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Dozens of Fringed Gentian in bloom Location: rail-trail between Highway 7 and Ackison Drive Observer: Drew Monkman

Seven Great White Egrets and two Green Herons in ponds on Beardsmore Road. The egrets were in the pond when we arrived, but shortly after flew into a tree at the end of the pond. After about 20 minutes they Read more…

The past 3 nights we have seen Common Nighthawks circling and picking off insects about an hour before dusk… so I guess they are heading south .. a sure sign that fall is coming. Location: Buckhorn Lake at Kawartha Hideway Read more…

Considerable fall migration today. Redstarts, Yellow Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak (eating elderberries), numerous Blue Jays, and several Purple Finch in yard. Location: Maple Crescent, Peterborough Observer: Drew Monkman

Giant Swallowtail on Echinacea in Peterborough garden. This is the first report of a Giant Swallowtail in Peterborough County. They do occur occasionally south of Rice Lake and west of here. Location: Burnham Street Peterborough Observer: Andrew Bigg

Snowy Tree Crickets calling every evening along Maple Crescent, Roper Drive and area. Seem more common than in other years. Monarchs regular at garden, mostly nectaring at Purple Coneflower and mauve coloured Phlox. Usually a Red Admiral present as well. Read more…

For the last week or so, we have had at least six immature American Robins in the yard. They are all adult-size and feeding on their own but still heavily spotted. I’m wondering where they’ve come from, since I didn’t Read more…

Michelle and I road out to Lakefield on rail-trail. Wildflowers dominated by Queen-Anne’s-Lace and Tall Sweet Clover. Also fairly common and blooming were Viper Buglos, Common Milkweed (only a few still in flower), Black-eyed Susan, Joe-Pye-Weed, Swamp Milkweed, White Water Read more…

Five groups of observers found a total of 51 species of butterflies, a little above average, including two new species for the count

A pair of Sandhill Cranes were seen feeding in a field on Highway 507. Location: Highway 507 – 3 km north of Flynn’s Corners near Charlie Allen Road Observer: Haig Kelly

J. Cooper reports having a woodpecker at their oriole feeder and wanted to know if it’s unusual – Yes, it is unusual but certainly does occur. Lots of other birds will visit nectar feeders, too, including jays, wrens, buntings, chickadees Read more…

Spent morning leading a nature walk at Camp Ponacka on Baptiste Lake, just east of Bancroft. Milkweed was in bloom in profusion along cottage roads and monarchs were much in evidence. In one roadside section, maybe 100 feet in length, Read more…

ciccada singing, Red Admiral butterflies common in garden Location: Maple Crescent, Peterborough Observer: Drew Monkman

a man fishing on the Otonabee River near the Hunter Street Bridge observed a large muskellunge catch and eat a half-grown mallard duckling Location: Otonabee River Observer: Mario Hodder

Black Cherry, and Red Osier Dogwood are now in full blossom. Willows are dispersing their wind-borne seeds. Location: Maple Crescent, Peterborough Observer: Drew Monkman

First Canada Tiger Swallowtail, Dreamy Duskywing, Hoary Elfin and West Virginia White butterflies Location: various locations Observer: Jerry Ball, Tony Bigg

First Silvery Blue butterfly Location: various locations Observer: Jerry Ball

First Black Swallowtail, American Lady and Red Admiral butterflies Location: various locations Observer: Jerry Ball