World Wetlands Day February 2nd

Cottonwood forests of the Columbia Wetlands provide

key habitat for a number of wildlife species 

The Columbia Wetlands are recognized for their international significance. The 180-kilometer Columbia Wetlands represent a remnant ecosystem of once vast interior wetlands. The interwoven river channels and wetlands are a primary source of fresh water for the Pacific Northwest and provide critical nesting and breeding habitat for migratory birds whose travels span two continents.  They are also important for several federally listed species at risk.

World Wetlands Day marks the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands on  February 2nd 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Each year, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of citizens at all levels of the community undertake actions to raise public awareness of wetland values and benefits.

Wetlands and Forests, this is the theme for World Wetlands Day 2011, especially chosen because 2011 is the UN International Year of Forests. 

Learn more about World Wetlands Day 

Muskrat

Muskrat in open water near Athalmer, BC

The muskrat's name comes from the two scent glands found near its tail which gives off a strong "musky" odor. They emanate this scent when they need to communicate, mate or to ward off intruders in their territory.

Muskrats spend much of their time in the water and are well suited for their semi-aquatic life. They can swim under water for up to 15 minutes and can even chew under water. Their lips can close behind their cutting teeth which permits muskrats to chew on plant stems and roots underwater with their mouths closed. They can also close off their ears to keep the water out. Their hind feet are semi-webbed, although it is their long tails that are flattened vertically which gives them the main propulsion when swimming.

When they walk on land the tail drags on the ground, 

which makes their tracks easy to recognize.

Wintering Elk

Ninety percent of the elk in the Upper Columbia basin 

winter in or near the wetlands

Winter is a critical season for elk. Particulary for the bulls that enter the winter after an exhausting fall rut. A long winter with dep snow can mean starvation or make elk so weak they become easy pickins for cougar and wolves.

One way to endure winter is to avoid it. But for animals that don’t hibernate or migrate to warmer climates it means having to cope with the snow. It seems that animals  with the longest legs and largest feet in relation to weight are the best adapated for survival in deep snow. Elk have long legs but their hooves are not large enough to keep them from sinking. So when the snow depth reaches two thirds up the elk’s legs - they are in trouble as valuable energy is lost from poughing through snow and digging for food with their hoofs. 

One of the advantages elk have is that they are both grazers and browsers. So when the grasses are buried too deep the elk are able to feed on the shrubs that stick out above the snow.


For news article see The Golden Scoop 

Swivel Ears

Snow accumulation at higher elevations force Mule Deer into the lower Columbia River Valley, where they can feed on grass. Douglas-fir, saskatoon and willows for the winter.

One of the Mule Deer’s most distinct features is its big "mule-like" ears. Each ear rotates independently like a scanning radar. Without this early warning system, the Mule Deer could not detect as easily the rustle of a cougar slipping up from behind.

Stories in the Snow

One of the fun things to do this time of year is to go into the wetlands looking for animal tracks in the snow. Pictured here are tracks of a coyote and weasel that cross paths but what is the strange design over their tracks?   The design was made by an elk slipping on ice.

Volunteers observing and recording birds in the Columbia Wetlands

Every year since 1978, volunteers have participated in Christmas Bird Counts (CBC) in the Columbia Valley. It is part of the longest-running wildlife census in the world. There is a specific methodology to the CBC, but everyone can participate. The counts are conducted on any one day between December 14 and January 5 inclusive. They are carried out within a 24-km diameter circle that stays the same from year to year. Each circle is led by a Count Compiler. Therefore, if you are a beginning birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher. In addition, if your home is within the boundaries of a Count Circle, then you can stay home and report the birds that visit your feeder.

But why count birds? First, the event is way to enjoy birds and have fun with others who love them. Secondly, birds are an indicator of what's happening. Changes in numbers over time can reveal changes in habitat and can help measure environmental problems like pollution and global warming.

For more information or to participate

December 27, Golden,
contact Ellen Zimmerman (250) 348 2225

December 26, Lake Windermere District
contact Cam Gillies (250) 342 9605

River Otters

Observations of River Otters in the Columbia Valley have been increasing. The one pictured here was seen swimming in open water off the main river channel below Wilmer, BC.

Otters rely upon the presence of clean, unpolluted water for their food, primarily fish. The ones in the Columbia Valley feed mainly on Northern Pikeminnows (Squawfish) and in the fall eat spawning Kokanee Salmon. South of Toby Creek you can often see the shell remains from where otters have eaten freshwater mollusks.

Because otters are high in the food chain, they are particularly susceptible to the accumulation of organic compounds and heavy metals. This makes them good indicators of contaminant levels in the aquatic environments. So it is a good sign that River Otter numbers are increasing in the upper Columbia Valley.