Spring has Sprung ! Spring is one of the best times to enjoy the great outdoor environment that surrounds us. After a long winter of dormancy, hibernation, and migration all things are springing back to life. Deer - drive, walk or bike on Airport Way to the end of the pavement. Look along the roadside, look out onto the flats, look in the fields beside the road. Best opportunities are early morning or late evening. Avoid scaring the deer. Do not stop when you see them. If you see deer- look, enjoy, and keep moving as this will prevent them from running to hide. Drive to 6-Mile and use binoculars to look across the reservoir to the mouth of Begbie Falls. Many deer can be seen feeding on the grasslands at the mouth of the creek. Otter, muskrat, beaver-Look as you pass Montana Slough or park in the pullout by the mailboxes. If you are discovered they will swim away. Stay near the road for the best opportunity without frightening them. These animals are very rare near Revelstoke due to the fluctuating water levels of the reservoirs. Mountain Goats- Drive to Three Valley Gap and park on the frontage road. Look for tan or light brown spots on the rock bluffs. A pair of binoculars will help to distinguish clumps of snow and white rocks from the mountain goats. Drive to Albert Canyon. Sometimes you will see them right next to the highway licking salt from the side of the road. Look up on the cliffs on the north side of the highway. Elk-Drive to Greeley and look along the banks of the Illecillewaet River, along the banks of the highway and in the fields. Drive to Shelter Bay and look from Cranberry Creek bridge to the ferry. Bears-They can be viewed along Hwy 23 S especially near Cranberry Creek bridge after the banks of the highway green-up. Also can be seen in Glacier National Park on the avalanche paths near the highway after they start to green-up and before the shrubs leaf out. Eagles, Osprey, Hawks and Turkey Vultures- Check the trees and sky along Airport Way to the end of the pavement. Look near the Airport Wetlands, 6-Mile, and Cartier Bay. Look for Turkey Vultures soaring on thermal air currents along Westside Road to the Revelstoke Dam. Blue Heron and Swans- Check the Airport Wetlands, Montana Slough, and Cartier Bay. Swans can also be seen in the Eagle River near the Enchanted Forest and Skytrek. The Thompson River to the east of Kamloops also has swans at this time of the year. Waterfowl, Ducks, Geese-Upper Arrow Reservoir, Airport Wetlands, Downie Marsh, Montana Slough, 6 - Mile, Cartier Bay. Bring binoculars and a bird book. Stay near the road to prevent scaring them away. Song Birds-Yes we can all see that the robins are back but can we see the thrushes, the sparrows, the chickadees, the warblers, the juncos, or the swallows? Which ones can we hear? The best time to listen to birds is in the early morning before the sun rises. Even if you dont know the bird, we can all enjoy their song. Plants-Seems like a boring topic but now is the time to enjoy the new growth. Cottonwood Trees- Bike, walk or drive south on Airport Way especially before the sun rises. Breath deeply and enjoy the sweet and savory smell of the new cottonwood leaves. The One Mile Hill ( south of the Illecillewaet Bridge) and along the road before the airport are great places to put your nose to work. Birch, Alder, and Hazelnut- Finding the shrubs and trees in the forest means you need to know the differences. Look now at the deciduous shrubs and trees Which ones have catkins? A plant book will help to distinguish between the different plants. Catkins will soon fall and leaves will bud out. Enjoy this seasonal event while it lasts. Skunk Cabbage- Look in the Airport Wetlands and along any roadway where there is surface water in the trees. Highway 23 South from the Tum Tum south is a great place. The large bright green leaves and huge flowers are some of the first signs of spring.They smell skunky but not stinky. Enjoy this seasonal aroma. Words of Caution- Wildlife can be dangerous. Respect them and keep your distance so they can feed without disturbance. Remember they have been starving all winter and need all the food they can eat at this time of the year to rebuild their strength, give birth, and perpetuate their populations. Use a zoom lens instead of getting closer. A fact worth remembering - more people are hurt or killed by deer each year then by bears. Respect them and they will respect you. Safety First - dont become a traffic problem while walking, biking or driving. Remember that other traffic may not appreciate what you are doing and speed differences could cause traffic problems.Stay out of the way, Keep an eye on the road and on your mirrors. Pull over before stopping. Dogs - Keep your dogs under your direct control so they dont chase wildlife or disturb the birds. It is illegal for dogs to harass wildlife and once it occurs your opportunity to view them has been lost. Respect Private Property- Just like your own home, everyone has the right to their privacy. Do not trespass on private property. Know where the crown land and private property are. Just because there is no driveway, no house, or no signs does not give the public the right to enter onto private property. It is your responsibility to know before entering land. Ask for permission before entering private property. More To Come-Stay tuned for more seasonal observations and opportunities. Enjoy.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 04:02:57 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015