July 2019
Spring has been a kaleidoscope of weather! For several months it has been hard to predict if the temperature, at any given point in time, will require furnace or AC! 
 
The thunder and lightning storms of the last few weeks have had most of us on edge, here in the valley, given the wildfire and smoke situation in BC the last couple of years.  We've been very lucky, so far, that any lightning-sparked fires in the area have been quickly and effectively dealt with - many thanks to quick responders! The rainfall that has accompanied most of the storms has been a boon as well.
 
So here we are in the first weeks of summer and, as I write this, with clear skies, sunshine and moderate temperature. Enjoy!
 
Smiles!,

Pamela Sabo
Administrative Assistant to the Head of Conservation Programs
 
THE BATS HAVE A NEW ABODE!
Early in May a new "Bat Condo" went up on posts along the trail loop near the visitor centre. As the old interpretation centre will be removed in the near future, this new roosting structure was installed to provide "habitat" for the bats that currently live in the centre. From experience with the one built in 2010 near Duck Lake, it shouldn't take long for the bats to find it!
 
SWALLOWS HAVE MOVED IN!
Beginning in late May, a pair of Barn Swallows was observed near the Swallow Hotel and they began nest construction in one of the nest cups.  By the end of June a full clutch of eggs was laid in the nest and they are expected to hatch any day!
Barn Swallow Shelter
 
 
Nest Cup
 
 
 Barn Swallow Eggs
 
 
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT MONITORING
We conducted our annual survey for cormorant on June 17th, 2019.  We have not finished counting the nests yet.  We started monitoring in 2014 and this is the fourth count in five years.  The number of nests has remained relatively stable since 2014:  180 (2014), 190 (2016), 179 (2017), 181 (2018).  That being said, if each nest produces 3-5 young, there could be close to 1500 cormorants at one time near the end of the summer and luckily, the wetland appears to be able to support a number of fish-eating birds, including herons, pelicans, grebes, eagles and ospreys. 
 
This is a view of the cormorant colony from above.  The "guano" from the cormorants seem to be detrimental to the cottonwoods in which this species likes to nest.
 
Administration Building Hours
 
 
Regular business hours are:
 
Monday to Friday
 
9 am to 4 pm
(closed from 12-1)
 
 
 
Winter 2018-19
Wetlander Newsletter
and
Annual Report
 
 
The Winter edition of the Wetlander newsletter is available for viewing.  Check out the articles on Turtles, Grebes,Bullfrogs, Tree Swallows,  the new Kootenay-Columbia Society Discovery Centre, Photos and more!
 
The 2017 Annual Report is also included in this issue.
 
To read the latest Wetlander, click here.
 
The CVWMA Trails are Open Year Round.  Be prepared for winter conditions...
 
 

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Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority
PO Box 640
Creston, BC V0B 1G0

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