The Heron Newsletter - Summer 2024

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A newsletter from the Islands Trust Conservancy, protecting islands in the Salish Sea | islandstrust.bc.ca/conservancy
summer 2024
Quiz
Inside 
 p. 2
For links and additional media, visit the Heron Newsletter online. 
www.islandstrust.bc.ca/conservancy/heron-newsletter/
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
carolyn stewart
Take me home!
This newsletter is provided FREE by ITC
Coastal Western Screech-Owl. Photo: ren ferguson
spotted coralroot
Photo: Islands Trust Conservancy 
Meet our New
ITC Manager 
 p. 3
the
Heron
Hope for a Critical 
Species at Risk 
p. 2

Islands Trust and Islands Trust Conservancy respectfully acknowledge that the lands and waters that encompass the 
Islands Trust Area have been home to Indigenous peoples since time immemorial and that their deep connection to 
the islands continues to this day. We are committed to reconciliation, to upholding the rights of Indigenous peoples, 
and to working together to preserve and protect this ecologically, culturally, and spiritually significant region in the 
Salish Sea. The Islands Trust Area is located in the treaty and territorial lands and waters of the BOḰEĆEN, Cowichan 
Tribes, K’ómoks, Lyackson, MÁLEXEȽ, Qualicum, scəẃaθən, səlilw ̓ ətaɬ, SEMYOME, shíshálh, Sḵwx
̱
wú7mesh, 
Snaw-naw-as, Snuneymuxw, Songhees, Spune’luxutth’, SȾÁUTW
̱
 , Stz’uminus, ɬaʔəmen, Ts’uubaa-asatx, 
Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai, W
̱
 JOȽEȽP, W
̱
SIḴEM, Xeláltxw, Xwémalhkwu, Xwsepsum, and xʷməθkʷəy.
photo: lisa wilcox
What are some words that come to mind when you think of the coastal 
Western Screech-Owl? With its big bright-yellow eyes, small body, and 
camouflage feathers, this bird is certainly both intriguing and mysterious. 
The coastal subspecies of Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicotti 
kennicotti; WESOke) is a species at risk listed as Threatened under the 
Canadian Species at Risk Act, and as a Species of Special Concern on 
the provincial Blue list. Conservancy staff work with biologists and 
volunteers in Islands Trust Conservancy (ITC) protected areas to support 
the recovery of this special species. Coastal Western Screech-Owls don’t 
migrate and instead hold their territories throughout the year. 
Recently, biologists observed that two pairs have established territories 
on an ITC Nature Reserve and both have reared owlets! This is exciting 
news and indicates that our conservation efforts in protecting and 
enhancing coastal Western Screech-Owl habitat are paying off! 
Fun Facts: The coastal Western Screech-Owl is a 
nocturnal bird that has a large range of prey – from 
insects, to small birds, and even fishing for food in tide 
pools!
Coastal western screech-owl owlet in an itc 
nature reserve. Photo: Ren Ferguson
Test Your Knowledge on 
ITC Nature Reserves
Hope for the Coastal Western Screech-Owl
1. What is an ITC Nature Reserve? 
 A.  An area used primarily for      
 recreation and enjoyment by the      
 public.                                                                                       
 B.  A p

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