On Thursday, November 14, the Owen Sound Field Naturalists’ (OSFN) featured guest speaker will be Zane Davies, a pre-eminent Trail Designer and Developer throughout Ontario.
Based in the Lion’s Head area, Davies has been involved with many projects on Nature Reserves, developing or upgrading the trail systems and accessibility for such agencies as Nature Conservancy Canada (NCC), Ontario Nature (ON), the County of Bruce, as well as with NeighbourWoods North of OSFN, in Owen Sound, and the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy’s (EBC) Trout Hollow in the Meaford area.
He has also contributed to Trans Canada Trail projects plus training, in Eastern and Northern Ontario. Entitled, ‘It’s just a F-F-Fabulous Trail’ Davies says ‘ A lot of my work is focused on creating meaningful trails for users and it always comes back to figuring out who the trail is for.’ He also believes the purpose of outdoor adventure is to create memorable experiences; – the key facilitator of which is a trail.
Learn why Zane Davies is much sought after as a trail developer as he shares his passion for the ‘love of trails and their associated features.’
In addition, the November 14 evening will feature the availability of timely gifts, with the launch of the newly revised edition of OSFN’s Ferns Bruce & Grey, featuring photography by WIlly Waterton. You will have an opportunity to purchase copies of Ferns Bruce & Grey at the Launch price of $25.00. ( $30.00 thereafter) during a social time and sales of OSFN’s popular new Fern Buff and OSFN Logo Shirts, plus draw tickets for a Young Naturalists fundraiser too, from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. A special presentation to the family of Nels and Jean Maher will then take place, followed by the evening’s featured speaker, Zane Davies.
This jam-packed evening will take place at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. OSFN meetings are open to the public, and everyone is welcome, with attendance by donation.
It will also be available on Zoom. To receive a zoom link, please send an email, in advance to web@osfn.ca with trails on the subject line.
I was super excited to have a visiting flock of White-winged Crossbills stop by for a feast. Have never witnessed them on our property before, absolutely love them! They almost resemble little parrots, they way they hang up side down and frolic in the trees! Located north of Kimberley – Photo by Jen Worrall
Stephane Menu, Station Scientist at the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory (BPBO) has wrapped up the fall banding and migration monitoring period at the Cabot Head Research Station. Here is an excerpt from their latest blog:
On October 28, under an overcast sky and a strong East wind blowing, the casual scanning of Georgian Bay became exciting all of sudden. With only a few nets open and barely any birds being captured, very quickly it appeared that a substantial movement of waterfowl was happening: several flocks of Long-tailed Ducks of various sizes were flying fast and low over the water. As soon as one flock was counted (as best as one can, with birds mixing and mingling and disappearing between waves), another was appearing behind. Our estimate was 1145 Long-tailed Ducks… but the true number could well have been 1400, 1500?
It was another wonderful season at Cabot Head, with a successful monitoring thanks notably to dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who gave their time and energy without counting. I hope that you all enjoyed the blog. See you next spring!
Stephane Menu, Station Scientist at the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory
Photo by Les Anderson This imposing Bald Eagle was on a favourite perch over the Sauble River today near Allenford. Those talons and razor sharp beak are ideally suited for its role as predator and scavenger when the opportunity arises. 11/07/24
I have always enjoyed the season of Autumn, and this year is no exception. It has been a pleasure lately to see the return of some of our winter birds, and to notice, with surprise, several birds’ nests that have been there all summer, along with a few Wasps’ nests too, cleverly hidden, but which have only now become evident. Along with the changing colours of the leaves we see from Maples, Birches, Beeches, Poplars, and Sumacs, I notice the bright reds of rose-hips and highbush cranberries, plus the purple/blue of wild grapes and especially the golden needles of the many Tamarack trees ablaze in the special, low-angled light of November.
Owen Sound Young Naturalists Report by Amanda Eriksen
The October meeting was held at Harrison Park with John Bittorf, who does the benthic sampling for the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority. We watched a demonstration of how John samples rivers and he explained why he does it and what he is looking for. With help from some handy identification sheets the kids were able to identify the nvertebrates we found. We had the use of four microscopes with screens that were lent from the GSCA which the kids (and parents) loved. Our meeting was cut short as it began to rain hard, and it was cold. We had 16 ids out with several new families joining the club. Our November meeting is planned to be a hike at the Kinghurst old growth forest to do a “winter is coming” scavenger hunt and learn about strategies animals use to prepare for winter survival. To learn more, please email Amanda Eriksen at youngnaturalistsos@gmail.com
Photos of Young Naturalists by Amanda Eriksen
Members of the local Nature and Birding community were saddened recently to learn of the passing of David Fidler, a well-known naturalist and ornithologist who was also a founding member, and later a President of OSFN. David and his wife Barbara (also an OSFN Treasurer) were also long-time OSFN stewards of the Davis Property/ NCC Preserve on the Bruce Peninsula.
David Fidler 1936 – 2024
David shared his lifelong passion for birding by leading hikes, teaching and sharing his knowledge of birds and all of the outdoors.
He also represented the OSFN on the committees for the Grey County Official Plan, Ontario Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest and Grey County/Grey Sauble Forest Management Plans.
For many years he served as the Compiler of the Owen Sound Christmas Bird Count, and was Chair of the Grey-Bruce Bird Records Committee.
Lynne Richardson shared this tribute: “David was a highly skilled birder, who readily shared his knowledge on numerous excursions, field trips and courses. He also piloted many projects in benefit of bird conservation. As OSFN President he got things done.”
Many will also remember that for several years Dave sold bird seed and bird feeders that he made, at the Owen Sound Market. Dave named his enterprise: “Birds are Us” which was also the name of the Nature column he was writing in 2001 which introduced me to the Huron Fringe Birding Festival. I also remember all of the birding tips he gave me during OSFN hikes at Fidler’s Green, and his timely advice about the fall hawk migration at Holiday Beach, just west of Point Pelee.
It was indeed my privilege, in 2015, to present David Fidler with OSFN’s highest award, an Honourary Life Membership. Our sincere condolences to Barbara Fidler, their family and friends. A come and go memorial visitation to celebrate David’s life will be held at Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, 250 14th St. W., Owen Sound, on Saturday, November 16, from 1-3 p.m.
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Owen Sound Field Naturalists or Ontario Field Ornithologists would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to David’s family by visiting his memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca.
The Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) invite you to visit the Bayshore Community Centre at 7pm on Thursday October 10, and to ‘Come Celebrate World Lemur Day’ with a presentation by explorer, author, and conservationist Dr. Keriann McGoogan and explorer, anthropologist, and conservationist Dr. Travis Steffens. They will take us on a journey to Madagascar to learn about the amazing wildlife and landscapes, the challenges of field research, and how they are working to create sustainable forest communities through their charity Planet Madagascar. Madagascar is truly a place like no other and is the only place lemurs are found naturally — sadly these primates are the most endangered animals in the world.
Keriann and Travis will also have copies of Keriann’s book, Chasing Lemurs and some products from Madagascar for you to purchase if you want to help support lemur conservation in Madagascar, and its special wildlife, including Lemurs.Admission is free, and donations from non-members are welcome. Doors open by 6:30pm, and OSFN publications, along with the new Fern Buff (a great gift idea!) will be available too. This presentation will also be available on Zoom. To receive a zoom link, please send an email, in advance, to web@osfn.ca with lemurs on the subject line.For more information about OSFN, membership, field trips, Young Naturalists and more, please visit www.osfn.ca
Beth Anne Currie of the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory invites you to take in their upcoming Fall Dinner and Fundraiser, with special guest speaker
Dr. Dan Mennill:
It’s Time!!! Banquet for the Birds… Who Gives a Tweet?!
Saturday, October 26, 5 to 10:30 p.m. at the Best Western, Inn on the Bay,Owen Sound.
BPBO is looking forward to seeing and connecting with you all. All funds raised go to supporting the work at the Cabot Head Research Station. Tickets for the evening are $100 ($40 tax receipt) And we thank you! 5:00 to 6:00 – Meet and Greet. Enjoy music and pre-dinner drinks. Visit the ongoing fundraising activities.
an American tree sparrow, roadside on Lonely Island Drive, Oliphant. October 2, photo by Rob Wray
OSFN Board member Marsha Courtney tells us of the Young Naturalists event on September 22 “I Took two of my Grandchildren to the Young Naturalists event on Sunday. We opened, removed and examined the seasonal nests from 10 birdhouses that are placed along the walking trails at Grey Sauble Conservation. Then we were off to see the Salmon heading up stream, which means they had made it up the fish ladder at the Mill Dam. Next, a visit to the arboretum was a chance to learn of the native trees there too.”
Yes, there is room for more youngsters, 7-12, to participate in these monthly learning/adventure gatherings. To learn more please contact Amanda at youngnaturalistsos@gmail.com
Owen Sound Young Naturalists performing Bluebird Trail annual maintenance at Grey Sauble Conservation, September 22. Photo by Marsha Courtney
James Turland shared this report on the Bruce Birding Club’s (BBC) October 2 tour –
“Doug Pedwell led this outing, starting at Sauble Beach Community Centre. Here a groomed trail and boardwalk offers a look at Carson Lake.
Carson Lake is becoming a bog by slowly filling with plant debris. Bogs take hundreds of years to develop. Once the lake is full of debris, sphagnum moss, as well as other plants, grow out from the lake’s edge. The vegetation eventually covers the lake’s entire surface. Bogs have a unique plant community and the Winterberry was in its full glory today. Winterberry is a native holly with showy red berries that birds will eat. White-crowned and White-throated sparrows were both seen at this stop. Next we visited the mouth of the Sauble River where there were several Bald Eagles perched in the treetops and we puzzled over distant swans. Then we drove the Huron Lake shoreline from south to north Oliphant. Shorebirds were hard to find and only Greater Yellowlegs were seen. A red fox at Lonely Island causeway grabbed our attention as it trotted up the road and hunted in the marsh grasses. We had lunch at Berford Lake and then visited Isaac Lake. At Isaac we had close up views of the resident Trumpeter Swans. We finished the day at the Wiarton Lagoons with a couple of Coots and a selection of ducks. Thanks so much to Doug for leading today and Marilyn Ohler for keeping the eBird list. Following is a complete list of the birds seen.
Cormorants cannot make their feathers waterproof so spread and dry them in the sun
Text by James Turland Photos by John Dickson October 2, with the Bruce Birding Club near the Lake Huron Shoreline
To close, a quote from Keriann McGoogan in response to learning that I was recently reading a comprehensive biography of naturalist and author Gerald Durrell who, through his writing, generated sufficient income to create his own zoo, with a clear mission of saving species from extinction. This four word mission statement still remains today. He opened Jersey Zoo in 1959 and in 1963 established a charitable trust to oversee the zoo and carry out the conservation work worldwide.
“Glad you are enjoying your biography about Durrell — his legacy plays a role in the national park where we work, as there is a conservation project run by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust on the ploughshare tortoises. Planet Madagascar partners with this organization on several other conservation projects too.”
On Thursday September 12, at 7pm, the Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) will kick off its 2024-2025 season of monthly speakers, in addition to the complementary hikes and field trips schedule which has already begun. First up is The Wonderful World of Bees, with Janine McGowan, M.Sc.
An Environmental Scientist and Beekeeper with roots in the Meaford area, McGowan will introduce us to many Bees of the World, plus the Bee biodiversity in Canada, and to Honey Bees in particular. During her 6 years working and studying at the “Bee Lab” (U of Guelph’s Honey Bee Research Centre), Janine revived their Apiculture Club, acted as President for 4 years, and she has also participated in many apiculture-related research projects.Janine continues to expand her knowledge of native pollinators, focusing on regenerative agriculture and gardening. “Less grass and more habitat, please! Bring on the bee-friendly cover crops!” This presentation will take place at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, with doors opening by 6:30pm, to allow some social time and a chance to peruse the renowned OSFN publications, membership purchase and/or renewal, etc. OSFN plans for the meeting to also be available on Zoom. If you would like to receive a zoom link please email web@osfn.ca with Bees in the subject line. The event is open to the public, and admission is free or by donation. For more information please visit www.osfn.ca
Monarch Butterfly migration also gets some attention at this time of year as Audrey Armstrong explains: “We were gifted with great weather- sunny and hot- just the way butterflies like it, but our OSFN Monarch Tagging event Sunday, August 25th proved to have lower numbers of monarchs in migration this year. We tagged only 4 as opposed to 100 two years ago on a similar date. Regardless, the 14 participants had fun with Brian Robin, trying to net and capture monarchs even though very few were moving through. Patti Byers and Audrey Armstrong provided background information to the participants and there is increasing understanding about the importance of creating habitat for these amazing insects. Brian gifted each participant with a free Swamp Milkweed plant from Grange Hollow. We know these will attract monarchs when planted on your property. The news on Journey North Website indicates there might be a late summer peak, so keep looking for those super-generation monarchs travelling south.”
Photo by Willy Waterton
What a treat it was to see so many drifting butter yellow Clouded Sulphur Butterflies as we cycled the backroads near Chesley recently! I am also enjoying the many blooming Asters I have seen lately – white and yellow and very delicate. However, my eye is really drawn now to the striking purple and yellow flowers of the New England Asters.
Carol L. Edwards-Harrison September 5 Young Ruby-throated hummingbird is surprised by a bumblebee…
There is always room! The Young Naturalists’ Club is starting up again this fall. Bring the kids and grandkids out and help inspire a love for nature in the next generation! The Young Naturalists’ Club is geared toward children aged 7 to 12 years old. The children must be accompanied by an adult during each meeting.We typically meet once a month from 2 to 4 pm, but for some events the times may vary. The programme operates from September to June but with no meeting in December.We go for guided hikes, snowshoe, create art inspired by nature, see how others in the area are protecting our nature and visit a variety of ecosystems in our area. We learn so much from the experts we recruit to guide us. I have as much fun as the kids do! You don’t have to be amember of the Naturalist club to join so let your friends and family know. Our first meeting is being held at the Grey Sauble Conservation Area Sunday September 22nd at 2pm (meet at the pavilion). We will clean out the bird boxes and see what nests are there. We will play some nature inspired games. Hopefully there will be a few salmon in the river to check out as well.You can get more information by emailing Amanda Eriksen at youngnaturalistsos@gmail.com or by coming to the first meeting!
Each week the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory (at BPBO.ca) shares its report in a blog, as excerpted here. “From time to time, during migration, something truly extraordinary happens. .. But nothing prepared us … for getting… an exceptional deluge of Bay-breasted Warblers… Of course, we know in theory that the boreal forest holds billions of birds during its proliferate summer and that most of them fly south. But, it is not often that one can get an inkling of the staggering numbers of birds aloft over our heads at migration time… on that fateful day of August 30, 2024, we banded 185 birds of 18 species, including 119 Bay-breasted Warblers (119!), 13 Tennessee Warblers, and 8 Blackburnian Warblers. I do believe it will take a long time to see another day like that 30 August 2024, if ever. However, in migration, “always expect the unexpected”!
Photos by Les Anderson – August 24 – The honeybees are taking advantage of the abundant Goldenrod lining all the local roadsides on these summer days. 8/23/24
On September 4 and 5, OSFN held its 4th annual Moth Night/Moth Morning event with Moth enthusiast Alan Macnaughton, at the Grey Sauble Conservation Arboretum and pavilion, with 15 to 29 participants on hand too, including former OSFN President Kate McLaren –
“Most people will delight in the flight of a butterfly, but moths, being creatures of the night, raise a slight suspicion – until Alan shines his light on their beauty and diversity.
Strange, fascinating, fleeting, but such an integral part of ecosystems that a two hour drive away from here yields species unknown to our leafy friends!”
Steve Irvine September 5 Big Bay A spiny oak-slug caterpillar munching on a sugar maple leaf. Euclea delphinii.
To close, a Nature quote from Janine McGowan – “There are two things about honey bees that I particularly revere: the first is the fact that honey bees are one of the only creatures that are givers of life, not takers. They collect nectar and pollen for sustenance and the act of doing so creates a life, as opposed to consuming one”
The Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the evening of June 13, comfortably inside at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, while on the outside, very high winds and driving rain arrived in the area, as could be seen through the windows of the Bay Room. Along with the usual business of the club, was the presentation of three club awards. Past President Pam Kinchen presented OSFN’s Community Conservation Award to Judy Duncan, in recognition of: Judy’s long time work on behalf of the club, including as a board member; of her support in the community for the Huron Fringe Birding Festival, the Bruce Birding Club, the Breeding Bird Atlas, as well as many area Christmas Bird Counts; in addition Judy has done a Shrike Survey for Wildlife Preservation Canada since 2011, and since 1998 she has raised money through pledges for the Great Canadian Birdathon which then shares some of the funds raised, to a group designated by Judy – OSFN. Congratulations!
OSFN President Brendan Mulroy and John Dickson then presented OSFN’s Honourary Life Membership Award to Fred Jazvac: In recognition of his dedication, valued leadership and teamwork with the Owen Sound Field Naturalists, including 14 years of guiding and teaching with ‘Birding Around the Bay’, plus Indoor Presentations and a six-year term on the OSFN Board of Directors, including two years as President; He was the Coordinator of the Bruce Birding Club until 2023, bringing together the birding community for bi-weekly outings and weekend trips; Many years of volunteering with area Christmas Bird Counts; Since 2002 he has been a committee member and subsequently a leader with the Huron Fringe Birding Festival! Congratulations!
Finally, President Mulroy presented an Honourary Life Membership Award to OSFN’s Brian Robin, in recognition of his volunteering, along with his skills and knowledge, whether guiding and teaching Young Naturalists, assisting with Butterfly and Moth workshops; offering superb presentations himself, both for OSFN, and for such other events as Beach Talks, and the Grey Bruce Woodlot Conference; looking after the OSFN’s website, including an extensive recent update; facilitating the presentations by guest speakers, and operating the zoom sharing; Coordinating for many years, OSFN’s Members’ Night, with multiple presenters and topics to match. Congratulations!
The evening then proceeded with Three Waters, featuring Scott and Acadia Parent, and their 480km paddling expedition in 2019, from Drummond Island, Michigan, to Penetanguishene, Ontario. In addition to retracing the 1828 migration route of their ancestors almost two hundred years ago, they also honoured that legacy by collecting water samples at various depths for microplastics research, and by gathering any trash they found along the way, trying to leave it cleaner than they found it. The film also depicted scenery and wildlife along the way, and was complemented by Scott’s and Acadia’s original musical compositions and performances. To learn more about and how to support their foundation, dedicated to caring for the remote islands of Lake Huron and helping wildlife who reside in those areas which are impacted by plastic pollution, please visit https://3waters.ca/
DBE
MacGregor Point Provincial Park, with Park Naturalist Layna Lubimiv, hosted its annual North American Butterfly Association (NABA) Butterfly Count event on Saturday July 13, from 9am to 3:30pm, “I am so grateful for everyone who signed up and everyone who attended the butterfly count this year. We had the help of over 30 staff and volunteers, which included returning and many new participants as well, who helped to survey inside the Park boundaries for butterflies! We were gifted a beautiful sunny day (as opposed to 2023’s rainy day) that truly made a difference on our overall count. Keep Flying, Butterflies!” In total the count produced 2170 butterflies and 55 total species of butterflies! With seven teams of spotters, the top half-dozen butterflies observed were – Clouded Sulphur 664, Cabbage White 459, Northern Crescent 183, Orange Sulphur 95, Red Admiral 72, Least Skipper also 72.
A Monarch Butterfly about to feed on a Swamp milkweed in a local wetland area. It was one of several that I watched in that spot which was good to see. Near Allenford 7/26/24 Photo by Les Anderson
Alan Macnaughton then hosted a Moth Night at MacG Park, on July 16, with close to 25 people attending. People enjoyed the display of moths that Alan brought with him and the moth turnout in the Park was quite diverse. Here is a comprehensive report in Alan’s words –
“July is the month of peak diversity of moths. I recorded 164 species in the Park in June but 280species in July. I observed 3 species of moths in my July visit that are particularly notable because of their rarity worldwide. Listing the rarest first, they are: Clouded Veneer (Prionapteryx nebulifera, a member of the Crambidae family), Dune Oncocnemis, (Sympistis riparia, a member of the Noctuidae family), and Greater Idia (Idia majoralis, a member of the Erebidae family). They are also uncommon to rare for the province as a whole. All 3 species have a wingspan of perhaps an inch or an inch and a half, so they are not small, inconspicuous moths. None of these species are in iNaturalist’s computer vision, so this ID will not be suggested for observations.”
And just a heads up to let you know that OSFN and Alan Macnaughton will be staging a Moth Night in early September at GSCA. To learn more please visit www.osfn.ca
Owen Sound Young Naturalists Club report: The June meeting was held at Hibou Conservation area and our hike leader was Robert Knapp. Bob was a wealth of knowledge. We learned how the park was created from naturalists buying up the land and saw the remnants of the old cottages that once stood on the beach. We looked for fossils, crayfish, mussels, noticed blooming beach flowers and skipped stones by the water. Next, we walked the boardwalk noticing the diversity of plants, how the water level of the lake shaped the land and of course noticed birds and frogs. We did not see a turtle, but we looked hard! There were 6 kids out for our final hike of the season. Thanks to Marsha we celebrated a great year with some treats.
Submitted by Amanda Eriksen
To learn more about the Owen Sound Field Naturalists and their indoor and outdoor programming, membership and donation options, please visit www.osfn.ca
a Great Blue Heron, alongside a Green Heron, in Owen Sound July 21 Photo by Rob Wray
Following that June windstorm I happened to notice two birds’ nests on the ground, beside a pine tree and a spruce tree. One appeared to be a Robin’s nest, quite heavy and strong, and the other was likely from a Chipping Sparrow, with an interior softness enhanced by strands of human hair. This past month much of the wildflower colours have been the white tones provided by the Queen Anne’s Lace, decorating so many fields and roadsides. However, I have also started to notice the beautiful yellow Goldenrod flowers that are now appearing here and there. There are also many bird families to be seen, including clusters of Eastern Kingbirds and family groupings of Swallows perched on utility wires overhead.
White-tailed Deer – photo by William Gray in Georgian Bluffs, July 23
To close, Nature quotes from Douglas Botting’s comprehensive biography, entitled Gerald Durrell. Many years ago I read two or three of Gerald Durrell’s books, but this biography provides a very satisfying outline of Durrell the man and of his amazing activities, and accomplishments. Of the time when Durrell was a lad, during warm summer nights, while living with his family on the island of Corfu, he wrote
“Never had we seen so many fireflies congregated in one spot…Glittering streams of them flew out over the bay, swirling over the water, and then, right on cue, the porpoises appeared, swimming in line into the bay, rocking rhythmically through the water, their backs as if painted with phosphorous… With the fireflies above and the illuminated porpoises below it was a fantastic sight… and when they leapt high in the air the drops of emerald glowing water flicked from them, and you could not tell if it was phosphorescence or fireflies you were looking at.”
This Thursday, June 13 at 7pm, Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) present Scott Parent, and his daughter Acadia who, in 2019 voyaged together on their tandem stand up paddle board over a distance of 480km, from Drummond Island, Michigan to Penetanguishene, Ontario.
While retracing the migration route their ancestors travelled in 1828, together they collected water samples along the route to be later analyzed for microplastics research. They also gathered plastic trash and hauled it out on their board to the next garbage bin. Out of this expedition, Scott Parent produced the documentary film Three Waters.
Learn more about their journey and the Three Waters Foundation, focused on caring for the remote islands of Lake Huron, and helping wildlife who reside in those areas impacted by plastic pollution.
Scott Parent is a water guardian and visual storyteller from Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, and resides with his family on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula. Parent has dedicated his career toward fostering relationships between people and the water. His photography, and writing has been published by Mountain Life Media, Canadian Geographic, and Paddling Mag.
Parent is currently serving the role of creative storyteller for the Biinaagami Project, and is the successful recipient of the Trebek Initiative 2024, selected by the National Geographical Society and Royal Canadian Geographical Society, in support of his current film project on the waterbirds of the Great Lakes and the impacts of anthropogenic debris on wildlife.
Parent is also the Founder of the Three Waters Foundation.
This final speaker event of OSFN’s 2023-2024 season will take place this Thursday, June 13, at the Bayshore Community Centre, beginning with a social time at 5:45, followed by the club’s AGM and award presentations at 6:30pm expected to conclude shortly after 7pm, to then welcome guest presenters Scott Parent and Acadia with their documentary film, Three Waters.
This event will be ‘in person only’ with no zoom feature available. Everyone is Welcome. Admission is free or by donation. For more information on this event and others, please visit www.osfn.ca
Sora – near Woodford, June 8, Photo by Rob Wray
Peter Middleton has shared this timely and comprehensive report about:
Chimney Swifts in Owen Sound
A number of years ago, the sultry summer evenings in Owen Sound were graced by the sight and sound of chittering Chimney Swifts (Chaetura pelagica), as they coursed the skies in search of flying insects. An individual swift could sweep up to 1,000 insects from the air daily, as it fed.
Sadly, those days are largely gone; but if one knows where to look, one can still see some of the beauty and skills of these aerial specialists in Owen Sound, as they gather to roost each night.
Communal roosts (large chimneys and hollow trees) are used by swifts during spring migration and the post-breeding build-up in fall. These communal roosts are crucial habitat during these periods. Only a single pair occupies a chimney or hollow tree for breeding.
The chimney in the Old Courthouse in Owen Sound is the last of the communal roosts in our town. Most other chimneys have been dismantled, or capped, removing a vital resource. This is a classic example of habitat loss affecting a species.
Since 2008, the chimney roost at the Old Courthouse has been monitored, more recently as part of the Ontario Swift Watch program that coordinates and gathers information from identified sites across the province. These roosts provide a statistically important census of the total breeding population of the species, before it disperses to individual breeding sites. From May to early June, the roosts are monitored, starting before sunset and continuing until the last bird is seen to enter the roost.
Numbers over the years have been dropping. In Owen Sound, nightly counts in the period from 2009 to 2015, were in the upper three hundreds; the average count is now in the mid to upper one hundred range. This year, the average is 158 birds entering the chimney on any evening.
Chimney Swifts entering the Old Courthouse Chimney in Owen Sound
Since 2009, Peter Middleton has monitored Chimney Swifts at the Old Courthouse and submitted the data to Ontario Swift Watch at Birds Canada.
Congratulations to the NeighbourWoods North team whose many volunteers assisted with tree planting and care during May at the Hospital in Owen Sound. Also, the lawn at the Grey County Building is being transformed into a Food Forest. NeighbourWoods North is working hard at greening Owen Sound in practical ways. Thank you all!
In addition to the changing colours of feathers in Springtime, I have been enjoying the parade of yellow wildflowers – first coltsfoot, trout lilies, large-flowered bellwort, violets and dandelions, followed by buttercups, bird’s foot trefoil and now yellow lady’s slipper orchids too. What a treat it has been this past week to enjoy the wild roses now with their pink petals and delicate fragrances! I hope to be seeing the amazing pink of showy lady’s slipper orchids soon. After the wondrous lilacs and trilliums of May, I almost missed the amazing horse chestnut blossoms, and am now seeing many waving branches of Locust trees, laden with their fragrant white blossoms, being visited by many bees and other pollinators.
Today it was a Swamp Sparrow with an offering. No sign of the fledgling, but the parent kept looking around for a response (Photo by William Gray)
To close, two Nature quotes – first from My Lucky Life, in and Out of Show Business by Dick Van Dyke, at Laurel Canyon: “L.A. was gorgeous back then…In the morning the canyon filled in with fog that gradually gave way, as the sun rose, to breathtaking views… Depending on the time of year, the air was ripe with the fragrance of orange blossoms, honeysuckle and other flowers and the mostly undeveloped hills were still home to deer and other wildlife that made it seem as if you were far from the city.”
And, a Nature quote by another famous American, John Muir, from My Summer of Glorious Freedom, by Robert Burcher. Burcher also recently presented ‘John Muir Lived Here in Grey County’ as a Lecture at Grey Roots and writes: “From his “botanizing” in the Holland Marsh, Muir discovered a very rare orchid, the Calypso borealis… In his memoirs Muir talks about finding this plant as one of the three most pivotal moments in his life. ‘But when the sun was getting low and everything seemed most bewildering and discouraging, I found beautiful Calypso on the mossy bank of a stream, growing not on the ground but on a bed of yellow mosses… like a snowflower… It seemed the most spiritual of all the flower people I had ever met.’ “
I asked the internet – “Is there a Turtle Month?” and learned that ‘Certainly! Turtle Month from Earth Day April 22 to World Turtle Day on May 23 is dedicated to raising awareness about the world’s turtles and tortoises.’
Well, it just so happens that Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) is presenting a Turtle Talk entitled The Beautiful World of Turtles, with Jenna McGuire beginning at 7pm Thursday May 16, at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Doors open by 6:30pm
An Ecologist, a Scientific Illustrator and a favourite OSFN presenter and hike leader, Jenna McGuire invites us all to explore the life histories of our local turtles in-depth. We will travel through turtle evolution, biology and ecology through photos, illustrations, models and more. Most importantly we will review the many ways we can help support these incredible, ancient beings!
Everyone is welcome and Admission is free or by donation.
OSFN also plans to offer this as an online webinar, via Zoom. To request a Zoom Link, please send an email, in advance, to web@osfn.ca with Turtles in the subject line.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak May 11, in West Grey. Photo by Angie Milan
NeighbourWoods North (NWN) has some ongoing tree care work scheduled at the Hospital grounds in Owen Sound on the remaining two Saturday mornings in May, (the 18th and 25th) from 9:30 to 11am. Plan to meet by the NWN shed past the emergency entrance and be sure to wear gloves and bring rakes, shovels, buckets, etc.
They also recently assisted the City in planting new trees at the Owen Sound Kiwanis Soccer Complex.
I recall skiing the perimeter there on the skimpy snow this past winter, and noticing a crew near the central buildings, cutting and chipping the many White Ash trees that had been killed through the infestation of Emerald Ash Borers there.
Over the next few months I often encountered the same crew around the City, clearing other sites of the dead trees, especially where safety would be a concern if the trees were left standing much longer. Many thanks to those crews for doing this important work, and for the NWN volunteers for planting new trees there at the Soccer Complex!
I have also been seeing quite a few Ash trees that have lost upper limbs, or completely fallen over along fence lines, etc. You may visit NWN here https://www.neighbourwoodsnorth.ca/ or on facebook.
new leaves back-lit by setting sunbeams May 5, Owen Sound Photo by John Dickson
For me, along with enjoying migrating birds and butterflies, pretty tree blossoms, wildflowers and the scent of lilacs, one of the loveliest sights of Springtime is of new, still translucent tree leaves of green (or red) illuminated by the bright, low-angled beams of sunrise or sunset.
A bonus this year has been the amazing Northern Lights seen here on May 10. It reminded me that John Hlynialuk’s Aurora Alert presentation back in March suggested that we just might be in for quite a few special sightings.
John says” The recent event is due to a massive sunspot complex on the Sun … Our atmosphere is still taking “hits” from solar flares which keep erupting and we have another CME impact due May 13 or so…
We are at the peak of the current 11-yr sunspot cycle and expect the activity to continue for many months yet, perhaps even a year or more.”
Palm Warbler at Hibou, May 11. photo by Rob Wray
The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation has an important fundraising campaign currently underway, with a silent auction until May 23, and an Earth Film Festival at the Roxy on May 16, featuring two special films: “The Water Walker”, which will captivate audiences with the inspiring journey of Autumn Peltier, International Indigenous Rights & Water Activist; “Becoming Tom Thomson” will transport viewers back in time, exploring the life and legacy of Canadian wilderness painter Tom Thomson, presented by Canadian Actor, Director, and Producer, Steve Belford.
Films start at 7:00 pm. The lobby will be open at 6:00 pm for a social time, displays, and exciting door prizes.
Before the evening film presentations there will be a Dinner Fundraiser hosted by chef Zach Keeshig, at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market, from 5pm – 6:30pm. Indulge in a creatively cultivated 3-course menu featuring progressive Indigenous Cuisine with local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients. This culinary journey will be held at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market
Tickets for the film presentations are $30 each, or you can enjoy both the dinner and film presentations for $150.
Please note that tickets for the Dinner + Films package are only available at the box office. To get yours, please call 519-371-2833 or visit www.roxytheatre.ca
Baltimore Oriole liking the orange and bird jelly (only a little at a time!) feeder. May 7 photo by Carol Edwards-Harrison
I would like to draw your attention to the Guest Gallery at the Owen Sound Artists’ Co-op, and one of the three featured artists during this month of May, Frank deMatteis.
Several of his evocative works are on the west wall of the Guest Gallery, just a few steps from the main entranceway. I first met Frank back in the 90s when he joined our noon running group one day, and we chatted as we headed out towards Harrison Park from the Y.
I quickly discovered that he was an artist, and that bird paintings were an important component of his work. So, I said to him that I had always been a fan of J. Fenwick Lansdowne, and Frank immediately replied “Oh, he was my idol!”
Fast forward t to 2017, when Frank accepted my invitation to lead a Nature sketching and learning segment for the Young Naturalists Club (YNs), sharing his intimate knowledge. For instance, the students learned from Frank about the funneling effect of a Nightingales’ stiff bristles (not feathers) helping to guide flying insects to its open mouth, while this aerial insectivore wings its way around in the dark of night.
About a year ago I was in the lobby at the Hospital in Owen Sound and an amazing piece of art caught my eye. Sure enough, it was by Frank de Matteis, and featured an exquiste underwater view of a Common Loon. So, I encourage you to make your way to the Artists Co-op soon, before the end of May, allowing time for return visits too, while these and many other works are on display there.
This Thursday, the Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) present ‘Meet the American Kestrel Family, with John Reaume, a Renowned Naturalist and Wildlife Photographer with an Eye for Detail’. We welcome the return of one of our favourite speakers, John Reaume, at 7pm Thursday, April 11 (doors open by 6:30pm) at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
John Reaume says: “’For the past 4 years we have had the pleasure of watching a pair of American Kestrels nest and raise their young in a Kestrel/Screech Owl box mounted on our workshop and visible from our back porch. Learn about the life history of the Kestrel with intimate views of their nesting behaviour, thanks to an “in-the-box” camera as well as images captured from photo blinds. We will see the differing behaviours of the male and female parents as well as what the avian neighbours think of having a pair of nesting kestrels in their territories!”
John Reaume has an eye for detail and has used it in his hobby of wildlife photography these past 35 years. He started off specializing in bird photography but his interests have broadened and now include the wonders from the world of macrophotography (dragonflies and spiders) to astrophotography (sun and moon to far off nebulas). His photos have graced the covers of a number of magazines and books including Ontario’s second Breeding Bird Atlas. John lives in Grey County, is an active member of Saugeen Nature, and is a practicing rural physician in the town of Mount Forest.
Everyone is welcome – admission is free, or by donation. John Reaume’s presentation will also be shared via Zoom. To request a Zoom link, please email in advance to web@osfn.ca with Kestrels in the subject line.
OSFN is also presenting its 9th annual Celebrate Earth Day Keynote Speaker event with award-winning Naturalist, Artist and Writer Robert Bowles. Entitled ‘A Lifetime of Nature Drawing and Nature Journalling for Learning and Teaching about the World Around Us,’ it will take place at 2pm Sunday April 21, aboard the Chi-Cheemaun. Bowles will also have a selection of his nature artwork on display.
There will be delicious complimentary refreshments, but seating is limited, so it is recommended to purchase your tickets, $10. each, in advance, at the OSNGU Public Library, Sheila Gunby’s Paper Cut Designs at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market, Suntrail Source for Adventure, or at the April 11th OSFN event detailed above.
Originally from the Markdale area (Bowles Hill is named for Bob Bowles’ family property nearby), his curiosity and drive to learn contributed to his own personal growth and knowledge, which he has shared through hikes, workshops, TV shows, and his Ontario Master Naturalist Certificate Programme through Lakehead University, both in Thunder Bay and in Orillia, his home for more than three decades. He was recently inductred into the Orillia Hall of Fame and the Robert L Bowles Nature Centre was named after Bob as a way to honour his lifetime commitment and dedication to preserving and conserving nature.
In 2014 Bob founded the Ontario Master Naturalist Certificate Program at Lakehead University in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. He continues to coordinate this first of its kind program, educating citizen scientists about ‘all things nature’, encouraging all to protect and respect their environment. Bob continues to be the lead teacher at the Nature Centre offering educational programs and facilitating a deeper connection with nature.
Don’t miss this annual event – get your ticket(s) soon.
The Friends of the South Grey Museum is offering a presentation by David Turner about Birding in the Beaver Valley, at 7pm April 18, in the Annesley United Church in Markdale. Admission is by donation and streaming is also available. David Turner’s knowledge and joy of birding, exquisite photography plus his engaging personality promise an entertaining and informative experience. For more details please visit Beaver Valley Birding Facebook page.
Bald Eagle in Thornbury – Photo by David Turner April 6
From Amanda Eriksen, Coordinator for the Owen Sound: The Young Naturalists met in March at Bob and Mary Beth Gray’s maple syrup farm. Bob was a wealth of knowledge. We learned how to tell trees apart when there are no leaves, and about the invasive species affecting butternut, beech and ash trees. Bob explained how the changing weather patterns are altering the species composition in his forest, through the differing moisture levels there. We got to see his very impressive maple syrup production – and sample fresh syrup, along with some very fun and yummy maple taffy.
Sandhill Cranes checking out their new digs… April 7 (North of Kimberley) photo by Ingrid Remkins
In my local own rambles this month, I have been rewarded with a view of an American Goldfinch in its bright yellow plumage, a Northern Shrike, and just today I saw my first of year beautiful and elegant Mourning Cloak Butterfly while I was cycling on the rail line on Owen Sound’s east side, where just last week I watched a solitary Sandhill Crane wading slowly as it hunted in a wetland there which was resounding with a chorus of wood frogs.
Snow Geese on the move.. April 7. photos by Pat Gillies in Southampton
Paul Aird (1930 – 2024)
I recently learned of the passing of renowned naturalist Paul Leet Aird in February of this year at the age of 94.
Paul Aird was an Emeritus Professor of Forestry Conservation Policy at the University of Toronto. I first met Paul Aird, and his wife Linda Pim, at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in 2008, at the opening of an exhibition featuring the exquisite pen and ink drawings of Thoreau MacDonald, many of which adorn the pages of my copy of Aird’s first book – Loon Laughter, Ecological Fables and Nature Tales. I met him again in 2017 when I invited him to present many of those stories himself to an OSFN audience in the auditorium of the Public Library here. In 2021 at the age of 91, he published his book of poetry and more entitled Butterfly Beautifly Beautiful: Nature Poems. Paul loved to walk, hike, skate, ski, snowshoe, paddle a canoe and camp in Canada’s wild places, in particular on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula.
Esteemed local wildlife artist Frank de Matteis remembers Paul Aird as a devout naturalist who appreciated Frank’s quality workmanship and supported his efforts to do fine research for his paintings through the facilities of the ROM.
Meanwhile, OSFN’s Lynne Richardson shared these notes:”I remember Paul Aird as a strong, yet gentle presence on the Niagara Escarpment Commission, dedicated to the proper preservation of the Escarpment landscapes. I also remember Paul for his putting his forestry training together with his research on the highly endangered Kirtland’s Warbler – identifying stands of Jack Pine in Ontario and surveying them based on his hypothesis that the species would seek suitable habitat outside its known breeding grounds – and proving it true with the discovery of nesting birds near Ottawa. Years ago, I was delighted one early summer day to be wandering a remote Jack Pine alvar on the Bruce Peninsula and seeing Paul appear out of the trees – secretly searching for Kirtland’s!”
Paul Aird also played a leading role in competing the book “Growing Trees From Seed” for its health-challenged originator Henry Kock, of the University of Guelph and the Arboretum there.
To close, a quote from Paul Aird’s Loon Laughter: Two forces shape the world – nature and human nature.
It’s a March Nature Bonanza! Each year, the Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) set aside one meeting to invite club members to offer their own ten minute presentations, and this usually results in 5 or 6 of these, with a variety of topics – birds, plants, geology, insects, etc. This year, however, the response has been so outstanding that Members’ Night at 7pm Thursday March 14 at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, will feature 8 presenters, all with different topics to showcase!
These are: Audrey Armstrong with an update on the Monarch Butterflies population status; Robert Burcher with the ‘Royal Oaks’ of Meaford; Marsha Courtney offers ‘Shooting the Beautiful Shrooms’; Climate Change at Kemble Mountain with Bob Gray; Aurora Alert with John Hlynialuk; David Morris presents ‘Roses by Many Other Names: A Look at Diversity within the Rose Family’; Barbara Palmer will introduce ‘Rock Stars’; and Willy Waterton will report from the Public Advisory Committee on both the Bruce and the Fathom Five National Parks.
These monthly meetings are also great opportunities to check the OSFN Publications available about Orchids, other wildflowers and plants, Geology, etc. You can even share or learn about special Nature sightings observed recently in the area. The doors are open by 6:30pm, Everyone is Welcome and Admission is free or by donation. The event is also expected to be shared virtually through zoom, so if you are interested in receiving a zoom link, please send an email, in advance, to web@osfn.ca with ‘members’ on the subject line.For more information on the many activities and history of the club, as well as membership benefits, and support options, please visit www.osfn.ca
Bright and early the next morning, at 6am March 15, registration opens for the 26th Huron Fringe Birding Festival, (HFBF) to be held May 24 to 30 and May 30 – June 2, 2024. Here is the main link to access everything about the festival.https://huronfringebirdingfestival.ca/page/huron-fringe-birding-festival The HFBF offers an astounding array of topics from birds and botany to geology, plus photography and wildlife art, with superb presenters and hike leaders from near and far. You will find the timing and descriptions of their events at this helpful link: https://huronfringebirdingfestival.ca/content/2024_Program.pdf
Red-Bellied Woodpecker, Side rd 21 Beaver Valley. March 3 photos by David Turner
On Saturday I visited briefly with Wildlife Artist and Master Marine Biologist Sarah McComb Turbitt along with her special exhibition, hosted until March 30 by Grey Gallery at 883 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound. Envisioned to bring awareness to Canada’s species at risk by painting Canadian endangered species, she committed to a 31 day challenge in January to paint as many of these species as possible. This show includes all fifteen of the paintings she completed during the challenge and they will be exhibited throughout March at Grey Gallery, with 15% of sales to be donated to Wildlife Preservation Canada (WPC). You may also get to meet her as one of several amazing artists featured this year at the Huron Fringe Birding Festival.
A reminder too, that tickets ($10. each) are still available for Robert Bowles’ Keynote Address for OSFN’s Celebrate Earth Day event aboard the Chi Cheemaun, 2pm Sunday April 21, including refreshments – seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased at Thursday evening’s OSFN meeting at the Bayshore Community Centre, plus from Sheila Gunby’s Paper Cut Designs at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market, the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library and at Suntrail Source for Adventure in Hepworth.
Northern Shrike: I typically see this one throughout the winter, but today was the first day I have seen since last year sometime….and it was clearly having turf wars with a Red-winged Blackbird.
Photos by Ingrid Remkins March 11, north of Kimberley
From Young Naturalist Coordinator Amanda Eriksen: On February 25th the Owen Sound Young Naturalists met at the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority building where Krista McKee brought a wonderful bounty of pine cones, acorns, wood disks and all the other necessary supplies to get crafty. Krista had some sample ideas made up for us, but the kids let their imaginations and creativity shine. There was some great art created. The adults had just as much fun. 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.
Photo by Amanda Eriksen
We may be joined by members of the Kemble Maple Tour Committee. This could be a good opportunity to introduce the young nats and welcome a few more members. Bob mentioned that he is trying to perfect his maple taffy, I don’t think the kids will mind sampling that! To learn about joining the Young Naturalists please visit https://owensoundfieldnaturalists.ca/category/young-naturalists/
The transition towards Springtime has been highlighted with recent sightings and sounds of the returning Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, Killdeer, and even Eastern Meadowlarks. A few Sandhill Cranes are already back, and Tundra Swans have been seen in good numbers at Lake Eugenia too.
A bike ride on one of the milder days recently brought me to a nearby creek where the Rainbow Trout were really making a splash with their spawning activities. When I walked along a woodland trail last week, I checked for signs of emerging plants on the forest floor, but the only ones I saw were many green shoots of the pervasive invasive Wild Chervil.
A fox in the forest behind our home. March 3 (photo by Steve Irvine)
To close, Nature quotes from Ancient Mariner – The Amazing Adventures of Samuel Hearne, the Sailor Who Walked to the Arctic Ocean, by Ken McGoogan, who writes: Hearne was not infallible. But he did determine that the pouch of the pelican’s beak could hold three quarts of liquid, and that Canada geese would often nest in abandoned muskrat houses. He provided one of the earliest accounts of the passenger pigeon, and was the first to recognize that there are two different species of curlew, the Hudonian and the Eskimo.
Also he understood bird migration at a time when leading English scientists were wondering whether swallows spent the winter underwater; And, from our late friend Victor Searles, another esteemed Ancient Mariner, who two centuries after Samuel Hearne authored a ‘Cruising Manual’ for the Ontario Sailing Association, this excerpt: …as you graduate from day sailing,…the elements are disturbingly unsympathetic towards the condition of your craft or the duration of your voyage. Whoever is responsible for controlling the weather has a nasty habit of pouncing on the skipper who is only prepared for a short, tranquil trip and giving him a long, vigorous voyage.
The topic of the February presentation of the Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) is:
Changing Dynamics of the Fish Community in Lake Huron, with Arunas Liskauskas, of the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. The Lake Huron aquatic ecosystem has experienced profound changes over the last few decades, primarily driven by the effects of invasive species. Fish communities have been altered and food webs have been disrupted and changed. Predicting the future state of fish communities has become much more difficult as a result.
Management biologist, Arunas Liskauskas, will provide an overview of management and research efforts aimed at trying to understand these changes.
Arunas Liskauskas has been working as a management biologist with the Upper Great Lakes Management Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry since 1992. He received his Hon. BSc and MSc from the University of Guelph in Fisheries Science and Fish Genetics. After working in Algonquin Park and eastern Ontario he has been involved with monitoring and assessing nearshore fish community health in Lake Huron, liaising with the public on fisheries management issues and was the lead author of the Lake Huron Environmental Objectives. This event is scheduled for 7pm this Thursday, February 8, (doors open by 6:30pm) at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre and on Zoom – with a ZOOM LINK available upon request, by emailing, in advance, to web@osfn.ca with Fish in the subject line.
Everyone is welcome, with admission Free or by Donation. For more information please visit www.osfn.ca and on Facebook.
Congratulations to Beth Gilhespy, popular OSFN speaker, hike leader and author, on her recent appointment as CEO of the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC), who announced ‘We are so excited to announce the hiring of our new CEO – the incomparable Beth Gilhespy! Beth is a proven conservation leader, with a record that demonstrates not only her passion for the escarpment and protecting species at risk – but also the broad range of skills needed to get the job done!’ Beth Gilhespy replied ‘Soon I’ll be saying goodbye to my dear animal friends and colleagues at Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy. It’s been an amazing time of learning and growing. Now back to the land, always in my heart. My last day with my amazing Zoo colleagues is March 1 (lots to do between now and then!) and I start at the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC) March 4, 2024.Gilhespy was also on hand nearby for EBC’s afternoon of snowshoeing and hot chocolate at Mooi Nature Preserve, by the Spey River on February 3rd.
Coming soon to a backyard near you is the Great Backyard Bird Count, February 16–19, an annual four-day event that engages bird enthusiasts of all ages around the world in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are. Anyone can participate, from beginners to experts. You can count for as little as 15 minutes on a single day, or for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy – and it helps the birds! The Great Backyard Bird Count is a joint program of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon with Canadian partner Birds Canada. Visit Great Backyard Bird Count to learn more and get started! For more information contact: Coordinator Kerrie Wilcox here: kwilcox AT birdscanada.org
January 31 – Cedar Waxwing Photos by Ingrid Remkins, north of Kimberley
During this past month I have enjoyed several memorable encounters with wildlife, including about 80 Cedar Waxwings observed by me on two separate occasions, when I was out for a run near Timber McArthur Park. Then when I went skiing yesterday on the Owen Sound Cross Country Ski Club’s trails at Massie Hills I heard a Pileated Woodpecker calling loudly from the parallel trail – that I didn’t take this time (!), and a little farther along I spotted a healthy porcupine nibbling on Hemlock boughs and dropping lots of ‘niblets’ to the forest floor for the others who live there too.
With all the talk of an early Spring going around, today I was noticing that the willow trees are really starting to glow in the February sunshine we are enjoying now.
Bald Eagle Feb 4 by Kiah Jasper north of Wiarton
Although the Owen Sound Young Naturalists’ did not meet in December, coordinator Amanda Eriksen offered them a birding challenge of their own and found that “they reported finding 24 species of birds in their backyards. It was really great to see those who were not all that interested in birds notice and even get a little excited about a rare sighting! I hope that this exercise has helped the kids to notice the world and the creatures around them.”
They did meet as a group again “on January 29, at the property of OSFN members Elaine and Doug Van Den Kieboom, who were wonderful hosts. Due to some perfectly timed snow, the Young Nats were able to get out snowshoeing through their forest, which starts out as hardwood then becomes cedar woods as it connects with the Bognor Marsh complex. We learned a bit about the decline of the butternut tree (of which they have only one still producing nuts and a few in different stages of illness), how the resident porcupines help keep the maples out of the cedar forest (by eating them), and how different animals like to take different trails. We also saw some tracks in the snow that we decided as a group were coyote, porcupine, and red squirrel.
Bannock! Photo by Amanda Eriksen
After our hike we came back to the house where we had a campfire with hot chocolate and cider. Elaine showed us how to cook Bannock by wrapping a piece around the end of a stick and cooking it in the coals. We now have 19 children registered and more are welcome. Our February meeting will be Crafting with Nature led by Krista McKee.” If you would like to learn more about the club and how to register someone, please email eriksenamanda@gmail.com
Fox, Feb 4th near Wiarton. Photo by Tom Ashman at RuralRootz.
And to close, here is a cute Nature quote featuring extra young naturalists, from Leon Rooke’s Swinging Through Dixie, as teacher Miss Izzard ‘the wizard, this aging mentor’ explains that her plan for the parade of pre-schoolers will include “a nature prowl, if you please, though I am aware little is to be seen save nettles, briars, animal droppings, long-leaf pine – a tickle of honeysuckle mayhaps. I shall compel them to sit on their heels, boys and girls alike, in a study of bug life. They will execute artistic creations in these drawing pads… They have given me, in the past, excellent bug renderings.”
The Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) will kick off their 35th year of operation with two January speaker events, beginning with a TREE TALK by Susan McGowan, presenting “An update on the use of parasitic wasps in control of Emerald Ash Borer in Ontario.”
The Emerald Ash Borer, which was discovered in Canada in 2002, is a devastating invasive beetle which has killed tens of millions of ash trees across Canada and the United States. Susan McGowan will give an overview of the introduced biological control programme carried out in an effort to control Emerald Ash Borer in Ontario, including our own local site at the West Rocks Management Area, in Owen Sound on Grey Sauble Conservation Authority property. She will also describe the challenge of handling fragile live insects in the summer season as a field technician.
Susan McGowan has worked in forestry and forest health since 2000, and retired in 2020 from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as a Provincial Forest Health Specialist. She volunteered to continue with the release programme in 2021 in Owen Sound.
Susan McGowan – Provincial Forest Health Specialist (Retired)
This presentation will take place at OSFN’s Indoor Meeting, 7pm Thursday January 11, at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Attendees are encouraged to arrive closer to 6:30pm for a relaxed social time with fellow naturalists, and an opportunity to peruse the OSFN publications on hand.
Everyone is welcome and admission is free or by donation. It is planned to also offer the event on Zoom, so anyone interested in receiving a Zoom link is asked to email, in advance, to web@osfn.ca with Ash Trees in the subject line.
Pileated Woodpecker foraging for Emerald Ash Borer at Hibou January 5 Photo by Rob Wray
The second OSFN speaker event will be a TICK TALK, Lyme Disease 101, presented on Zoom only, at 7pm January 25, by Dr. Anne Uings. This important topic will address these statements: 1) Absolute numbers of ticks are increasing, 2) The percentage of ticks carrying Lyme is increasing.3) Ticks are being dispersed to new areas by mammals and migratory birds. 4) The percentage of ticks carrying serious Co-infections is increasing.
Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted by ticks. If it is not detected and treated early, Lyme Disease can cause long term illness and profound debilitation.
Anne Uings is a retired medical doctor who has been living with Lyme Disease and other tick-borne infections for 30 years. She has spent the last 20 years learning about Lyme, was a volunteer with the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation for several years, is one of the founders of the Bay of Quinte Lyme Disease Support Group, and is a member of ILADS, which is an organization for Medical professionals involved in researching, treating and teaching about Lyme and related diseases. This presentation will be available only via Zoom, for which a link will be emailed to OSFN members, and to anyone else interested in receiving a Zoom link, who emails, in advance, to web@osfn.ca with Ticks in the subject line.
Here are selected excerpts and results from recent local Christmas Bird Counts (CBC) with notable highlights for me being the Lapland Longspurs at Pike Bay, plus Winter Wrens in that area, both of which I was lucky to spot on my own at Hibou back in November.
Tobermory CBC December 14, Compiler Tyler Miller: Total number of birds 1777, including 41 species with highest counts of Black-capped Chickadees 360, Snow Buntings 292, American Goldfinches 264, and of note, one Peregrine Falcon which is a first for the counts here.
Low counts of some species were also observed for Bufflehead (2) and Mourning Dove (0). Although Mourning Doves were spotted during the week of the Christmas Bird Count, none were spotted on the actual day of the count which is an indication that numbers in the count area is low.
Tracking trends and outliers is one of the primary goals of Christmas Bird Counts.
The highest number of Bufflehead ever counted was 121 in 2003, and it has been observed in 40 counts. This year was the 4th time a Black Scoter has been seen in this count, with the highest count of 24 also being in 2003.
Thirty-seven people participated in the count this year. It was an unusually warm day and it was very nice to be out in the park. While the north and east side of the park was sheltered and calm, it was windy on the west.
Kincardine CBC – James Turland, Compiler:
This year Kincardine conducted its 39th count on December 14. Twenty some participants equipped with binoculars and smiles scoured the count circle for our feathered kin.
A highlight for me were the many Red-throated Loons seen in feeding frenzies mixed with several other diving species such as mergansers. Red-throated Loons are smaller than the Common Loon and hold their beaks on a slight upward angle. They nest in the high Arctic and migrate through the Great Lakes on their way to and from the eastern seaboard. We seldom get to see them in their namesake breeding plumage, most birds are in a drabber winter plumage.
Five species of gulls were seen count day including the Bonaparte’s. This small gull is unique in that it nests in trees on the taiga; most gulls nest on the ground. It has a buoyant and graceful flight and eats smaller organisms than its bigger cousins. It has a black head in breeding plumage but seen here in December it only has a dark dot behind the eye. One red morph Eastern Screech Owl was found.
The 62 species found on this year’s count is the second highest ever. The 22 Cackling Geese reported was a new high. Cackling Goose is identical to the Canada Goose in plumage but is only about half the size. Also new to the count this year was a duck called the American Wigeon.
The American Wigeon is also called “baldpate” because the white stripe on its head resembles a bald man. Wigeons are common here in season but have almost all left the county by December. I am always amazed at what birds the participants can find even in December. Congratulations and thanks to all who helped out with this year’s count. If you are interested in seeing any of these birds or joining the Bruce Birding Club, contact James Turland. jaturland@gmail.com
Lone Female Red Breasted Merganser at the Bayshore. Fely Clarke, Jan. 5th.
The thirteenth annual Neyaashiinigmiing (Cape Croker) Christmas Bird Count was held on Saturday, December 16, 2023. Fourteen participants tallied a total of 39 species (average 39.5).
The 1,245 individual birds counted was slightly above the overall average of 1,027.
One of very few Snowy Owls reported in southern Ontario so far this fall was a new species for count day (there have been a few count-week records), raising the overall count total to 81 species.
Otherwise there were no big surprises, but a Common Grackle (4 rd count) was a nice find. High counts were recorded for Long-tailed Duck (54, previously 42), Red-breasted Merganser (7, previously 5), Rock Pigeon (18, previously 4), Barred Owl (4, tied previous), and Red-bellied Woodpecker (4, previously 3). Aside from a near absence of winter finches (just 2 Pine Siskins and average numbers of American Goldfinches), no expected species were missed, and there were no particularly low counts. Chi Miigwetch to Neyaashiinigmiing (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation) community, including the many folks who welcomed birders to watch their feeders, for hosting this always special birding event. And big thanks to the 14 enthusiastic volunteers! Jarmo and Miptoon, Compilers
Who doesn’t love an Owl, Barred Owl. (Remember not to post locations for owls.) David Turner· December 27, 2023 ·
The 50 th Wiarton Christmas Bird Count was held on Sunday, December 17, 2023 (it was actually the 53 th anniversary of the count, but three years were missed).
Temperatures hovered between -5.7°C and 7.7°C under overcast skies all day, with light rain and drizzle in the morning and steadier light rain in the afternoon, and with moderate (20-35 kph) southerly to southeasterly winds, which were most noticeable along Lake Huron. Waters of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron were open, as were inland water bodies and watercourses.
There was no snow on the ground.
Despite the near absence of birds – and feed – at many traditionally productive feeders, twenty-five participants and one feeder watcher tallied 63 (+ 2 count week) species, tying the all-time record set in 1997. The species total was also well above the long-term and 10-year averages of 49.4 and 54.1 species, respectively.
One new species, Greater White-fronted Goose (7 individuals) was added, raising the overall species count for the Wiarton CBC to 132 (plus 6 count-week species).
The total of 8,572 individual birds smashed the previous high of 6,283, also set in 1997. This year’s total more than doubled long-term (3,431) and 10-year (4,185) averages.
Leading the pack to set this new record were record high counts of everyone’s favourites:
Canada Goose (1,988), European Starling (1,061) and American Crow (561). Tundra Swan (25), Snow Goose (3rd -ever count, 6 individuals), Mallard (365), White-winged Scoter (27), Wild Turkey (327), Northern Harrier (2), Cedar Waxwing (67) and Snow Bunting (1,343) also set new highs.
Other good finds included Green-winged Teal (3nd count, 3 individuals), a Great Blue Heron (5th count), a Cooper’s Hawk (15th count), an American Goshawk (15th count), a Belted Kingfisher (15th count), a Northern Flicker (2nd count), a Merlin (4th count), Lapland Longspur (3 rd count, 2 individuals) and a count-week Red-winged Blackbird (6th count).
No particularly low counts were noted aside from Mourning Dove (30, the lowest total since 1976).
Winter finches were limited to Pine Siskin (135, second highest total), American Goldfinch (565), and a single count week Common Redpoll.
What a wonderful, wet, dreary day of birding. Thanks to all the volunteers for your efforts!
Jarmo Jalava, Compiler
Meaford CBC December 28th:
The 53rd annual Meaford Count on Thursday December 28th with the 5th highest total – 57 species –
Three new species were added to the 53-year cumulative total for this count – Snow Goose, Trumpeter Swan and Gray Catbird. These additions bring the all-time cumulative total to 129 species.
Three new Highs were recorded – 4 Cackling Goose, an amazing 57 Horned Grebe out from Meaford, and 389 American Crows.
Eastern Bluebirds made an appearance again this year, continuing their trend of the last few years of overwintering in this area (6 of the past 7 years).
Total individuals at 6455 birds breaks the 1975 record of 6347 birds. Over 1000 each of Canda Geese and Snow Buntings contributed to this high.
It was a good count. Thanks again to everyone, and happy, birdy, New Year to all!
Lynne Richardson,
Compiler
Welcome to 2024.
The New Year at least brought a bit of colder weather to the Bruce after quite an interesting couple days of CBC weather. The two central Bruce Peninsula CBCs were enjoyed by all who attended and have once again provided a valuable snapshot of birdlife on the peninsula at a time of year when the Bruce received little coverage. I had a lot of great feedback and I trust you enjoyed your time outdoors as much as I did. I hope to see you out birding in 2024.
Given the mild December we’ve had, it probably didn’t come as a shock to many participants that waterbirds were around in both greater diversity and numbers. Grebes continued to show well and while Georgian Bay was mostly absent of diving ducks, on the Huron side the largest number were recorded on the Pike Bay count to date. Raptors were clearly scarce, and the Snowy Owls we’ve come to expect were absent for the second CBC in a row. Finches were likewise notably absent in diversity, with only American Goldfinches and Pine Siskins showing some numbers.
The Pike Bay count was held on Friday, December 29th.
Notable misses: Lapland Longspur, House Finch, Purple Finch, Snowy Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, accipiters, Common Loon
Count Week species: Cackling Goose, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Purple Finch, Lapland Longspur… adult Golden Eagle missed by 1 day!
The Cape Chin count was held on Saturday, December 30th. Conditions were similar to the Pike Bay CBC but with no rain and some brief periods of extremely light snow fall. The sun even showed itself a few times. Barred Owl has still never been recorded on this count, which is rather astounding because it is certainly resident, as owl surveys during the current Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas have shown.
New species: Canada Goose (2), Mallard (2)
Unusual species: Cooper’s Hawk and Winter Wren (both removed from ‘cw’ only), Great Horned Owl (3rd time), White-winged Scoter (1), Hooded Merganser (9), Common Merganser (8)
High counts: Horned Grebe (35), Bald Eagle (14), Eastern Screech-Owl (4), Hairy Woodpecker (31), Snow Bunting (376), American Tree Sparrow (2), Pine Siskin (18)
Low counts: Ruffed Grouse (3), Herring Gull (7)
Notable misses: Brown Creeper, Bohemian Waxwing, Purple Finch and Evening Grosbeak—the last two species scarce to absent on the peninsula this winter
Thank you again for your continued participation in this very worthy endeavour. The counts could not be possible without your individual efforts on count day and every last one of you contribute more than you know.
Happy New Year,
Andrew Keaveney
Pike Bay and Cape Chin CBC Compiler
American Robin, Owen Sound photo by William Gray January 4
The 20th Saugeen Shores CBC was held on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024. The ~24-kilometre count circle is centered several kilometres southeast of Port Elgin and includes Southampton, Port Elgin and Pasiley townsites, as well as adjacent waterfront and MacGregor Point Provincial Park. 34 participants split up into 6 sections surveyed the count circle, which is higher than the last several years. Several feeder watchers also contributed, adding a few species missed by the rest of the count.
Overall we observed a total of 13,377 individuals of 66 species. This is the 2nd highest count of individual birds in the counts history (highest was 18,313 in 2021) and the highest ever species tally with 66 species observed (previous high was 64 in 2016). This is considerably higher than the long term average of 7,750 individuals and 53 species.
Highlights included 3 new species for the all time CBC list; Greater White-fronted Goose (2 birds), Red-throated Loon (5 birds) and Winter Wren (1 bird). Several other notable species and high counts were recorded, including; Tundra Swan (2nd count record), White-winged Scoter (3rd count record), Peregrine Falcon (2nd count record), Canada Goose (new highvount of 6,298, previous 5,058), Cackling Goose (new highcount of 7, previous 4), Long-tailed Duck (new highcount of 32, previous 11), Northern Harrier (Tied the past highcount of 2), Bald Eagle (new highcount of 57, previous 36), Iceland Gull (Tied the past highcount of 2), Golden-crowned Kinglet (new highcount of 29, previous 26), American Tree Sparrow (new highcount of 84, previous 76).
This years count was an interesting one … waterfowl and gull numbers were both very high, with several species setting record high counts. Overall numbers of raptors and passerines were average to low though, and Birdfeeders in every section were very quiet, resulting in low numbers of woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches. This has also been a poor winter for several northern birds like Snowy Owl and winter finches, which was reflected in our totals (missed all winter finches besides Common Redpoll and Pine Grosbeak, and missed Snowy Owl for only the 6th time in the counts history). Another interesting trend to note is the decline of the European Starling and House Sparrow, both of which seem to be showing a steady downward trend over the last 15 years.
We tried to fully eBird this Christmas Bird Count, with trip reports made for every section as well as the overall count. While this was new to many participants, it went over quiet well and should make things run smoother in subsequent years. This is a great way to view and share data and compare years, and I encourage other CBCs to follow suit (also more data for eBird!). To view the trip report, see the link below.
To close, an apropos Nature quote from my own copy of Where the Falcon Flies, by Adam Shoalts, OSFN’s speaker to a full house audience just last month. While camping along the shore of the St. Lawrence River – “I was heartened to see that the woods had many ash trees that were still healthy. The invasive beetles…have so devastated the ash forests elsewhere. In the woods where I grew up had been many fine ash trees and I had mourned their loss to the beetles ever since. Seeing them again put me in a cheerful mood – it was like meeting old friends you haven’t seen in years.”
appreciation | understanding | conservation
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