Cones are a treat for me! Red Breasted Nut Hatch in Parksville
Ralph had the timing just right to catch this Red Breasted Nuthatch in Parksville helping himself to a seed while going down the tree head first! Did you know that the nuthatches smear conifer sap around their nest holes to deter predators?
I always wear my black cap! Wilson's Warbler in Parksville
Ralph was fast enough to catch up to this Wilson’s Warbler you can just see his black cap. This vibrant yellow bird is amazing. It is as if you were in a tropical jungle! Also, the warblers eat lots of bugs, a good friend for your garden.
Photography Courtesy of Ralph Hocken.
A neighbourhoood group call the ‘Moorecrofters’ are helping The Nature Trust of BC, a non-profit organization, raise $500,000 towards the purchase of the former United Church Moorecroft Camp which was recently purchased by the Regional District of Nanaimo. This valuable 85acre oceanfront property is now knows as MOORECROFT REGIONAL PARK!!
HOW MUCH DID IT COST TO ACQUIRE MOORECROFT REGIONAL PARK?
$4.8million – Purchase Price
$7.95million – List price for property in Sept2010
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE NATURE TRUST OF BC?
As outlined in the purchase agreement with the RDN, the Nature Trust of BC is now fundraising to contribute up to $500,000 of the purchase price.
GIVE A GIFT TO MOORECROFT
Help the Nature Trust of BC raise $500,000 towards the purchase of Moorecroft and restoration of facilities and nature trails.
You can donate HERE or phone 1-866-288-7878
Send cheque to
The Nature Trust of BC
260-1000 Roosevelt Crescent
North Vancouver, BC V7P 3R4
Tax receipts will be issued for all donations! Join the “Moorecrofters” in the opening of
Moorecroft Regional Park, June 18, 1 to 3pm, Hosted by the Regional District of Nanaimo.
Head to the Nanaimo harbourfront this Saturday, June 4th at 10:30am to see the start of the Van Isle 360 yacht race. Over 40 competitors will race around Vancouver Island in two weeks, a distance of 580 nautical miles.
Along the way, sailors will face certain hardships and unpredictable weather in such areas as Brooks Peninsula and Nahwitti Bar. In the 2001 race, the Tofino Coast Guard alerted a Polish factory ship who picked up the crew from the capsized “3D.”
In previous races, race organizers spent several anxious hours waiting for radio check-ins from yachts that could not be reached. This year, each boat has been given a transponder that will beam up the exact location via satellite.
Telus is this year’s sponsor and they have a very detailed website of the route, competitors and even past videos. Let’s hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable race.
Yes, I am a flashy lady! I am a Red-necked Phalarope
Ralph spotted this female Red-Necked Phalarope in the French Creek area, she is on her way to the northern tundra to breed. The females are larger and more brightly coloured and they pursue the males and it is the males who raise the young!
Photography courtesy of Ralph Hocken
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The Regional District of Nanaimo will be having free guided tours of Moorecroft Regional Park from 10:00 am to noon on Thursday May 19th. Phone the RDN to register as space is limited 250-248-3251.
At this time, there are no marked trails so it is very easy to become lost! Also, there are no washroom facilities.