OSOYOOS OXBOWS IMPORTANT BIRD AREA (IBA)
Osoyoos Oxbows is one of 600 sites in Canada and 11,000 sites worldwide that have been designated as Important Bird Areas (IBAs). The IBA program identifies and monitors some of the most vital places in Canada for birds so that conservation action can be directed in the most effective way possible.
The Osoyoos Oxbows area was designated an IBA because it supports nationally significant populations of endangered Yellow-breasted Chats and several other species at risk including Bobolink, Long-billed Curlew and Lewis's Woodpecker. Two rare sparrows, the Lark Sparrow and Grasshopper Sparrow, also live in open grassy and shrubby areas here. Volunteer IBA caretakers work in their communities to promote IBAs, monitor birds and habitats, and ensure that local conservation ideas are put into action.
SPECIES AT RISK:
WESTERN SCREECH-OWL
The B.C. interior population of this medium-sized owl is listed as threatened in Canada due to the small population size (fewer than 500 adults) and loss of riparian woodland habitat suitable for nesting.
Screech-Owls nest in large tree cavities made by woodpeckers, although they will also readily nest in owl boxes in suitable habitat. Protecting nesting habitat for this owl is key to its long term survival. Old dead snags and mature trees with woodpecker holes are valuable wildlife trees for owls and other wildlife.
SPECIES AT RISK:
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
With a bright yellow breast and a loud song chats don't seem shy but they prefer dense thickets of rose and deciduous woodlands away from roads and human activity.
The British Columbia population has been designated as endangered due to the loss of habitat available in low-elevation valley bottoms where they prefer to live.
Research at the Osoyoos Oxbows suggests that Yellow-breasted Chats like to nest near other chats, therefore restoring habitat next to places where they already nest is ideal.
SPECIES AT RISK:
BEHR'S HAIRSTREAK
The Behr’s Hairstreak is a small butterfly that depends on antelope-brush for its survival. Antelope-brush is the only host plant on which the adult butterflies lay their eggs. Found only in the South Okanagan, the Behr’s Hairstreak is listed as endangered in Canada.
The Behr’s Hairstreak is easily identified by the tawny orange of the upper side of the wings and the wide black area on the costal area of the dorsal forewing.
SPECIES AT RISK:
GREAT BASIN SPADEFOOT
The Great Basin Spadefoot spends most of its life in grassland habitat but when thunderstorms and heavy spring rains occur the amphibians emerge from the ground and migrate to ponds and flooded areas to mate and lay eggs. Spadefoot numbers have declined in British Columbia due to the loss of breeding areas and many adults and young are killed as they cross roads.
The new ponds and protected fields created by the Floodplain Restoration Project provide permanent, safe breeding areas for this desert-adapted amphibian.
This was a very enjoyable trip down Black Sage Road and at the junction of Road 22 there is the old Haynes Ranch barn and two other buildings across the road. The smaller the root house and the larger one possibly the bunk house. Take time to enjoy this beautiful area.
Osoyoos Oxbows with its diverse ecosystem makes this one of the most unique areas for viewing. It is not only a premium bird watching location it supports grazing mule deer and big horn sheep. Among the tall grasses, with patience, you may observe painted turtles and the Great Basin Pocket Mouse, several species of waterfowl, including Cinnamon Teal. There are many species that are endangered including the Blotched Tiger Salamander. The three small shallow ponds are ideal for the Great Basin Spadefoot and other amphibians, and a high diversity of plants.