Bulletin of the Peterborough Field Naturalists · the woods and today that cow pasture is a remarkable wildlife habitat and buffer from the fumes and noise of nearby roads. Since

Rehabilitated young adult eastern grey squirrels on their release day, May 20, 2016.

Submitted by the Orchid Editor

Orchid Know ● Appreciate ● Conserve Nature in All Its Forms

Bulletin of the Peterborough Field Naturalists Published nine times yearly. Publication Mail Agreement #4005104

April 2017 Volume 63, No. 3

peterboroughnature.org

The

Inside: Petroglyphs CBC and Great Backyard Bird Count Results Harper Park News Winter Tracking Report Ontario Nature Meeting Agenda Meet a Wildlife Rehabilitator Advice for Encounters with Injured or Orphaned Wildlife

TheOrchid,Volume63,Number3 April2017

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InthisIssue:PFNComingEvents......................................................3PFNJuniorFieldNaturalists(ages5-12).......................6OtherEventsofInterest...............................................7PFNVolunteerCorner..................................................8President’sMessage–SupportingHarperPark.........10HarperParkNews......................................................10Resultsof31stPetroglyphsChristmasBirdCount......122017GreatBackyardBirdCountResults...................13WinterTrackingReport..............................................15FromtheRoadtoRecovery:SnapperSuccessStories16HowtoHelpandHandleanInjuredTurtle................16MeetaWildlifeRehabilitator.....................................17WhattoDoIfYouFindWildlifeinDistress................19AFossilPosesaQuestion...........................................21FromtheArchives:SelectedExtracts1950-60...........21TheOrchidDiary........................................................24PFNMembershipApplication....................................26

GreatGreyOwlonTransCanadaTrailMar4.PhotobyBernieObert

TherewasalotofactivityatMarilynHubley’sfeederonMarch26inPeterborough,includingsalivatingsquirrels(left)andfeastingchickadees(above).Juncosalsoappearedatthefeederthatday.

WelcomenewPFNmembers!PeterMills

ChristinePost&CharlieMenendezDonnellGasbarrini&JesseJarvisDavidMarshall&BarbaraMoffat

BrentPatterson&AshleySpenceleyDanicaJarvis


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PFNComingEvents

Sundays

April2toMay28

8AM

NorthParkingLot,

RiverviewPark&Zoo

WaterStreet,

Peterborough

SundayMorningWildlifeOutings

OurregularspringwildlifewalkswillcommenceonSundayApril2andcontinueuntilMay28th.Unlessotherwiseadvertised,walkswillstartat8AMandwewillcarpoolfromtheparkinglotofthePeterboroughZooonWaterStreet.Outingsgenerallylastaboutthreehours.Bringsomechangetodonatetowardsgascostsandbringbinocularsifpossible.Inmostcases,theleaderswillconfirmthedestinationontheday.Accessibility:EasytoModerate.

April2:JerryBallApril9:ChrisRisleyApril16:MartinParker(tbc)April23:tbcApril30:MikeMcMurtryMay7:LynnSmith–seedetailsbelowMay14:tbcMay21:PaulFrost–seedetailsbelowMay28:DonMcLeod–seedetailsbelow

SaturdayApril8

9:30AM

CampKawarthaEnvironmentCentre

2505PioneerRdPeterboroughON

OntarioNatureRegionalMeeting

PFNishostingtheOntarioNatureRegionalMeeting.YOUAREALLWELCOMETOATTEND!TheguestspeakerwillbeEllenSchwartzel,OntarioDeputyEnvironmentalCommissioner.ShewillbediscussingtheEnvironmentalBillofRightsandhowcitizenscanhavetheirsayingovernmentdecisionsthataffecttheenvironment.

ThePFNisjustoneofmorethan150localcommunityconservationgroupsacrossOntariothatisaffiliatedwithOntarioNature.TogetherweallformtheNatureNetwork.OntarioNatureprovidesleadershipinbringingourvoiceandconcernstotheprovince.Twiceayear,theconservationgroupsmeettoshareideas,voicetheirchallengesandlearnwhatprogramsandinitiativesOntarioNatureisinvolvedin.

Ifinterestedinattending,pleasecontactLynnSmithatsmithfam@nexicom.net.Pleasebringalunchandmug.Theagendaappearsonpage9ofthisnewsletter.

Wednesday,April12

7:30PM


MonthlyMeeting:TheBiodiversityofThickson'sWoodsandtheForgottenPollinators

Thickson'sWoodsisthelastremnantofold-growthpinesonthenorthshoreofLakeOntario.In1983,whenthosepineswerethreatenedwithlogging,ahandfulofnaturalistsformedthenon-profitcorporation"Thickson'sWoodLandTrust"andpurchasedthewoods.Later,in2001,theyboughtaneight-acremeadowjustnorthofthewoodsandtodaythatcowpastureisaremarkablewildlifehabitatandbufferfromthefumesandnoiseofnearbyroads.

SinceearlychildhoodinEngland,PhillHolderhashadagreatpassionfornature,whichhesharedwithhisfamily.Thickson’sWoodswasthefirstplacethefamilybirdedtogetheraftermovingtoCanadain1982.Phill’sson,Matt,becameanexpertbirder,naturalistandpublishedscientist.AfterMattsuddenlypassedawayin2011,PhillandhiswifecreatedinhismemorytheMattHolderEnvironmentalEducationFund.


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PFNComingEventsInthispresentation,Phillwillsharetheincrediblediscoveries,allsponsoredbytheMattHolderFund,thathavebeenmadeinthissmallreserve,knownpreviouslyonlyformigratingbirds.

Saturday,April15

7:30PM

MeetatTimHorton’sonLansdowneSt.West

Kermit’sFriendsandTimber-doodles!

Theduskairofthespringcarriesthematingsongsofvariousspeciesoffrogsandthesky-danceoftheAmericanWoodcockor“Timber-doodle”.JoinMartinParkerforatwo-houroutingtolistentoanddistinguishbetweenthedifferentspeciesofcallingfrogsandtoadsofourregionandlistentothecourtshipflightsoftheAmericanWoodcock.

WewillmeetintheparkinglotatTimHorton’sintheCanadianTire/Sobey’sPlazaonLansdowneStreetWestat7:30PMandthentraveltoHootonLinethroughtheCavanSwamp.Wewillwalkasectionofthisclosedroadway.Pleasebringaflashlight.

Accessibility:Easy,walkingalongaclosedroadway.

Wednesday,April26

Meetat6PMintheparkinglotofthe

RiverviewPark&Zoo.

NightofSalamandersandFrogs

ThisisanannualPFNeveningtriptolookformigratingsalamandersandeggmassesintheirbreedingpools.ThisinventoryeventwillbeattheIngleton-WellspropertyoftheKawarthaLandTrust(KLT).TheeventwillcommencewiththecheckingofpoolsforeggmassesofSpottedandBlue-spottedSalamanders.Wewillthenrecordthefrogspeciescallingandchecktheroadwaysformigratingsalamanders.Dusk-callingbirdswillalsoberecorded.ThetripwillbeledbyMartinParker.

Aftermeetingatthezooat6PM,wewilltraveltotheInglelton-WellspropertyonthenorthwesternshoreofStoneyLake.Wearclothessuitablefortheweatherandwater-prooffootwear.Bringaheadlamporflashlight,andaneveningsnackorpackedsupper.ItisanticipatedthetripwillreturntoPeterborougharound11PM.

Accessibility:Moderatewithwalkingaroundawoodlandpondandareturninthedark.

Sunday,May7

8AM

MeetatCavanGOTransitCarpoollot/busstop

AWalkontheOakRidgesMoraine

LedbyLynnSmith,thisoutingwillincludecarstopsaswellasacoupleofstrollsalongbackroadsandthroughsomehillycountryside.Bringbinoculars,scope,snacks,waterandperhapsbepreparedforsomemosquitoesand/orblackflies.8-11am.

MeetattheCavanCarpark/GOBusStop:FromPeterboroughtakeHwy115southandexitatCountyRd10/MillbrookCavan(Exit#38).Cometoastopsign.Gostraightandthecarpoollotisonyourleft,onSyerLine.

Accessibility:acombinationofeasytochallenging.Oneofthehikeswillincludesomehillyterrain(challenging).Otherwise,carstopsandrelativelylevelwalking(easy).


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PFNComingEvents

Wednesday,May10

7:30PM


MonthlyMeeting:JacksonCreekOld-GrowthForest

Thismonth’sguestspeakerisMichaelHenry,theleadresearcherandforestecologistbehindtherecentstudy"JacksonCreekOld-GrowthForest"byAncientForestExplorationandResearch.(http://www.ancientforest.org/publications/)

MikewillhelpusrediscoverJacksonCreekasourveryown4.5hectareurbanold-growthforest,withtreesreaching250yearsold,pre-datingtheoriginalsettlementoftheTownofScott'sPlains,whichisnowPeterborough.

Sunday,May21

8AM

Meetat1419IrelandDrive

ExploringLoggerheadMarch,ProvinciallySignificantWetland

JoinTrentUniversity’sprofessorofaquaticsciences,PaulFrost,who,togetherwiththePFNhasbeenadvocatingtogetLoggerheadMarshprotectedfromtheimpactofencroachingurbandevelopment.

LoggerheadMarshisnowrecognizedasaprovinciallysignificantwetland.Itcontainsalargeareaofcattailmarsh,patchesofforestedwetland,andexpansesofwetmeadows.ItsoutflowstreamflowsthroughseveralforestedareasanddownstreamintoJacksonCreek.

Bringyourbinoculars!Accessibility:mostlyeasy,buttheremaybesomesmallslopesofmoderatedifficulty.Someareasmaybedamp,sogoodbootsarerecommended.

MeetnearPaulFrost’shouseat1419IrelandDrive,Peterborough.ThereisplentyofstreetparkingavailableonIrelandDrive.

Sunday,May28

8AM

MeetatpublicparkinglotonCrawfordDrive

FleetwoodCreekNaturalArea

DonMcLeodwillleadawalkalongtheroadallowanceatFleetwoodCreekNaturalAreaandcirclingbackthroughtheMcKim/Garsonninproperty.Don’sspecialtyistrackingandtherearesandyareasalongtheroadallowancethataregoodspotsfortracks.Weshouldalsoseeagoodvarietyofbirdsincludingwarblers.

MeetatthepublicparkinglotonCrawfordDrive,attheendofHarperRoadandjustofftheParkwayandSirSanfordFlemingDrive.

Accessibility:Moderate,thereissomeuphillwalking.

Sunday,June4

7AM

MeetatTimHorton’sonLansdowneSt.W.

CardenPlainImportantBirdArea

Anall-dayvisittothewonderfulCardenPlain,anunusualalvarhabitatthatishometoanabundanceofraregrasslandbirdspecies,butterfliesandplants.JerryBallwillbeourguidetothisgloballyrarehabitat65kmwestofPeterborough.LoggerheadShrike,Golden-wingedWarbler,Osprey,BlackTerns,SedgeWren,YellowRail,UplandSandpiper,EasternBluebird,EasternTowheeandBrownThrashersareallpossibilities.

Bringsomelunch,water,cameraandbinoculars.

MeetatTimHorton’sattheSobey’sPlazaonLansdowneStreetWest.


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PFNComingEvents

Wednesday,June14

7:30PM


MonthlyMeeting:Ontario'sBats:Biology,EcologyandConservationsIssues

Guestspeaker:LesleyHale,DivisionalIntegrationCoordinator,MinistryofNaturalResources

Ontario'seightspeciesofbatsplayacriticalroleintheprovince'secosystemsasnocturnalinsectivores.Theyareconsideredoneofourmostvaluablespeciesgroupsforagriculturalpestcontrol.Therecentspreadofwhite-nosesyndromehascausedconcernforthefutureofmanybatsspeciesinOntario,makingbatmonitoringandconservationmoreimportantthanever.

PFNJuniorFieldNaturalists(ages5-12)

Saturday,April8

1to3PM

OntarioTurtleConservationCentre

TourofOntarioTurtleConservationCentre

JuniorNaturalistsarealsoinvitedtobookspacesinourspecialtouroftheOntarioTurtleConservationCentrethatisscheduledforApril8th.FulldetailsareprovidedinthelistingsofjunioreventsonthePFNwebsite.

BirdHouseWorkshop

SpringsunshinewasstreamingintheEnvironmentCentrewindowsattheJuniorNaturalists'birdhouseworkshoponMarch19.Wehadafantasticturnoutwith30familiesparticipating,including12newfamilies.ThekitsweredesignedforBlack-cappedChickadeesandloadedwithbird-friendlyfeaturestoincreasethelikelihoodofoccupancy,includingfloordrains,ventilation,andaninteriorladder.Oneofourvolunteersreportedthatwithin20minutesofinstallingherbirdhouse,aChickadeewasspottedcheckingitout.Onbehalfofallthekids,thankyoutoMerrettHomeHardwareBuildingCentreforgenerouslydonatingallofthewoodforthisprojectandtoTedValeandBrianWalesforproducingsomanyeasy-to-assemblekits.Thankyoutoourworkshopvolunteers,SarahJamieson,SarahMcGuire,AydenSherritt,andDanicaJarvis.Wecouldn'thavedoneitwithoutyou!

Morevolunteers=morekids'events!

Thankstothesupportofourmembersandnewfamiliesjoiningtheclub,we'vebeengrowing!Havingalargergroupmeanswecanplanmoreactivities.Ifyouhaveideastoshareandwouldliketohelpout,[email protected]'tneedtobeanexpert.Ourgoalistogetoutsidewithourfamiliesandhavefunwhilelearningaboutnature.


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OtherEventsofInterest

FirstFridayofeachmonth

7:00PM

GuestServicesBuilding,RiverviewPark&Zoo

PeterboroughAstronomicalAssociationMonthlyMeeting

Formoreinformationontheirmonthlymeetings,pleasevisitwww.peterboroughastronomy.com.

April7:Theconfusingworldofskymaps&starchartsbyKenSunderland&PaulWard

May5:TopictobeannouncedbyRandyAttwood

May27:AstronomyDay-PublicViewingandActivities–Details,timesTBA-StaticDisplaysandSolarViewingattheRiverviewParkandZoo

Duskto11PM-ObservingatthetopofArmourHill

FourthWednesdayofeachmonth

7:00PM

Lion’sCentre

347BurnhamStreet

PeterboroughHorticulturalSocietyMonthlyMeeting

Joinusat6:30PMforsocializing.Themeetingbeginsat7PM.Annualmembershipratesare$20individual,$25family,and$2guest.Allarewelcome-andyoudon’thavetobeanexperiencedgardener!Formoreinfovisitwww.peterboroughhort.com.

April26-James&AudreyPotts,OwnersofPalliserDowns:“GrowingBerriesHaskapandOtherSmallFruit”

May24-SeanJamesofFernRidgeGardens:“GardenTrendsfor2017”

FridayApril7ththroughtoSundayApril9th

EvinrudeCentre,Peterborough

PeterboroughGardenShow2017

ComewelcomespringatoneofOntario’slargestgardenshows!TheannualPeterboroughGardenShowissponsoredbythePeterboroughHorticulturalSocietyandareaMasterGardeners.The3-dayeventhostsmanygarden-relatedvendors,exhibitors,dailyspeakers,informativeworkshops,displays,arrangementsandadvice.Proceedsfromtheshowareusedforscholarshipsandlocalbeautificationprojects.Formoredetailscheckoutwww.peterboroughgardenshow.com.

Sep25-29,Oct2-6,

orOct10-13

Queen’sUniversityBiologicalStation

2017FabulousFallFungiWorkshops

LearnaboutthemushroomsandotherfungiofSouthernOntario.Nowintheir8thyear,thesehands-onworkshopsofferauniqueopportunitytodevelopyourfungalidentificationskills.Suitableforalllevels.Max12perworkshop.Registerearly(theworkshopsalwayssellout).Details:https://qubs.ca.


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OtherEventsofInterest

SeasonsontheMoraine

ThisisaseriesofeightguidednaturewalksonBallyduffTrails(nexttoFleetwoodCreekConservationArea),sponsoredbySouthPondFarms.Ticketsare$30pereventandincludeameal.Formoreinformation,pleasevisitwww.southpondfarms.ca/events/#seasons-on-the-moraine.

• April22:NightSounds

• May6:SongbirdSightings

• May13:WildflowersandOtherThings

• June18:Dragons,Damsels&Butterflies,Too

• July23:WetlandWonders

• August13:SeeingtheForestfortheTrees

• September17:Flowers,Feathers&OtherFinery

• October1:FleetwoodValley:ThenandNow

PFNVolunteerCorner

PhragmitesatLoggerheadMarsh

TheLoggerheadMarshStewardshipAssociation(www.loggerheadmarsh.org)isseekingvolunteerstohelpwiththeremovalofaninvasiveplantcalledPhragmitesaustralis(ortheEuropeancommonreed).Itistaggedas"Canada'sworstinvaderforwetlands"andiscurrentlyspreadingintwospotsabout50-80mfromthewetlandboundaries.(Aha!Anotherreasonwhybigbuffersareimportant!)Itisafastgrowerandwilltakeoverwetlandsandopenspaces.

Volunteernamesarebeingcollectedforthesecondpatch,whichismassiveandisgrowingontheshorelineofthenaturalpondcornerIrelandDrandNornabellAve.Theworkinvolvesclippingtheseedheads,thenburningthem,thenremovingthedeadplantbiomass(preferablywithaheavydutyweedwacker,onethatcanhandletoughstems).Asecondextractionshouldthenoccur(thistimewithshovels)toremovethenewgrowthinJulybeforethenewseedheadsform.Thisamountstoabout2hrsofyourtime.Pleasecontactloggerheadmarsh@gmail.comifyouareinterested.

RallyingforRefreshments

TocontinueenjoyingrefreshmentsatourClubmeetingsweneed1or2peopletovolunteeralittletimetobringsupplies.YouareguaranteedasmileofappreciationfromallClubmembers.

IfinterestedpleasecontactLynnSmith([email protected]).

DriversNeeded

BoththeSandyPinesandFosterForestwildliferehabilitationcentresneedmoredriverstohelpmoveinjuredororphanedwildlifetoandfromtheirfacilities.IfanyoneregularlydrivesbetweenPeterboroughandNapaneeorTrentonorthe401corridor,orifanyonejustlikestodriveforagoodcause,pleasecontactSueatSandyPinesinNapanee([email protected])orDeeatFosterForestinTrenton(613-394-6667).Callsfordriversareexpectedtobeinfrequent,butimportant.


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Lake Ontario North Regional Meeting Date: Saturday, April 8, 2017 – 9:30 a.m.

Location: Camp Kawartha Environmental Centre, 2505 Pioneer Rd., Peterborough Hosts: Peterborough Field Naturalists

9:30 – 10:30 Welcome and Introductions: Election of new Lake Ontario North Regional Director

Club Highlights (part 1) We thank you for your enthusiastic response to this part of the program, but due to timing, we ask that you provide only 2 highlights from your club. Please feel free to provide a complete summary on your activities form and they will be attached to the minutes.

10:30 – 10:45 Refreshment Break

10:45 – 11:45 Special Presentation – Ellen Schwartzel, Deputy Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO)

Ellen will share information on the tools of the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) and how to use them effectively to the benefit the environment.

11:45 – 12:30 Lunch (bring your own bag lunch and mug)

12:30 – 1:00 Club Highlights (part 2) 1:00 - 1:30 Peterborough Field Naturalists and Harper Park

The Harper Park Stewardship Initiative is now a committee of the Peterborough Field Naturalists. Lynn Smith, Past PFN President and Kim Zippel PFN, VP will provide us with background on how PFN is working to conserve this urban wetland complex.

1:30 – 2:00 Ontario Nature – “Nature Network UPDATE"

Barbara MacKenzie-Wynia, Regional Co-ordinator

2:00 – 4:00 Hike the Trails of Trent University’s Wildlife Preserve with Paul Elliot, PFN Board member and Biology Professor at Trent

A special thank you to the Peterborough Field Naturalists

for hosting the Ontario Nature Regional Meeting

Please make sure to hand in you club activity forms and any changes to your contact information

We appreciate your continued support of Ontario Nature

If you are not already a member of Ontario Nature – please consider joining,

Together we can be a Voice for Nature! www.ontarionature.org


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President’sMessage–SupportingHarperPark

Elsewhereinthisnewsletter,youcanreadabouthowHarperParkwasupgradedtoaprovinciallysignificantwetland.Akeyfactorinthisupgradewasthatbarnswallowshadbeensightedonseveraloccasionsinthepark.TheseobservationswererecordedbyMartinParkeroneBirdandsowereacceptedasofficialbytheMinistryofNaturalResourcesandForestry.

Springisuponusandmanyofyouwillbeoutwatchingspringmigrationsandcourtshiprituals,andlisteningtobirdsandfrogssinging.Pleasetakethetimetorecordyourobservationsononeofthegrowingnumberofcitizensciencewebsites.eBirdandtheOntarioAtlasofReptilesandAmphibiansaretwothatareeasilyaccessible.Oryoucouldsendyourobservationtothesightingssectionofourveryownnewsletter:TheOrchidDiary.

Whoknows,youmightbeinstrumentalinprotectingoneofPeterborough’snaturalareas!

TedVale

HarperParkNews

SubmittedbyLynnSmith

…andtheHarperParkrollercoasterridecontinueswithmoreexcitinghappenings!

HarperCreekWetlandUpgradedtoaProvinciallySignificantWetland

HarperParkisa60-hectareparceloflandinthesouthwestcornerofPeterboroughthattheCityhascalledanaturallyprotectedareaforplanningpurposes.TheHarperCreekWetlandis21.9hectaresandsitspartlywithinthisParkbutextendsintoprivatelyownedland.

Somebackground:

TheMinistryofNaturalResources&Forestry(MNRF)hasdevelopedanEvaluationManualforwetlandswithasetofcriteriathatallowsthevalueofonewetlandtobecomparedtoanother.Thewetlandscorespointswithinfourmajorcomponents:Biological,Social,HydrologicalandSpecialFeatures.AWetlandofProvincialSignificancewouldneedtoscore600points.HarperCreekWetlandwasevaluatedin2009andscored544points,56pointsshyofProvincialSignificance.InMarch2017,MNRFdidadesktopre-evaluationforHarperCreekWetlandandannouncedthatwithnewinformationavailable,theWetlandscored705points,deservingofaProvinciallySignificantdesignation.

Whatnewinformationyouask?• TheBiologicalComponentoftheevaluation

remainedthesame.• UndertheSocialComponent,theWetland

scoredhigherinthe‘NatureEnjoyment/EcosystemStudy’category.MorepeopleareenjoyingthePark.Naturalistsarerecordinginventory.Teachersareusingitasanoutdoorclassroom.Historiansareexaminingtheoldbarnandhomefoundationofanearlypioneer,RobertHarper,whoownedandfarmedthelandinthe1870’s.StudentsfromTrentUniversityaredoingenvironmentalstudies,andoneverykeenboyingrade8hascompletedabrooktrouthabitatqualitystudy.

PFNboardmembersatthepressconferenceannouncingthePSWdesignationoftheHarperCreekWetland.Fromleft:LynnSmith,TedVale,DylanRadcliffe,andKimZippel.


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• HarperCreekWetlandhasalwaysscoredhighintheHydrologicalComponent.HarperCreekiscold,well-oxygenatedandsustainsawildpopulationofbrooktrout.Theheadwatersofthenortherntributaryandthemanyseepsandspringsallcontributetoanamazingvolumeofhighqualitywater.

• TheSpecialFeaturescomponentoftheevaluationshowedthegreatestincreaseinpoints.AsClubmembers,manyofyouhaveheardMartinParkerinsistontheabsoluteimportanceofgettingyoursightingsrecordedonline,forexamplewitheBirdandeButterfly.MartinandMatthewTobeyhaveledworkshopsonit.Inthis21stdigitalcentury,thisisthebestwayfornewinformationtobeshared.Well,IguessMartinwasright(can’tbelieveIjustwrotethat).ItwasnotedbyMNRFthatbarnswallowswererecorded(online)onmorethanoneoccasionforagingintheHarperCreekWetland.Populationsofbarnswallowshavedeclinedinthisareaby60%sincethe1980’s.Itisconsideredathreatenedspecies.TheWetlandreceived150points.

• Also,twolocallysignificantplants,PurpleAvensandSwampFlyHoneysucklewererecordedduringa2013Bioblitz.TheWetlandreceived17pointsforthatinformation.

HarperParkandthewetlandarehighlybiodiversehabitatsandthere’ssomuchmoretolearn.Itwillcontinuetobeimportantforustorecordfloraandfaunaand,dareIsayit,getitonline.

PlansfordevelopmentnearorinawetlanddesignatedtobeProvinciallySignificantaresubjecttoadditionalrestrictions.

HarperCreekBrookTroutStudy&theOpportunitytoFundandFollowaFish

ThePeterboroughFieldNaturalistshavepartneredwithTrentUniversitytoconductatwo-yearcomprehensivestudyofthelifehistoryoftheBrookTroutpopulationinHarperCreekaswellasurbanstreamecology.ItwillbeaMaster’sThesisbeginninginthespringof2017withthetaggingofBrookTrout.Eachtroutwillcarryaradiotagthatislessthanonegraminsize.

OpportunitytoFundandFollowaFish

Tohelpcoverthecostofthetags,thereisanopportunityforyou,yourbusiness,schoolororganizationtopartnerwithTrentUniversityfortheFundandFollowaFishevent.

****IencourageyoutogotothePFNwebsitepeterboroughnature.organdcheckouttheHarperPark/BrookTroutStudypageforcompletedetailsontheFund&FollowaFishOpportunity*****

Byfundingafish,yourfirstdecisionwillbetogiveyourtroutaNAME(whatfun!).Youwillalsoreceive:• apictureofthetroutyouarefunding• informationaboutyourtrout• dataaboutwhereandwhenyourfundedtroutmoveswithinHarperCreek• receiveyourowncopyofthepublishedstudyontheHarperCreekwildbrooktroutpopulation

OR,ifyouwishtodonatetotheresearchitself,adonationiswelcometohelpfundgeneralexpensessuchasequipment,transportationcostsandfieldstaff.

Brooktroutpopulationshavedeclinedabout80%inSouthernOntario.Weneedfurtherstudytounderstandhowwecanhelpconservethisveryspecialspeciesasdevelopmentpressuresescalate.

HarperParkCommunitySummit

TheHarperParkCommunitySummitonMarch25waswellattended.ThephotosoftheeventshownbelowwereprovidedbyPeterboroughDialogues.


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Resultsof31stPetroglyphsChristmasBirdCount

SubmittedbyColinJones(compiler)

The31STPetroglyphsChristmasBirdCountwasheldonTuesday,December27,2016duringlessthanfavourableweatherconditions.Thedaywasdullandovercastalldaylongwithstrongwindsandintermittentperiodsoflightsnowandfreezingdrizzle.

Participants:24

Totalspecies:28(lowerthanthe10-yearaverageof33.5)

Totalindividuals:1937(10-yearaverageis2248)

Incontrasttolastyearwhentherewasasignificantamountofopenwaterresultingin8speciesofwaterfowl,therewasvirtuallynoopenwaterandthereforenowaterbirds.

Notablespeciesandcounthighsincluded:

Cooper’sHawk1(4thtimeonthecount);Rough-leggedHawk1dark-morphbirdseenbytwoparties(6thtimeonthecount);AmericanRobin11(nearthecounthighof13)andBohemianWaxwing318(previouscounthighwas76)

LowCounts:

RuffedGrouse6(below10-yearaverageof22andthecounthighof77);MourningDove5(below10-yearaverageof20andcounthighof93);PileatedWoodpecker4(belowthe10-yearaverageof14andcounthighof30);BlueJay74(below10-yearaverageof271andcounthighof653);Red-breastedNuthatch32(below10-yearaverageof100andcounthighof526)andGolden-crownedKinglet4(below10-yearaverageof31andcounthighof120)

NotableMisses:

BarredOwlrecordedeveryyearsince1995withtheexceptionof2012andthisyear.ApairofGrayJayswerevisitingafeederinsidethecountcircleleadinguptothecount(countperiod)butwerenotpresentoncountday.Anaverage


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of5birdswererecordedonthecountupuntil2009buthavenotbeenrecordedoncountdaysince(withtheexceptionof2in2014).

WiththeexceptionofreasonablygoodnumbersofAmericanGoldfinch(326)and44EveningGrosbeak,nootherfincheswererecorded.

TotalCountsResults:

RuffedGrouse6,WildTurkey43,BaldEagle5,Cooper’sHawk1,Red-tailedHawk1,Rough-leggedHawk1,RockPigeon34,MourningDove5,DownyWoodpecker23,HairyWoodpecker25,PileatedWoodpecker4,NorthernShrike1,BlueJay74,AmericanCrow10,CommonRaven65,Black-cappedChickadee676,Red-breastedNuthatch32,White-breastedNuthatch92,BrownCreeper24,Golden-crownedKinglet4,AmericanRobin11,EuropeanStarling45,BohemianWaxwing318,AmericanTreeSparrow22,Dark-eyedJunco19,SnowBunting26,AmericanGoldfinch326andEveningGrosbeak44.

2017GreatBackyardBirdCountResults

ExcerptsfromSummaryWrittenbyMarshallIliffandPatLeonard

AnotherGreatBackyardBirdCountisinthebooks,andthankstoparticipantsfromaroundtheworld,itwasthebiggestcountinits20-yearhistory.Birdwatcherssetanewhighbarfornumberofchecklistssubmittedandtotalnumberofspeciesreported.Whetherlongtimecontributorsorfirst-timers,manyexpressedtheirenjoymentoftheexperience.

• EstimatedParticipants:214,018(2016finaltotalestimate:163,763)

• Species:5,940(2016finaltotal:5,689)

• CompleteChecklists:173,826(2016finaltotal:162,052)

Top10mostfrequentlyreportedspecies:

(numberofGBBCchecklistsreportingthisspecies)

What’sinterestingtonoteinthislististhattheAmericanCrowhasbouncedallthewayuptothenumbertwospot.IthastypicallycomeinnearthebottomoftheTop10eversinceWestNileVirusappearedinNorthAmericain1999.Perhapsthecrowsarefinallyreboundingafterthevirustookaserioustollontheiroverallpopulation.

Species NumberofChecklistsNorthernCardinal 52,422AmericanCrow 47,275MourningDove 47,076Dark-eyedJunco 42,208DownyWoodpecker 38,760BlueJay 38,402Black-cappedChickadee 36,417HouseFinch 35,889HouseSparrow 33,749White-breastedNuthatch 32,598

DatatotalsasofMarch3,2017

Note:AllTop10speciesarecommoninNorthAmerica,reflectingcontinuedhighparticipationfromthisregion.


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Top10mostnumerousspecies:

(sumofhowmanyindividualswereobservedacrossallGBBCchecklists):

Species NumberofIndividualsSnowGoose 4,793,261Red-wingedBlackbird 2,464,572CanadaGoose 1,895,077EuropeanStarling 919,038Mallard 715,594Ring-billedGull 647,950AmericanCoot 500,261GreaterWhite-frontedGoose 426,040CommonGrackle 416,720AmericanCrow 378,483

DatatotalsasofMarch2,2017

Note:TheseTop10speciesarecommoninNorthAmerica,reflectinghighparticipationfromthisregion.

EarlyMigrations

ThewarmweatherduringtheGBBCcontinuedthroughthelasttwoweeksofFebruary,andthatmadeitabundantlyclearthatthisunprecedentedFebruarywarmthintheeasternUnitedStatesandeasternCanadakickedoffearlymigrationthatstartedaroundGBBCtime.Red-wingedBlackbirdsandCommonGracklesarewell-knowntoarriveinlateFebruary,evenasfarnorthasthenorthernmostU.S.statesandsouthernmarginsofCanada.ThisyearhoweverthosetwoblackbirdswereevenmorewidespreadthannormalandtheirnumberscontinuedtobuildthroughFebruary’sfinalweek.

Twoshorebirdsthateschewtheshorearealsoearlymigrants,witharrivalsofKilldeerandAmericanWoodcockapparentinNewEnglandandtheGreatLakesstateswheretheydon’treallyoverwinter.ThosearrivalscontinuedtobuildthroughFebruaryandwhilethesespeciessometimesstaysouthuntilmid-March,theyarealreadywidespreadanddisplayingonterritoryinmanyareasaswewrite.

MostexceptionalhavebeenarrivalsofTreeSwallowswellnorthofnormalrange,aspeciesthatusuallywaitsuntilMarchtostartcomingback,sincetheirflyinginsectfoodisnotusuallyoutuntillaterinthespring.WhilesomeTreeSwallowsoverwinteredontheEastCoastinJanuary2017asfarnorthasLongIsland,alltheinlandbirdsreportedontheGBBCwerepartofaremarkableearlypushthatcontinuedintoFebruary.Thoughmostareashavenotseenlargenumbersyet,theseearlyscoutsprobablysetrecordearlydatesinmanyareasthisyear.Forexample,accordingtoeBird,QuebecandnorthernIllinoishadtheirfirst-everFebruaryrecordsthisyearandMassachusetts,whichhadtworecordsofreturningmigrantsinFebruarypreviously(bothfrom2014),addedfourmorethisyear.Ifthewarmweathercontinues,wecouldseetheearliestspringeverforbirdmigrationintheeasternUnitedStates:watchforawaveofEasternPhoebes,PineWarblers,andChippingSparrowsnext!

PleasecontinuetouseeBird,whereyoucandocumentyourbirdobservationsyear-round,sinceyourobservationsandphoto-documentationofearlyarrivingbirdshelptoestablishpatternsthatshedlightonhowunusualweatherandlong-termclimatechangeareaffectingourbirds,theirmigrations,andtheirpopulations.

Moreinformationonthecountcanbefoundhere:http://gbbc.birdcount.org/2017-gbbc-summary


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WinterTrackingReport

SubmittedbyDonMcLeod

MembersfromthePeterboroughFieldNaturalistswenttrackingontheJohndePenciertrailattheTrentUniversityNatureAreaonFriday,February3.WildlifespeciesidentifiedbytracksorsignincludedRuffedGrouse,EasternCottontail,Porcupine,SnowshoeHare,Shrewsp,Raccoon,CoyoteandRedSquirrel.ObservingtracksofseveralEasternCottontailswasanimprovementoverthewinterof2016whentheywereabsentfrommostoftheTrentUniversityNatureArea.Porcupineshaddensundertheboardwalk,asinpreviousyears.ThemostinterestingobservationwasachasesceneinvolvingaCoyotehuntinganEasternCottontail.Stridesof8feetbetweentracksetswereobservedfortheRabbit,evidenceofahighrateofspeedasitattemptedtoescape.Wedidnotfindevidenceofakill.Birdsidentified:Black-cappedChickadee,White-breastedNuthatchandAmericanRobin.

AnothergroupofPFNmemberswenttrackingontheJohndePenciertrailonFebruary4.SimilartoFriday,speciesidentifiedbytracksorsignincludedRuffedGrouse,EasternCottontail,Porcupine,SnowshoeHare,Shrewsp,Raccoon,CoyoteandRedSquirrel.NewobservationsforSaturdayincludedRedFoxandMousesp.OldsignforBeaverwasalsoobservedonbothdays.Birdsidentified:Black-cappedChickadeeandWhite-breastedNuthatch.

AfinaloutingonMarch18totheJohndePenciertrailproducedmanyofthesamespeciesasbeforedespitepoorconditions.NoticeablyabsentwastheSnowshoeHare.NewforthisdaywasErmine.AquickdetourtoHarperParkpickeduptracksforCoyote,White-tailedDeer,RedSquirrel,EasternGraySquirrel,RaccoonandRuffedGrouse.

Thewinterof2016-17reallywasachallengefortrackers.Muchofthewinterwashamperedbyicyconditionsorsnowmelt.InlightofthistoughwinterandtheshortageofopportunityforPFNmemberstogotracking,therewillanoutingonMay28totheFleetwoodCreekNaturalArea.Thisoutingwillfocusonsummertrackingandbirding.

Left:Porcupineniptwig.Right:Snowshoeharetracks.PhotosbyDonMcLeod.

FromtheRoadtoRecovery:SnapperSuccessStories

ReprintedfromOntarioTurtleConservationCentreMarch2017Newsletter

Justlikeeverypersonhasastory,weliketothinkthateveryturtlehasastory.Sooften,asevidencedthroughtheirpainfulinjuries,theturtleswetreatattheTraumaCentretellusthesaddeststories.ThisiswhywetakeeveryopportunitywegettoshowcasethewaysthatOTCCisabletomakeadifferenceandturntheseturtlestoriesaround.

WheninjuredturtlesarriveattheCentre(throughtheamazingheroicsofcaringsupportersandvolunteerslikeyou)theirlivesareinrealjeopardyandthesituationisoftenverytouchandgo.Dr.CarstairstogetherwiththeTraumaCentre’sdedicatedteamofvettechs,studentsandamazingvolunteersprovidethemostincrediblelevelofattentionandcaretoeachandeveryturtlewetreatfortheentiredurationoftheirtimewithus.Itisbecauseoftheircareandcompassionthatwebearwitnesstothemostunbelievablestoriesofhealingandrehabilitation.I’dliketoshareonesuchstorywithyounow.

ThisisRob,afiremanbytradeandanOTCCVolunteerheroinhissparetime.AndthatbigSnapperontheflooristhelargestturtleattheCentre.

ThestoryofhowthisSnappingturtlearrivedattheCentrebeginslikesomanyothers:Hewasbroughttousafterbeinghitbyacarandthetraumahesustainedwassoseverethathewasbarelyresponsiveandunabletowalk.Dr.Carstairsperformedimmediatesurgeryonhisshoulderandstartedanintensivecareregimeforhim,andforalongtime,staffandvolunteersalikeweren'tsurethathewouldmakeit!

Eventhoughturtlesarestrongandresilient–theyhaveremainedrelativelyunchangedforabout90millionyears–theycan’tcompetewithcars.

Ittakesalotoftimeandeffort,compassionandcareandfundstorepairtheirinjuries.

GiventhatthisSnapperissobig(heweighsalmost50lbs.)weNEEDRobtopickhimupandhelpwithhisturtlecare.

OTCC’sinnovativeapproachtoturtlecarefrequentlyinvolvestheuseofphysiotherapytohelprehabilitateourturtlesandultimatelyhelpthemtoregaintheirstrength.Withoutthegenerosityofourturtlesupportersanddonorswewouldnothavethefundstoperformtherequiredtreatmentsfortheseamazinganimals.

TheoutlookforthisSnapperisextremelypositive—hehasanexcellentappetiteandnow,whenRobputshimonthefloorhewandersaroundandRobisconstantlychasingafterhimtoputhimbackonthematarea.Infact,heissomobilethatDr.Carstairshopestoreleasehiminthespring.

Whatashameitwouldhavebeen,hadthisSnappingturtlenotsurvived.Hehaswalkedtheearthfor75yearsormoreandstillhastheabilitytoproduceoffspringformany,manyyears.Theturtlepopulationneedshim!

TheOTCCteam,includingourvolunteers,couldn'thavehelpedhimwithoutyou.

ThankyouforyourcontinuedsupportofourTraumaCentreandtheworkwedototreatOntario’sinjurednativeturtlespeciesandaspecialthankstoRob,forbeingaturtlecarehero!

Pleasevisitourwebsiteatwww.ontarioturtle.catoseehowyoucanhelpusoutwithadonationinkind.

HowtoHelpandHandleanInjuredTurtle

FromOTTCwebpage

Followthestepsbelow:

Carefullyplacetheinjuredanimalinawell-ventilatedplasticcontainerwithasecurelid(turtlescanclimb!).

Mostturtlescanbepickedupcarefullywithtwohands.Whenhandlingsnappingturtleskeepasafedistancefromtheirheadastheywillsnapatyouiftheyfeelthreatened.Youmaywanttouseashovelorboardtolifttheturtle.

Watchourvideoclipformoretipsforhandlingturtles.


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Notethelocation(road,majorintersections,andmileage)wheretheturtlewasfoundtoensureitcanbereleasedaccordingtoprovincialregulations.

Callus[OTTC]at705-741-5000

DONOTEMAILWITHINFORMATIONABOUTANINJUREDTURTLE.Aninjuredanimalneedsmedicalattentionassoonaspossible!

Donottransportturtlesinwater.Donotoffertheturtleanythingtoeat.

Washyourhandsafterhandlingtheanimal.

Neverattempttotreatasickorinjuredwildanimalyourself.AlwayscontactyournearestlicensedWildlifeRehabilitationCentre.IfyouwouldliketobecomealicensedWildlifeCustodianpleasecontacttheOntarioWildlifeRehabilitation&EducationNetworkformoreinformationortoregisterinacourse.

MeetaWildlifeRehabilitator

SubmittedbyTheOrchidEditor

IfyouwereevertomeetDeeNewberryofFosterForestinperson,shewouldlikelyhaveababysomething-or-otherinonehand,asyringefulloffeedingformulaintheotherhandandshewouldbelisteningtoyouintentlyassheshiftedbackandforthbetweenlookingatyouoverherglassesandlookingthroughherglassestoaimasyringenippleatsomecreature’stinymouth.Deeisaverybusywomanwhenitisn’twinter.Shehasbeenrehabbing(shoptalkforrehabilitatingwildlife)foreightyearsnowwhilealsoworkingpart-timeasaprofessionalgardener.

Forher,itallstartedwhenshecontactedSueMeechoftheSandyPinesWildlifeCentreinNapaneeaboutayoungbirdsheencountered.Shortlyafter,shebeganvolunteeringatthecentre.Whilethere,shelearnedhowtocarefortheanimalsbyfeedingthemandcleaningcagesand,later,fosteringanimals.DeesoontookthebasicOWREN(OntarioWildlifeRehabilitationandEducationNetwork)courseinOttawa,passedthetestandthenproceededtogetcertifiedbytheMNR.Intheearlydays,whenshedidn’thavenearlyasmanycritterspassingthroughhercentre,she’dtakeherchargeswithhertoworkinpetcarrierssoshecouldfeedthemonschedule.Nowshehasabout17volunteerswhohelpwithfeeds,fostering,fundraising,computerwork,cageconstruction,cagecleaningandtransportingthewildlife.Typically,Deetakesin

between135to200animalsayear.About75%aresquirrelsandchipmunks.Therestareasmatteringofgroundhogs,weasels,minks,foxes,skunks,porcupines,bunnies,bats,andturtles.Youngskunks,aporcupineandthreegroundhogs–allbeneficiariesofDee’scareandhospitality–areshownintheimagesbelow.

Deehasdedicatedoneroominherhousetotheyoungones.Thatroomishoppingbusy24/7inthespringwithherandthevolunteers

dancingaroundeachothertoretrievethenextyoungmouththatneedsfeeding,ortoputtheonethathasjustbeenfedbackinitscage,ortoheatupsomeformula,ortocleanacage.Whenthereisnotenoughspace,timeorresourcesfornewyoungones,theygetdivertedtootherwildlifecentresortofosterers.Atfirst,thevery,veryyoung(aka“pinkies”)liveinpetcarriers.Whentheyarealittleolder,theygetmovedtolargerindoorcagesandthentolarger-stilloutdoorenclosures.Intheoutdoorenclosures,theygetusedtooutdoorconceptssuchassun,rain,wind,thesightandsoundofotheranimalsandbirds,andthesmelloftreesandotherplants.

Theenclosurestakeupapproximately25’by15’ofDee’senormousbackyard.SettingthemupisanartformforDee.Youcouldcomparethetasktointeriordecoratingbutitissomuchmorethanthat.Theenclosuresareasnaturallookingandattractiveasyoucouldpossiblyhopethemtobeifyouwereasquirrel,agroundhogorwhathaveyou,buttheyarealsoputtogetherverypurposefullywiththeanimals’needskeptwellinmind.Theseneedsincludecomfortableandprivatesleepingareasintheformofdenornestboxes,andcontrivancesthatencouragetheanimalto


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honeitssurvivalskillsandinstincts.Forinstance,whenshehasgroundhogs,shegivesthemanenclosurewithenoughdirtforthemtopracticediggingtunnels.

Whentheanimalsareoldenough,theyaretakenintheirdenornestboxesandreleasedtothewild.Bythistime,theywillhavedevelopedahealthynaturalfearofhumansandwillhavelongforgottenthattheywerehand-raised.Theanimalsarereleasedwithin15kmofwheretheywerefoundaccordingtotheOntarioMinistryofNaturalResources&Forestryregulations.Theirboxesstayatthereleasesitesotheyhaveasafeplacetolivewhiletheyestablishtheirterritory,findsourcesoffoodandeventuallyhavetimetobuildtheirownhouse.Somebodywillgobacktothereleasesitefromtimetotimeanddofooddropstohelpthemgetthroughtheirfirstwinter.

Deesaysthatthenumberonereasonthatwildlifepassesthroughthedoorsofawildliferehabcenterisdueto“kidnapping”.Thisiswhenwell-intentionedpeopleassumethatyounganimalsorbirdsareintroubleandthattheirparentsmusthaveabandonedthem.Theywhisktheyoungcreaturesawaytoarehabcentrewithouttryingtoreunitethemwiththeirparents.Thisisatypicalscenarioforyoungbunniesandfledglingbirds,butalsoforyoungsquirrelsandbabybirdswhohavefoundthemselvesgroundedfromawindstormorachainsaw.Inthesesituations,Deewouldadvisecallingarehabcentretogetadvicebeforetakingaction.Moreoftenthannot,themotherwillreturnforheryoungwhenthecoastisclear.WildliferehabilitationcentrescanbefoundbygoingtotheOntarioWildlifeRescuewebpage(http://www.ontariowildliferescue.ca)andclickingontheanimalinquestionatthetopofthepage.Phone

callsarepreferred.Rehabbersusuallydon’thavemuchtimetorespondtoe-mailorFacebookinquiriesduringthebusyseason.

There’snoquestionthatthiscanbehardwork-andsometimesheart-breaking,too,whenthingsdon’tgowellfortheinfirm,orwhenmuch-neededdonationsareslowtocomein-butDeelovesit.Sheneverintendedforherlittleoperationtogetasbigasithas,buttherewasaneedsoshegrewwithit.Shesaysherheartmeltswhensheseesthehelplessyounganimalsandthat’soneofthethingsthatkeepshergoing.AnotherbigthingforDeeispubliceducation.Sheisveryseriousaboutsharingwhatsheknowswithotherswhowillhopefullyshareitinturn.Everyonewhocomesinwithananimalleaveswithabitmoreknowledge,respectandunderstandingforthecreaturesweshareEarthwith.ThesearesomeofthethingsthathelpDeetosleeppeacefully-inthewinter,thatis!

Ifyoufindanorphanedanimalorhaveotherconcerns,youcancallDeeattheFosterForestnumber:613-394-6667.

GraphiccourtesyofDeeNewberry

WhattoDoIfYouFindWildlifeinDistress

ReprintedwithpermissionfromShadesofHopeWildlifeRefugeinPefferlaw,Ontario

BIRDSTHATHAVEHITAWINDOW

Everyyearduringspringandfallmigration,birdssufferinjuriesduetowindowcollisions.

If you find abird thathashit awindow,place it in asmallboxwithanon-frayingtowelatthebottomandairholespokedfromtheinside-out.DoNotplaceinanyfoodorwateras theymaydrown.Place thebox inawarm,quiet,darkareaforacoupleofhoursandthenputtheboxoutsideandtakethelidoff.Oftenthebirdwill fly away immediately. However, if it does notattempttofly,orcannotflyfar,itshouldbetransportedtoShadesofHoperightaway.Ifthebirdhitthewindowwithenoughforce,itmayhavemassiveinternalinjuriesandwillnotsurvivethetrauma.

To prevent window strikes from occurring there areseveralthingsyoucandoputdecorativedecalsonyourwindows or installwindsocks orwind chimes in yourgarden.

NESTLINGBIRDSWITHOUTFEATHERS

On windy days through spring and summer, nestlingbirds (pink, withminimal feather development) caneasily fall from their nest. These babies should beplaced back in the nest if possible. Look up into thenearest tree as these helpless birds will not havetravelledfar.Ifthenestistoohighup,asubstitutenestcanbeconstructedoutofamargarinecontainerwithholesinthebottomfordrainage.Lineitwithtwigsandgrass and place it as close to the original nest aspossible.Parentbirdswill feed fromtwonests.Don'tbe concerned if you touch the infant birds as theirparents have a very poor sense of smell. The nestshould bemonitored and if the infant is pushed outagain,thiscould indicate intentionalbroodreduction.If the babies are pushed out more than twice theyshouldbebroughttoourRehabimmediately.

Nestlingsareverydifficulttoraiseincaptivity,astheymust be fed every 15minutes during daylight hours.Theymaydevelopdeformitiesorfeatherabnormalitiesif they are not fed this regularly. It is important toremember that the babies will have a much betterchanceforsurvivaliftheyareleftwiththeirparents.

FLEDGLINGBIRDSTHATHAVEFEATHERSBUTCAN'TFLY

Before young feathered birds can actually fly, theyjump out of the nest and spend a few days on theground. These fledglings look like their adultcounterparts, but with shorter tails. This is the timewhen they learn to forage and fly. Theywill practicetheirtakeoffsfromthegroundandareoftenmistakenasadultbirdswithwinginjuriesbecauseoftheirfailedattempts.

Pleasebeassuredthatthisisaperfectlynormalstageofdevelopment.Afledglingonlyneedshelpifthereisvisiblesignof injury (adroopywing,blood,problemsstanding).Also,beawarethattheparentsarealwaysintheareaandwillswoopdownapproximatelyonceanhourwithsomefood.Thisisaveryquickexchangeandyou would likely need to watch carefully, withoutlooking away, for several hours to be convinced thatthisbirdhasbeenorphaned.

We understand that you are concerned with thedangerousenvironmentthatthefledglingis inwhenontheground(cars,dogs&catsinthearea)butthesebirds have a better chance of surviving and living anormal life in the wild if they are reared by theirparents, even with all the neighborhood dangers.Humans cannot teach these birds how to sing orrecognizeanalarmcall-onlytheirparentscandothat.Ifyouwanttohelpthesebirds,keepyourpetsindoorsor leashed and encourage others to do the same, atleastthroughthisfledglingperiod.

DUCKLINGS

IfyoufindasingleorseveralducklingsthatappeartobewithouttheirMom,placetheminanopenboxwithashallowpanofwater.Leavetheboxinasafeplaceintheareathatyoufoundthem.IfMomdoesnotreturntoherbabieswithin2hours,bringthemtotheRehab.

BIRDSOFPREY-OWLS,HAWKS

Thesebirdscanbeverydangerousastheyhavesharpbeaksandtalons.Donothandlewithoutgloves.Pleasecallusat705-437-4654forassistancebeforeattemptingtorescuethesebirds.

SQUIRRELS

Ifyoufindababysquirrelwithunopenedeyes,putitin a warm cloth or sock and place in a small box.Squirrelsthisyoungarenotnormallyoutoftheirnest


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atall.Ifyoufindsuchatinysquirrel,callorbringittotheRehabrightaway.

Ifyou findababysquirrel thathasopenedeyesbutappearstobeabandoned,leaveitaloneandwatchitforafewhours.Usually,themotherisnotfaraway.Ifthebabyistrulyabandoned,placeinacoveredboxandbringittotheRehab.

Ifyoufindaninjuredsquirrel,carefullyplaceitinalined,smallboxwithoutfoodorwaterandcallusat705-437-4654.WewilleitherdirectyoutoavetorrequestthattheanimalbebroughttotheRehab.

RABBITS

Itisimperativethatyoungrabbitsareleftaloneunlessthereisobviousabandonmentorinjury.

People often encounter nests of baby rabbits whenraking or mowing their lawn. Eastern Cottontailscommonlynestinurbanareas,inashallowdepressionintheground,linedwithfur. Ifthenesthasnotbeendamaged, or the babies are not injured, leave themalone.Peopleareoftenconcernedbecausetheyhavenot seen a parent anywhere near the nest. This isnormal.Mothersonly feed theirbabies twiceaday,usuallyatdawnanddusk.Shewillstayawayfromthenesttherestofthetimesoasnottoattractpredators(newbornsdonothavescentandarequitesafefrompredators).

Itisimportantthatyoudonottouchthebabies.Unlikebirds,mammalscansmellhumanscent.Ifyouarenotconvincedthataparent isaround,youcanplacetwopiecesofwoolinacrisscrossoverthetopofthenest.Ifthewool isundisturbedthenextmorning, thebabieswerenotfedduringthenight.Thisshouldonlybedoneif you have a strong reason (dead adult nearby) tosuspect that the babies are not being fed. A healthyinfantrabbit'schancesofsurvivalaregreatlyreducedifintroducedintocaptivity.Theyareeasilystressedandoften won't eat when taken into care. If babies areindeedaloneandunfed,carefullyplacethewholenestinasmall,coveredboxandbringtotheRehab.Donotpetthem!Youmayjustscarethemtodeath!

Baby rabbits are fully furredwithin aweek and theireyes are starting to open. They are weaned and

independentwhentheyarethreetofourweeksofage(onlythesizeofasoftball!)

DEER

Ifyoufindafawnthatappearstobewithoutaparent,leaveitalone!Itisnormalforfawnstobesittingaloneina field. Similar to rabbits, themotherwill feedherfawnperiodicallybutwillleaveitonitsowntherestofthetime.Sheisneverfaraway.Ifyouareconcerned,monitorthebabyfor24hourstobesure it istruly inneedofrescue.

Fawns feedonlyatduskanddawnwhen themotherreturns.Ifthefawnis lyingquietly, it isprobablyNOTorphaned.Ifthefawniscrying&wandering,itMIGHTneed your assistance. Play the attached distress callwhichmay attract either themother or another doewhichmayadoptthefawnifithaslostherownbabyorhasafawnclosetothesameage.

Ifyoufindaninjuredfawnoradult,covertheirheadwithajacketorblanket.Thiswillhelptolimititsstress.Then,callus!705-437-4654

RACCOONS

Raccoons are cute, cuddly and highly intelligent.However, theycanalsobeunintentionallydeadly.Alarge percentage of raccoons carry a roundworm(Baylisascaris)thatisshedthroughtheirfeces.Ifanyofthesemicroscopiceggsaretransferredandaccidentlyingested,theycancausedeathinotheranimalsandinhumans.Itisimperativethatraccoonsbecaredforinaseparated environment. Shades of Hope is notcurrentlyequippedtocarefortheseuniqueanimals.

Ifyoufindabandonedbabies,asinallotherspecies,pleasemakesuretheyreallyareabandonedoratriskbeforeyouattempttorescuethem.Callusat705-437-4654andwewilldirectyoutoaRehabthatdoeshavethespecialfacilitiesrequiredfortheircare.

COYOTE,BEAR&COUGAR

Contactyour localMNRofficebyphoning1-800-667-1940forPeterboroughandsouthernOntario.Website:www.mnr.gov.on.ca

AFossilPosesaQuestion

You'reafossilnow,bug-like,inthreelobesdesigned.UsedasStoneAgeamulets,youlongintriguedmankind.Inancientseas,youwouldhavebeenanumeroussight.Distantrelationtohorseshoecrabs,you'reanextincttrilobite,Amarvelinmyhand,oneofatwentythousand-memberclade.Whatanattractiveemblemofprehistoriclifeyouhavemade!Themineralsurfaceonyourfaceconcealscompoundeyeswithin.Tworoundbulgespiquemywonder,andyour'eyes'drawmein.Youreyeslikelyhadhundredsoftransparent,crystallinelenses.Yourvisionwasoneofanimals'firsthighlydevelopedsenses.Closelyspacedeyesimparteddepthoffieldtoaidinpredatordetection;Insightedtrilobites,theymayhavehelpedwithfoodandmateselection.Armouredbytheirhardchitinousexoskeletonorcarapace,Sometrilobitesborelong,projectingspines.Whatthreatsdidyouface?Yourundersideshadmanysoftappendagesforfeedingandlocomotion.Asfilterfeeders,scavengersorpredatorsyoufilledeveryseaandoceanFromtheLowerCambriantoPermianperiods,for300millionyears.NowEarth'smostdominantcreature,howlong'tilmandisappears?

MurrayArthurPalmer,2016.

FromtheArchives:SelectedExtracts1950-60

SubmittedbyMartinParker

ThefollowingareselectedextractsfromPFNHistory1950–1960,writtenbyJohnE.Fitzgerald

‘InDecemberof’50theywerelookingforEveningGrosbeaksasnonehadbeenspotted.Theydidn’tseemhardtofindthesepastfewyears,atleast.OnoneofthefieldtripsthatOctober,MissEastwoodfoundWildLettuceoftheextraordinaryheightofeightfeet.Anyoneseenthisplantsince?

‘RogerToryPetersonwastheguestspeakerattheannualdinnerheldonJanuary1951.Mr.LewisBirdwaselectedPresident.

‘In1954inconjunctionwiththePeterboroughRecreationCommission,abirdhousebuildingcontestforboysunder10,10to12and13to15yearsoldwasheld.Over100entered.

‘Upuntil1956,theclubbulletinwasknownasthePNCNews.Thatyearwasthefirstforittotakethenamethathasstayedwithus,thatof‘TheOrchid’.AccordingtotheissueofFeb.1956itwasnamedinhonouroftheformerPresidentandmostactivememberintheformationoftheclub,thelateF.J.A.Morris(1869–1949).ThesameyearDougSadlerwaselectedPresident.

‘AnunusualfindwasmadeinJan.of’56.AfemalePurpleMartinwaspickeduponGeorgeStreet.DougSadlerforwardedthecarcasstoJ.L.Baillie,thewell-knownornithologist,whoexaminedthebird.Abrokenbillhadbeensustainedwhichseriouslyhandicappedthebird’sinsectdiet.Thesebirds,accordingtoBaillie,winterintheAmazonValleyinBrazil.’


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RoyT.BowlestookthispictureoftwoTrumpeterSwansonthewestsideofKatchewanookaLakeonMarch7.AprogramtoreintroduceTrumpeterSwanstoOntariobeganintheearly1980sandhasbeenverysuccessful.RoyreportedthetagnumberstotheUSGSwhoreportedbacktohimthattheswanswerehatchedin2014orearlierandwerebandedonJan8,2017nearWashago,Ontario.

PFNBoardofDirectors OtherVolunteers

PresidentandOntarioNatureRep

TedVale [email protected] 741-3641 MembershipSecretary

JimYoung760-9397

Vice-President KimZippel [email protected] 740-0587 OrchidEditor [email protected]

Secretary MartinParker [email protected]

745-4750 OrchidMailing MaryThomas

Treasurer DaveHeuft [email protected] 743-6164 Jr.Naturalists [email protected]

MeetingCo-ordinator

PhilShaw [email protected] 874-1688 EcologyParkFeeders

JBJaboorDonFinigan

MeetingCo-ordinator

MarieDuchesneau

[email protected]

874-5739 OrchidDiary,CitizenScienceProjects

MartinParker

OutingsCoordinator

PaulElliott [email protected] 740-0501 MillerCreekStewardship

JimCashmore,JimYoung,BrianWales

HarperParkCommitteeChair

ReneGareau [email protected] 741-4560 AdvocacyCommittee

JimCashmore,JimYoung,MarilynHubley,MartinParker,TedVale

Co-webmaster DylanRadcliffe

[email protected] 991-0422 Webmaster [email protected]

PastPresident LynnSmith [email protected] 944-5599 PeterboroughCBC

MartinParker

SpecialProjects MarilynHubley

[email protected]

760-9378 PetroglyphsCBC ColinJones

PeterboroughButterflyCount

JerryBall

PeterboroughFieldNaturalists,P.O.Box1532,Peterborough,Ontario,K9J7H7


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Orchidsubmissionsareencouraged!

ThesubmissiondeadlinefortheMayissueisMonday,April24.

SendsubmissionstoKathrynSheridanviaemail:[email protected]

orpostmailto:PFN,POBox1532,PeterboroughONK9J7H7


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TheOrchidDiaryAsummaryofnoteworthyobservationsbyPFNmembersandothersinthePeterboroughregion.

InformationiscompiledfromeBird,DrewMonkman’sSightingswebpage,theptbosightingsYahoogroup,andindividualsubmissions.SpecialthanksforMatthewTobeyforhisassistance.PleasesubmityourinterestingobservationstoMartinParkeratmparker19@cogeco.caorphone705-745-4750.

Weather Theweatherduringthemonthwasmorewinterythanthepreviousmonth.Thetemperatureswerecoldwithsnowinthemiddleperiodofthemonth.

Feb.25 DonMcLeodsawCanadaGeeseinpairsonlowerChemongLake3-4weeksearlierthannormal.Feb.26 BillSnowdenreportedthatRed-wingedBlackbirdsarrivedinhisyardatthesouthernendofBuckhorn

Lake.Therewasasmallflockofallmalebirds.HenotedtheyusuallyarriveaboutMarch6thor7th.DonaldSutherlandhadanearlyTurkeyVultureoverthedowntown.SnowdenalsoobservedasmallflockofmaleCommonMergansersonthelakeandnotedthereweremanyCanadaGeese.

Feb.27 AtthemeltwaterpondofMather’sCorner,JerryBallhad400CanadaGeese,4NorthernPintail,and9Tundra Swans.He also had 12 Red-winged Blackbirds on the 2nd Line of South Monaghan and aCommonGrackleonNicholsonRoad.

Feb.28 Jerry Ball estimated there were 2,350 Canada Geese on the river between Trent University andLakefield.

Mar.1 BillSnowdenspottedaflockofabout100SnowBuntingsrestingontheiceofChemongLake.Theyliftedandflewoverthecauseway.JerryBallhad23HoodedMergansersonLittleLake.

Mar.2 BillSnowdenspottedanAmericanKestrelatthejunctionofRobinsonandEnnisRoadsintheEnnismorearea.

Mar.3 Mike&SonjeBarkewokeduringthenightbyacallingGreatHornedOwlintheAlgonquinBlvdareaofthecity.

Mar.4 BenTaylor,ChrisRisley,EricaNolandSheilaColletthadahybridSnowxRoss’sGooseontheeastsideoftheriveroppositetheHolidayInn.DanielWilliamshadanIcelandGullonLittleLake.

Mar.5 BernieObertphotographedaGreatGrayOwlalongtheTransCanadaTrailnearKeene.JerryBallnotedBuffleheadshadreturnedtotheriverbetweenTrentU.&LakefieldandtheBaldEaglewasoccupyingthenestNWofLakefield.IainRaynerfound2CacklingGeesebetweenLocks23and24andDanielWilliamshad1atBeavermeadPark.MargeDecherhadaflockof16TundraSwansoffFothergillIsle.Causeway,PigeonL.

Mar.6 JerryBallreportedRing-neckedDuckshavearrivedonLittleLake.Ball also had 3Eastern Bluebirds onHannah Road,Merlin onNicholson Road and 1Porcupine onMervinLine.LindaSutherlandhadadarkmorphSnowGoosewithflockofCanadaGeeseatBeavermeadPark.DarrylTobeywatchedaPeregrineFalconfeedingonafemaleWoodDuckintheparkinglotofGenpakonAylmerStreet.MatthewTobeyobservedaTurkeyVulturesoaringoverthedowntown.DerryFairweatherfoundthecarcassofaLong-earedOwlatBuckhornLake.

Mar.7 ChrisRisley&EricaNolhadaNorthernSaw-whetOwlintheirbackyardinthecity.Mar.8 JerryBallhadaNorthernFlickerattheHiawathaFirstNation.Mar.9 BillSnowdenhadaHornedLarkonTracyHillRoad,Ennismore.

MatthewGarvinhad1Iceland,1Glaucous&1GreatBlack-backedGullonLittleLake.Mar.10 MerlinreturnedtoLittleLakeCemeteryaccordingtoCalWelbourn.Mar.11 IainRaynerspotted3TundraSwans&2TrumpeterSwansoffFrankHillRd,FifeBay.

KathyMcCuefoundandphotographedaredphaseEasternScreechOwlonthe9thLineofSelwyn.Mar.13 BillSnowdenreportedthataCommonGracklehasarrivedathisfeeders.


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Mar.15 MikeV.A.BurrellhadanearlyHermitThrush(oroverwinteringindividual?)onthe8thLineofDouro.MichaelOldhamhadanAmericanWoodcockwalkingacrossKingsdaleDrive.

Mar.16 DonMcLeodheardandsawaBeltedKingfisheralongHarperCreek.Mar.17 JerryBallhadaSwampSparrownearthemouthoftheOtonabeeRiver(offHiawathaRoad)and30

BohemianWaxwingsfeedingintwoberrytreesnearLock24.Mar.17 DonMcLeodobservedanAmericanMinkcrossingLancasterBayonChemongLake.AflockofCanada

GeesesawtheMinkandinunisonallstartingmarchingtowardit.Whiletheyclosedthegap,theMinkwasabletoescapeintoopenwaterneartheculvert.

Mar.18 MatthewTobeyfoundaCacklingGooseintheJamesonDriveareaofthecity.MartynObbardhad2AmericanWigeonand8RedheadsintheCurveLakeFirstNationsarea.ARed-breastedMerganserwaspresentonLittleLakeoffBeavermeadPark,initiallyreportedbyDanielWilliamsandreportedbyothers.DonaldSutherlandhadaGoldenEagleoverPigeonLakeattheFothergillCauseway.AGreatGrayOwlwasfoundonthe8thLineofDourobyMikeV.A.BurrellandEricaBarkelyandothers.AnimmatureCooper’sHawkvisitedthefeedersofBillSnowdenatthesouthernendofBuckhornLake,andmayhaveattackedaMourningDove–thereweremanyfeathersaround.JenniferBudgellspottedaGreatGrayOwlonTelevisionRoad@ManieceAvenue.

Mar.19 MatthewGavinhadaNorthernGoshawkintheNicholsOvalParkarea.IainRaynerhadaRed-shoulderedHawkmigratingoverthecity.JerryBall&participantsofPFNoutingtoPresqu’ileobserved40speciesofbirds.

Mar.20 MatthewTobey,LukeBerg&BraedenGibbhad13TundraSwansalongMacGregorBayRoadintheKeenearea.AmaleCanvasbackwaspresentwithaflockofRing-neckedDucksonLittleLakewestoftheMarkStreetWharfinthemorningbyMatthewTobeyandmanyotherobservers.TobyRowandhadCacklingGooseoffRogersCoveonLittleLake.AWinterWrenwasreportedbyMikeV.A.Burrellfromthe8thLineofDouro.IainRaynerhad4Greater Scaup off Fothergill Isle Causeway, Pigeon Lake and LukeBurghad3offHumphriesLinenearHastings.IainRaynerhadanEasternMeadowlarkonStockdaleRoad.DonMcLeod observedTrumpeter Swans in lower Chemong Lake off FrankHill Rdwith two at theculvert. 25 Swans observed in the lake directly north of Fowlers Corners. Most appeared to beTrumpeterSwans,butmanyweredabblinganddifficulttoID.

Mar.21 IainRaynerhad2CacklingGeeseontheriverbetweenTrentU.andLakefield.LukeBerg&MatthewToveyhad23TundraSwansintheHastingarea.WarrenDunlop&JanetKellyhad2PineSiskinsatfeederonNorthey’sBayRoad.

Mar.22 JerryBallobservedaMinkwalkingamongarestingflockofCanadaGeese.Thegeeseignoredthemink.Mar.23 KathyParkerhadanEasternChipmunk,2White-throatedSparrowsand1SongSparrowatthefeeder

intheyardinthecity.Mar.23 MatthewTobeyandBraedonGibbfound3SnowGeese(twowhitephaseandonebluephase)and2

Ross’sGeesewiththeCanadaGeeseontheriverofftheRowingClubatTrentUniversity.Wereseenbymanyotherobservers.

Mar.25 IainRaynerhadaRing-neckedPheasantalongTaraRoadintheEnnismorearea.LynnSmithreportedthatbothAmericanWoodcockandKilldeerwerecallingoutsideherhomeintheCavanarea.TinaFridgenhad2SandhillCranesalongDivisionRdinDouro-DummerTownship.

Mar.26 Aflockofabout30SnowGeeseflewoveratintersectionofEel’sCreekandNorthey’sBayRoadbyTimHaan.

Mar.27 BillSnowdenreportedapairofAmericanKestrelshavereturnedtothenestbox.

CorrectionfromJan/FebOrchidDiary:MartynObbarddidnotseeaCommonRedpoll.

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Bulletin of the Peterborough Field Naturalists · the woods and today that cow pasture is a remarkable wildlife habitat and buffer from the fumes and noise of nearby roads. Since