GROWLS Articles
Salmonberry
One of the most intriguing and beautiful shrubs growing on Gabriola is the Salmonberry. This versatile shrub inhabits the entire BC coast and scattered localities in the interior mountains. Large thickets of Salmonberry can be found in open spaces under stands of Red Alder (a companion tree) and in moist forests, wet places, stream margins, disturbed sites (wind, fire, logging).
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Musktrat Ramble
The Common Muskrat ondatra zibethicus is another interesting mammal found on Gabriola and right across North America. Originally called” Moskwas “or” Musquash “by the Abnaki First Nations because of a musk-like discharge released during breeding season as means of marking territory or to communicate with others while traveling. The name eventually became Muskrat because of the association with musk.
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Skunk Cabbage
The Western Skunk Cabbage lysichiton americanum is found in many areas of Gabriola where there are streams, wet ditches, swamps, moist forests and mucky seepage spots. One of the few native species belonging to the Arum family it flowers in early spring and is now highly visible because of its brilliant yellow hood (spathe), flower spike (spadix) and vivid green leaves. Do not be put off by the image the name projects, this is one amazing plant.
The (Un) Common Raven
The Raven's Tale. (Haida story) Long ago no divisions existed between humans, animals and spirits. All things of the earth, sky, and, water were connected and all beings could pass freely between them. The Raven was a trickster full of supernatural power. He stole the sun from his grandfather Nasshahkeeyalhl and made the moon and stars from it. The Raven created lakes, rivers and filled the lands with trees. He divided night and day, then pulled the tides into a rhythm. He filled the streams with fresh water, scattered the eggs of salmon and trout, and placed animals in the forests. The first human was hiding in a giant clamshell and Raven released them onto the beaches and gave humans fire. Raven disappeared and took with him the power of the spirit world to communicate and connect with humans.
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Small Species Santuary
Out of increasing necessity there are many wildlife/nature sanctuaries to be found around our ailing planet - sanctuaries for grizzly bears, for buffalo, for bird life and even an elephant sanctuary to be found in Tennessee. It is pretty hard to miss a grizzly or an elephant, they are big and they are spectacular. But just as at risk are the small ones that inhabit the earth – the frogs, snakes, salamanders and perching birds - and one of the main reasons for their disappearance is loss of habitat. Logging, draining of seasonal wetlands, destruction of native plants (to be replaced by non native species) and indeed the unnecessary fencing that is commonly seen – the fencing of wilderness (just because we can?).
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Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius) is the largest and most widely distributed heron in Canada. Our BC population is unique in Canada as they are in residence all year round. Adults stand over 1 metre in height, the head is white with a black stripe on each side extending back from the yellow eyes to slender black plumes and the neck is rusty grey. The feathers on the lower neck are long and plume-like and there are also plumes on the lower back at the start of the breeding season. The back is greyish blue and the breast is white streaked with black. In flight, the neck is doubled back and the head rests against the shoulders. The beak is a dull yellow.
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Red-Legged Frog
The Red-legged Frog Rana Aurora is the largest frog found on Gabriola. This handsome frog has smooth brown or slightly reddish brown skin marked by small black dots. Males are about 7cm in length with females slightly longer at 10 cm. Prominent dorsolateral folds extend from behind the eyes down the sides of the back. The eyes are gold coloured with a dark mask and a lighter stripe along the jaw running to the shoulder. The Rana (frog) Aurora (dawn) has long slender hind legs, which on the underside is pink to red in colour, resembling the pink/red sky of a beautiful sunrise.
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Wildlife Trees
Wildlife trees are one of the most valuable ecological components of forested areas. Did you know that wildlife trees provide feeding, nesting, denning, and shelter habitat for 80 species of birds, mammals and amphibians in BC? Often after hard winters of snow and high winds, treetops have broken off, branches have been lost and because of their broken down appearance these trees are viewed as only good for firewood.
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Spotted Towhee
The Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) is a large new world sparrow and can be found all over Gabriola Island. This handsome and distinctive bird – larger than a song sparrow and smaller than a robin, was lumped in with the eastern variation and called the Rufous Sided Towhee until recently. They average around 18-19 cm in length and weigh approximately 40 grams.
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As Busy As a Beaver
The Beaver Caster Canadensis is an impressive and industrious mammal belonging to the rodent family. (The Capybara of South America is the only rodent larger than the Beaver.) The fur trade and the demand for beaver pelts opened up this vast country and the Hudson’s Bay Company was established in the 17th century. No other animal shares the distinction of contributing to the exploration of Canada. In 1975 the beaver was made the official emblem of Canada the highest award ever bestowed on a rodent.
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The Pacific Tree Frog
The Pacific Treefrog (Hyla regilla) is a very appealing little frog, and quite common in B.C. They are small frogs, up to 5 centimetres long, and may be any colour from pale grey or tan to bronze or bright emerald green. Pacific Treefrogs have a conspicuous dark "mask" or stripe extending from the nostrils through the eye as far as the shoulder. They are often marked with dark patches or stripes on the back, and are usually pale cream underneath. Their legs are long and slender; their toes have round pads, which help the frog grip and climb, and there is very little webbing between the toes, making them look quite long. Females are slightly larger than males, a feature common to most frogs. Any treefrog found in the southern part of the province is almost certain to be a Pacific Treefrog.
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Wetlands
Wetlands are one of the most important life support systems on the planet comparable to rainforests and coral reefs. Once considered worthless, wetlands were drained, filled, eliminated all together because it was thought they were disease filled, stinky, insect infested, and polluted. Urban development, population expansion, agriculture, also figured in to the destruction of wetlands. The last fifty to sixty years saw a change in the way we approach wetlands, scientists now know the valuable contribution wetlands provide. The complexities of wetlands ecosystems are still developing but we now know and have documented the benefits.
What is the definition of wetlands?
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Cheerful Chickadees
With their white cheeks, dark caps and throats, Chestnut-backed Chickadees (poecile rufescens) look similar to Black-capped Chickadees. However the caps of Chestnut-backs are brown rather than black, and their backs, shoulders, and sides are a deep chestnut color. They are also slightly smaller than Black-capped Chickadees. Males, females, and juveniles share similar plumage. These little guys are only about 12 cm long and weigh 10 grams.
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Black-tailed deer (Part 1 of a 2 Part Series)
Gabriola is home to a vibrant and very visible community of Black-tailed
Deer. An old species, Black-tails have been around for over two million
years. They are found on the coast of British Columbia and on most of the
coastal islands.
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Black-tailed deer (Part 2 of a 2 Part Series)
Deer are ruminants with complex digestive systems. Their stomachs are
divided into four chambers containing microorganisms that break down the
vegetable matter they eat.
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American Red Squirrel
The American Red Squirrel, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, is an engagingly feisty little animal. Although primarily a creature of coniferous forests, the diurnal red squirrel also inhabits deciduous woodlands and can even be found in suburban and near-urban areas throughout their range. Their adaptability in terms of both habitat and food sources has made them remarkably successful. These delicate looking little animals, weighing not much more than about 230 g, are in fact aggressively fearless, not at all reluctant to chase intruders many times their size.
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Harbour Seals
Harbour Seals (pinnipeds) are resident to B.C. waters year – round. They are found from Alaska to California but do not migrate and tend to stay in the area where they were born. Rocky outcroppings or beaches known as “haul-outs” are where seals rest and give birth. Harbour seals have a spindle shaped body, a robust rounded head with a broad snout. Large eyes enable them to see in dark and murky waters. Mucus continually washes over the eyes to protect them
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Sea Lions
Two species of sea lions occur in British Columbia waters, the Steller’s and California sea lion. They belong to the family Otariidae or eared seals. Graceful swimmers, they are equally comfortable ambling over land using their front and back flippers. Rocky outcroppings, rocky shores known as “haul-outs” are where both species hangout together. They need to rest, give birth, and suckle their young on land.
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The Bald Eagle
Bald eagles are found over most of North America, from Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico. About half of the world's 70,000 bald eagles live in Alaska. Combined with BC's population of about 20,000, the northwest coast of North America is by far their greatest stronghold.
They flourish here in part because of the salmon.
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Fledglings
Sunday March 29, 2009 was a beautiful sunny day sandwiched between what seemed like endless days of rain, wind and cold. It was windy but the sun shone and a very happy group of poetry and bird lovers gathered at noon at the picnic table in Drumbeg Park.
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Racoons
Raccoons are among the most frequently encountered wildlife we see on Gabriola. The word raccoon is derived from the Algonquain name for this animal, “aroughcoune” which means “he scratches with his hands” . The scientific name is “Procyon lotor” translated as Procyon “before dog” and “lotor” as the washer.
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Snakes
On Gabriola Island we only have two kinds of snakes – the Sharp-tailed Snake and the Common Garter Snake. The endangered Sharp-tailed Snake is a tiny, secretive creature - he'd rather spend his time warming up under a rock than moving around where interested folks can spot him.
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Geneva’s Release
Back in November of 2008 we told you the story of Geneva, a seal pup rescued on Gabriola Island, who had quite a dramatic start to life. At that time the little seal pup had just come back to the Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre on Salt Spring Island after surgery to remove cataracts from both of his eyes. Well in early February it was decided that his eyes HAD recovered and that he was eligible for release into the wild.
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Help The Hummers!
What an earth are hummingbirds doing here on Gabriola in the middle of winter? A number of people will have the Anna’s hummingbird at their feeders this winter and will be wondering why that is. This hummingbird has for some reason been extending its range for years and are commonly seen here year round. This year is a particularly tough one for them due to the unusual amounts of snow. Read the Full Article
Geneva's Conventions
It was a brilliant day in June; a strong wind was blowing creating large waves at Orlebar Point. A tiny seal pup only a day or two old was observed desperately trying to climb up on the rocky shore. The incoming waves would pick up the struggling little seal drag it back out until finally a very large wave literally threw the seal pup high up on the shore.
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The Turkey Vulture
The Turkey Vulture is probably one of Gabriola Island’s least appreciated and most misunderstood residents. Their strange appearance is bound to conjure up feelings of fear and disdain, but the turkey vulture has many interesting and redeeming qualities.
They are a peaceful bird, they mate for life, both male and female participate in raising their young and they live and travel in large groups called “venues.”
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