by Paula Kully –
The Friends of Shoal Harbour is a non-profit organization that has the mission to raise awareness about, and promote the protection of, the unique species of wildlife and habitat that are native to the Saanich Peninsula. With this in mind, the group periodically coordinates events that provides members, community leaders and the general public the opportunity to take a closer look and learn more about the work Friends of Shoal Harbour is so passionate about.
One such excursion to the Victoria Harbour and Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuaries was recently organized in partnership with Nature Canada and Eagle Wing Tours. Eagle Wing made its MV “4 Ever Wild” catamaran available to a group of mostly bird enthusiasts and biologists along with a few “regular people” who just wanted to see the birds, ride the waves, and maybe even sight a whale or two.
We were not disappointed as we set out on a blustery Sunday afternoon skimming over the Strait of Juan de Fuca like a rollercoaster diving through the ocean spray. The captain would periodically slow the boat and set it to idle as he pointed out specific species of birds that could be seen on the port or bow side. At that point, all the passengers would migrate to that side of the boat for a better look and photos.
Throughout the trip, our group was treated to sightings of eagles, surf scoters with their bright orange bills, great blue herons, red-necked grebe and fat seals lounging on the rocks.
Our first destination was Discovery and Chatham Islands off the shores of Oak Bay. En route, one of our guides told the tale of the Island’s famous lone wolf. Although he has been well publicized, he isn’t often spotted as wolves are by nature elusive creatures. The story is that he appeared around the same time Chief Robert Sam, a member of the wolf clan, died in 2012. It was our lucky day as we saw him standing on a knoll as we rounded the bend of one of the islands. He watched our boat and followed along shore for a while before sitting down as if posing for pictures. Many of those onboard were able to get some wonderful shots.
Next stop was Esquimalt Lagoon with wonderful views of the Fisgard Lighthouse from the water, along with sightings of hooded merganser and bufflehead ducks.
The Victoria Harbour and Esquimalt Lagoon Sanctuaries are part of a network of three federally-designated Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in the greater Victoria Area. The third is the Saanich Peninsula’s own 144-hectare Shoal Harbour.
Shoal Harbour Sanctuary encompasses Tsehum Harbour and Roberts Bay and is home to over 2,400 birds of 51 various species. Some of the common birds found at Shoal Harbour include the unusual horned grebe and the great blue heron, a year-round resident that is listed as a species of special concern with the Species at Risk Public Registry.
The largest majority of birds found there, however, are ducks such as green-winged teal, American wigeon, and buffleheads that claim the Harbour as their wintering habitat. Buffleheads have become synonymous with Sidney as the little duck was officially incorporated into the Town’s coat of arms in 1995. Additionally, through the efforts of the Friends of Shoal Harbour, “All Buffleheads Day” is celebrated every October 15, to mark the day these punctual birds return to the area for the winter.
Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary was established in 1923, followed by Esquimalt Lagoon and Shoal Harbour in 1931 making them the first in Pacific Canada. The intention of the sanctuaries is to protect migratory birds from excessive hunting for their meat and feathers, and to establish a network of protected natural spaces in the urban area of greater Victoria.
Today, these three sanctuaries make up the Urban Sanctuaries Project which has been initiated to celebrate and recognize the 100th Anniversary of the establishment of the 1917 Migratory Bird Convention Act. The Act along with public awareness and hard work by advocacy groups has ensured many species of birds and other wildlife once considered at risk of extinction, now flourish along the shores of the Salish Sea.
Photo courtesy @Photos in Nature by Nancy.
