User: user | Open Learning Faculty Member: Robyn Reudink
Date: 19-07-21
Time: 5:50-9:17 pm
Location: Iona Beach Regional Park, Richmond, B.C., Canada
Coordinates: 49.2168° N, 123.2049° W
Weather Conditions: 26 degrees Celsius; sunny and clear, occasional cloud; light breeze (SE 17 km/h); relative humidity of about 42%
Topography: coastal sand ecosystem on a peninsula located about 5 km north of YVR international airport and 10 km southeast of the University of British Columbia campus.
Species: Large-headed Sedge (Carex macrocephala); Dune wildrye (Leymus mollis); Blue heron (Ardea herodias); Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus); common sea gull (Larus canus)
Observations: Upon arrival, the tide had already begun receding from the high of 3.12 m at 2:14 pm towards the low of 1.09 m at 8:29 pm. The beach is composed of sand flats with sparse vegetation and shrubbery, slowly descending into where the Fraser river runoff meets the Pacific ocean (estuary). Iona beach is also located along the Pacific Flyway, thus the diversity of bird species visible here year round is incredible. Many large-headed sedges everywhere. Lots of tracks appearing to be from dogs observed in the sand—possibly coyotes too? Many layers to the vegetation including sand, small vegetation such as sedges and dune wildrye, shrubs, washed up and decomposing drift wood.
Important Reminders: Bring binoculars next time to observe bird species more closely, and a ruler or tape measure to measure vegetation and animal tracks. Wear close-toed shoes—sedges hurt!
Being interested in the ecology and conservation of both the plant and animal life at this lovely beach, I believe this location would perfectly suit my field project for this course. As I continue to visit, I will take more detailed observations and measurements of the surrounding vegetation to understand how the gradient changes from the upper shrubbery and dune wildrye to the lower algae and estuary species found nearer the water. I look forward to working on this project and gaining a deeper knowledge of the natural history and ecology of this beach.
