I see a Jinny Clark in 2014 commented about squirrels licking her rocks but they took them.As far as I know my squirrel(s) are not taking the rocks but they move them all over the patio and yard. The white decorative rocks are located right outside a large 3 window Read more…
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 house. We always have quite a few Chorus Frogs calling Read more…
Today we were out walking along the Rotary Trail between Parkhill and the London Street footbridge. Six or seven large nest-like webs were visible, hanging from different trees. There must be many more. I do not ever recall seeing these nests along that trail this time of year. I think Read more…
Peterborough Field Naturalists Sunday AM Nature Walk (Sept. 30) Today, a group of us walked along the hydro corridor west of Hetherington Dr. (just south of Woodland) and into the north end of University Heights Park. We enjoyed the abundant asters (e.g., New England, Heath, Panicled, Heart-leaved), Zig-Zag Goldenrod, White Read more…
Another fox in city dining on Gray Squirrels There was a large number of squirrels in our neighbourhood. Then came a large, gray-coloured fox, easily the size of my fifty pound Springer Spaniel. I’d often see it at first light, and thrice seen carrying a black-phase Gray Squirrel. The squirrel Read more…
On my way home from a friend’s this evening at dusk (Jan. 27 – 4:45pm) while driving through pouring rain on Co. Rd. 38 between the Dummer-Asphodel Road and Webster Road south of Warsaw, an immature Snowy Owl suddenly appeared flying along beside me at about hydro line height. It Read more…
Over the past ten years, we’ve seen a marked decline in the number of Red Squirrels and a steady increase in the number of Gray Squirrels on our property. This year that imbalance may change. For the first time that we are aware, we have had two broods of Red Read more…
On November 20, we had 8 Pine Grosbeaks at our feeder. They only stayed for an hour or so, however, and we haven’t seen them since. During this past summer, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, along with their young, came to the feeder regularly. Two families nested in the woodlot behind our house. Read more…
I thought you might be interested in the following: a Gray Squirrel and a Cooper’s Hawk dueled it out on the top rail of our split rail fence in mid-October. For at least 15 minutes they charged at each other fearlessly before the hawk called it quits. (When the hawk Read more…
We returned to our home on Dodworth Island on Stony Lake on Monday and immediately filled the four feeders. The activity is the most ever….We have 10 usual species but two things stand out. There are no Common Redpolls, but we have over 50 Pine Siskins. At least one Osprey Read more…
I am writing about the phenomenon of squirrels gathering stones. I found reports from a couple of folks, but my case is quite different. I have a heated bird bath on my porch, just 8 feet from my glass door. I clean it every few days. About two months ago Read more…
I have recently received several emails recently describing Gray Squirrels gathering stones. There is very little on the Internet about this behaviour, so it would be interesting to know if other people have seen it too. Below, you will also find a possible explanation for this behaviour from Don Sutherland, Read more…
This PowerPoint presentation provides an overview of how climate change is already affecting the flora and fauna of the Kawarthas. It also highlights recent extreme events as well as future changes that are being predicted by scientists. Part 1CC in Kawarthas – latest
I was happy to see your Nov. 13 column on Gray Squirrels. Having on two occasions been in close contact and cared for squirrels, I can say that they are a very interesting and smart animal. Each one has its own personality. In the 90’s, while living in Scarborough, we Read more…
Your article on squirrels was a very interesting read. A few years ago, I chanced upon a baby squirrel (eyes still closed) laying on the ground in my neighbour’s backyard. Through the supervision of a provincially recognized squirrel rehabilitator, my family raised the squirrel (Whirley), and re-released her in our Read more…
For years I have had grey and black squirrels visiting my yard and deck. This is the first time I have seen this little guy. He is a beautiful brown with a yellow blond tail. I can’t tell for sure but his eyes seem to have a red hue to Read more…