Comox Valley Naturalists Society

Sunday, January 18, 2004
Members' Night

From colourful hummingbirds, to the colours of the rainbow, the diverse pursuits of several members of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society were featured at their meeting on Sunday January 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Filberg Seniors Lounge, 411 Anderton Ave. in Courtenay.

Chris Pielou’s presentation was titled "Three things most people don't know about rainbows." A mathematical ecologist and retired professor, Pielou is author of many books on natural history and ecology. She has always maintained that natural history covers more than plants and animals but includes all natural phenomena, and highlighted several unusual facts about the well-known optical occurrence.

Ed Dahl, current president of the CVNS, gave a video presentation featuring hummingbirds. Dahl has been filming wildlife for several years, combining a flair for photographic composition with close-up video technology. He was able to capture footage of hummingbirds as they were feeding as well as filming the birds being banded.

Betty Brooks presented "Alpine Oddities" - slides of some unusual plants and animals found while exploring the mountains of B.C. Brooks was the first female naturalist/interpreter to be hired in B.C. Parks. Her work has included research, interpretation and consulting, much volunteer work in parks and conservation projects, as well as continuing research on noted ornithologist/artist Allan Brooks Sr.

Ernie Sellentin gave a summary of the 2003 CVNS Wetland Habitat Restoration Project, as well as the plans for 2004, and more information about local invasive species. As project coordinator, Sellentin and his team removed invasive plants including purple loosestrife, yellow flag iris, and Japanese knotweed from the Courtenay River, estuary, and wetlands, and replanted with appropriate native species.

Click on a link below to view descriptions of previous guest speakers.