Wandering Tattler - February 2009.pdf - Nature Vancouver

NATURE VANCOUVER EVENING PROGRAM
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
7:30PM
TEXAS: A NATURAL HISTORY
WITH RON LONG
FEBRUARY
BIRD FIELD TRIPS…AND OTHERS…
NOTE: There are more birding trips listed on the
website than are in the Winter Vancouver Naturalist. **
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam
February 7
Colony Farm in winter can provide interesting birding. The
Farm is home to many over wintering raptors, sparrows,
shrike and waterfowl. Join leader Larry Cowan for a halfday
outing. Meet the leader at the parking area at the east
end of Colony Farm Rd. in Coquitlam at 9:00am. 604-465-
1402
Birding at Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Delta
February 15
Join John Chandler for a half-day birding trip to Reifel
Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Ladner. We will be looking for
Snow Geese, swans and other waterfowl and raptors.
Remember to bring some money for the small admission fee
and dress for chilly and/or wet weather. You may want to
bring your lunch and a hot drink to enjoy in the warming hut
after your walk. Meet John at the Reifel gift shop at
9:00am. Contact John at 604-274-4117.
** Jericho Park, Vancouver
February 21
Look for unusual ducks and spring arrivals. Meet in East
Parking lot at 8:00am. Contact Adrian Grant Duff 604-263-
7957.
** Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver
February 28
Look for early migrants and species discovered on recent
surveys. Meet Adrian Grant Duff 604-263-7957 at 8:00am
in front of Entrance to Pitch and Putt Golf Course, north of
tennis courts, Queen Elizabeth Park.
THE WANDERING TATTLER INDEX
Great Backyard Bird Count 5
Bird Studies Canada Latest News 6
Backyard Birding with Al 6
Birding Section Committee Meeting Minutes 7
Natural Selection…..changing faster… 10
Rare Bird Alert Sightings for August 2008 12
The size of Texas is legendary but with size comes
diversity and for the naturalist it is this diversity that is
truly astonishing. Habitats range from the lush, well
watered Hill Country to the absolute desert of the Big
Bend of the Rio Grande to the mild year round climate of
the Gulf Coast. Within these habitats the variety of birds,
animals, and especially plants seems never ending. This talk
will take a long look at the marvellous natural history of
this the largest of the Lower 48.
OTHER EVENTS FOR BIRDER’S
MAPLEWOOD FLATS CONSERVATION AREA
All levels of birders are welcome to join the Wild Bird
Trust’s monthly bird survey of Maplewood Flats
Conservation Area, North Vancouver. This survey is
conducted on the first Saturday of each month. Meet at
0800 in the parking lot of the Pacific Environment Science
Centre, 2645 Dollarton Highway. If the gate is closed, park
adjacent to the highway. For details, please contact Janice
Wilson, Bird Survey Coordinator at 604-987-5586. On the
second Saturday of each month, you’re welcome to join the
Wild Bird Trust’s Nature Walks with Al Grass at
Maplewood Flats Conservation Area. Meet at 1000 in the
parking lot of the Pacific Environment Science Centre,
2645 Dollarton Highway. If the gate is closed, park
adjacent to the highway.
HASTINGS PARK SANCTUARY
Members of the Hastings Park Conservancy’s Environmental
Committee and guest naturalists lead nature walks through
the Sanctuary in Hastings Park. In winter/spring 2009, the
walks will be held on the fourth Saturday of each month,
starting at 0900. All walks leave from the northeast
corner of the Sanctuary (near the red barns and the
Playland restrooms). There’s free parking on site for
visitors to the Sanctuary, or take the bus to Hastings &
Renfrew Streets. For further information, contact Pat
Miller at 604-294-1272.
REIFEL BIRD SANCTUARY
Every Sunday, enjoy a bird walk with John Ireland at Reifel
Bird Sanctuary in Delta. Meet at the reception area at
1000. Reifel’s admission fee is $4.00 for adults and $2.00
for children (2-14) and seniors (60+). Phone 604-946-6980
for more information.
The Wandering Tattler February 2009 page 2