Compton Tortoiseshell - An Early Flyer

Compton Tortoiseshell - April 28, 2013 by Larry Halverson

Compton Tortoiseshells overwinter as adults so they are one of the earliest butterflies seen each spring.  However, they won’t be flying too much longer as they’ll soon lay eggs and die. Look for them along stream sides and clearings particularly where birch, willows and aspen are growing. 

If you miss them, there will be another flight from late July until they enter hibernation in October.

Mule Deer above Lake Windermere, April 22, 2013 by Larry Halverson

Mule deer are taking advantage of the valley bottoms where the grass greens first.

Prevent the Pathway!

Look at the following picture and identify 10 ways in which Aquatic nuisance species are introduced or spread into local aquatic ecosystems.

Let's take a look at the different ways some of these species invade or spread to new areas.

Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) can come from any country in the world and may be introduced into new ecosystems in a variety of ways.  The means and routes by which ANS are introduced into an aquatic ecosystem are called introduction pathways.  Some species migrate into new areas on their own (volitional movement), while others may be carried into new areas by natural events such as hurricanes or floods.  The vast majority of invasive species are spread into new water bodies as a direct result of human activities.  Whether intentionally or by accident, once an ANS is introduced and becomes established in a new ecosystem, it is very costly and difficult to control or eradicate them.  Often the best approach to preventing the introduction or further spread of ANS is to educate the public on the potential pathways of introduction and steps each person can take to stop the spread of ANS in their local community. 

From The Dish on Fish  http://fish-notes.blogspot.ca/2013/03/prevent-pathway.html

Water Levels

Columbia Wetlands from Mount Swansea June 17, 2012 

 Photo by Larry Halverson

Officials with BC's River Forecast Centre say river levels are especially high not only because of the rain, but also the melting snow.  And with more rain in the forecast we can expect higher water levels. Normally the Kootenay River’s peak flow is the middle of June while the Columbia River peaks around the first of July.

Importance of Wetlands

Video by The Nature Trust

A profile of the importance of the Columbia River Wetlands for migratory birds.

Great Horned Owl

Great Horned Owl nesting in clay bank along the Columbia River.
Photo and Video by Randy Hopkins.

Great Horned Owls are found throughout BC and according to Birds of British Columbia most nest sites are in trees where the owl uses old nest from other birds like Red-tailed Hawks, Bald Eagles, Crows and Great Blue Herons. Sometimes they will nest on top of a broken snag and occasionally they use a hole in a clay bank like this one along the Columbia River.

Birding in the Columbia Valley

Shaw TV goes birding in the Columbia Valley. 

To watch the short video go to 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5A0b0utVnI&list=UUr0Nhp8T96ydA8aYAnyeopw&index=3&feature=plcp