Author: Liz Ciocea

The Muskrat Ramble

September 9, 2009 / August 25, 2024 by Liz Ciocea

[imageeffect type=”lightbox” align=”alignleft” width=”250″ height=”188″ alt=”Muskrat-Photograph by Brian Hoag” url=”/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/muskrat-ramble-01.jpg” titleoverlay=”yes”]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 […]

Wetlands

September 1, 2009 / August 25, 2024 by Liz Ciocea

Wetlands are one of the most important life support systems on the planet comparable to rain forests 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 […]

Fledglings

March 29, 2009 / August 25, 2024 by Liz Ciocea

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. A poetry event in honour of fledglings…those […]

Help The Hummers!

January 12, 2009 / August 25, 2024 by Liz Ciocea

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 […]

The Turkey Vulture

November 27, 2008 / August 25, 2024 by Liz Ciocea

Photos taken at Annie’s Acres (click any of the images below for a larger version) 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 […]

Geneva found around one day old

Geneva’s Conventions

November 27, 2008 / August 25, 2024 by Liz Ciocea

(click any of the images below for a larger version) Geneva is a beautiful city in Switzerland known for the Geneva Convention. One meaning of convention is rule, method or practice established by usage.Geneva was the name given to a little seal pup rescued on Gabriola. Many rules, methods and practices were called into play […]