I thought you might be interested and surprised (as I was) to know that I heard at least one Chorus Frog calling both yesterday afternoon and evening (October 20) from a wet meadow on the 7th Line Smith near our Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – October 15, 2021 – by Drew Monkman Seeds ride air, animals, and their own steam to new destinations Nature is never at rest. Even now, as leaves change colour and fall to the ground, all manner of trees, shrubs, Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – October 8, 2021 – by Drew Monkman Many children are already anxious or have dangerous misconceptions. They want and need to talk about it. For nearly two years now, we’ve all been talking non-stop about Covid with Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – September 24, 2021 – by Drew Monkman A boom or bust cycle of seed production is no less than an adaptation for survival “Daddy, why do flowers smell nice? Why do ladybugs have spots?” From the time Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – September 17, 2021 – by Drew Monkman Cooler temperatures, migrating birds, and a riot of colour are the hallmarks of this wonderful season. Next to spring, fall’s arrival is my favorite change of season. The cooler temperatures Read more…
On September 27, while walking on the 3rd hole of the Kawartha Golf and Country Club, I spotted two Giant Puffballs in the little strip of woods just west of the green. They were at least 10 inches in diameter, Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – September 3, 2021 – by Drew Monkman Given how quickly climate chaos is unfolding, the Conservative climate plan comes up short. The most alarming story to come out this summer is not the continuing pandemic or Read more…
This morning, August 30, while entering the Indian River at the Piggery for our ritual early morning swim, we noticed a heron-like bird on a branch close by. The sun was behind it so we only saw its silhouette. When Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – July 16, 2021 – by SCOTT MCKINLAY Nature isn’t just good for you; it nurtures climate action The restrictions of the past 16 months have forced many of us to explore new frontiers of entertainment and self-fulfillment, Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – July 9, 2021– by LINDA AND AL SLAVIN Local 4RG climate group connects us all to the biggest crisis modern humans have ever faced We keep hearing about the climate crisis in the news: more than 700 Read more…
I witnessed a very interesting encounter yesterday, July 20, between Common Loons and a Bald Eagle and, although it was not in the Kawarthas, I thought you might like to hear about it. My in-laws own a cottage on Papineau Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – July 2, 2021– by Marilyn Freeman It seems like a lifetime ago that I read Robert Pirsig’s “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”. I’m not interested in motorcycles, but one concept stuck with me. On a Read more…
A friend of mine saw an American White Pelican on Sturgeon Lake at Sandy Point on June 25. Phillip McKeating Some recent photos of an Eastern Kingbird and a Black-billed Cuckoo near Campbellford. Donald Munro Patricia and I have been Read more…
Each night I awake about 1:00 a.m. In my easy chair, I observe flashes of white on the front deck. These are two or more flying squirrels at play. If I turn on the light, they do not move much Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – June 18, 2021 – by Drew Monkman Despite some challenges, there is much to look forward to in the coming months To a large extent, “seeing” is knowing what to expect. In fact, the cornerstone Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – June 4, 2021 – by Drew Monkman City’s actions don’t reflect declaration of a Climate Emergency On these beautiful June days, it’s hard to imagine the planet is in the midst of a climate crisis. And, Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – May 21, 2021 – by Drew Monkman “These woods were meant for nature walks/ Cross-country skis, and quiet talks./ Instead, we find ourselves among/ An endless trail of steaming dung.” Anonymous, March 2021 I am a Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – May 10, 2021 – by Drew Monkman MPP Dave Smith needs to act now to help protect this rich natural area For many years, Jack’s Lake east of Apsley has been one of my favorite nature Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – June 4, 2021 – by Katie Krelove, Ontario Campaigner for the Wilderness Committee and member of the Catchacoma Forest Stewardship Committee The clock is ticking: May 17 the last day to comment on proposed logging plan By Read more…
I got this shot of a yawning Red Fox in Millbrook on April 20. Jeff Keller My daughter, Jennifer, went for a walk in a park today, April 25, and came across these Painted Turtles. She said it was fun Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – April 23, 2021 17 songs to inspire action to protect our planet As we celebrate Earth Week, I’d like to step back from my usual fact-driven perspective on the state of the environment. Today, I want Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – April 16, 2021 Forest Schools take the learning outside – and kids love it! April 22 is Earth Day. For me, it’s always a time to reflect on our fractured relationship with the natural world. This Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – April 9, 2021 Woodcock’s sky dance a must-see marvel of nature in the Kawarthas With monikers like pop-eyed shot dodger, bogsucker, sky dancer, and timber-doodle, the American woodcock may have the most evocative nicknames of any bird. Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – April 2, 2021 A look ahead at events in nature as spring arrives in the Kawarthas With early spring now upon us, nature’s most eventful and exciting season has begun. Change is the order of the day. Read more…
I’m sending along photos of the two Pine Grosbeaks that showed up at my feeder in late December. I called them “Heebie” and “Jeebie”! One time, Jeebie almost landed on my head, but she decided to pull up at the Read more…
Peterborough Examiner – March 19, 2021 – subscription required to read article online Comments from readers provide insights into why so many of us still remain silent This week, I’d like to provide a breakdown of the comments people Read more…
(Peterborough Examiner – March 12, 2021) “How lovely are the portals of the night, when stars come out to watch the daylight die.” Thomas Cooke When I think of early spring, my thoughts often turn to a memorable evening Read more…
On February 26, I came across this Short-tailed Weasel (Ermine) near the Lakefield March. I wish I’d had my camera instead of just my phone. Debbie Jenkins also saw one outside her kitchen window. She apparently saw it grab a Read more…
(Peterborough Examiner – March 5, 2021) Higher-than-usual owl numbers are thrilling people throughout the Kawarthas Mysterious visitors on silent wings are among us this winter. Arriving from the trackless expanses of Canada’s north, owls are thrilling people all over Read more…
Last week I looked at the scientific facts about the climate crisis – a problem that will prove to be far worse than the pandemic. This week I’d like to turn to the solutions. Here’s the challenge: According to Read more…