Enviro-Mike

05/27/2026

Not sure how mature this beautiful young vulture is, just encountered on the side of the road on our way by…

05/27/2026

Haven’t posted here for awhile, and there isn’t always time for photos! But today I had a moment on the ferry to snap a photo of the two baby herons now on their way to MARS. They had been observed being plucked from their nest by an eagle who had struggled to hang on to them both at the same time. Dropped in the process, intervention by the Denman observers was swift, as was pickup from me in Buckley Bay by another volunteer. One young bird definitely stronger than the other, but fingers crossed they both have a flighting chance after surviving such a harrowing experience.

Bald eagles are one of the primary predators for Great Blue Herons and regularly raid nests for eggs and chicks.

03/09/2025

https://r.pebmac.ca/https://cheknews.ca/rascally-beaver-rescued-by-vancouver-island-wildlife-centre-he-sure-did-love-to-destroy-his-pools-1242680/

A mischievous beaver that was found disoriented in a barn on Denman Island is now safely back in the wild after being cared for by the Mid-Island’s MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre.

07/08/2024

Excellent illustration of why it's NOT a good idea to give water to a bird (baby or otherwise) you find in distress. Call MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre (250-337-2021) if you find a bird you are concerned about and they will walk you through the next best steps. I can help with rescue and transport (when possible) to Vancouver Island when intervention is advised. MARS has volunteers that can be contacted to facilitate pickup and transport from Buckley Bay. Keeping the bird safe and calm by placing in a box with air holes is usually all that's necessary in the short term. This quiet 'private' space is least stressful and most helpful for the best outcome.

12/11/2023

Thanks to Melissa as well as those who were in touch the other day for taking an interest in the Canada Goose recognized as in distress over on East Road. While unavailable to assist at the time, I do have an update from our contact at MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre where the bird was kindly delivered the following day (thanks to all involved). As suspected by some islanders this goose did indeed test positive for HPAI (Avian Influenza). They were also emaciated and exhibiting seizure-like head twitching. Megan let us know today that, sadly, it was necessary that this Canada Goose be humanely euthanized.

The head tilting and going in circles that Melissa observed are among a variety of symptoms associated with Avian Flu. Also cloudy eyes. To familiarize yourself with other 'signs' and for more on this topic please visit the following page on MARS website:
https://marswildliferescue.com/avian-influenza-hpai/

Anyone who has handled an infected bird, not just those who may have contact with backyard poultry, is encouraged to take precautions. See the following guide from the BC Centre for Disease Control.http://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Avian_flu_How_can_I_protect_myself.pdf

09/11/2023

Xhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/27/put-pest-animal-species-on-the-pill-dont-cull-them-says-scientist?fbclid=IwAR3bwy5hITA9nFgpN-i8YB0hmSpGkWL3LIEntKospW_mkQ0F_vxet0x-qXs_aem_Ab-ZJmOea1_1TDJwF4EE2fQh3pO9i1P7uygC62woHYdUf4la5rycaRC1332vF0Yfa5zlyRynQQCJueRdB9USy7hL

Humane alternatives to killing rampant creatures such as wild boar, deer and grey squirrels are being developed

01/02/2023

"Bears are beautiful, sentient beings who are extremely large in personality, polite, and even empathetic. They also have a keen sense of community, and are not as solo and independent as people have suggested they are. They are peaceful, thoughtful, emotionally intelligent animals who truly love their kids. They are trustworthy, and that is especially true of a mother and her cubs. They have a jolly sense of humour, curiosity and compassion." ~ Ellie Lamb, Bear Viewing Guide - photo © Mike McIntosh

12/06/2022

10/12/2022

An important watch, available to view for free right now on CBC Gem.