If you’re anything like me you know the feeling of sheer excitement when the leaves begin to change colour in fall. As trees begin to brace for… dare I say, for those less excited, winter, our favourite natural spaces in Ontario transform into colourful works of art.
Birds in Hurricanes – Effects come close to home
Let’s hope hurricane season is behind us for this year. It has been an appalling one for millions of people living in Florida, the Caribbean and U.S. along the Gulf of Mexico.
How birds keep cool in summer heat
During one of the very few really hot days we had this summer, a lady asked me how birds keep cool during those conditions.
They have a number of methods of beating the heat.
Featured Bird: Cuckoos (Not Just on Clocks!)
I also was delighted by the farm houses, because in those days, most had a cuckoo clock.? I was also thrilled, with a little help, to pull the long chains which wound up the clock mechanisms. Little did I know that there was a real bird called a Cuckoo!
Something to chirp about on Parliament Hill
Of all the bird species in North America, sixteen species have American in their name. There are only two species with Canada in their name.
You can Help Protect the Black River Wildlands
The Couchiching Conservancy has a rare opportunity to protect more than 4 kms of Black River shoreline, winding through 730 acres of intact wilderness. Working with Ontario Parks, the Conservancy is racing to raise $575,000 to purchase this parcel which will fill a significant gap in Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park.
Featured Bird: Northern Flickers
We are blessed by Woodpeckers! Worldwide, there are 210 different species, but in Ontario we only have 9 of them.
Over 150 species counted during Carden Challenge
All together the eleven teams counted over 200 species – birds, butterflies, mammals and more. With their efforts, and your kindness, $19,200 has been raised to date, with more funds coming in daily to support our conservation efforts of the Carden Alvar!
The Carden Challenge: Working Together for Nature
It’s around 5:30 pm on Friday and the teams are starting to gather at the cabin. Tents are being pitched, cars parked and tally sheets distributed. It’s nearly time for the Carden Challenge to start.
Feature Bird: Eastern Towhees
After a minute or so listening and watching, the noise stopped and from out of the undergrowth, a male Eastern Towhee flew up to the rail fence, tipped his head up and began to sing his heart out….”drink your tea…drink your tea!”