Forests present a winter cone-undrum

Island Wild for Fri. Jan. 15, 2010

Western Redcedar cones resemble a small wooden flower. Photo Karalyn Hubbard.

Winter woodlands are chock-full of cones, but not the creamy summertime treats. Forest cones –dry, scaly, and brown – (botanically referred to as strobili, single strobilus) are organs on conifer plants containing the reproductive structures.

Cone-bearing trees developed on earth about 300 million years ago, making conifers some of the most successful plants in the world. A conifer is a category of evergreen tree with needle-like leaves (Sitka spruce, pines, firs, hemlocks) or scale-like leaves (cedar and juniper).

The term “pinecone” is often used to describe any species of cone, but it’s more accurate to include the tree’s name (spruce cone, Douglas-fir cone, cedar cone, hemlock cone, etc.).

Conifer trees bear both male and female cones – usually on the same plant. The more recognizable woody cones (females) produce seeds. The male cones, which produce pollen, look very different and may be difficult to see. Always the clever one, Mother Nature positioned the female cones on the higher branches, a configuration thought to improve chances of cross-fertilization.

Although cones may be brown, dry and common, they are far from boring. Complex factors lead to remarkable variations in size, shape, and colour. Cones can be tiny or huge, and cylindrical, egg- or cone-shaped. Together with needles and bark, cones help identify different conifer tree species.

The term ‘scale’ doesn’t usually conjure up images of pine cones, but all conifer cones have scales. Many species have overlapping scales (individual plates) spirally-arranged in one of nature’s most beautiful configurations. Some cones close their scales when wet and open when dry, over and over again, a mechanism that assures seed dispersal by wind in dry weather.

Children love to collect pine cones – and the more different species they can find, the better. Cones are not perishable, so they can decorate a child’s shelf forever, and when the novelty of the cone wanes, they can be tossed to the backyard birds.

You don’t have to be a conehead to appreciate cones, and cone-hunts should be on the agenda for all winter family outings. Mid-winter is a great time for a woodland walk in search of cones, and it’s not difficult to find half a dozen different kinds on most nature trails.

Photo source: http://karalynhubbardphotography.blogspot.com.

New Year’s facelift underway for Oyster River trail

Island Wild for Fri. Jan. 8, 2010

Vancouver Island’s only native squirrel, the Red Squirrel must increasingly compete with the imported Gray Squirrel.

Some nature parks lose their lustre in the coldest months, with deciduous trees bereft of foliage, wildflowers absent, and many woodland critters snoozing in their dens.
One noteworthy exception is Oyster River Nature Park, one of the area’s premiere winter destinations, where trees reach up to touch the sky. A bevy of animals including Red Squirrels, Coastal Black-tailed Deer and Little Brown Bats make this forest their home.
This dense five hectare (12 acre) wedge of old- and second-growth forest nestles between the Oyster River (near its estuary), the Strait of Georgia and the former UBC farmlands. One of the area’s most charming sandy beaches is located just a short stroll from the park trailhead.
Major changes are underway for the popular park, located midway between Campbell River and Courtenay. Better trailhead signage, more interpretive information and new cedar fencing will all enhance visitor enjoyment of the park, which already attracts about a hundred users daily, says Peter Woods, Parks Coordinator, Strathcona Regional District.
“These trails are suitable for all demographics,” says Woods, noting that families, joggers, seniors and dog-walkers all seem to enjoy Oyster River park.
One improvement already in place is a new wooden footbridge over the old channel – an amenity that turned a popular pathway into a loop trail – always a desirable option for users. The park’s woodland, heavily logged 60-70 years ago, still boasts impressive specimens of old-growth Douglas-fir and Bigleaf Maple.

Photo buffs will find dozens of winter nature subjects alongside the four major trails within this park. Mosses and lichens become shining delights when no leaves mask their beauty; rows of pores on coppery cherry bark resemble amber jewels; Rattlesnake Plantain orchid leaves look vivid in striped white and green.
A daytime nature walk may include a peek at the wild Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) – the only squirrel native to Vancouver Island. These shy charmers are active by day, even in cold weather, foraging primarily on seeds and cones.
The smaller ‘Red’ averaging 230 grams, must now expend energy to defend its territory against the Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) – an introduced species twice its size – which continues a troubling northward expansion on Vancouver Island. The Red Squirrel is protected as a furbearer under the BC Wildlife Act (Yellow-listed).
Oyster River Nature Park falls within the jurisdiction of Strathcona Regional District, maintained under the stewardship of Oyster River Enhancement Society.
Check out the improvements at Oyster River Nature Park. From the Old Island Highway, take Regent Road east to the parking area, located across from the Glenmore Road intersection.

Community’s own all-nature calendar debuts

Island Wild for Mirror Dec. 4, 2009

Karalyn Hubbard poses with her local 2010 nature calendar, inspired by Mother Earth’s beauty.

Flipping the page to December reminds us of the New Year ahead, and many banks, garages or grocery stores hand out generic calendars with boring pictures.

Like most folks, we look at our calendar daily, and use it to keep track of absolutely everything, so it’s wonderful when the monthly photo twigs our interest and brightens our spirit.

Now, with just one month to go before we flip to January, 2010, a Campbell River photographer has produced the community’s first all-nature photo art calendar, chock-full of luscious images of grasshoppers, eagles, spawning salmon and deer.

Hot off the press, Karalyn Hubbard’s first calendar is sure to fill the New Year with nature’s loveliness. January shows crunchy frost on red maple leaves; February features an ice formation called “Winter lace.” Golden water drops on a silver leaf prove the simplest things on Earth are precious and beautiful.

Here’s a chance to flip to a new month and see butterflies and wildflowers…and a ladybug nestled in a dogwood bloom. Hubbard snapped most of the images locally, and added a black border around monthly selections so those wishing to frame their favourites won’t need to purchase matting.

Among the photos are some of Vancouver Island’s premier nature images, snapped by a talented artist with an eye for striking themes and creative angles. In one remarkable scene, Hubbard captured a bald eagle carrying moss to soften a nest, while an eagle nestling looks on.

In pursuing the great outdoors as a subject, Hubbard explains her goal is “to share God’s beauty with everyone so they can appreciate the beautiful everyday things that surround us but are often taken for granted.”

She adds: “You just have to slow down and take notice. With a photo, the image is captured forever. Precious wildflowers that so many walk by – or on –without noticing, mushrooms, lichen, pinecones…there is beauty in everything.”

After receiving a Kodak Instamatic in her mid-teens, a love of photography blossomed. Currently, her snapping fav is a trusted Sony.

Contact Karalyn Hubbard Photography by E-mail regarding her calendar ($17.50) or unique greeting cards: kbphotography@shaw.ca. Blogsite: http://karalynbranscombephotography.blogspot.com/. Her nature photos are also sold in Willow Point at Cipollines Bakery (across from Sybil Andrews Cottage by the shore).

Sea lions play during bachelor's holiday

Island Wild Nov. 20, 2009

A colony of adult and sub-adult California sea lions (all males) with one larger, lighter Steller sea lion (male) in the middle. Photo Jim Dubois.

A California sea lion lying on its back with flippers in the air, a ritual called ‘finning’ that may help regulate body temperature. Photo Jim Dubois.

It was a dark and stormy night. The only sound louder than wind and rain was incessant barking of a California sea lion colony intent on keeping us awake. Last week, while staying ocean-side at Cowichan Bay, we learned how much noise these large sea mammals can make if they’re determined to prove their dominance.

Resort staff maintained it was a delightful sound, but assured us that these massive noise-makers would only be ‘in residence’ on their dock for a few more weeks. The sea lion males, they said, were ‘on vacation’ and far north of the female counterparts they’d left behind in California.

The next morning, all was forgiven when we opened the drapes to a majestic sight of these highly social animals floating together on the ocean's surface in ‘rafts’ as they waved their fins in the air as much to say: “Sorry for the racket during last night’s stag.”

Lisa Spaven is the marine mammal response coordinator at Nanaimo’s Pacific Biological Station (Fisheries and Oceans Canada). She explained that visiting California sea lion males visit Vancouver Island in late fall only to feed and compete, but will soon swim back to the females in California.

Only males migrate to British Columbia from California. Groups of these highly social mammals, called ‘colonies,’ often rest closely packed together on docks, floats or other haul-out sites on land. Renowned for their intelligence and playfulness, California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) are (much to the regret of many) popular performers in zoos and aquariums. In British Columbia, this species is not currently considered at risk.

Steller (northern) sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), however, are year-round residents of the Pacific Northwest coast, preferring to haul out in unpopulated areas well offshore. They have been designated a species of ‘Special Concern’ by COSEWIC.

Steller’s are much larger and lighter than California sea lions (light tan to reddish brown in colour). A thick neck covered with a mane of long, coarse hair resembles a lion’s… hence the common name ‘sea lion.’

Sea lions are a different species of animal from seals, but both are members of the scientific order Pinnipedia... finned ocean mammals that spend time both in the ocean and on land.

These hefty mammals tend to be larger than seals, and by far the more social and vocal. The loud ‘barking’ sound alerts us to sea lions’ presence, while seals utter only a low grunting sound.

On a proactive note: a new province-wide collaborative program, the B.C. Marine Mammal Response Network, assists distressed marine mammals, and collects valuable information from deceased animals. The program keeps track of threats such as disease outbreaks, inappropriate or illegal human activity, contamination, disturbance, vessel strikes, and entanglements.

If you find a dead, injured, sick or harassed marine mammal floating or on the beach, call toll-free: 1-800-465-4336 (24 hours/day: 7 days/week). For more information, contact Lisa Spaven by E-mail: Lisa.Spaven@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

‘Two-tailed’ fish thwarts gull’s ambition
Island Wild for Fri. Nov. 13, 2009


With high hopes, this over-ambitious gull snared a ‘two-tailed’ fish. Photo Jim Dubois.

This photo of a Pacific Staghorn Sculpin shows the branched (cheek) horn, the black spot at the back of the first dorsal fin and the fin banding pattern. Photo Jim Dubois.

The eyes can sometimes be bigger than the stomach. Think of a hungry mob at a smorgasbord or Uncle Albert at Christmas dinner.

In the same way, birds and fish can both be prone to over-ambition when it comes to filling their plates (or in the case of animals – gullets) beyond the point of what they can reasonably handle.

Last weekend, Campbell River photographer Jim Dubois witnessed a splashy scene starring an overly-ambitious gull doing battle with its unwilling prey.

While standing on shore, watching a gull swimming along in shallow water, he noticed as the bird began leaping into the air and diving underwater. This it did a half-dozen times, the last time a bit higher than previous attempts. Successful at last, the gull resurfaced with what resembled a sculpin…gourmet food for hungry gulls.

As the gull reached shore, treasure in beak, Dubois took a closer look through his camera’s viewfinder and noticed the fish didn't look quite right, and seemed to possess two tails. After a few fruitless attempts to get ‘the thing’ down its gullet, the bird left in search of easier prey.

In this case, the seagull’s ambition was thwarted when it could neither swallow nor disgorge the ‘two-tailed’ sculpin. Left onshore, the wild sushi likely ended up as dinner for a larger marine species that would be undeterred by the sculpin’s prickly ‘horns.’

Suspecting a monster of the deep or genetic mutant, Dubois went in for a closer look, and found an eight-inch sculpin that had tried to swallow a four-inch sculpin – now firmly lodged inside the larger fish’s mouth.

Both fish were Pacific Staghorn Sculpin (scientific name: Leptocottus armatus). Folks who grew up on the west coast commonly referred to this large-headed species as a bullhead – for obvious reasons.

This native Pacific Northwest fish possesses a large, branched spine or thorn on each operculum (cheek), which resembles a stag’s horn or antler, thus the name.

As part of Mother Earth’s marine food cycle, gulls feed on small fish, which in turn feed on smaller fish. Oftentimes, the prey become the preyed upon. Mark Steinhilber (Head of Life Sciences, Royal Alberta Museum) confirms that cannibalism is common in most fishes.

Steinhilber has often seen this “bite off more than you can chew” behaviour, with varied outcomes. “Sometimes, amazingly, the prey fish is slowly digested (the tail slowly disappears over a few days) and sometimes the “predator” dies. The opercular spines or horns are considered anti-predator adaptations and I imagine they make swallowing prey a bit more difficult.”

The Pacific staghorn sculpin is a marine dwelling fish measuring 12-15 cm at maturity. Highly recognizable because of its large, flat head, and small eyes, it’s antler-like projections with 3-4 spines are unmistakable. Markings include smooth skin (grayish olive on back, yellow on sides, white on underside), a dark splotch on the tail end of the first dorsal fin, and light barring on the other fins.

Red maples mingle with the golden Bigleaf
Island Wild for Fri. Nov. 6, 2009

Vine maple leaves glow bright red alongside the Campbell River estuary.
Photo: Christine Scott.

The venerable maple leaf is rightly front and centre in the lead-up to Vancouver’s 2010 Olympic winter games. Canada’s national emblem also dominates the landscape when the country’s ten indigenous maple varieties splash on their autumn colours from coast to coast.

Gold is unquestionably maple’s dominant hue along the Pacific Northwest coast where indigenous (wild) Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) reigns supreme with dinner-plate sized leaves in brilliant yellow-gold.

Given the abundance of leafy outdoor gold in autumn, a sure head-turner is any tree or shrub with red foliage, and many gardeners satisfy their colour cravings with flaming domestic species such as Japanese maple and Virginia Creeper.

Things are no different in local forests, where indigenous trees and shrubs form a mosaic of gold AND red leaves. The foliage of three wild maple trees turn various shades when days shorten and nights grow cold.

The Pacific Northwest has its own red maple leaf – vine maple (Acer circinatum) – a shrubby species with rosy autumn leaves growing alongside the Campbell River estuary (Myrt Thompson trail). These ruby gems hold their own amidst showers of the much larger golden Bigleaf maple leaves.

Perfectly-shaped 7-9 lobed leaves are an eye-catching sight where they grow in wet places – their preferred environment. While the vine maple occurs naturally in many coastal areas, city crews planted this species alongside the estuary as streamside re-vegetation about a dozen years ago.

The third maple species native to coastal British Columbia is Douglas maple (Acer glabrum), a shrub or small tree growing to 10 metres in height. Douglas maple leaves turn bright yellow-orange or crimson in fall. Often overlooked, it’s a proud Canadian maple and well worth knowing.

Maples aren’t the only leaves providing wild seasonal colour. Oregon-grape (Mahonia) is a shrubby evergreen species holly-like leaves. In autumn, many of its leathery ‘evergreen’ leaves turn reddish-purple. A veritable forest of Oregon-grape spreads as far as the eye can see at the western entrance to the Canyon View Trail alongside the Campbell River.

Red and yellow autumn leaves differ in the way they change colour. When days shorten, green pigments in the leaves (known as chlorophyll) diminish, then yellow pigments already inside become dominant and the leaves turn yellow. Green pigments only masked he leaves’ true yellow colour.

A different process causes leaves to turn red. As the chlorophyll diminishes in autumn, the leaves of some species produce anthocyanin, a red pigment not previously present.

Mother Earth supplied a variety of colour for Canada’s west coast, and indigenous species with red autumn leaves provide a vibrant jolt on nature walks. Native trees and shrubs with reddish autumn foliage include: evergreen blackberry, highbush-cranberry, ocean spray, Pacific crabapple, Pacific dogwood, red-osier dogwood, salal, Sitka mountain-ash and saskatoon.

Smurfs and gnomes and scary ‘shrooms
Island Wild for Fri. Oct. 30, 2009

The eye-popping Fly Agaric mushroom creates a great Halloween vignette as a gnome umbrella or spider floor. Photo Jim Dubois.

This most notorious Amanita (muscaria) gained fame as the classic toadstool of Alice in Wonderland. Photo Jim Dubois.

On October 31st, scores of little spooks and goblins will be out ringing doorbells during the annual Halloween candy blitz. It’s a fun season, and imaginations run wild with decorations of spiders, webs, ghosts, witches, and other scary props.

It’s also a good time to remember that some of planet Earth’s most frightening organisms are not made of plastic; they’re living out in the lawn, alongside a favourite nature trail or even in a local schoolyard.

Picture a blood-red flying saucer with white windows; or a red umbrella coated with pale patches. Of all the mushroom photos and enquiries that arrive in my inbox, none are more plentiful than the bright red and gravely toxic Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria).

Once upon a time, this mushroom found favour as an insecticide, crushed in a saucer of milk to attract flies, which became stupefied and drowned, thus the common names: Fly Agaric or Fly Amanita.

This most notorious Amanita first gained fame as the classic toadstool of Alice in Wonderland, and then a whole new generation became fans when it was chosen as the shape of the puffy-roofed Smurf house.

Every October, as if on cue, this eye-popping and unmistakable late-fruiting fungus springs up out of the ground to delight and fascinate mushroom enthusiasts and curious passers-by alike. Whether in green grass or on the woodland floor, it’s virtually impossible to miss the shocking stop-sign colouration.


Amanita muscaria is a gilled mushroom coloured deep red (sometimes orange-red) with a convex to flat cap often sprinkled with flaky white patches (of veil remnant). In its early stages, this species emerges as a rounded button-top, soon growing to a very large, flattened saucer-shape up to 25 cm (10 in) across.

Although this species is distinct and easy to identify, one way to verify is to make a spore print. Place a mushroom cap (stem removed) gill-side down on a piece of black art paper and cover with a glass bowl for several hours or overnight.

The microscopic white dust-like particles that fall from the gills are known as spores – the fungus’s reproductive parts. And while Amanita muscaria produces white spores, other species produce spores of different colours.

This brightly coloured beauty is arguably the most famous of all toxic mushrooms, and the Amanita family includes the most deadly wild mushrooms in the world. Amanita virosa is the main cause of fatalities, but many other members of the genus are poisonous to some degree.

Incredibly, poisonings from ingesting Amanita muscaria or other Amanitas are very common, despite the fact that mycologists stress no species of genus Amanita should ever be consumed.

Fungophobes can rest assured that toxic fungi species can actually be fun…especially at Halloween. Just don’t eat them…don’t even nibble.

E-mail Christine at: wildernesswest@shaw.ca