Tag Archives: Common Nighthawk

Forests

Proposed Conservation Area In The Manson Bay Forest

The Nature Trust of British Columbia wants to purchase 35.7 acres in the Manson Bay Forest for a land conservancy. They have already raised about half of the necessary funding and have until December 31 to raise the remaining $408,000. 

“One of the landowners has come forward, and they’re interested in selling the land for conservation. They’ve never developed the land, and they’d like to see it stay in the intact condition that it is right now. We are working with them to purchase the land so that we can prevent the conversion of habitat to residential use and maintain the habitat values for the species at risk that live on Cortes Island,” explained Dr Jasper Lament, CEO of the Nature Trust of British Columbia.

Continue reading Proposed Conservation Area In The Manson Bay Forest →
Nature

This year’s recipients of the Jo Ann Green Ward: Laurel Bohart and Donna Collins

Laurel Bohart and Donna Collins were the recipients of this year’s Jo Ann Green Award. 

“We thought they encapsulated what the Joanne Green Award is about. We had a number of nominations, but we considered their’s to be the best because of all the work that they’ve done for Wild Cortes. They put in a lot of unseen work in the background to make the Wild Cortes exhibit the success it’s been, and they’re doing that as volunteers,” explained Helen Hall, Executive Director of the Friends of Cortes Island (FOCI).

Continue reading This year’s recipients of the Jo Ann Green Ward: Laurel Bohart and Donna Collins →
Animals

Possible increase of Cortes Island Nighthawk and Barn Swallow populations, fewer Herons  

The Friends of Cortes Island (FOCI) are reporting a possible resurgence of the island’s Common Nighthawk and Barn Swallow populations, but found fewer than normal Great Blue Heron nests. 

“FOCI has been interested in Species at Risk here on Cortes since we started. We have a section on our website about Species at Risk. You can go look them up. We love to engage the community. Each year, we put a spotlight on some Species at Risk to highlight them and bring awareness to the community. said Manuel Perdisa, Summer Intern with FOCI.

Continue reading Possible increase of Cortes Island Nighthawk and Barn Swallow populations, fewer Herons   →
Animals

Cortes Island 2023 Spring Bird Count & an app called ‘Merlin’

Local naturalist George Sirk was sick for the Cortes Island Spring Bird Count earlier this month, so bird watchers had to rely on a new app to help them identify species. This new app, called Merlin, is one of many topics that he and Nancy Kendel, from the Cortes Island Museum, discussed with Cortes Currents. 

The conversation started out with Kendel (NK) giving an overview:

Continue reading Cortes Island 2023 Spring Bird Count & an app called ‘Merlin’ →
Animals

Cortes Island’s Spring 2022 Bird Count

A total of 92 species are listed in Cortes Island’s Spring 2022 Bird count. More than 20 birders participated, including local naturalist George Sirk who started the day off as a guide on board the Misty Isles. This year’s count was expanded to include Mitlenatch island, where Sirk served as a naturalist in 1969 and 71.

Continue reading Cortes Island’s Spring 2022 Bird Count →