Hornby Island Natural History Centre
Category: Birds
Bird Song ID Walks
Registration is open for two Bird Song ID walks with ornithologist, Art Martell.
Read MoreNature Activities for Kids
A young naturalist is someone who loves exploring and learning about nature. Sound like you? Then read on!
Read MoreBackyard Feeders Linked to Deadly Salmonella Outbreak in Small Birds
This year we have seen an irruption of pine siskins and other wintering birds feasting in flocks. Unfortunately, a large number of the tiny birds are dying from salmonella poisoning that is passed on at backyard feeders, including here on Hornby island.
Read MoreCommunity Enrichment Grant for “Birds and Books”
Natural History is excited to share that we have received a community enrichment grant for our proposed project: “Birds and Books: Displaying a Hornby Island Natural History Exhibit in the School Library.”
Read MoreInterview with Wildlife Photographer, barb biagi
Interview with barb biagi – Hornby Island wildlife photographer, Natural History Centre Steward, and wildlife rescue volunteer.
Read MoreSummer 2019 Calendar
We are pleased to announce that the Summer 2019 Natural History Events Calendar is now available! Please note: Although we have speakers and nature walks, the Natural History Centre is closed for summer 2019.
Read MoreJoin Us for Hornby Wild! Nature Weekend
Mark your calendars for the Hornby Wild! Nature Weekend – May 31st & June 1st.
Read MoreA Labour of Love – Natural History Collection Gets Careful Decontamination and Cleaning
After months of preparation a dedicated team met for three days to clean the Natural History collection that had sustained soot damage from the school fire.
Read MoreChristmas Fair this Weekend!
The Hornby Island Christmas Fair is coming up this weekend and we are looking forward to share our fundraising items with everyone! This year, we are featuring some old favourites – rum balls and wildlife photo cards – along with…
Read MoreSummer 2018 Photos
Thank you to the speakers and nature walk leaders for sharing their knowledge and supporting the Natural History Centre. Check out this cool footage from Dr. Archer’s presentation of a young glass sponge reef taken just east of Hornby Island!
Read More“A Walk in Helliwell Park to See, Hear, and Appreciate Birds”
Both the Summer Nature Walks with Art Martell are now full. We will meet at the head of the trail at 7:55 am, right next to the parking lot. The walk will be about 3 km and take about 2…
Read MoreSummer 2018 Events Calendar
We are pleased to announce that the Summer 2018 Natural History Events Calendar is now available! Join us in learning with experts passionate in the areas of marine biology, paleontology, geology, conservation, and ornithology. The Exhibit’s Summer hours of operation begin Tuesday, July…
Read MoreSpring Birding with Art Martell and Daniel Donnecke
The Natural History Centre recently held our first spring birding event. On April 6th, Art Martell and Daniel Donnecke gave presentations on the island’s local forest and shore bird residents. In “Learning Bird Songs”, Art introduced our ears to the…
Read MoreHornby Island Spring Birding Event, April 6th and 7th
On Friday, April 6th and Saturday, April 7th, we will be joined by two local experts to celebrate, enjoy, and learn about our shoreline and forest birds, while connecting with other birdwatching enthusiasts. We hope you can join us for…
Read MoreHelliwell Park Bird Walk with Art Martell
About eighty people gathered to catch a glimpse of some of the forest and shoreline birds at Helliwell Park. We sought, listened, and enjoyed their presence under the guidance of Art Martell. Art is an ornithologist and keen birder locally,…
Read MoreUnusual Hornby Resident! A Yellow-headed Pileated Woodpecker
This rare yellow-headed Pileated Woodpecker lives by the Shire on Hornby Island. They are so unusual that local bird expert, Art Martell, says it’s the first he has seen. According to Art, it is likely a genetic mutation that will probably not…
Read MoreBird Walk – Hearing, seeing and enjoying our local birds
Thursday, August 10th with Art Martell Meet at Helliwell Provincial Park at 9:00 am. The walk will be about 3 km. and take about 2 hours. Bring binoculars if you have them. No dogs please. Art Martell is retired in the Comox…
Read MoreSummer 2017 Events Calendar
We are pleased to announce that the Summer 2017 Natural History Events Calendar is now available! This year’s topics include Hornby Island fossils, the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse (and what to expect on Hornby), a Helliwell Park Bird Walk, and Sea Otters!…
Read MoreA Day of Taxidermy for New Songbird Display with Laurel Bohart
Laurel Bohart, the Natural History Centre’s long-time taxidermist, recently spent a couple days at the Centre helping us choose and prepare birds for the new small bird display. Laurel will take several birds back to her home on Cortez Island…
Read MoreA Special Sighting
This summer a boy named Zempei who is very knowledgeable about raptors and wished to spot a barred owl while on Hornby Island visited the Centre with his family. One of the Natural History stewards suggested that, when the family go…
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Hornby Island Natural History Centre 