Saturday, March 11, 2006:
Fifteen Nats thoroughly enjoyed a bright sunny day, which started with a bit of a breeze and the sighting of a red-tailed hawk. The breeze either abated or we forgot about it, as we clambered up a small hill onto the Genelle Bluffs and admired the panoramic view of the Columbia River and the snow-covered slopes of the Grassy Mountain area. We roamed around on this fairly easy four kilometre walk, generally heading north, along cliff edge and powerline road. We eventually stopped for lunch, all the while astounded by the enhanced perspective of an area locals too often take for granted. The lure of The Pinnacles led us ever onward, as we marveled at the sights and/or sounds of bald eagles, black-capped chickadees, flickers, the ubiquitous ravens and crows, and a hairy woodpecker! All agreed that our view of The Pinnacles, from directly below, was very much worth the walk. We surveyed where it would be possible to gain access to their base along a scree slope, or perhaps come in from the north. Though this would be beyond the realm of the WKNA, I would not be surprised if our own little mountain goat does not lead the KMC up there in the not too distant future!
Margo Saunders

Saturday, March 18, 2006:
The snow was gone and spring was just around the corner as a group of twelve Nats and two guests made their way through the woods and up the Yellow Pine Trail. A few winter wrens and Oregon juncos were heard in the tree tops – hard to spot in spite of the dry, dead vegetation. We made our way up to the highest viewpoint and rested awhile, enjoying a superb view of Lower Arrow Lake and a tugboat maneuvering a log boom down below. A definite sign of spring was spotted near the bench down below – a cluster of crocuses pushing up through the soil, about to burst into bloom. Evidently planted by some person, perhaps they are to mark the grave of a beloved pet. The sun came out, lighting up the magnificent bark of the yellow pines, as we continued westward along the trail. The sound of running water flowing in the creeks was another sure sign that spring wasn’t too far off. We made our way back down to the road, climbing over several fallen trees along the way. After a leisurely lunch at Syringa Creek Park we made our way back along the beach trail, observing pussy willows and hazel catkins along the way, along with the inevitable Canada geese. Thanks for inviting us, Sharon. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the company of knowledgeable people. I even know what a Golden Crowned Kinglet looks like now!
Veronica Pellerine

Saturday, March 18, 2006: (a bonus report!)
Droplets of rain began to fall as twelve Nats and two guests climbed into their cars after a sunny hike along the Yellow Pine Trail in the Syringa Creek area. Sharon Lelliott led our enthusiastic and very chatty group along the trail to the Lookout. There, we toasted ourselves in the sunshine while admiring the views of the Lower Arrow Lake. Floating on the lake were the common Canada Geese, Mallards and Buffleheads. Sharon had us listening to the joyful song of the winter wren and brought to our attention sightings of the Slate Colored Junco, and the Golden Crowned Kinglet, which we heard but didn’t see. Janet and Margo took pictures of a fungus which was quite large, with convoluted brown edges. Janet sent the photo via internet to Professor Fowler, and he identified it as a Bracket Fungus. On our ride back to Castlegar, Sharon pointed out a Shrike sitting on a tree top. We want to welcome our new friends Shirley and Felicity to the Nats, and Veronica and Elmer as our guests. We hope that you will join us again.
Pat Thomson

Saturday, March 25, 2006:
Ten Naturalists enjoyed a pleasant walk to just past the 4km marker on Grohman Creek Road. About a third of the way was on shallow snow. Birds seen or heard were: Oregon juncos, robins, black-capped chickadees, varied thrush, winter wren, bohemian waxwings, golden-crowned kinglets, ravens, and a goshawk making the ravens stay under cover. There were many elk and deer tracks but the only mammals we saw were a yellow-bellied marmot and squirrels.
Ed Beynon