March 14, 2007
Salmon Fry Popping Up in Byrne Creek
Salmon fry (babies) are popping up out of the gravel in Byrne Creek in southeast Burnaby. I saw fry in several areas of the creek, the spawning habitat and the sediment pond this afternoon. I was elated to spot them because streamkeepers had seen fry several weeks earlier last year, and I was getting concerned. I haven't positively identified them yet, but they are likely chum. I also saw mayflies hatching and a butterfly, so spring is in the air. Last, but not least, I saw a muskrat or beaver swim into a hole in the bank of the overflow pond in the habitat.
Look carefully and you can see a school of fry above the gravel.
This mayfly has just hatched. The husk is above.
Here's one emerging. A nymph can be seen to the left.