Comox Valley Nature is hosting an online lecture by Dan Strickland.
The lecture, entitled 2020 Update on Paradise Meadows Canada Jay Research is on Sunday, Sept. 20, 7-9 p.m.
Given the current situation with the COVID-19 virus, Comox Valley Nature has made arrangements to have a live, online webinar for Dan’s presentation. To register, go to:
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5448419174374007054
Computer requirements can be checked at:
https://link.gotowebinar.com/help-system-requirements-attendees
Priority will be given to the CVN members. Free available seats will be allocated to non-members. If you cannot get in, the session will be recorded and will be available free of charge to the public on the CVN website.
The Canada jay has three recognizable races that all meet in British Columbia. The one in the mountains of Vancouver Island and the mainland coast is the most distinct and for 60 years was even considered to be a distinct species called the Oregon jay.
Strickland began a study of a population of these jays at Paradise Meadows in 2016 and in the last four years has learned that they are even more distinct than we realized, not only in appearance but also in their social organization and nesting. Dan will tell us what he has learned in this 2020 update on his work and speak about the possible restoration of these Pacific Coast birds to the status of separate species.
Strickland was born in Ontario and educated at the Universities of Toronto and Montreal. For 30 years he was the Chief Park Naturalist of Algonquin Provincial Park where he was responsible for the development of two world-class museums, a major publications program, a system of 17 interpretive trails and a summer program of hikes and slide talks on park human and natural history. As a side project he also carried on a behavioural study of colour-banded Canada Jays now in its 58th year and one of the longest-running studies of its kind in the world. Now, in retirement, he has expanded the scope of his Canada jay studies to include research into the race found in the coastal mountains of BC and the northwestern U.S.
This is an excellent opportunity for the public to learn more about the Canada jay populations in our area.
Comox Valley Nature is a non-profit society affiliated with BC Nature, consisting only of unpaid volunteers. CVN fulfills its educational mandate by hosting monthly lectures, organizing free weekly guided hikes for members, and a free monthly walk open to the public. Comox Valley Nature also supports specialized groups (Birding, Botany, Marine & Shoreline, Conservation, Garry Oak Restoration, Wetland Restoration, Photography and Young Naturalists Club) which have separate monthly activities. Membership in BC Nature and Comox Valley Nature is $30 per adult or for a family.
Founded in 1966, it is one of the oldest environmental societies on the North Island. Meetings and lectures of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society are normally held on the third Sunday of most months at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Ave., Courtenay. However, we are currently hosting presentations by online webinars. Meetings and guided walks are open to the public, including children and youth. The lectures are free, though a $4 contribution from non-members is appreciated. New memberships are always welcomed.
Anyone interested in this lecture or participating in CVNS activities can also contact us at the website http://comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/