Sandy Fairfield

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Pygmy owl under MARS’ care dines on a mouse.

Ferocious little owl a patient hunter

MARS MOMENT: One species of owl that is the smallest owl in Canada, has been nicknamed the Feathered Fireball

Pygmy owl under MARS’ care dines on a mouse.
Northern pygmy owls are the smallest kind of owl found in Canada.

Owls come in large and small sizes

The northern pygmy owl stands only seven inches tall and has a wingspan of 14 to 16 inches...

Northern pygmy owls are the smallest kind of owl found in Canada.
Sharp shinned hawks are often confused for Cooper’s hawks and sometimes merlins (which are falcons).

Sharp shinned hawk down

MARS MOMENT: The bird was taken back to Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS) where it was examined for injuries and identification

Sharp shinned hawks are often confused for Cooper’s hawks and sometimes merlins (which are falcons).
Trumpeter swans, such as these pictured above, flock to the area every winter for their seasonal sanctuary.

A winter sanctuary for elegant birds

Trumpeter swans return to the Comox Strathcona region every winter

Trumpeter swans, such as these pictured above, flock to the area every winter for their seasonal sanctuary.
BIG-EARED TOWNSEND'S bats and others of their kind are the only mammals that truly fly.

Bats ‘fascinating little mammals’

Halloween conjures up everything "spooky" and many creatures are feared when in actual fact they are harmless and really cool

BIG-EARED TOWNSEND'S bats and others of their kind are the only mammals that truly fly.
THE RAIL'S ABILITY to compress its body laterally led to the expression 'thin as a rail.'

Virginia rail ‘elusive and secretive’

Even some of the most avid, patient birders have never recorded a sighting of this intriguing marsh bird...

THE RAIL'S ABILITY to compress its body laterally led to the expression 'thin as a rail.'
If you find seals on the beach try not to rescue them, they can be very aggressive and they have sharp teeth.

MARS MOMENT: Hard not to find seals enchanting

Seals are a wildlife species that are loved by many naturalists but fishermen are not so enamoured

If you find seals on the beach try not to rescue them, they can be very aggressive and they have sharp teeth.
CUTE HARBOUR SEALS compete with anglers for the fish they both prize so highly. The Pacific harbour seal, the best-known kind in this region, is elegant in water, yet very clumsy on land.

Seals loved by naturalists but not always fishermen

Seals are one of the most common marine mammals found in our local waters; they are also a controversial issue to many people

CUTE HARBOUR SEALS compete with anglers for the fish they both prize so highly. The Pacific harbour seal, the best-known kind in this region, is elegant in water, yet very clumsy on land.
Large mammals like cougars and bears are out this time of year foraging in preparation for the winter.

MARS MOMENT: Wildlife encounters increase this time of year

In the next several weeks the large mammals, bears and cougars will be out foraging on fruit and small mammals

Large mammals like cougars and bears are out this time of year foraging in preparation for the winter.
FEARLESS, ADVENTURESOME, INQUISITIVE and sometimes too friendly the grey jay or “whiskeyjack” is one of the most common all-year residents that can withstand harsh winter weather.

MARS: Treasures to be found in Strathcona Park, Mount Washington

One of my favourite pastimes in the summer months is to visit and enjoy the many treasures found in Strathcona Park and Mount Washington.

FEARLESS, ADVENTURESOME, INQUISITIVE and sometimes too friendly the grey jay or “whiskeyjack” is one of the most common all-year residents that can withstand harsh winter weather.
HUMMINGBIRDS ARE DESCRIBED by MARS educational co-ordinator Sandy Fairfield as 'one of nature’s most spectacular birds.'

Hummingbirds, ‘remarkable little birds’

There are over 300 species of hummingbirds in the world and they are only found in the Western hemisphere.

HUMMINGBIRDS ARE DESCRIBED by MARS educational co-ordinator Sandy Fairfield as 'one of nature’s most spectacular birds.'
This little Ana’s hummingbird came in for treatment at Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society after it appeared to have collided with a window.

MARS MOMENT: The always amazing hummingbird

Many hummingbirds are named after vibrant colors – amethyst, emerald, ruby and sapphire

This little Ana’s hummingbird came in for treatment at Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society after it appeared to have collided with a window.
The bands on this pigeon's legs show that it is from Japan.

Racing pigeon makes long flight from Asia

They discovered the pigeon's natural instinct to return to their home if they were taken to a different location

The bands on this pigeon's legs show that it is from Japan.
This pigeon flew across the Pacific from its home in Japan six years. As unlikely as that is, it happened again last month with another pigeon.

MARS MOMENT: Japanese pigeon flew the coop in epic journey

When we think of a pigeon it is often with negative thoughts

This pigeon flew across the Pacific from its home in Japan six years. As unlikely as that is, it happened again last month with another pigeon.
TWO TURKEY VULTURES returned recently to MARS after they were sent to another wildlife centre for rehabilitation.

Turkey vultures not regular guests at MARS

These vultures are a common sight in the early summer skies as they soar on the air currents, keeping a nose out for their dinner.

TWO TURKEY VULTURES returned recently to MARS after they were sent to another wildlife centre for rehabilitation.
Turkey vultures have some unique characteristics but they serve a purpose.

MARS MOMENT: Turkey vultures have some pretty disgusting habits

Last week saw the return of two patients that were rescued and have spent almost a year in captivity

Turkey vultures have some unique characteristics but they serve a purpose.
This orphaned, baby raccoon was brought to the MARS rehabilitation centre in Merville recently.

MARS MOMENT: Masked bandit’s ability to adapt ensures survival

Highly intelligent and inquisitive, raccoons have been nicknamed “nocturnal bandits”

This orphaned, baby raccoon was brought to the MARS rehabilitation centre in Merville recently.
ALTHOUGH RACCOONS APPEAR to be “warm and fuzzy,” they can become very aggressive. Their sharp teeth and claws can inflict some nasty wounds.

Raccoons dubbed ‘nocturnal bandits’

These mammals belong to the same family as coatis and ringtails, and they are found throughout North and South America...

ALTHOUGH RACCOONS APPEAR to be “warm and fuzzy,” they can become very aggressive. Their sharp teeth and claws can inflict some nasty wounds.
A great blue heron catches a tasty meal.

Great blue herons ‘masters of camouflage and patience’

Elegant and graceful, great blue herons are one of nature's most beautiful birds...

A great blue heron catches a tasty meal.
THE MOUNTAINAIRE AVIAN Rescue Society in Merville has rescued two beavers this year.

MARS rescues two beavers

Next to capybaras, beavers are the largest semi-aquatic rodents in the world. These animals are found across Canada.

THE MOUNTAINAIRE AVIAN Rescue Society in Merville has rescued two beavers this year.