Sightings
October sightings of note
Out driving on October 10 and came across Easter Bluebirds in the Trent U.. parking lot and Red-bellied Woodpecker in Burnham’s woods. Carl Welbourn
Columns
A bunny boom for the ages
Cottontail rabbit numbers have exploded. Gardeners aren’t impressed. Peterborough Examiner – October 4, 2024 – by Drew Monkman “Drew, you won’t believe what the rabbits have eaten now!” If my wife said this once this summer, she said it a hundred times. Since Read more…
Sightings
September sightings of note
Some sightings from September 27 in Meadowvale Park in Peterborough. Carl Welborn Here are some pictures from my walk in Meadowvale park on September 10. Carl Welbourn
Columns
Bird feeders will bring year-round pleasure
An overview of what, where, when and how to feed backyard birds Peterborough Examiner – September 27, 2024 – by Drew Monkman When I was 12 years old, my father and I built a bird feeder. Even though my interest in birds was Read more…
Columns
A Kawartha’s fall bird almanac
A look ahead at what species to expect between now and Christmas Peterborough Examiner – September 13, 2024 – by Drew Monkman With the official change of season almost upon us, I’d like to look ahead to what birds are likely to grace Read more…
Columns
Let’s show wasps more respect
Wasps play a key role in pest control and pollination Peterborough Examiner – August 30, 2024 – by Drew Monkman As pleasant as a late summer outdoor meal might be, there always seems to be a handful of unwanted guests. More often than Read more…
Columns
Of dew and spiders webs
Spiders are fascinating creatures and an essential part of our local biodiversity Peterborough Examiner – August 23, 2024 – by Drew Monkman Late summer is a special time of year. Dawn often arrives with heavy dews, gentle mists and a sort of melancholy Read more…
Columns
The crucial importance of talking about climate change
Climate conversations are the best way to influence others and speed more action and awareness Peterborough Examiner – August 9, 2024 – by Drew Monkman “What can I do? Little old me alone in the world against such a huge problem as climate change.” Read more…
Columns
The edible wild – a taste of nature
Knowing what you can harvest or nibble on as you hike adds fun to nature outings Peterborough Examiner – August 9, 2024 – by Drew Monkman When I’m walking through the woods of the Canadian Shield, I always keep an eye open for Read more…
Columns
Spanish and travel: It’s never to late to start
Thanks to the internet, learning a second language is easier than ever before Peterborough Examiner – July 12, 2024 – by Drew Monkman When we were in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula in early March, my wife and I visited a Mayan animal rescue and Read more…
Columns
The benefits of travelling with a second language
Knowing a language like Spanish is a great way to enrich travel experiences and see more nature Peterborough Examiner – July 5, 2024 – by Drew Monkman I knew that the spectacular great green macaws were nesting nearby. But where? Several birds continually Read more…
Columns
A summer nature almanac
“Seeing” often comes down to knowing what to expect. Peterborough Examiner – June 21, 2024 – by Drew Monkman Like a celestial clock, events in nature tick off the time of year and the progression of the seasons. The predictability of these happenings Read more…
Sightings
June sightings of note
My friend Dave McNab spotted this albino American Toad in his yard in Millbrook this month. Brenda Ibey Here are some very interesting shots I got with a trail camera that I set up in Jackson Park in Peterborough this Read more…
Columns
Exploring the fascinating non-game fish of the Kawarthas
The under-appreciated members of the minnow, perch and stickleback families offer great fish-watching opportunities Peterborough Examiner – June 14, 2024 – by Drew Monkman As a child, there was nothing I enjoyed more than pursuing frogs and turtles along Jackson Creek or at Read more…
Columns
Sneakers, satellites and caring dads
Late spring provides a wonderful opportunity for the gentle art of fish-watching Peterborough Examiner – June 7, 2024 – by Drew Monkman The delights of watching birds, mammals and a wide variety of insects are well known to nature enthusiasts. But only rarely Read more…
Sightings
May sightings of note
In late May, we had a male (I think) American Robin in our backyard that’s constantly feeding a pair of Common Grackle chicks. The robin does not have chicks of its own, nor does its mate seem to be involved Read more…
Columns
We need more naturalists
As biodiversity becomes increasingly threatened, naturalists are more important than ever Peterborough Examiner – May 24, 2024 – by Drew Monkman Whenever I’m out birding, I’m easily distracted. As much as I’m watching and listening for birds, part of my mind is also Read more…
Columns
Nature activities to celebrate spring
From bird song games to smell cocktails, here are some fun activities to better engage with nature Peterborough Examiner – May 10, 2024 – by Drew Monkman With May now upon us, the promise of spring is being fulfilled. Spectacular long-distance migrants like Read more…
Columns
Migration: a true wonder of nature
Science is shedding new light on how, where, when and why birds migrate Peterborough Examiner – May 3, 2024 – by Drew Monkman Spring and fall migration are the best times to be a birder. For me, however, spring takes top billing. May Read more…
Columns
City Nature Challenge 2024: Participants needed!
Peterborough City Nature Challenge encourages residents to document local biodiversity To culminate local Earth Week activities and to celebrate biodiversity, Peterborough is once again taking part in the four-day City Nature Challenge (CNC). It takes place from Friday, April 26 Read more…
Columns
Woodcock-watching: a rite of spring
Many people spend their whole life never knowing such an iconic bird exists. Peterborough Examiner – April 12, 2024 – by Drew Monkman With monikers such as pop-eyed shot dodger, bogsucker, sky dancer and timberdoodle, the American woodcock may have the most evocative Read more…
Columns
Appreciating the phases of the moon
Monday’s solar eclipse can also pique our interest in moon-watching Peterborough Examiner – April 5, 2024 – by Drew Monkman As we cross our fingers that next Monday’s solar eclipse will be graced with clear skies, I’ve found myself thinking not only about Read more…
Columns
Spring in the Kawarthas – with climate change in mind
Peterborough just experienced what it is almost certainly its warmest winter on record. Peterborough Examiner – March 22, 2024 – by Drew Monkman Many people no doubt enjoyed the balmy weather of our winter “that never was”. This is understandable, just as long Read more…
Columns
Climate news: We must stay informed
Peterborough Examiner – February 9, 2024 – by Drew Monkman I get it. Reading about climate change is depressing. There’s no doubt that for some people it causes severe anxiety. But, in case you’re tempted to turn away from reading any further, being Read more…
Columns
Slow birding: a different way to be a birder
Peterborough Examiner – February 2, 2024 – by Drew Monkman Years ago, my wife Michelle and I were at Rondeau Provincial Park on Lake Erie to do some May birding with friends. I was very excited because a rare Connecticut Warbler had been Read more…
Columns
The delights of the winter sky
Paying attention to the night sky enhances a sense of season Peterborough Examiner – January 19, 2024 – by Drew Monkman Like many aspects of nature, the night sky changes dramatically over the course of the year. Knowing the comings and goings of Read more…
Columns
Counting birds at Christmas: a Kawartha’s tradition
High waterfowl diversity and numbers was a highlight of this year’s local Christmas Bird Counts Peterborough Examiner – January 12, 2024 – by Drew Monkman Dan Chronowic and his group of fellow birders won’t soon forget the spectacle they witnessed on Chemong Lake. Read more…
Sightings
January sightings of note
At about 10:45 on January 10, I had a very brief visit at our suet feeder by a Hermit Thrush! Unfortunately my wife opened the front door and scared it off. Jim Cashmore, Claudette Court, Peterborough
Columns
Names for birds, not for people
Trent University professor Erica Nol played a leadership role in the decision to rename many of North America’s birds Peterborough Examiner – January 5, 2024 – by Drew Monkman A hot topic among birders and nature enthusiasts right now is the recent decision Read more…
Sightings
December sightings of note
This River Otter (female, I think) sat on the ice in front of our place yesterday afternoon (December 2) and this morning. She ate almost constantly and moved around from hole to hole. The first picture isn’t very clear but Read more…