The Similkameen News Leader
Sports Page
NATURALISTS REPORT SPRING ACTIVITY
On April 23rd, the Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists enjoyed a beautiful spring morning ramble from Martin Lake to Swan Lake. The serenading of the chorus of Meadowlarks in the open stretches delighted us. Along the way we admired the carpeting of Western Spring Beauty (often referred to as Indian potatoes) under the pine trees. The blue of the Blue-eyed Mary also was a delight to the eye. Dispersed through out was yellow bells, (Fritilaria lanceolata) shooting stars, and the beginnings of Yarrow and Old Man's Beard as well as the ubiquitous butter cup. We stopped at the Bird Blind at Swan Lake to observe the Ducks. We estimated over fifty ducks on the lake and a variety of different types, and we noted Ruddy Ducks, Buffleheads and Barrow's Goldeneye. We were delighted to see the Western male and female Mountain Bluebird sitting on their boxes along the fence that members of the Field Naturalists had built. The colour of the Violet-Green Swallows was stunning and we enjoyed the "twitter pattering" of the birds between each other. Our last speaker at our Naturalists Meeting, Mark Gardner talked about Bird Vocalization and that some birds need to learn from example and their sounds will be indicative from that area and other birds all sing the same song. So being aware of that information made listening to the birds singing that much more amazing. Other species noted along the way were Northern Flickers, Kestrels, Red Winged Black Bird, and Coots. On the way back Old Man Turtle (Western Painted) was sunning himself on a log on Martin Lake.
A wonderful walk with eight appreciative walkers and birders and some of us went back to Joan's for tea.
Earlier in April a Hardy Group were challenged with a 4-hour hike up Johnny's Hat with Peter Antonick. Our next walks for May will be a "Mystery Outing" which could be to the head waters of the Tulameen River with Trish Reid (295-6002) on May 14 and May 28, Don Burbidge (295-6009) will be taking us up Polecutter Road into the meadows above Sterling Creek. There should be lots of flowers and bird song. This should be a relatively easy walk through the rolling landscape. If this sounds like something you would like to do, call either or those numbers for further information.
Our next evening meeting is May 9th at 7pm and our speaker will be Harold Bauerbough, who will give us a talk on the flora of the Okanagan Valley. The public is invited to attend these evening sessions.
Submitted by Cathie Yingling
PRINCETON LADIES FASTBALL ACTION
Billy's Restaurant sponsors Princeton Ladies Fastball team. The ladies played a double-header Thursday, April 28th in Penticton.
The first game was against Leonaıs team with Billyıs Babes victorious 7-5. The second game was a 2-1 victory over the Midgets. Tania Simon was strong on the mound with Erica Timms exhibiting aggressive base running.
The next scheduled game for the ladies is at 7:00 PM May 5th at Lions Park, Penticton. Home games are set for May 15 and 29 at Memorial Park at 1:00 PM.
The ladies team thanks Randy and Billy's for their support.
