Articles
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 […]
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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 […]
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, […]
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. […]
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 […]
Photos by Jason Beukens (Entrance Island Lighthouse Keeper) (click on the images below for a larger version) 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 […]
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), is the only eagle that is unique to North America. The scientific name signifies a sea (halo) eagle (aeetos) with a white (leukos) head. At one time, the word “bald” meant “white,” not hairless. Bald eagles are found over most of North America, from Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico. […]
(click on the image below for a larger version) 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” […]
October 1, 2010 / August 25, 2024 by Liz Ciocea
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 […]
September 12, 2009 / August 25, 2024 by Liz Ciocea
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 […]
