Category Archives: Archived Video

Tidepool Studies at Race Rocks Pool #4 Peg6

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A general view of the pool.It is perched on a shelf which easily gets flooded when there is a slight swell in the ocean. Polymorphism in the Snails of Pool # 4, Extended essay in Environmental Systems,
A student examines the life of pool 4 Amphipods collected with a suction bottle from pool#4.
A microscopic picture of the diatoms that grow as a fuzz in the pool in the early spring. They remain a few months until they are grazed off.
 Roberto and the Biology Class measure salinity in pool 4.. May 2004
Enteromorpha growing in the pool. May 2004. Bay mussels, Mytilus trossulus in the brackish water of Pool#4
In May 2004,it is clear where the grazers, Littorina snails and amphipods) have trimmed off the diatoms on the bottom. Arunas measures the depth of pool 4 while watching for swells
In February, 2007, the diatoms cover almost the entire bottom of the pool. This is the winter pattern. Grazing as shown above gradually removes the covering of diatoms.

 

 January, 2007. The tide is at its peak today, showing pool 4 being entirely submerged.
On February 11, 2008 a beast is photographed in the tidepool. Close up of the Filamentous golden algae filling the tidepools in early spring.
Weird form shades a covering of diatom fuzz!

 

Some ideas to consider:

Invitations to Inquiry:

This pool is unique in a number of ways. The white substrate in the bottom of the pool is the result of a quartz intrusion that has flooded while molten, through the cracks of the basalt.
What is the effect of this white reflective surface on the temperature of the pool and the organisms that live in the pool?

In 1997 while doing a detailed analysis of the organisms in the pool, we noticed for the first time that there were white periwinkles. At that time 26 were counted by Nadia and Catherine. Speculate on the evolutionary implications here.

The mussels in pool #4 are Mytilus trossulus, the bay mussel. Mussels that you can see on the surrounding intertidal areas are the Mytilus californianis. Why the species difference?

The pattern of diatom distribution changes in the bottom of the pool. In the winter, it covers the pool with a thick felt-like appearance, as spring approaches, the cover of diatoms starts to disappear, starting along the cracks where the mussels are anchored.. could one measure the rate of grazing from the amphipods in the cracks?

Temperature and Salinity in the pool fluctuate widely and at times form stratified layers. How does this affect organism distribution.?

The biotic and abiotic features of this pool vary considerably from other pools in the near vicinity. Quantify and explain the differences or similarities.

The only other pool that resembles this one is found over on the north-east corner of the island, at location peg15-pool #14. Compare the biotic and abiotic factors of these two pools, and explain the differences.

The following lab on tidepool abiotic factor measurement was done by Chiara Ravetti in September,2005.
Biology Laboratory

Analysis of the Abiotic Factors in Race Rocks Tidepools

The measurements of salinity, ph, and temperatures of different tidepools at Race Rocks was done September19, after 11.30 a.m., with high tide. For this reason the pools selected were only five, two (pool 7 and 8) several meters away from the sea at that time of the day, the other three (pool 1, 2 and 4) closer to the water and larger.
Data analysis and further note

pool 1 pool 2 pool 4 pool 7 pool 8 Ocean water
Salinity 62.1 32.8 21.9 45.3 45 30
Temperature 14.4 C 14.4 14.2 15.4 15.2 10
ph 8 6.8 6.9 7 8 —


The measurement of salinity is expressed in parts per thousand; the instrument utilizes electricity, that passing through salt ions determines its quantity.
The pools were contaminated by sealions excrement, which reduced the visibility inside the pool and probably altered the pH of the water.
Other factors which might affect these values in a tidepool are: evaporation, precipitation, and in general pollution, scarce precipitation at that time of the year, the presence of the estuary, (The Strait of Juan de Fuca) with the influence of fresh water. The salinity in a tidepool is higher than the sea, for the evaporation and the little exchange of water, therefore the organisms living in it must tolerate high salinity, as well as variations in temperature. The smaller tidepools further from the sea present even more significant changes.

 

Slash, the Injured Elephant Seal

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In January 2003, two male elephant seals were hauled up on Great Race island. One was suffering from severe injuries, probably inflicted by someone driving a motor boat at high speed in the area around Race Rocks. This elephant seal we eventually name “Slash” and he becomes ta docile elephant seal that hangs around the main island for many years. Ecoguardian Mike Slater took this video. See other videos of him on this site.

  • See MPA Guardian Carol Slater’s comments on these animals in the Daily log of Jan19, Feb 11, Feb13, Feb 14 and Mar 1, 2003
  • See the recovery a year later below:
  •  Fortunately he has recovered well as can be seen her in two videos taken by Mike Slater in July and August ,2003. later we started vcalling him Slash and have devoted a special page to him on this website

 

Oregonia gracilis: Decorator Crab — The Race Rocks Taxonomy

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Decorator crabs are common in the intertidal and subtidal areas at Race Rocs. Their habit of attaching bits of algae, or shell on their carapace makes them well camouflaged. They are a small crab, only up to 2-3 cm width in their carapace. 

In 1889, William Bateson observed in detail the way that decorator crabs fix materials on their backs. He noted that “[t]he whole proceeding is most human and purposeful”, and that if a Stenorhynchus crab is cleaned, it will “immediately begin to clothe itself again with the same care and precision as before”.[2](Wikipedia)
Domain Eukarya
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostrata
Order: Decapoda
Family: Majidae
Genus Oregonia
Species gracilis
Common Name: Decorator Crab
 

Other Members of the Phylum Arthropoda at Race Rocks 
taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy
and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams.

 name 2002 (PC)

Zalophus californianus: The california sea lion

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calif

California Sea Lion, note dry one on the left , wet one (black) on the right: photo G. Fletcher

DESCRIPTION:
California sea lions are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and noisy barking. Their color tends toward chocolate brown, although females are often a lighter golden brown. Males may reach 1,000 lbs. (more often 850 lbs.or 390 kg) and 7 feet (2.1 m) in length. Females grow to 220 lbs. (110 kg) and up to 6 feet (1.8 m) in length. They have a “dog-like” face, and around five years of age, males develop a bony bump on top of their skull called a sagittal crest. The top of a male’s head often gets lighter with age. These members of the Otariid, or walking seal, family have external ear flaps and are equipped with large flippers which they use to “walk” on land. The trained “seals” in zoos and aquaria are usually California sea lions.

In 1970 , Trevor Anderson reported to David Hancock for the Journal article “California Sea Lion as a Regular Winter Visitant off the British Columbia Coast” that ” California Sea Lions had hauled out on rocks near the light every winter since 1966…. and a peak of population of 30 was reached in February, 1969.”

It is clear that the population of these animals has risen considerably over the years, and by 2007, up to 300 may haul out in the fall of the year. ( 500 in 2015)

They tend to move out of the dock area with the winter storms which bring swells from the North East. They also haul out mixed in with the Northern or Steller’s sealion.

 

RANGE/HABITAT:

seali2sleep

Ecological Equivalents: a subspecies of california sea lion from the Galapagos Islands.

California sea lions are found from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, to the southern tip of Baja California in Mexico. They breed mainly on offshore islands from southern California’s Channel Islands south to Mexico, although a few pups have been born on Año Nuevo and the Farallon Islands in central California. There is a distinct population of California sea lions at the Galapagos Islands.

 

 

We keep track of the branded sealions at Race Rocks: two links: https://www.racerocks.ca/race-rocks-animals-plants/marine-mammal-tracking/

5477-1-of-1Records of Sea Lion brands: You can  see the Ecoguardian’s notes and images of the branded sea lions in the log for 2011-2013 etc. here.

Previous photos and observations of tracking devices prior to 2011 can be seen in this linked file:

 

BREEDING

Sea lions do not pup at Race Rocks, it is strictly a winter haulout colony. Most pups are born on the outer coast to the South in June or July and weigh 13-20 lbs. (6-9 kg). They nurse for at least 5-6 months and sometimes over a year. Mothers recognize pups on crowded rookeries through smell, sight, and vocalizations. Pups also learn to recognize the vocalizations of their mothers. Breeding takes place a few weeks after birth. Males patrol territories and bark almost continuously during the breeding season. Gestation lasts about 50 weeks and lactation 5 to 12 months. The longevity is estimated to be around 17 years.

SUBSPECIES

Three subspecies are recognized: Zalophus californianus californianus (Lesson, 1828), Zalophus californianus wollebaeki (Sivertsen, 1953) and Zalophus californianus japonicus (Peters, 1866), each living in a clearly separate range. According to Rice (1998), the differences between these types justifies classification as separate species: Zalophus californianus, Zalophus wollebaeki and Zalophus japonicus

ecotourimpactsSee this link to several archived videos of marine mammals. In particular note the effect of DND blasting on the colonies.

 

 

 

FEEDING HABITS

California sea lions are opportunistic feeders and eat such things as squid, octopus, herring, rockfish, mackerel, anchovy and whiting. The California sea lion competes with the Northern Sea Lion Eumetopias jubata for habitat and food.

NOTES

sealionraft

rafting sealions

California sea lions are very social animals, and groups often rest closely packed together at favored haul-out sites on land, or float together on the ocean’s surface in “rafts.” They are sometimes seen porpoising, or jumping out of the water, presumably to speed up their swimming. Sea lions have also been seen “surfing” breaking waves.

The males are probably the most vocal of all mammals, and let out a loud incessant honking bark to protect over their territories. They are faithful to their territories, and to their harems of up to 15 females. Sea Lions swim up to 25mph which makes them one of the fastest aquatic carnivores.

Sea lions are known to damage fishing gear and steal or destroy fish in the nets. As a result a lot of California sea lions drown in nets and they are frequently shot at by commercial fishers. September, 2003 : This past few months we have seen three California and Northern Sea lions with fishing flashers hanging from their mouths. These animals pursue fishing lures , probably especially when live bait is used. They swallow the bait, and take down the meter plus length of leader line before the flasher comes to their mouth. The individuals will be seen for several days trailing these flashers. It is not known whether they eventually shed the flasher or whether this leads to an untimely death. Although they can pick up a flasher in waters at some distance from their haulouts, it certainly makes sense to restrict fishing activity when marine mammals are in the vicinity of a fishing vessel. This video shows a sea lion with a flasher in his mouth.

Sea lions are preyed upon by killer whales. Sea lions are known to have such diseases as pneumonia, caused by a parasitic lungworm, and a bacterial infection called leptospirosis, which affects their livers and kidneys.

Other problems for California sealions involve humans. Sea lions have been found illegally shot and also caught in drift or gill nets and other marine debris. However, their population is growing steadily, and California sea lions can be seen in many coastal spots.

At Race Rocks they can become a problem in the fall when they arrive in large numbers. We have to put up electric fencing to keep them from damaging the infrastructure on the island as they will crush pipes and instruments.

rmsept1411slstair-1

In the fall of 2011, the California sea lions were especially attracted up near the house in mid September . They all departed when an earthquake struck the north end of Vancouver island.

The Californian Sea lion was once killed in great numbers for their blubber which could be made into oil, and the rest would be made into dog food. Today the seal lion is protected by international treaty which has led to a positive shift in their populations.

rmuwoct11califswim

California Sea Lion underwater by Ryan Murphy Oct 2011

Unusual Events:

redtailThis unusual event involving a red-tailed hawk and a sea lion was observed in October 2003.

 

 

 

INJURIES:
RMdetail_20090823Sea lions bear the brunt of many actions by humans, many which could be avoided with more caution in driving boats through congregations of the  mammals.

 

 

 

 

flash2Fishers should bear some responsibility for the many instances of fishing flashers attached to hooks inside.

 

 

 

 

rmoct2011slneckWhen the sea lions are present in great numbers, we are always seeing individuals with entanglements, usually in the plastic hoops that fishers use for net bundles, Posts at this tag show many examples of injuries and entanglements.

 

 

 

 

Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Pinnipedia
Family Otariidae
Genus Zalophus
Species californianus
Common Name: California Sea Lion

Other Members of the Class Mammalia at Race Rocks.

taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy
and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams. Original by Caroline Mwaniki (PC yr. 27)

 

Eagles Congregate in Winter at Race Rocks

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In January, on a planned dive off West Race Rocks, the divers had to divert to another location because of a large number of eagles on the island. They shot this clip as they went by the island. Carol Slater had counted 43 on the Rocks earlier in the day. This is typical of their peak in numbers every January. The brown juveniles and the white headed adults number fairly equally.


 

Ophiodon elongatus: Ling Cod-The Race Rocks Taxonomy

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LIFE HISTORY:

Spawning takes place from December to March .Females deposit their eggs in a mass under the rocks in shallow water .The eggs vary around 3.5 millimeters in diameter when water hardened and have a tough membranous shell.The newly hatched young are 7 to 10 millimeters long and have blue eyes.The yolk sac is absorbed in about 10 days .After a few weeks growth, the young fish are attracted to lights at night .Females reach 1 meter at 10 to 14 years .Male seldom exceed 1 meter in 12 years.Newly maturing females produces (60,000)100,000 to 150,000 eggs. Large females may produce as many as 500,000 eggs.

HART, J.L, Pacific Fishes of Canada, FISHERIES RESEARCH BOARD OF CANADA. Ottawa, 1973

IMPORTANT NOTES:

-Lingcod have been over fished in British Columbia to the extent that there is now a closure on the fishing .They have been protected at Race Rocks since the fishing closure in 1990 .Divers see them frequently in water 6 to 12 meters depth.Their eggs masses appear on vertical rock walls in protected niches the adult fish patrols and defends the egg mass from predators. It will attack divers during incubation period in January and February.

 

LING COD CONSERVATION

Report from the Vancouver Aquarium on Link Cod Egg mass surveys. http://www.vanaqua.org/lingcodsurvey/

From DFO press July, 2002: “Lingcod Conservation Measures Strengthened”

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today the expansion of management measures in the recreational fishery for the protection of lingcod in the Strait of Georgia.

A 2001 Pacific Scientific Advice Review Committee (PSARC) report on lingcod confirmed that, despite a variety of conservation measures in recent years, lingcod stocks in the Strait of Georgia remain at low levels. Fisheries and Oceans Canada had delayed opening the Strait of Georgia recreational lingcod fishery pending further analysis of the PSARC information and review of additional material received from the recreational community.

After careful consideration of all the information, the Department has decided to maintain the recreational closure for lingcod fishing in the Strait of Georgia (Areas 13 to 19, and Areas 28 and 29). If a lingcod is incidentally caught in these Areas, it should then be immediately released back into the water. The recreational lingcod fishery will continue in the North Coast and on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Harvest by First Nations for food, social and ceremonial purposes will continue in the Strait of Georgia. The impact of this fishery is small.

Since 1990, the commercial lingcod fishery in the Strait of Georgia has been closed. In the recreational fishery, management measures have included an eight month winter closure (October to May) to protect nest guarding males, a size limit restriction (to allow a fish to reproduce prior to harvest), and daily and annual catch limits. However, until a sustained improvement is noted for these stocks of concern, the Department feels that additional measures are required.

Like rockfish, lingcod are believed to be fairly sedentary, livingmost of their lives in the same rocky area or subtidal reef. However, unlike rockfish, the mortality of lingcod in catch-and-release fisheries is low (less than 10 per cent).

As an important component of both the recreational and commercial groundfish fisheries, lingcod are also expected to benefit from the inshore rockfish conservation strategy that is being developedand implemented. Inshore rockfish conservation measures, such as fishing restrictions in selected areas on the coast, will assist with protecting and rebuilding both inshore rockfish and lingcod stocks. In addition, a stock assessment framework for lingcod will be developed, which will further our understanding of lingcod and their distribution.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has made a commitment to ensure the sustainability of British Columbia’s inshore rockfish and lingcod fisheries for the benefit of Canadians today and in the future. With the cooperation of all harvesters, lingcod and inshore rockfish stocks can be protected and rebuilt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region

FISH BASE reference

Dec-2002- Fariba Hussaini, (PC yr 29)

CLASSIFICATION
Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterigii
Order Scorpaeniformes
Family Hexagrammidae
Subfamily Ophiodontinae
Genus Ophiodon
Species elongatus
Common Name: Lingcod

Cyanea ferruginea: The Pacific Lion’s Mane Jellyfish The Race Rocks Taxonomy

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Cyanea ferruginea or the sea blubber is a common jelly fish in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It often comes into calm water or bays when it is nearing the end of it’s lifespan. This one was spotted off the college docks in Pedder Bay. Laura Verhegge manipulates it to enable us to see the internal structure of the animal.  We have just changed this name as the result of a correction on iNaturalist.  ptreviously we had had the species as C.capillata

 

Introduction: This marine animal differs from those in other invertebrate phylums due to the existence of a true mouth and digestive cavity. It contains two layers of cells, the outer covering, and the inner covering for the digestive cavity. The Mesogloea (a non-cellular layer) is found between these two cell walls. The Cyanea capillata, like most jellyfish can exist in both a polyp and medusae form.

Identification: Cyanea can vary greatly in size. The bell ranges from approximatley 2 meters in diameter, to 50 centimeters. The larger the diameter of the bell, the higher latitude it is found at. Also, the larger the Cyanea, the darker the colour. For example, large Cyanea’s are deep red and purple, while the smaller ones are a lighter, yellowish brown colour. There is eight clusters of tentacles that are found in an arrangement of rows. In one cluster, there may be approximately 150 tentacles, some with the ability to project up to 30 meters. Around the opening of the gastric cavity is found a series of short oral arms. The arms are highly folded, and are used in the digestion of prey.

Habitat: This marine animal exists on the west coast of North America, falling between the region of Alaska to Washington. Occasionally it may be found as low as Oregon, but it does not have the capacity to survive in warmer climatic conditions such as those in California. Within its salt water environment, it serves as both prey and predator, continuing the marine life cycle.

Digestion: The Cyanea is equipped with nematocysts on is tentacles to help sting, and immobilize its prey. It is these nematocysts that sting humans when the Cyanea is touched. This sting can last up to four or five hours. Cyanea is one of the most common jelly fishes on the Pacific West Coast known for stinging. The most common prey for theCyanea is zooplankton. Once the prey has been stung by the nematocysts, the oral arms relocate the prey into the gastric cavity for digestion. As this process continues with the use of cilia living, food is transferred through the radial canals. The purpose of these canals is to control the movement of nutrients obtained from the food, and oxygen within the organism. Along with being a predator Cyanea is also found to be prey for such organisms as scyphomedusae, as well as various sea birds, turtles and fishes.

Movement: Cyanea capillata swims throughout its salt water environment by using contractions amongst its circular and radial muscles. These muscles are located in the bell of the jellyfish. A more simplistic way to describe this process is the expulsion of water from the bell, creating a propelling movement forward. This is followed by the relaxation of the muscles, and its return to is resting shape of a bell. At the end of the power stoke in this swimming process, the Cyanea is said to resemble an eight pointed star.

Reproduction: This particular jelly fish uses both asexual and sexual methods of reproduction. They undertake both a polyp and medusae life cycle. The tail of the Cyanea capillata is the production site for the larvae, that later on attach and form into a polyp. These polyp will divide off into medusae. This occurrence of division is asexual.

Natural History: Cyanea capillata has a life expectancy of approximately 1 year. During its life span, it can most commonly be seen during the summer, especially near the fall.

Relation to Race Rocks: The Cyanea is often seen at Race Rocks, in the shallow waters, but not on beaches, although occasionally one gets washed up in the boat launch area. It is frequently in Race Passage and at Race Rocks.

Referennces:

1. Mills, Claudia and Wrobel, David, Pacific Coast Pelagic Invertebrates – A guide to the common gelatinous Animals , Monterrey Bay Aquarium, 1998.
2.  Kozloff, Eugene N., Sea Shore life of Puget Sound, the Strait of Georgia, and the San Juan Archipelago, University Washington Press, 1973.

Return to the Race Rocks Taxonomy Index

This file is provided as part of a collaborative effort by the students,faculty, staff and volunteers of Lester B. Pearson College December 2002 Beth SullyPC yr. 29

 

 

 

Hippasteria spinosa:The Spiny Sea star–The Race Rocks taxonomy

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Spiny Stars are rarely seen by divers at Race Rocks. Ryan demonstrates one to the Colwood Elementary a school class

Description:

The Hippasteria spinosa is an uncommon, 5 armed, aboral surfaced sea star. Its most marginal plates have 2 spines and it has some conspicuous bivalved pedicellariae.

Its colour is orange to vermillion, which intensifies at the short, stalky arms (R/r=1.7 to 2.6) and becomes whiter near the mouth. Usually in the subtidal region at depths of 100 to 500 metres, it can sometimes be found on the beach. It is characterized by having all its plates covered with granules, giving it a spiny, STELLATE look.The mouth has 4 or 5 marginal spines and a slightly wider than high mouth (elipsis shape).

Habitat and region

Can be found from Kodiak Island to Southern of California and the Sea of Okhotsk and is more common around the west coast of Vancouver Island and other exposed coastal parts. It prefers muddy, shallow environments and can also be found in shell and rock.

References:
Taxonomy: Marine Invertebrates of the Pacific Northwest; Kozloff, Eugene, University of Washington Press, 1996 Edition, USA

 

Balanus nubilus:Giant barnacle–The Race Rocks Taxonomy

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The video  is of a juvenile barnacle feeding. It was taken by Sylvia Roach through a microscope camera in the marine lab at Pearson College. The size of the barnacle can be estimated by the small skeleton shrimp which is active in the background. That amphipod is less than 1 cm in length.
Research on the associations of hydroids that live on them has been done at Race Rocks by Dr. Anita Brinckmann-Voss. In her publication on the new species Rhysia fletcheri she has included a photograph of hydroids on the valves of this animal.

Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class:Crustacea
Subclass: Cirripedia
Order: Thoracica
Suborder: Balanomorpha
Superfamily: Balanoidea
Family: Balanidae
Genus: Balanus
Species nubilus

Common Name: Giant Barnacle

Giant barnacles are commonly found on rocks, pier pilings, and hard-shelled animals in low tidal zones to 90 meters depth.

They are up to 110 mm in diameter and are not easily confused with any other species. A feature unique to the giant barnacle is the lack of longitudinal striation on the scuta. They also contain the largest individual muscle fibres known to science.

 There has also been an extended essay done on this association by a student from the college. They are often encrusted with the holdfasts of kelp. Occasionally a storm tearing at the kelp will uproot a mass of barnacles and they may end up on a beach in the masses of tangled kelp. One of the reasons we have a ban on anchoring in the reserve is that these barnacles are easily broken away from their locations on rock outcrops by a dragging anchor.

Barnacles are not usually parasites, but the weight of this one could eventually impact negatively on the mussel.

Other Members of the Phylum Arthropoda at Race Rocks 
taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy
and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams.

 March October 2003- Aven Crawshay (PC)

Arenaria melanocephala: Black Turnstone–The Race Rocks Taxonomy

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black-turnstone

Ryan took this image in January 2009. At that time of year there were over a dozen turnstones foraging across the island.

 

The Black Turnstone breeds in Western and Southern Alaska on the coastal plain. It winters only on the Pacific coast, from southeast Alaska to central Mexico. It is the most abundant shorebird of rocky shorelines. Favourite habitats include reefs, rocky beaches, jetties, and gravel bars at the mouths of rivers or along lagoons. It may also forage on adjacent mudflats wet sandy beaches, floating kelp beds, and piles of washed-up seaweed. Black Turnstones have been recorded roosting on dry rocks, jetties, and floating log booms at which time they may gather into extremely dense flocks.
It is widely distributed along the inner and outer coast. Its distribution is largely restricted to rocky coastal shorelines, but it frequents many fiords and protected inlets. It is a vagrant in the interior. The Black Turnstone usually occurs in flocks of 10 to 30 birds at Race Rocks where it overwinters.


This slide show shows the Black Turnstone being part of the Food Web at Race Rocks providing  energy for the Peregrine falcon!

Reference used:http://rbcm1.rbcm.gov.bc.ca/nh_papers/gracebell/english/b_turnst.htm

Below are the records for population numbers of Black Turnstones observed in the Christmas Bird Counts.
Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Subphylum Vertebrata
Class Aves
Order Charadriiformes
Family Scolopacidae
Genus Arenaria
Species melanocephala
Common Name: Black Turnstone

Other Members of the Class Aves at Race Rocks.

taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy
and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams.
Angela Chaisson, PC yr 28