Sightings
Results of 66th Peterborough Christmas Bird Count – December 17, 2017
Copy of Total Count Tally Sheet _Ptbo Count 2017
Sightings
Sightings of note: December 24 – 30, 2017
Barred Owl: Sighted Saturday, December 30, at 2:30pm in Burnham’s Woods (Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park) on Hwy 7, just east of Peterborough. It was sitting in one of the large hemlock trees about 40 metres from the end of the parking lot. I wouldn’t have seen it had it not Read more…
Columns
In praise of the Winter Solstice
The winter solstice is a time of wonder and the assurance of spring’s return Today marks the winter solstice and the first official day of winter. It is a time of contemplation and reverence, not only in its spiritual dimensions but also as a reflection of the human capacity for Read more…
Sightings
Sightings of note: December 17 – 23
Bald Eagle: We live on the Sixth Line of Selwyn (right behind Paris Marine). I spotted this adult Bald eagle in the tree beside our house on Monday, December 18. Hope you enjoy it. Heather Turner Red-winged Blackbirds: My “ long Read more…
Sightings
Necrospy results from Sept. Mallard deaths: No poisoning
The necropsy results from the September 3 Mallard deaths on Tobin Court in Peterborough were released by MNRF on December 16, 2017. They ruled out poisoning. They did extensive testing for botulism, which is a reason that the results took so long. The results for botulism were negative, as well. Read more…
Columns
Gifts for the nature-lover
Seeds, bee houses and more: Tips for what to put under the Christmas tree If you have someone on your Christmas list who would rather spend time in the garden than head to the mall, who prefers nature books to the latest novel, and who wants to support conservation and Read more…
Sightings
Sightings of note: December 10 – 16
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) (1) – Reported Dec 16, 2017 12:29 by Dan Chronowic – 615 Weller Street Peterborough, Peterborough, Ontario – Map: – Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41133580 – Comments: “Flew low over the house heading in a NE direction.” Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) (1) Read more…
Sightings
Observations from Tim Dyson – Warsaw/Lakefield/Stoney Lake – Autumn 2017
N.B. Whenever I refer to “home”, it is between Warsaw and Lakefield, south of the Sawer Creek Wetland. Passerines and other birds and animals. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo flew over my kayak as I began to paddle up the Indian River from Back Dam Park at Warsaw on September 9th. It Read more…
Columns
The joy of tree-spotting
The holiday season is the perfect time to get to know the conifers With practice, it’s possible to identify many plants and animals by size and shape alone. Any two European starlings will always look plump, have a relatively long, straight bill and sport a short, square tail. In flight, Read more…
Sightings
Sightings of note: Dec. 3 to 9
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) (1) – Reported Dec 09, 2017 12:01 by Ben Taylor – Charlotte and Rubidge, Peterborough, Ontario – Map: – Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S40994101 – Comments: “Seen flying east along Charlotte Street. Stocky bird with steady, powerful wingbeats.” Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis) (1) – Reported Dec 09, 2017 08:48 Read more…
Sightings
Recent sightings of note: November 26 to December 2
Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) (1) – Reported Dec 02, 2017 09:40 by Donald A. Sutherland – Peterborough–E side Airport Rd opposite Peterborough Municipal Airport, Peterborough, Ontario – Map: – Checklist: – Media: 1 Photo – Comments: “perched atop ventilation ducts on roof of easternmost blue building (Flying Colours Read more…
Columns
A winter almanac
Expect a lot of snow and a ‘classic Canadian winter’ In my fall nature almanac, I had the temerity to predict that the sunshine and cool temperatures of early September would lead to extraordinary leaf colour. Well, I sure got that wrong. In fact, this fall’s colour show was one Read more…
Sightings
Encouraging results from loon survey on Jack’s Lake
I thought you might be interested in loon observations which were recorded on Jack’s Lake during the 2017 season. The results are based on four lake-wide surveys as well as numerous other random observations. A total of 37 volunteers participated in the 2017 program. Jack’s Lake Association volunteers have participated in Read more…
Sightings
Wild Turkey sightings needed for research project
I am a PhD student at Trent University studying wild turkey populations in the Peterborough area. More specifically, I study wild turkey social structure and behaviour. Part of my research is to investigate the usefulness of platforms such as eBird and iNaturalist in estimating wild turkey population size. I am Read more…
Sightings
Recent sightings of note: November 19 to 25
Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) (1) – Reported Nov 19, 2017 12:42 by Donald A. Sutherland – Rice Lake–Pengelly Landing, Peterborough, Ontario – Map: – Checklist: – Comments: “basic adult, around 400-500 m directly S of landing” Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) (3) – Reported Nov 19, 2017 12:42 by Donald A. Read more…
Sightings
American Chestnut update and other nature news from Kinmount
The news about the American Chestnut trees that I have been bringing along up near Kinmount for the last 15 years is not good, I’m afraid. First: None of the nuts I planted last Fall sprouted so I had no new seedlings to plant this year. Second: I think because Read more…
Columns
Nearby nature in Vancouver, B.C.
The Boundary Bay area is one of Vancouver’s premier wildlife destinations As we walked slowly along log-strewn Blackie Spit, flocks of shorebirds flew low over the waves, their white feathers shimmering in the early morning sun. Ducks and cormorants streamed overhead, while loons and grebes dove in the waters offshore. Read more…
Sightings
Recent sightings of note: Nov. 12-18
I sent you a note about this time last year about a small flock of Sandhill Cranes passing over Lakefield. Well, this year they have been joined by some friends. At about 2:30 this afternoon, November 17, about 4 flocks of the size of the group in the picture passed Read more…
Sightings
Recent sightings of note: Nov. 5 – 11
Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) (1) – Reported Nov 11, 2017 10:04 by Donald A. Sutherland – Lakefield–Sewage Lagoons, Peterborough, Ontario – Map: – Checklist: – Comments: “male” American Wigeon (Mareca americana) (1) – Reported Nov 11, 2017 10:04 by Donald A. Sutherland – Lakefield–Sewage Lagoons, Peterborough, Ontario – Comments: “male” Read more…
Sightings
Algonquin Park Report from Ron Tozer via Ontbirds
Date: Sunday, 12 Nov 2017 11:47:24 -0500 From: Ron Tozer rtozer@vianet.ca To: ontbirds birdalert@ontbirds.ca Subject: [Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: early November Click here to visit up-to-date Ontbirds Archive As of today, November 12, there is a heavy covering of snow on the ground and a few shallow ponds and Read more…
Columns
The wonder of cones
Late fall is a great time to get to know these enigmatic structures I’ve always loved November. Maybe it’s the change of pace and the sense of nature slowing down. Yet, we do notice changes. As deciduous trees shed their leaves, our eyes are drawn to the conifers like at Read more…
Sightings
Recent sightings of note: Oct. 29 – Nov. 4
Red-shouldered Hawk (lineatus Group) (Buteo lineatus [lineatus Group]) (1) – Reported Nov 04, 2017 10:32 by Luke Berg – Luke’s Yard, Peterborough, Ontario – Map: – Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S40302920 – Comments: “Adult at 1453h. ” Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) (1) – Reported Nov 02, 2017 09:20 by Iain Rayner – PTBO Read more…
Columns
Mysteries of the Blue Jay
Much remains to be explained about these familiar birds When a species is as common as the blue jay, we tend to take it for granted. We are often dulled into thinking that there’s little new to be discovered about its behaviour. Well, think again. From their aggressive mobbing behaviour Read more…
Sightings
Recent sightings of note – Oct. 22-28
October 28 – For the second time this week, a Cooper’s Hawk was in my yard today. I knew it was around because a couple of dozen Mourning Doves flew out of the spruce tree they roost in. Sue Paradisis Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) (2) – Reported Oct Read more…
Sightings
Pileated Woodpecker sightings
Just had to share this with someone who would appreciate it! I live in Peterborough at 29 Weller Crescent. Today, October 22, at around 11:00 am, a Pileated Woodpecker landed on the chain link fence and ate the berries from the Virginia Creeper. I was able to watch him for Read more…
Sightings
Recent sightings of note: October 11-21
Oct. 21 – Narrow-winged Tree Cricket – Rob Tonus found this very late tree cricket on the grass beside the Rotary-Greenway Trail, just south of Nichol’s Oval Park. Note the reddish cap. This species sings at only at night, producing a mellow trill of variable length (usually 2-10 seconds). It Read more…
Columns
Winter Wanderers
Bird numbers and diversity at feeders at feeders depends on wild seed abundance If you’ve been paying attention to coniferous trees this fall, you’ve probably noticed the abundance of cones on many species. Cedars and spruce, for example, have produced an especially heavy crop. The quantity of seed on sugar Read more…
Sightings
Project FeederWatch Celebrates 30 Years of Fun and Science
11 October 2017 – Project FeederWatch celebrated its 30th anniversary last winter, thanks to dedicated participants who observe birds at their feeders. The information collected through this project over three decades allows scientists to measure important changes in North America’s winter bird populations over time. All are invited to join Read more…
CLIMATE CHANGE COLUMNS
Kawartha Lakes at risk
Everything from climate change to invasive species are threatening our lakes, rivers and fish populations Slowly but steadily, the lakes and rivers of the Kawarthas are changing. The abundance and variety of fish populations are undergoing a transformation that could make them unrecognizable in a few short decades. This week, Read more…
Sightings
New arrivals & other sightings of note
October 10: I had my first two Dark-eyed Juncos today. Sue Paradisis, Peterborough October 9: Today there was a Peregrine at the Buckhorn Lock. I was travelling south when it flew over the bridge at handrail height and landed in a tree about ten feet away from the east (lower Read more…