We were thrilled to come across a family of Pileated Woodpeckers sharing lunch in Byrne Creek Ravine Park in Burnaby, BC, today.
All posts by Paul Cipywnyk
SEHAB Meeting on the Sunshine Coast, BC
We had a SEHAB (Salmonid Enhancement & Habitat Advisory Board) meeting on the Sunshine Coast over the last weekend.
We stayed at the wonderful Linwood House, visited the Chapman Creek hatchery, and participated in a Sockeye fry release into Sakinaw Lake.
SEHAB is a volunteer board that represents DFO Community Advisors’ geographical areas from across British Columbia. Board members receive no compensation, but meeting expenses are covered. We have a fabulous treasurer who stretches our modest meeting budget.
The board meets three times a year, collating information from community stewardship groups, and taking key issues to DFO Regional Headquarters to inform mangement and the Minister.
I have had the priviledge of being on the board initially as an alternate and then a full member for about 12 years now. The breadth of fishy experience and knowledge in the room is amazing, and I am always learning.
For example, I was not aware that Sakinaw Lake sockeye are on the verge of extinction. The restocking effort by volunteers and DFO is an attempt to stave this off, but the outlook is not good with climate change warming the lake to temperatures detrimental to salmon. Fingers crossed. . .
Thanks to all the local folks who shared their good work with us!
Sunshine Coast Ferry Trip
It’s a short ride, but it’s beautiful!
Had a few days of fishy meetings on the Sunshine Coast, and here are a couple of shots of getting there, and coming home.
Great Blue Heron at Roberts Creek, BC
I had a couple of days of meetings on the Sunshine Coast, and took my time heading home the last day.
I stopped in at the mouth of Roberts Creek, and spotted this Great Blue Heron.
South Burnaby Menagerie On a 3-Hour Ramble
Today’s menagerie from a 3-hour south Burnaby, BC, ramble. Glad we got home before it got hot!
House Finch
Cedar Waxwing
Northern Flicker
Western Tiger Swallowtail
We spotted a few small-to-midsize frogs in the ditch along Meadow Ave. Not sure yet if bullfrog or other. . . Yup, American Bullfrog. . .
Cardinal Meadowhawk
Turkey Vultures at Fraser Foreshore Park in Burnaby
I watched this Turkey Vulture preening on a log boom at Fraser Foreshore Park in Burnaby, BC, this morning. Eventually another one joined it and they flew off over the river.
Great Blue Heron Takes Crayfish
I watched this Great Blue Heron fishing at Fraser Foreshore Park in Burnaby, BC, this morning. Eventually it took a Crayfish.
New Westminster Walk, Farmers Market
It was a lovely day for a Skytrain/walk to the Farmers Market in New Westminster, BC, late this afternoon. We checked out Tipperary Park, and concluded in the early evening with some time on the river boardwalk.
Beautiful Garter Snake in Byrne Creek Ravine Park
I spotted this beautiful garter snake on the paved trail in Byrne Creek Ravine Park in SE Burnaby, BC, today. It was sunning itself and let me approach quite closely before easing into the bush.
A few people walked past while I was shooting so I introduced them to the snake, reassuring them that it was harmless.
Overnight Camping Trip to Manning Park – Moose, Beaver ‘n Birds
We took an overnight camping trip to E.C. Manning Park, staying at the new Hampton camground. Nice new washrooms with showers, eh? 🙂
We hiked around the area several times over the course of the two days. Here are a few shots.
Cool to see a beaver in Lightning Lake
It was fun watching these Clark’s Nutcrackers. The juvenile kept begging for food though it was surrounded by buds. The adult would pick one and feed the juvie. . .
We walked the Beaver Pond trail, and at one point I spotted what appeared to be a large beast off in the distance. I fired off several shots from long range, but it wasn’t until we got home that I realized it was a moose. While apparently sightings are not common in the area, there are a few now and then.
A brilliant Red-breasted Sapsucker
A Gray Jay, aka Canada Jay
The bridge on the Canyon Nature Loop
