Tag Archives: Burnaby Lake

Three Years and Things are Still Ducky

We were contacted by Thor Diakow from Vancouver is Awesome to meet him and tell him about our fine feathered friend. It gave us the opportunity to reflect about what this bird has brought to the Burnaby Lake community.

PR. Public Relations. Permanent Resident.

As “Trevor” the Mandarin Duck approaches the “3 year requirement” for his permanent resident status, we figure he has done a lot of PR for for Burnaby Lake and Nature, since he decided to make it his home.

He first appeared on our radar in May 2018 and has delighted park users old and new since. The Burnaby Lake community has been respectful with our local celebrity and kept his presence relatively low key until his counter part in New York City’s Central Park “Hot Duck” shone the spotlight here and drew many people to Burnaby Lake Regional Park, some for the very first time.

There is never a guarantee you will see Trevor on your visit – whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit. Perhaps you have come to the park with the specific goal of seeing him, or you are on a walk for your physical and mental wellness, especially during the pandemic. But while you are here, maybe you will find your spark bird.

In birding, the term “spark bird” defines the one that ignites your interest in birds. Whether you are 5 or 75, there will be one that catches your eye and intrigues you enough to ask someone to identify it and you spend some time learning more. It doesn’t have be a rare fancy duck, but one that is more common here like its cousin – the beautiful Wood Duck, a dapper Northern Pin Tail, a sweet Chestnut-backed Chickadee or like a Red-winged Blackbird. This last one is the species that caught the attention of author Julia Zarankin, at age 35, and sent her on her birding journey as described in her memoir, Field Notes from an Unintentional Birder. And once you connect to birds, you are connected to Nature, which is part of the BLPA’s mission. We hope that you will return often and have the opportunity to enjoy and get involved with our activities once we are able to restart them.

Thor, an avid birder himself, was lucky enough that Trevor decided to show up just before he was about to leave (thanks for spotting him, Sheila Linn!) so he was able to get some footage and share his story on Vancouver is Awesome.

So if you are interested in birds, watch out for news about (Metro) Vancouver Bird Week, taking place May 8-16, 2021. Event details are still being sorted out, and will likely be a combination of webinars and socially distanced events as well as activities you can do you on your own or household group.

Metro Vancouver Regional Park Interpreters will be hosting a few bird related events with safety protocols in place

When visiting Burnaby Lake Regional Park, please follow the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks COVID-19 safety guidelines. While on Piper Spit, take turns to allow others to have the opportunity enjoy the views. When it is not possible to physically distance from others, please wear a mask. If you do want to feed the birds, please do not feed them bread, and only bring a reasonable amount of seed per person. You can see with the amount of people, they will not go hungry!

Remember – dogs are not allowed onto Piper Spit and must follow the Regional Park Canine Code of Conduct, and bicycles are not permitted on the park trails, only on the Central Valley Greenway.

You can send questions about birds or any topic on our Feedback Form here.

World Rivers Day

This year marks the 40th anniversary of BC River’s Day and the 15th Anniversary of World Rivers Day, but unfortunately, due to COVID-19, this year’s event on September 27 at Burnaby Village Museum is cancelled. We look forward to celebrating with you next year. This event has made a big contribution to our community. Learn about Burnaby`s waterways from home this year, as well as the restoration efforts to help protect these environments and how you could get involved.

Founder

Mark Angelo, a Burnaby resident, is the founder of BC Rivers Day and World Rivers Day. He is the former head of the BCIT Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation Program, and considered one of the leading river conservationists and has been recognized for his effort throughout Canada, receiving awards, recognitions and even the Order of Canada for his river conservation efforts. 

Burnaby’s Waterways

Did you know that the City of Burnaby has over 90 creeks, two lakes, and a river within its geographic boundaries? If you are exploring Burnaby’s waterways, you will discover many located within Burnaby parks. Please stay on trails to avoid damaging the natural vegetation next to streams, and follow all posted safety signs.

Here are videos about our watershed:

  • Saving Burnaby Lake
    This short film was produced by the City of Burnaby Community Heritage Commission to commemorate Burnaby’s 125th anniversary. It features the story of the preservation of Burnaby Lake.
  • Saving the Salmon; the Brunette River Story
    This short film was produced by the City of Burnaby Community Heritage Commission to commemorate Burnaby’s 125th anniversary. It features the story of the preservation of the Brunette River.
  • Urban Salmon in the Brunette River – Metro Vancouver
    The installation of the Cariboo Dam Fish Ladder, along with an improved fish habitat, has resulted in the return of salmon to the Brunette River and Stoney Creek.
  • Salmon Return to Still Creek
    Mark Angelo and others tell an inspiring story about salmon and the transformation of Still Creek, which was a long-abused urban stream in their community.

Click here to learn about the local streamkeeper groups that are active in Burnaby.

Click here to find out the legacy of stewardship at Burnaby Lake and the Brunette River.

Pop Up Display – Burnaby Lake Nest Boxes

Join us at our first pop up display of the year!

We’ll have our display set up so you can take a look at actual nest boxes and learn about this program that the BLPA first started in 1976.

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