The KestrelQuarterly Newsletter of the

Rocky Mountain Naturalists

Inside this Issue

Club Information

Executive

Committees

Field Trips

Upcoming Events

Meetings1

Can you find a good kestrel picture(our local species, the AmericanKestrel) for this spot? If so, pleaseemail it to the newsletter atrmnatskestrel@gmail.com.

2018 summer solstice

Field Trips

Salesbury Creek 2

Old Cranbrook Cemetery 5

Balancing Rock 6

Hoodoos/Headwaters 8

Spring Plant Identification 10

Big Tree Hike 13

McGinty Lake 12

Elizabeth Lake Eco-Blitz 15

Internet Links 17

Mystery Photo (answer from before) 17

(the new photo) 18

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Lyle Grisedale

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Salesbury Creek Snowshoe March 29

Well, we bearly[sic] got going, whenLyle indicated possible cariboutracks. Upon closer examination, wefound evidence suggesting that alarge moose had crossed our roadand a large bear had interceptedthese distinctive prints and turned tofollow them.

It was the fourth time RockyMountain Naturalists had venturedinto this forested area west of

Cranbrook. It is a worthwhile location in late winterbecause of relatively easy accessibility to a deepsnowpack. The forest is diverse due tomilder, moister West Kootenay influences combiningwith features of the Trench. This habitat supports awide array of mammals whose prints, scats and othersigns stimulate naturalist curiosity.

While recent log harvesting has created openings inthe forest, our route traversed sections of old woodsand reforested patches. We could identify tree speciesin two ways: at a distance by observing bark or crownprofile or up close by handling or sniffing thefoliage. Juvenile spacing and thinning young forestusing chainsaws made this forest difficult to walk

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through. Lots of alder was bent over by snow, with abundant limbs grown in response to theincreased sunlight. Occasionally, large stumps and wildfire scars hinted at the forest history.

Following some additional examination and discussion of the daunting bear prints, we decided

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we needed moreinformation. Knowledgeof which species was morelikely to be active or howthe prints and claws registerwhen the animal wasclimbing or descendingwould have been helpful.In the woods we had seenwhere black bears hadclawed the bark from trees,in order to feed on thenutrient-rich cambiumlayer, or climbed tremblingaspen trees. Our big bearmay have been a Grizzly,

and perhaps, when we head upSalesbury Creek next year, we cansolve a few more puzzles.

Daryl Calder

photos by Lyle Grisedale

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Old Cranbrook Cemetery April 12

Pat Morrow, well knownCanadian mountaineer, isa Kain enthusiast wholives in Wilmer, nearInvermere, and runs awebpage about ConradKain [http://conradkain.com/].

The Rocky MountainNaturalists had a 2017cemetery tour tocoordinate withWildsight's showing ofHobnails and HempRope, a film about thefirst ascent of BugabooSpire, guided by ConradKain, a century earlier.The filmmakers attemptedto celebrate Kain byassembling their entire

outfit, using clothing, food and equipment whichwould have been used by Kain as he led this verydifficult ascent. The Kain story is very interestingand crucial to the evolution of the EastKootenays.

After looking at Conrad Kain's grave, and that ofhis wife Henriquetta, we looked at several othersections of the cemetery and graves of curiouspersonalities who shaped the Cranbrook area acentury or more ago. I plan to organize anothersimilar event in April 2019.

Daryl Calderphotos by Stewart Wilson

Pat Morrow telling the group about Henriquetta Kain

Pat Morrow describing Conrad

Kain's climbing style

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Balancing Rock Trail and Bike or Paddle April 30

A late April morning found 11 naturalists very slowly making their way up the Balancing RockTrail just a few metres off Highway 3, across from the Creston wetlands. A flash of yellow at thetrailhead had piqued our curiosity (Nashville Warbler) reminding us to proceed without rushing.Some flowers along the trail includeddelicate ballhead waterleaf, stunningglacier lilies, Saskatoon or serviceberry,calypso orchid, trillium, Indian paintbrushand shooting star.

After viewing the 400 ton graniticbalancing rock, we neared the patch ofskunk cabbage (swamp lantern or yellowarum). Rob identified the call of a BarredOwl while the tiny Pacific Wren sang. Ashort detour to the power line right of wayhad Daryl pointing to trickling water, aVaried Thrush whistling and seven speciesof brush. In a few minutes we reached amossy lunch spot with a view to theSummit Creek Leech Lake Unit. Another

kilometre or so ofwalking took us downthe hill, under theHighway 3 bridge andback to where several ofour cars were parked. JoEllen explained howthis area was first a millsite and then a popularcampground. Due tofactors such as largecottonwood dangertrees, mosquitoes andprovincial cost cutting,the campground facilitywas permanentlyclosed.

Two new members,Janice and Roger,joined us for the day.Roger was curious

Bob Whetham

Nashville warbler Bob

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about conifers so ‘kept us on our toes’ withquestions about grand firs and the Kootenayconifer mix.

One group of five then began a bike tour of thedike area starting at the old campground. Jackiereported that the Birding Bikers observed heronsand cormorants flying with sticks, busy buildingnests. After almost three hours of biking, coldbeer and fish and chips in Creston was a wellearned treat.

The remaining members launched theirwatercraft at the old ferry crossing on theKootenay River. By hugging the bank andavoiding the strong currents, a two kilometrepaddle up the big river brought us to theconfluence with the Goat River. Just a couplehundred metres up the Goat we entered a quietside channel for a lazy meander to the end. TheLower Kootenay Indian Band and its partners

had undertaken a restoration project adjacent to the channel. Minor log jams had been created,designed to catch debris and enhance fish habitat. Trees and shrubs, protected by special sleevesto defend against beavers, mice and ungulates, were planted and appeared to be establishingthemselves.

Marianne Nahm

birding bikers Jackie Leach

Jackie

trillium Bob

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Columbia Headwaters and Fairmont Hoodoos May 4

It's always a pleasant drive to Columbia Lake, with Western Meadowlarks singing from fenceposts, American Kestrels on the wires, glimpses of the big river and sweeping views of prairiesand mountains. In preparation for the Wings Over the Rockies Festival in early May, RockyMountain Naturalists previewed two areas.

The Headwaters of the Columbia walk utilizes a trail built by the citizens of Canal Flats. Their fineinterpretive signs are a good example of how well planned and designed signage enhances anoutdoor experience. In this area, groundwater has a significant influence on vegetation. Near thelake and the small streams, the ecosystem is known as carr, a fen (wetland area where the watertable is always very close to the surface) where shrubs are the dominant species. Shrubs andherbs flourish depending on the underlying soils and gravels, forming a mosaic of multiplecommunities. We could identify various junipers, willows, birches and red osier dogwood withinthe tangle. Further from the soggy soils, conifers dominate, mostly spruce with occasionalponderosa pine and interior Douglas-fir.

Of course, many bird species thrive in this mix. The Ruby-crowned Kinglets, more often heardrather than seen, were common. These tiny birds are crucial to the health of northern coniferforests as they feed upon little insects which would damage trees if left unchecked.Hummingbirds, warblers, hawks and eagles were also observed.

One delicate little flowering perennial added a sprinkling of light purple near the springs whichultimately become the Columbia River. Birds-eye primrose, a native of Northern Europe, grows in

boggy fens rich inlime. It isendangered in itshistoric range dueto the usualculprits ofdevelopment anddraining of wetareas. It needs lotsof sun, preferringgrazed areas, as itcannot tolerateshade from tallerplants. Here itseemed tobe much moreabundant than inprevious years.

The gang thendrove a short

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distance to contemplate thedelicate and descriptivepictographs at the base of anoverhanging bluff. Wewondered where theenduring pigment originatedand if it was a tradablecommodity centuries ago.

After luncheoning whileoverlooking Columbia Lake atthe rest area, we hiked thefamiliar trail up to the rim ofthe Fairmont Hoodoos. Recenttrail upgrades were intendedto cope with runoff and everincreasing foot traffic. Newsignage here provided helpwith interpretation of variousaspects of the site.

One bird species which we hoped to observe was not obvious at first. The narrow cracks andcavities within the hoodoos provide habitat which suits this speedy bird. This is the most northerlybreeding population of the White-throated Swift; about 20 swooped, squeaked and mated in mid-air. Of the estimated 1.1 million North American population, about 1% breed in Canada.Populations are slowly declining and the level of conservation concern is presently rated as low.Our gang also observed grouse, flycatchers, swallows and birds of prey. We are very fortunate to

enjoy wild areas andtheir diverseattributes in the EastKootenay.

The two Wings trips,a few days later, werevery well attended;the guests were quiet,curious, attentive,appreciative andinspired. Just like us!

Daryl Calder

pictograph photos byDoug Leach

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Spring Plant Identification May 17

On Thursday, May17, 2018, a group ofNaturalists venturedinto the flower filledmeadows off theMission WycliffeRoad. Bryan Kelly-McArthur, thespeaker from ourMay meeting, joinedus on our search forand helped usidentify variousspring wildflowers.Bryan was awonderful additionto our adventurewith his vastknowledge of plantsand his passion foranything naturerelated. The

meadows were awash with theblue-purple colour of the lowlarkspur while the hillsides werecarpeted with the brilliantyellow of the balsam root.Puccoon and old man’s whiskerswere in abundance as well asthe meadow death camas,alumroot, lupine, small floweredanemone, to name just a few.Although we did not cover a

balsam root

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great distance, numerous new species (for some ofus) or variations of some familiar species were

discovered on our 2 1/2 hour meander throughthe meadows.

story by Paula Rogers, photos by George Rogers

puccoon

larkspur

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McGinty LakeMeadowbrook Community Association Celebration May 27

A couple of Nats were pleased to be invited to the Spring Celebration hosted by the MeadowbrookCommunity Association (MCA) at McGinty Lake, just east of Kimberley. The association'ssignificant fencing project is largely complete and providing benefits.

McGinty Lake is a small, shallow pond in a forested setting with glimpse views of the mountains.One of the priorities of the MCA is to preserve and protect the recreational values of this quiet,fragile spot. Pressures from uncontrolled cattle grazing and off-road vehicle usage needed to bereduced. With help and advice from funders and the Kootenay Livestock Association, a welldesigned fence with gates now allows cattle to access the water in a couple of suitable locations.The new fence, which encircles the lake, breaks the grazing unit into several pastures orcompartments. The lake access points can be shared by adjacent compartments depending on thequality of the grasslands and the season. Cattle can cause damage to lake shores, and these accesspoints were selected because of their ability to withstand the pressure.

Within the perimeter fence, which excludes cattle and off-roaders, volunteers have begun toestablish a foot path. For about two hours, Marianne and I led a group of guests around the lake,noting grassland health and diversity and forest issues, and we helped to identify plants and birds.It was reassuring to note the lack of invasive species and quiet solitude. On this mid-afternooncount, normally an inactive period for birds, we observed about 20 species. Seeing a WesternWood Pewee on a nest and hearing the call of the Cassin's Vireo are experiences which will beremembered.

Daryl Calder

image from the Meadowbrook Community Organization Facebook page

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Big Tree Hike June 3

Two of us met at the College Trail Head in theevening and hiked up through the CranbrookCommunity Forest. In the evening, you can hear (andsometimes see) lots of bird and mammal activity.

We went to Windy Bluff first, where we checked tosee if the bitterroot plants were blooming. Manydifferent wildfowers were in bloom up there.

Second, we stopped at Mayook Lookout. There wecould enjoy the expansive view and sit down on thebench to rest.

Third, we hiked past that twisted snag on the hill to

see the Big Tree. The antelope bush hadalready bloomed (so we missed thatbeautiful scent it emits) and was beginningto set fruit.

on the way up to Windy Bluff

some bitterroot blossoms, closed for the night

on top of Windy Bluff

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On the way back through the forest to ourstarting point we came upon a small group ofwhite tailed deer, something you are morelikely to see in the evening than in the middleof the day. The mosquitoes weren't bad at all,and we didn't have to put on sunscreen!

photos and writing by Susan Walp

the Big Tree

the Steeples from Windy Bluff

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Elizabeth Lake Eco-Blitz June 7

Jennifer Doll’s Grade 2/3 class at GordonTerrace Elementary became inspired to take ona year long Action Project about Elizabeth Lakewhen they watched two other classes in actionfrom Rossland District 20, Jubilee WetlandsBioBlitz, and from Ontario school, SarahThompson School, Weed Lake Project. TheRocky Mountain Naturalists also influencedtheir decision to research the creatures andplant topics of their current sign project, whichwill be going up at Elizabeth Lake in thecoming month.

The students ventured down to Elizabeth Lakeeach Thursday morning over the past sixmonths to explore, observe and hypothesizeabout the creatures and plants of a wetlandright in their backyard. They began researchingeach topic using the internet, reading booksand inviting experts from the Rocky MountainNaturalists into their classroom to gain moreknowledge.

Sidney and Skyler share their knowledge aboutdragonflies, which stick their wings out to the sideswhen at rest, and damselflies, which tuck theirs inbehind.

Brennan and Ellie share their knowledge aboutTurtles. Close by were three western paintedturtles sunning themselves at the edge of thewater.

Ryatt and Connor share their knowledgeabout Sideswimmers, also known asScuds. They are an important food formany wildfowl at the lake.

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Mrs. Doll and her grade 2/3 class

The nine topics the students learned about were the Muskrat, Badger, Damselfly, Dragonfly, GarterSnake, Western Painted Turtle, Tree Swallow, Bats and Invasive Plants.

Their inspiration led them to a celebration of their learning on Thursday June 7th, 2018, from10-12, at Elizabeth Lake where they shared their newfound knowledge with passers by, parents,grandparents and Mrs. Henderson's class from T.M. Roberts. Rocky Mountain Naturalists Marianne,Stewart, Frank and his Weed Warrior Crew, Janine and Sarina, assisted with some of the groups insharing their Naturalist knowledge. Dianne and Joe also attended. It turned out to be a greatexperience for all involved.

story and photos by Stewart Wilson

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Internet Links

The website for Rocky Mountain Naturalists can be found at:http://www.rockymountainnaturalists.org/It has a calendar of events, a blog with photographs, archived newsletters, and more.

Make sure you are up to date on the latest techniques for keeping yourselves safe in the wild. Visitthis site now and then to see how the science has given us new information.www.wildsafebc.com

BC Big Tree Registry http://bcbigtree.ca This site lists the BC champions of various species, amongother information.

Botanical names http://www.winternet.com/%7Echuckg/dictionary.html

Curlew locations http://birdscanada.org/research/speciesatrisk/index.jsp?targetpg=lbcu

Conrad Kain http://conradkain.com/

Mystery Photo from spring issueThis House Finch is yellow instead of redbecause it has been eating a diet high incarotenoids. Seeds give them the mineralsand vitamins that they require, but eatingcertain berries that have a high carotenoidcontent will influence the pigment of theirfeathers. Also interesting to note is that thefemales prefer to mate with the yellow ororange males. You can read all about ithere.https://books.google.ca/books?id=NcXQCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA101&lpg=PA101&dq=bird+seeds+that+contain+carotenoids&source=bl&ots=k7z0j4QjL2&sig=RuTJFbCTxdUPQvc1d2slzLwgCWU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjH9dOD5fnYAhVD62MKHTtCBBQQ6AEIdDAM#v=onepage&q=bird%20seeds%20that%20contain%20carotenoids&f=false

Lyle Grisedale

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Mystery Photo

Can you identify this bird?

Please send your answer to rmnatskestrel@gmail.com by September 1. The answer will bereported in the next issue of The Kestrel.

Please submit your mystery photo and write-up tormnatskestrel@gmail.com by September 1 for the fall issue of thenewsletter.

Alan Barnard

Club Information

ExecutivePresident Virginia RaschVice President Helga KnotePast President George RogersSecretary Myra JuckersTreasurer Gretchen WhethamBC Nature Director Rob Woods

Committees and Club RepresentativesLittle Big Day Greg RossChristmas Bird Counts Dianne Cooper Bylaws and Policies Virginia RaschElizabeth Lake Stewart Wilson Invasive Species Frank HastingsField Trips Paula Rogers Trench Society Jo Ellen FloerMembership Sue Ross Bluebirds MariannePresentations Paula, and Marianne Nahm Turtle Monitoring Greg RossClub Camp Jackie Leach and Ruth Goodwin Newsletter Susan Walp

Field TripsLeader responsibilities:

Take radios and first aid kits.Find a replacement leader if necessary.Keep the group together.All leaders must have trip waiver forms [available from Paula] in case any non-

members come along on the trip. Non-members must sign, and forms mustbe returned to Paula. Non-member insurance costs $2.00.

Make sure everybody leaves the parking area safely.Get someone to write an account of the field trip for the newsletter. Send it in to

rmnatskestrel@gmail.com, along with pictures, as soon as possible.Carpoolers: Please offer to chip in for gas. On a round trip with a driving time of under an

hour the compensation should be $5.00 and on a round trip with a driving time ofan hour or more the compensation should be $10.00.

No dogs on field trips, please

Upcoming Events

RMNats meetings - every two months, on the third Wednesday of odd-numbered months

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Next meetings - Wednesday 18 July

Wednesday 19 September

These are events planned at the present time. Watch your inbox for moredetails, possible changes and additional events.

Cactus Mountain Saturday June 23

Alan Barnard