On Feb. 15, four Delta Nats (Peter Ward, Syd Barber, Mike Bayliss and me) met at Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course Work Shed at 10 a.m. to install Delta Nats Barn Owl Box No. 70. Your Delta Nats Bird Box Team of Peter Ward, Jim Kneesch, Chris McVittie and Jack MacDonald (Jim, Chris and Jack were AWOL this morning) had made this box, and many others, throughout the Winter in Jim’s garage and Peter’s basement. We had also previously arranged with Gord Olson, superintendent at Tsawwassen Springs GC, the details of where and when to install the box on his course. He had purchased the 15 foot 6X6 post and dug the 4 foot hole behind the 5th green, a good spot as suggested by our BO Guru, Sofi Hindmarch.
It was a clear and cool morning, and fortunately TP Staff, Stefan Linder and Greg Burnside, were there to help us. You can see from the photos some of the equipment required. We brought assembled Box 70 and attached it to the post at the site behind the 5th green. This was an interesting 10 minute task that took an hour with all the extra help. Raising the post with the attached box was an adventure too. Thankfully Greg operated the tractor and chain and no one was injured. Syd and Greg mixed the cement in the wheel barrow and I dumped it into the hole, solely for the photo op and to say at least I did something. Peter, Mike B and our “clown outfitted” SLB (Saskatchewan Land Baron) were instrumental in every aspect of the installation, along with the very helpful Stef and Greg. The box is facing northwest, away from the prevailing wind. The post is straight, level and very secure. Frankly we did a helluva job and it looks great. I hope the Barn Owls find it an attractive living accommodation. Thanks also to our Wednesday Goaltender Ira Hikada for interrupting his golf game to take our Group Photo.
We four celebrated the installation with lunch at the Rose & Crown Pub. Leila looked after us and the daily special of Denver Sandwich with beef, mushroom and “other stuff.” Soup was delicious, of course along with a pint of Canadian. And I was home by 1:15 p.m. for Grandson Thomas DayCare duty, with an Ice Cap and sour cream glazed doughnut for Sandra.
This Monday, Feb 19, the Team is installing two more Barn Owl Boxes in Boundary Bay Regional Park at 10 a.m., along with our partners, Metro Vancouver Parks staff. Hope you find this report interesting, informative and almost-enjoyable. Cheers: Tom
Tom Bearss, President, Delta Naturalists Society
