Neat Photos from around the BCFDC

Marsh grasses illuminated by the morning sun - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

In spirit with the BCFDC's 2011 photo contest, I have compiled some neat shots of the flora and fauna at the Centre, to give just one idea of what type of subject matter you could capture! There is an abundance of critters big and small on site, and any one of them could be the subject of YOUR winning entry!

Photo contest rules and entry forms can be picked up at the Admissions desk during open hours. Cash prizes for first through fourth place will be awarded in each category. Categories include Youth (0-12 years), Teen (13-19 years) and Adult (20+).  The submission deadline for photos is Wednesday, August 31st 2011. We look forward to your entries! 

Enjoy the following photos and get inspired!

Butterfly on the gravel path of the Somenos Marsh Walk - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

A unique photo showing a "staff only" view of the trestle. One of the benefits of being a staff or volunteer at the Centre is the ability to go places visitors cannot - due to extra training and knowledge about operation protocols.  - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Foxgloves, one of many species of wildflowers on site, beside the Blacksmith Shop - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Snowing cottonwood! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Marsh plants at the edge of the Somenos Marsh - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Antique Truck Show 2011

Logging Crummy at the 2010 Antique Truck Show! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

The huge success of last year's Antique Truck Show has led to another event this summer! On Saturday and Sunday, August 20th and 21st the 2nd Annual Antique Truck Show will be held at the BC Forest Discovery Centre. Seventy vintage vehicles were on site last year and many were featured in live parades around the site.

This event highlights the involvement of lumbering and logging vehicles in the development of the forest industry in the Cowichan region and coastal British Columbia. Visitors can get close up and personal with the machinery!

The Centre has added a cool new piece of equipment to it's collection this year with the donation of a 1952 Chevy by Ken McKinnon. This truck is the original Pacific Builder's delivery truck and has been restored to pristine condition.  You will be able to see it at the truck show representing the lumber industry in British Columbia.

Other activities happening at the truck show include hay rides for the kids and steam train rides leaving Alderlea Station every half hour from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Antique truck owners wishing to participate in this event may find more information on the website at http://discoveryforest.com/ or by calling 250.715.1113

~By Marcie Callewaert

BC Day Fun in the Sun!

 The sun was out for BC Day, and so were the clowns! Sparkle and Sweezie entertained young and old with their creative lyrics and fantastic costumes!

The next performance from the Children's performance series will be on Sunday, August, 14th with Micheal Machek Illusionist!

Here are some photos from their energetic performance!

Sparkle and Sweezie performing on our wonderfully decorated stage at the lower grounds! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Osprey Sightings!

 An osprey has been regularly spotted at the Centre over the past week. It has been seen perched on a tree at the south end of the trestle, flying overhead and enjoying a meal on a dead tree over the duck pond. The BCFDC is a great site for wildlife watching. Our proximity to the Somenos Marsh provides a great location for sightings of all types. There are reports of a momma deer with a fawn hanging around as well!

Here are some photos taken of this magnificent bird from last week.

The osprey staring straight at me while enjoying his meal! - photo by Marcie Callewaert

Overlooking the surrounding marsh - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

A california quail was also spotted along the tracks just opposite the Somenos Marsh Interpretive Sign.

A male california quail rests in the sun - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Happy BC Day!

Morning fog over Mt Tzhouhalem-  Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Happy BC Day everyone! We are celebrating in full party-mode with Sparkles and Sweezy the clowns, a bouncy castle, face painting and a kids craft!  Come by for a fun day and a ride or five on Samson, our 101-year old steam locomotive!

The children's performance begins at 1:30 on the stage at the lower grounds, but other festivities are beginning earlier in the day! Come early and bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and set up on the grass for a great performance. A candy concession will be open at the lower grounds as well.

Hope to see you soon!

~By Marcie Callewaert

Introducing Joey the Crow!

Joey resting in the shade in his favourite spot - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Joey is a fledgling crow that apparently fell out of his nest last week. Recently he has been hanging out on the tracks behind the bunkhouses. His parents feed him frequently and he does not seem to be in distress so we have left him undisturbed. Every time the locomotive comes around though, he hops off the tracks at the very last second - giving the engineer quite a scare sometimes when he cuts it a little too close!

Peter has nicknamed him Joey - and so he has been dubbed by the other staff members! Above is a photo of Joey, yesterday morning, resting on the tracks in the shade.

********* UPDATE*********

August 8, 2011

Joey is no longer hanging out on the tracks - which was a rather dangerous place for him to be! Though we don't know for sure that he has learned to fly.... I have lately seen an extra bird in the sky....

~By Marcie Callewaert

Eagle Update!

Juvenile Eagle in a tree overlooking the Somenos Marsh - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Juvenile Eagle atop a tree at the lower grounds- Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Adult Eagle parent of the three eaglets - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

This year the BC Forest Discovery Centre played host to three eaglets, successfully hatched on the lower grounds. These parent eagles have been building their nest here for many years. This is not their first successful batch - but it is still exciting! Two eaglets are definitely out of the nest and flying, and we believe one is still in the nest. They can be several weeks apart in their development. The two that are flying are mostly past their awkward flying stage, but can still be a bit wobbly at times!

Eaglets are larger than their parents for a while as they rapidly shoot up. They are like humans though, and shrink a little as they age! They will not reach maturity, and grow in their signature white heads and tails, until 5 or 6 years of age.

Stop by the BCFDC for a steam train ride and trip back in history in our reconstructed logging camp, and maybe you will glimpse one of nature's most majestic creatures soaring through the sky!