by Jacqui Birchall
(click images to enlarge)

AN ATMOSPHERIC WALK IN THE PARK

October’s atmospheric river, tragic for some, proved an energizing time to walk in the park.

The fire department attended a fire on Rawlings Trail on the morning of Sunday, October 20, at the height of the atmospheric river. A park ranger called it in, and the media photos showed a robust burn despite the heavy rain. The ranger observed two people running from the fire.

I walked the seawall at dawn on Saturday, October 19, wanting to experience the full force of such a phenomenon.

If you harbour a desire to be alone on the seawall, dawn during an atmospheric river is the time. Parks management closed the seawall from Third Beach to the Lions Gate Bridge throughout the weekend. The high cliffs in this area make escape impossible should the waters rise, or the waves soar.

The walk was exhilarating. I used my rain-booted feet to clear leaves from drains on Beach Avenue and Stanley Park Drive. Once the drains were cleared, the increase in water velocity flow was phenomenal. The evidence was clear on the seawall where the overhead pipes were shooting the drain water into the ocean, huge cascading waterfalls that required one to duck and dive.

**Surf Scoters.** *(Mikul Culver Photo)*

On such a morning, head-to-toe Gor-Tex is your friend!

From Second Beach to Third Beach I was lucky enough to observe the newly arrived Surf Scoters. These very shy birds — large sea ducks — are wonderful to watch. The males are the most attractive with a large, colourful, thick-based bill and white patches on the nape and forehead. Females and first-year males are dark brown with white patches on the cheek and face.

They feed on mussels and other invertebrates. In the spring and summer months, they raise their chicks on lakes in far northern Canada and Alaska where the boreal forest gives way to open tundra.

You should also watch for the Barrow’s Goldeneyes, another diving duck that can be spotted swimming near the Surf Scoters. Males have a black head, bright yellow eyes, black backs, small white spots along the wing, a crescent-shaped white patch on the face, and a black bill. Females have a yellow bill and are grey and brown.

They dive for extended periods. British Columbia supports about 60 per cent of the world's population of breeding and wintering Barrow’s Goldeneye.

Their nests are in the far north including Iceland. They nest in holes in trees in remote boreal and mountain forests. (Descriptions courtesy of “All About Birds” and “Merlin Bird ID.”)

**Barrow’s Goldeneyes.** *(Mikul Culver Photo)*

These birds are still arriving so watch for increasing numbers in the next few weeks.

The City of Vancouver notes that “the entire coastline of Stanley Park was designated as an Important Bird Area of Canada by Bird-Life International because it has a high diversity and abundance of waterfowl and is home to two globally significant populations, Barrow’s Goldeneye and Western Grebe.”

LEARN MORE …

Splashing Sea Ducks … The Stanley Park Ecology Society’s (SPES) Frank Lin will present a workshop, “Splashing Sea Ducks” on Surf Scoters and Barrow’s Goldeneyes online on Wednesday, November 6. Frank is a very accomplished wildlife photographer and a SPES educator. This workshop is interactive and gives participants the chance to learn much about these fascinating winter visitors.

From the SPES website: “Through the winter season, tens of thousands of waterfowl spend their time on the shores of Vancouver, in what has been designated the English Bay, Burrard Inlet and Howe Sound Important Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA). Two of the most common are the Surf Scoter and Barrow’s Goldeneye. Through photographs and illustrations, join wildlife photographer and SPES Nature House Educator Frank Lin in this presentation about two fascinating sea ducks and their relatives that find their way to Stanley Park Seawall.”

Tickets and information here.

Here are two other workshops that SPES is offering in November. Do check their website or Facebook page for future workshops.

**The Berries of Winter.** *(J. Maughn Photo)*

Berries of Fall and Winter … On November 2, from 1.30 -3 p.m., in person. From the SPES website:

“We know that late summer brings the most abundance of delicious berries for humans and animals alike, but have you ever wondered about berries that grow in the colder months? Join SPES Educator Julia Taylor to learn how to identify colder-season berries like snowberries, mountain ash, and holly. Find out how animals forage on these winter food sources and why “yew” (yes, you) should shy away from the colourful red “berries” of the western yew tree! There will be no harvesting permitted during this program, as it is prohibited across the Park.” Information and tickets here.

**Felted Mushrooms.** *(Anna Bondartchouk artwork)*

Felting Nature: Amanita Mushrooms … November 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. in person. From the SPES website:

“Come hang out and needle felt a beautiful Amanita muscaria mushroom! Create your own wool toadstool that can be kept as a toy, an ornament, or a fantastic gift for a fungi fan in your life.

“By taking wool, a needle, and a bit of patience, needle felting can create any toy or sculpture that you can imagine. So bring a friend, have some tea, and learn a new craft. Note: felting needles are very sharp, this program is intended for ages 12+. Price includes felting wool for the project, a felting pad, a needle, and a finger protector.”

Information and tickets here.

ALL ABOARD THE TRAIN!

If you have reservations for the Stanley Park Train, check to ensure it is running before you leave home. The train was cancelled on October 17 because of a power outage, and then again on October 18 because of the atmospheric river.

Vancouver Park Board advises refunds were given, although members of the public are complaining about the arduous refund policy.

On October 22, the Park Board announced a 3 percent increase in train fares, which will help deflect park costs.

**Trees being removed near the horse carriage stand.**
*(Lyn Guy Photo)*

TREE REMOVAL RESUMES

The Park Board also posted that the removal of looper moth infected trees has ramped up again. The Chickadee and Eagle trails will have controlled closures of up to fifteen minutes, and Pipeline Road north of the wooden bridge will be closed to the public. They add that phase two will concentrate on areas the public uses adjacent to the Aquarium, Brockton Point, Chickadee trail and along the northwest seawall.

MISSING FRIENDS

Finally, regular early morning walks in Stanley Park allow one to greet the same early walkers. Many are seniors. What happens when one no longer meets a favourite morning walker? I don’t know. We hail one another and have brief, very friendly chats, but we don’t exchange telephone numbers or email addresses.

I am sadly missing two early morning fellow walkers.