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Rehabilitated young adult eastern grey squirrels on their release day, May 20, 2016.
Submitted by the Orchid Editor
Orchid Know ● Appreciate ● Conserve Nature in All Its Forms
Bulletin of the Peterborough Field Naturalists Published nine times yearly. Publication Mail Agreement #4005104
April 2017 Volume 63, No. 3
peterboroughnature.org
The
Inside: Petroglyphs CBC and Great Backyard Bird Count Results Harper Park News Winter Tracking Report Ontario Nature Meeting Agenda Meet a Wildlife Rehabilitator Advice for Encounters with Injured or Orphaned Wildlife
TheOrchid,Volume63,Number3 April2017
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InthisIssue:PFNComingEvents......................................................3PFNJuniorFieldNaturalists(ages5-12).......................6OtherEventsofInterest...............................................7PFNVolunteerCorner..................................................8President’sMessage–SupportingHarperPark.........10HarperParkNews......................................................10Resultsof31stPetroglyphsChristmasBirdCount......122017GreatBackyardBirdCountResults...................13WinterTrackingReport..............................................15FromtheRoadtoRecovery:SnapperSuccessStories16HowtoHelpandHandleanInjuredTurtle................16MeetaWildlifeRehabilitator.....................................17WhattoDoIfYouFindWildlifeinDistress................19AFossilPosesaQuestion...........................................21FromtheArchives:SelectedExtracts1950-60...........21TheOrchidDiary........................................................24PFNMembershipApplication....................................26
GreatGreyOwlonTransCanadaTrailMar4.PhotobyBernieObert
TherewasalotofactivityatMarilynHubley’sfeederonMarch26inPeterborough,includingsalivatingsquirrels(left)andfeastingchickadees(above).Juncosalsoappearedatthefeederthatday.
WelcomenewPFNmembers!PeterMills
ChristinePost&CharlieMenendezDonnellGasbarrini&JesseJarvisDavidMarshall&BarbaraMoffat
BrentPatterson&AshleySpenceleyDanicaJarvis
TheOrchid,Volume63,Number3 April2017
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PFNComingEvents
Sundays
April2toMay28
8AM
NorthParkingLot,
RiverviewPark&Zoo
WaterStreet,
Peterborough
SundayMorningWildlifeOutings
OurregularspringwildlifewalkswillcommenceonSundayApril2andcontinueuntilMay28th.Unlessotherwiseadvertised,walkswillstartat8AMandwewillcarpoolfromtheparkinglotofthePeterboroughZooonWaterStreet.Outingsgenerallylastaboutthreehours.Bringsomechangetodonatetowardsgascostsandbringbinocularsifpossible.Inmostcases,theleaderswillconfirmthedestinationontheday.Accessibility:EasytoModerate.
April2:JerryBallApril9:ChrisRisleyApril16:MartinParker(tbc)April23:tbcApril30:MikeMcMurtryMay7:LynnSmith–seedetailsbelowMay14:tbcMay21:PaulFrost–seedetailsbelowMay28:DonMcLeod–seedetailsbelow
SaturdayApril8
9:30AM
CampKawarthaEnvironmentCentre
2505PioneerRdPeterboroughON
OntarioNatureRegionalMeeting
PFNishostingtheOntarioNatureRegionalMeeting.YOUAREALLWELCOMETOATTEND!TheguestspeakerwillbeEllenSchwartzel,OntarioDeputyEnvironmentalCommissioner.ShewillbediscussingtheEnvironmentalBillofRightsandhowcitizenscanhavetheirsayingovernmentdecisionsthataffecttheenvironment.
ThePFNisjustoneofmorethan150localcommunityconservationgroupsacrossOntariothatisaffiliatedwithOntarioNature.TogetherweallformtheNatureNetwork.OntarioNatureprovidesleadershipinbringingourvoiceandconcernstotheprovince.Twiceayear,theconservationgroupsmeettoshareideas,voicetheirchallengesandlearnwhatprogramsandinitiativesOntarioNatureisinvolvedin.
Ifinterestedinattending,pleasecontactLynnSmithatsmithfam@nexicom.net.Pleasebringalunchandmug.Theagendaappearsonpage9ofthisnewsletter.
Wednesday,April12
7:30PM
CampKawarthaEnvironmentCentre
MonthlyMeeting:TheBiodiversityofThickson'sWoodsandtheForgottenPollinators
Thickson'sWoodsisthelastremnantofold-growthpinesonthenorthshoreofLakeOntario.In1983,whenthosepineswerethreatenedwithlogging,ahandfulofnaturalistsformedthenon-profitcorporation"Thickson'sWoodLandTrust"andpurchasedthewoods.Later,in2001,theyboughtaneight-acremeadowjustnorthofthewoodsandtodaythatcowpastureisaremarkablewildlifehabitatandbufferfromthefumesandnoiseofnearbyroads.
SinceearlychildhoodinEngland,PhillHolderhashadagreatpassionfornature,whichhesharedwithhisfamily.Thickson’sWoodswasthefirstplacethefamilybirdedtogetheraftermovingtoCanadain1982.Phill’sson,Matt,becameanexpertbirder,naturalistandpublishedscientist.AfterMattsuddenlypassedawayin2011,PhillandhiswifecreatedinhismemorytheMattHolderEnvironmentalEducationFund.
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PFNComingEventsInthispresentation,Phillwillsharetheincrediblediscoveries,allsponsoredbytheMattHolderFund,thathavebeenmadeinthissmallreserve,knownpreviouslyonlyformigratingbirds.
Saturday,April15
7:30PM
MeetatTimHorton’sonLansdowneSt.West
Kermit’sFriendsandTimber-doodles!
Theduskairofthespringcarriesthematingsongsofvariousspeciesoffrogsandthesky-danceoftheAmericanWoodcockor“Timber-doodle”.JoinMartinParkerforatwo-houroutingtolistentoanddistinguishbetweenthedifferentspeciesofcallingfrogsandtoadsofourregionandlistentothecourtshipflightsoftheAmericanWoodcock.
WewillmeetintheparkinglotatTimHorton’sintheCanadianTire/Sobey’sPlazaonLansdowneStreetWestat7:30PMandthentraveltoHootonLinethroughtheCavanSwamp.Wewillwalkasectionofthisclosedroadway.Pleasebringaflashlight.
Accessibility:Easy,walkingalongaclosedroadway.
Wednesday,April26
Meetat6PMintheparkinglotofthe
RiverviewPark&Zoo.
NightofSalamandersandFrogs
ThisisanannualPFNeveningtriptolookformigratingsalamandersandeggmassesintheirbreedingpools.ThisinventoryeventwillbeattheIngleton-WellspropertyoftheKawarthaLandTrust(KLT).TheeventwillcommencewiththecheckingofpoolsforeggmassesofSpottedandBlue-spottedSalamanders.Wewillthenrecordthefrogspeciescallingandchecktheroadwaysformigratingsalamanders.Dusk-callingbirdswillalsoberecorded.ThetripwillbeledbyMartinParker.
Aftermeetingatthezooat6PM,wewilltraveltotheInglelton-WellspropertyonthenorthwesternshoreofStoneyLake.Wearclothessuitablefortheweatherandwater-prooffootwear.Bringaheadlamporflashlight,andaneveningsnackorpackedsupper.ItisanticipatedthetripwillreturntoPeterborougharound11PM.
Accessibility:Moderatewithwalkingaroundawoodlandpondandareturninthedark.
Sunday,May7
8AM
MeetatCavanGOTransitCarpoollot/busstop
AWalkontheOakRidgesMoraine
LedbyLynnSmith,thisoutingwillincludecarstopsaswellasacoupleofstrollsalongbackroadsandthroughsomehillycountryside.Bringbinoculars,scope,snacks,waterandperhapsbepreparedforsomemosquitoesand/orblackflies.8-11am.
MeetattheCavanCarpark/GOBusStop:FromPeterboroughtakeHwy115southandexitatCountyRd10/MillbrookCavan(Exit#38).Cometoastopsign.Gostraightandthecarpoollotisonyourleft,onSyerLine.
Accessibility:acombinationofeasytochallenging.Oneofthehikeswillincludesomehillyterrain(challenging).Otherwise,carstopsandrelativelylevelwalking(easy).
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PFNComingEvents
Wednesday,May10
7:30PM
CampKawarthaEnvironmentCentre
MonthlyMeeting:JacksonCreekOld-GrowthForest
Thismonth’sguestspeakerisMichaelHenry,theleadresearcherandforestecologistbehindtherecentstudy"JacksonCreekOld-GrowthForest"byAncientForestExplorationandResearch.(http://www.ancientforest.org/publications/)
MikewillhelpusrediscoverJacksonCreekasourveryown4.5hectareurbanold-growthforest,withtreesreaching250yearsold,pre-datingtheoriginalsettlementoftheTownofScott'sPlains,whichisnowPeterborough.
Sunday,May21
8AM
Meetat1419IrelandDrive
ExploringLoggerheadMarch,ProvinciallySignificantWetland
JoinTrentUniversity’sprofessorofaquaticsciences,PaulFrost,who,togetherwiththePFNhasbeenadvocatingtogetLoggerheadMarshprotectedfromtheimpactofencroachingurbandevelopment.
LoggerheadMarshisnowrecognizedasaprovinciallysignificantwetland.Itcontainsalargeareaofcattailmarsh,patchesofforestedwetland,andexpansesofwetmeadows.ItsoutflowstreamflowsthroughseveralforestedareasanddownstreamintoJacksonCreek.
Bringyourbinoculars!Accessibility:mostlyeasy,buttheremaybesomesmallslopesofmoderatedifficulty.Someareasmaybedamp,sogoodbootsarerecommended.
MeetnearPaulFrost’shouseat1419IrelandDrive,Peterborough.ThereisplentyofstreetparkingavailableonIrelandDrive.
Sunday,May28
8AM
MeetatpublicparkinglotonCrawfordDrive
FleetwoodCreekNaturalArea
DonMcLeodwillleadawalkalongtheroadallowanceatFleetwoodCreekNaturalAreaandcirclingbackthroughtheMcKim/Garsonninproperty.Don’sspecialtyistrackingandtherearesandyareasalongtheroadallowancethataregoodspotsfortracks.Weshouldalsoseeagoodvarietyofbirdsincludingwarblers.
MeetatthepublicparkinglotonCrawfordDrive,attheendofHarperRoadandjustofftheParkwayandSirSanfordFlemingDrive.
Accessibility:Moderate,thereissomeuphillwalking.
Sunday,June4
7AM
MeetatTimHorton’sonLansdowneSt.W.
CardenPlainImportantBirdArea
Anall-dayvisittothewonderfulCardenPlain,anunusualalvarhabitatthatishometoanabundanceofraregrasslandbirdspecies,butterfliesandplants.JerryBallwillbeourguidetothisgloballyrarehabitat65kmwestofPeterborough.LoggerheadShrike,Golden-wingedWarbler,Osprey,BlackTerns,SedgeWren,YellowRail,UplandSandpiper,EasternBluebird,EasternTowheeandBrownThrashersareallpossibilities.
Bringsomelunch,water,cameraandbinoculars.
MeetatTimHorton’sattheSobey’sPlazaonLansdowneStreetWest.
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PFNComingEvents
Wednesday,June14
7:30PM
CampKawarthaEnvironmentCentre
MonthlyMeeting:Ontario'sBats:Biology,EcologyandConservationsIssues
Guestspeaker:LesleyHale,DivisionalIntegrationCoordinator,MinistryofNaturalResources
Ontario'seightspeciesofbatsplayacriticalroleintheprovince'secosystemsasnocturnalinsectivores.Theyareconsideredoneofourmostvaluablespeciesgroupsforagriculturalpestcontrol.Therecentspreadofwhite-nosesyndromehascausedconcernforthefutureofmanybatsspeciesinOntario,makingbatmonitoringandconservationmoreimportantthanever.
PFNJuniorFieldNaturalists(ages5-12)
Saturday,April8
1to3PM
OntarioTurtleConservationCentre
TourofOntarioTurtleConservationCentre
JuniorNaturalistsarealsoinvitedtobookspacesinourspecialtouroftheOntarioTurtleConservationCentrethatisscheduledforApril8th.FulldetailsareprovidedinthelistingsofjunioreventsonthePFNwebsite.
BirdHouseWorkshop
SpringsunshinewasstreamingintheEnvironmentCentrewindowsattheJuniorNaturalists'birdhouseworkshoponMarch19.Wehadafantasticturnoutwith30familiesparticipating,including12newfamilies.ThekitsweredesignedforBlack-cappedChickadeesandloadedwithbird-friendlyfeaturestoincreasethelikelihoodofoccupancy,includingfloordrains,ventilation,andaninteriorladder.Oneofourvolunteersreportedthatwithin20minutesofinstallingherbirdhouse,aChickadeewasspottedcheckingitout.Onbehalfofallthekids,thankyoutoMerrettHomeHardwareBuildingCentreforgenerouslydonatingallofthewoodforthisprojectandtoTedValeandBrianWalesforproducingsomanyeasy-to-assemblekits.Thankyoutoourworkshopvolunteers,SarahJamieson,SarahMcGuire,AydenSherritt,andDanicaJarvis.Wecouldn'thavedoneitwithoutyou!
Morevolunteers=morekids'events!
Thankstothesupportofourmembersandnewfamiliesjoiningtheclub,we'vebeengrowing!Havingalargergroupmeanswecanplanmoreactivities.Ifyouhaveideastoshareandwouldliketohelpout,[email protected]'tneedtobeanexpert.Ourgoalistogetoutsidewithourfamiliesandhavefunwhilelearningaboutnature.
TheOrchid,Volume63,Number3 April2017
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OtherEventsofInterest
FirstFridayofeachmonth
7:00PM
GuestServicesBuilding,RiverviewPark&Zoo
PeterboroughAstronomicalAssociationMonthlyMeeting
Formoreinformationontheirmonthlymeetings,pleasevisitwww.peterboroughastronomy.com.
April7:Theconfusingworldofskymaps&starchartsbyKenSunderland&PaulWard
May5:TopictobeannouncedbyRandyAttwood
May27:AstronomyDay-PublicViewingandActivities–Details,timesTBA-StaticDisplaysandSolarViewingattheRiverviewParkandZoo
Duskto11PM-ObservingatthetopofArmourHill
FourthWednesdayofeachmonth
7:00PM
Lion’sCentre
347BurnhamStreet
PeterboroughHorticulturalSocietyMonthlyMeeting
Joinusat6:30PMforsocializing.Themeetingbeginsat7PM.Annualmembershipratesare$20individual,$25family,and$2guest.Allarewelcome-andyoudon’thavetobeanexperiencedgardener!Formoreinfovisitwww.peterboroughhort.com.
April26-James&AudreyPotts,OwnersofPalliserDowns:“GrowingBerriesHaskapandOtherSmallFruit”
May24-SeanJamesofFernRidgeGardens:“GardenTrendsfor2017”
FridayApril7ththroughtoSundayApril9th
EvinrudeCentre,Peterborough
PeterboroughGardenShow2017
ComewelcomespringatoneofOntario’slargestgardenshows!TheannualPeterboroughGardenShowissponsoredbythePeterboroughHorticulturalSocietyandareaMasterGardeners.The3-dayeventhostsmanygarden-relatedvendors,exhibitors,dailyspeakers,informativeworkshops,displays,arrangementsandadvice.Proceedsfromtheshowareusedforscholarshipsandlocalbeautificationprojects.Formoredetailscheckoutwww.peterboroughgardenshow.com.
Sep25-29,Oct2-6,
orOct10-13
Queen’sUniversityBiologicalStation
2017FabulousFallFungiWorkshops
LearnaboutthemushroomsandotherfungiofSouthernOntario.Nowintheir8thyear,thesehands-onworkshopsofferauniqueopportunitytodevelopyourfungalidentificationskills.Suitableforalllevels.Max12perworkshop.Registerearly(theworkshopsalwayssellout).Details:https://qubs.ca.
TheOrchid,Volume63,Number3 April2017
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OtherEventsofInterest
SeasonsontheMoraine
ThisisaseriesofeightguidednaturewalksonBallyduffTrails(nexttoFleetwoodCreekConservationArea),sponsoredbySouthPondFarms.Ticketsare$30pereventandincludeameal.Formoreinformation,pleasevisitwww.southpondfarms.ca/events/#seasons-on-the-moraine.
• April22:NightSounds
• May6:SongbirdSightings
• May13:WildflowersandOtherThings
• June18:Dragons,Damsels&Butterflies,Too
• July23:WetlandWonders
• August13:SeeingtheForestfortheTrees
• September17:Flowers,Feathers&OtherFinery
• October1:FleetwoodValley:ThenandNow
PFNVolunteerCorner
PhragmitesatLoggerheadMarsh
TheLoggerheadMarshStewardshipAssociation(www.loggerheadmarsh.org)isseekingvolunteerstohelpwiththeremovalofaninvasiveplantcalledPhragmitesaustralis(ortheEuropeancommonreed).Itistaggedas"Canada'sworstinvaderforwetlands"andiscurrentlyspreadingintwospotsabout50-80mfromthewetlandboundaries.(Aha!Anotherreasonwhybigbuffersareimportant!)Itisafastgrowerandwilltakeoverwetlandsandopenspaces.
Volunteernamesarebeingcollectedforthesecondpatch,whichismassiveandisgrowingontheshorelineofthenaturalpondcornerIrelandDrandNornabellAve.Theworkinvolvesclippingtheseedheads,thenburningthem,thenremovingthedeadplantbiomass(preferablywithaheavydutyweedwacker,onethatcanhandletoughstems).Asecondextractionshouldthenoccur(thistimewithshovels)toremovethenewgrowthinJulybeforethenewseedheadsform.Thisamountstoabout2hrsofyourtime.Pleasecontactloggerheadmarsh@gmail.comifyouareinterested.
RallyingforRefreshments
TocontinueenjoyingrefreshmentsatourClubmeetingsweneed1or2peopletovolunteeralittletimetobringsupplies.YouareguaranteedasmileofappreciationfromallClubmembers.
IfinterestedpleasecontactLynnSmith([email protected]).
DriversNeeded
BoththeSandyPinesandFosterForestwildliferehabilitationcentresneedmoredriverstohelpmoveinjuredororphanedwildlifetoandfromtheirfacilities.IfanyoneregularlydrivesbetweenPeterboroughandNapaneeorTrentonorthe401corridor,orifanyonejustlikestodriveforagoodcause,pleasecontactSueatSandyPinesinNapanee([email protected])orDeeatFosterForestinTrenton(613-394-6667).Callsfordriversareexpectedtobeinfrequent,butimportant.
TheOrchid,Volume63,Number3 April2017
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Lake Ontario North Regional Meeting Date: Saturday, April 8, 2017 – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Camp Kawartha Environmental Centre, 2505 Pioneer Rd., Peterborough Hosts: Peterborough Field Naturalists
9:30 – 10:30 Welcome and Introductions: Election of new Lake Ontario North Regional Director
Club Highlights (part 1) We thank you for your enthusiastic response to this part of the program, but due to timing, we ask that you provide only 2 highlights from your club. Please feel free to provide a complete summary on your activities form and they will be attached to the minutes.
10:30 – 10:45 Refreshment Break
10:45 – 11:45 Special Presentation – Ellen Schwartzel, Deputy Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO)
Ellen will share information on the tools of the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) and how to use them effectively to the benefit the environment.
11:45 – 12:30 Lunch (bring your own bag lunch and mug)
12:30 – 1:00 Club Highlights (part 2) 1:00 - 1:30 Peterborough Field Naturalists and Harper Park
The Harper Park Stewardship Initiative is now a committee of the Peterborough Field Naturalists. Lynn Smith, Past PFN President and Kim Zippel PFN, VP will provide us with background on how PFN is working to conserve this urban wetland complex.
1:30 – 2:00 Ontario Nature – “Nature Network UPDATE"
Barbara MacKenzie-Wynia, Regional Co-ordinator
2:00 – 4:00 Hike the Trails of Trent University’s Wildlife Preserve with Paul Elliot, PFN Board member and Biology Professor at Trent
A special thank you to the Peterborough Field Naturalists
for hosting the Ontario Nature Regional Meeting
Please make sure to hand in you club activity forms and any changes to your contact information
We appreciate your continued support of Ontario Nature
If you are not already a member of Ontario Nature – please consider joining,
Together we can be a Voice for Nature! www.ontarionature.org
TheOrchid,Volume63,Number3 April2017
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President’sMessage–SupportingHarperPark
Elsewhereinthisnewsletter,youcanreadabouthowHarperParkwasupgradedtoaprovinciallysignificantwetland.Akeyfactorinthisupgradewasthatbarnswallowshadbeensightedonseveraloccasionsinthepark.TheseobservationswererecordedbyMartinParkeroneBirdandsowereacceptedasofficialbytheMinistryofNaturalResourcesandForestry.
Springisuponusandmanyofyouwillbeoutwatchingspringmigrationsandcourtshiprituals,andlisteningtobirdsandfrogssinging.Pleasetakethetimetorecordyourobservationsononeofthegrowingnumberofcitizensciencewebsites.eBirdandtheOntarioAtlasofReptilesandAmphibiansaretwothatareeasilyaccessible.Oryoucouldsendyourobservationtothesightingssectionofourveryownnewsletter:TheOrchidDiary.
Whoknows,youmightbeinstrumentalinprotectingoneofPeterborough’snaturalareas!
TedVale
HarperParkNews
SubmittedbyLynnSmith
…andtheHarperParkrollercoasterridecontinueswithmoreexcitinghappenings!
HarperCreekWetlandUpgradedtoaProvinciallySignificantWetland
HarperParkisa60-hectareparceloflandinthesouthwestcornerofPeterboroughthattheCityhascalledanaturallyprotectedareaforplanningpurposes.TheHarperCreekWetlandis21.9hectaresandsitspartlywithinthisParkbutextendsintoprivatelyownedland.
Somebackground:
TheMinistryofNaturalResources&Forestry(MNRF)hasdevelopedanEvaluationManualforwetlandswithasetofcriteriathatallowsthevalueofonewetlandtobecomparedtoanother.Thewetlandscorespointswithinfourmajorcomponents:Biological,Social,HydrologicalandSpecialFeatures.AWetlandofProvincialSignificancewouldneedtoscore600points.HarperCreekWetlandwasevaluatedin2009andscored544points,56pointsshyofProvincialSignificance.InMarch2017,MNRFdidadesktopre-evaluationforHarperCreekWetlandandannouncedthatwithnewinformationavailable,theWetlandscored705points,deservingofaProvinciallySignificantdesignation.
Whatnewinformationyouask?• TheBiologicalComponentoftheevaluation
remainedthesame.• UndertheSocialComponent,theWetland
scoredhigherinthe‘NatureEnjoyment/EcosystemStudy’category.MorepeopleareenjoyingthePark.Naturalistsarerecordinginventory.Teachersareusingitasanoutdoorclassroom.Historiansareexaminingtheoldbarnandhomefoundationofanearlypioneer,RobertHarper,whoownedandfarmedthelandinthe1870’s.StudentsfromTrentUniversityaredoingenvironmentalstudies,andoneverykeenboyingrade8hascompletedabrooktrouthabitatqualitystudy.
PFNboardmembersatthepressconferenceannouncingthePSWdesignationoftheHarperCreekWetland.Fromleft:LynnSmith,TedVale,DylanRadcliffe,andKimZippel.
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• HarperCreekWetlandhasalwaysscoredhighintheHydrologicalComponent.HarperCreekiscold,well-oxygenatedandsustainsawildpopulationofbrooktrout.Theheadwatersofthenortherntributaryandthemanyseepsandspringsallcontributetoanamazingvolumeofhighqualitywater.
• TheSpecialFeaturescomponentoftheevaluationshowedthegreatestincreaseinpoints.AsClubmembers,manyofyouhaveheardMartinParkerinsistontheabsoluteimportanceofgettingyoursightingsrecordedonline,forexamplewitheBirdandeButterfly.MartinandMatthewTobeyhaveledworkshopsonit.Inthis21stdigitalcentury,thisisthebestwayfornewinformationtobeshared.Well,IguessMartinwasright(can’tbelieveIjustwrotethat).ItwasnotedbyMNRFthatbarnswallowswererecorded(online)onmorethanoneoccasionforagingintheHarperCreekWetland.Populationsofbarnswallowshavedeclinedinthisareaby60%sincethe1980’s.Itisconsideredathreatenedspecies.TheWetlandreceived150points.
• Also,twolocallysignificantplants,PurpleAvensandSwampFlyHoneysucklewererecordedduringa2013Bioblitz.TheWetlandreceived17pointsforthatinformation.
HarperParkandthewetlandarehighlybiodiversehabitatsandthere’ssomuchmoretolearn.Itwillcontinuetobeimportantforustorecordfloraandfaunaand,dareIsayit,getitonline.
PlansfordevelopmentnearorinawetlanddesignatedtobeProvinciallySignificantaresubjecttoadditionalrestrictions.
HarperCreekBrookTroutStudy&theOpportunitytoFundandFollowaFish
ThePeterboroughFieldNaturalistshavepartneredwithTrentUniversitytoconductatwo-yearcomprehensivestudyofthelifehistoryoftheBrookTroutpopulationinHarperCreekaswellasurbanstreamecology.ItwillbeaMaster’sThesisbeginninginthespringof2017withthetaggingofBrookTrout.Eachtroutwillcarryaradiotagthatislessthanonegraminsize.
OpportunitytoFundandFollowaFish
Tohelpcoverthecostofthetags,thereisanopportunityforyou,yourbusiness,schoolororganizationtopartnerwithTrentUniversityfortheFundandFollowaFishevent.
****IencourageyoutogotothePFNwebsitepeterboroughnature.organdcheckouttheHarperPark/BrookTroutStudypageforcompletedetailsontheFund&FollowaFishOpportunity*****
Byfundingafish,yourfirstdecisionwillbetogiveyourtroutaNAME(whatfun!).Youwillalsoreceive:• apictureofthetroutyouarefunding• informationaboutyourtrout• dataaboutwhereandwhenyourfundedtroutmoveswithinHarperCreek• receiveyourowncopyofthepublishedstudyontheHarperCreekwildbrooktroutpopulation
OR,ifyouwishtodonatetotheresearchitself,adonationiswelcometohelpfundgeneralexpensessuchasequipment,transportationcostsandfieldstaff.
Brooktroutpopulationshavedeclinedabout80%inSouthernOntario.Weneedfurtherstudytounderstandhowwecanhelpconservethisveryspecialspeciesasdevelopmentpressuresescalate.
HarperParkCommunitySummit
TheHarperParkCommunitySummitonMarch25waswellattended.ThephotosoftheeventshownbelowwereprovidedbyPeterboroughDialogues.
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Resultsof31stPetroglyphsChristmasBirdCount
SubmittedbyColinJones(compiler)
The31STPetroglyphsChristmasBirdCountwasheldonTuesday,December27,2016duringlessthanfavourableweatherconditions.Thedaywasdullandovercastalldaylongwithstrongwindsandintermittentperiodsoflightsnowandfreezingdrizzle.
Participants:24
Totalspecies:28(lowerthanthe10-yearaverageof33.5)
Totalindividuals:1937(10-yearaverageis2248)
Incontrasttolastyearwhentherewasasignificantamountofopenwaterresultingin8speciesofwaterfowl,therewasvirtuallynoopenwaterandthereforenowaterbirds.
Notablespeciesandcounthighsincluded:
Cooper’sHawk1(4thtimeonthecount);Rough-leggedHawk1dark-morphbirdseenbytwoparties(6thtimeonthecount);AmericanRobin11(nearthecounthighof13)andBohemianWaxwing318(previouscounthighwas76)
LowCounts:
RuffedGrouse6(below10-yearaverageof22andthecounthighof77);MourningDove5(below10-yearaverageof20andcounthighof93);PileatedWoodpecker4(belowthe10-yearaverageof14andcounthighof30);BlueJay74(below10-yearaverageof271andcounthighof653);Red-breastedNuthatch32(below10-yearaverageof100andcounthighof526)andGolden-crownedKinglet4(below10-yearaverageof31andcounthighof120)
NotableMisses:
BarredOwlrecordedeveryyearsince1995withtheexceptionof2012andthisyear.ApairofGrayJayswerevisitingafeederinsidethecountcircleleadinguptothecount(countperiod)butwerenotpresentoncountday.Anaverage
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of5birdswererecordedonthecountupuntil2009buthavenotbeenrecordedoncountdaysince(withtheexceptionof2in2014).
WiththeexceptionofreasonablygoodnumbersofAmericanGoldfinch(326)and44EveningGrosbeak,nootherfincheswererecorded.
TotalCountsResults:
RuffedGrouse6,WildTurkey43,BaldEagle5,Cooper’sHawk1,Red-tailedHawk1,Rough-leggedHawk1,RockPigeon34,MourningDove5,DownyWoodpecker23,HairyWoodpecker25,PileatedWoodpecker4,NorthernShrike1,BlueJay74,AmericanCrow10,CommonRaven65,Black-cappedChickadee676,Red-breastedNuthatch32,White-breastedNuthatch92,BrownCreeper24,Golden-crownedKinglet4,AmericanRobin11,EuropeanStarling45,BohemianWaxwing318,AmericanTreeSparrow22,Dark-eyedJunco19,SnowBunting26,AmericanGoldfinch326andEveningGrosbeak44.
2017GreatBackyardBirdCountResults
ExcerptsfromSummaryWrittenbyMarshallIliffandPatLeonard
AnotherGreatBackyardBirdCountisinthebooks,andthankstoparticipantsfromaroundtheworld,itwasthebiggestcountinits20-yearhistory.Birdwatcherssetanewhighbarfornumberofchecklistssubmittedandtotalnumberofspeciesreported.Whetherlongtimecontributorsorfirst-timers,manyexpressedtheirenjoymentoftheexperience.
• EstimatedParticipants:214,018(2016finaltotalestimate:163,763)
• Species:5,940(2016finaltotal:5,689)
• CompleteChecklists:173,826(2016finaltotal:162,052)
Top10mostfrequentlyreportedspecies:
(numberofGBBCchecklistsreportingthisspecies)
What’sinterestingtonoteinthislististhattheAmericanCrowhasbouncedallthewayuptothenumbertwospot.IthastypicallycomeinnearthebottomoftheTop10eversinceWestNileVirusappearedinNorthAmericain1999.Perhapsthecrowsarefinallyreboundingafterthevirustookaserioustollontheiroverallpopulation.
Species NumberofChecklistsNorthernCardinal 52,422AmericanCrow 47,275MourningDove 47,076Dark-eyedJunco 42,208DownyWoodpecker 38,760BlueJay 38,402Black-cappedChickadee 36,417HouseFinch 35,889HouseSparrow 33,749White-breastedNuthatch 32,598
DatatotalsasofMarch3,2017
Note:AllTop10speciesarecommoninNorthAmerica,reflectingcontinuedhighparticipationfromthisregion.
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Top10mostnumerousspecies:
(sumofhowmanyindividualswereobservedacrossallGBBCchecklists):
Species NumberofIndividualsSnowGoose 4,793,261Red-wingedBlackbird 2,464,572CanadaGoose 1,895,077EuropeanStarling 919,038Mallard 715,594Ring-billedGull 647,950AmericanCoot 500,261GreaterWhite-frontedGoose 426,040CommonGrackle 416,720AmericanCrow 378,483
DatatotalsasofMarch2,2017
Note:TheseTop10speciesarecommoninNorthAmerica,reflectinghighparticipationfromthisregion.
EarlyMigrations
ThewarmweatherduringtheGBBCcontinuedthroughthelasttwoweeksofFebruary,andthatmadeitabundantlyclearthatthisunprecedentedFebruarywarmthintheeasternUnitedStatesandeasternCanadakickedoffearlymigrationthatstartedaroundGBBCtime.Red-wingedBlackbirdsandCommonGracklesarewell-knowntoarriveinlateFebruary,evenasfarnorthasthenorthernmostU.S.statesandsouthernmarginsofCanada.ThisyearhoweverthosetwoblackbirdswereevenmorewidespreadthannormalandtheirnumberscontinuedtobuildthroughFebruary’sfinalweek.
Twoshorebirdsthateschewtheshorearealsoearlymigrants,witharrivalsofKilldeerandAmericanWoodcockapparentinNewEnglandandtheGreatLakesstateswheretheydon’treallyoverwinter.ThosearrivalscontinuedtobuildthroughFebruaryandwhilethesespeciessometimesstaysouthuntilmid-March,theyarealreadywidespreadanddisplayingonterritoryinmanyareasaswewrite.
MostexceptionalhavebeenarrivalsofTreeSwallowswellnorthofnormalrange,aspeciesthatusuallywaitsuntilMarchtostartcomingback,sincetheirflyinginsectfoodisnotusuallyoutuntillaterinthespring.WhilesomeTreeSwallowsoverwinteredontheEastCoastinJanuary2017asfarnorthasLongIsland,alltheinlandbirdsreportedontheGBBCwerepartofaremarkableearlypushthatcontinuedintoFebruary.Thoughmostareashavenotseenlargenumbersyet,theseearlyscoutsprobablysetrecordearlydatesinmanyareasthisyear.Forexample,accordingtoeBird,QuebecandnorthernIllinoishadtheirfirst-everFebruaryrecordsthisyearandMassachusetts,whichhadtworecordsofreturningmigrantsinFebruarypreviously(bothfrom2014),addedfourmorethisyear.Ifthewarmweathercontinues,wecouldseetheearliestspringeverforbirdmigrationintheeasternUnitedStates:watchforawaveofEasternPhoebes,PineWarblers,andChippingSparrowsnext!
PleasecontinuetouseeBird,whereyoucandocumentyourbirdobservationsyear-round,sinceyourobservationsandphoto-documentationofearlyarrivingbirdshelptoestablishpatternsthatshedlightonhowunusualweatherandlong-termclimatechangeareaffectingourbirds,theirmigrations,andtheirpopulations.
Moreinformationonthecountcanbefoundhere:http://gbbc.birdcount.org/2017-gbbc-summary
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WinterTrackingReport
SubmittedbyDonMcLeod
MembersfromthePeterboroughFieldNaturalistswenttrackingontheJohndePenciertrailattheTrentUniversityNatureAreaonFriday,February3.WildlifespeciesidentifiedbytracksorsignincludedRuffedGrouse,EasternCottontail,Porcupine,SnowshoeHare,Shrewsp,Raccoon,CoyoteandRedSquirrel.ObservingtracksofseveralEasternCottontailswasanimprovementoverthewinterof2016whentheywereabsentfrommostoftheTrentUniversityNatureArea.Porcupineshaddensundertheboardwalk,asinpreviousyears.ThemostinterestingobservationwasachasesceneinvolvingaCoyotehuntinganEasternCottontail.Stridesof8feetbetweentracksetswereobservedfortheRabbit,evidenceofahighrateofspeedasitattemptedtoescape.Wedidnotfindevidenceofakill.Birdsidentified:Black-cappedChickadee,White-breastedNuthatchandAmericanRobin.
AnothergroupofPFNmemberswenttrackingontheJohndePenciertrailonFebruary4.SimilartoFriday,speciesidentifiedbytracksorsignincludedRuffedGrouse,EasternCottontail,Porcupine,SnowshoeHare,Shrewsp,Raccoon,CoyoteandRedSquirrel.NewobservationsforSaturdayincludedRedFoxandMousesp.OldsignforBeaverwasalsoobservedonbothdays.Birdsidentified:Black-cappedChickadeeandWhite-breastedNuthatch.
AfinaloutingonMarch18totheJohndePenciertrailproducedmanyofthesamespeciesasbeforedespitepoorconditions.NoticeablyabsentwastheSnowshoeHare.NewforthisdaywasErmine.AquickdetourtoHarperParkpickeduptracksforCoyote,White-tailedDeer,RedSquirrel,EasternGraySquirrel,RaccoonandRuffedGrouse.
Thewinterof2016-17reallywasachallengefortrackers.Muchofthewinterwashamperedbyicyconditionsorsnowmelt.InlightofthistoughwinterandtheshortageofopportunityforPFNmemberstogotracking,therewillanoutingonMay28totheFleetwoodCreekNaturalArea.Thisoutingwillfocusonsummertrackingandbirding.
Left:Porcupineniptwig.Right:Snowshoeharetracks.PhotosbyDonMcLeod.
FromtheRoadtoRecovery:SnapperSuccessStories
ReprintedfromOntarioTurtleConservationCentreMarch2017Newsletter
Justlikeeverypersonhasastory,weliketothinkthateveryturtlehasastory.Sooften,asevidencedthroughtheirpainfulinjuries,theturtleswetreatattheTraumaCentretellusthesaddeststories.ThisiswhywetakeeveryopportunitywegettoshowcasethewaysthatOTCCisabletomakeadifferenceandturntheseturtlestoriesaround.
WheninjuredturtlesarriveattheCentre(throughtheamazingheroicsofcaringsupportersandvolunteerslikeyou)theirlivesareinrealjeopardyandthesituationisoftenverytouchandgo.Dr.CarstairstogetherwiththeTraumaCentre’sdedicatedteamofvettechs,studentsandamazingvolunteersprovidethemostincrediblelevelofattentionandcaretoeachandeveryturtlewetreatfortheentiredurationoftheirtimewithus.Itisbecauseoftheircareandcompassionthatwebearwitnesstothemostunbelievablestoriesofhealingandrehabilitation.I’dliketoshareonesuchstorywithyounow.
ThisisRob,afiremanbytradeandanOTCCVolunteerheroinhissparetime.AndthatbigSnapperontheflooristhelargestturtleattheCentre.
ThestoryofhowthisSnappingturtlearrivedattheCentrebeginslikesomanyothers:Hewasbroughttousafterbeinghitbyacarandthetraumahesustainedwassoseverethathewasbarelyresponsiveandunabletowalk.Dr.Carstairsperformedimmediatesurgeryonhisshoulderandstartedanintensivecareregimeforhim,andforalongtime,staffandvolunteersalikeweren'tsurethathewouldmakeit!
Eventhoughturtlesarestrongandresilient–theyhaveremainedrelativelyunchangedforabout90millionyears–theycan’tcompetewithcars.
Ittakesalotoftimeandeffort,compassionandcareandfundstorepairtheirinjuries.
GiventhatthisSnapperissobig(heweighsalmost50lbs.)weNEEDRobtopickhimupandhelpwithhisturtlecare.
OTCC’sinnovativeapproachtoturtlecarefrequentlyinvolvestheuseofphysiotherapytohelprehabilitateourturtlesandultimatelyhelpthemtoregaintheirstrength.Withoutthegenerosityofourturtlesupportersanddonorswewouldnothavethefundstoperformtherequiredtreatmentsfortheseamazinganimals.
TheoutlookforthisSnapperisextremelypositive—hehasanexcellentappetiteandnow,whenRobputshimonthefloorhewandersaroundandRobisconstantlychasingafterhimtoputhimbackonthematarea.Infact,heissomobilethatDr.Carstairshopestoreleasehiminthespring.
Whatashameitwouldhavebeen,hadthisSnappingturtlenotsurvived.Hehaswalkedtheearthfor75yearsormoreandstillhastheabilitytoproduceoffspringformany,manyyears.Theturtlepopulationneedshim!
TheOTCCteam,includingourvolunteers,couldn'thavehelpedhimwithoutyou.
ThankyouforyourcontinuedsupportofourTraumaCentreandtheworkwedototreatOntario’sinjurednativeturtlespeciesandaspecialthankstoRob,forbeingaturtlecarehero!
Pleasevisitourwebsiteatwww.ontarioturtle.catoseehowyoucanhelpusoutwithadonationinkind.
HowtoHelpandHandleanInjuredTurtle
FromOTTCwebpage
Followthestepsbelow:
Carefullyplacetheinjuredanimalinawell-ventilatedplasticcontainerwithasecurelid(turtlescanclimb!).
Mostturtlescanbepickedupcarefullywithtwohands.Whenhandlingsnappingturtleskeepasafedistancefromtheirheadastheywillsnapatyouiftheyfeelthreatened.Youmaywanttouseashovelorboardtolifttheturtle.
Watchourvideoclipformoretipsforhandlingturtles.
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Notethelocation(road,majorintersections,andmileage)wheretheturtlewasfoundtoensureitcanbereleasedaccordingtoprovincialregulations.
Callus[OTTC]at705-741-5000
DONOTEMAILWITHINFORMATIONABOUTANINJUREDTURTLE.Aninjuredanimalneedsmedicalattentionassoonaspossible!
Donottransportturtlesinwater.Donotoffertheturtleanythingtoeat.
Washyourhandsafterhandlingtheanimal.
Neverattempttotreatasickorinjuredwildanimalyourself.AlwayscontactyournearestlicensedWildlifeRehabilitationCentre.IfyouwouldliketobecomealicensedWildlifeCustodianpleasecontacttheOntarioWildlifeRehabilitation&EducationNetworkformoreinformationortoregisterinacourse.
MeetaWildlifeRehabilitator
SubmittedbyTheOrchidEditor
IfyouwereevertomeetDeeNewberryofFosterForestinperson,shewouldlikelyhaveababysomething-or-otherinonehand,asyringefulloffeedingformulaintheotherhandandshewouldbelisteningtoyouintentlyassheshiftedbackandforthbetweenlookingatyouoverherglassesandlookingthroughherglassestoaimasyringenippleatsomecreature’stinymouth.Deeisaverybusywomanwhenitisn’twinter.Shehasbeenrehabbing(shoptalkforrehabilitatingwildlife)foreightyearsnowwhilealsoworkingpart-timeasaprofessionalgardener.
Forher,itallstartedwhenshecontactedSueMeechoftheSandyPinesWildlifeCentreinNapaneeaboutayoungbirdsheencountered.Shortlyafter,shebeganvolunteeringatthecentre.Whilethere,shelearnedhowtocarefortheanimalsbyfeedingthemandcleaningcagesand,later,fosteringanimals.DeesoontookthebasicOWREN(OntarioWildlifeRehabilitationandEducationNetwork)courseinOttawa,passedthetestandthenproceededtogetcertifiedbytheMNR.Intheearlydays,whenshedidn’thavenearlyasmanycritterspassingthroughhercentre,she’dtakeherchargeswithhertoworkinpetcarrierssoshecouldfeedthemonschedule.Nowshehasabout17volunteerswhohelpwithfeeds,fostering,fundraising,computerwork,cageconstruction,cagecleaningandtransportingthewildlife.Typically,Deetakesin
between135to200animalsayear.About75%aresquirrelsandchipmunks.Therestareasmatteringofgroundhogs,weasels,minks,foxes,skunks,porcupines,bunnies,bats,andturtles.Youngskunks,aporcupineandthreegroundhogs–allbeneficiariesofDee’scareandhospitality–areshownintheimagesbelow.
Deehasdedicatedoneroominherhousetotheyoungones.Thatroomishoppingbusy24/7inthespringwithherandthevolunteers
dancingaroundeachothertoretrievethenextyoungmouththatneedsfeeding,ortoputtheonethathasjustbeenfedbackinitscage,ortoheatupsomeformula,ortocleanacage.Whenthereisnotenoughspace,timeorresourcesfornewyoungones,theygetdivertedtootherwildlifecentresortofosterers.Atfirst,thevery,veryyoung(aka“pinkies”)liveinpetcarriers.Whentheyarealittleolder,theygetmovedtolargerindoorcagesandthentolarger-stilloutdoorenclosures.Intheoutdoorenclosures,theygetusedtooutdoorconceptssuchassun,rain,wind,thesightandsoundofotheranimalsandbirds,andthesmelloftreesandotherplants.
Theenclosurestakeupapproximately25’by15’ofDee’senormousbackyard.SettingthemupisanartformforDee.Youcouldcomparethetasktointeriordecoratingbutitissomuchmorethanthat.Theenclosuresareasnaturallookingandattractiveasyoucouldpossiblyhopethemtobeifyouwereasquirrel,agroundhogorwhathaveyou,buttheyarealsoputtogetherverypurposefullywiththeanimals’needskeptwellinmind.Theseneedsincludecomfortableandprivatesleepingareasintheformofdenornestboxes,andcontrivancesthatencouragetheanimalto
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honeitssurvivalskillsandinstincts.Forinstance,whenshehasgroundhogs,shegivesthemanenclosurewithenoughdirtforthemtopracticediggingtunnels.
Whentheanimalsareoldenough,theyaretakenintheirdenornestboxesandreleasedtothewild.Bythistime,theywillhavedevelopedahealthynaturalfearofhumansandwillhavelongforgottenthattheywerehand-raised.Theanimalsarereleasedwithin15kmofwheretheywerefoundaccordingtotheOntarioMinistryofNaturalResources&Forestryregulations.Theirboxesstayatthereleasesitesotheyhaveasafeplacetolivewhiletheyestablishtheirterritory,findsourcesoffoodandeventuallyhavetimetobuildtheirownhouse.Somebodywillgobacktothereleasesitefromtimetotimeanddofooddropstohelpthemgetthroughtheirfirstwinter.
Deesaysthatthenumberonereasonthatwildlifepassesthroughthedoorsofawildliferehabcenterisdueto“kidnapping”.Thisiswhenwell-intentionedpeopleassumethatyounganimalsorbirdsareintroubleandthattheirparentsmusthaveabandonedthem.Theywhisktheyoungcreaturesawaytoarehabcentrewithouttryingtoreunitethemwiththeirparents.Thisisatypicalscenarioforyoungbunniesandfledglingbirds,butalsoforyoungsquirrelsandbabybirdswhohavefoundthemselvesgroundedfromawindstormorachainsaw.Inthesesituations,Deewouldadvisecallingarehabcentretogetadvicebeforetakingaction.Moreoftenthannot,themotherwillreturnforheryoungwhenthecoastisclear.WildliferehabilitationcentrescanbefoundbygoingtotheOntarioWildlifeRescuewebpage(http://www.ontariowildliferescue.ca)andclickingontheanimalinquestionatthetopofthepage.Phone
callsarepreferred.Rehabbersusuallydon’thavemuchtimetorespondtoe-mailorFacebookinquiriesduringthebusyseason.
There’snoquestionthatthiscanbehardwork-andsometimesheart-breaking,too,whenthingsdon’tgowellfortheinfirm,orwhenmuch-neededdonationsareslowtocomein-butDeelovesit.Sheneverintendedforherlittleoperationtogetasbigasithas,buttherewasaneedsoshegrewwithit.Shesaysherheartmeltswhensheseesthehelplessyounganimalsandthat’soneofthethingsthatkeepshergoing.AnotherbigthingforDeeispubliceducation.Sheisveryseriousaboutsharingwhatsheknowswithotherswhowillhopefullyshareitinturn.Everyonewhocomesinwithananimalleaveswithabitmoreknowledge,respectandunderstandingforthecreaturesweshareEarthwith.ThesearesomeofthethingsthathelpDeetosleeppeacefully-inthewinter,thatis!
Ifyoufindanorphanedanimalorhaveotherconcerns,youcancallDeeattheFosterForestnumber:613-394-6667.
GraphiccourtesyofDeeNewberry
WhattoDoIfYouFindWildlifeinDistress
ReprintedwithpermissionfromShadesofHopeWildlifeRefugeinPefferlaw,Ontario
BIRDSTHATHAVEHITAWINDOW
Everyyearduringspringandfallmigration,birdssufferinjuriesduetowindowcollisions.
If you find abird thathashit awindow,place it in asmallboxwithanon-frayingtowelatthebottomandairholespokedfromtheinside-out.DoNotplaceinanyfoodorwateras theymaydrown.Place thebox inawarm,quiet,darkareaforacoupleofhoursandthenputtheboxoutsideandtakethelidoff.Oftenthebirdwill fly away immediately. However, if it does notattempttofly,orcannotflyfar,itshouldbetransportedtoShadesofHoperightaway.Ifthebirdhitthewindowwithenoughforce,itmayhavemassiveinternalinjuriesandwillnotsurvivethetrauma.
To prevent window strikes from occurring there areseveralthingsyoucandoputdecorativedecalsonyourwindows or installwindsocks orwind chimes in yourgarden.
NESTLINGBIRDSWITHOUTFEATHERS
On windy days through spring and summer, nestlingbirds (pink, withminimal feather development) caneasily fall from their nest. These babies should beplaced back in the nest if possible. Look up into thenearest tree as these helpless birds will not havetravelledfar.Ifthenestistoohighup,asubstitutenestcanbeconstructedoutofamargarinecontainerwithholesinthebottomfordrainage.Lineitwithtwigsandgrass and place it as close to the original nest aspossible.Parentbirdswill feed fromtwonests.Don'tbe concerned if you touch the infant birds as theirparents have a very poor sense of smell. The nestshould bemonitored and if the infant is pushed outagain,thiscould indicate intentionalbroodreduction.If the babies are pushed out more than twice theyshouldbebroughttoourRehabimmediately.
Nestlingsareverydifficulttoraiseincaptivity,astheymust be fed every 15minutes during daylight hours.Theymaydevelopdeformitiesorfeatherabnormalitiesif they are not fed this regularly. It is important toremember that the babies will have a much betterchanceforsurvivaliftheyareleftwiththeirparents.
FLEDGLINGBIRDSTHATHAVEFEATHERSBUTCAN'TFLY
Before young feathered birds can actually fly, theyjump out of the nest and spend a few days on theground. These fledglings look like their adultcounterparts, but with shorter tails. This is the timewhen they learn to forage and fly. Theywill practicetheirtakeoffsfromthegroundandareoftenmistakenasadultbirdswithwinginjuriesbecauseoftheirfailedattempts.
Pleasebeassuredthatthisisaperfectlynormalstageofdevelopment.Afledglingonlyneedshelpifthereisvisiblesignof injury (adroopywing,blood,problemsstanding).Also,beawarethattheparentsarealwaysintheareaandwillswoopdownapproximatelyonceanhourwithsomefood.Thisisaveryquickexchangeandyou would likely need to watch carefully, withoutlooking away, for several hours to be convinced thatthisbirdhasbeenorphaned.
We understand that you are concerned with thedangerousenvironmentthatthefledglingis inwhenontheground(cars,dogs&catsinthearea)butthesebirds have a better chance of surviving and living anormal life in the wild if they are reared by theirparents, even with all the neighborhood dangers.Humans cannot teach these birds how to sing orrecognizeanalarmcall-onlytheirparentscandothat.Ifyouwanttohelpthesebirds,keepyourpetsindoorsor leashed and encourage others to do the same, atleastthroughthisfledglingperiod.
DUCKLINGS
IfyoufindasingleorseveralducklingsthatappeartobewithouttheirMom,placetheminanopenboxwithashallowpanofwater.Leavetheboxinasafeplaceintheareathatyoufoundthem.IfMomdoesnotreturntoherbabieswithin2hours,bringthemtotheRehab.
BIRDSOFPREY-OWLS,HAWKS
Thesebirdscanbeverydangerousastheyhavesharpbeaksandtalons.Donothandlewithoutgloves.Pleasecallusat705-437-4654forassistancebeforeattemptingtorescuethesebirds.
SQUIRRELS
Ifyoufindababysquirrelwithunopenedeyes,putitin a warm cloth or sock and place in a small box.Squirrelsthisyoungarenotnormallyoutoftheirnest
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atall.Ifyoufindsuchatinysquirrel,callorbringittotheRehabrightaway.
Ifyou findababysquirrel thathasopenedeyesbutappearstobeabandoned,leaveitaloneandwatchitforafewhours.Usually,themotherisnotfaraway.Ifthebabyistrulyabandoned,placeinacoveredboxandbringittotheRehab.
Ifyoufindaninjuredsquirrel,carefullyplaceitinalined,smallboxwithoutfoodorwaterandcallusat705-437-4654.WewilleitherdirectyoutoavetorrequestthattheanimalbebroughttotheRehab.
RABBITS
Itisimperativethatyoungrabbitsareleftaloneunlessthereisobviousabandonmentorinjury.
People often encounter nests of baby rabbits whenraking or mowing their lawn. Eastern Cottontailscommonlynestinurbanareas,inashallowdepressionintheground,linedwithfur. Ifthenesthasnotbeendamaged, or the babies are not injured, leave themalone.Peopleareoftenconcernedbecausetheyhavenot seen a parent anywhere near the nest. This isnormal.Mothersonly feed theirbabies twiceaday,usuallyatdawnanddusk.Shewillstayawayfromthenesttherestofthetimesoasnottoattractpredators(newbornsdonothavescentandarequitesafefrompredators).
Itisimportantthatyoudonottouchthebabies.Unlikebirds,mammalscansmellhumanscent.Ifyouarenotconvincedthataparent isaround,youcanplacetwopiecesofwoolinacrisscrossoverthetopofthenest.Ifthewool isundisturbedthenextmorning, thebabieswerenotfedduringthenight.Thisshouldonlybedoneif you have a strong reason (dead adult nearby) tosuspect that the babies are not being fed. A healthyinfantrabbit'schancesofsurvivalaregreatlyreducedifintroducedintocaptivity.Theyareeasilystressedandoften won't eat when taken into care. If babies areindeedaloneandunfed,carefullyplacethewholenestinasmall,coveredboxandbringtotheRehab.Donotpetthem!Youmayjustscarethemtodeath!
Baby rabbits are fully furredwithin aweek and theireyes are starting to open. They are weaned and
independentwhentheyarethreetofourweeksofage(onlythesizeofasoftball!)
DEER
Ifyoufindafawnthatappearstobewithoutaparent,leaveitalone!Itisnormalforfawnstobesittingaloneina field. Similar to rabbits, themotherwill feedherfawnperiodicallybutwillleaveitonitsowntherestofthetime.Sheisneverfaraway.Ifyouareconcerned,monitorthebabyfor24hourstobesure it istruly inneedofrescue.
Fawns feedonlyatduskanddawnwhen themotherreturns.Ifthefawnis lyingquietly, it isprobablyNOTorphaned.Ifthefawniscrying&wandering,itMIGHTneed your assistance. Play the attached distress callwhichmay attract either themother or another doewhichmayadoptthefawnifithaslostherownbabyorhasafawnclosetothesameage.
Ifyoufindaninjuredfawnoradult,covertheirheadwithajacketorblanket.Thiswillhelptolimititsstress.Then,callus!705-437-4654
RACCOONS
Raccoons are cute, cuddly and highly intelligent.However, theycanalsobeunintentionallydeadly.Alarge percentage of raccoons carry a roundworm(Baylisascaris)thatisshedthroughtheirfeces.Ifanyofthesemicroscopiceggsaretransferredandaccidentlyingested,theycancausedeathinotheranimalsandinhumans.Itisimperativethatraccoonsbecaredforinaseparated environment. Shades of Hope is notcurrentlyequippedtocarefortheseuniqueanimals.
Ifyoufindabandonedbabies,asinallotherspecies,pleasemakesuretheyreallyareabandonedoratriskbeforeyouattempttorescuethem.Callusat705-437-4654andwewilldirectyoutoaRehabthatdoeshavethespecialfacilitiesrequiredfortheircare.
COYOTE,BEAR&COUGAR
Contactyour localMNRofficebyphoning1-800-667-1940forPeterboroughandsouthernOntario.Website:www.mnr.gov.on.ca
AFossilPosesaQuestion
You'reafossilnow,bug-like,inthreelobesdesigned.UsedasStoneAgeamulets,youlongintriguedmankind.Inancientseas,youwouldhavebeenanumeroussight.Distantrelationtohorseshoecrabs,you'reanextincttrilobite,Amarvelinmyhand,oneofatwentythousand-memberclade.Whatanattractiveemblemofprehistoriclifeyouhavemade!Themineralsurfaceonyourfaceconcealscompoundeyeswithin.Tworoundbulgespiquemywonder,andyour'eyes'drawmein.Youreyeslikelyhadhundredsoftransparent,crystallinelenses.Yourvisionwasoneofanimals'firsthighlydevelopedsenses.Closelyspacedeyesimparteddepthoffieldtoaidinpredatordetection;Insightedtrilobites,theymayhavehelpedwithfoodandmateselection.Armouredbytheirhardchitinousexoskeletonorcarapace,Sometrilobitesborelong,projectingspines.Whatthreatsdidyouface?Yourundersideshadmanysoftappendagesforfeedingandlocomotion.Asfilterfeeders,scavengersorpredatorsyoufilledeveryseaandoceanFromtheLowerCambriantoPermianperiods,for300millionyears.NowEarth'smostdominantcreature,howlong'tilmandisappears?
MurrayArthurPalmer,2016.
FromtheArchives:SelectedExtracts1950-60
SubmittedbyMartinParker
ThefollowingareselectedextractsfromPFNHistory1950–1960,writtenbyJohnE.Fitzgerald
‘InDecemberof’50theywerelookingforEveningGrosbeaksasnonehadbeenspotted.Theydidn’tseemhardtofindthesepastfewyears,atleast.OnoneofthefieldtripsthatOctober,MissEastwoodfoundWildLettuceoftheextraordinaryheightofeightfeet.Anyoneseenthisplantsince?
‘RogerToryPetersonwastheguestspeakerattheannualdinnerheldonJanuary1951.Mr.LewisBirdwaselectedPresident.
‘In1954inconjunctionwiththePeterboroughRecreationCommission,abirdhousebuildingcontestforboysunder10,10to12and13to15yearsoldwasheld.Over100entered.
‘Upuntil1956,theclubbulletinwasknownasthePNCNews.Thatyearwasthefirstforittotakethenamethathasstayedwithus,thatof‘TheOrchid’.AccordingtotheissueofFeb.1956itwasnamedinhonouroftheformerPresidentandmostactivememberintheformationoftheclub,thelateF.J.A.Morris(1869–1949).ThesameyearDougSadlerwaselectedPresident.
‘AnunusualfindwasmadeinJan.of’56.AfemalePurpleMartinwaspickeduponGeorgeStreet.DougSadlerforwardedthecarcasstoJ.L.Baillie,thewell-knownornithologist,whoexaminedthebird.Abrokenbillhadbeensustainedwhichseriouslyhandicappedthebird’sinsectdiet.Thesebirds,accordingtoBaillie,winterintheAmazonValleyinBrazil.’
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RoyT.BowlestookthispictureoftwoTrumpeterSwansonthewestsideofKatchewanookaLakeonMarch7.AprogramtoreintroduceTrumpeterSwanstoOntariobeganintheearly1980sandhasbeenverysuccessful.RoyreportedthetagnumberstotheUSGSwhoreportedbacktohimthattheswanswerehatchedin2014orearlierandwerebandedonJan8,2017nearWashago,Ontario.
PFNBoardofDirectors OtherVolunteers
PresidentandOntarioNatureRep
TedVale [email protected] 741-3641 MembershipSecretary
JimYoung760-9397
Vice-President KimZippel [email protected] 740-0587 OrchidEditor [email protected]
Secretary MartinParker [email protected]
745-4750 OrchidMailing MaryThomas
Treasurer DaveHeuft [email protected] 743-6164 Jr.Naturalists [email protected]
MeetingCo-ordinator
PhilShaw [email protected] 874-1688 EcologyParkFeeders
JBJaboorDonFinigan
MeetingCo-ordinator
MarieDuchesneau
874-5739 OrchidDiary,CitizenScienceProjects
MartinParker
OutingsCoordinator
PaulElliott [email protected] 740-0501 MillerCreekStewardship
JimCashmore,JimYoung,BrianWales
HarperParkCommitteeChair
ReneGareau [email protected] 741-4560 AdvocacyCommittee
JimCashmore,JimYoung,MarilynHubley,MartinParker,TedVale
Co-webmaster DylanRadcliffe
[email protected] 991-0422 Webmaster [email protected]
PastPresident LynnSmith [email protected] 944-5599 PeterboroughCBC
MartinParker
SpecialProjects MarilynHubley
760-9378 PetroglyphsCBC ColinJones
PeterboroughButterflyCount
JerryBall
PeterboroughFieldNaturalists,P.O.Box1532,Peterborough,Ontario,K9J7H7
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Orchidsubmissionsareencouraged!
ThesubmissiondeadlinefortheMayissueisMonday,April24.
SendsubmissionstoKathrynSheridanviaemail:[email protected]
orpostmailto:PFN,POBox1532,PeterboroughONK9J7H7
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TheOrchidDiaryAsummaryofnoteworthyobservationsbyPFNmembersandothersinthePeterboroughregion.
InformationiscompiledfromeBird,DrewMonkman’sSightingswebpage,theptbosightingsYahoogroup,andindividualsubmissions.SpecialthanksforMatthewTobeyforhisassistance.PleasesubmityourinterestingobservationstoMartinParkeratmparker19@cogeco.caorphone705-745-4750.
Weather Theweatherduringthemonthwasmorewinterythanthepreviousmonth.Thetemperatureswerecoldwithsnowinthemiddleperiodofthemonth.
Feb.25 DonMcLeodsawCanadaGeeseinpairsonlowerChemongLake3-4weeksearlierthannormal.Feb.26 BillSnowdenreportedthatRed-wingedBlackbirdsarrivedinhisyardatthesouthernendofBuckhorn
Lake.Therewasasmallflockofallmalebirds.HenotedtheyusuallyarriveaboutMarch6thor7th.DonaldSutherlandhadanearlyTurkeyVultureoverthedowntown.SnowdenalsoobservedasmallflockofmaleCommonMergansersonthelakeandnotedthereweremanyCanadaGeese.
Feb.27 AtthemeltwaterpondofMather’sCorner,JerryBallhad400CanadaGeese,4NorthernPintail,and9Tundra Swans.He also had 12 Red-winged Blackbirds on the 2nd Line of South Monaghan and aCommonGrackleonNicholsonRoad.
Feb.28 Jerry Ball estimated there were 2,350 Canada Geese on the river between Trent University andLakefield.
Mar.1 BillSnowdenspottedaflockofabout100SnowBuntingsrestingontheiceofChemongLake.Theyliftedandflewoverthecauseway.JerryBallhad23HoodedMergansersonLittleLake.
Mar.2 BillSnowdenspottedanAmericanKestrelatthejunctionofRobinsonandEnnisRoadsintheEnnismorearea.
Mar.3 Mike&SonjeBarkewokeduringthenightbyacallingGreatHornedOwlintheAlgonquinBlvdareaofthecity.
Mar.4 BenTaylor,ChrisRisley,EricaNolandSheilaColletthadahybridSnowxRoss’sGooseontheeastsideoftheriveroppositetheHolidayInn.DanielWilliamshadanIcelandGullonLittleLake.
Mar.5 BernieObertphotographedaGreatGrayOwlalongtheTransCanadaTrailnearKeene.JerryBallnotedBuffleheadshadreturnedtotheriverbetweenTrentU.&LakefieldandtheBaldEaglewasoccupyingthenestNWofLakefield.IainRaynerfound2CacklingGeesebetweenLocks23and24andDanielWilliamshad1atBeavermeadPark.MargeDecherhadaflockof16TundraSwansoffFothergillIsle.Causeway,PigeonL.
Mar.6 JerryBallreportedRing-neckedDuckshavearrivedonLittleLake.Ball also had 3Eastern Bluebirds onHannah Road,Merlin onNicholson Road and 1Porcupine onMervinLine.LindaSutherlandhadadarkmorphSnowGoosewithflockofCanadaGeeseatBeavermeadPark.DarrylTobeywatchedaPeregrineFalconfeedingonafemaleWoodDuckintheparkinglotofGenpakonAylmerStreet.MatthewTobeyobservedaTurkeyVulturesoaringoverthedowntown.DerryFairweatherfoundthecarcassofaLong-earedOwlatBuckhornLake.
Mar.7 ChrisRisley&EricaNolhadaNorthernSaw-whetOwlintheirbackyardinthecity.Mar.8 JerryBallhadaNorthernFlickerattheHiawathaFirstNation.Mar.9 BillSnowdenhadaHornedLarkonTracyHillRoad,Ennismore.
MatthewGarvinhad1Iceland,1Glaucous&1GreatBlack-backedGullonLittleLake.Mar.10 MerlinreturnedtoLittleLakeCemeteryaccordingtoCalWelbourn.Mar.11 IainRaynerspotted3TundraSwans&2TrumpeterSwansoffFrankHillRd,FifeBay.
KathyMcCuefoundandphotographedaredphaseEasternScreechOwlonthe9thLineofSelwyn.Mar.13 BillSnowdenreportedthataCommonGracklehasarrivedathisfeeders.
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Mar.15 MikeV.A.BurrellhadanearlyHermitThrush(oroverwinteringindividual?)onthe8thLineofDouro.MichaelOldhamhadanAmericanWoodcockwalkingacrossKingsdaleDrive.
Mar.16 DonMcLeodheardandsawaBeltedKingfisheralongHarperCreek.Mar.17 JerryBallhadaSwampSparrownearthemouthoftheOtonabeeRiver(offHiawathaRoad)and30
BohemianWaxwingsfeedingintwoberrytreesnearLock24.Mar.17 DonMcLeodobservedanAmericanMinkcrossingLancasterBayonChemongLake.AflockofCanada
GeesesawtheMinkandinunisonallstartingmarchingtowardit.Whiletheyclosedthegap,theMinkwasabletoescapeintoopenwaterneartheculvert.
Mar.18 MatthewTobeyfoundaCacklingGooseintheJamesonDriveareaofthecity.MartynObbardhad2AmericanWigeonand8RedheadsintheCurveLakeFirstNationsarea.ARed-breastedMerganserwaspresentonLittleLakeoffBeavermeadPark,initiallyreportedbyDanielWilliamsandreportedbyothers.DonaldSutherlandhadaGoldenEagleoverPigeonLakeattheFothergillCauseway.AGreatGrayOwlwasfoundonthe8thLineofDourobyMikeV.A.BurrellandEricaBarkelyandothers.AnimmatureCooper’sHawkvisitedthefeedersofBillSnowdenatthesouthernendofBuckhornLake,andmayhaveattackedaMourningDove–thereweremanyfeathersaround.JenniferBudgellspottedaGreatGrayOwlonTelevisionRoad@ManieceAvenue.
Mar.19 MatthewGavinhadaNorthernGoshawkintheNicholsOvalParkarea.IainRaynerhadaRed-shoulderedHawkmigratingoverthecity.JerryBall&participantsofPFNoutingtoPresqu’ileobserved40speciesofbirds.
Mar.20 MatthewTobey,LukeBerg&BraedenGibbhad13TundraSwansalongMacGregorBayRoadintheKeenearea.AmaleCanvasbackwaspresentwithaflockofRing-neckedDucksonLittleLakewestoftheMarkStreetWharfinthemorningbyMatthewTobeyandmanyotherobservers.TobyRowandhadCacklingGooseoffRogersCoveonLittleLake.AWinterWrenwasreportedbyMikeV.A.Burrellfromthe8thLineofDouro.IainRaynerhad4Greater Scaup off Fothergill Isle Causeway, Pigeon Lake and LukeBurghad3offHumphriesLinenearHastings.IainRaynerhadanEasternMeadowlarkonStockdaleRoad.DonMcLeod observedTrumpeter Swans in lower Chemong Lake off FrankHill Rdwith two at theculvert. 25 Swans observed in the lake directly north of Fowlers Corners. Most appeared to beTrumpeterSwans,butmanyweredabblinganddifficulttoID.
Mar.21 IainRaynerhad2CacklingGeeseontheriverbetweenTrentU.andLakefield.LukeBerg&MatthewToveyhad23TundraSwansintheHastingarea.WarrenDunlop&JanetKellyhad2PineSiskinsatfeederonNorthey’sBayRoad.
Mar.22 JerryBallobservedaMinkwalkingamongarestingflockofCanadaGeese.Thegeeseignoredthemink.Mar.23 KathyParkerhadanEasternChipmunk,2White-throatedSparrowsand1SongSparrowatthefeeder
intheyardinthecity.Mar.23 MatthewTobeyandBraedonGibbfound3SnowGeese(twowhitephaseandonebluephase)and2
Ross’sGeesewiththeCanadaGeeseontheriverofftheRowingClubatTrentUniversity.Wereseenbymanyotherobservers.
Mar.25 IainRaynerhadaRing-neckedPheasantalongTaraRoadintheEnnismorearea.LynnSmithreportedthatbothAmericanWoodcockandKilldeerwerecallingoutsideherhomeintheCavanarea.TinaFridgenhad2SandhillCranesalongDivisionRdinDouro-DummerTownship.
Mar.26 Aflockofabout30SnowGeeseflewoveratintersectionofEel’sCreekandNorthey’sBayRoadbyTimHaan.
Mar.27 BillSnowdenreportedapairofAmericanKestrelshavereturnedtothenestbox.
CorrectionfromJan/FebOrchidDiary:MartynObbarddidnotseeaCommonRedpoll.
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