From: Jack Bowling[SMTP:jbowling at direct.ca]
Sent: July 15, 1998 8:27 AM
To: Bowling,Jack [PYR]
Subject: Fwd: TWEETERS digest 1456

Tom M. had asked -

<<<<< We are planning on doing the Bowron Lake canoe circuit Aug 1-8. We will
also
likely have one or two days to play tourist, since we do not have a
reservation to enter the park. We'll have to get one of the first come first
serve
entrance permits. Does any one in Tweeters' Land have any suggestions
regarding Birding in that area and on the canoe circuit itself? Also are
there any recommendations regarding field guides for the area. I normally use
Petersen's Western Bird's and my partner normally uses the Golden field
guide. We also have Petersen's Eastern Birds and the National Geographic
Guide.>>>>

The last time I did the circuit was in 1989. Apparently things have changed
quite a bit since then according to a local I was talking to last month.

Negatives:
- going without a reservation in this heavily-used area in the summer can mean
a long wait due to numerous tour gruoups stuffing things up.
- summer is not the best time to go due to the bug and bear situation, as well
as the fact that the area is in the interior wetbelt and receives copious summer
precipitation from showers and thundershowers.
- budget cuts in BC Parks branch has meant that there are no longer any rangers
patrolling the circuit. If somebody gets in trouble, it could be a while before
help arrives.

Positives:
- sturdy bear-proof lockers have apparently been made available at campsites
for stowage of food, etc.; good berry crops this year have resulted in very few
reported bear encounters anywhere in the interior so far this summer.
- it is still one of the most beautiful and worthwhile canoe experiences
anywhere.

As for birds, typical wetbelt denizens such as Varied thrush and
Chestnut-backed Chickadee abound. The most common bird when I last did it was
the Golden-crowned Kinglet, but that was in the 3rd week of September. Owls such
as N. Pygmy and Barred are common. Lots of mergansers, goldeneye, bufflehead,
ring-neckeds and other ducks; Red-necked Grebes and Common Loons provide a
soulful sonic backdrop. Ospreys pounce on the unwary fish. You will have Gray
Jays and chipmunks begging at the campsites and weasels such as pine marten and
mink are sometimes seen. Be warned that if you should feel lucky enough to get
one of the cabins along the circuit that they can be overrun with mice during
high rodent years. My favorite spot along the route is Unna Lake in the
southwest corner of the circuit. There is a short trail going off off from the
south side of the lake which leads to Cariboo Falls - a must see.

As for bird guides, the Peterson Western and the Golden are both fine, although
the National Geographic guide (the NGS) has better plates. I hope I haven't put
you off makeing the trip... but doing it in the fall is much nicer, in my
opinion.

- Jack




------------------
Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jbowling at direct.ca