local wildlife
Being that Orren Creek Ranch is situated in a fairly remote location and surrounded by crown land, there is a wide variety of wildlife that resides in and around the property, as well as passes through … some rarely seen, like the wolverine. Although the property and surrounding areas were greatly affected by the forest fires in 2017, the animals are steadily moving back into the area.
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. 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 near by 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 bear. 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 Ermin, squirrels and chipmunks), sandhill cranes, California bighorn sheep, coyotes, snowshoe hares, black bears, cougars, grouse, long-billed curlews, bald eagle, golden eagle, and songbirds.