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.

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.”

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/

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!

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.

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!

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

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!

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!

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. 

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.

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!

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/

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.

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.

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 

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.”

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.

Nature Club News for July 2025

by John Dickson

On June 12, following a social time with light refreshments,  the Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.  President Dr. Brendan Mulroy conducted the meeting which included completion of his term and a move to Past President, making room for the incoming new co- Presidents Bella Waterton and Paul Scriver. 

 Congratulations to Lois Johnson and Ernie Vanleeuwen, who received the OSFN Community Conservation Award  in recognition of their caring and successful efforts to provide housing for Purple Martins.

The club’s Honourary Life Membership was then awarded to Jim and Judy Duncan. After the AGM was adjourned, the audience was treated to a special presentation by Marine Biologist and Artist,  Sarah McComb-Turbitt  about the Whales of Canada, with a focus on the Atlantic coast.

OSFN has a few outdoor events during July and August but generally increases activities in early September.

To learn more about OSFN please visit www.osfn.ca as well as the Facebook page.

Here are excerpts from James Turland’s  Bruce Birding Club  (BBC) report to the club. ‘On June 18, we met in Tobermory for a day of birding and were led by Doug Pedwell. We began with a lakeside property recently donated to the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC). The lake was calm, and there was lots of bird activity. A variety of species, including cormorants and mergansers were diving for food, while Common Terns patrolled overhead, calling sharply as they plunge-dived for minnows.

At the Shining Rainbow Deer Nature Preserve of the Nature Conservancy Canada (NCC), a boardwalk over wetlands led to an observation deck and to trails with winter wrens, orchids and samples of pincushion moss. At a nearby roadside fen a Sedge Wren emerged just a few metres away, singing loudly from a bush. It gave excellent views for everyone, especially in a scope.

Later we visited Singing Sands, exploring the boardwalk and nearby trails. Because of the cool weather, early spring flowers were still in bloom, Yellow Lady’s Slippers, in particular, lined many roads and trails. Mindy Buckton, a plant expert and co-leader for the day, pointed out several botanical highlights.

We continued on to Dyers Bay Road and the ‘sparrow fields.’   In a wetland area, a Sora called out and was seen by a lucky few close to the road. Many Cedar Waxwings perched close by, preening after a recent bath. New bird sightings continued right up to our final stop. It was a wonderful day filled with camaraderie and great birding. Be aware there are reports of returning shorebirds already. Many thanks to Doug and Mindy for leading. Also a thank you to all who’ve led hikes this season. Sharing the leadership keeps the diversity in the outings.

Young Naturalist club members wrapped up their season with a special hike June 29 with guest leader Caley Doran, who introduced them to the amazing Boyd’s Crevice Caves section of the Bruce Trail.

Many thanks to OSFN’s  Amanda Eriksen for coordinating the activities of this club, which will be starting up again in September.  https://owensoundfieldnaturalists.ca/category/young-naturalists/

On a rather hot Saturday, July 5th,  the annual Butterfly Count was held at MacGregor Point Provincial Park, and conducted by seven teams of observers, with ‘cabbage whites’ being the most numerous sighting. 

Chris Sheedy,  Senior Park Naturalist wrote – 

‘Thanks to all who attended the 2025 NABA annual count with us this year, it was the year of the Cabbage White with a sweeping total of 2350 observations!

It sure was a hot one and we do appreciate the commitment to stick it out for the whole day of surveying.

I have also had the pleasure – and surprise – to notice large Yellow Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies fluttering around tree tops and visiting the blossoms there, right in Owen Sound. Other observers in the area have seen the larger silk moths, including Polyphemus and Luna. Our scarlet runner bean flowers may be attracting hummingbirds when we aren’t looking, but we have noticed that they also are quite popular with many bumble bees visiting them.

 As James Turland mentioned above –  ‘be aware there are reports of returning shorebirds already’. In fact a Ruddy Turnstone, which nests  in the high Arctic tundra was spotted recently by William Gray at Hibou, already on its way further south.

I have also seen several large flocks of black birds already, likely both grackles and red-winged blackbirds

If you would like to shop early for those on your list, Photographer and Naturalist Arni Stinnissen has two different 2026 calendars available. These include his ‘Birds of Ontario’, and the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula calendar, with wild landscapes, peaceful shoreline scenes, animals and birds, celebrating the beauty of our region all year long.

Both calendars are available at Bains General Store in Ferndale and the Readers Haven in Tobermory carries the Bruce Peninsula one. Arni is also at the marketplace in Tobermory on Wednesdays and will be at the Art Show at the District School in Lions Head on the August long weekend and the Artists Tour the weekend of Aug 23-24.

It was a very special day for about 30 OSFN members who took part in tours of a recently acquired property now protected by NCC on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula. It includes many species of flora and fauna, which require specialized habitat features, including the limestone pavement alvars there. OSFN recently donated funds that had been earmarked for conservation, to NCC in memory of OSFN’s founding President Lorraine Brown, to support the protection of this special property.  On July 3rd, two separate tours with about 15 members each were co-led by NCC staff members Esme and Alex. Afterwards, I received this note from Kate McLaren (a former OSFN President) ‘Hi John, It was great to see the new NCC acquisition and to hike the path with such knowledgeable and friendly people. Much appreciated!’ And this one from Ruth Nielsen – ‘The hike was wonderful. What extraordinary rock formations!’ 

Nature Club News for June 2025

by John Dickson

At 7pm Thursday June 12, Sarah McComb-Turbitt, a local artist and marine biologist will cap off the 2024-2025 monthly speaker series of the Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN), at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.

This event will take place ‘in person’ only. OSFN Meetings are Open to the Public, with Attendance by Donation. For Membership and Young Naturalist Club Information, please visit www.osfn.ca  

 McComb-Turbitt will give an overview of many of the whales found in eastern Canada and then share some of her personal journey studying the long-finned pilot whales there, and what Marine Biologists are learning about whales from the Whale Watching industry. ‘Disruptions from whale-watching vessels to behaviors such as foraging can be particularly harmful to cetaceans, but impacts could be reduced if areas essential for these sensitive behaviors are identified. We used data collected onboard whale-watching vessels to explore space-use patterns in long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) off northern Cape Breton Island, Canada, an area where tourism is essential.’ 

Sarah McComb-Turbitt, a Marine Biologist turned artist and new mom, has dedicated her life to wildlife conservation. Although her high school focus included a strong art component with then teacher Jim Sebesta, Sarah also had memorable science teachers, including Deane Atherton, Jen Wardell, and Fred Schlenker, and she followed up with degrees and a career in Marine Biology that included the penguins of the Falkland Islands and whales. Along the way she also became a very proficient wildlife photographer.  

‘Restoring Canada’s oceans strengthens our communities, creates economic and nutritional benefits, and protects our future, as we believe Canada has a national and global obligation to manage our natural resources responsibly.’

Most recently, Sarah teamed up with Wildlife Preservation Canada (WPC) to raise awareness about Canada’s most vulnerable species at risk. As her career as a wildlife artist grows, Sarah hopes to expand her support and partner with other organizations and researchers to highlight animals and locations from around the world. Her work goes beyond art as a powerful tool to capture the unique behaviours of animals and foster a deeper appreciation for our planet’s diversity. Sarah’s ultimate goal is to enhance the connection between the viewer and the natural world and create a window into the sentimental moments in the lives of animals. Since transitioning to painting full-time in 2020, she has supported conservation with every wildlife work created, underlining her unwavering commitment to the cause. Sarah has achieved standing in AFC’s annual juried exhibit for the past four years. 

Her academic journey from researching whales and penguins to the vibrant art world has created a unique collision point between the science and art worlds. Since transitioning to painting full-time in 2020, she has supported conservation with every wildlife work created, underlining her unwavering commitment to conservation. When you observe her art, you will recognize how well it captures the raw beauty and personalities of her subjects. 

Sarah is a Signature Member of Artists for Conservation and has a passion for Canada’s, and the Globe’s, most vulnerable species at risk. To learn more, visit https://www.smccombturbitt.com/

The Owen Sound Young Naturalists May meeting was held at the Hibou Conservation area. Marsha Courtney and I led – with me, (Amanda Eriksen) looking for birds and Marsha’s eyes on the ground. I kept track of all the birds we ended up hearing or seeing and we had a final tally of 21 species. We saw some orchids, jack in the pulpit, and a few damsel
flies and bees. It was a beautiful day for a hike, and it is always great to see what the kids notice. We took so long on the boardwalk that we didn’t even make it to the beach!  Our June meeting is planned with Caley Doran at the Boyd’s Crevice.

Carol Edwards-Harrison shared these observations about the Swiftwatch event on June 2 – ‘Last evening’s presentation on Chimney Swifts by BIRDS CANADA’s Gabriel Evans-Cook and OSFN was both informative and fascinating. Peter Middleton followed up with well animated fun facts and we all were delighted to hear about how the preservation of the Old Courthouse chimney came about. Kudos to the present owners and BIRDS CANADA for all their excellent work to save this precious roosting home for the at risk Chimney Swifts.The Chimney Swifts put on a dazzling show to the oohs and awes of the gathering and turned us all into another version of Swifties!’

Members of the Bruce Birding Club (BBC) were invited to visit Grey County on June 4, to enjoy some wonderful birding opportunities right here in Owen Sound. Led by Judy Duncan and Norah Toth, along with advisor Rob Wray,  we started out in Harrison Park, which in recent years I have realized can be like a funnel and staging area for migrating birds to rest and forage for their continuing journey north. However, they may find just the diversity of habitat they need, to stay and raise their families right here. Other birding hot spots we visited were the Inglis Falls Arboretum, the rail line north from Rockford and The West Rocks area as guests of Peter and Elizabeth Korpal, whose innovative trail system offered many bird sightings as well as bees, butterflies and botany to enjoy. 

The Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory Blog (BPBO) shows it has been active again this Spring with lots of dedication to observe and document the migration activities at this special location. ‘

Big flocks of fast-flying Cedar Waxwings are also seen at this time of year, another fun challenging bird to count as they speed across the sky in an ever-mingling flock. Common Mergansers are also seen in large numbers now, with up to 26 birds on June 2nd. But they are much easier to count as they either lounge on the shoreline or float on the surface of the water, diving from time to time for a fish. These groups are composed mostly of males, enjoying life after their brief reproductive duties, leaving the females alone to incubate and raise the young.’ 

Nature Club News for May 2025

by John Dickson

The Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) will introduce you to the Inca world of Macchu Picchu and more, to enjoy not only the daytime views, but also the night skies there.

Featured presenter John Hlynialuk presents ‘The Incas: Naturalists of the Night’ at 7pm Thursday, May 15, at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.

Hlynialuk will demonstrate how Inca culture was intimately tuned into the natural world, both terrestrial and in the heavens overhead. This talk will look at the astronomy of the Southern skies and how the Inca related it to the natural world around them.

John Hlynialuk is a retired high school teacher who taught in both Bruce and Grey County high schools. He has been an avid stargazer since his teens when his interest in general photography led to pictures of the starry sky, comets, the moon, northern lights and solar and lunar eclipses. Several of his photographs have been published in national astronomy magazines and he contributes astronomical images to local publications.

Hlynialuk has also helped out with astronomy programmes at the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre and the uniqueness of that facility has led to a deep interest in terrestrial ecology as well. While not an expert on flora or fauna, he has a keen interest in the natural world.

Although this event will take place in person at 7pm Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the Bayshore Community Centre, the doors will be open at 6:30 to 7pm for Book Sales of the newly revised ‘Ferns Bruce & Grey’ as well as the OSFN Fern Buff, Logo Shirts etc.

The presentation will also be available on Zoom – you may register in advance at this link

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mfmdGEtqS3-ukekW7diglg

OSFN Meetings are also open to the public, with attendance by donation. For membership and Young Naturalist Club information, please visit www.osfn.ca

NeighbourWoods North invites you to help with some Spring planting projects at Brightshores Hospital in Owen Sound. Volunteers just need to dress for the weather, bring drinking water and enjoy planting small trees. If you have a favourite shovel, then yes, please bring that, but otherwise, tools will be provided for this satisfying work.

After each work bee, refreshments and snacks will be available too. The upcoming schedule is:

Saturdays May 24, 31 and June 7, from 9:30 to 11am at the southwest corner of the hospital grounds near the helipad. Visit https://www.neighbourwoodsnorth.ca/ and at NWN on Facebook.

Good news to share: Chimney Swifts have returned to the Old Courthouse in Owen Sound!

Peter Middleton and I are pleased to confirm that the recent repairs to the Chimney at the Old Grey County Courthouse have met with the approval of the returning Chimney Swifts, as they look for a spot to roost overnight while migrating northwards. I observed about 50 Swifts swirling, serenading, and then descending into the chimney at 9pm on May 9.

Peter then visited the site May 10, reporting “The skies were empty of any swifts until 8:51 p.m. when a small flock appeared. Very quickly it increased in number. At 9:04 p.m. the flock, almost in one steady flow, descended directly into the chimney. They were all inside within 2 minutes. Unlike the previous few years, there was basically no hesitation in approaching and stalling to descend. 120 birds were observed descending into the chimney to roost. The restoration of the chimney is a success!

People are welcome to observe the birds on their own, and they may do so at any time. For best views, they should observe them from the vacant lot on 4th Ave. East between 12th and 14th Streets east, just north of the old Registry Office.”

For me, it was a treat to witness the arrival of the Chimney Swifts with their cheerful chatter as they cruised throughout the neighbourhood there until it was their bed time and they entered the chimney for the night.

Birds Canada and the Owen Sound Field Naturalists are co-hosting a Chimney Swift roost monitoring event on Monday June 2nd in Owen Sound. Come out for a chance to witness one of springtime’s most captivating aerial displays and contribute to important community science at the recently restored Old Grey County Courthouse (1235 3rd Ave E, Owen Sound, ON) at 8:00 PM. Feel free to bring your own coffee, tea, or snacks! Gabriel will start things off with a short talk about Chimney Swifts, their incredible migration journey, and the urgent need to monitor their declining populations through Birds Canada’s SwiftWatch program.

As dusk falls, we’ll hopefully witness dozens of swifts swirling through the sky before they funnel into the chimney to roost for the night: a spectacular sight to see.

Everyone is welcome, let’s help conserve Chimney Swifts one roost at a time!

Here is a link to the event details too – https://www.birdscanada.org/event/swift-night-out-owen-sound-on

David Turner will be giving a talk on Birds of Prey in the Beaver Valley, at 7pm Thursday, May 15 at Annesley Church in Markdale. Admission is by donation.

Eleven Owen Sound Young Naturalists attended the April meeting at the Carnahan Nature Reserve, with guest leader Jeannine Kralt. We learned all about her Junior Hiking Program with the Sydenham Bruce Trail Cub and the badges the kids can earn. We had a true naturalist hike along the Frank Holley Side Trail – finding, identifying and documenting well over 20 plant species – and a few salamanders too! We learned about the geology of the area and saw many fossils. We all earned our “boots on the ground” and “Junior Naturalist” badges. It was a beautiful day for a hike, and it is always great to see what the kids notice. Amanda Eriksen

There are still openings in a variety of guided activities and presentations at the Huron Fringe Birding Festival, being held this year May 23-26 and May 29 – June 1. Visit the Festival website https://huronfringebirdingfestival.ca/ and see what might work for you.

To close, Nature quotes from Heights of Macchu Picchu VI and The Future is Space, by the poet Pablo Neruda 1904-1973 (translation by Michael Eisner)

“There is a place for everyone in forests…but what joy to find in the end, rising, an empty planet, great stars…”

Nature Club News for March 2025

by John Dickson

The Owen Sound Field Naturalists club (OSFN) has invited John Bittorf of Grey Sauble Conservation (GSCA) to give the April 10th presentation about their flood forecasting, weather monitoring and water quality monitoring too – some of which are unique in Ontario.As the Water Resources Coordinator and Flood Duty Officer Bittorf is best suited to provide an insight to the programmes, procedures  and responsibilities the GSCA deals with in the Grey-Sauble Watershed. 

John Bittorf, with roots here in Owen Sound, has worked at Grey Sauble Conservation since graduating from U of Guelph. His work experience has included fish and wildlife habitat projects, tree planting and forest management, water quality improvement grant programs,  groundwater monitoring and surface water quality monitoring including benthic sampling and taxonomy to lowest practical level (self taught), as well as flood forecasting/warning.

I am especially looking forward to this presentation, given the rather uneven weather and April showers we have had recently. Set for 7pm Thursday April 10, at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, everyone is welcome, with admission by donation for non OSFN members.  We hope to see you there. The presentation will also be offered on Zoom, for which you can register here – 

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mZRrSxXaTx-fW67hC9wlgw#/registration

 The doors will be open by 6:30pm allowing time to peruse the OSFN merchandise, and purchase tickets ($10. each) for the Celebrate Earth Day Keynote Speaker event featuring Dr. Anne Bell, former director of Conservationand Education at Ontario Nature for 17 years. Entitled Rapture and Resistance – the Heart of Nature Advocacy, and sponsored by Caframo, this event will take place at the Harmony Centre at 2pm Sunday April 27.  Tickets are also available at several outlets in the area – The Library in Owen Sound, the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market from Sheila Gunby’s Paper Cut Designs, at the Ginger Press and from Suntrail Source for Adventure in Hepworth.  For more information and online  ticket and merchandise purchases, please visit 

**To purchase tickets online** to be held for you at the door, please visit https://owensoundfieldnaturalists.ca/shop/

Other features of the OSFN meetings include ‘Sightings’ – a chance to share and learn about local nature observations of particular interest.Speaking of interesting Nature activities, as the ice storm was approaching and it had become dark, 8:30 to 9:30pm,  I could hear loud ‘screaming’ vocalizations of many gulls flying through our neighbourhood on three occasions that evening. I soon learned from at least two others within a 10km radius, that they had noticed that unusual phenomenon that same evening too – both downtown and closer to Inglis Falls. I often hear Killdeer calling in the dark, and have come to consider that to be normal, but with the gulls, it was a first for me. 

Congratulations to our friends at Saugeen Nature (aka Saugeen Field Naturalists) celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, at the Elmwood Community Hall on Monday April 28, with a celebratory dinner, followed by their Annual General Meeting, Award presentation and their speaker 

Environmental Scientist and Beekeeper Janine McGowan featuring many Bees of the World, plus Bee biodiversity in Canada and Honey Bees in particular. For more details please visit saugeenfieldnaturalists.com

On a sadder note I learned  this week that Dennis Lewington had passed away on March 29, at the age of 90. I last saw Dennis one morning in May of 2024, when I was assisting Brendan Mulroy, accompanied by Nancy White and Dennis, in a transition to assuming the care of the Lewingtons’ many Eastern Bluebird nesting boxes near Wiarton. In recognition of their tremendous contribution to the recovery of the Eastern Bluebird population in addition to their generous donation of a very special property, to be known as Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve, Dennis and Gwen Lewington were the recipients of OSFN’s 2013 Community Conservation Award.    It was so satisfying to see this important project in good hands for the foreseeable future. Close friend and an OSFN presenter, Bruce Mackenzie wrote:  ‘

As much as this news may have been expected, it is the end of a wonderful chapter for the lives of Dennis and Gwen.

They will not be forgotten easily as the Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve and their love of birding will be with us for a long time.’

 Peter Middleton shared this tribute: ‘With Dennis’ death, we have lost a gentle man who loved the planet and strove to preserve its beauty. Rarely without his soulmate Gwen, he left a legacy of commitment, accomplishment, and the celebration of nature. Hundreds of Bluebirds took wing  because of Dennis and Gwen’s efforts. Future generations will be able to experience the beauty and stillness of nature in the Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve, the gift he and Gwen bequeathed to Ontario Nature.He will be missed’

Owen Sound Young Naturalists had a sweet deal for their March event, meeting at Bob and Mary Beth Gray’s maple syrup farm and learning from Bob Gray all about how he makes maple syrup. ‘We checked out the maple trees, the tap lines and got to taste both the maple sap and some syrup! Kemble was hit with an ice storm and the trees were covered in ice. There were many branches down and power was out. This meant that there was no sap boiling when we were there, and this let us get a good look at the boiler. We couldn’t walk too far into the forest as the trees were still ice covered. Bob was able to talk about forest health and how to identify a sugar maple in the winter. There were 8 youngsters that braved the icy rain. Our next meeting will be April 27th with Jeannine Kralt at Fossil Glen Nature Preserve and will be an introduction to her Sydenham Bruce Trail youth hikes.’ Submitted by Amanda Eriksen, Young Naturalists Coordinator.

April 22  is officially Earth Day, and there are many special events being held throughout the area, with a comprehensive listing to be found at https://www.thesustainabilityproject.ca/events  Included is an invitation to the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory Annual General Meeting to be held on Zoom.

All are welcome. A zoom meeting to be held on: Saturday, April 26 from 10 until noon, with guest speaker Jeanine Kralt

To get the Zoom link please email..bethannecurrie@sympatico.ca

In particular, there are Earth Day Grey Bruce events “building green communities” with an Earth Day Festival from 11am to 3:30pm on Saturday, April 26, 2025, all along 1st Ave W between 8th and 9th Streets. At Tobermory on Friday, May 2nd at 7:00pm at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre.

 Known for his captivating wildlife photography, Waterton will share Bear Encounters, a stunning visual narrative based on his experiences photographing polar bears in the Arctic, as well as black bears on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula. This is an event not to be missed for anyone fascinated by wildlife and the art of photography and it is free to attend, though donations are warmly encouraged to support future Sources of Knowledge programming.

On Thursday May 8, at 7pm the Earth Film Festival, an important fundraiser for the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation, will feature the award winning  Movie All Too Clear and much more. For more details about tickets, ($30.each) please visit  the Roxy box office 

On Saturday May 10, Willy Waterton will also be the featured presenter of the Island View Drive and Area Ratepayers Association  50th year speaker series at the Kemble-Sarawak United Church, with Black and White Bear Encounters. Admission free or by donation.

To close, a Nature quote by Andrew Armitage from his Sugaring Off in March from ‘The Way They Lived in the Lovely Townships of Grey and Bruce’ series of talks read over CFOS radio by Kris Morris  ‘The Maple, a symbol of a nation. What more practical symbol could we have? This wonderful tree provided shade in the summer, firewood of long burning quality for the winter, gorgeous colour in the fall and sugar and syrup in the spring.’

Nature Club News for March 2025

by John Dickson

Each year, the Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) club features several presentations with a great variety of topics,  on the same evening. Described as a potpourri of OSFN members’ photos, displays, art, collections and compositions focusing on the natural world this year’s Members’ Night promises all of the above plus great fun too and it is set for 7pm Thursday March 13 at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. 

Featured presenters will be:   Nan Brown – More than ‘just trees’ at the Inglis Falls Arboretum :“The talk will be a 10 minute exposé of what nature lovers may expect to find at the arboretum including trees, along with many shrubs, woody vines, small mammals, insects, reptiles, birds and more!” 

Robert Burcher  When I nudged OSFN’s Robert Burcher about his sailing on the prairies two years ago he replied with – Big Skies on the South Saskatchewan River, saying  “Yes, I will do a 10 minute show of sailing on the mighty South Saskatchewan. I just looked through all my photos and was nostalgic. It will be good to refresh my memory of the trip. This will be a fun show! Did you ever hear the song about Pirates on the South Saskatchewan? ” https://youtu.be/8G_L9tXEwmc?si=3rGqrCR5s_cX7VKS

David Morris – Reflections on Sustainable Agriculture -” There is general agreement that sustainable agriculture entails farming in a way that will meet the world’s present and future needs while minimizing damage to the environment. David Morris, a retired agriculturalist, will offer some insights into why agreeing what this means in practice is much more complicated than it might seem.”

Bill & Cecilie Moses have entitled their session – Preserve Nature: They Aren’t Making any More, with some helpful insights into some of the options and opportunities with land trusts, nature reserves, conservation agreements, etc. 

Marilyn Scriver – Common Loons – From a lakeside cabin in the Gatineau Hills, Marilyn will share her photos of Common Loon Families, from her time with the Canadian Loon Survey, Birds Canada.

In addition, OSFN also announces that its 10th annual Keynote Speaker Event to Celebrate Earth Day, will feature Dr. Anne Bell, the much revered former Director of Conservation and Education at Ontario Nature for 17 years, once again sponsored by Caframo. Entitled ‘Rapture and Resistance – the Heart of Nature Advocacy’ this event will take place at the Harmony Centre at 2pm Sunday April 27.  Tickets for this special event, $10. each, will be available at OSFN meetings March 13, and April 10, as well as at these ticket outlets:  Owen Sound and North Grey  Union Public Library, the Ginger Press, Sheila  Gunby’s Paper Cut Designs at the the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market and at Suntrail Source for Adventure in Hepworth. 

With the doors opening by 6:30pm, March 13, there will be opportunities to browse OSFN’s many publications and merchandise, followed by the evening programme at 7pm in person at the Bayshore and also on zoom at this link 
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Rz6Gqsy5QP-3XsFc3Tcbhg

The Owen Sound Artists’ Co-op is hosting several exhibitions in which Nature plays a prominent role, including works by Sue Allison. From ‘March Miniatures’ one distinctive sampling by Maureen Elliott features her ‘Wildlife Profiles’ … photography on metal, including Moose, Pine Marten, Black Bear and more. 

I know that I will be visiting the Co-op several times to witness these and other exhibits too.

Although I haven’t yet seen pussy willows this year, I have heard one Robin, and noticed brighter yellows on the American Goldfinch males and willow trees, plus the bright red leaf buds sported by some Maple trees – so I do believe that Springtime is on its way.And to reinforce that sentiment, Peter Middleton has recently had a migrating pair of Carolina Wrens visiting and shared this prognostication “

Yesterday morning when I stepped out into the glorious sunshine, it was to the energetic singing of a Cardinal and a Carolina Wren, both in full voice.  It was soul-stirring and a promise that Spring is definitely on its way.”

Owen Sound Young Naturalists Report by Amanda Eriksen

The February meeting was held at the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority building where we learned about butterflies, moths and host plants. I used the monarch as an example, but I had a slideshow showing 12 other moth and butterfly species common to our backyards that also only lay eggs and eat one plant family. I had some pictures and videos of monarch caterpillars and one of the members shared his experience raising and tagging monarchs. He brought a slide of a butterfly wing, so we hooked up the microscope to check that out. Amy Darrell from both OSFN and the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC), gave us three pillowcases full of milkweed pods for us to smash up to free the seeds from the fluff.

Once thoroughly smashed you shake the seeds to the bottom and cut the corner off the bag. The seeds can then be poured out. 

The kids were a great help in the smashing up part of the process. Each youngster was encouraged to take some seeds home to plant some milkweed for the monarchs. The rest of the seeds will be given back to Amy to be handed out by the EBC at various events they take part in. 
We also got busy crafting butterflies and cloud air fresheners. I brought in some wooden butterflies, cardboard, feathers from my chickens, fluff from the milkweeds and various crafting supplies and let the
kids at it. We then added a few drops of essential oils to the art to turn them into air freshers. There was some great art created. We had a great turn out of twelve kids. Our March meeting is to be held a bit earlier so that we can check on the maple syrup production at Robert Gray’s property.

To close, a Nature quote from Horizon by Barry Lopez, in mountainside habitat within sight of the Pacific Ocean –

“These scenes, inland and oceanward…encourage two thoughts that have organized my perceptions in nature for decades. First, diversity is not a mere characteristic of life… Diversity is a condition necessary for life. Diversity creates the biological tensioning that makes life in general vigorous and sustainable. It’s diversity that ensures perpetuity. The loss of diversity, on the other hand, threatens all life with extinction.”