This document summarizes a presentation about surveys conducted for two species at risk: Flammulated Owl and Olive-sided Flycatcher. It provides introductions of the presenters and an overview of the project objectives to identify occupied habitat on reserves and build capacity with local technicians. Preliminary results of the road transect surveys for each species are described. It also discusses the importance of dry fir and pine habitat to Indigenous culture and how a previous Western Screech-Owl inventory led to transmission line relocation. The presentation closes with a discussion of balancing economic development and natural resource management.

1. Flammulated Owl and Olive-sided
Flycatcher Inventory
Prepared: Sharon John, Robert Sterling Jr. and
Dave Caswell
March 15, 2011

2. Agenda
• Introductions
• AFSAR Project Update
– Flammulated Owl and Olive-sided Flycatcher
Inventory
– Preliminary Results
• Success Story – Western Screech Owl Inventory
• Where are we going?
– Future Land Use Planning
– From the Council Table

3. Introductions
Dave Caswell, RPBio
• Wildlife Biologist
• Thompson Rivers (Cariboo College 1995)
• Consulting Biologist
• Lower Nicola Indian Band
• Land development and First Nations Programs

4. Introductions
Robert Sterling Jr.
• Archaeologist and Cultural Resource Mgr.
• B.A. - Simon Fraser University 1999
• Owner - Sa’lish Archaeology & C.R.M 2008
• Recipient -ANTCo. Aboriginal Culture and
Tourism Business of the Year 2010
• Present – Interim Research Manager for the
Nicola Tribal Association

5. Introductions
Nicola Tribal Association Society - Incorp 1996
The Purpose of the Society are
To Preserve, Maintain, and Foster the
N’tla?kepmx and Syilx Language and culture
To Pursue issues of concern including Title and
rights, land and resource management and
the support and development of an effective
self Government.

6. AFSAR Project Update
• Thompson-Okanagan region is host to some of the greatest
biodiversity with some of the highest concentrations of
Species at Risk in Canada
• It is also under significant development pressure and the
current amount of suitable, intact habitat for many rare and
endangered species is declining rapidly.
• This area is also the traditional territory of the Nlakapamux
where our communities have lived since time immemorial.

7. AFSAR Project Update
• Project Purpose: to identify and conserve habitat on NTA
member reserves that is currently occupied by two “At Risk”
species: Flammulated Owl and Olive-sided Flycatcher.

8. AFSAR Project Update
• Project Objectives:
– collect known species location data
– raise capacity with NTA technicians utilizing
standardized inventory techniques and ability
identify both species by sight and vocalization.
– identifying and conserving occupied habitat.

10. TEK Owls and Birds
• Traditionally, many birds have shown up in the
archaeological record, their bones, beaks,
feathers and feet have been used as
adornments such as buttons, beads,
necklaces, headdress, whistles and fans.
• Many colourful feathers from a variety of birds
were used for decoration purposes, but the
owl feathers brought with it a higher level of
respect, to wear an owl feather displayed a
serious commitment to ones endeavor.

11. TEK Dry Fir and Pine
• The use and occupation of areas with Dry fir
and pine is essential to our culture. Dry Fir and
pine remain to be a pivotal foundation to the
lifestyle of our people, they are used for
architecture, small constructive material, fire-
starter, firewood, medicine, tools and utensils,
gathering places for grubs to be used for
fishing, hide smoking wood, and grave
markers to name a few.

12. PRIZES!
• Who can correctly pronounce the Aboriginal
name for the “Thompson People”.
• Hint – N’tla?Kepmx

13. Flammulated Owl
• Small owl (16 – 19 cm)
• Distinct dark brown
eyes
• Indistinct ear tufts
• Red / brown and grey
colouring.
• COSEWIC designation:
Threatened
• Provincial Listing: Blue

14. Flammulated Owl
• Mature and old Douglas-fir
and ponderosa pine is
important for nesting
• In-growth of juvenille
conifer around the nest tree
provides security.
• Small openings near the
nest tree provide an
opportunity for forage.
• Migratory

15. Flammulated Owl Survey
• Road transect - Call-play • Inter-station Distance :
back surveys completed in 500m
June. • PEM – Suitability Map was
• “Dusk till Dawn” survey used select sample areas.
• Using a megaphone - Flam • Survey Team: Jerry Clark,
Owl call was played for 1 NTA and Dan Erikson BNRS,
minute followed by 4 CTQ
minute listening period.
Call was played in three
directions.

19. Olive-sided Flycatcher
• Medium-sized songbird (18-
20cm)
• Darker olive – grey above
with lighter underparts
• Tail is short in appearance
• Stout bill
• Sexes are similar in
appearance
• “Quick, THREE, BEERS” song
• COSEWIC DESIGNATION:
Threatened
• Provincial Listing: Blue

20. Olive-sided Flycatcher
• Mixed forest edges
• Near openings meadows,
wetlands.
• Often in early post
disturbance (fire) habitat. –
Provided there are some tall
trees / snags used to perch
on for singing, and taking
off to catch flying insects.
• Harvested openings do not
appear to provide the same
breeding success of natural
openings.

21. Olive-sided Flycatcher Survey
• Road transect – Point • Inter-station distance
Count Surveys for 250m.
breeding birds - June – • Sampled access roads
mid July. on reserve.
• Early morning surveys – • Survey Team: Ralph
Sunrise to Heinrich, RPBio,
approximately 9am. Wildtech Biological
• At each station or Services, Jerry Clark and
“point count” record all Sharon John, NTA.
birds identified visually
or by song or call.

23. Success Story – Western Screech Owl
Inventory
• 2008 – Western Screech • Chris Gill, RPBio – Kestral
Owl Inventory completed Consulting
with the support of the
Inter-departmental
Recovery Fund and Habitat
Stewardship Program
• In 2009 a transmission line
was proposed near the
Shackan reserve and also
where there was active
breeding pair in 2008
• Relocation of transmission
line!

24. Yes it’s true…more PRIZES!

25. Where are we going?
• Economic development on
reserve is priority for many
First Nations communities
• Land development
pressures are growing
• Finding a balance
• Promoting authority to
direct natural resource
management within their
traditional territory

26. As a concerned Band member and a current member of
council for LNIB, I want to express my sincere thanks
to the SARA program for its continued support. The
habitat loss across the province has been
catastrophic, if we have a chance to learn and rebuild
from this loss it will be through programs like this.
But as it stands today - (for those ears in this room
who need to hear it) - it is not enough, we need
more time, resources and commitment to make a
broad positive change for our children’s children.

27. Thank-You – Questions?