allow herto continue this work into the future. Nora hasa great deal of experience in getting grants, so we are confidentthat she can continue to wont forus long after ourstart-up moneyhas been spent.

I believe that this initiative is an important and timely one for theFederation. Oursymposia and roundtables have been success-ful catalysts for conservation and nature education in the past,but with a province as far-flung and diverse as ours, many localissues need to be brought forward and many workshops needto be organized. This would be too much to ask of a small groupof volunteers, but is ideal for an energetic, full-time employee.

This is a project in which all of our clubs can get involved andmake areal contribution tothe identification and conservation oflimited habitats in every region, and can stimulate the develop-ment of nature education facilities throughout the province.

Nora's first task is to organize the old growth workshop and fieldtripforourmembers attheFallGeneral Meeting in Salmon Arm.She has lined up several top-notch speakers already; expertslike Jim Pojar, Ray Travers, Alan Vyse, and Ken Lertzman whoknowforest ecology and the facts (both ecological and political)about old growth forests and forestry in the northwest. If youwould like to know more about our forests and how you cancontribute to their wise management, this is a session youshouldn't miss. Come to the Fall Meeting and attend this work-shop—the registration forms are in this issue of the B.C.Naturalist

Another project in which you can play a big part, wherever youmay be in the province, is our new natural history journal. RickHowie of the Kamloops club is heading up a committee to editand produce this magazine, and he would really appreciate anumber of articles submitted this fall to go into the inauguralspring issue. If you have made some interesting observations onsome aspect of natural history in your area, or if you have aparticular project that you have been pursuing (such as keepingtrack of wildflower blooming times over the years, or birdmigration dates, or making a detailed checklist of the plants ofa favourite spot), now is the time to sit down and gather theinformation together and write it up so that it can be appreciatedand used by naturalists, schoolchildren, and scientists alike.Perhaps your article will encourage others to do similar projectsin their neighbourhood, and soon we will all know so much moreabout the natural history of our province. As I said near thebeginning of this message, there is much to learn about ourf foraand fauna, and you can make a real contribution—please don'tbe shy about sharing your knowledge!

Sydney Cannings

FBCN FEE INCREASE

At the Annual General Meeting in May, members voted 54 to 2in favour of a motion to increase annual club fees to $10me mberfor both individual and family members, and to increasdirect memberfees to $15. This was a hotly debated motion,all fee increase proposals seem to be, but in the end the majoriagreed with the proposal put forward by the executive. I will ngo through the reasons for the increase again at this time,what I believe the effect on the clubs will be, but I thought I shousay a few words about the details.

First of all, the increase is effective on fees collected at the erof 1991, and will thus not be available to the Federation unt1992. Thiswillenableclubstoraisetheirownfeesintheinteririf they decide that this is how they wish to pay the Federatkfees.

As the motion states, family memberships are considered tsame as individual memberships as far as the Federation fcalculations are concerned. This was one of the aspects of tmotion that was strongly debated, since some delegates thougthat it discriminated against single members. However, tclubs have complete freedom to set their own fee structure, aif your club does not have a family membership categocouples orfamilies can still be counted as one membership fFederation purposes. Your newsletter mailing list could begood way of determining this.

There was some concern about how the voting for the motiotook place. Our constitution states that each member in atteidance at the Annual General Meeting has one vote, but somdelegates were of the opinion that this was unfairto clubs somdistance from the meeting that were represented by only a feor no members. The original constitution of the Federatiaallowed only delegates a vote at meetings, but this practice WEvetoed by the Reg istrar of Societies in 1979 since it did not allodirect members a democratic voice. The change to allow amembers to vote was therefore done as a requirement of thRegistrar and not as any wish of the members or the directorArnold Greenius, our constitution committee chair, is lookininto this, and it will be discussed at the Fall Meeting. The preserisystemcertainly encourages ordinary members to take an inteest in the workings of the Federation and to attend meetingsl Iany case, Ido not think that any oneclubinfluencedtheoutcomof this vote by having so many 'yes'-voting members presen^

CORRECTION: JULY (SUMMER) 1990 -PAGE 13Second last paragraph should read: The Federation attemptsto stress provincial issues and to assist in local issues.

PAGE 14 B.C.NATURAUSTSEPTEMBER1990(FALL)

CLUB CHAT

This is the first edition of a new column about the activities ofnaturalists throughout the province. The intent is to have achatty, newsy column covering the myriad of exciting andstimulating activities ou r different naturalist's clubs are involvedin.

Information for this column will be mainly obtained from clubnewsletter, so...please do not forget to mail your newsletter tothe Federation office!

We will try to cover special club projects, activities, local "issues"as well as announcing upcoming events which may be ofinterest to other naturalists passing through your area. We alsoplan to feature one particular club in each column. Obviously,as space is limited, we cannot cover everyth ing and not all clubswill receive a mention every time.

While perusing the first batch of newsletters, I could not helpwishing I was independently wealthy so that Icould hop from oneclub to another to attend all the interesting field trips and talksbeing offered.

While naturalists are, by virtue of their love of nature, already"green," I was impressed by how many clubs are encouragingtheir members to work harder to clean up the environment.

The North Peace Naturalist's went all out to celebrate Environ-ment Week in June, by hosting a series of activities (heard aboutthroughout the north courtesy of CBC). They invited AlexPeden, Leon Pavlick, and Wayne Campbell (all from the RoyalB.C. Museum) to help focus on identifying and protectingendangered species and ecosystems in their area.

The Williams Lake Club hosted a very successful fund-raiserin May to garner funds for their highly acclaimed Scout IslandNature Centre. The star attraction was Wayne Campbell (busyman!) who entertained young and old with an illustrated talk onthe owls of the province. Door prizes, a silent auction anddelicious meal were all part of the evening's events. By the way,if you have not already visited the Scout Island Nature Centre,do make apoint of stopping the next time you are in the area., .it'sgreat!

Delta Naturalists are initiating a survey of heritage trees in theirarea and Kam loops Naturalists are compiling both acookbookfor nature lovers and a history of their club's past activities. Thelibraries of both the Victoria Natural History Society and theSwan Lake-Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary are being updatedby members of the Victoria club.

Many clubs are involved in local issues but all are faced with onoverload of problems to be addressed and not enough time.Nanalmoreportsthatthey are rapidly losing most of their naturalareas in and around the city to developers. They are particularlyconcerned about the loss of valuable wildlife habitat to the

proposed new 'Inner Route Expressway'.

Victoria identified24 natural areas of concern but, due to limrtedhuman resources, have decided to focus their activities onthorough inventories of the flora and fauna of the five mostimportant ones.

Several clubs report responding to local forestry issues. Boththe Smitners (Bulkley Valley) and Kamloops clubs reportedinvolvement on Local Resource Use Plans (LRUP's). TheNorth Okanagan Naturalists are very concerned about for-estry plans to eliminate bark beetles by large scale logging inwater catchment areas.

On the lighter side, amusing anecdotes abound. Anne Algard ofVictoria wrote a hilarious account of a visit by three hungrymallards. It seems they eagerly pursued her right into hertownhouse living room in search of a handout. Once inside,however, they panicked and created mayhem - not to mentionslippery floors.

In Kelowna (Central Okanagan Naturalists Club), Rod Brownlie-aself -confessed non-birder-opted to remain nearthe car whilehis wife and friends went off in search of the newly returnedburrowing owls. You guessed - the birders saw nothing, whileRod enjoyed watching two owls he had flushed right nearthecar.

Some of the many interesting past trips included a "hands-on"feet-in" marine walk with the Cowlchan Valley club in May,Prince George's Mount Robson Bird Blitz in June and a Julyvisit to the Olympic Mountains in Washington by the Victoria. InOctober, the Williams Lake, Kamfoops, and Bulkley Valleyclubs all plan to visit the Junction bighorn sheep range in theChilcotin.

FEATURE CLUB

Any club that sells marmalade and house plants to raise fundsor whose birders inadvertently eat lunch in a strip joint has gotto be an interesting bunch. The NORTH OKANAGAN NATU-RALISTS CLUB (NONC), based in Vernon, boasts 300 mem*bers, of which 140 regulariyattend meetings. President SharonLawrence wonders if the tea and cookies are the main attraction.

NONC meets regularly between September and May on thef irstWednesday of every month at 8:00 pm in the Vernon Lodge.They run trips throughout the year and are particularly proud oftheir annual events. Their very popular Annual Field Day in Mayoffers botany, birding, entomology, ponding and hiking in themorning. Afterlunch naturalists test their knowledge by answer-ing questions along a Nature Trail set up by member MalcolmMartin (an idea originated by the late Jim Grant) and the day isrounded up by an evening banquet. The guest speaker at thebanquet was (again) Wayne Campbell. cont. Page 16

B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL) PAGE 15

RAVEN!ALK

The club also has an annual potluck Christmas Dinner. DuringEnvironment Week the club organizes several activities. Par-ticularly popular is the "Wildlife Safari" offered at local schools,where kids spend hours of fun looking for wild creatures in andaround city schools.

Club members are also busy keeping an eye on the manyEcological Reserves in the area as well as devoting many hourstowards negotiations over the purchase of other habitat. SwanLake and the O'Keefe pond are two parcels of land they wouldlike to acquire. Many hours are devoted to Bingo to raise fundsfor these projects.

As if they do not have enough on the go, the club hosted theFBCNcampat Camp Hurlbertthis past May. I hear it was agreatsuccess.

Rosamund PojarSmithers

UP AND COMING

SEPTEMBER

10

22

OCTOBER

Director's Meeting, 6:15 pm, 1367 West Broadway,Vancouver.Vancouver Island Regional Meeting - Nanaimo

12-14 FBCN FALL GENERAL MEETING & WORKSHOPSalmon Arm (see pages 30 and 31)

15 DEADLINE FOR MATERIAL JANUARY 1991S.C.NATURALIST (seepages))

18-20 2nd Get High on Nature Environmental Conference,Nelson. Workshops and lectures fill this actionpacked weekend. For brochure write to School District#7 (Nelson), 308 Anderson Street, Nelson, V1L 3Y2 orphone Bob Harrington 369- 2281.

26-28 Interpretation Canada Workshop - Sorrento.Wildlife Viewing in B.C.

NOVEMBER

2-3 Outdoor Recreation Council - Fall Forum, Vancouver5 Director's Meeting, 6:15pm. 1367 West Broadway,

Vancouver.

DECEMBER

8 Director's Meeting 12 NOON-5PM 1367 West Broadway, Vancouver. Please bring your lunch.

JANUARY

7 Director's Meeting, 6:15 pm. 1367 West Broadway,Vancouver.

CAMPS

VICTORIA - MAY 1991The FBCN Camp in 1991 will be hosted by the Victoria NaturHistory Society.

The area around the city offers a great variety of habitats frogiant cedarforests, farmlands, rocky and sandy seashores, atmountain ranges.

There will be trips for birding, botany and marine life. May isgreat month for flowers so there will be opportunities towildf lowers in several unique habitats on the hillsides and tfoffshore islands. As you travel to get to the start of yoexploration you will pass many colourful gardens and boukvards lined with flowering trees.

There is a low tide at the time of the camp so we will arrang<trip to Botanical Beach, the remarkable "seagarden"on the w«coast of the Island, to explore the tide pools.

Accommodation will be in the dormitories on the University!Victoria Campus and meals will be in the cafeteria. (We hopthis will not prove adeterrent to those of you who usually exfmore rugged conditions at camp.) The rhododendron garderat the University will be at their best and birding around tlcampus is excellent.

Time will be allowed for visits to Buchart Gardens and the RoyBritish Columbia Museum which are the preeminent tourattractions here, though there are several others. When y<register we will send you information on trips to areas that afurther off - such as the West Coast for whale-watchingpelagic birding or the Carmanah - so that you can maarrangements to extend your visit to the Island at either end

The Victoria Natural History Society are looking forwardwelcoming the campers from May 12 to 19,1991. so mark tldates on you calendar and join us for interesting field trips arinformative programmes!

BAMFIELD - 1991PRELIMINARY NOTICE

Yes, the Bamfield Camp remains as popular as ever, and neyearwe are inviting naturalists from other parts of Canadato jous. But we want to give FBCN members the first chanceregister.

If you are interested in attending the 1991 camp, please send iyou name and address, and a stamped self-addressed envjjlope. As soon as plans are firmer, I will send the information Iyou.

Helen Akrigg,#8 - 2575 Tolmie Street,telephone 228-8606

Vancouver, B.C. V6R 31

PAGl 16 B.C. NATURAUSTSEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL)

A NEW JOURNAL OF BRITISH COLUMBIA NATURAL HISTORY

A new journal about natural British Columbia is in the works!Everything from birds and bees to buttercups and boulders willbe featured in this magazine; which will provide a much-neededoutlet for information regarding nature in a naturally diverseprovince. If you are familiar with them, the concept is much thesame as Blue Jay from Saskatchewan and Trail and Land-scape from Ottawa. The geographic range of the journal willprobably extend beyond the borders of British Columbia to takein the other mountainous regions of western Canada, the north-ern tier of states, and Alaska.

The articles will be written with naturalists like you in mind; theywill be scientifically accurate and up to date, but written in a styleaccessible to the interested public. In fact, we hope that manyof the articles will be written £% amateur naturalists. So manyof you have been active over the years with projects of all sorts,and have information to share with the world but have hadnowhere to publish it. Have you been keeping track of springand fall migrations of birds? Of blooming times of local wildf low-ers? Of nesting success of bluebirds or swallows in your nestboxes? Of the diversity of mushrooms in your local woods? Ofbugs on the snow between your skis? Now is your opportunityto share your knowledge and perhaps stimulate someone elseto make similar enquiries in their neighbourhood.

As a society, we are largely ignorant of the interesting, intricateways of the natural world. The more I leam about the naturalhistory of British Columbia, the more it is brought home to me justhow much we don't know about the land around us. This month(or so I have been told), the first part of the long-awaited Birdsof British Columbia will be published. The naturalists of theprovince had a lot to do with this book; in fact, they provided mostof the information that was used in the species accounts. Themain purpose of the book, of course, is to bring togethereverything that is known about birds in British Columbia, but I amsure that it will also highlight the immense gaps in our under-standing of this, the best known group of living things. When mybrothers and I wrote a book on the birds of the Okanagan Valley,I was surprised at what was known (and I was ignorant of), butI was even more surprised at what was not known. And think ofwhat we don't know about plants, about amphibians, aboutinsects and spiders!

This journal can be a real positive force—both by informing usand by stimulating us to go out and actively pursue knowledgedirectly, by observing nature. And naturalists can be a realpositive force in conservation if we can record our Knowledgeand share it with the community at large.

The journal will also have a children's section, which will feature

special articles written for young people and, more importantly,provide them with space to write their own articles about theirobservations and adventures with the natural world.

We are now seeking funding to print and distribute the first twoissues of the journal (spring and fall 1991), which we plan to sendto all of our members and to every school and library in theprovince free of charge. After that, ft will be funded primarilythrough subscriptions.

This project is being taken on by a group of keen volunteerscentred in Kamloops, led by Rick Howie. But the nice thing aboutthe electronic age isthat other keypeopte can work actively withRick wherever they are in the province. If you would like to helpthis effort in any way, please write to Rick at:

Site 15, Comp. 48R.R. #3,

Kamloops, B.C. V2C 5K1

Even now we are assembling articles for the first two issues, soif you have any to contribute, please send them as soon aspossible to Rick at the above address. Photos will be printed inblack and white, but can be submitted as colour slides or prints.

It is going to be a big job, so I'm sure he will appreciate any offersof assistance)

Sydney Cannings

NAME THE JOURNAL!

Our new journal of natural history for British Colum-bia (and surrounding Pacific Northwest) needs aname—and we want you to send us your sugges-tions. The judges (as yet unnamed) will give a PRIZE(as yet undetermined) to the person who submits thebest one. If you need a bit of background on the ideaof the journal, read the accompanying article. Goodluck!

Please send your suggestions to the Editor: RickHowie whose adress is listed above.

FBCN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGMAY 9 -12,1991PRINCE GEORGE

More details next edition

B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL) PAGE 17

RAVENTALK

AWARDS-1990

Elton Anderson AwardJim Lunam

Outstanding ServicePaul Smith

Club ServiceBrian Self - Vancouver Natural History SocietyBirch Van Home - Chilliwack Field Naturalists

Pauline Tranfield - Arrowsmith NaturalistsRon Walker - Boundary Naturalists

Barbara Chapman AwardJolie Fitzgerald

Special Thanks AwardAdeline Nicol

The Elton Anderson AwardDoctor Jim Lunam

The winner of the Elton Anderson Awards for OutstandingService to the Federation of British Columbia Naturalists went tolong time member, conservationist, hard workerandgentlemanDoctor Jim Lunam. Jim's friendly disposition, cute(?) jokes,and immeasurable energy make working with him a pleasure.To write a complete list of things he has been involved with in thefield of conservation would take a full edition (probably eventwo!!!). But, these are justafew: Past Regional Coordinator forVancouver Island clubs of the FBCN, FBCN Director fromComox-Strathcona Naturalists (and he manages to make mostof the meetings in Vancouver as well as the AGM and PGM), andChairman of the Estuary Wardens Committee forthe east coastof Vancouver Island.

Club Service Awards

Brian SelfVancouver Natural History Society

Brian has for the past number of years arranged the sale ofbirdseed to VNHS members. This service has been beneficialto both the birds and the birders as Brian has arranged for goodquality food which is better forthe birds and attracts more birdsforthe birdwatcher. There has also been a better price for thepurchaseras well as the convenience of one-stop shopping. Asnovice birders, we have appreciated the discovery of goodbirdseed and so many thriving birds. Thanks Brian!

Birch Van HomeChilliwack Field Naturalists

We would say that Birch has been the backbone of the club ovthe twenty years of its existence. In 1989 he conceived ECOEnvironment, Conservation - Ecology hoping find a waybringing to the club the infinite amount of new informatioavailable from all sources. With the assistance of AnnatxRempel he formed an open group of interested members tdiscuss the myriad of subjects related to our natural envirorment, and to pass along the digestest material to the club.

1971 One of the founding members of the Chilliwack FieldNaturalists

1978 Elected club President for the year 1978-791980 Began drafting the club Constitution

Became Chairman of Education, Conservation andEnvironment Committee

1981- Appointed Club's first Director. From then on until ttpresent day, with one short 1990 break, he has acted as thClub's liaison with the FBCN, making the trip to Vancouvwhenever possible, and reporting back to the club in his inirrtable way.

Pauline TranfieldArrowsmith Naturalists

Parksville

Pauline has been involved with the club since it was founded fcher late husband George in 1970. She served a termPresident from 1977-81 and her second term commenced1987 and continues to the present date. She is the present dudirector to the FBCN.

She served as secretary to the Vancouver Island MarPreservation Society for its duration.

.When the club hosted the Federation A.G.M. in 1981 and thmeeting in Nanoose in 1979 she did a great deal towards thorganization.

The Arrowsmith Naturalists are the sponsor for a UIC grantemploy computeroperatorsforthe compilation of B.C. MuseumBirds of B.C., and this has made a lot of extra work for Paulin*

The Canadian Wildlife Service has used the Arrowsmith Naturalists for bird counts of Bald Eagles, Brant, and Canada Geeseand Pauline has organized volunteers to do these counts.

Today the future of the estuary of the Englishman River isdoubt. Over the years, Pauline and George gathered inform

PAGE 16 B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990(FALL)

RAVENTALK

tion regarding this area which is now proving useful to thoseopposing development, and she has spoken on local radio aboutthe estuary.

Her long association with local naturalists and her energy andwillingness to organize or assist in anything pertaining to ournatural surroundings is outstanding. We are lucky to have herin our club.

Ron WalkerBoundary Naturalists

Grand Forks

Throughout his life, Ron Walker has been interested in everyfacet of the Great Outdoors. This interest has led to into manydifferent paths -When working with the Department of Transporton Old Glory Mountain (close to Rossland) - he hiked themountains searching for plants, taking pictures and identifyingspecies new to him. As well as plants his attention was alsotaken by birds, animals and scenery. This became a habit; infact, almost an addiction that he has carried with him whereverhe worked, lived or holidayed. In the fifties, Ron and his wife Olliepurchased the Silver Birch Resort at the south end of ChristinaLake and settled in to run the business, raise their family, andbecome thoroughly involved in community affairs. In 1957 Ronwas hired by Canada Customs and worked at the Canada -United States border until he retired in 1987.

Ron identified and labelled the trees on their property. Thisbecame the starting point for regular science field trips forclasses from both Christina Lake and Grand Forks schools, ledby Ron. Ron now has hundred of sets of slides including localwild flowers, birds and scenery. He has been generous with histime and expertize in leading field trips on plant identification,birding, land and rock formations, local history and photogra-phy.

Barbara Chapman Award

Jolie FitzgeraldBlack Creek, B.C.

"I've never met a kid like her..a real nature lover", said hermother. Jolie Fitzgerald has proven her interest in naturalhistory during the seven years she has volunteered hertime atMiracle Beach Provincial Park. The many tasks she has doneinclude: collecting food and specimens, caring for plants andanimals in the Park's Nature House, researching information fornatural history projects, helping Park Interpreters with day andevening programs, and giving her own programs to children.Last summer, for the first time, Jolie was paid for some of herefforts. Through all of the past eight years, she has volunteeredabout 1000 hours of hertime!

Jolie's contribution to furthering natural history is through herconcern, effort, artistry, and education of her peers and thepublic, Herbiggest pet peeve is LITTERBUGS! Jolie is alwayspicking up garbage. As well, she cannot bearto see animals in

distress. Even the thought of eating some meat sickens her.She has cared formany birds (injured and/or orphaned), and hasalso raised a baby raccoon. Jolie is careful to give proper care,and researches each animal's needs and habits. Presently, sheis involved in the daily care and feeding of exotic birds.

"As soon as she could hold a pencil she was drawing." Jolie'sartistic contribution to Natural History is growing. There isalways a project on the go. The children she babysits enjoy herbecause she is always making things with them. When in gradeseven, Jolie won the Junior Science Award for a project she didon lichens. Last yearshe won grade nine Science Award. Thisyear's school project on seaweeds included homemade sea-weed jelly which Jolie presented to her class. Forthe Park, shehas made props, displays, countless posters andsigns, and hasdone nature crafts with children of all ages.

For someone who tends to be a "bit of a loner", Jolie enjoyscontact with the public. She ran Miracle Beach Provincial Park'sJerry's Rangers program with about 1200 children lastsummer.These programs focussed on Safety, Environmental Aware-ness, History, and Biology. During the summer of 1989, the Parkhad about 47,000 people visit its Nature House. Although Joliedid not meet them all, she has been exposed to a great manyinterested and curious people through the past years.

We, the Interpreters for Miracle Beach Provincial Park, feel thatMiss Fitzgerald had dedicated many hours to furthering theappreciation of Natural History. Fora young person to dedicatesuch effort is impressive indeed. We feel that Jolie is deservingof recognitionforherinterest and commitment tonatural history.

Editor's Note:Jolie is a grade 10 student at Van ier Secondary School in Cour-tenay, and her ambitions for the future include a career as aveterinarian or school teacher.

Outstanding Service Award

Paul SmithParksville B.C.

Paul Smith has been a long time supporter of the outdoor andwildlife thoughout this country. After majoring in Electrical En-gineer at UBC, he had an illustrious career in the Candian ArmedForces from 1940 through 1970 when he retired with the rank ofBrigadier General. He was awarded the Order of the BritishEmpire for wartime service in North West Europe. From 1973-1983 he served as Director of the Regional District of Nanaimo.In 1977 he was appointed Directorto the Nature Trust of BritishColumiba and in 1987became Director of the B.C. ConservationFoundation. He has been involved with the B.C. WildlifeFederation having served on their executive in various capaci-ties) as well as amemberof the Totem Fly Fishers, SteelheadSociety of B.C. and the Parksville Fish and Game Club.

(This award was presented at the South Okanagan Rountablein Oliver on June 9th by Dr. V.C. Brink)

B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL) PAGE 19

RavenTatk

SPECIAL THANKS AWARD

Adeline Nicol

While Adeline was not able to attend the Annual GeneralMeeting in Kelowna (one of the first she had missed in a longtime). President Syd Cannings did make a presentation toAdeline at her home in early June. Adeline had requested inMarchthatshetake permanentdisability leave as whe would beunable to manage the office due to her illness. Early in July hercondition deteriorated and on July 24th she passed way fromcancer.

Adeline was always a battterandremained so till the end. Herdeterined manner earned her arespect through many organiza-tions and agencies. She was afounding member of the LangleyField Naturalists in the late 1960'sand remained a member evenaftermoving into Vancouver. Shewas involved with gettingCampbell Valley Regional Parkin South Langley established,served on the original SteinCommittee back in the early1970's and attended numerousmeetings in Kamloops, Lytton andelsewhere. Adeline was RegionalVice President (now called Coor-dinator) for the Lower Mainlandof the FBCN and was the Directorfrom the Langiey Club for manyyears. She also represented theFBCN on numerous committeesand government advisory com-mittees such as the Wildlife View-ing Committee, the Pitt Polder Committee and others.

It was during this time that she also lead the nature walks inStanley Park for the Vancouver Park Board on behalf of theFBCN. The weekly outings gave her the perfect opportunity topromote the FBCN and the other local clubs, like Vancouver, aswell as educating the public on the natural history of the park.She did both public and pre-booked group walks from Maythrough Octoberfor several years. The photograph was takenby a C. Hodge of the Vancouver Sun and accompanied afeaturestory about her Stanley Park walks.

Three years ago she acceptedthe position of AdministrativeSecretary to the FBCN and wasthe first full time staff memberwith formal working conditionsand a contract. She took this onwith the usual gusto and driveand organized the office (and ailothers who ventured near) into acoherent system. The new Di-rectors Binders were one of hermany major contributions. Oth-ers included guidelines for hold-ing an AGM, restructuring thebook-keeping system, establish-ing a basic filing system, andstreamlining the mailing list.

Adeline will be missed by us all.

Editor's Note: Adeline had re-quested that in lieu of flowers thatdonations be made to the FBCN

OVER THE EDITOR'S DESK

Man and Nature

Naturalists have for centuries attempted to define Man's rela-tionship to nature. Expressed as art, poetry, philosophy andscience, they have tried to discover universal truths or lawsapplicable to the "condition" of Man. Indeed, the quest contin-ues, to crystalize in a single thought, the oneness of man andnature (or simple nature).

We all are a part of what has been called "space ship" earth,fellow travellers hurtling through space on a mission of discov-ery. As members of the crew we all share in the finite resourcesof the only planet that has life. We may derive some pleasure

from the idea that among the billions and billions of stars, thereare other living things. And perhapsthisistrue-perhaps? Butfor now, the earth is our home and we must take care of her. Weare the custodians of the earth and its creatures - not conquer-ors.

One of the great under pinnings in this search for a universalunderstanding is that all things are inter-related - from Amoebato Man. If we start here, we may not need to feel that natureshould be abused and subdivided simply for our own selfishends.

Al Grass

PAGE 20 B.C. NATURAUSTSEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL)

The Enlichenment with Trevor Coward

What if the Bluebirds were brown?

(Thoughts on a Plant Protection Actfor British Columbia)

We learn from various passages in Exodus and Deuteronomythat Moses, out for a stroll one day on the slopes of Mt. Sinai,happened upon acouple of stone tablets bearing the word of theLord. A serendipitous find indeed - - better even that adding anew bird to one's life list.

Of course the messages inscribed on those tablets soon caughton with the people of the time, who came to call them theDecalogue, or Ten Commandments.

Strange to relate, the Ten Commandments of Moses' day,though written in stone, have not come down to us entirelyunedited. Biblical historians tell us their messages have beenslightly tampered with by different peoples at different times.Which is why we, in our time, probably shouldn't think twiceabout doing a little tampering of our own.

In my opinion, the Decalogue would be a whole lot moreserviceable to the twentieth century If it contained a word ortwoabout environmental ethics. Not a major overhaul; in fact theaddition of a single clause would suffice. We might call thisclause the Love-the-littte-things-of-the-Earth clause. Nervoustypes might prefer to think of it as God's Unwritten Law, or Hisunspoken Eleventh Commandment. As for me, I like to think ofit as His clause for pause.

That we need to love the little things of the Earth is probablyevident to most of us by now. Recent events - - Chernobyl andglobal warming among them - - have made it abundantly clearthat everything is connected to everything else. When littlethings begin to disappear in number, it isn't long before every-thing begins to follow suit. You needn't take my word for it;simply stay alive for another couple decades, and all willcertainly be revealed.

Isn't it time we naturalists began to seriously ask the question,What if the Bluebird were brown?

An important question, that. What if the Bluebird were colouredlike the Cowbird instead of like the sky? Would we still build littlebirdhouses for it? And what if the Phantom Orchid resembledRattlesnake Plantain instead of some exotic corsage? Wouldwe really care whether it came or went? Or again, what if highelevation clearcuts reminded us, as they sometimes do, of sub-alpine flower meadows? Would we find the energy tocampaignagainst them? These are questions.

In this connection it is interesting, though somewhat depressing,to note that only three species of vascular plants are currently

PAGE 22 B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL)

protected by legislation in B.C.. These - - the Dogwood, theRhododendron andthe Trillium - - are all big, showy things, noneof which is currently listed as threatened or endangered. I restmy case.

Naturalists, no less than the rest of humanity, tend to beparticulariyaddicted to the big andthe showy. Demonstrate thisto yoursetf by checking off in your mind the number of lichensyou can identify at sight. There was a time when it was enoughto admire - - and to wish to protect - - the likes of VancouverIsland Marmots, Western Bluebirds and, forthat matter. Phan-tom Orchids. Today it is not. Today we must collectivelybroaden our allegiances to include what I have called the LittleThings of the Earth. For it is they, in their genetic and morpho-logical diversity, that represent the ultimate beauty of life.

Tempting though it is to suppose that a big, endangered bird ormammal is evolutionariiy more "real" than a little, endangeredplant or fungus, value judgements of this kind are patentlyabsurd. Worse, they are a form of biological illiteracy. The mostthat can be said is that everything alive today, including us, hasdescended from a long and remarkable tradition of close callsand successful escapes. It is ironic that endangered lichens,some of which have probably been jousting with oblivionforhun-dreds of millions of years, are routinely overlooked by environ-mentalists, while a few colourful Johnny-come-lately marmotsand bluebirds receive their full attention and concern.

ANOTHER GOLDEN MOULDIE

Q. What words did the Hair Lichen utter as It found itselfabout to be eaten by a Mountain Caribou?

A. "Hair today, dung tomorrow!"

Fortunately, therearesignsthattimes are changing. Eartierthisyear a group of B.C. botanists urged Cabinet to approve thecreation of a Plant Protection Act. They argued that at least 76of British Columbia's vascular plants, bryophytes. and lichens(!)are in immediate danger of disappearing from the provincialflora, while another six species have disappeared already.Included in this list, by the way, are six endangered speciesthought to occur in B.C. and nowhere else.

The specific purpose of the Act would be to ensure that man'sactivities dont inadvertently lead to yet more of B.C.'s nativeplants being deleted from the flora. Although Cabinet haspostponed discussion of this proposal until the spring of 1991,there is not real reason why it should not succeed. Similarlegislation already exists in other parts of Canada, namelyOntario, Quebec, New Brunswick and, latterly, Manitoba.

To convince the B.C. Legislature, however, will require fetters.Oodles of letters. Letters to your MLA. Letters to the Minister ofEnvironment. LetterstothePremier. Letterstotheeditorofyour

local newspaper. Letters, in fact, to anyone you think you willlisten - - and, having listened, will write more letters. If in the endthe proposed Rare Plant Act does succeed, it will owe itssuccess, I expect, largely to the united efforts of the B.C.naturalist community. And If it fails

I urge my readers, loyal or otherwise, to pick up the pen todayand let the world know how you feel about the little Rare andEndangered things of B.C. Lord Knows they could use a breakabout now.

CALLING ALL NATURALISTS

Overthe past few decades manyof the South Okanagan's mostvaluable wetlands and Big Sage grasslands have been lost tourban and suburban development. Though similar habitatlosses have been recorded elsewhere in the province, in theSouth Okanagan they are particularly disturbing, owing to theoccurrence here of a high percentage of British Columbia'sendangered plants and animals. For many of these species,time is running out.

Enter SOCAP (the South Okanagan Critical Areas Programme):a coordinated, multi-agency initiative to identify, document, andultimately set aside as many of the South Okanagan's primewildlife habitats as possible - - before it is too late. From now until1995, participants in SOCAP will be doing biophysical mappingin the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys, south of Summer-land and west of Keremeos; at the same time they will alsoattempt to assemble all known localities for endangered mam-mals, birds, and plants occurring in this region.

Because the South Okanagan has long been a mecca fornaturalists, considerable information already exists on its birdsand mammals. Less is known, however, about its plants. Earlierthis year Leon Pavlick, of the Royal B.C. Museum, prepared thefollowing list of the rare and endangered plants for this region.If you have South Okanagan localities for any of them, SOCAPwould like to know about it. Please send any records to Ted Lea,Plant Ecologist, Ministry of Environment, 780 Blanchard Street,Victoria. B.C. V8V 1X5. (Telephone: 3879781)

PRIORITY 1Plants with limited distribution in B.C.

Am mania cocci neaBotrychium paradoxumBrickelia oblaongif oliaCalochortus lyalliiCalyptridium umbellatumCentauriumexattatumCoreopsis atkinsonianaCryptantha ambiquaCryptanthafendleriCyperus erythrortiizosEleocharis atropurpureaEpipactisgiganteaErigeron leibergiiErigeron poliospermusEriogonum pyrolifolium var. coryphaeumEriogonumstrictum

Gaura coccineaHalimolobos whftediiHemicarpha micranthaHymenolobus procumbensLupinus minimusMarsilea vest it aPhlox speciosaPolystichum lemmoniiSporobolus airoidesTalinum okanoganenseViola maccabeiana

PRIORITY 2Plants with more regional distribution in B.C.

Agastache urticifoliaAstragalus lentiginosusAstragalus sclerocarpusCamissoniaandinaCryptantha celosiodesLomatium brandegeiOenothera pallidaRotala ramosiorSphaeralcea minroanaThelypodium laciniatumThelypodium milleflorumValerianaedulis

Trevor Goward

A BIRDERSGUIDE TO

VANCOUVERISLAND

1990a new book by

KEITHTAYLOR

"A self-made tour for the independant birder"

Ferry Routes' Car rentals and bus routes

Accommodations' Checklists and maps

Species IndexAccidental species list

• Loop trips connecting all ofVancouver Islands outstanding birdingdestinations with exact kilometerage.

Directions for finding all of the regularlyoccuring species and "specialties" of VancouverIsland.

$19.00 Pick Up or $20.00 By Mail FromPhone: 595-55611559 Bay St. Victoria, VSR 2B5

B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL) PAGE 23

Close up on Nature with Al Grass

STUMPED

"We have looked from our window at one aspect of the dance -the circuit of the creatures. But the wheel includes the earthupon which they swell: the balance is also between air, water,soil and plant."

J. Stewart Collis: The Triumph of the Tree

Rolley Lake Provincial Park in the Fraser Valley has lots ofstumps in the forest - some are natural, while others are relicsof the logging activity a half century ago. Many are nurse logsspeaking of the war waged between the trees. As with mostbattles there are winners and losers; here the victories litter theground.

But it is the large stumps that fascinate me the most - those thatsport a"garden"growingfromtheirtops. They are usually called"Nurse" (or even nursery) stumps. My favorite stump is quiteunremarkable; hundreds of hikers have passed it with nary asecond glimpse; yet it has shared Its secrets with me wheneverI have stopped to listen.

It isa hoary creature, about 1.5 mtallwithadiameterof 2m. Thefirst thing that you notice is that It is populated by a crowd ofyoung hemlocks. These youngsters thrive in the shade of theirtowering parent overhead. Moving in for a closer look twoshrubs are quite obvious - the red and oval-leaf huckleberry.Their seeds were no doubt brought here by birds, perhaps arobin or Varied Thrush. But as beautiful as the trees and shrubstruly are, it is the little things that seem to delight me the most.Patches of lichens add to mosaic of colour with then pale greensand soft greys. Some have upright stalls with red "heads"("British Soldiers"?) while others have lovely pinkish disc-shapedbodies. One side of the stump has a peculiar lichen whichseems to be little more than a greenish powder.

One morn ing, in midJuly, as I was strolling by my stump, my eyecaught a brilliant flash of yellow. To my delight it proved to bescrambled-egg slime mould (Fuligo). I have seen other slimeshere including one that looked like pink bubblegum, and anotherthat resembled white coral.

This stump also has a remarkable collection of mosses andliverworts. One moss reminds me of a squirrel's tail, anothersports tiny green "flowers" and yet another feels like afine shagcarpet. Most of the liverworts are very small and best appreci-ated with a hand lens.

Inside the stump is another world -alien, damp and dark;connected to and yet separate from my world. "Frass" aroundthe stump is a give-away that termites dwell therein. Theseinsects are generally despised by most people and yet they havean important job to do in helping to hasten the return of the stumpback to the soil. This they do with an army of willing workerswhich includes everything from bacteria to fungi.

"...There is destruction. There is natural destruction. Thatisto

say there is renewal" The stump reminds of a universal truth -new life springs from the remains of the old.

Birds use this stump from time as a convenient sitting post,including such diverse species as the Winter Wren, Varied andSwainson's Thrushes and Ruffed Grouse, t have decided tostart a new birding challenge -the most species seen on a singlestump (I am up to 7 now!)

A few weeks ago a neat pile of Western White Pine cone scalesappeared on the stump, telling me that a Douglas Squirrel hadused it as its breakfast table (this was the only conclusion onecould draw from the discovery of "cone flakes"). The squirrelmust have dragged the cone from some distance away, be-cause there are no white pines in the immediate area.

When I see my stump it reads like a book telling me wonderfultales of the park's early history, Its climate, plant and animal lifeand ecology. This insignificant stump has touched my life andtaught me many things. It has been a steady friend and hasgiven me a great deal of pleasure. Why not find your own stumpand start a "stump log" (pun intended!). Make an inventory ofwhat you find. Think of deeper shades of meaning that arecommunicated. Wordsworth (Poems of Imagination ) bidsus...

"...move along these shadesIn gentleness of heart; with a gentle handTouch - for there is a spirit in the woods."

My spirit is my stump.

In full pension of the grandness that nature shows us, one must visitplaces that might turn "normal" people off - cowpies. Yet hangingaround the dung piles is a creature of immense beauty, the golden dungfly (Scatophaga stercoraria). The male isyellowish brown to shiny gold,and densely covered with hairs. Legs are long and hairy; eyes are red.Eggs are deposited on manure, into which the larvae tunnel. Adults areterrors of the dung heap and prey-on other flies. Apparently this fly wasbrought to North America by early European settlers with their livestock.

Photo was taken with a 100 mm lens on bellows and with flash. This flyis quite wary, thus a high speed flash was very helpful.

You will also note that have avoided reading any philosophical contentinto my excursion to the cow field (although I was tempted!).

B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL) PAGE 25

INVESTING IS AMATTER OF

PERSONAL CHOICEINVESTING WISELYIS A MATTER FOR

PROFESSIONALS— Dean Witter Reynolds —

expert investment advice is our product

We offer a full array of valuable investmentservices: RRSPs, Stocks, Bonds, RetirementTax Planning, Mutual Funds and CanadaSavings Bonds, to name a few. If you areinterested in investing wisely, please get intouch with

ERIK R.D. ANDERSENDean Witter Reynolds

1400 Park Place666 Burrard Street

Vancouver, B.C. V6C 3C7(604) 640-6511

Fax: (604) 640-6540

DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS(CANADA) INC.

AFRICA AT ITS BESTTony Loxton's WILDLIFETOURS to Kenya's magnifi-cent national parks and gamereserves enable you to observeand photograph a remarkable,number of species of animalsand birds at vary dossquarters. In a natural setting.The time to see East Africa'ssuperb natural heritage laNOW, while it still survives.

Our fully escorted tours ire designed to show you KENYA'S land-scape, culture and wildlife in detail, at an easy pace. You will ex-plore the varied ecosystems and view the fine array of animals inno leas than 9 major parka, including MASAI MARA, SAMBURU,AMBOSELJ and TSAVO, enjoy an unforgettable stay at one of thelegendary TREE HOTELS and at the remarkable SALT LICK lodge,see the amazing display of waterbirds on LAKE NAKURU, andrelax at resorts in the scenic RIFT VALLEY and on the slopes ofspectacular MOUNT KENYA.

Our next Kenya tours leave Vancouver on

JANUARY 19, FEBRUARY 16 & OCTOBER 5,1991

On all our tours, we travel in small groups, and use firstclass hotels and game lodge*. Our affordable tour prices arefully inclusive of airfare, accommodation and all mealswherever we go.

For our brochures, call 980-5853 or write:

KINGFISHER TOURS134A - 140 East 14th Street,

North Vancouver, B.C. V7L 2N3

cont. from Page 27

The road's impacts on wildlife, wilderness and wild rivervalues andmine's acid-generation potential all contributed to the strong publicopposition when Geddes Stage I Report to the B.C. governmentsMine Development Steering Committee was released earlier thisyear. Government agencies also had majorconcems. OnJulyStheMinistry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources issued apressrelease reporting that the Mine Development Steering Committeehad concluded that the Stage I Report "does not adequatelyaddress the potential problem of acid mine drainage". The releasealso states that acomprehensive summary of comments submittedto the Committee on the Stage I review is being compiled and willbe available to the public.

If Geddes wishes to go ahead (and so far it shows no signs of givingup) Geddes must re-submit its Stage I Report with a new minedevelopment plan. In view of the difficulties to be overcome and thecosts involved, it is hard to imagine how the mine could everbe botheconomically viable and environmentally safe.

Those interested in being put on the government's mailing list forinformation should contact Irwin Henderson, MEMPR's Director ofCommunication and Public Affairs. Or write to the chairman (Mr.Norman Ringstad) of the Mine Development Steering Committee c/o Engineering and Inspection Branch, Mineral Resource Division,Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, ParliamentBuildings, Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X4

Rosemary Fox

DRIFTWOOD

LODGESMITHERS,B.C

RELAXED COUNTRYACCOMMODATION

Guided Natural History HikesPhotography Workshops; BirdWatching; Cross-Country Skiing

847-5016CompHSite 53,RR2, Smithers, B.C.VOJ2NO

-AGE 26 B.C. NATURAUbi bbPTEMBER 1990 (FALL)

THE WINDY CRAGGY MINE PROPOSAL

Geddes Resources' proposal to strip mine the huge WindyCraggy copper deposit in extreme northwestern British Colum-bia was much in the news earlier this year. Why is it so contro-versial?

The Tatshenshini-Alsek watershed in B.C.'s Haines Triangfe isa remote and rugged wilderness of stunningly dramaiicsceneryand considerable biological and intrinsic value. Alaska and theYukon have both recognized these qualities in the adjoiningregions in their jurisdictions and have protected them in Wrangell-Saint Ellas National Park, Kluane National Park and Glacier BayNational Park and Preserve. The Haines Triangle is agap in themiddle which many feel should also be protected from develop-ment. From the point of view of naturalists the value of thishitherto untouched area of B.C. as wilderness is intangible andimmeasurable. B.C.'s Mineral Tenure Act makes It virtuallyimpossible to get a park established in an area of known mineralvalue, regardless of other values. Adding the Tatshenshini-Alsek watershed in B.C. to Kluane National Park is the onlysecure option.

Since there are no roads into the area, which is both rugged andremote, otherthan a small number of hunting parties taken in bya Guide Outfitter the few people who see it are mostly riverrafters, who start their trip at Dalton Post in the Yukon and endit at Dry Bay in Alaska. The Tatshenshini River with the Alsekinto which it flows, has been identified as of the world's top tenwilderness rivers and attracts rafters from all over the world.

The potential for controversy was foreseen some years ago bythe government when it included the Tatshenshini-Alsek riversin the package of study areas on which the Wilderness AdvisoryCommittee in 1985 was asked to make recommendations TheCommittee recommended that a mining road route to WindyCraggy and bridge site should be identified with the least visualimpairment of the river corridor, and that, once this had beendone with the approval of B.C. Parks, a Scenic Corridor shouldbe established along the rivers "to ensure their wildernessqualities are retained". (B.C. Parks has made recently prepareda submission to Cabinet requesting that a large portion of theTatshenshini-Alsek corridors be designated a Recreation Area.)

The Wilderness Advisory Committee had narrow terms of refer-ence and was given little time to study the areas assigned to it.In fact, the highly rated values of the Tatsheshini-Alsek extendbeyond the river corridors. The Tatshenshini Basin Ecoregionis unique in B.C., having more in common with Alaska and theYukon than with the rest of our province. Amonst other distinc-tive bio logical features, it sustains B.C.'s only populations of Dallsheep and collared pika. Its black bear population belong to theemmonsii subspecies, which includes the rare "glacier" or "blue"colour phase. It has several rare and unusual species ofvascular plants and birds not commonly found in B.C., such asthe King Eider. Thanks to its isolation and difficulty of access,it has densities of grizzly bears such as are seldom found anymore in British Columbia. The Tatshenshini-Alsek is also avaluable river system for salmon. It supports an important

salmon fishery in Alaska, and native and sport fishing in theYukon and Alaska. Concerns about the proposed mine there-fore relate not only to the visual impact on the river, but to itspotential impacts on wildlife and fish and on the primeval qualityof the wilderness of the whole region.

The proposed mine is about 30 km from the river, up one of itstributaries, Tats Creek, on a 2000m mountain surrounded byglaciers. A major concern associated with development of oreis the risk of very serious acid generation - which must becontrolled in perpetuity if downstream water quality is to beprotected. In its Stage I Report to the Mine DevelopmentSteering Committee, Geddes proposed to deal with this problemby disposing of the most highly acid-generating wastes in atailings pond to be constructed on Tats Creek, and blending therest with locally available limestone and dumping it on a glacier.Neither procedure is environmentally safe. The tailings pondwould be behind a 100 m high dam in a zone of highest seismichazard. Blending with limestone would not guarantee againstacid generation, and the effects of dumping on glaciers areunknown.

The proposed 105 km access road to the mine from the HainesHighway is also a matter of considerable concern, going farbeyond its potential visual impact on a 20 km stretch of theTatshenshini River. Much of the route traverses extremelyrugged country, especially the last 60-odd km leading to themine. There are stretches of slope instability, frozen and wetsoils, high avalanches hazard and high wildlife values. Thereare many river and stream crossings, some of which have beenidentified as having high fisheries sensitivity. In its Stage IReport, Geddes asserted confidently that all these variousproblems could be dealt with satisfactorily with sound design,sound construction and sound management practices. The onlywildlife impact they acknowledged is "some possible impact" ongrizzly bears in the Tats Creek Valley, where the road wouldpass close to six identified dens. They agree that access ispotentially a major problem forDall sheep, goat, moose, grizzly,wolves and wolverine, but (typical of mining companies) placedthe responsibility on the Wildlife Branch to deal with the matterthrough appropriate hunting regulations. Although they sug-gested that the Wildlife Branch can impose ATV and snowmo-bile closures along the first 40-odd kms from the Haines High-way where the terrain is relatively gentle and accessible, theyplan to make this stretch a two-lane road precisely because"controlling access is extremely difficult". From the Shini cross-ing to the mine (about 66 km), It would be an access-controlled,single-lane road. This is the most rugged and hazardous portionof the route. One option suggested by the Company would beto transport the ore by slurry pipeline along this stretch. It wouldreduce (but not eliminate) traffic along the Tatshenshini, whichthe Company sees as being the public's major objection to themine, but raises other questions. In a region of high seismicactivity, permafrost and soil instability, how rupture-proof wou Ida pipeline be?

cent. Page 26

B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL) PAGE 27

Continuing Education DivisionNATURAL HISTORY TOURSFor information and booking call Great Expeditions - 263-1476

VANCOUVERCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE

The Natural Wealth of SpainSpain, in addition to being a very hospitable land to visit, has natural wealth to offer the traveller who is looking for the birds, wikfltowers and other living things of wildEurope. Us position on the Iberian Peninsula gives it a unique natural setting with a multitude ol ecosystems to visit. This trip to southwestern Spain will visit some of thewildest areas in the country. Although the focus will be the diversity of natural history (especially birds), we will also explore historic, artistic, and anthropological interests.Valley of Tietar and the Sierra de Credos - the highest peaks in central Spain, with Scotch Pine forests, ibex and a great diversity of mountain birds: Alpine Accentor,Rock Thrush...Monf ngu* Park and the Sierra de las Co rchuelas - Black, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures soar over the conquistadores' homeLacara and Caceres - White Storks, cork oaks, dry steppe grasslands with Great and Little BustardsSierra Morena - wonderful Mediterranean forests, famous wines, and Roman bathsPonana National Park - a fabulous natural area at the mouth of Guadalquivir River with rare birds such as Marbled Teal and Imperial Eagle...and even lynx and mongooseBay of Cadiz - Sand dunes and beaches, Gibraltar, and lagoons teeming wrin waterfowlLaguna de Fuente de Piedra - Greater Flamingos breeding in abundanceGrazafema - the last remaining Spanish Fir forest in Europe, with birds such as Bonelli's Eagles, Alpine swifts and bee-eatersCazorta Park - Mediterranean mountains with luxuriant pine forests, endemic plants and reptilesDates: May 03 - 22,1901 Cost: TBALeader Naturalist, Syd Cannings, Curator, Spencer Entomology Museum, UBC.

Southern Florida - North America's Subtropical ComerThe tip of the Florida Peninsula is strikingly different from the rest of the southern United States, supporting plants and animals of a distinctly subtropical nature. Despitethe rapid human development of this region, there are many wonderful natural areas to explore.This tour will visit a wide diversity of localities from Lake Okeechobee south to the Florida Keys. Highlights include Everglades National Park, that magnificent "River ofGrass," with its luminous vistas, its alligators and special birds sucti as the Snail Kite, Short-tailed Hawk and White Ibis. The beaches and lagoons of the Gulf Coast,especially the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, are famous for warm waters and flocks of watertairds. Nearby, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary offers aglimpse into the dark and towering bald cypress forest, festooned with Spanish moss. The Florida Keys are another world. Well explore the mangrove swamps and sub-tropical hardwood "hammock" habitat of these islands studding the green waters of Florida Bay. At John Pennekamp State Park well snorkel among schools of colourfulfish on coral reefs.Leaders are Rob Cannings, naturalist, entomologist, ornithologist and Chief of Biology, Royal BC Museum and Hannah Nadel, entomologist, ornithologist and botanistwith several years' experience in southern Florida.Dates: Winter 1M1 Costs: TBA

TYNEHEAD REGIONAL PARKA ONE-OF-A-KIND OPPORTUNITY!

Tynehead Regional Park encompasses 260 hec-tares bordering Highway #1 In Surrey. It is easilyaccessible from all communities in Greater Vancou-ver. The Park's western third contains pleasantwoodlands and several important tributaries of theupper Serpentine River; its eastern part featuresgently sloping meadows and groves of mixed forest.A fish hatchery and trails, accessible off 96th Avenue,lie next to the Serpentine.

GVRD sees Tynehead as very different from otherregional Parks, while the important salmon streamsand forested lands must be protected much of the sitecan be used for man-made recreation, cultural andeducational facilities and services fora wide rangedinterest and ages, -without betraying environmentalobjective. It is a unique opportunity for non-profitgroups, foundations, the private sector and others tocreate one-of-a-kind facilities and attractions needednoworinthefutureinGreaterVancouver. Combinedwith pubiic areas provided by GVRD an imaginativemulti-purpose park is possible.

Your IdMs ara Needed:GVRD will start active planning for Tynehead inOctober(1990),cornmencing with wide publicdiscus-slon- For more information on guidelines for projectsand information regarding pulbtc meetings write ofphone forabrochurec/oGVRD Parks, 4330 Kingsway,Bumaby.B.C. V5H4G8. Phone:432-6350)

BINOCULARSSPOTTINGSCOPES

forBIRDING AND

NATURE STUDYby

PENTAXBUSHNELL

BAUSCH & LOMBCELESTRON

ADLERSCOPESTEINER

SWAROVSKILEU POLL) & KOWA

Amex, Visa, M/Card

VANCOUVER TELESCOPE CENTRE102 - 2220 WEST BROADWAY. VANCOUVERCORNER OF YEW 7-38-5717

PAGE 28 B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL)

FBCN PRESENTS:OLD GROWTH WORKSHOP

AT FALL GENERAL MEETINGSUNDAY, 14 OCTOBER 1990

SALMON ARM

The goals of the workshop are to inform FBCN members about the stages of growth offorests, and in particular to examine the complex questions about Old Growth Forests,current events, decision-making processes and potential future direction f orthe FBCN willbe reviewed and discussed.

MORNING SESSION (8:30 am -12:30 pm)1. PRESENTATIONS:a) Ray Travers, Professional Forest/Wildlife Biologist will examine the biological impor-tance of "Old Growth" forests.

Forests on the Coast and the Interior display different characteristics and needs. Howmuch should be preserved? And where?b) Coastal Old Growth: Ken Lertzman, Forest Ecologist, S.F.U.c) Interior Old Growth: Jim Pojar, Ministry of Forests, Smithers

2. PANEL

What planning and decsion-making processes are in place now to protect Old GrowthForests? What more can be done? What can the FBCN and the member clubs do?Moderator Dick Stace-Smrth.Speakers:a) Current Process perspective: JuergenHansen-Provincial Roundtable on Environmentand Economy, Old Growth Workshop processb) Research perspective: Ken Lertzman, S.F.U.c) Industry perspective: Randy Chan, Tolko Industriesd) Forest Land Use Liaison Committee: Dr. Phil Haddock, FBCNe) Ministry of Forests perspective: TBAf) Wildlife perspective: TBAg) FBCN perspective: Alison Nicholson, Victoria

AFTERNOON FIELD TRIP (1:15 PM TO 4:30 PM)A visit to a local "Old Growth" forest will be coordinated by Alan Vyse and Dennis Lloyd,Ministry of Forests, Kamloops Region.

COST$10.00 per person to cover the cost of lunch and workshop expenses

Please make cheque payableto Federation of B.C. Naturalist and sendto321,1367 WestBroadway, Vancouver, B.C. V6H 4A9

Forfurther information contact Nora Layard - 873-8735 (Vancouver)

REGISTRATION FORM

Workshop Registration Fee $10.00 per person Fee enclosed = $.

Name . _

Address

City_ PC Phone

Club Affiliation

FBCN WORKSHOP:THEME-OLD GROWTH

FORESTS (INTERIORand COASTAL)

MORE INFORMATION

Whatisas"OldGrowth"Forest? Whyis it biologically important? How doesit fit into the life of a forest? Whatmakes a coastal forest different froman interior forest?

These questions, and many others,will be explored at a special FBCNworkshop to be held on Sunday, 14October in conjunction with the FallMeeting in Salmon Arm.

MORNING SESSIONThe first morning session will focus onthe characteristics of "Old Growth"forests, Expert speakers Ray Trav-ers, Professional Forester and Wild-life Biologist; Ken Lertzman, ForestEcologist; and Jim Pojar, Ministry ofForests will address the questionsposed above. A panel discussion willlook at the current "Old Growth" plan-ning and decision making processes,as well as government and industryperspectives. Presenters will include:Juergen Hansen, Alison Nicholson,Phil Haddock, and industry and gov-ernment representatives.

HELD TRIPAn afternoon field trip is being ar-ranged to an "Old Growtrfforest siteclose to Salmon Arm. Alan Vyse iscoordinating the field trip with theassistance of the Ministry of Forestsand local forest industry representa-tives.

There will be a nominal registrationfee of $10,00 per person to coverthecost of lunch and workshop expenses.

PLEASE NOTE THAT PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRE!-DEADLINE - OCTOBER 5TH.

This workshop is open to all clubmembers and interested persons. Toregister or for additional information,contact the FBCN office (737-3057),Nora Layard (873-8735) orTom Smit(Shuswap Naturalists - 832-2496).

PAGE 30 B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL)

MOUNT MARY HENRY: MARKER PLACED BY FBCN

Mrs. Mary Henry, botanist and horticuttu-ralist, made expeditions by horse packinginto the mountains and muskeg of north-western British Columbia in 1931,1932,and 1933. Perhaps because she pub-lished her record in a largely unknownhorticultural magazine her remarkableexpeditions have gone largely unrecog-nized by the Canadian public. Also, it is,today, hard to convey (with the AlaskaHighway in place and with so much oil andgas, hard-rock mining and forestry activ-ity with helicopters and aerial photogra-

phy available) that, in the thirties only thefringes of the huge area she traversedhad rudimentary maps andthatvory, verylittle of the biological and physical fea-tures were known to official Ottawa andVictoria.

To give some visibility to Mrs. Henry'saccomplishment, and to make it a note inthe half century (1992) celebration("Rendevous") of the completion of theAlaska Highway a small FBCN partyplaced a plaque on the summit of Mt. Mary

Henry on August 29. Thir beautiful peakwith high open alpine meadows on itsshoulders can be seen in the distancefrom the Alcan Highway where it crossesthe Tetsa River (west of Fort Nelson).

Mrs. Henry's pressed plants were accom-modated in the herbaria of Arnold Arbore-tum (Harvard University) and the RoyalBotanic Garden in Edinburgh, Scotland.The living plants were established in bo-tanical gardens near Philadelphia.

V.C. Brink

BALD EAGLE INFORMATION REQUESTED

The B.C. Wildlife Branch is producing astatus report forthe Bald Eagle in B.C. Al-though a considerable body of informa-tion is available forthis species, there aresome notable gaps. We wish to be surethat all available data are included in thereport. The following topics are of particu-lar interest:

1. Nesting records and nest surveys,especially for the central and northerninterior (if not already submitted to theB.C. Nest Record Scheme).

2. Records of migration and winteringoccurrence, especially for interior andnorthern B.C.

3. Observationsofmortalityorchangesinabundance.

4. Observations of man-caused or other

habitat changes which are affecting baldeagles either positively or negatively.

5. Any written reports having informationof B.C. Ornithology (e.g. recent environ-mental impact studies).

The sources of all information will be fullyacknowledged in the report. We urge allnaturalists with relevant information tomake a contribution to this report. Thisshould be submitted by December 31,1990, if possible, to D. Blood and Associ-ates Ltd. who are compiling the data forthis species. Many thanks.

Donald A. Blood5771 Kerry Lane

Nanaimo, B.C. V9T5N5

NEW PROVINCIAL PARKSand revised boundaries

The Province of B.C. through an Order inCouncil (1202) has passed the followingrecommendations

1. That a new Class A ProvincialPark called Blackcomb Glacier be estab-lished, containing 250 hectares (approxi-mately). This park is in the vicinity ofSpearhead Peak

2. That crown land comprising 1247hectares nearthe shores of Stum Lake beestablished as a Class A Provincial Parkand the name is declared to be WhitePelican Park

3. That Strathcona-Myra, establishedby order in council 839-89, is cancelled,the Crown land in the Strathcona-MyraPark Schedule is re-established as a Class"A" Provincial park and the name is de-clared to be Strathcona-Westmin Park

B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL) PAGE 29

MEDLEY TRAIL BUILDINGHELP REQUESTED

The Hedley Heritage Arts and Craft Soci-ety has requested the assistance fromFBCN members in helping to completerehabilitation of some historic trails andthe construction of newtrails in the Hedieyregion. The group has received a grant topay for the labour on the project but nowmust raise $6,000 to provide the materi-als and supplies. To date the society hasbeen raisingfunds in the local communitythrough a variety of activities, events, artshows, etc for both locals and tourists.Unfortunately their normal fund raisingdoes not provide them with the necessaryfinances to support the historictrails proj-ect.

One of the trails follows the old road upHedley Creek. Twelve bridges along thisroute were destroyed by flooding in 1972and must be rebuilt to open up this areaagain. This trail will serve as the back-bone of aseries of trails envisioned forthearea.

"The trails constructed under this pro-gram will be a valuable resource for natu-ralists, historians, recreational hikers andtourists alike," said Society spokesper-son Helen Moore. "Any donation that youcan muster will be gratefully received andput to work in helping make this uniquetrail become reality,"

Yourdonation, if it is over ten dollars, willbe acknowledged by a charitable taxreceipt. The names of all donors will berecorded on a commemorative scroll thatwill be kept by the society.

Please send donations to:Hedley Heritage Arts and Crafts Society

P.O. Box218Hedley, B.C. VOX1KO

HAVE YOUMOVED

RECENTLY??Please do not forget to let the FBCNoff Ice know. We have just updated ourmailing list and the Administrative Sec-retary, Frieda, would love to keep Itthat way. Thank you.

FEDERATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA NATURALISTSFALL GENERAL MEETING - SALMON ARM

OCTOBER 11-14, 1990

Hosted by the Shuswap Naturalists ClubSalmon Arm Motor Hotel

EVENTS:October 11

7:00 - 9:00 pm

October 129:00-3:00 pm

7:00 - 9:00 pm

October 136:30 am8:30 am9: am - 5:00 pm6:30 pm7:30 pm

October 14 all day

Registration in the Lobby of Hotel

Visit to Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park, onAdams River to view the spectacular sockeye!Registration & Social Evening - Banquet Room

Early morning BirdingRegistration - Banquet RoomFall General Meeting - Banquet RoomSocial HourBanquet (Wetlands and Marshlands of the B.C. Interior)

FBCN Workshop on Old Growth Forests of the Interiorand the Coast of British Columbia. Open to all. Fieldtrip in the afternoon.

There will also be local field trips - sign up at meeting.

Accommodation:Make vour own Reservations - Remember to ask for special rates for Naturalists.

SALMON ARM MOTOR HOTELon Highway 1 east of townPhone: 1-800-6635308Rates: Single $35.00

Double: $39.00

Camping: Hidden Valley CampGround - 7 miles East on Highway6670 50th St. NESalmon Arm Phone: 832 6159Rates: full hook up $10 per day

Registration Form:Registration Fee {before Sept. 15)Registration Fee (after Sept. 15)Banquet (Saturday)

NAMEADDRESSCITY

$25.00 per person x$32.00 per person x.$15.00 per person x

TOTAL

= $= $= $

PC PHONECLUB AFFILIATION

NOTE: The Registration fee includes: The Social Evening of Friday Night and BuffetLunch on Saturday, as well as coffee breaks during the meeting. Transportation to theAdams Riverto view the salmon spawning is included. When you register, pleasemake arrangements for a sandwich lunch for Friday.

For further information, please contact Tom Smith - phone 832 2496.

Pleas send cheque payable to:THE SHUSWAP NATURALISTS, Box 1076, Salmon Arm, B.C., V1E 4P2

B.C. NATURALIST SEPTEMBER 1990 (FALL) PAGE 31