The Saanich Sky Larks (although they may be reasons to stay a little longer). It’s a bird – the sky lark. The only breeding population in North America of this amazing bird just happens to be on the Saanich Peninsula. The sky lark is a plain-looking, sparrow-sized, brown-streaked bird that calls the grasslands and farm fields of the the Peninsula home. It spends most of its time meandering on the ground foraging for seeds and insects. But, like the unassuming Susan Boyle on Britain’s Got Talent, the sky lark blossoms from obscurity to a superstar as it gradually rises from the ground in a symphony of joyous twittering, circling higher and higher until it disappears high in the sky before gliding quietly back to earth.
by Mike Yip Why do birdwatchers from all over North America flock to the Saanich Peninsula? No, it’s not just for the natural beauty or relaxed atmosphere
Sky larks are native to Europe and Asia and were first introduced to British Columbia in 1903. Attempts were made to establish populations on the lower mainland and southern Vancouver Island. The program failed on the mainland but succeeded on
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the Saanich Peninsula. By the 1960s, the population rose to over 1,000 birds and overflowed to Cowichan and the San Juan Islands. Unfortunately, with commercial and residential development and changing agricultural practices, sky lark habitat quickly disappeared and the population plummeted to the current estimate of about 200 birds. For example, the undeveloped lands around the University of Victoria were once filled with the sky lark song, but now houses, paved streets and mowed lawns are not suitable for sky lark habitat. Increased predation from domestic cats and crows also contributed to the demise. In fact, on the San Juan Islands the sky lark was eradicated by introduced foxes and feral cats. The only remaining populations on the Saanich Peninsula are on the grasslands around the airport, the Martindale flats farmlands and the Vantreight bulb fields. How long will it be before Saanich sky larks are history on Vancouver Island? It all depends on how quickly the suitable habitat disappears and whether there is a will to invoke conservation measures to protect the only population in North America. It is ironic that one of our more desirable avian imports is on the brink of extinction while less desirable imports like the starling and house sparrows are running rampant. Some prognosticators have estimated 20 years for the sky lark but no one knows for sure. Perhaps the best advice is to go out and enjoy them now while you still can. The best place to look is the bulb fields on Central Saanich Road. Just stop and listen for the song to begin! OCTOBER 2009