WILDLIFE
Situated in a fairly remote location and surrounded by crown land, Orren Creek Ranch is a corridor for the wild. Though the 2017 forest fires changed our landscape, the animals have steadily returned, reclaiming this sanctuary as their own. Here are just some of the wild neighbors who share this land with us.
The lake on the property is home to a few Beaver families and the surrounding marshland is a seasonal nesting place for many migratory birds, including: Canada Geese, Ducks, Loons, Herons and a few Swans.
The trees host the nests of large predatory birds, such as Bald and Golden Eagles, Owls, Osprey and Hawks. And also homes to Grouse.
Springtime mornings and evenings are a symphony of sounds from many different species of small Song Birds, some we have yet to identify by name. Some of the more commonly known are the Woodpecker, Robin, Magpie, Chickadee and Hummingbird.
Some of the larger predatory animals we have seen on multiple occasions are Black Bears, Cougars, Wolverines, Badgers and Wolves. Smaller include red and black Foxes and Coyotes.
The herbivores include Woodland Caribou, Mule Deer, Elk, Moose, Rabbits and Hares.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the wide variety (colours and sizes) of Butterflies and Dragonflies as well as the free-range Cows that are seen along and on the roads near-by.
Although we haven’t ran into any as yet, there is the odd sighting of Grizzlies in nearby areas. And yes even a reported sighting in 2006, at the local transfer station of the elusive Sasquatch!
In surrounding areas and on the scenic drive here from the Vancouver and the lower mainland of BC, it is not uncommon to see deer, moose and California bighorn sheep, either crossing the roads or on the mountain sides. And you can find otters in near by lakes.
BEST VIEWING TIMES:
- May to October: ospreys, waterfowl, beavers, moose, woodland caribou, grizzly and black bears, raptors and songbirds
- April to September: butterflies and dragonflies
- April to October: beavers, yellow-bellied marmot, muskrats, waterfowl, raptors and songbirds
- April to August: A plethora of small and colourful species, we have yet to identify.
- All year round: foxes, beavers, otters, waterfowl, songbirds, mule deer, yellow bellied marmot, raptors, bald eagles, small mammals (including such things as ermine, squirrels and chipmunks), sandhill cranes, California bighorn sheep, coyotes, snowshoe hares, black bears, cougars, grouse, long-billed curlews, bald eagle, golden eagle