In Our Backyard: Western Meadowlark
April 22, 2025The Thompson-Nicola region echoes with the bright, flutelike whistles of the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), a characteristic songbird of open country. This member of the New World blackbird family Icteridae,...
In Our Backyard: Mountain Beaver
March 6, 2025The Thompson-Nicola region is home to a fascinating, yet elusive resident: the mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa), an ancient and unique rodent that plays a vital role in our forest ecosystems....
In Our Backyard: Veery
February 7, 2025The Veery in the Thompson-Nicola Region: A Glimpse into a Secretive Songbird The Thompson-Nicola region is host to the elusive veery (Catharus fuscescens), a small thrush renowned for its haunting,...
In Our Backyard: Spotted Owl
January 6, 2025The Enigmatic Spotted Owl: A Symbol of Old-Growth Forests in the Thompson-Nicola The spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) is a captivating and elusive bird, a true denizen of old-growth forests, including...
In Our Backyard: Rusty Cord-Moss
December 5, 2024The rusty cord-moss (Entosthodon rubiginosus) is a small, endangered moss species found in specific saline and alkaline environments within the Thompson-Nicola region of British Columbia. This delicate plant, often overlooked...
In Our Backyard: Williamson’s Sapsucker
November 8, 2024The Williamson’s sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) is a captivating woodpecker that graces the mountainous landscapes of western North America, including the Thompson-Nicola region of British Columbia. This species is renowned for...
In Our Backyard: Western Yellow-bellied (North American) Racer
October 9, 2024The Western yellow-bellied racer or North American racer (Coluber constrictor) is a slender, agile snake found in the dry grasslands of British Columbia’s southern interior. Racers have been seen moving...
In Our Backyard: Cliff Swallows
September 3, 2024Soaring Beauties Facing Challenges The cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) is a familiar sight in our skies during the summer. These social birds, easily identified by their buffy rump and dark...
