Tag Archives: Sonora Island

Animals

The Call That Changed Everything: Western Screech Owls Return to Cortes Island

Originally published, as part 7 of the Cortes Island Resonance series by the Cortes Community Radio Society.

“The only word I can find to describe that feeling… is gobsmacked,” exclaimed field biologist Sabina Leader Mense. 

She was referring to the moment she heard a Western Screech Owl respond during a call playback survey near Bullock Bluff on Cortes Island. It was nearly midnight, the final station of the night, and her team had conducted over a hundred surveys without a single response. This owl’s call — unmistakable and repeated 12 times — marked the first confirmed sighting since 2017.

Continue reading The Call That Changed Everything: Western Screech Owls Return to Cortes Island →
Animals

Earthday & the New Exhibits at Wild Cortes

2 Comments

It was Earth Day at Wild Cortes, Cortes Island’s centre for natural history, community science and collaborative conservation.

“It is a very exciting place to be, with new displays coming in every year, always on Earth Day. That’s probably the most important thing to say. It’s Earth Day, so let’s celebrate,” explained Sabina leader Mense, a professional advisor to Wild Cortes. 

The centrepiece of this year’s displays is the ‘Humpback Comeback’ section highlighting the stunning recovery of Humpback Whales in our local waters. 

Continue reading Earthday & the New Exhibits at Wild Cortes →
Politics

Area C Director’s Report: forests & forestry

From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney

Every day our daylight is expanding, and winter is melting away in the rearview mirror. When we raise our eyes and scan about, we see the state of the world is quite something: tariff uncertainties affecting employment in our region, repeated threats to Canada’s sovereignty, and a continued news blackout on Facebook, where many folks gather & share. Despite these dark clouds, there is good happening here at home!

Continue reading Area C Director’s Report: forests & forestry →
Water

Bulk Water Regulations For The Outer Islands

At their December 11 meeting, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) Board passed a bylaw to regulate bulk water processing, bottling and sales on Read, Maurelle, Sonora, Stuart, and the Rendezvous islands.

Three Campbell River Directors voted against receiving the staff report for this bylaw.

Director Susan Sinnott explained,  “I just want to hear from staff, the reasons necessary. Is there a pending application for people to bulk water in the Desolation Sound Area? Is there an imminent issue?” 

Continue reading Bulk Water Regulations For The Outer Islands →
Politics

Director’s Report: gratitude, grants-in-aid, & wharves

From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney

Festive greetings! I’m sending you wishes for warmth and joy during this season of long dark nights, and I hope you enjoy some quality time with those who are dear to you.
 
Gratitude to volunteers
It’s wonderful what an engaged and involved community ours is. Shoutout of gratitude to the many many islanders volunteering across the islands, building community. During 2024 I’ve had a chance to work with a spectrum of volunteers and I’m so grateful for everyone’s dedication.

Continue reading Director’s Report: gratitude, grants-in-aid, & wharves →