The fiSfl Senses of Summer this summer!stanleyparkecology.ca/.../02/newsLetter20050601.pdf · species that are only here for the warmest months, or are at life stages best appreciated

june 2005

stanley park ecology society

Stanley Park is soaring with the essences ofsummer! This is the season to rendezvous withspecies that are only here for the warmest months,or are at life stages best appreciated now. Seekthe s ight, sound, taste and tactile ‘s sensess sensess sensess sensess senses’ ofsummer!

The The The The The “S”“S”“S”“S”“S” Senses Senses Senses Senses Sensesof Summerof Summerof Summerof Summerof Summer

The EThe EThe EThe EThe Eccccco Ro Ro Ro Ro Ranganganganganger er er er er TTTTTeams areams areams areams areams areeeeeout in Stanley Park againout in Stanley Park againout in Stanley Park againout in Stanley Park againout in Stanley Park againthis summer!this summer!this summer!this summer!this summer!

Our newly recruited and returningvolunteers will begin training in Juneto share about the natural andcultural history of Stanley Park, andto develop their interpretiveeducation techniques. Pairs will beroaming the park every day exceptMonday throughout July and Augustfrom 10:30-6 pm. Aside from spottingthem interacting with the public ontrails or on the seawall, you may seesome of them performing puppetshows at the water park or operatingdisplays at events such as thefireworks. You will notice them by theirECO RANGER uniforms and insigniaand they will be wearing vests full ofprops, information, and maps. Be sureto ask them any questions you mayhave about the flora and fauna of thepark, the history of the area, or otherprograms that SPES has to offer.

SSSSSwallowtail Butterfly wallowtail Butterfly wallowtail Butterfly wallowtail Butterfly wallowtail Butterfly (Papilio rutulus)

HerHerHerHerHere’e’e’e’e’s a sighs a sighs a sighs a sighs a sighttttt f f f f for soror soror soror soror sore ee ee ee ee eyyyyyes!es!es!es!es! The brilliantWestern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly is named forits distinct black and yellow-orange stripes plusthe elegant extensions on the hindwings.

This stunning insect is found west of the RockyMountains, most commonly in parks, backyards,wooded suburbs and woodlands that are nearstreams and rivers. The adult Western TigerSwallowtail Butterfly feeds on flower nectar.

Swallowtail females may lay up to four batchesof eggs in a season and up to one hundred eggsin total. Depending upon the summer weather,

in general it takes four days for the larvae to hatch out. They molt five timesbefore they pupate to their final caterpillar form.

Did Did Did Did Did YYYYYou Know?ou Know?ou Know?ou Know?ou Know?• The Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly is the second largest butterflyin the Pacific Northwest.• Adult swallowtail butterflies only live one or two weeks.• The swallowtail caterpillar carries a secret weapon: When disturbed, itwill rear up, stick out a large, Y-shaped yellow gland from behind its head,and blast its enemy with a foul odour!

by Patricia Thomson, ED

continued...

(Robyn Worcester,Eco Ranger Coordinator)

june 2005

‘S’ Senses of Summer - continued from cover page...

SSSSSwwwwwainsonainsonainsonainsonainson’’’’’s s s s s Thrush Thrush Thrush Thrush Thrush (Catharusustulatus)

A song forsummer… Thename for theS w a i n s o n ’sThrush, inseveral FirstN a t i o n slanguages, is“SalmonberryBird” because it migrates north toarrive when these berries begin toripen. This is a shy relative of theAmerican Robin, with a brown backand spotted chest that is not easilyspotted in the forest. However, whenwalking the deep interior trails ofStanley Park, one of the mostconspicuous and lovely up-trillingsongs you’ll hear, is of thiscamouflaged troubadour.

Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?• The Swainson’s Thrush migratesas far south as Peru to spend itswinters.• It is in the same family as bluebirds.

SSSSSlug ~ lug ~ lug ~ lug ~ lug ~ specifically, the Banana Banana Banana Banana BananaSlug Slug Slug Slug Slug (Ariolimax columbianus)

Sink your sensory fingerpads softlyonto this critter! The banana slug isan invertebrate, which means it hasno skeleton either inside or out. Its softbody is even more sensational bybeing covered in a gooey slime. Whenyou only move 8 cm a minute, youbetter not rely on your speed to keepyou safe. The slime acts as a self-defense and tastes horrible topredators. An exception is theraccoon, which rolls the slug in dirt tosoak up its slime before eating it!

Slug slime also keeps the slug wetwhen summer rains are scarce. In fact,the slime absorbs water to keep the

slug constantly moist. Remember thiswhen you touch it and try to washyour hands off. This is one timewashing won’t help. Let it dry on yourhands, then simply roll it up into a balland voila – clean hands. How likely areyou to see a slug? Very likely – as thereis no other creature in our west coastforests that is more abundant thanthe Banana slug.

Did Did Did Did Did YYYYYou Know?ou Know?ou Know?ou Know?ou Know?• Banana Slugs are the secondlargest slugs in the world.• Slugs have an extra cavity, orbreathing hole, on the side of theirbody to increase skin available toabsorb oxygen.• Slugs are important for theecology of the forest . They aredecomposers, which means that theyhelp break down dead plants andanimals, and turn them into soil. Inthe process of eating, they also helpspread seeds and spores thatproduce new forest plants.

SSSSStriped Skunk triped Skunk triped Skunk triped Skunk triped Skunk (Mephitismephitis)

GetGetGetGetGet a whif a whif a whif a whif a whiff of of of of of f f f f this!this!this!this!this! The Striped Skunkis boldly streaked white on black,advertising to potential predatorsthat it has a solid security system inplace: when threatened, it may growl,stamp its feet, chatter its teeth orraise its tail hairs. But ultimately, itcan spray a foul musk from glands atthe base of its tail. This is accuratelyaimed up to six metres (20 feet), andcan be smelled for up to a couple ofkilometers (a mile) away!

Skunks eat insects, fruit, smallmammals, bird eggs, amphibians, and,in the city, garbage. Feeding skunksor any other wild animals in the Parks

SSSSSalmonberry almonberry almonberry almonberry almonberry (Rubus spectabilis)A tantalizingtaste! Althoughthis 2 metres (7feet) tall shrub isa year-roundresident, thesweet fruits ofSalmonberry area brilliant and

tasty treat for summer. Salmonberryis a Pacific Northwest native in sunnyplaces where there is rich, moist soil.Look for it along stream banks and rivervalleys in association with Red Aldertrees - or along banks of Lost Lagoon .Its bright pink flowers in Springdevelop by June into yellow or red‘druplet fruit’ that look like raspberriesor like clusters of salmon eggs, whichthey are named after. First Nationspeople on the coast eatSalmonberries, including the freshgreen canes of the bush in the earlySpring.Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?• Like brown eyes and blue eyes,there is a difference of only onegene between red and yellowSalmonberries.• Many Salmonberry bushes arenot separate plants but are connectedby underground stems.• Salmonberry is used by forestersand ecologists to find fertile soil.• It also provides shelter and food formany native animals.

Photo: Joseph Seepersad

is banned for the health and safety ofboth animals and people.Did Did Did Did Did YYYYYou Know?ou Know?ou Know?ou Know?ou Know?• The main predator to the StripedSkunk is the Great Horned Owl, whichhas little or no sense of smell.• 5-6 week old skunks are already“fully loaded” with spray!• None of the skunk’s spray touchesits fur when it fires. Instead, the scentglands extend past the fur, release andretract!• Ammonia and tomato juice arecommonly used to remove the odourof a skunk from clothing and pets.

june 2005

Source: http://www.scifest.org.za/2004/programme/ex_ground_floor.html

Eco Action - Shrinking our Ecological FootprintYour ecological footprint is much bigger than the print that you make with your step.An ecological footprint is how much space and resources you impact to survive.

(Maya Credico, Children’s Summer Programmer)

Following the first Invasive PlanCouncil (IPC) forum in January, severalrepresentatives from the GreaterVancouver/Lower Mainland areacame together in April under theauspices of the Stanley Park EcologySociety (SPES) to discuss issuessurrounding the development of alocal urban non-native invasivespecies action team.

The “First Ivy Conversation” as it wascalled, was spearheaded byAnnemarie De Andrade, PublicPrograms Manager for SPES andcoordinator of the Ivy Busters Program– a stewardship initiative to controlEnglish Ivy and other invasive plantspecies in Stanley Park.

The focus of this half-day workshopwas to bring together keyrepresentatives from a diverse arrayof conservation and agency/land useauthorities working on invasivespecies management in urban andrural environments on the mainland. These included:• Stanley Park Ecology Society• Langley Environmental PartnersSociety

• The Como Watershed Group• Mahon Park Stewardship Project• Campbell Valley Regional ParkAssociation• Vancouver Board of Parks andRecreation• Lighthouse Park PreservationSociety• Piroche Plants (Pitt Meadows)• UBC• GVRD• Pacific Spirit Park Society• Green Timbers Heritage Society• No Ivy League• Evergreen Foundation• River Works ( The VancouverAquarium)• Native Plants Society BCThe outcomes of this session haveled to greater collaboration amongstparticipants and the support to forman invasive species committee thatwould fill the gaps of the present IPCactivities in respect to the mainpopulation centers of the GeorgiaBasin on the east side of the Basin. The main objectives of the actionnetwork are to establish thenecessary network and partnershipinfrastructure to deal with the diverse

but often overlapping interests andissues surrounding non-nativeinvasive species management in theurban/rural context. The goal is tolook for opportunities to poolresources and ideally develop asustainable long-term supportnetwork to address invasive speciesissues on the local front in GreaterVancouver.

The next steps for the network(nicknamed the urban invasive SWATTeam!) is to work with the IPC toformalize a committee identity, moveforward on identifying and bringingtogether other potential participantsand partners to reduce duplication ofeffort, prioritize actions and needs andsecure the necessary resources to act.

For further information on the UrbanInvasive Action Network or to receivethe summary of the First IvyConversation please contactAnnemarie De Andrade at SPES atprprprprprogrogrogrogrograms@stanleams@stanleams@stanleams@stanleams@stanleyparkyparkyparkyparkyparkecececececologologologologologyyyyy.ca.ca.ca.ca.ca,(604) 718-6522 or Pamela Zevit withthe Como Watershed Group andprinciple of Adamah [email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected], 604-939-0523.

Lower Mainland Urban Invasive Action Network Under DevelopmentLower Mainland Urban Invasive Action Network Under DevelopmentLower Mainland Urban Invasive Action Network Under DevelopmentLower Mainland Urban Invasive Action Network Under DevelopmentLower Mainland Urban Invasive Action Network Under DevelopmentBy Pamela Zevit (The Como Watershed)

The The The The The ‘F‘F‘F‘F‘Firstirstirstirstirst Iv Iv Iv Iv Ivy Cy Cy Cy Cy Conononononvvvvversaersaersaersaersationtiontiontiontion’’’’’

Reducing your ecological footprint does not have to be difficult at all. In fact, thismonth’s tip is simple, delicious, and makes a big difference in the size of your impacton the environment. It is a fact that the largest contributor to the size of an ecologicalfootprint is fossil fuel consumption. In fact, people consume fossil fuels daily withouteven knowing it and that is where this tip comes into play. Food transport, especiallyof fruits and vegetables, uses a huge amount of fossil fuels during the process oftransportation. An easy way to reduce this is by shopping locally. As an ecologically -minded consumer, it is important you make a conscious effort to buy locally producedand farmed products. This food is often more fresh and flavourful because of thelack of time it takes to transport it from the area of origin to its destination, so try itfor yourself and see the difference shopping locally can make.

Think globallyThink globallyThink globallyThink globallyThink globally,,,,, shop locally! shop locally! shop locally! shop locally! shop locally!

june 2005

your guide to summer nature programsdiscovery walks (dw)Venture out into Stanley Park on atwo-hour guided walking tour witha naturalist or local expert. Walktopics and leaders vary. Leave fromthe Lost Lagoon Nature House everySunday at 1 pm. RAIN OR SHINE! $8public, $5 members.

stan le y park eco logy societyConnecting People with Nature

DDDDDW - W - W - W - W - WWWWWorld Enorld Enorld Enorld Enorld Envirvirvirvirvironmenonmenonmenonmenonmental Datal Datal Datal Datal Day y y y y WWWWWalk alk alk alk alk Celebrate with artist and naturalistKirsty Robbins our natural environment to discover spectacular flora andfauna examples within Stanley Park and beyond. We will also discussconservation, protection and sustainability.

DDDDDW - W - W - W - W - WWWWWalk on alk on alk on alk on alk on the the the the the WWWWWild Sideild Sideild Sideild Sideild Side Eco Ranger Robyn Worcester leads this discoverytour to the Great Blue Heron colony, through mature forests, and rich wetlands.Watch for wildlife, and an active eagle’s nest, and learn how West Coast FirstNations peoples depended on the rainforest.

NSCNSCNSCNSCNSC - Preschoolers learn about the magical world of animals and plants in a fun and creative way!

DDDDDW - StanleW - StanleW - StanleW - StanleW - Stanley Py Py Py Py Park’ark’ark’ark’ark’s Birs Birs Birs Birs Birds and Eds and Eds and Eds and Eds and Exxxxxotic otic otic otic otic TTTTTrrrrrees ees ees ees ees Stanley Park is home to a variety of exotic trees used by wildbird species. Did you know the only healthy elm trees now growing in Canada are located in south westernB.C. including Stanley Park? Join nature interpreter Kevin Bell to explore the relationships between exoticand native species.

DDDDDW - W - W - W - W - WWWWWalk on alk on alk on alk on alk on the the the the the WWWWWild Sideild Sideild Sideild Sideild Side Eco Ranger Robyn Worcester leads this discovery tour to the Great Blue Heroncolony, through mature forests, and rich wetlands. Watch for wildlife, and an active eagle’s nest, and learn howWest Coast First Nations peoples depended on the rainforest.

Birding in Stanley ParkBirding in Stanley ParkBirding in Stanley ParkBirding in Stanley ParkBirding in Stanley Park with Kevin Bell

nature story & craft (nsc)Nature games, stories and crafts for3- to 6-year-olds. A fun way to learnabout local plants and animals!First and third Saturday of eachmonth at 11 am at the Nature House.$5 per child, $2 per member;parents no charge.

June

SSSSSTTTTTANANANANANLELELELELEY PY PY PY PY PARARARARARK IVY BUSK IVY BUSK IVY BUSK IVY BUSK IVY BUSTTTTTERERERERERSSSSSJoin our Fine De-Vine team on this stewardship project to control the expansion of English Ivyin Stanley Park. Volunteers will be removing this ‘super’ invasive species, which is known tocreate “ivy deserts” by establishing itself as the predominant groundcover in many of the largeurban forests of the Pacific Northwest. English Ivy is significant problem in 28 US States and ison the State Noxious Weed List of both Oregon and Washington. This project is a partnershipbetween the Stanley Park Ecology Society and the Vancouver Park BoardNeNeNeNeNextxtxtxtxt Iv Iv Iv Iv Ivy Py Py Py Py Pulls - July 16,ulls - July 16,ulls - July 16,ulls - July 16,ulls - July 16, A A A A Aug 13ug 13ug 13ug 13ug 13FFFFFor moror moror moror moror more infe infe infe infe informaormaormaormaormation in tion in tion in tion in tion in the prthe prthe prthe prthe progrogrogrogrogram check our website aam check our website aam check our website aam check our website aam check our website attttt wwwwwwwwwwwwwww.stanle.stanle.stanle.stanle.stanleyparkyparkyparkyparkyparkecececececologologologologologyyyyy.ca.ca.ca.ca.ca

June 5

June 12

June 26

June 18

birding in stanley parkThe last Sunday of every month at9amJoin naturalist and birder Kevin Bellfor a 2-hour tour in Stanley Park toidentify migratory and resident birdsand learn bird watching skills. Meetat the Nature House. By donation.

June 26

June 19

june 2005

summer nature programswwwww wwwww wwwww.stanle.stanle.stanle.stanle.stanleyparkyparkyparkyparkyparke ce ce ce ce cologologologologologyyyyy. c a. c a. c a. c a. c a

NSCNSCNSCNSCNSC - Preschoolers learn about the magical world of animals and plants in a fun and creative way!

DW - Man Eating Insects DW - Man Eating Insects DW - Man Eating Insects DW - Man Eating Insects DW - Man Eating Insects Back by popular demand. Join Andrew Scott for a unique look at people and insectsthey eat from around the world; and possible entrees lurking in Lost Lagoon.

DDDDDW - W - W - W - W - WWWWWalk on alk on alk on alk on alk on the the the the the WWWWWild Sideild Sideild Sideild Sideild Side Eco Ranger Robyn Worcester leads this discovery tour to the Great Blue Heroncolony, through mature forests, and rich wetlands. Watch for wildlife, and an active eagle’s nest, and learn howWest Coast First Nations peoples depended on the rainforest.

NSCNSCNSCNSCNSC - Preschoolers learn about the magical world of animals and plants in a fun and creative way!

DDDDDW - W - W - W - W - WhWhWhWhWhy ary ary ary ary are Bugs so Small? e Bugs so Small? e Bugs so Small? e Bugs so Small? e Bugs so Small? Learn with insect enthusiast Andrew Scott why giant insects only exist in themovies, and why numbers make up for size in the insect world.

DDDDDW - W - W - W - W - WWWWWalk on alk on alk on alk on alk on the the the the the WWWWWild Sideild Sideild Sideild Sideild Side Eco Ranger Robyn Worcester leads this discovery tour to the Great Blue Heroncolony, through mature forests, and rich wetlands. Watch for wildlife, and an active eagle’s nest, and learn howWest Coast First Nations peoples depended on the rainforest.

DDDDDW - EW - EW - EW - EW - Exploring Beaxploring Beaxploring Beaxploring Beaxploring Beavvvvver Laker Laker Laker Laker Lake fre fre fre fre from om om om om the Bottom Up the Bottom Up the Bottom Up the Bottom Up the Bottom Up Renowned botanist Terry Taylor will look at the intricateand unique ecology of a shallow lake edge.

Birding in Stanley ParkBirding in Stanley ParkBirding in Stanley ParkBirding in Stanley ParkBirding in Stanley Park with Kevin Bell

July

Augu

st NSCNSCNSCNSCNSC - Preschooler learn about the magical world of animals and plants in a fun and creative way!

DDDDDW - W - W - W - W - WWWWWalk on alk on alk on alk on alk on the the the the the WWWWWild Sideild Sideild Sideild Sideild Side. Eco Ranger Robyn Worcester leads this discovery tour to the Great Blue Heroncolony, through mature forests, and rich wetlands. Watch for wildlife, and an active eagle’s nest, and learn howWest Coast First Nations peoples depended on the rainforest.

DW - Alien Invaders DW - Alien Invaders DW - Alien Invaders DW - Alien Invaders DW - Alien Invaders Many insects that we see are actually non-native species. Find out with Andrew Scotthow these alien species got here and what they are up to.

NSCNSCNSCNSCNSC - Come, learn and enjoy the magical world of animals and plants in a fun and creative way!

DDDDDW - W - W - W - W - WWWWWalk on alk on alk on alk on alk on the the the the the WWWWWild Sideild Sideild Sideild Sideild Side Eco Ranger Robyn Worcester leads this discovery tour to the Great Blue Heroncolony, through mature forests, and rich wetlands. Watch for wildlife, and an active eagle’s nest, and learn howWest Coast First Nations peoples depended on the rainforest.

Birding in Stanley ParkBirding in Stanley ParkBirding in Stanley ParkBirding in Stanley ParkBirding in Stanley Park with Kevin Bell

DDDDDW - W - W - W - W - The RThe RThe RThe RThe Rainfainfainfainfainforororororestestestestest C C C C Cafafafafafe Fe Fe Fe Fe Fastastastastast-f-f-f-f-food or ood or ood or ood or ood or ten-ten-ten-ten-ten-cccccourse meal? ourse meal? ourse meal? ourse meal? ourse meal? Explore with naturalist Murray Lashmar forestplants West Coast First Nation peoples used for food.

NSCNSCNSCNSCNSC - Preschoolers learn about the magical world of animals and plants in a fun and creative way!

DDDDDW - InsecW - InsecW - InsecW - InsecW - Insecttttt Societies Societies Societies Societies Societies Take a look at the incredible world of ants, bees and termites with insect enthusiastAndrew Scott. Discover how millions of these amazing creatures can co-exist in the worlds that they havecreated.

NEW TIMENEW TIMENEW TIMENEW TIMENEW TIME Saturday September 3 at 1–3pmSaturday September 3 at 1–3pmSaturday September 3 at 1–3pmSaturday September 3 at 1–3pmSaturday September 3 at 1–3pmIn this 2-hour tour Leader Jolene Cumming exploresthe lives of the famous and the forgotten women ofStanley Park who either lived in or visited the park inthis time period including women of diverse heritage.Meet at the Nature House.$ 10 public, $ 8 members/seniors/students

DrDrDrDrDrop in op in op in op in op in TTTTTours – ours – ours – ours – ours – TheTheTheTheTheWWWWWomen oomen oomen oomen oomen of Stanlef Stanlef Stanlef Stanlef Stanleyyyyy

Park : 1850-1914Park : 1850-1914Park : 1850-1914Park : 1850-1914Park : 1850-1914

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August 28August 28

September 3September 4

discover the wild side ofstanley park: custom toursWe’ll design a customized nature walkor historical tour for your group

just ask us!just ask us!just ask us!just ask us!just ask us!Bookings: 604.257-6908Bookings: 604.257-6908Bookings: 604.257-6908Bookings: 604.257-6908Bookings: 604.257-6908

june 2005

The West End of Vancouver has longbeen documented as one of Canada’smost densely human populated areas.And now, the same can be said for thedensity of Great Blue Herons. Thereare more than 160 nests in 24 trees inthe Stanley Park Heronry this year,doubling the total nest number of2004. In fact, there are now morenests in individual trees than the totalnumber of nests the heronry had ineach of the years between 1994 and2003. The reasons behind the heron’sattraction to the trees in front of thePark Board offices at 2099 BeachAvenue are speculative, but all arebased on the benefits of the location.Great Blue Herons have nested inStanley Park since at least 1911. Theherons have moved twice within thattime period. They relocated from theoriginal location near Brockton Pointto the area near the former Zoogrounds in 1977 and then to theircurrent location in 2001. There are norecords of herons using anotherlocation in the Lower Mainland for alonger period of time.

Equipped with a 2-meter wingspan,Stanley Park, for the herons, is a shortdistance from the feeding groundshorelines of Coal Harbour, theSeawall, Burrard Inlet, False Creek andaround the peninsula to the FraserRiver. Most of the adult herons’ timeis dedicated to hunting, as they try to

placate the “tikk-tikk” soundinghunger of their chicks. There areusually several chicks in each of thenests and they grow quickly, reachingtheir parent’s 1.5m height and 2kgweight in the approximately 10-12weeks that the chicks remain in theheronry after hatching. The vastmajority of the adult and juvenileherons then leave Stanley Park for thesurrounding areas and are solitary forthe remainder of the year.

The future of the heronry in StanleyPark is as mysterious as their currentboom.Heronry growth cycles are veryunpredictable and this year’s doublingin nest numbers was not anticipated.The number of nests of this speciesat risk could remain at the currentlevel or fluctuate considerably, ineither direction, in 2006. As hard itmay be to imagine while looking up atthe heronry this summer, there willbe a day, perhaps in a few years ordecades from now, when the heronswill have moved to a new location, andthe activity of the heronry outside thePark Board Offices will be left in thememories and stories of the tens ofthousands of people who lived, visitedor worked in the West End ofVancouver during the heron years.Did you know:Did you know:Did you know:Did you know:Did you know:Much of the white wash that coversthe trees below heron nests is“powder down” , a product of the chestfeathers used to clean excess oilsfrom the birds’ plumage.

The herThe herThe herThe herThe heron yon yon yon yon yearsearsearsearsears

Photo: www.sciencerocks.ca

Photo: www.sciencerocks.ca

VVVVVancancancancancouvouvouvouvouver’er’er’er’er’s Nestings Nestings Nestings Nestings Nesting

The StanleyPark EcologySociety ismonitoring adozen baldeagle nests inthe City ofVancouver in2005. Eight ofthese nestsd e f i n i t e l yhave at leastone eaglet inthem whileanother twonests definitelyhave a pair ofeaglets ineach.

There are 4 nests located in StanleyPark as well as active Bald Eagle nestsin Kerrisdale, Dunbar, Strathcona,Point Grey, Burrard View, EastVancouver, near UBC and Kitsilano.Some of the nests are in traditionallocations, at the top of an evergreentree in forested areas. Others aredistinctly urban, overhanging aroadway or close to anentertainment venue. Several areeven close to residential streets andhomes.

Eaglets monitored in 2004 were fed abird-based diet, with plenty of gulls,crows and rock doves (pigeons) beingcaught by their parents and broughtto the nest. Other identified prey in2004 included large fish, CanadaGeese, Grey Squirrels, Pelagic andDouble-crested Cormorants andDungeness Crabs. Bald eagles arenotorious scavengers and may haveeither hunted or collected the corpsesof the above species. There were alsoseveral steak bones and roosterfeathers and bones found in thevicinity of a nest in Stanley Park.

Bald EaglesBald EaglesBald EaglesBald EaglesBald Eagles

Neighbourhood Eagles!Photo: Josie Padro

(Rob Boelens,Co-Existing With Coyotes Coordinator)

june 2005

show these images after the programto help extend learning once they’vereturned to the classroom. With newphotos, dear eagle, you would beproud to show the eaglets yourhandsome profile, and even useimages of your prey to teach them thebest sorts of dinner.

If you readers would like to help thestudents, teachers, SPES staff, and oneconcerned eagle - please send printphotographs of Stanley Park’s floraand fauna to our mailing address ordigital photographs at 300 dpi toschool@stanleschool@stanleschool@stanleschool@stanleschool@stanleyparkyparkyparkyparkyparkecececececologologologologologyyyyy.ca.ca.ca.ca.ca. Wereturn our deepest thanks. Pleaseidentify the species of your subject onthe back of the photograph wherepossible, print your name and phonenumber. Images of insects, birds,mammals, amphibians, fish, reptiles,ferns, trees, flowers, anything in thepark would be wonderful!

Until next time,Mia HaabSchool Programs Manager

Dear Mia,

I’m a bald eagle anda proud new parentliving high up in mynest with my littleones in the park.Every day thisspring, I’ve enjoyedwatching you like ahawk as dozens ofelementary schoolstudents hike through park programswith SPES’ School Programs Staff. Thekids always look excited and eager tolearn - and from my perch - I can seetheir eyes open wide in wonder whenthey squint up at our nest from below.The only problem is, Mia, that I havean eagle’s eye view of the photographsthat you use with the students andthey’re old, old old! You certainly don’thave any photos showing our goodside. And the pictures you show ofour prey are so faded that they lookwholly unappetizing! I can’t let theeaglets see these or they’ll never learnto hunt! Do you plan to do somethingabout this, or do I have to call myagent?

Signed, Concerned on the Bridle Trail

Dear Concerned,

You do have a good point. While ourschool program materials have allundergone a complete facelift in timefor spring, we are still desperatelyshort of good photographs. We simplydon’t have any images of the park’sflora or fauna that have been donatedwith specific permission for use inschool programs. So I’ll have to put itout to the readers to help us. I knowthat we have many eagerphotographers as part of ourreadership. Perhaps, just perhaps,they will be so kind as to donate clearimages to us for use in schoolprograms. Imagine the impact thesepictures might have, reachingthousands of little ones each year!Not only will children will be able tosee them, but teachers will be able to

WildLife Advice with Mia

We are delighted to announce thatour Urban Camping programcelebrated a successful 9th seasonthis spring! Our two enthusiasticUrban Camping Leaders, LauraPaddags and Jessica Lupton, led 15overnight discovery campingprograms, bringing environmentaleducation and adventure to over 400students in May and June. Thank youLaura and Jessica!

CongratulationsCongratulationsCongratulationsCongratulationsCongratulationsUrban Camping !Urban Camping !Urban Camping !Urban Camping !Urban Camping !

Dear Stanley Park Ecology Society staffand volunteers:I am writing to express my thanksand appreciation for the work thatyou do. My family has been involvedfor the past three years as membersand attendees of your Saturdaymorning workshops at the NatureHouse. My children, Joseph (age 6)and Lily (almost 5) love theseintimate, casual and creativeworkshops. I especially appreciate thecompletely non-commercial,volunteer–run ambiance. Theprograms provide such a positive rolemodel in that people give of theirtime and energy to share the simplemessage of tuning into andappreciating the natural would allaround us.Thank you to all of you, staff andvolunteers for a job well done.Sincerely,Ruth

Looking for a place to meet? We havean 80-square-metre80-square-metre80-square-metre80-square-metre80-square-metre sunny room onthe 2nd floor of the classic Stanley ParkDining Pavilion near the Rose Gardensand Malkin Bowl.100% of your rental fee for this 35-35-35-35-35-person capacityperson capacityperson capacityperson capacityperson capacity room goes to theStanley Park Ecology Society to help usto connect people with nature.The rate is $150 for corporate and $100for non-profit or personal.1/2 days are 1/2 the cost604.257.6908 [email protected]

comfy gatheringspace for rentMeetings BirthdaysYoga Classes Parties

june 2005

our purposeThe Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES)is a community-based, not for profitorganization dedicated to encouragingstewardship of our natural worldthrough environmental education andaction.

as a member, you enjoy• Discounts on all Discovery Walks,

Family Programs and SpecialEvents.

• Our quarterly newsletter withnature updates and our seasonalactivities calendar.

• Voting privileges to help SPESplan for the ecologicalstewardship of Stanley Park.

• Special promotions to helplighten your ecological footprintand stay connected to StanleyPark.

as a member, you make possible• School and Public Programs that

enable more than 12,000children and adults a year todiscover nature through hands-on stewardship adventures.

• The operation of Vancouver'sonly ecological interpretivecentre, the Lost Lagoon NatureHouse with more that 15,000visitors per year.

• The monitoring of wildlife atrisk, the restoration of habitat,and the conservation ofbiodiversity in Stanley Park.

contact usPatricia Thomson, Executive DirectorTran Tran, Office ManagerAnnemarie De Andrade, Public Progs.Robert Boelens, Urban WildlifeKoren Johnstone, VolunteersMia Haab, School Programs

Second floorStanley Park Dining PavilionPO Box 5167Vancouver BC V6B 4B2t 604 257 6908f 604 257 [email protected]

Connecting People with Naturethanks to our donors

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Urban Biodiversity CircleUrban Biodiversity CircleUrban Biodiversity CircleUrban Biodiversity CircleUrban Biodiversity Circle

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Wendy MillsKenneth PepperStephen Silbernagel

yes, i want to become a friend of the park!enclosed is my gift of:o $20 o $50 o $100 o Other $_________

i want to become a membero Family $30 o Individual $15 o Senior/Vol $10 o Junior (<19) $7.50

i want to become a monthly donorI authorize the Stanley Park Ecology Society to receive the following monthly donation:o $10 o $15 o $25 o Other $_________

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Please make cheques payable to:Stanletanletanletanletanley Py Py Py Py Park Eark Eark Eark Eark Ecccccologologologologology Societyy Societyy Societyy Societyy Society,,,,, PO Box 5167 Vancouver BC Canada V6B 4B2Charitable Tax Receipts issued for donations of $30 or moreSPES is a registered charity: # 11916 6890 RR0001

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