Summer is nearing an end. The hikers and cyclists are back in full swing. The birders are also out, looking especially for migrants. And the author of these blog entries, both a hiker and a birder, has been busy coordinating CONC members to ensure that the BC Nature Fall General Meeting, starting today, goes off well. Unfortunately we did not liase well with the rain gods as the forecast is for damp weather.
The smoke is starting to disperse so hikes and bicycle trips are much more pleasant. Bird migration is well underway so the birding is much better too. Everyone is happier!
CONC activities have continued through the summer, but hampered by the smoke from forest fires. Many hikes and bicycle rides were cancelled but the birders toughed it out. Let’s hope the fall offers clearer skies.
Summer is definitely here, and that affects our activities. Sole Survivors went high to avoid the heat, doing a 12 km trip at Big White, enjoying great numbers of wildflowers. Ramblers went less high but chose to hike in the trees, visiting Angel Springs. The Thursday birders also went for the trees, hiking Mission Creek from Casorso Road to Gordon Drive and back again, being rewarded with a Lesser Yellowlegs and numerous warblers and flycatchers. The Sole Survivors cycling trip…
The Soul Survivors Hiking group went to Angel Springs. The Ramblers went to Kuipers’ Peak. The botanists went to McCullloch Lake. On Thursday the birders explored the far reaches of Highway 33 and Big White Road. On Saturday the birders went to Apex Mountain. The Conservation Committee Maude-Roxby subcommittee continues its activities. Don’t say the warm weather stops CONC activities!
Fourteen Ramblers enjoyed a five km hike on Spion Kop. The weather was perfect. Kudos to Walk Around Lake Country hikers for lovely, well-signed trails! The views were lovely, the Saskatoon berries ripe for eating; we spotted lots of Purple Fleabane, Dogbane, Oceanspray, Ceanothus shrubs, and a few still beautiful Mariposa Lilies. An Osprey soared high above us and keen ears and eyes saw a White Breasted Nuthatch.
On Wednesday May 9, six people from Kelowna were going to hike but, when the torrential rains started just prior to leaving the Apple Bowl, we changed our minds. We contacted Emile and he went to the trailhead to meet anyone who had gone there. Not seeing anyone, Emile left for home. But, one person who was dressed for the weather decided to brave the trail. Good for you Susan!
The CONC team Wilson’s Warblers (Gwynneth Wilson, Pam Laing, Judy Latta, Elke Fischer, Don Wilson, and Rick Gee (missing from the photo)) won the Little Big Day challenge, part of the Meadowlark Festival with a total on 100 species seen within the City of Kelowna. More details are in the June newsletter.
Today the birders did a tour of hot spots in southeast Kelowna, Birds of interest included: Western Tanager Chipping Sparrow Western Wood Peewee Bullock’s Oriole Warbling Vireo Calliope Hummingbird Rufous Hummingbird and what a number believed to be a female Black-chinned Hummingbird Ruffed Grouse (heard) Red Crossbills A couple of birders saw a Snow Goose A total of 48 species.
Good morning. This is a new feature of the CONC website, including information from birding, botany,hiking, cycling, and snowshoeing trips.