Join Us On Our Next Field Trip or Event.
Listed below are upcoming and recent field trips and events of the Rocky Mountain Naturalists.
Members welcome.
A guest must complete a waiver form and pay $2.00 per Outing.
Group sizes are limited in order to provide a quality and safe experience for everyone. Carpooling can be organized from the meeting place for those feeling comfortable. If there is space, guests are welcome to join an Outing up to twice a year.
Please let us know if you are interested.
Members welcome.
A guest must complete a waiver form and pay $2.00 per Outing.
Group sizes are limited in order to provide a quality and safe experience for everyone. Carpooling can be organized from the meeting place for those feeling comfortable. If there is space, guests are welcome to join an Outing up to twice a year.
Please let us know if you are interested.
Early Morning Birding (Daryl)
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 8:00 am
This week, at 8 AM, begin a tour of Pighin Road, Wycliffe. Meet at the crest of the first hill, about 1 kilometer N of Highway 95A, along Pighin Rd. Check the fence lines and listen for birds nearby. Expect to make a number of roadside stops and short walks. A 'scope' will be helpful to view birds at Reade Lake.
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RM Nats Annual Club Camp - Mount Fernie Provincial Park
Sunday, June 2 to Wednesday, June 5, 2024
A schedule of events will be sent out in the near future. A guest speaker, hiking, biking, canoeing, birding, potlucks and wiener roasts are all on the agenda.
Bi-Monthly Meeting - COTR Rm #KC151
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 7:00 pm
Guest Presenter: Greg Ross, who will speak about Western Painted Turtle Monitoring at Elizabeth Lake. Greg has been involved with the Rocky Mountain Naturalists Club Western Painted Turtle Project since its inception in the early 1990’s. He is going to talk about the historical context of the Elizabeth Lake turtle beds, the monitoring process and the results over time as well as past, current and future challenges.
This is followed by a short business meeting. Attendance at the business meeting is optional.
Global Big Day on the Key Biodiversity Area (Dianne)
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Ruth and I will be visiting Skookumchuck Prairie Key Biodiversity Area for eBird's Global Big Day, Saturday, May 11, 2024.
The KBA goes from Wasa Lake to Skookumchuck on both sides of the Kootenay River so we could split it up into four teams depending on the number of members signed up.
1) Skookumchuck and Prairie
2) Moan Road and backcountry
3) Wasa Lake and village
4) Wolf Creek
This is a very informal effort and any and all eBird checklists are welcome. Last year, Marianne, Emma, Ruth and I got 76 species. https://ebird.org/tripreport/127861
Current year's species https://ebird.org/barchart?byr=2024&eyr=2024&bmo=1&emo=12&r=CA-BC_258
You can also put observations on iNaturalist https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/skookumchuck-prairie-iba
Mayook Crested Wheatgrass Prairie Outing (Jim)
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Depart: Car pool departure at 10 am from the Tamarack Mall, in the parking lot between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop. Boots on the ground from the trailhead at 10:30 am.
The outing will be 8 km leaving the highway area, progressing along the dirt prairie roads through the upper prairie till a moderate sloped ravine path which descends to a lower fenced path to be followed Westward. Good observation of a lower pond and marshland may be observed. A small drainage wet marshy area shall need to be crossed to gain access onto a flood dyke which shall be travelled Westward (large ruts are worn into the top of the dyke so proper ankle support is recommended). Leaving the dyke the lower prairie shall be traversed to the Kootenay river for a lunch stop at a large wooden picnic table. Following lunch, we will loop back across the lower prairie area and eventually backtrack to the vehicles. Or alternately, depending upon the ability and desire of the group, could take a larger return loop further Eastward ascent via the main powerline gravel roadway (but extra elevation is required on that return). Sighting of coyotes, deer, elk, sandhill crane, swans, swallow colonies, and grizzly tracks have been noted on previous hikes.
Time: 5 hours, not including driving
Rating: Moderate to difficult
Distance: 8km or 10km depending on return preference
Elevation change: 150 m
Bring: Lunch and drink
Requirements: waterproof hiking boots with good traction and ankle support, hiking poles, bear spray, binoculars, dress for weather.
Location of trailhead: Hwy. 93, 1 km East of Mayook BCH Substation, on the left side of highway. Park in the field through the farm gate. Look for horse trailers at the same location.
Nature Trust Cherry Creek Outing (Lyle)
Saturday, April 27, 2024
We will explore the burnt forest before descending to the Ducks Unlimited Pond, along the way we will observe the Historic Route of the McGinty Trail that carried ore from the mines in Kimberley in the 1890’s to the Kootenay River for transport to the Smelters downstream. We will check out the birds at the DU ponds before continuing out onto the grasslands hiking to the river at the north end of the property. Along the way we can observe and listen for song birds that have arrived from the south as well as a good chance to see the Sandhill Cranes that nest in the area.
We will be out for 3 to 4 hours not including driving so it's a good idea to bring a snack/lunch and water. Good hiking shoes will be needed as we will not be on trails. Bring binoculars. Dress for the weather. This is rated as a Moderate hike.
Kimberley members will meet in the parking area behind the Catholic Church at the corner of Highway 95 A and Church Avenue ready to leave at 8:15 am.
Cranbrook members will meet at the Tamarack Mall between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop ready to leave at 8:15 am.
This outing is limited to 12 members. Please RSVP to Lyle.
Turtle Day at Elizabeth Lake
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
The RMNATS, with our partner, Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) are again organizing Turtle Day. All events will take place in the area between Elizabeth Lake Tourist Information Building and the new Viewing Platform. There is a school program with 3 schools of 2 Elementary classes each, rotating through 3 stations from 9:30 am - 2:00 pm.
The Public Event is from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, taking place in the same area with the same events. Chief Joe Pierre of the aq’am Community will open the Public Event at 2:30 pm, and then the public will be able to visit the stations.
Jim Smith Lake Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, April 13, 2024
The Saturday morning, April 20 Outing will be a loop walk of about 5 to 6 km from Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park. There will be a couple of viewpoints. This is a walk mainly on trails with some small hills. We will be looking for the earliest wildflowers including their rosettes, checking the progress of larch buds and looking and listening for birds. Come dressed for the weather and bring your binoculars.
Kimberley folk meet at the rear of the Marysville arena for carpooling, for an 8:30 am departure to meet at the Jimsmith Lake Provincial Parking area.
Cranbrook folk will meet at the Tamarack Mall off Highway 3 between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop for carpooling, for an 8:45 am departure to the Jimsmith Lake Parking area.
Rampart Rest Area Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, April 13, 2024
The Saturday morning, April 13 Outing will be a loop walk on a trail of about 6.5 km from the Rampart Rest area off Highway 3. This is an easy walk with just a few small hills. We will be looking for the earliest wildflowers including their rosettes and checking out a couple small lakes for birds. Come dressed for the weather and bring your binoculars.
Kimberley folk meet at the rear of the Marysville arena for carpooling, for an 8:30 am departure and meet Cranbrook people at the Rampart Rest Area.
Cranbrook folk will meet at the Tamarack Mall off Highway 3 between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop for carpooling, for an 8:45 am departure to Rampart Rest area.
St. Mary's Slump Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, April 6, 2024 - 9:00 am
Cranbrook members please meet at the highway side of Tamarack Mall in the parking area between Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop for a 9:00 am departure. Kimberley folk meet at the back of the Marysville Arena just off Jim Ogilvie Way for a 9:10 am departure. There is very limited parking off the busy highway at the trailhead, so please carpool. This is an easy walk on a trail of about 3 kilometres return. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars.
Eager Hill Lookout Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, March 30, 2024 - 9:00 am
Please meet at the highway side of Tamarack Mall in the parking area between Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop. This Outing is to the Fire Lookout at Eager Hill. The trail is open, uphill most of the way with good views at the top. Classified as an Easy to Moderate walk due to the uphill nature. If you have issues with mobility or stamina, speak to the leader before the day of the Outing, to check that it is suitable for you. Dress for the weather conditions. Bring binoculars as we will be looking for both birds and evidence of the earliest spring plants. Please RSVP to the leader so that they can share changes due to weather, site location or trail conditions. Include an emergency name and phone number.
Equinox Eagle Migration Tour (Daryl)
Saturday, March 23 - Sunday, March 24, 2024
Meet at the regular Tamarack Mall parking location beside Husky Truck Stop, ready to carpool and leave at 9:00 AM. Naturalists from the Crowsnest Pass will meet our group at Frank, Alberta in the late morning, and lead us to several areas with good potential for migratory Hawk and Eagle sightings. We'll spend the night in Blairmore, at the Travelodge. You will need to make reservations accordingly. On Sunday, March 24th, some of us will get up early for a walk and Early Birding in Blairmore. Then we will, again, be guided by the Crowsnest Naturalists, along scenic backroads west of Pincher Creek, and loop around to Beaver Mines, a particularly good spot for viewing the stream of migrating raptors through the Rocky Mountains. Return to East Kootenay during mid to late afternoon.
Bi-Monthly Meeting - COTR Rm #KC151
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - 7:00 pm
Guest Presenter: Aaron Canuel, currently working as a Recreation Technician with BC Parks, Recreation Sites and Trails will be speaking about his role while working as a Conservation Officer. This is just one of a number of jobs Aaron has held during an interesting career.
This is followed by a short business meeting. Attendance at the business meeting is optional.
RM Nats Winter Social - Wycliffe Regional Park
Sunday, February 25, 2024 - 4:30 pm
Rocky Mountain Naturalists are hosting our Winter Social Wiener Roast on Sunday, February 25 at 4:30 pm at Wycliffe Regional Park, Site Area #2. Wycliffe Regional Park | RDEK Just follow the road to the end where you will park. The fire and tables are right there. Bring your own wieners/smokies and buns to cook over the fire along with your own drinks. There will be some roasting sticks available or bring your own. Condiments will be provided. There are several picnic tables at this site and you may wish to bring along a foam pad to sit on or even a chair.
3:00 - 4:30 pm - Join a group who will hike a loop trail from the wiener roast site. Wear your grippers and bring a pole(s).
4:00 - 4:30 pm - Join a group who will walk a relatively flat, short loop near the picnic site. Wear your grippers and bring a pole(s).
4:30 pm Come just for the wiener roast and visiting.
Check out the top notch disc golf course - bring your own disc to explore on your own. Disc players keep the pads shoveled during the winter.
Great Backyard Bird Count Road Trip (Daryl)
Monday, February 19, 2024 - 9:00 am - 3:30-4:00 pm
Meet at the regular Tamarack Mall parking spot, arrange carpooling and plan to head out at 9 AM. Expect to return at around 3:30 to 4 PM. Drive a sizable loop from Cranbrook to the International Border and return. Proceed south on Gold Creek Road, Caven Creek Road and Kikomun - Newgate Road to the south end. Return via Teepee Ck Road, Jaffray - Baynes Lake Road and Highway 3 - 93. We shall hop out and take perhaps a dozen short walks, watching for birds and noticing tracks in the snow etc. It is possible that, in the early afternoon, 'thermals' will enable resident and migratory birds of prey to be seen.
St Eugene Mission Walk (Marianne)
Saturday, February 17, 2024 - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Marianne is offering a 2 hour walk to look for birds for the GBBC (Great Backyard Bird Count). This will be along trails which are on the golf course near the St. Mary River. Be ready to leave the parking area at 1:00 pm. Please park and meet in the parking lot in front of the large white tent at St. Eugene, across from Aqam on the west side of Mission Road. Dress for the weather and bring your grippers. This is rated as an Easy Outing - flat terrain with good footing with grippers on your boots. And of course bring your binoculars and perhaps your camera. If you are interested in recording birds on your phone, download the ebird and Merlin apps at home. RSVP to Marianne.
Great Backyard Bird Count
February 16 - 19, 2024
The Great Backyard Bird Count, a world-wide event which is easy to participate in at any birder level. Fun to do with family, friends or by yourself. Over one or more of the days, identify and count the birds in your yard, neighbourhood or where you are recreating. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before their annual migrations take place. Go right to Great Backyard Bird Count for more information including a webinar on February 13.
AGM and Bi-Monthly Meeting - Manual Training School
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 - 7:00 pm
Following the AGM there will be a short Bi-monthly business meeting followed by a slideshow of members' photos organized by Lyle, and some snacks.
Three of the seven positions on the Executive are up for election this year - Treasurer, Member-at-Large and BC Nature Representative. The incumbents for Member-at-Large and BC Nature are willing to run again. We also have a member who is willing to run for the Treasurer's position. All three positions are open for further nominations. Bring a toonie for the informal raffle - proceeds to the Scholarship Fund.
Wilks Woods New Year's Day Outing (Marianne/Daryl)
Monday, January 1, 2024 - 10:30 am
Join Daryl and Marianne for a 4 hour hike through Wilks Woods and a wiener roast at about the halfway point. Meet at the north end of Wilks Rd which intersects with King St. Once on Wilks Rd, keep right at the Y and take the second right to the end of Wilks. Meet here for a 10:30 am start. We tromp through open woods on uneven ground and fragments of game trails with a distance of about 5 km and a 200+ metre elevation gain. There are hills and a variety of ups and downs with three viewpoints. We will observe forest types, animal signs and a few birds. Sturdy boots with good tread are needed along with a pole/s. At the moment, there is very little snow or ice. Bringing your grippers in your pack is a good idea. This is rated as a moderate plus Outing. Dress in layers for the weather. Bring your own wieners/smokies, bun or other lunch item, and beverage. We will supply the condiments, sticks and some mulled wine and apple juice.
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 8:00 am
This week, at 8 AM, begin a tour of Pighin Road, Wycliffe. Meet at the crest of the first hill, about 1 kilometer N of Highway 95A, along Pighin Rd. Check the fence lines and listen for birds nearby. Expect to make a number of roadside stops and short walks. A 'scope' will be helpful to view birds at Reade Lake.
=================================================================
RM Nats Annual Club Camp - Mount Fernie Provincial Park
Sunday, June 2 to Wednesday, June 5, 2024
A schedule of events will be sent out in the near future. A guest speaker, hiking, biking, canoeing, birding, potlucks and wiener roasts are all on the agenda.
Bi-Monthly Meeting - COTR Rm #KC151
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 7:00 pm
Guest Presenter: Greg Ross, who will speak about Western Painted Turtle Monitoring at Elizabeth Lake. Greg has been involved with the Rocky Mountain Naturalists Club Western Painted Turtle Project since its inception in the early 1990’s. He is going to talk about the historical context of the Elizabeth Lake turtle beds, the monitoring process and the results over time as well as past, current and future challenges.
This is followed by a short business meeting. Attendance at the business meeting is optional.
Global Big Day on the Key Biodiversity Area (Dianne)
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Ruth and I will be visiting Skookumchuck Prairie Key Biodiversity Area for eBird's Global Big Day, Saturday, May 11, 2024.
The KBA goes from Wasa Lake to Skookumchuck on both sides of the Kootenay River so we could split it up into four teams depending on the number of members signed up.
1) Skookumchuck and Prairie
2) Moan Road and backcountry
3) Wasa Lake and village
4) Wolf Creek
This is a very informal effort and any and all eBird checklists are welcome. Last year, Marianne, Emma, Ruth and I got 76 species. https://ebird.org/tripreport/127861
Current year's species https://ebird.org/barchart?byr=2024&eyr=2024&bmo=1&emo=12&r=CA-BC_258
You can also put observations on iNaturalist https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/skookumchuck-prairie-iba
Mayook Crested Wheatgrass Prairie Outing (Jim)
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Depart: Car pool departure at 10 am from the Tamarack Mall, in the parking lot between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop. Boots on the ground from the trailhead at 10:30 am.
The outing will be 8 km leaving the highway area, progressing along the dirt prairie roads through the upper prairie till a moderate sloped ravine path which descends to a lower fenced path to be followed Westward. Good observation of a lower pond and marshland may be observed. A small drainage wet marshy area shall need to be crossed to gain access onto a flood dyke which shall be travelled Westward (large ruts are worn into the top of the dyke so proper ankle support is recommended). Leaving the dyke the lower prairie shall be traversed to the Kootenay river for a lunch stop at a large wooden picnic table. Following lunch, we will loop back across the lower prairie area and eventually backtrack to the vehicles. Or alternately, depending upon the ability and desire of the group, could take a larger return loop further Eastward ascent via the main powerline gravel roadway (but extra elevation is required on that return). Sighting of coyotes, deer, elk, sandhill crane, swans, swallow colonies, and grizzly tracks have been noted on previous hikes.
Time: 5 hours, not including driving
Rating: Moderate to difficult
Distance: 8km or 10km depending on return preference
Elevation change: 150 m
Bring: Lunch and drink
Requirements: waterproof hiking boots with good traction and ankle support, hiking poles, bear spray, binoculars, dress for weather.
Location of trailhead: Hwy. 93, 1 km East of Mayook BCH Substation, on the left side of highway. Park in the field through the farm gate. Look for horse trailers at the same location.
Nature Trust Cherry Creek Outing (Lyle)
Saturday, April 27, 2024
We will explore the burnt forest before descending to the Ducks Unlimited Pond, along the way we will observe the Historic Route of the McGinty Trail that carried ore from the mines in Kimberley in the 1890’s to the Kootenay River for transport to the Smelters downstream. We will check out the birds at the DU ponds before continuing out onto the grasslands hiking to the river at the north end of the property. Along the way we can observe and listen for song birds that have arrived from the south as well as a good chance to see the Sandhill Cranes that nest in the area.
We will be out for 3 to 4 hours not including driving so it's a good idea to bring a snack/lunch and water. Good hiking shoes will be needed as we will not be on trails. Bring binoculars. Dress for the weather. This is rated as a Moderate hike.
Kimberley members will meet in the parking area behind the Catholic Church at the corner of Highway 95 A and Church Avenue ready to leave at 8:15 am.
Cranbrook members will meet at the Tamarack Mall between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop ready to leave at 8:15 am.
This outing is limited to 12 members. Please RSVP to Lyle.
Turtle Day at Elizabeth Lake
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
The RMNATS, with our partner, Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) are again organizing Turtle Day. All events will take place in the area between Elizabeth Lake Tourist Information Building and the new Viewing Platform. There is a school program with 3 schools of 2 Elementary classes each, rotating through 3 stations from 9:30 am - 2:00 pm.
The Public Event is from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, taking place in the same area with the same events. Chief Joe Pierre of the aq’am Community will open the Public Event at 2:30 pm, and then the public will be able to visit the stations.
Jim Smith Lake Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, April 13, 2024
The Saturday morning, April 20 Outing will be a loop walk of about 5 to 6 km from Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park. There will be a couple of viewpoints. This is a walk mainly on trails with some small hills. We will be looking for the earliest wildflowers including their rosettes, checking the progress of larch buds and looking and listening for birds. Come dressed for the weather and bring your binoculars.
Kimberley folk meet at the rear of the Marysville arena for carpooling, for an 8:30 am departure to meet at the Jimsmith Lake Provincial Parking area.
Cranbrook folk will meet at the Tamarack Mall off Highway 3 between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop for carpooling, for an 8:45 am departure to the Jimsmith Lake Parking area.
Rampart Rest Area Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, April 13, 2024
The Saturday morning, April 13 Outing will be a loop walk on a trail of about 6.5 km from the Rampart Rest area off Highway 3. This is an easy walk with just a few small hills. We will be looking for the earliest wildflowers including their rosettes and checking out a couple small lakes for birds. Come dressed for the weather and bring your binoculars.
Kimberley folk meet at the rear of the Marysville arena for carpooling, for an 8:30 am departure and meet Cranbrook people at the Rampart Rest Area.
Cranbrook folk will meet at the Tamarack Mall off Highway 3 between Boston Pizza and Husky Truck Stop for carpooling, for an 8:45 am departure to Rampart Rest area.
St. Mary's Slump Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, April 6, 2024 - 9:00 am
Cranbrook members please meet at the highway side of Tamarack Mall in the parking area between Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop for a 9:00 am departure. Kimberley folk meet at the back of the Marysville Arena just off Jim Ogilvie Way for a 9:10 am departure. There is very limited parking off the busy highway at the trailhead, so please carpool. This is an easy walk on a trail of about 3 kilometres return. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars.
Eager Hill Lookout Outing (Marianne)
Saturday, March 30, 2024 - 9:00 am
Please meet at the highway side of Tamarack Mall in the parking area between Boston Pizza and the Husky Truck Stop. This Outing is to the Fire Lookout at Eager Hill. The trail is open, uphill most of the way with good views at the top. Classified as an Easy to Moderate walk due to the uphill nature. If you have issues with mobility or stamina, speak to the leader before the day of the Outing, to check that it is suitable for you. Dress for the weather conditions. Bring binoculars as we will be looking for both birds and evidence of the earliest spring plants. Please RSVP to the leader so that they can share changes due to weather, site location or trail conditions. Include an emergency name and phone number.
Equinox Eagle Migration Tour (Daryl)
Saturday, March 23 - Sunday, March 24, 2024
Meet at the regular Tamarack Mall parking location beside Husky Truck Stop, ready to carpool and leave at 9:00 AM. Naturalists from the Crowsnest Pass will meet our group at Frank, Alberta in the late morning, and lead us to several areas with good potential for migratory Hawk and Eagle sightings. We'll spend the night in Blairmore, at the Travelodge. You will need to make reservations accordingly. On Sunday, March 24th, some of us will get up early for a walk and Early Birding in Blairmore. Then we will, again, be guided by the Crowsnest Naturalists, along scenic backroads west of Pincher Creek, and loop around to Beaver Mines, a particularly good spot for viewing the stream of migrating raptors through the Rocky Mountains. Return to East Kootenay during mid to late afternoon.
Bi-Monthly Meeting - COTR Rm #KC151
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - 7:00 pm
Guest Presenter: Aaron Canuel, currently working as a Recreation Technician with BC Parks, Recreation Sites and Trails will be speaking about his role while working as a Conservation Officer. This is just one of a number of jobs Aaron has held during an interesting career.
This is followed by a short business meeting. Attendance at the business meeting is optional.
RM Nats Winter Social - Wycliffe Regional Park
Sunday, February 25, 2024 - 4:30 pm
Rocky Mountain Naturalists are hosting our Winter Social Wiener Roast on Sunday, February 25 at 4:30 pm at Wycliffe Regional Park, Site Area #2. Wycliffe Regional Park | RDEK Just follow the road to the end where you will park. The fire and tables are right there. Bring your own wieners/smokies and buns to cook over the fire along with your own drinks. There will be some roasting sticks available or bring your own. Condiments will be provided. There are several picnic tables at this site and you may wish to bring along a foam pad to sit on or even a chair.
3:00 - 4:30 pm - Join a group who will hike a loop trail from the wiener roast site. Wear your grippers and bring a pole(s).
4:00 - 4:30 pm - Join a group who will walk a relatively flat, short loop near the picnic site. Wear your grippers and bring a pole(s).
4:30 pm Come just for the wiener roast and visiting.
Check out the top notch disc golf course - bring your own disc to explore on your own. Disc players keep the pads shoveled during the winter.
Great Backyard Bird Count Road Trip (Daryl)
Monday, February 19, 2024 - 9:00 am - 3:30-4:00 pm
Meet at the regular Tamarack Mall parking spot, arrange carpooling and plan to head out at 9 AM. Expect to return at around 3:30 to 4 PM. Drive a sizable loop from Cranbrook to the International Border and return. Proceed south on Gold Creek Road, Caven Creek Road and Kikomun - Newgate Road to the south end. Return via Teepee Ck Road, Jaffray - Baynes Lake Road and Highway 3 - 93. We shall hop out and take perhaps a dozen short walks, watching for birds and noticing tracks in the snow etc. It is possible that, in the early afternoon, 'thermals' will enable resident and migratory birds of prey to be seen.
St Eugene Mission Walk (Marianne)
Saturday, February 17, 2024 - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Marianne is offering a 2 hour walk to look for birds for the GBBC (Great Backyard Bird Count). This will be along trails which are on the golf course near the St. Mary River. Be ready to leave the parking area at 1:00 pm. Please park and meet in the parking lot in front of the large white tent at St. Eugene, across from Aqam on the west side of Mission Road. Dress for the weather and bring your grippers. This is rated as an Easy Outing - flat terrain with good footing with grippers on your boots. And of course bring your binoculars and perhaps your camera. If you are interested in recording birds on your phone, download the ebird and Merlin apps at home. RSVP to Marianne.
Great Backyard Bird Count
February 16 - 19, 2024
The Great Backyard Bird Count, a world-wide event which is easy to participate in at any birder level. Fun to do with family, friends or by yourself. Over one or more of the days, identify and count the birds in your yard, neighbourhood or where you are recreating. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before their annual migrations take place. Go right to Great Backyard Bird Count for more information including a webinar on February 13.
AGM and Bi-Monthly Meeting - Manual Training School
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 - 7:00 pm
Following the AGM there will be a short Bi-monthly business meeting followed by a slideshow of members' photos organized by Lyle, and some snacks.
Three of the seven positions on the Executive are up for election this year - Treasurer, Member-at-Large and BC Nature Representative. The incumbents for Member-at-Large and BC Nature are willing to run again. We also have a member who is willing to run for the Treasurer's position. All three positions are open for further nominations. Bring a toonie for the informal raffle - proceeds to the Scholarship Fund.
Wilks Woods New Year's Day Outing (Marianne/Daryl)
Monday, January 1, 2024 - 10:30 am
Join Daryl and Marianne for a 4 hour hike through Wilks Woods and a wiener roast at about the halfway point. Meet at the north end of Wilks Rd which intersects with King St. Once on Wilks Rd, keep right at the Y and take the second right to the end of Wilks. Meet here for a 10:30 am start. We tromp through open woods on uneven ground and fragments of game trails with a distance of about 5 km and a 200+ metre elevation gain. There are hills and a variety of ups and downs with three viewpoints. We will observe forest types, animal signs and a few birds. Sturdy boots with good tread are needed along with a pole/s. At the moment, there is very little snow or ice. Bringing your grippers in your pack is a good idea. This is rated as a moderate plus Outing. Dress in layers for the weather. Bring your own wieners/smokies, bun or other lunch item, and beverage. We will supply the condiments, sticks and some mulled wine and apple juice.
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