surrey-bc_biodiversity's Journal

Some great background info and video on one of our rarest birds in the Surrey area. This cryptic insectivore nests near waterfalls and other steep terrain with moist microclimates.
https://www.birdscanada.org/helping-to-unravel-the-mysteries-of-the-black-swift?

Thanks to one of our top observers, Frank Lin (@fylin), we've had these chunky cousins of the nighthawk identified in Surrey over the past few summers (https://inaturalist.ca/observations/125136000).

Which begs the question, where exactly are they nesting? We don't really have steep canyon-like areas or high waterfalls!

"Why are bird names important? We use names to identify and communicate about bird species. Names help us connect with and talk about birds in a meaningful way. There are many considerations for what makes a good name. For example, stability is important to the usefulness of names; the longer a name has been in use, the more likely it will be remembered, recognized, and attributed correctly. If a name is derogatory or conjures ill feelings for people, however, it detracts from the focus, appreciation, or consideration of the birds themselves. The AOS Council is committed to addressing such potential barriers to engaging a wide and diverse set of audiences in our shared enjoyment and study of birds."

Further info: https://americanornithology.org/about/english-bird-names-project/american-ornithological-society-council-statement-on-english-bird-names/

"Join the Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) and the Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS) for a national spooky BioBlitz from October 27th to November 1st!"

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/spooky-scary-bioblitz

Check out this post from sage iNat'r @stewartwechsler on techniques for capturing good fungi observations to help improve getting them ID'd.

https://inaturalist.ca/journal/stewartwechsler/86210-how-you-can-get-better-help-with-your-mushroom-id-s-than-we-can-give-you-with-just-a-view-of-their-tops

From the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation:
This fall, explore Metro Vancouver’s regional parks and greenways. Pay attention to plants, fungi, mosses, and wildlife you haven’t noticed before. Then simply snap photos of what you discover and share your photos on iNaturalist.

To be eligible for prizes, you will need to register on their website.
-All registered participants will be entered into 3 draws for a $100 gift certificate to Book Warehouse.
-Individual with the most observations will receive a $150 gift certificate to Book Warehouse.
-Individual with the most species observed will receive a $150 gift certificate to Book Warehouse.

Further info and to register: https://mvrpfoundation.ca/get-involved/regional-parks-snap-share/

*If you are in Surrey, observations from Tynehead and Surrey Bend Regional Parks will contribute to Surrey's community science program!

Great article from the Nature Conservancy on this dilemma.

"Sharing cool wildlife sightings has become an important component of citizen science efforts. We post wildlife photos on iNaturalist, we participate in backyard bird counts, you report unusual sightings to wildlife agencies. These activities can play important roles in conservation, enabling researchers to track larger trends."

"But there are times when sharing your sightings could put wildlife at risk. Instead of aiding conservation, you could be leading poachers to endangered species. When should you share and when do you stay quiet?"

https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/wildlife-sightings-share-or-stay-quiet/45430

NTD is celebrated every September on the Wednesday of National Forest Week.

Celebrating NTD on iNaturalist:
Document Trees: Continue to document and share your tree observations on iNaturalist. Every observation, whether it's a towering oak or a delicate sapling, adds to our understanding of tree species and their distribution.

Tree Health: Keep an eye out for signs of tree diseases or stress. Your observations can help researchers and conservationists identify and respond to threats to our forests. A project that the City of Surrey participates in is the transboundary Western Redcedar Dieback Map https://inaturalist.ca/projects/western-redcedar-dieback-map

Educate and Advocate: Share your passion for trees with your friends and family. Raise awareness about the importance of trees and the need for their protection. Check how the City of Surrey is managing its urban forest at https://www.surrey.ca/renovating-building-development/trees-yard-garden/protecting-surreys-urban-forest

To mark this National Tree Day, the Canadian Wildlife Federation is challenging all contributors to their Observation Nation project https://inaturalist.ca/projects/observation-nation-bioobservateurs to spend some time outdoors on September 20th and try to spot as many different tree species as you can. By document them on iNaturalist you will be entered to win a CWF backpack. One winner will be chosen via random draw from everyone who submitted a tree observation.

"Trees are the silent giants that shape our environment, provide us with oxygen, and serve as vital habitats for countless species. On this special day, let's reflect on the importance of trees and our role in preserving them."
Further information: https://treecanada.ca/national-tree-day/

Project ID: https://inaturalist.ca/projects/key-biodiversity-areas-of-canada

KBAs are a global system replacing the past IBAs (Important Bird Areas) to recognize areas that are exceptionally important for wildlife and biodiversity. Any site within terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems can be KBAs if they meet the standardized criteria thresholds for a KBA designation. The criteria used to identify KBAs include:

• Threatened biodiversity
• Geographically restricted biodiversity
• Aggregations of species
• High ecological integrity
• High irreplaceability for multiple biodiversity values

Surrey is part of the established Fraser Estuary KBA and new KBAs are being nominated for other parts of BC. This Umbrella Project summarizes observations from all Canadian KBAs. KBAs will be added to this project as they are accepted. Help add to the growing list of plants and wildlife observed at these sites by visiting a KBA near you!

For more information on KBAs, visit the KBA Canada website at www.KBAcanada.org

From the Invasive Species Council of BC.

"Labour Day Weekend is the last long weekend of the summer. Whether you are making the most of it by camping, boating, hiking, or sticking close to home, when you pay close attention to the plants and animals all around you, you’re taking part in community science – playing a vital role in our understanding of native biodiversity and tracking new infestations of invasive species. Protect your favourite summer spots this summer by taking photos and uploading them to our project on iNaturalist. If you see any unusual plants or weeds, be sure to also upload them to the Province’s Report Invasives App which go directly to provincial invasive species experts who will follow up as needed. "
Read more about the BioBlitz: https://bcinvasives.ca/news/iscbc-end-of-summer-bioblitz-september-2nd-4th-2023/

Project page: https://inaturalist.ca/projects/iscbc-end-of-summer-bioblitz

A PSA from the Province of BC:
Do you spend time monitoring, photographing or observing insects? If so, your help is needed to watch for and report invasive and migratory insect pests that harm plants, causing damage to Canada’s environment, farm lands, forests, parks and other natural areas. Early detection is critical for slowing the spread of these insect pests.
View the poster for your region to learn more about priority insect pests to watch out for. Use the QR code to report your detections!

This initiative is a collaborative project developed by the Insect Surveillance Community of Practice of the Canadian Plant Health Council, a multi-partner body that coordinates action for the protection of plant health in Canada.

Download and print out the poster for BC and use the QR code to to report your detections!
https://canadainvasives.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Reporting-Priority-Insects-Poster_BC_2023.pdf

P.S., many of our native insects can appear quite similar to these invasive ones on the 'hit' list. Please take time to ID our observation and check range maps and other relevant info to ensure accuracy before reporting!