Nature Club News for January 2026
by John Dickson
The Owen Sound Field Naturalists club (OSFN) invites you to its first speaker presentation of 2026, ‘Applications of Environmental DNA – [eDNA] – in Ecology’ with Dr. Roman Lanno.
Environmental DNA [eDNA] is a rapidly emerging technology, with the potential to dramatically change ‘Ecosystem Assessment.’
Environmental Toxicologist Dr. Roman Lanno will guide you through the basics of eDNA, and its myriad applications in ecology, plus its future applications.
Dr. Lanno recently retired to Owen Sound from his position since 2001 as a Professor in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at the Ohio State University in Columbus, where his areas of expertise included Ecotoxicology, terrestrial, aquatic, invertebrates, fish, mammals, bioavailability, metals, and organic chemicals. His earlier academic training was at U of Guelph (Bachelor of Science Fisheries Biology and Master of Science – Fish Nutrition) and U of Waterloo – PhD In Environmental Toxicology)
This event is scheduled for 7pm, Thursday January 8, at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
Admission is by donation (free for OSFN members), and doors are open by 6:30 to check the OSFN publications, merchandise and membership information available there.
Other event features include recent ‘nature sightings’ with audience members reporting a few highlights they have observed in the area.
To learn more about OSFN, including the Young Naturalist Club (they are planning to do some snowshoeing and making bannock too, on Sunday, January 25 at Greystone Trails, Georgian Bluffs).
The event will also be on Zoom and you may register for the Zoom meeting with this link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LYvQc3voTMul1VAfpvj4Ag
Here are some excerpts from recent Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) in the area, as organized by regional ‘Compilers’ who have kindly shared some of their CBC count reports with me. A sampling of their observations follows here: Owen Sound CBC:
On December 14th, 41 participants tallied 6,425 individual birds of 57 species. Unusual species from this year’s count included a Ring-necked Duck, a Carolina Wren, and several Red-winged and Rusty Blackbirds. Many species were seen in lower numbers this year compared to usual. Surprisingly, however, even more species were seen in higher numbers thanusual, including Redhead, Greater Scaup, Horned Grebe, Bald Eagle (which set a new record for the count this year), American Tree
Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, and several species of finches. The irruption of certain northern species of finches we’ve been seeing this
winter are likely due to food shortages in the north.
Erik Van Den Kieboom, Compiler
Photo by Rob Wray
The 15th Neyaashiinigmiing CBC was also held December 14, with inclement weather as well as illness resulting in several last-minute cancellations, and only 10 participants ultimately covering the circle. Results: a record low species total of 31, well below the average of 40. The 710 individual birds counted was also a record low, and well below the average of 1,062.
Notable misses included Common Merganser, Ruffed Grouse (first ever miss), Rock Pigeon and Mourning Dove, and Golden-crowned Kinglet (first ever miss.
Despite their presence elsewhere on the Saugeen Peninsula this winter, no winter finches were recorded. American Goldfinches were present in average numbers.
Jarmo Jalava and Miptoon (Anthony Chegahno), compilers.
The 52nd Wiarton CBC was held December 21, with 24 participants and one feeder watcher tallying 53 species. The total of 3,917 individual birds was above the overall average of 3,767, but well below the recent ten-year average of 4,983 and less than half the record total of 8,628 set in 2023.
Only one record high species total was recorded: Dark-eyed Junco (105, previously 102).
Other good finds included a Gadwall, an Iceland Gull, a Golden Eagle, a Merlin, White-winged Crossbill and a Common Grackle.
Winter finches were limited to White-winged Crossbill (2), Redpoll (43), Pine Grosbeak (23) and Evening Grosbeak (113). As noted, American Goldfinches were present in above average numbers (351). The small House Finch population persists in Wiarton, with a relatively high tally of 16 individuals this year.
Jarmo Jalava, Compiler.
The 55th Meaford CBC on December 28th and the combined efforts of 6 teams and 5 feeder-watchers resulted in finding 50 species. No new species were added to the all-time cumulative total for this count leaving that number at 129 species. One new ‘High’ came in, for Horned Grebe with an amazing 72 counted, topping the 52 seen in 2023. In the ‘Unusual’ category, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (YBSA) was videoed at a valley property. YBSA has not been recorded on the Count since 1973! A Gray Catbird was photographed at the same property the day before the Count, making it only the second record. Total birds were on the low-average side at 3745 birds, with this number bolstered by approximately 500 over-wintering Canada Geese. Thanks so very much to everyone, and the best for 2026 to all!
Lynne Richardson, Compiler
photos by David Turner
I am looking forward to my next visit to the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library (OSNGUPL) which supplies me with most of my closing Nature quotes (see below) and which is currently featuring the photography collection of AJ Lawrence, a local photographer inspired by the quiet beauty of local landscapes and public places, and the subtle stories of the natural world.
Living with PTSD, ASD, and Auditory Processing Disorder has shaped AJ’s perspective, strengthened his resilience, and enhanced his ability to work independently–qualities he brings to every photographic project.
AJ’s photography will be on display on display until January 31.
In closing, and as one who first had the pleasure of hiking a section of the Bruce Trail in August of 1970, (from Walters Falls to Inglis Falls), I would like to acknowledge here, the passing of Dr. Philip Gosling, who was the last co-founder of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, when he passed away on December 3, at the age of 97. His conservation leadership earned him several honours, including the Order of Canada and an honorary degree from the University of Guelph. Gosling’s tremendous legacy is also celebrated in these evocative words: By the “…sparkling white cliffs and blue vastness of Georgian Bay we hikers enjoy this, the most spectacular stretch of the Bruce Trail… When we trek back from the bay, we silently thank the hikers and conservation groups who fought for the Bruce Trail, making it possible to follow this great escarpment from Queenston to Tobermory.” from The Heart of the Country, (which I borrowed recently from our wonderful library OSNGUPL), written in 1988 by Fred Dahms (also now in his 90s), Professor Emeritus, founding member and former Chair of the Department of Geography, University of Guelph, and Illustrated by his wife Ruth.