THE POWER of THE KINGDOM of THE BIRDS

On the Brink of Extinction

The Taylor's Checkerspot is a sublime subspecies of the Edith's Checkerspot. Historically, it was found on southeastern Vancouver Island and in several locations in Washington and Oregon. But by the late '80's the Taylor's was completely extirpated from from southern Vancouver Island, and the last remaining population on Hornby Island disappeared by the mid '90's. On Jan. 1, 2000 it was finally listed as "endangered" under the Species at Risk Act. The Taylor's was clearly a victim of progress and development aka the destruction of nature and biodiversity. Unfortunately, it's required habitat of short-grass prairie was also the preferred habitat for human habitation and use.
South of the border, the fate of the Taylor's was no better. In 2001 it was a candidate for the endangered list and population declines in all known sites were precipitous.
Back in Canada, according to information from the SARA registry, the recovery plan involved strategies for the study and rehabilitation of Garry Oak ecosystems, but by 2006 the results of a number of action plans for four strategies seemed to be a total of ZERO.
Meanwhile, on the clearcut wastelands of Denman Island, a miracle unfolded. In 2005 Mikell Callahan and Jenny Balke made an incredible discovery - the Taylor's Checkerspot - TEN years after it was essentially extirpated from B.C. and in a completely unexpected habitat - no Garry Oaks! Whether the Taylor's was always there or a few adults were blown over from Hornby and started a new colony is strictly a matter of conjecture, but it was reason to rejoice.
Despite the discovery of a new population of Taylor's, there doesn't seem to be a new recovery plan in place. In fact, by law there needs to be a recovery plan. In 2007 the provincial government conducted a study on the Taylor's, and the Denman Conservancy seems to be committed to monitoring the situation, but there needs to be a proper RECOVERY PLAN. The plan needs to involve the ongoing study, identification, and protection of the food sources and habitat that the larva, pupa, and adults depend on for survival. A captive breeding program similar to ones in Washington might also be a good idea. Without this knowledge, the extinction of the Taylor's from Denman is a real possibility.
Of course, the problem is funding, but where there is a will, there is a way, and if all else fails, Denman should offer to host the next G8 Summit! In all seriousness, the Denman situation for the Taylor's is ideal for a recovery plan. It is a small confined island where public lands are accessible and private landowners are usually hospitable. Furthermore, there are skilled, knowledgeable, and competent local biologists and interested residents who would be capable of conducting the studies and implementing a recovery plan at half the expense of contracting outside organizations.
The Taylor's on Denman is a miracle and a gift of nature. It would be a shame if the gift were squandered.

Contrary to popular belief, the Taylor's does not seem to be dependent on Garry Oak ecosystems. If it were, its populations would be more stable considering there are still some reasonable Garry Oaks meadows around. My belief that it was strictly coincidental that historical populations of the Taylor's was found around the Garry Oaks. After all there used to be a lot of Garry Oaks.

The survival of the Taylor's on Denman suggests that it is adaptable and can survive in meadows and clearcuts before the clearcuts become forests again.

The Taylor's nectar on a variety of flowers including Scouler's popcorn (previous photo) and the western buttercup.
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BIRDS?

I was going to apologize for neglecting the birds in favor of the Taylor's Checkerspot, but I won't. The Taylor's is clearly endangered and its demise is imminent. We should all be concerned about its welfare and survival. We can't leave its existence in the hand of fate. If you have any ideas how to help, let me know or contact the Denman Conservancy.
As for the birds, how about, "Ho hum, Just Another White Raven." Yes, there was one new white fledgling this year along with 3 black siblings. If you've been with me for the past few years you'll know that the Qualicum area is the WHITE RAVEN CAPITAL OF THE WORLD. As usual, the best place to look for them is in the woods behind Ravensong Pool. Just listen for the calls. If they are around, you will be able to hear the raucous gang.
Over the past year I've had many emails regarding white ravens in the Comox Valley. I suspect that it is simply a case of range expansion for the local population. The local pair of black Common Ravens have been producing 1 to 3 white ravens a year for over a decade. I know of one that passed away at the NIRC but many probably survived and the Comox Valley is very close as the ravens fly.










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Denman Birds

I generally don't carry my bird lens to Denman and Hornby whole I'm working on wildflowers, butterflies, and scenery, but this week I decided that I would have time to look for a few birds. (I also knew it was time to work on a new journal.) I'm glad I did as it was redhead day. I had stopped on Central Road to look for a Willow Flycatcher. I heard one there on my last trip. It didn't take long to hear the fitz-bew. I stopped and set up the camera then headed for the flycatcher. As I plowed through the brush a woodpecker floated by me about 5 m over my head then landed on a nearby snag. It flew off the snag circled and then flew back - it was a Red-breasted Sapsucker (redhead #1). It repeated the short flight several times allowing me to get into a reasonable position. I noticed it had a mouthful of insects. I suspected a nearby nest. Sure enough, after another small flight, it zipped to a snag in the marsh and quickly fed its young. The nest was too far for a decent shot.




On the way back to the road I spotted a pair of Willow Flycatchers chasing around the broom bushes. One landed on a small fir just close enough for a photo.

While watching the flycatcher a pair of birds flew in. One dove into the broom bushes while the other landed in a nearby tree. It was redhead #2, a gorgeous male Western Tanager. The male waited patiently for his lady while I got about 50 sweet shots.

I bet I'm not alone in rating the tanager as one of my favorite summer birds.

Next I decided to check the trees along Chickadee Road. The songs of the Swainson's Thrushes emanated from all parts of the forest. I finally spotted one deep in the shadows of some trees. Warbling Vireos were also abundant, but my best view was one at 30 m. (100').

Almost forgot about the Pacific-slope I found at Tribune Bay. It's another shade-loving bird.

Killdeer at Filongly Park with the old broken-wing decoy trick. Same place I found the Western Tail-tip (title photo).
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Bird Poster

My poster is on display at: Victoria - Swan Lake Nature House



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