Last week, I began a discussion about smell. Today, I’d like to talk a little about the role of smell in the lives of our flora and fauna, and how the sense of smell has long been in decline in humans. I will also conclude my list of signature scents Read more…
Today, there is a single Snow Goose hanging out with a large group of Canada Geese immediately above Lock 23 on the Otonabee River between Trent and Lakefield. Location: Otonabee River Observer: Colin Jones
Leaving the house one dark, wet morning last week, I immediately noticed our maples had shed nearly all of their leaves overnight. Despite feeling a bit discouraged at all the raking I’d have to do, I couldn’t get over the wonderful smell that greeted me. It was like walking into Read more…
I had an Osprey (adult) just downriver from Hastings today. Also a Great Blue Heron and two Hooded Mergansers. Location: Hastings Observer: Geoff Carpentier
Today I saw a Northern Shrike at the Trent Wildlife Sanctuary. Location: Trent University Observer: Luke Berg
Today, at about 9:30 a.m. I saw a Cackling Goose mixed in with a group of Canada Geese on the Otonabee River under the Inverlea bridge on Parkhill Road east. Location: Parkhill Road and Otonabee River Observer: Luke Berg
Only a couple of White-throated Sparrows remain in our yard. However, junco numbers have increased to nearly a dozen. Location: Maple Cres, Peterborough Observer: Drew Monkman
On my walk today along the rail-trail from Jackson Park to Ackison Road, I saw and heard a number of Golden-crowned Kinglets, Dark-eyed Juncos, and White-throated Sparrows. One Rusty Blackbird flew over, making its “squeaky clothesline” call. Later, I saw a large flock of American Robins at Wallis and Parkhill. Read more…
This morning I watched a Sora walking around and feeding on water lily pads in the Lakefield Marsh. Nothing too unusual in that
White-throated Sparrows are passing through our area in large numbers right now. We have a dozen or so in our backyard every day. I always make a point of spreading sunflower seeds on the grass at this time of year. Once you learn their high-pitched call note, you’ll start hearing Read more…
Today, we saw our first Snapping Turtle hatchling of the year. It may have been from a clutch that we saw deposited in our gravel driveway on June 19, though it was raided by (presumably) a raccoon. We protected what was left (which wasn’t much) with some wire netting over Read more…
We trapped a live Opossum in Peterborough this month at Milltown Mini Golf behind the Swiss Chalet on Lansdowne Street. We had the trap set to catch skunks and we cought the Opossum instead. I let it go where we trapped it because they don’t seem to be a threat Read more…
According to climatologist Dave Philllips of Environment Canada, the 19-day dry spell we have just had has been the driest September period on record for Peterborough. He also said that the past summer was only a degree cooler than normal and that rain was only 5% more than usual. Location: Read more…
Late afternoon in our yard at Sawmill Road a gaggle of five Ruffed Grouse (greys), presumably a fully grown young brood, casually and calmly ambling across the short grass for a few minutes before the one in the vanguard scuttled off into the sedge and longer grasses to be followed Read more…
The foxes have returned to the fairways of the Peterborough Golf and Country Club after an eight to ten week absence. They are resplendent in their developing Fall coats and look fit to take on the coming change of season. We watched one as it stalked some black squirrels that Read more…
There must have been considerable migration overnight because a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, four Purple Finch, four White-throated Sparrows, a Tennesee Warbler, and two Magnolia Warblers, turned up in our yard this morning. Location: Maple Cr, Peterborough Observer: Drew Monkman
Bird contact calls in the night sky were very noticeable this evening at about 10:00 p.m. There were obviously a lot of migrants passing overhead. Location: Maple Cr, Peterborough Observer: Drew Monkman
On hot, muggy days in early September, we are often provided with an intriguing glimpse into the lives of ants, probably our most abundant insects. Although we don’t tend to think of ants as winged insects, they do have wings during the mating phase of their life cycle. This is Read more…
At about 7:15 this morning I watched a black wolf canter up the street and into a field just south of my home on Ojibway Dr. N. in Burleigh Falls. I thought I may have been seeing things, but I watched it for a few minutes as it casually explored Read more…
Eacles imperialis (Imperial Moth) caterpillar crawling across the cement block patio at our home in Sawmill Road near Warsaw at about midday today. Temporarily posed it with an oak leaf to get some close-up photographs. Location: Sawmill Rd., Warsaw Observer: Stephenie & Peter Armstrong
Migrating warblers have been showing up in our backyard over the past week. This morning, an American Redstart and a Black-throated Green Warbler were present for several hours. Migrating hummingbirds are showing up daily as well. Location: Maple Cr, Peterborough Observer: Drew Monkman
Three Common Nighthawks flew over our house in Peterborough at 7:00 p.m. this evening, August 14th. They were heading southwest and presumably migrating. Location: Maple Cr, Peterborough Observer: Drew Monkman
Both a male and a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak have been visiting our feeder in recent days. However, they never come at the same time, making me wonder if the birds are indeed a pair. This is the first time we’ve had this species at our feeder during the summer months Read more…
Today, a Monarch Butterfly turned up in our backyard garden for the first time this year! Location: Maple Cr, Peterborough Observer: Drew Monkman
Brian Wales had a White-winged Dove in his garden today. He was able to photograph the bird. If you go to see it, give him a call first at 876-9375. Location: 412 London St. (just east of Park), Peterborough Observer: Brian Wales