Trout Creek Ecological Reserve-Warden’s Report

Ecological Reserve Warden Laurie Rockwell sent this report for his visit to the Trout Creek ER on the 4th of October, 2015.

• cool at 6c with an off an on breeze,more vigorous on higher slopes,but warm sunshine at times felt good!
• I saw or heard 12 species of primarily forest birds birds,including all three nuthatches. I was very pleased to see a Steller’s Jay that is in the area all year,but infrequently in the reserve.Families of Clarke’s Nutcrackers were every where. Unfortunately,no migrating Sandhill Cranes.
• In flower were Douglas Knotweed (Polygonum douglasii) and Rabbitbush( Ericameria nauseosa). Dalmation Toadflax (Linaria genistifolia) is already sending up green shoots,well before snow arrives, to no doubt getting a head start in the spring. This has been a banner year for the spread of cactus(Opuntia fragilis and maybe O.polyacantha?). There are many Ponderosa Pine seedlings growing near the 12th green of adjacent golf course,no doubt due to the over flow watering from the adjacent golf course.
• I saw no insects.
• I saw a few deer tracks one clump of scat,not the usual spread of ‘raisins’–I believe this is due to the diet.
• I saw no signs of human activity.
• fence repairs are needed.