Nature Alberta - feature article Picturing Love of Nature
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
VOLUME 41 | Number 1 | SPRING 2011 SUGGESTED RETAIL: $7.50 CDN
Nature Alberta c e l e b r a t i n g o u r n a t u r a l h e r i t a g e
Tree Swallows. Sandra Hawkins
feature article Picturing Love of Nature
N A T U R E A L B E R T A
Grizzly Bear mother and cub in the foothills. Kirk Davis
Pyramid Lake,
Jasper National Park.
Ashley Hockenberry
SPRING 2011 1
Nature Alberta: Nature Alberta is composed of natural history clubs from across the
province. The aims of the Federation are:
Celebrating our natural heritage (a) To encourage among all Albertans, by all means possible, an increase
in their knowledge of natural history and understanding of ecological
processes;
(b) To promote an increase in the exchange of information and views
among natural history clubs and societies in Alberta;
Contents
(c) To foster and assist in the formation of additional natural history clubs
and societies in Alberta;
(d) To promote the establishment of natural areas and nature reserves, to
conserve and protect species, communities or other features of interest;
(e) To organize, or coordinate symposia, conferences, field meetings,
nature camps, research and other activities whether of a similar or
N AT U R E A L B E R TA V O L U M E 4 1 , N U M B E R 1 , S P R I N G 2 0 1 1 dissimilar nature;
(f) To provide the naturalists of Alberta with a forum in which questions
relating to the conservation of the natural environment may be
discussed, so that united positions can be developed on them, and to
President’s Report 2010 BY CHUCK PRIESTLEY.................................................. 2 provide the means of translating these positions into appropriate actions.
Editor’s Page BY DENNIS BARESCO .................................................................... 4 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT: Chuck Priestley
Alberta Issues in Brief............................................................................. 6 VICE PRESIDENT: Ted Hindmarch
SECRETARY: Iris Davies
Nature Diary:“Mother Black Bear and Cubs” BY DEBBIE AND ALAN GODKIN ......... 8 TREASURER: Peichen Gu
PAST PRESIDENT: Sandra Foss
Up Close Naturally: Fish-eating Birds! BY MARGOT HERVIEUX ......................... 10 APPOINTED DIRECTORS: Dennis Baresco, Dawn Dickinson, Peichen Gu,
Ted Hindmarch, Chuck Priestley, Don Stiles
Nature Alberta News ............................................................................ 11 ELECTED DIRECTORS: Chrissie Smith (ANPC); Claudia Cameron, (BLN); Scott
Jubinville (CFNS); Lu Carbyn, (ENC); Grant Henry (FMFNS); Marty Drut, (GN);
National Parks: Open Letter: Park Warden Alumni Society Ted Johnson (LLBBS); Lloyd Bennett (LNS); Margot Hervieux (PPN); Tony
of Alberta .............................................................................................. 15 Blake (RDRN); Iris Davies (VRNS);
STAFF: Philip Penner (Exec. Dir.); Vid Bijelic; Michelle Bacon (LbyW)
Close to Home: Nature Photography in Alberta BY JOHN WARDEN ............... 16
CORPORATE MEMBER CLUBS
AKAYO’KAKI A’PAWAAWAHKAA BY RYAN HEAVY HEAD ................................. 19 Alberta Native Plant Council, Box 52099, Garneau P.O. Edmonton, AB
T6G 2T5
FEATURE ARTICLE – Picturing Love of Nature .................................... 22 Buffalo Lake Naturalists, Box 1802, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0
Nature Calgary (CFNS), Box 981, Calgary, AB T2P 2K4
Do Nothing – For Wildlife BY LORNE FITCH .................................................. 28 Edmonton Nature Club, Box 1111, Edmonton, AB T5J 2M1
Fort McMurray Field Naturalists Society, 152 Cote Bay, Fort McMurray, AB
Coyotes: the discussion continues........................................................ 32 T9H 4R9
Grasslands Naturalists, Box 2491, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8G8
First Hand:“Spirit” BY RICK PRICE................................................................. 33 Lac La Biche Birding Society, Box 1270, Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0
Lethbridge Naturalists Society, Box 1691, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4K4
Wildlife! Starring…Red-winged Blackbird BY SANDRA HAWKINS ................... 34 Peace Parkland Naturalists, Box 1451, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4Z2
Red Deer River Naturalists, Box 785, Red Deer, AB T4N 5H2
Book Review:The Will of the Land ....................................................... 36 Vermilion River Naturalists, 5707 - 47 Avenue, Vermilion, AB T9X 1K5
Saying Goodbye to Another Banff Wolf BY JOHN MARRIOTT .......................... 37 AFFILIATES:
Respecting the Wisdom of All Species BY JIM COVEL .................................. 39 Alberta Lake Management Society Friends of Jasper National Park
Alberta Lepidopterists’ Guild Friends of Little Beaver Lake Society
Alberta Mycological Society Grant MacEwan Mountain Club
Celestial Happenings BY JOHN MCFAUL ........................................................ 41 Alberta Stewardship Network Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada
Beaverhill Bird Observatory J.J. Collett Natural Area Foundation
Club Page.............................................................................................. 42 Beaver River Naturalist Club Lee Nature Sanctuary Society
Big Lake Environmental Support Society Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory
BowKan Birders Purple Martin Conservancy
P U B L I S H E D Q U A R T E R LY B Y N AT U R E A L B E R TA , Calgary Bird Banding Society Riverlot 56 Natural Area Society
Cochrane Environmental Action Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Areas
1 1 7 5 9 G R O AT R O A D , E D M O N T O N , A B T 5 M 3 K 6
Committee Association
PHONE.780.427.8124 FAX.780.422.2663 Crooked Creek Conservancy Society The Wagner Natural Area Society
E M A I L . N A @ N AT U R E A L B E R TA . C A Crowsnest Conservation Society Weaselhead/Glenmore Park
Edmonton Naturalization Group Preservation Society
SUBSCRIPTION $30.00 PER YEAR; $55 FOR TWO YEARS
Ellis Bird Farm Wizard Lake Watershed and Lake
Fort Saskatchewan Naturalist Society Stewardship Assoc.
EDITOR.DENNIS BARESCO Friends of Blackfoot Society
E M A I L . N A @ N AT U R E A L B E R TA . C A
C I R C U L AT I O N . T E D H I N D M A R C H
L AY O U T. B R O K E N A R R O W S O L U T I O N S I N C .
CELEBRATE NATURE ALBERTA
THANKS TO THE PROOFREADERS WHO ASSISTED IN PRODUCING THIS ISSUE:
SERVING NATURE FOR OVER 40 YEARS!!!
E L A I N E C AT H C A R T, S A N D R A F O S S , M A R I LY N R O S S , VA L S C H O L E F I E L D ,
JUNE VERMEULEN.
MANY THANKS TO THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER
WANT TO SUBMIT ARTICLES N AT U R E A L B E R TA D E A D L I N E S A R E : The opinions expressed by the authors in this publication do not
OR PHOTOS? necessarily reflect those of the editor and the Federation of Alberta
S P R I N G I S S U E . F E B R U A RY 1 4
Naturalists. The editor reserves the right to edit, reject or withdraw
G U I D E L I N E S A R E AVA I L A B L E O N S U M M E R I S S U E . M AY 1 5 articles submitted. While due care will be taken of all manuscripts, photos
T H E N AT U R E A L B E R TA W E B S I T E : FA L L I S S U E . A U G U S T 1 5 or artwork submitted, FAN cannot be held responsible for any loss or
W W W. N AT U R E A L B E R TA . C A WINTER ISSUE.NOVEMBER 15 damage to such articles.
2 NatureAlberta
President’s Report 2010
BY CHUCK PRIESTLEY, NATURE ALBERTA PRESIDENT (2010-11)
For Nature Alberta, the year 2010 the organization afloat and for integrate these projects. There
was defined by challenges and continuing to weather what has is a feeling that bringing these
a heavy workload. However, been a difficult financial storm. projects closer together could
we maintain our sense of create efficiencies and increase
Despite being in the midst of
optimism and enthusiasm about effectiveness of each. Also,
a tough financial situation,
future opportunities for our staff are exploring new ways
there is a sense of optimism
organization and the goals we to address the goals of these
and eagerness about future
collectively aim to address. projects in closer partnership
opportunities. The team
with the clubs. There are good
After becoming President in April is pursuing new funding
opportunities to work together
2010, I enjoyed the opportunity opportunities with Foundations
to address common goals and
to work closely throughout the and exploring ways to most
needs.
year with our Executive Director, effectively engage potential
Philip Penner, and our Executive, corporate sponsors. In addition Added interest and discussion
Ted Hindmarch (Vice President), to fundraising with the has been surfacing about how
Peichen Gu (Treasurer) and Hypothermic Half Marathon best to engage members under
Sandra Foss (Past President). (in partnership with The our newly adopted membership
Our Secretary position remained Running Room) again this year, structure. Nature Alberta now
vacant during 2010 [a position Nature Alberta worked on new has a new way to engage with
now filled by Iris Davies – Ed] fundraising initiatives with the Albertans via membership for
but duties which this position Edmonton Oil Kings. Not only individuals. There might be
requires were taken on by did these events bring in money opportunities to bring in the
Project Coordinator and Office for the organization, they were folks who might not want to join
Administrator, Christine Brown. also new and interesting ways a nature club but are inclined
We appreciated Christine’s offer to engage with the public, to support a provincial nature-
to help and for all her additional our membership and partners. oriented organization. For
effort and support in this regard. Positive feedback was received example, they might not want to
The Executive also appreciated from people who volunteered (or have time to) join a nature
input from Dennis Baresco at these events. Many club but might see value in
during various meetings and volunteers expressed interest in contributing to, or hearing more
online communications. participating in the events next about, projects which involve
year. Certainly a good sign! youth engagement with nature
Financially, Nature Alberta’s
such as our Young Naturalists
cash flow constraints continued Despite funding shortfalls and
program.
during 2010. This challenge reduced staffing capacity, Nature
was met head-on by Philip with Alberta continued to run its three Our new communication tool,
positive support from Christine. core programs, Living by Water, Nature Alberta’s e-Newsletter,
Many of our Executive meeting Young Naturalists and Important was well-received during its first
discussions were focused on this Bird Areas, during 2010. A full year of distribution. This
ongoing challenge. Kudos to the heightened interest emerged online tool, which was launched
Nature Alberta team for keeping for finding new ways to further in March 2010, was used to
SPRING 2011 3
share nature-
related points of
interest to a wide
audience across
the province.
Nature Alberta
staff were also
excited to use
this tool to help
share important
information about
club news and
events.
Lu Carbyn
developed a
guiding principle
policy for the four
large predators
in Alberta (wolf,
GREAT GREY OWL NEAR EDSON AB, MARCH 25, 2011. CHUCK PRIESTLEY
cougar, grizzly
bear and black bear). This policy
was adopted during the Board concerns are clearly defined and in Alberta is something worth
meeting in September and printed accessible. celebrating. Our organization
in the Fall 2010 issue of Nature would not exist without a blend of
In closing, I would like to extend
Alberta (Vol 40, # 3). Many thanks hardworking volunteers, devoted
sincere thanks to all those who
to Lu for his hard work on that. staff and strong partnerships with
contributed to Nature Alberta
These types of policies are needed other organizations. Thank you for
during 2010. We all share the
to ensure that our organization’s all that you do.
common feeling that Nature
positions on various topics or
Advertising in Nature Alberta
Nature Alberta is now accepting a limited Full details, including rates and sizes,
are available at:
number of advertisements for future issues.
online: www.naturealberta.ca
Ad rates vary from $35 (business card size) to email: na@naturealberta.ca
$249 (full page), X2 for colour. phone: (780) 427 – 8124
4 NatureAlberta
Editor’s Page
BY DENNIS BARESCO
THE PUBLIC INTEREST there are those members of the may be deficient or lacking altogether.
A while ago, a friend of our public who, for example, do For the naturalist groups that make up
Past President, Sandra Foss, sent not wish to protect wildlife, but Nature Alberta, that service is ecological
her a note responding to the that’s not the point. The fact protection and conservation.
submission which Nature Alberta remains and it is indisputable that
It’s true that we do not speak directly
and Grasslands Naturalists made wildlife biodiversity and a healthy
for any one person, but neither do
to the Alberta Utilities Commission environment are in the general
we speak only for our members. As
(AUC). In our submission, we were welfare of the public – both in the
community service organizations, our
requesting standing in the proposed immediate and in the long term.
voice is spoken and our work is done
public hearing for the Wild Rose Our representing the public in “the public interest.” There is a world
1 Industrial Wind Facility north of interest becomes clearer if one of difference between public interest
the Cypress Hills. He took offense understands the definition of groups (eg Rotarians) and what could
to our claim that we are “mandated that term. Black’s Law Dictionary be called hobby groups who, though
to represent the public interest… (eighth edition) defines public they may do some community work, are
to ensure that the public interest is interest as “the general welfare of together mainly to pursue their hobby
met….” Said he: the public that warrants recognition amongst their hobbyist peers.
“Who and/or under what and protection” or “something in
There is another important distinction:
authority does FAN [Nature which the public as a whole has a
we are NOT, as he said in the same
Alberta] and GN have to speak stake, esp. an interest that justifies
note, “fighting the wind farm industry.”
on my behalf? I have elected governmental regulation.” That is
In her reply, Sandra put what we are
representatives and chosen a reasonably good, in-a-nutshell
doing very well: “defending wildlife
organizations that I have chosen definition.
and attempting to educate the wind
to [do] this. Don’t make claims Admittedly, exactly what that industry about the damaging effects
to represent the public and me constitutes is not easy to determine; on wildlife, and how placement of
without my consent. That is a it seems to be a lot easier to turbines is key & critical to the survival
misrepresentation of FANs and determine what isn’t in the of much wildlife.” To that end, Nature
GNs status.” public interest. Individuals may Alberta and Grasslands Naturalists are
He brought up an intriguing point. well consider ecological damage, strongly against placing turbines and
The fact is, it’s always a good idea generated for their own short term infrastructure on, for example, native
for any organization to occasionally gratification, to be to their personal prairie, one reason being that such
evaluate its mandate, to question welfare, but that is their private placement is completely unnecessary.
its claims, to look inward. And so, interests; such things may be bad
In the end, I think that my comments
I thought about what he wrote and for society – bad for the general
make it clearer why we, and the vast
responded with the best explanation welfare of the public. And, as we majority of ENGOs (environmental non-
I could muster. all well know, there are a great
government organizations) use terms
many examples where elected
As registered charities, if our like public interest, and why to do so
representatives do NOT work for
organizations represented only is not “a misrepresentation of FANs and
the public interest. Essentially, that
our own members, we would be GNs status”; it is, in fact, one of our
is why many non-profits continue
seriously remiss, at the very least, in major roles in society and one expected
to exist: to provide for the general
our moral and ethical obligation to of us if we are to fulfill the conditions of
welfare of society a service that
fulfill our legal mandate. Obviously, our charitable status. cont’d on page 5
SPRING 2011 5
The gentleman who wrote the note
(who himself is very active in NGOs)
accepted my explanation, with the
On the Covers:
FRONT COVER
caveat that we should still be careful
Tree Swallows are found throughout Alberta. Their numbers appear
when making claims. That’s good
to be increasing, probably because they very readily use nest boxes
advice for all of us – and a good
– sometimes to the chagrin of those who run Mountain Bluebird
exercise in making any organization nest box trails! Like all swallows, which fly swiftly and erratically,
accountable. photographing them in flight borders on the impossible; however,
patience can reward one with a scene such as captured by Sandra
Hawkins. See the Feature Story, page 24.
It’s…uh…?? INSIDE FRONT COVER
For naturalists and photographers like Kirk Davis, few things in
nature match the excitement of spotting a Grizzly, in particular
if there are cubs trailing along. Long lenses are helpful and
beat trying to stalk a Grizzly and cub for a close-up! Besides,
distance provides a scene that tells a story, always a bonus in
photography.
Pyramid Lake is in Jasper National Park at the foot of Pyramid
Mountain which overlooks Jasper townsite. A relatively small
lake, it drains into Pyramid Creek and then the Athabasca River.
It is truly beautiful, as Ashley Hockenberry’s photo illustrates.
INSIDE BACK COVER
Mount Yamnuska, or just “Yamnuska” as it is often called, is
close to Calgary on the north side of the Bow Valley. Its official
name is Mount John Laurie, but the native name Yamnuska –
meaning “wall of stone” – is what it is called most commonly.
Its s outh cliff, shown here in Bonnie Mullins’ photo, is huge:
360 metres (1,200 ft) high and almost two kilometres wide.
HOLLE HAHN American Avocets obviously make for stunning photography
(see Sandra Hawkins’ photography story, pg 24). With a
recurved bill for scraping food from mud and water and, unlike
Time for some fun! This photo most shorebirds, the ability to swim, they are also interesting
and unusual subjects for birdwatchers.
was taken in mid-April on the
Rick Price has a knack for being there when a great photo is
road to the photographer’s about to happen. And really, does it get any cuter than this? It
house in Westerose AB. Can is hard not to crack a big smile when looking at this little Black
Bear cub!
you guess what it is?
Send your answers to:
wildhavn@memlane.com
BACK COVER
Answer and winner(s) will be announced in
the next Nature Alberta. The prize? Naturalist A pleasant day, a hillside of wildflowers, Mount Allen rising in
the distance…ahhhh, Nature: how splendid and rewarding! And
bragging rights and a pat on the back from
how lucky we are that Bonnie Mullin carries her camera with her.
Nature Alberta! Mount Allen (often spelled “Allan”) is on the Continental Divide.
6 NatureAlberta
A L B E R T A I S S U E S I N B R I E F
At Risk! Grasslands At Risk! Greater-Sage Grouse
“Potatogate” isn’t over! The plan With probably less than 100 Greater- Alberta to supplement the population.
to turn 16,000 acres of mostly Sage Grouse in Alberta (and a Since what little habitat remains
native prairie near Bow Island into similar number in Saskatchewan), continues to be eroded, the likely result
potato monoculture still appears the terms “At Risk” and of supplementation will simply be a
to be in the works. There are “Endangered” are overly optimistic. reduction in the Montana population.
strong rumours and open talk Dr Mark Boyce has suggested that
What can we all do? Raise a fuss! Raise a
that the government has told the this magnificent, iconic grassland
BIG fuss! Ask your friends to raise a fuss!
potato proponent to wait until bird could be extirpated next year.
“Yeah, but it won’t help,” you say? Maybe
the dust settles and then apply
There are two major reasons for it will, maybe it won’t. But one thing we
again. Of course, despite Alberta-
this: 1) human disturbance of critical know for sure: apathy and resignation
wide condemnation of this project
habitat in southeastern Alberta, add two more nails into the Greater-Sage
when it was uncovered, the fact
first and foremost from natural gas Grouse coffin!
that it is still “a go” is no surprise
(wells, service roads, power lines
to anyone – more of a foregone
and poles) but also agricultural
conclusion.
expansion; and 2) government’s
What can we all do? Stay vigilant seeming indifference to extinction
and informed. And when it comes and unwillingness to do anything
up again – raise a fuss! Raise a meaningful about the situation.
BIG fuss!
The provincial government has
suggested releasing birds from
northern Montana into southeastern
THE ROYAL GROUSE OF THE GRASSLANDS!
At Risk! National Parks GORDON COURT
“On behalf of the people of priority, rather than one of indifference (plus, one could add,
Canada, we protect and present conservation and preservation of outright hostility) to Parks Canada’s
nationally significant examples natural and cultural resources…” mandate. Fortunately, more and more
of Canada’s natural and cultural [Please read his letter, page 15 and Canadians are getting the picture –
heritage, and foster public on Nature Alberta’s website]. and getting angrier and angrier about
understanding, appreciation turning these heritage gems into
In fact, the increasing degradation
and enjoyment in ways that “National Amusement Parks.”
and damage being foisted on our
ensure their ecological and
busier national parks (like Banff What can we all do? As with all issues:
commemorative integrity for
and Jasper) is leading inexorably inform ourselves, and then raise a
present and future generations.”
– and faster than you might
So reads Parks Canada’s mandate.
think! – to these parks being
Sounds good, but what is put “at risk”. And yet, much of
happening now is seriously this is completely avoidable.
disturbing, and that is not an
The culprits are the usual
exaggeration. As Rod Wallace, on
suspects: lust for more money;
behalf of the Park Warden Alumni
and federal government
Society of Alberta, states, there
now “appears to be a redirection A SCENE IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK –
of park priorities [and] shift in BORING? BETTER AS AN AMUSEMENT
park management to a tourism PARK? ASHLEY HOCKENBERRY
SPRING 2011 7
fuss! Raise a BIG fuss! Ask your Nature Alberta has a section
friends to raise a fuss! One thing on its website dedicated to this
Enbridge Northern
we know for sure: apathy and extremely important issue; please Gateway Project
resignation will add two more go to www.naturealberta.ca,
nails into the National Parks under “News and Issues”. The Joint Review Panel (JRP) for the
coffin! Enbridge Northern Gateway Project
has issued a Hearing Order (OH-
4-2011) outlining the joint review
At Risk! Rehabilitated Wildlife process along with the available
This story is one for “Ripley’s the “scientific knowledge and participation options. The joint
Believe it or Not”! Alberta experience” to make this decision. review process is designed to gather
Sustainable Resource Development Undoubtedly they do. In which information from all viewpoints. The
(SRD) has a new plan to make a case, one has to wonder who process is public and open to anyone
whole component of wildlife safer: actually made the assessment who wishes to participate.
kill them! A recent decree demands that led to the rules and why, Information sessions will be held in
that wildlife rehabilitation centres because science strongly supports June and July, though at the time
immediately kill, rather than save, a rehabilitation. In an article by Jeff of writing, only two in Alberta: at
long list of mostly smaller animals Gailus in Fast Forward Weekly Bruderheim and Grande Prairie. The
as they come in; this includes some (www.ffwdweekly.com), “Dr. John Panel’s website contains information
species listed as “sensitive” and Beecham, an international expert about the Panel, the joint review
“may be at risk”. Almost all larger on rehabilitating bears” told Gailus process, and anything new about the
animals (like ungulates, felines, that “the Alberta government has process; go to:
canids and bears) are to be turned no scientific rationale for this
over to SRD staff within 72 hours. approach,” adding: “The best you www.gatewaypanel.review.gc.ca. If
Since SRD has no staff, facilities can say is that it is a weak rationale you would like to receive information
or money for rehabilitation, they for an action that is totally out of and future updates from the Panel,
will likely have to kill the animals date. Apparently, they prefer to you can sign up for email updates at:
(perhaps a few might be sold to remain in the 19th century in terms Gateway.Review@ceaa-acee.gc.ca.
zoos). of how they respond to public
demand for more responsible
SRD has given some terribly
wildlife management” (Fast
weak – one might say desperately
Forward Weekly, March 24, 2011). being asked around the province is:
clutching-at-straws – excuses
for this profoundly draconian This could well put Alberta’s seven what on earth is the real reason?
requirement. Spokesperson Dave wildlife rehabilitation centres in So, what can we all do? Raise a fuss!
Ealey said that SRD staff has jeopardy. All seven, by the way, Raise a BIG fuss! Ask your friends
“operate entirely by donations to raise a fuss: with Members of the
from voting Albertans,” said Legislative Assembly, with all media
Clio Smeeton of the Cochrane outlets, with government workers
Ecological Institute (quoted in (especially in SRD, most of whom
Wildlands Advocate, Apr 2011, probably can’t believe this either),
Vol 19, No. 2). with whoever thinks that saving
Since to our knowledge, no orphaned animals is a good thing. And
Alberta towns have been remember: apathy and resignation
devoured by rehabilitated Long- will add two nails into the wildlife
toed Salamanders, the question rehabilitation coffin!
THIS BLACK BEAR CUB WAS ORPHANED DURING THE 2009 SPRING BEAR HUNT, THEN TAKEN
IN BY THE COCHRANE ECOLOGICAL INSTITUTE. PERHAPS WHOEVER BROUGHT THESE RULES
IN SHOULD BE THE ONES TO ACTUALLY DO THE KILLING? COCHRANE ECOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
8 NatureAlberta
DEBBIE GODKIN DEBBIE GODKIN
Nature Diary:
Mother Black Bear and Cubs
BY DEBBIE AND ALAN GODKIN
When my neighbor said that he’d seen a mother bear with three cubs eating spilled grain
from a bin on his property adjacent to ours, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to try and
photograph them.
But first, I had to persuade a The following evening we drove three hours in the stifling July heat,
friend to come and sit in the over and parked so that we had with the truck windows shut tight
pick-up truck with me and wait, a good view of the bin and the to keep out the mosquitoes.
possibly for hours, for the bears treed area behind it. We watched
Upon looking in the rear
to show up. and waited for one, two, then
view mirror, we saw the bears
approaching from behind us. The
mother bear was standing up
sniffing the air, with three little cubs
standing beside her, with only the
tops of their heads visible in the tall
timothy grass. We hadn’t expected
the bears to come from across
the hay field. The bears could go
around a large group of trees and
emerge at the back of the bin, or
continue the path they were on,
which meant they would have to
walk right past the truck to get to
the bin. This was getting a little too
close for comfort.
DEBBIE GODKINSPRING 2011 9
We sat motionless as the mother before coming to eat. They were
bear lumbered past us; the cubs caked with mud and dripping
followed close behind her until wet from the belly down. The
they were at the bin. The mother bin door was open and the two
bear and cubs lay down in the tall male cubs climbed over the
grass and began to eat the wheat boards, lay down on top of the
that had spilled from between mound of wheat – and ate! The
the rotted boards at the base of mother bear lay in the same spot
the old bin. All three cubs were a in front of the bin along with
cinnamon brown color, while one the smallest cub and remained
had a white patch on its chest. watchful. Having filled up on
The mother bear was as golden in grain the two male cubs climbed
color as a wheat field in the fall; out of the bin and played ‘catch
the tips of her ears were frozen me if you can’ around and over
off giving her an aged look. We top of the mother bear, who
assumed the two larger cubs were showed great patience. Then one
males and the smaller one was a of the cubs climbed up the front
female. of the bin into the attic opening.
I raised my camera and took a
Within about ten minutes, the
few photographs through a dirty
two male cubs had satisfied their
window. The cub wasn’t as agile
appetite and were ready for
or as graceful coming down as it
some play. They rolled about
was going up.
and wrestled each other in the
grass. Suddenly the mother bear One day we spotted the bears
stood up and sniffed the air. approaching from some distance
She then went back down on all away when suddenly the mother
fours and slowly walked off. The bear stopped in her tracks;
cubs formed a line behind her immediately all three cubs made
THE CUBS WERE NOT AS AGILE COMING DOWN AS
and disappeared into the bush. A a rapid ascent up the same poplar
THEY WERE GOING UP! DEBBIE GODKIN
minute later, what looked like a tree. She must have given them
two or three year old Black Bear the signal to climb. A few minutes
emerged from the trees, only later she signaled the cubs to
fifteen yards or so away from come down. The cubs backed appetite for wheat and we were
the trail the mother bear had just down the tree in a series of short, rewarded with a few minutes of
taken. She must have sensed the five foot falls, digging their front the cubs’ playful antics. All in all,
other bear’s presence and took claws into the wood just enough we felt fortunate to have had a
her cubs to safety. to control the fall, and then they chance to observe this bear family
casually continued on the trail to interacting with each other in a
The next time we only waited relatively natural setting.
the bin.
a matter of minutes before the
bears showed up. It was apparent We returned every three or four
that they had gone for a swim days hoping to catch a glimpse
in the dugout just back of the of the bears. Sometimes our
bin to cool off from the July heat timetable coincided with their
Like many naturalists, Debbie and Alan Godkin, from Westlock AB, have numerous stories of their experiences with nature – stories they
love to share with other naturalists in this “NATURE DIARY” series!OSPREY, WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK
RICK PRICE
10 NatureAlberta
Up Close Naturally:
Fish-eating Birds
BY MARGOT HERVIEUX
Fish is a menu item for many different birds, but
the slippery, fast moving creatures are not easy to
catch.
FEMALE COMMON MERGANSERS VID BIJELIC
This means that there are just They can often be seen along streams
about as many different fishing or lakeshores sitting on a branch and
techniques as there are birds that then suddenly diving down into the
fish. water. The birds then return to their
perch, whacking live fish on the branch
Diving is the most common
before swallowing.
method for birds to catch fish,
and loons and grebes are diving Herons stalk fish and other prey as
specialists. They are very stream- they wade or stand motionless in the
lined, and their feet are located watching for a potential meal. shallows. They usually stand with their
at the back of their bodies where When they spot a fish, they backs to the sun so that they can see
they act as flippers. The birds dive after it, holding on to their passing fish in their shadow.
also have heavy, pointed bills for slippery prey with tooth-like Herons also have a special adaptation
snapping up small fish along with serrations on the edges of the for dealing with fish slime. They have
other aquatic prey. beak. Like pelicans, they will also special, powdery feathers on their neck
Cormorants also chase down fish fish in groups. which they work through any slimy
under water. They are excellent Some birds dive onto feathers using a comb-like claw on one
swimmers using their long necks unsuspecting prey from above. toe.
to reach fish as they pursue their Osprey fish by flying slowly over Whether a bird dives, hovers or stalks,
zigzagging meal. the shallow waters of a lake fish are worth going after. The trick is
Pelicans use their famous pouches before dropping onto a potential developing ways to handle a slippery,
to scoop up fish, water and meal feet first. They have rough wiggly meal.
all, and then strain out the fish foot pads for grasping slippery
prey and usually turn their fish to COMMON LOON, WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK
before swallowing. You will often RICK PRICE
see pelicans fishing in groups, point head first before flying any
herding their prey into tight distance.
schools before filling their bills. Terns also dive on fish but they
Mergansers are are after minnows which they
fish-eating ducks. catch with their bills. These birds
I have watched are expert flyers, hovering above
Red-breasted the water before plunging on their
Mergansers swim dinner.
around with Belted Kingfishers are another
just their heads species that fishes from above.
underwater,
Margot also writes a column for the Peace Country Sun, archived
copies of which are available at www.peacecountrysun.com.SPRING 2011 11
Nature Alberta NEWS
“CHUCK A PUCK” CHRISTINE MOVING ON BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nature Alberta held two “Chuck It was with great regret that The Annual General Meeting is
a Puck” Events (Oct 2/10 and Jan Nature Alberta accepted the the time when Nature Alberta
22/11) at Edmonton Oil Kings resignation of Christine Brown Appointed Directors and
games in which a total of 17 as Office Administrator and Executive are chosen and/or
volunteers participated, helping Project Coordinator. Christine was confirmed. Directors representing
raise well over $2,000. Executive offered, and accepted, a position Corporate Clubs are chosen by
Director Philip Penner, on behalf with Alberta Recycling. their respective organizations (see
of everyone at Nature Alberta, list on page 1).
Christine’s work with Nature
thanks all of the volunteers for
Alberta for close to three years Jim Gendron has stepped
coming out and having some fun
has been invaluable. Organized, down as an Appointed Director
to “Chuck a Puck.” Their support
efficient, knowledgeable and (though he will still volunteer);
is very much appreciated.
personable, she has been a all other Appointed Directors
tremendous asset to the Directors, were confirmed for 2011-12:
“COMMUNITY SPIRIT”! Executive Director Philip Penner Dennis Baresco, Dawn Dickinson,
The Culture and Community and the organization as a whole. Peichen Gu, Ted Hindmarch,
Spirit Department of the Alberta Chuck Priestley and Don Stiles.
government has a program In her letter of resignation,
designed to increase individual Christine acknowledged the Iris Davies, the Elected Director
charitable giving. The program “amazing opportunity” she had of the Vermilion River Naturalists,
is donor-driven, meaning it at Nature Alberta. “Being part put her name forward and was
recognizes and encourages of this organization has given acclaimed as the new Secretary
Albertans to support their me a tremendous amount of for Nature Alberta. All other
favourite organizations. knowledge and experience and Executive positions were filled
has made me into a naturalist,” by acclamation as well: Chuck
Simply put, the Community Spirit she wrote. “I have enjoyed the Priestley (President); Ted
Program will match your donation challenges and issues faced and Hindmarch (Vice-President); and
to Nature Alberta. For last year, I am proud to have been part of Peichen Gu (Treasurer). Sandra
we received a Community Spirit the conservation movement in Foss rounds out the Executive
grant of $18,731.41 – an amount Alberta.” as Past President, which is an
that truly makes a big difference additional Appointed Director
in the success of our organization, Nature Alberta sincerely wishes
position.
plus it gives our donors the Christine a great future; she will
opportunity to effectively double be missed.
the value of their donation.
During the past three years of the
Program, 5,031 applicants have
shared a total of $52.9 million.
Awards…12 NatureAlberta
VICE-PRESIDENT TED HINDMARCH WAS
THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES FOR THE
AWARDS BANQUET. JORDAN BROWN
AWARDS who play an important role in recognition as a “Club Builder”
Three awards were presented to keeping the group on track, after almost 25 years as Secretary,
dedicated naturalists at the Nature active, organized and able to Newsletter Editor, designer
Alberta Annual General Meeting provide the services that are basic and author of the Club’s Marl
banquet the evening of April 2, to the Club’s continued existence. Pond Trail Guide, and recently
2011. Frank and Alice Harper were two writing, compiling and producing
such naturalists for the Lethbridge a booklet about the trees of
Frank and Alice Harper Memorial Naturalists Society (LNS). In Wagner. Patsy leads the May
Award honour of Frank and Alice, and Species counts and a variety
There are many “unsung heroes” recognizing the vital role that of organized events. She is a
in naturalist groups: those people naturalists like them fulfill in all valuable asset to Wagner fen, and
who give of themselves in naturalist clubs, Nature Alberta a resource for the biophysical
carrying out the often less-than- created the annual Frank and studies and inventories of the
glamourous duties associated with Alice Harper Memorial Award. area.
the running of a Club – people
Patsy Cotterill Patsy’s commitment to the
of the Wagner Society’s mandate to protect,
Natural Area preserve and educate about
Society of Wagner Natural area is of
Edmonton is the tremendous value to the
2010 recipient of organization. In addition, she
Nature Alberta’s gives her expertise as a botanist
Frank and to other Nature Alberta member
Alice Harper groups, such as the Edmonton
Memorial Nature Club, and is a founding
Award. She member of the Alberta Native
has more Plant Council and the Stewards of
than earned Alberta Natural Areas.
PAT CLAYTON PRESENTS THE FRANK AND ALICE
HARPER MEMORIAL AWARD TO PATSY COTTERILL.
JORDAN BROWNSPRING 2011 13
Loran Goulden Memorial Award years. She has served in several She leads many different field trips
The Loran L. Goulden Memorial capacities, including RDRN (including regular birding trips),
Award is the highest accolade that president from 2004 to 2006, writes newspaper columns, has
Alberta naturalists have to offer and since that time as secretary. organized Christmas Bird counts
to those special individuals who Her total contributions have and compiled May Species counts
stand out within the naturalist been in every aspect of RDRN for the last five years, and was
community. It is awarded by activities and have assisted RDRN on the Nature Alberta/Federation
Nature Alberta for a life-long in remaining a very successful of Alberta Naturalists Board for
commitment to Natural History organization. five years, four of those on the
education. Executive. Judy instigated the
Judy also works and volunteers
Young Naturalist’s program in
Judy Boyd of Red Deer has her time at the Medicine River
Alberta, and is still working with
demonstrated a long term passion Wildlife Centre; she does many
the program.
for teaching about nature, and different things for them, and
in many different ways: from her most include teaching in one What tops everything for Judy is
work with the Medicine River form or another. Judy deals with her infectious enthusiasm for all
Wildlife Centre, to volunteering problem wildlife complaints, aspects of volunteering. She can
for the Red Deer River Naturalists spends time with the public, make the dullest things fascinating
(RDRN), to her many years as assists in the production of just by her energy, humour,
the nature nursery teacher at the educational handouts, helps to forcefulness and genuine interest.
Kerry Wood Nature Centre in Red spearhead research programs and She is a true dynamo with a
Deer. innovative protocols at the Centre boundless supply of energy, never
and delivers presentations to sitting still, and spreading her
Judy has been active as a
groups inside and outside Canada, enthusiasm as a naturalist to all
volunteer with the Red Deer
representing the Centre. she encounters.
River Naturalists for more than 10
TONY BLAKE, NATURE ALBERTA DIRECTOR
FOR THE RED DEER RIVER NATURALISTS,
PRESENTS THE LORAN GOULDEN AWARD TO
JUDY BOYD. JORDAN BROWN14 NatureAlberta
KIM BROUGHT A POCKET
GOPHER TO CLASS, GIVING HER
STUDENTS AN OPPORTUNITY
Special Award TO SEE ONE OF OUR MORE
A “Special Award” UNUSUAL CREATURES!
was presented this
year to Cochrane
area teacher Kim
Kendall-Knitter, also helped to start a
from Glenbow Community garden in the
School. The award school yard and a school
recognizes Ms. recycling program, as
Kendall-Knitter, a Grade 4 teacher, well as introducing worm
for her great work teaching composting.
students about provincial issues
Of course, this is all
and, in the process, how to do
done with the blessing
research, gather information and
of the School Principal,
look at all sides of an issue. Their
who is supporting these
computer skills are honed and
innovations.
enhanced as they do research on
the internet. The example she was HONOURARY LIFE MEMBER AWARD
using (at the time of the award) THE “POTATOGATE” EXAMPLE According to the Nature Alberta constitution,
was the issue dubbed “Potatogate” “The Board of Directors may honour
Kim Kendall-Knitter’s class has
(see sidebar). outstanding naturalists or conservationists
heard about “Potatogate” from a
Ms. Kendall-Knitter has taken her variety of sources. They have had by electing them to honourary
classes outside and done willow presentations from a rancher who membership”. The Honourary Life Member
plantings to enhance a riparian pointed out the need for land to Award recognizes individuals for substantial
stream bank area and learn about be used to grow food, from a grass volunteer contributions over an extended
improving fish habitat. Students specialist, a First Nations person period that are directly linked to Nature
also learn skills such as film- speaking about the sacred values Alberta initiatives and/or benefit Nature
making while they are doing these of the land, a naturalist speaking Alberta as an organization. The award need
projects. about the species that occupy not be presented every year (for example, it
grasslands (especially endangered was not presented the past two years). Also,
This is an innovative approach by as the list below shows, there were several
this talented teacher, who has also species), water issues, and carbon
sequestration. They have heard multi-year gaps in the award, though this
planned and organized workshops was a result of administrative functions, not
to aid other staff at Glenbow from a potato farmer, talked by
conference call to a potato chip the lack of worthy candidates.
School in their knowledge of local
natural history and how to get factory, and heard a heart specialist Nature Alberta has great pride in its
the children involved: everything doctor talk about the health Honourary Life Member Award recipients,
from water and fisheries issues, to attributes of potato chips. They who have made a huge contribution to
bird life, geology, and non-native have potato plants growing in Alberta conservation. The honourable
species invasions. their classroom, are doing art and recipients are:
mapping projects on the topic, and
Ms. Kendall-Knitter works hard are doing more research on native • Dewey Soper 1971 • Edgar T. Jones 2001
at building community in her grasses, with a view to naturalizing • Kerry Wood 1971 • Pat Clayton 2004
classroom and tries to have part of their school grounds. Their • Ray Salt 1973 • Ian Halladay 2005
her students outside as much research book of grasses will • Robert Lister 1982 • Don Stiles 2006
as possible, developing an provide knowledge to the school’s
appreciation for and sense of • Dorothy Dickson • Dawn Dickinson
groundskeeper. After their research
wonder about the natural world 2001 2007
is completed, they will be debating
in everything they do. She has the “Potatogate” issue, with half • Lloyd Lohr 2001 • Glen Semenchuk
the class on each side of the debate. 2008SPRING 2011 15
National Parks: an open letter
To: Mr. Bill Fisher
onal Parks, Parks Canada
Director General, Western and Northern Nati
3M3
1550, 635 - 8 Ave, S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P
From: Park Warden Alumni Society
7 Glenport Road, Cochrane, Alberta T4C 1G8
March 8, 2011
Dear Sir; er Parks Canada
of the Park War den Alum ni Soci ety of Alberta, and a number of concerned form
It has come to the atten tion ent plan process.
to be a redir ectio n of park prior ities in the review and update of the park managem
employees, that there appears and preservation of natural and cultural
rent shift in park man agem ent to a tour ism priority, rather than one of conservation
The appa
adians.
resources is of great concern to many Can
agement Plan which allows for the possible
ern for man y of us is the present review of the Jasper Man
An exam ple of grav e conc ” of such a project which is in a
” proje ct at Tang le ridge . Brewster Transport’s “conceptual approval
development of a “sky walk ber of mountain sheep use this
a phys ically restr ictiv e high way corri dor, is most alarming. A considerable num
wildlife sensitive, and in and the resultant
s, and are certa in to be distu rbed (and fed!) with the construction of an “attraction”
location on a year round basi d to relocate from established good habitat
at this spec ifi c location. Mountain sheep may well be force
incre ased num bers of visito rs uphill, and fast moving northbound
c is cong este d at Tang le ridge now, with slow moving RVs headed
to a poor or marg inal one. Traffi ase in visitor traffic at this
ty degr ee corn er at the sum mit, as well as visitor foot traffic at Tangle Falls. Any incre
traffic navigating a nine
location will prove chaotic and dangerous.
revolting and degrading in a
“vie wing platf orm” over the edge at Tangle ridge, we find the concept
As for the structure of a plas tic at the Grand Canyon is not
Park s beco ming a Disn eyla nd conc ept to “entertain” visitors? A similar structure
National Park. Are National s Canada for even
joins an array of tack y tour ist attra ction s on reservation lands nearby. Shame on Park
in the National Park, but rather
National Parks!
thinking of approving such an eyesore in our rtunities for
ase visito r appr ecia tion at Tang le ridge is that there are much more spectacular oppo
The reality of this attempt to incre Wilcox Pass trail for spectacular views of
area s near by. Why not encourage visitors to ascend the
viewing of the alpin e and glac iated or Stanley Falls are all excellent walks
Icefi elds, and the surro unding mountains? Parker Ridge, Tangle Falls
Sunwapta Pass , the Colu mbia in the area, and Brewster
Rock y Mou ntain s. A guid ed walk up one of several already established trails
with spectacular view s of the e and contribute to more
stud ents to cond uct them for a fee, wou ld provide a most worthy visitor experienc
Transport employing summer
knowledge of park resources. e in our National Parks.
colle ctive ly repr esen ts seve ral hund red years of conservation/protection experienc
The Park Warden Alumni Soci ety s need to refocus
the deca des will be for noug ht, if Park s continues to head its present direction. Park
All the ecological gains made over protection of both natural and cultural
pres ent prior ities, to rega in the public trust in the conservation and
their efforts, and reali gn their natural landscape, should be
onal Park s. App ropr iate visito r activ ities, which maintain and foster enjoyment of the
resources in our Nati onal Parks.
ets to attra ct visito rs at any mora l cost , degrades the long established values of Nati
mandatory. Gimmicks or gadg
inappropriate visitor activities are
y, that Park s may well risk losin g the designation of World Heritage Site, if
It appears to be a poss ibilit trends continue.
aps Park s shou ld cons ider a nam e chan ge to National Amusement Parks, if present
allowed and promoted. Perh
Yours sincerely,
Rod Wallace
den Alumni Society of Alberta
On behalf of the Board of Directors, Park War
National Park
cc. Mr. Greg Fenton, Superintendent, Jasper16 NatureAlberta
Close to Home: Nature Photography in Alberta
Sounds like Alberta
BY JOHN WARDEN
I was out at Hastings Lake one morning, working a grove of aspen trees
with my camera, trying to find just the right combination of colour, light
JOHN WARDEN and line.
The leaves were yellow and punctuated the moment with turned into yipping and then their
orange against a frieze of green howling exclamations. voices began to move away.
and the smooth white bark of the
They were so close, I suspected It was an amazing moment. I
aspens. The vertical lines of the
that if I moved, they would hear experienced the Coyotes, without
tree trunks carried me up from
me, but I had to try and see them. actually seeing them. I put my
the ground and into the image
Sure enough, as I worked my way camera away and walked down
with feelings of height, power
quietly around the trees, hoping to the edge of the lake. What
and grandeur. And the light! It
to get a photograph, their howls a moment, a symphony to the
was that magical golden hour of
sunrise when the light was soft
and mellow, pumping up and
saturating the colours.
I wasn’t even conscious of
pressing the shutter release on my
camera; the pictures were taking
themselves. Some people might
call such an experience ‘being
lost in the moment’, but I wasn’t
lost. I was a part of that moment.
And then something extraordinary
happened. Coyotes started
howling.
The Coyotes began with some
excited yipping and then the
bunch of them began to howl.
They sounded close, perhaps just
on the other side of the trees. I
paused, and listened. Their chorus
JOHN WARDENSPRING 2011 17
JOHN WARDEN
tune of colour, light and line, moment. But then, the serenity people, not monsters and that
with Mother Nature leading the was shattered. The ripping and they have a right to ride their
orchestra. And I was there. snorting of off-road motorcycles noisy, smelly bikes in a provincial
blasted away the quiet. There ‘recreational area’. Yet on a more
Not all of the sounds in nature
was a pack of them and they personal, visceral level, they were
though, are as pleasant.
came out of the trees, just across an orchestra of the obscene.
Elbow Falls at Bragg Creek near the river from us. Like vulturous
People though, are naturally part
Calgary has always been one of carrion birds, they perched for a
of our experience. While I for
my favorite places. My wife Debra moment on a point just above the
one work hard to find places
had never been there and wanting falls, gunning and revving their
and times when few people are
to share it with her, we went one engines as they looked down
around, they (we) are almost
February when the sky was a at the falls. Then they were off,
everywhere, a fact of life. What’s
gorgeous Alberta blue. roaring through the bush looking,
the balance? How do we find or
The Elbow River was still open no doubt, for small children to
create a harmony between people
but the falls were choked with ice. devour.
and nature?
Despite the roar of the falls, it was Of course I exaggerate. I know
I was fortunate to experience
a quiet, pristine, almost sacred intellectually that they were
such a balance one evening.18 NatureAlberta
JOHN WARDEN
Looking to escape the throngs of The sound of the flute was to a moment, or completely and
tourists in Canmore, I followed similar to the wild call of a loon, utterly ruin it.
the Spray Lakes Road out of town beautiful and perfect in its own
The ratcheting chainsaw-like
and stopped along the way at way, but different. It was a sound,
sounds of motorcycles and all-
Goat Pond. It was a beautiful originating from the human, that
terrain vehicles are sour notes in
evening in the mountains, the didn’t detract from the moment.
my adventures close to home.
sun was setting and the lake was Here was a person, adding to
They are notes that linger, but I
a deep blue, all still and tranquil. the specialness of a moment
can tune them out or turn them
I was setting up my camera in in nature. It was a harmony, a
off. So I do.
the silence, enjoying the solitude, synergy, a perfect balance.
when out of the cosmos came But oh, the wonderful symphonies
Interesting how people have
the sweet yet haunting melody of that I have heard in nature…the
created snorting motorcycles
a flute. The notes were soft but Coyotes, the loons, the flute, that’s
and soothing sounds of music.
clear, drifting across the pond like what I wish to share with you.
Interesting that people can add
an autumn mist.EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a condensing of Ryan’s May 18, 2011 blog; to
read the full, fascinating entry, see http://akayokaki.blogspot.com. All photos SPRING 2011 19
by the author.
AKAYO’KAKI A’PAWAAWAHKAA BY RYAN HEAVY HEAD; SIKOOHKOTOKI, KAINAISSKSAAHKOYI
My Walk through Ecology, Dreams, Natural Education
and Experience in Blackfoot Territory.
MYSTERY SIGNAL FOR he carries on his relatively slender notice redwing clickhoppers and
THATCHERS, MAY 10, 2011 body. Not even the black widow is the occasional ant on the path.
18:12. A meadowlark sings me in view this evening. But compared to my noontime
down to the hibernaculum, where visits, it is exceptionally quiet.
18:26. Like the snakes, most of the
I’m a bit surprised to find only
insects seem to have already gone 19:15. Before turning back, I
two rattlesnakes basking. One of
dormant for the day. I do see a decide to hike up one of the
them is a yearling, the other I’m
couple of cabbage white butterflies ridges I haven’t much explored.
guessing an older male, judging by
and naamooyiksi stopping off at A couple of my rock-hound
the considerable number of buttons
the goldenbean blooms. I also buddies told me they’ve been20 NatureAlberta
finding scorpions when digging buzz anxiously as I climbed up to
into the soil along the black cliffs. greet him
I figure if I turn over a few rocks
18:11. Presently, I am atop the
on the ridge above, maybe I’ll find
ridge overlooking the [empty]
some there as well. So I head up,
hibernaculum, and from here
and I turn probably a dozen flat
I can see there are at least
rocks that look like they might
fifty pelicans down at the river
have potential, but all I end up
confluence. About half of them
accomplishing is the disturbance of
are resting on a small river island,
a few ant colonies. I do, however,
while the others hunt for fish.
come across two tiny, brown
They drift downstream in one
beetles I’ve never seen before.
large body, and when they get to
And I also find, on the peak of the
a certain point fly back upstream
ridge, an ancient stone effigy of
and begin again. Obviously, there
some sort. It’s a rectangular box
is a fish run underway. I’m going
of stones about five feet long by a
to hike over to the nearby cliff
meter wide, with what appear to
above the river for a better view.
be a couple lines coming off, in an
hive through one of their entrances.
order I can’t make sense of. Could 18:47. On the way to the cliff,
I’ve seen thatchers collect this same
be an animal effigy, could be a I stop at several rocks where I
kind of caterpillar before.
vision quest sight, or it could be know there to be ant colonies of
a grave. Hard to tell. In any case, two different species. Both are Then, at the base of the coulee
it’s situated to provide a really nice very small, with larvae far larger slope where I start climbing again,
view of the river confluence than their bodies. The one species the goldenbeans that had been
keeps its larvae clinging to the earliest to flower now comprise a
SUSPECTED FISH RUN, MAY 12, underside of the rock, while its significant patch of yellow blooms,
2011 eggs (of the same orange color) and they are buzzing loud with
17:25. I’ve hiked about halfway are kept in a chamber below. naamooyiksi - both Hunt’s and
down the slope, almost to the The other species does not have Nevada species. The Nevada’s
hibernaculum, spotting among the its larvae cling to the rock, but behavior is very different from the
new goldenbean blooms a sulphur rather in tunnels right below it. In Hunt’s. They make a hasty retreat
butterfly (probably pink-rimmed) both cases, I wonder if the rocks when they see me paying attention
and a second naamoo species, the themselves are being utilized to them, even if it’s from a distance.
Nevada bumblebee, both of whom purposely to keep the eggs and The Hunt’s Bumblebees, on the
immediately depart as I approach. babies warm. Of course, when other hand, almost always make an
But I’m going to keep an eye on I get to the cliff after making attempt to chase me off with loud
these flowers as I continue. The these ant stops, those pelicans fly-bys toward my face.
big news, however, is that I didn’t who were actively hunting
need to go all the way to the are nowhere to be seen. The COOTS NESTING AND
hibernaculum before encountering remaining birds are sticking to the THATCHERS SWARMING, MAY
island. 13, 2011
my first rattler of the day.
Apparently they are now on the 11:54. Arriving at the southeast end
19:30. Coming back down off the
move, as I just came upon a very of the pond, I find (as was fully
cliff, I notice a relatively small
nervous older male making his way expected) that, like the rattlesnakes,
thatching ant colony off the side
uphill. I wouldn’t have even known the wandering garters are also
of the trail. Looking closely, I
he was there, several meters away leaving their hibernaculum. In the
see that some of them are busy
and well off the trail, if he hadn’t marsh below where they winter,
maneuvering a caterpillar they’ve
notified me. And he continued to mi’sohpsski has done all the work
caught, trying to bring it into theirYou can also read
