Articles Small Species Sanctuary December 1, 2011 / August 25, 2024 by Jean Wyenberg 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 […] Read more »
Articles Great Blue Heron December 1, 2011 / August 25, 2024 by Jean Wyenberg 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. Tthe head is white with a black stripe on each side extending back from the yellow eyes to […] Read more »
Articles The Red-Legged Frog December 1, 2011 / August 25, 2024 by Liz Ciocea 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 7 cm in length with females slightly longer at 10 cm. Prominent dorsolateral folds extend from behind the eyes down the sides of the […] Read more »
Articles Wildlife Trees December 1, 2011 / August 25, 2024 by Liz Ciocea 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 […] Read more »
Articles Spotted Towhee December 1, 2011 / August 25, 2024 by Jean Wyenberg 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 […] Read more »
Articles The Pacific Tree Frog December 1, 2011 / August 25, 2024 by Jean Wyenberg 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 […] Read more »
Articles Cheerful Chickadees December 1, 2011 / August 25, 2024 by Liz Ciocea 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 […] Read more »
Articles Black-Tailed Deer (Part 1 of a 2) December 1, 2011 / August 25, 2024 by Liz Ciocea 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. Deer are browsers. During the winter and early spring they feed on Douglas fir, […] Read more »
Articles Black-Tailed Deer (Part 2 of a 2) December 1, 2011 / August 25, 2024 by Liz Ciocea Deer are ruminants with complex digestive systems. Their stomachs are divided into four chambers containing microorganisms that break down the vegetable matter they eat. Ruminants are prey animals so they are able to eat quickly, swallow and when threatened run for cover. When the threat passes they regurgitate their food and calmly chew the cud. […] Read more »
Articles American Red Squirrel December 1, 2011 / August 25, 2024 by Jean Wyenberg 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. […] Read more »
