River Otters

River Otters in the Wilmer Marsh, Columbia Wetlands Wildlife Management Area. Video by Pat Morrow

Like most predators River Otters prey upon the species that are the most readily accessible. Fish are their favoured food and studies have shown that slow swimming fish like the Northern Pikeminnow (Squawfish) in Pat’s video are preyed upon more often than trout when both are equally abundant. Otters also consume frogs, turtles and in the upper reaches of the Columbia River they'll feed on freshwater mollusks. There has also been some documentation of River Otters eating small mammals like muskrats and beavers.

Thanks Pat for sharing your video from your backyard.

Wilmer Marsh Clean Up

Spyder Hoe  - Photo by Larry Halverson

The Wilmer Marsh, prior to becoming part of The Columbia National Wildlife Area was historically used as an unofficial dump site. Over the years a significant amount of garbage (including home heating oil tanks, car bodies, tires, paint cans and general household waste) accumulated in the marsh and along the shoreline. Sampling conducted at the site showed levels of contaminants that exceed the applicable federal guidelines.

So this year before the ice melted a clean up was conducted. Approximately 300 m3 of debris was removed from the shore. The excavation of old tires, car parts and contaminated soil was scooped out with a specialized, low-impact, excavator call a Spyder hoe. The debri was then carried by helicopter to a staging area and then transported to the Regional District Landfill for disposal.

Upon completion the shore was restored - backfilled with native topsoil to prevent the introduction of non-native species to the area.

For photos of “People Wortkingh Together: Wilmer Marsh Breakdown“ go to http://www.ec.gc.ca/envirozine/default.asp?lang=En&n=DA4BBC92-1

Staging Area by Larry Halverson

Lots of old tries & vehicle parts By Larry Halverson

Funded by Environment Canada 

The Beavers

A friend  Brian Keating took this amazing video of beavers in his Calgary backyard.  "Brian heads up the Conservation Outreach Department at the Calgary Zoo, where he's responsible for a variety of local and international conservation projects. He also started the Zoo’s nature-based travel program some 20 years ago, visiting many of the best wildlife watching locations on all seven continents."  it is  ironic he witnessed this memorable wildlife viewing experience from his own backyard.

Canada Goose Display

Canada geese near the Athalmer bridge. Photo by Larry Halverson

It is a good time of year to spend an evening along the Columbia River.  As there is lots of Canada Goose activity.

The goose in this video clip was defending its mate. Using the head forward display - the goose extends its neck, holds the head low and points it towards the opponent often while honking. If the threat doesn’t move the goose then flies towards the intruder to chase it off.

Fish Need to Move

Shuswap Creek before Photo by Larry Halverson

Shuswap Creek after culverts removed Photo by Larry Halverson

"Fish travel along waterways to find food, mates, good spawning gravel and safe places for their young to grow. A poorly functioning culvert can stop fish from reaching key parts of their habitat, resulting in lower numbers of fish, fewer species and less genetic diversity to keep populations healthy."

Photo by Larry Halverson

Thanks to the Shuswap First Nations Community for improving fish passage from the Columbia River into Shuswap Creek.

Robin Migration

American Robin Photo by Larry Halverson

Length of daylight is one of the main bird migration influences. However ornithologist, Rick Howie says "the northward movement of Robins often matches a line across North America where the average temperature is 2 degrees centigrade. As temperatures warm and this "isotherm" moves northward, the majority of robins follow it." 

The Robins in the Columbia Valley had to be surprised this morning (April 7th) by the 6 inches of new snow.

Canada Goose Nesting Platforms

Canada Goose nesting platforms dot the wetlands along the Columbia River. Photo by Larry Halverson

The local Rod and Gun clubs along with Ducks Unlimited established these platforms many years ago as a way to help nesting geese from having their eggs flooded from rising waters. In fact one of CWSP members The Golden District Rod and Gun Club maintain over 100 of these goose nesting platforms for over 20 years. Now with goose numbers up there is discussion around removing or replacing these structures.

It won't be long now before the Geese are back nesting . Photo by Larry Halverson