Nature Club News for January 2026

by John Dickson

The Owen Sound Field Naturalists club (OSFN) invites you to its first speaker presentation of 2026, ‘Applications of Environmental DNA – [eDNA] – in Ecology’ with  Dr. Roman Lanno.

Environmental DNA [eDNA] is a rapidly emerging technology, with the potential to dramatically change ‘Ecosystem Assessment.’
Environmental Toxicologist Dr. Roman Lanno will guide you through the basics of eDNA, and its myriad applications in ecology, plus its future applications.    

Dr. Lanno recently retired to Owen Sound from his position since 2001 as a Professor in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at the Ohio State University  in Columbus, where his areas of expertise included Ecotoxicology, terrestrial, aquatic, invertebrates, fish, mammals, bioavailability, metals, and organic chemicals. His earlier academic training was at U of Guelph (Bachelor of Science Fisheries Biology and Master of Science – Fish Nutrition) and U of Waterloo – PhD In Environmental Toxicology)

This event is scheduled for 7pm, Thursday January 8, at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.

Admission is by donation (free for OSFN members), and doors are open by 6:30 to check the OSFN publications, merchandise and membership information available there. 

Other event features include recent ‘nature sightings’ with audience members reporting a few highlights they have observed in the area. 
To learn more about OSFN, including the Young Naturalist Club (they are planning to do some snowshoeing and  making bannock too, on Sunday, January 25 at Greystone Trails, Georgian Bluffs).

The event will also be on Zoom and you may register for the Zoom meeting with this link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LYvQc3voTMul1VAfpvj4Ag

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Here are some excerpts from recent Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) in the area, as organized by regional ‘Compilers’ who have kindly shared some of their CBC count reports with me. A sampling of their observations follows here: Owen Sound CBC: 

On December 14th, 41 participants tallied 6,425 individual birds of 57 species. Unusual species from this year’s count included a Ring-necked Duck, a Carolina Wren, and several Red-winged and Rusty Blackbirds. Many species were seen in lower numbers this year compared to usual. Surprisingly, however, even more species were seen in higher numbers thanusual, including Redhead, Greater Scaup, Horned Grebe, Bald Eagle (which set a new record for the count this year), American Tree
Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, and several species of finches. The irruption of certain northern species of finches we’ve been seeing this
winter are likely due to food shortages in the north. 

 Erik Van Den Kieboom, Compiler

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The 15th Neyaashiinigmiing CBC was also held December 14, with inclement weather as well as illness resulting in several last-minute cancellations, and only 10 participants ultimately covering the circle. Results: a record low species total of 31, well below the average of 40. The 710 individual birds counted was also a record low, and well below the average of 1,062.

 Notable misses included Common Merganser, Ruffed Grouse (first ever miss), Rock Pigeon and Mourning Dove, and Golden-crowned Kinglet (first ever miss.

Despite their presence elsewhere on the Saugeen Peninsula this winter, no winter finches were recorded.  American Goldfinches were present in average numbers.

Jarmo Jalava and Miptoon (Anthony Chegahno), compilers.

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The 52nd Wiarton CBC was held December 21, with 24 participants and one feeder watcher tallying 53 species.  The total of 3,917 individual birds was above the overall average of 3,767, but well below the recent ten-year average of 4,983 and less than half the record total of 8,628 set in 2023.

Only one record high species total was recorded: Dark-eyed Junco (105, previously 102).  

Other good finds included a Gadwall, an Iceland Gull, a Golden Eagle, a Merlin, White-winged Crossbill and a Common Grackle.

Winter finches were limited to White-winged Crossbill (2), Redpoll (43), Pine Grosbeak (23) and Evening Grosbeak (113).  As noted, American Goldfinches were present in above average numbers (351). The small House Finch population persists in Wiarton, with a relatively high tally of 16 individuals this year. 

Jarmo Jalava, Compiler.

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The 55th Meaford CBC on December 28th and the combined efforts of 6 teams and 5 feeder-watchers resulted in finding 50 species. No new species were added to the all-time cumulative total for this count leaving that number at 129 species.  One new ‘High’ came in, for Horned Grebe with an amazing 72 counted, topping the 52 seen in 2023. In the ‘Unusual’ category, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (YBSA) was videoed at a valley property. YBSA has not been recorded on the Count since 1973! A Gray Catbird was photographed at the same property the day before the Count, making it only the second record. Total birds were on the low-average side at 3745 birds, with this number bolstered by approximately 500 over-wintering Canada Geese.  Thanks so very much to everyone, and the best for 2026 to all!

Lynne Richardson,  Compiler

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I am looking forward to my next visit to the  Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library (OSNGUPL) which supplies me with most of my closing Nature quotes (see below) and which is currently featuring the photography collection of AJ Lawrence, a local photographer inspired by the quiet beauty of local landscapes and public places, and the subtle stories of the natural world.

Living with PTSD, ASD, and Auditory Processing Disorder has shaped AJ’s perspective, strengthened his resilience, and enhanced his ability to work independently–qualities he brings to every photographic project.
AJ’s photography will be on display on display until January 31.

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In closing, and as one who first had the pleasure of hiking a section of the Bruce Trail in August of 1970, (from Walters Falls to Inglis Falls), I would like to acknowledge here, the passing of Dr. Philip Gosling, who was the last co-founder of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, when he passed away on December 3, at the age of 97. His conservation leadership earned him several honours, including the Order of Canada and an honorary degree from the University of Guelph. Gosling’s tremendous legacy is also celebrated in these evocative words: By the “…sparkling white cliffs and blue vastness of Georgian Bay we hikers enjoy this, the most spectacular stretch of the Bruce Trail… When we trek back from the bay, we silently thank the hikers and conservation groups who fought  for the Bruce Trail, making it possible to follow this great escarpment from Queenston to Tobermory.”  from The Heart of the Country, (which I borrowed recently from our wonderful library OSNGUPL), written in 1988 by Fred Dahms (also now in his 90s), Professor Emeritus, founding member and former Chair of the Department of Geography, University of Guelph, and Illustrated by his wife Ruth.

Nature Club News for November 2025

by John Dickson

The Owen Sound Field Naturalists club (OSFN) is pleased to welcome back its November speaker,  Adam Shoalts, for a presentation that highlights his diverse skill-set as a naturalist, historian, archaeologist, explorer plus storyteller, as evidenced by his reputation as Canada’s Indiana Jones and a best selling author too.

Featuring a launch of his latest book, Vanished Beyond the Map – The Mystery of Lost Explorer Hubert Darrell, (both famed for their long solo journeys ranging from Alaska to Hudson Bay),  Adam Shoalts tells how he traces Darrell’s lost pathways a century later, to solve one of exploration history’s enduring cold cases—the mystery of Hubert Darrell.

National bestselling author Adam Shoalts will join us to discuss his well-known expeditions in Canada’s wilderness, including paddling and portaging across nearly 4,000 km of Canada’s Arctic, alone. 

Adam Shoalts is a professional adventurer and Westaway Explorer-in-Residence at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. His expeditions range from mapping rivers to archaeological projects, but Shoalts is best known for his long solo wilderness journeys Named one of the “greatest living explorers” by CBC and declared “Canada’s Indiana Jones” by the Toronto Star, and his many books, including Where the Falcon Flies, The Whisper on the Night Wind, A History of Canada in 10 Maps, and Beyond the Trees: A Journey Alone Across Canada’s Arctic, all of them national bestsellers. He has a PhD from McMaster University in history, and in his free time, enjoys long walks in the woods. All of these books by Adam Shoalts will be available on site, for purchase.

This event is Sponsored by Dr. Mark Robertson  and is scheduled for 7pm Thursday November 13, at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.

It will take place ‘in person only’ with no zoom or recording to take place. Doors will be open by 6:30pm, with opportunities to check out OSFN’s popular publications and merchandise, as well as membership information. Admission is by donation, with everybody welcome.

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Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory

Posted by Station Scientist Stéphane Menu, October 31, 2025 (Excerpt) “The last week of monitoring offered us many treats, as well as reasonably good weather.  On the last four days, Pine Grosbeaks were detected every day, with a few small flocks (6 or 7 birds) on the 29th and 30th. One Pine Grosbeak was captured and banded on the 28th and a second one on the very last day, the 31st! Both were adult females. It is only the sixth fall season with banding for this species.  This species is a rare visitor from the Boreal Forest and an even more rare privilege to have in-the-hand (they are very soft and fluffy!).

Evening Grosbeaks were also detected almost every day during the final week, with an astonishing group of 55 birds on the morning of the 28th! I have never seen such a big flock. [Of warblers] the treat was a Nashville Warbler captured on the 29th! It is the latest record (both for banding and detection) for this species, with one bird seen on the 28th in 2004.And then, it was the last day, as all things eventually come to an end. The final treat was on the final net check, when we extracted a Redpoll: what a nice little bird! This species has been banded in only six previous fall seasons (one to six birds per season), the last one in 2021.It has been another wonderful bird migration monitoring season at Cabot Head for yours truly. I am so grateful to spend my spring and fall seasons here. But nothing would be possible without the help of the wonderful volunteers who give their time and enthusiasm so generously. Like the birds, they are more treats than tricks.”

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Amanda Eriksen reported that the Young Naturalists met in Harrison Park October 26, to learn about aquatic invertebrates, fungi, and other species that inhabit the river area there. 

Special guest Naturalist Elaine van den Kieboom led in explaining what to look for in the water as well as under the microscopes they had set up. In addition to the ‘young humans’ in attendance, a juvenile Turkey Vulture also watched the proceedings – from across the river. Young Naturalists had a great meeting on Sunday. Thanks to Elaine from GSCA for sharing her knowledge!

The proposed upcoming schedule for the Young Naturalists looks very inviting – with future experiences that include hikes, snowshoeing, nature art, astronomy, ferns and more. To learn more please visit https://owensoundfieldnaturalists.ca/young-naturalists/young-naturalist-program/

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I always enjoy November, as it generally offers some wonderful colour transitions, in particular those of tamarack trees which really put on a show before dropping their ‘golden needles.’  In addition, I especially enjoy the lovely Paper (white) Birch trees whose trunks can gleam in the sunshine while their leaves of golden yellow are backed up by a blue sky.  Much smaller  are the Wild Asparagus plants I have discovered, with their delicate and feathery golden tresses, sometimes with bright red berries.

Recent bird sightings of note, with OSFN last weekend, included a ‘drift’ of Snow Buntings, swirling near the shoreline some distance away. We had a pleasant surprise however, when we had shifted ourselves from Leith to Hibou, and the snow buntings also ‘drifted’ there, foraging amongst the shoreline rocks and giving us excellent views of these visually striking visitors.  During the afternoon, our luck continued, with Redpolls being seen in two locations – atop  a Paper Birch tree, and at another spot, in low shrubs by the shore of the bay. To top it off,  a mature Bald Eagle flew overhead for us to admire too. November also reveals bird nests that were previously hidden from view. Enjoy!

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To close, a quote from Beyond the Trees, by Adam Shoalts: “I needed to do some serious thinking. Whenever I was confronted with some momentous decision, I preferred to go where my mind was clearest – to the place I knew best, where I’d grown up, the woods of my childhood… I felt sure I’d know what to do.”

Nature Club News for October 2025

by John Dickson

The Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) are pleased to welcome to an Owen Sound audience on October 9, renowned Wildlife Biologist Dr. Martyn Obbard with his presentation about the Black Bear population of the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula.

A dedicated Research Scientist, Martyn Obbard will discuss the ecology and behaviour of the small, at risk, genetically isolated and unique population of black bears on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula and how these bears differ from bears elsewhere in Ontario. The presentation will draw on results of a long-term research study conducted jointly by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks Canada and graduate students from Trent University in Peterborough.

Dr. Martyn Obbard is an Emeritus Research Scientist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and adjunct professor in the Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program at Trent University.

During his long career as a wildlife biologist Dr. Obbard has engaged with many different species and programmes: “As an undergraduate student, I worked on research projects studying Canada Geese and Snow Geese, and Northern Cardinals. My graduate work was on snapping turtles. In my career with OMNR I studied both black bears and polar bears.  As an adjunct at Trent University, I didn’t do any undergraduate teaching but mentored several graduate students, including several who were part of the Saugeen/Bruce Peninsula black bear project.”
This event is scheduled for 7pm Thursday October 9, at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. This event is also open to the general public, with admission by donation. It is also to be shared on zoom – with a link to be found at https://owensoundfieldnaturalists.ca/event/black-bears-of-the-saugeen-bruce-peninsula-w-martyn-obbard/

The doors will be open by 6:30pm for meeting friends, membership purchases, and to check out the many items for purchase – clothing, and award winning publications too, etc.

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Kudos to Mike Campbell and his team, supporters and cyclists at the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere for staging the 7th Annual Gravel Gran Fondo  on Sunday October 5.  A cycling event from Lighthouse to Lighthouse (from Lion’s Head to Cabot Head), this very successful event is in support of their cause  – Protecting the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere. All funds raised by the Fondo will go to the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association (a charitable non-profit organization) to undertake environmental projects on the Bruce. Check out www.bpba.ca for more information. 

Coincidentally, Just this morning I was speaking to someone who cycled it last year, and had a memorable sighting, observing a healthy young Black Bear stretched out on a limb of an apple tree, enjoying a feed of apples from a former orchard along one section of the route, while cyclists pedalled by. The weather also cooperated for a great ride and a wonderful experience too. Bravo!

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Young Naturalists report from Amanda Eriksen:

On September 28, the Young Naturalists had a beautiful day to clean out the bird boxes. There were no signs of  bluebirds but someone “laid” some acorns. We did check out the salmon in the river as well, but I was too busy keeping kids dry to take photos! Seems like there are a lot of fish this year!” The club, aimed at ages 7 to 12 (with some leeway), generally meet from 2 to 4pm on the last Sunday of the month, from September to June, with some adjustments for holidays, etc.
To learn more and to register, email youngnaturalistsos@gmail.com

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Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory An excerpt from this weeks’ blog 
Posted by Stéphane Menu, September 26, 2025

The past week, September 20-26, marked a radical change from all the previous weeks of this fall season: there were very, very, very few birds captured in our nets. So few that the week total is actually the lowest ever in 24 fall seasons for the week, with only 63 birds banded, five less than the previous lowest totals (in 2017 and 2018). It is such a contrast from the week before (September 13-19), when the banding total came within a few feathers of breaking the record for that week (249 birds in 2024, 246 in 2025!): the higher the climb, the harder they fall!

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OSFN’s Stewardship Director Jeannine Kralt recently shared this exciting news:

Congratulations to OSFN on being awarded the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s (BTC) prestigious Calypso Award, presented by BTC staff member Rhiannon to OSFN representative Barbara Palmer at the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club’s annual Hiking Festival this weekend, with comments by PBTC/OSFN member Marg Glendon.From BTC CEO Michael McDonald:

“I am pleased to inform you that the Owen Sound Field Naturalists have been selected as this year’s recipients of the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s Calypso Orchid Environmental Award. Each year we present the Calypso Orchid Environmental Award to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to the restoration and preservation of the Bruce Trail conservation corridor or significantly enhanced the education of users or potential users of the Trail. The Owen Sound Field Naturalists are a perfect fit.

The Bruce Trail Conservancy would like to recognize and celebrate OSFN’s outstanding dedication to nurturing the appreciation and conservation of our natural world. In particular OSFN’s educational activities, Young Naturalist program and newly revised guidebooks are stellar examples of how OSFN promotes understanding and inspires action for the protection of nature. Through the Calypso Orchid Environmental Award 2025, the Bruce Trail Conservancy honours OSFN’s tremendous volunteer efforts to increase public awareness on environmental issues affecting the Niagara Escarpment, boost understanding and appreciation of Escarpment biodiversity, and contribute to the preservation of the Bruce Trail’s conservation corridor. Congratulations Owen Sound Field Naturalists!”

Congratulations OSFN members, past and present, for your contributions that have led to this award!

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To close, a quote from The Book of Hope, by the  esteemed primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall.  Goodall died on October 1, aged 91, while continuing to tour with her important messages, 

including slowing the growth of the human population:  “By destroying habitats we force animals into closer contact with people… And as the human population grows, people and their livestock are penetrating ever deeper into remaining wilderness areas, wanting more space to expand their villages and to farm.” 

Nature Club News for September 2025

by John Dickson

The Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) are pleased to kick off the 2025 -2026 Season with special guest speaker, the award-winning author and artist Allen Smutylo.

Featuring his new book, Gold of Another Kind – The Lost Legacy of Georgian Bay, this presentation is scheduled for 7pm Thursday September 11, at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Allen Smutylo: Gold of Another Kind – The Lost Legacy of Georgian Bay, by a Governor General’s Literary Award nominee, is a historical, as well as a personal account of the once staggering quality and quantity of fur bearing animals, virgin timber and multitudes of fish that once thrived in Georgian Bay and vicinity. The thrust of European ambition in the New World, plus the pursuit of the Bay’s natural resources, rivalled the voracity of any ‘gold rush.’ Signed copies of Smutylo’s book will be available.

Having lived in this area for more than half a century, engaging with the peoples and the elements here, delving into their stories, Smutylo is renowned for his hands-on research and lifestyle, documenting and interpreting what he discovers, exquisitely, in print and in paint. Smutylo’s artwork and writing has been based on extensive travels to some of the Earth’s most remote places. This includes eight years spent depicting the extraordinary life of the Tibetan Buddhist nomads in the Central Himalaya. He is the recipient of many nominations (Governor General Literary)  and awards for prestigious galleries and categories (Best Adventure Book, Banff Film and Book Festival) locally and internationally, and was an engaging presenter in the BALL (Bluewater Association for LifeLong Learning) series some years ago. He has made over 20 sea kayaking and backpacking expeditions into the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland,  and many more right here, in and around Georgian Bay. 

In Allen Smutylo’s own words – ‘My main interest over the last forty years has been the relationship between human cultures and the natural world.’ Doors open by 6:30, Thursday September 11, at the Bayshore Community Centre, to facilitate OSFN publications, merchandise and membership sales/renewals too. 

Everyone is welcome, with Admission by donation (unless already OSFN members).

This event will also be available on Zoom with a link available and posted at osfn.ca or https://owensoundfieldnaturalists.ca/nature-club-news/nature-club-news-for-july-2025/ where you can also check on the Young Naturalists club too. 

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As for the rest of the 2025-2026 season here is a brief outline so you can add these dates to your calendar for talks you don’t want to miss: October 9, with Martyn Obbard and Black Bears of the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula; November 13, with Adam Shoalts and his new book Vanished Beyond the Map – the Mystery of Lost Explorer Hubert Darrell (sponsored by Dr. Mark Robertson); December 11 with Keriann McGoogan and her new book Sisters of the Jungle – The Trailblazing Women who Shaped the Study of Wild Primates;  January 8, 2026 – OSFN’s 

Jeannine Kralt presents Engaged Stewardship plus the role of Conservancies and Land Trusts in our region; February 12, with OSFN’s David Morris and an Introduction to the Soils of Grey and Bruce; March 12 is Members’ Night with several brief presentations, coordinated by Brian Robin; April 12 with the return of wildlife biologist Brent Patterson and ‘Understanding Drivers of Moose Population Dynamics and Challenges in Ontario’s Boreal Forests’; May 14 with award-winning photographer and artist/potter Steve Irvine – Exploring Nature Close to Home; June 11 with Research Scientist Todd Morris and ‘Is Conservation Translocation a path forward to recover Canada’s endangered Freshwater Mussels?’

These talks are complemented by many diverse hikes and field trips with such diverse themes as mushroom/fungi ID, Old Growth Forests, Migrating Waterfowl and other birds, late-winter tracking, geology, botany, and more.

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CLEARING A FOREST TRAIL AT OUR HOSPITAL

We need your help!

For 8 years, NeighbourWoods North has been planting trees/ shrubs and flowers at our Owen Sound Hospital. The ultimate goal is to create a 2 kilometre naturalised walking trail that circles the hospital grounds. This Fall, we are clearing a trail through the north wood lot creating a 200m path through mostly invasive buckthorn.

Can you help us?

When: Saturday, September 6 and 13th, 9:30 – 11:30am.

Where: Meet at the NWN shed, located 100m north of the emergency entrance on Hospital grounds.

Clothing: Old clothes, long sleeved shirt, sturdy gloves to guard against thorns.

Tools:  Bring the following if you have them- small pruners, long handled loppers, battery operated reciprocating saw.

FALL TREE PLANTING AT OUR HOSPITAL

Come out and help us plant trees at the hospital!
Every Saturday, starting on September 20th, through to the end of October, we will be planting trees, shrubs and flowers and protecting our current plants. We currently have nearly 200 different trees and shrubs to be planted this year.  This selection enhances our biodiversity through the 45 different species that has been selected.  It’s very satisfying work, made even more enjoyable by working in teams.

We would love to see you!

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Amanda Eriksen coordinates the OSFN Young Naturalists Club: It is starting up again soon! I have been working on the program and we have some fun stuff in store this year! From painting with a real nature artist, star gazing, planting native seeds, to lots of great hikes with knowledgeable leaders, this year is full!

Our first meeting is Sunday September 28th at 2 p.m. primarily for ages 7-12.We will meet near the pavilion at the arboretum at the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority building. We will get registered, see who used the birdhouses this year and check on the salmon. Can’t wait to get to know nature better with you! Amanda.

To register, email youngnaturalistsos@gmail.com Or check out https://owensoundfieldnaturalists.ca/young-naturalists/young-naturalist-program/

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To close, a Nature quote from Allen Smutylo: “The planet is, by many accounts, in the midst of the Sixth Great Extinction. What is causing this to happen? Long before humans applied themselves, the Earth had a long track record of environmental assaults and past extinctions. This time, however, the reasons for it point to us.” from Gold of Another Kind: The Lost Legacy of Georgian Bay

Nature Club News for August 2025

by John Dickson

The Owen Sound Field Naturalists Club (OSFN) is getting busier now with various types of hikes taking place and monthly speaker events starting on September 11, at 7pm, with acclaimed author and artist Allen Smutylo, to add to your calendar.

You can check some of these out at www.osfn.ca as well as looking into the Young Naturalist Club, aimed primarily at ages 7-12.

 OSFN’s Audrey Armstrong held a Monarch butterfly tagging program at Isaac Lake,  Sunday August 24, and shared this report. ‘A group of 8 OSFN members joined Audrey Armstrong, Willy Waterton and Patti Byers  for a fun afternoon of chasing butterflies with nets and learning about monarch butterflies in migration.

As Citizen Scientists, we tag monarchs for Monarch Watch and apply tiny round tags with unique numbers to help scientists learn more about monarch behaviour and migratory patterns. This is when the long-lived super generation begins their 4,000 km journey to Michoachan, Mexico. We know monarch numbers are in decline and on Sunday we tagged only  5 monarchs, compared to almost 50 in 2021.

People want to help monarchs and the best way to make their world better is to create habitat.  If you plant milkweed in your garden, females will find them and lay eggs on your plants so you will have an opportunity to witness their magical life cycle in your own back yard.

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The Bruce Birding Club (BBC)  is ready to kick off its fall season too, with two scheduled hikes most months on the first and third Wednesdays, usually in Bruce County, plus a few in Grey, and in a few other counties too. There is no cost to join, beginners and seasoned birders are welcome and it provides many learning opportunities too. Many of the club members are actively birding throughout the months as well. If you are interested in doing some birding with some scouting and guidance to enhance each event, please email James Turland at  jaturland@gmail.com for the schedule of activities and ask to be added to his email list.

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The Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory’s Stéphane Menu is back on site and guiding the operations there as the migration of many birds has already begun. Here is an excerpt from his weekly blog –

‘On August 15, the nets were open for the first time for the fall migration monitoring, the first of 78 straight days when a dedicated team of volunteers and the bander-in-charge will get up before sunrise to count, catch, and band birds….  

We’ve been fortunate to greet a new family at Cabot Head: Peregrine Falcons have bred nearby and raised two young this year (females based on their size). The young have been very vocal, advertising their presence by long harsh calls, making it easy for us to detect and admire them. Over the last few years, there were signs of Peregrine Falcons establishing a territory around West Bluff, but it is the first year that there has been tangible evidence of successful breeding. What a delight!’

For more please visit www.bpbo.ca 

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OSFN’s Erik van den Kieboom, has been in the north this summer and I asked him to share some details of the work he has  been doing and some of the highlights  he has encountered as well.

“This summer I had the opportunity to work with Birds Canada and collect data for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas in the southern boreal forest. With this year being the fifth and final year of the project, our goal was to find the highest possible number of breeding bird species in every atlas square we visited. In one and a half months, I visited 15 squares, conducted 81 point count surveys, and saw approximately 150 species of birds. Some highlights included a Great Grey Owl, a Black Tern colony, a Black-backed Woodpecker nest, and a Black-and-white Warbler nest.

In addition to the birds there were also a few interesting sightings – bears, moose, some cool turtles and snakes. The bugs were pretty bad this year, but easy enough to prevent too many from biting.

This fall I am volunteering with the Hilliardton Marsh Research and Education Centre as a bird bander. The station is located in the boreal forest region of Ontario, just north of New Liskeard. The banding process involves catching birds with mist nets we’ve set up around the property. We then place a metal band on the leg of each bird with a unique identification number. Finally, we record some information about the bird, including its age, sex, mass, and wing length, before releasing it back into the wild. Currently we are catching a number of warbler and flycatcher species that will soon be passing through southern Ontario. Besides songbirds, a large number of waterfowl and shorebirds also stage here in the marsh before heading further south for the winter. Keep an eye out for any birds this fall with a silver band on their leg, there’s a chance they may have come from here. I was camping in a tent this summer but here at the station we have small cabins to stay in.”

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In addition to all of the activity with birds and butterflies, many naturalists are enjoying the latest blooming wildflowers as we enter the season of Asters and Goldenrods, while others are enjoying some astronomy and observing the night skies, or are scouting out the various fungi and mushrooms often found in forested areas.  I now have three different patches of Wild Asparagus which I have found and which I like to see at various stages, including when it has bright red berries. 

It also looks like it will be what some call a ‘mast year’ with not only most fruit trees having abundant produce, but also various nut trees that have a good crop, as I have observed many laden Black Walnut, Oak  and Horse Chestnut trees with nuts galore this year.