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Recent posts
- An exotic pigeon inspired this handspun, knitted shawl
- A bobolink sings in the city
- Spring planting
- Time to plant potatoes
- Shedding light on celiac disease; seeking a cure
- Green space makes happy place
- Spring starts with baby goats
- City trees hit hard by ice storm
- A photogenic winter
- A farm away from home
Tag Archives: conservation
A bobolink sings in the city
Early yesterday evening while planting onion sets in the backyard, I heard a bobolink. It is such a joyful sound, more poignant in knowing the species is declining. These splendid New World blackbirds nest in fields where their reproduction is … Continue reading
Bald eagle nest a conservation success at Cootes Paradise
A bald eagle family is drawing enthusiastic visitors to Cootes Paradise in Hamilton, Ont. This is the first time since the 1950s a pair of eagles has successfully nested on the Canadian shore of Lake Ontario. Danny and I went … Continue reading
Grace of a white pine monoculture
Eastern white pine plantations are ubiquitous in Southern Ontario. We have one behind our house. The photo shows another one near Guelph. I can hardly think of any conservation lands where a person can walk far without encountering long straight … Continue reading
Posted in nature
Tagged conservation, ecosystem, Guelph, oak savvanah, pinery provincial park, pinus strobus, plantations, white pine monoculture
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Citizen scientists can join FeederWatch
The bustle of a birdfeeder offers endless entertainment while also providing food security for feathered neighbours through the winter months. Canadian and American bird lovers can do even more to help by joining Project FeederWatch. Data collected by citizen scientists … Continue reading
Petition to protect Jefferson salamander habitat in Kitchener
The Jefferson salamander, an endangered species in Canada and Ontario, has wriggled its way into another controversy over urban development. The dispute centres on a proposed road extension in Southern Kitchener on the edge of known salamander habitat. Urge Ontario … Continue reading
Cities provide essential habitat
Last summer I spent most Thursday evenings sitting in the construction wasteland outside city hall watching a chimney across the street. The weather was always fair and people would look at me strangely but seldom asked what I was doing. … Continue reading
Posted in conservation
Tagged birds, chimney swift, conservation, peregrine falcon, swiftwatch, urban wildlife
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State of Canada’s Birds Reports Dramatic Human Influence
We can make a difference. The State of Canada’s Birds 2012, released last month, proves conservation pays off. Unfortunately, more bird populations are declining than improving. This first-of-its-kind national report demonstrates two ways everyone can help: by volunteering for … Continue reading
Breeding Bird Survey is a Rich Ritual
I can think of no better way to welcome summer than by counting birds. Their bright songs and feathers speak eloquently of light and vitality. Every year the North American Breeding Bird Survey delivers small splendours for my eyes and … Continue reading
Posted in citizen scientists
Tagged birding, breeding bird survey, conservation, ritual, seasons
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The Baillie Birdathon: My Biggest Day of Birding Ever
The Baillie Birdathon yesterday was an excellent adventure. The birds, as always, presented some surprises. Some of my favourite sightings were black terns and a green heron. At Monticello Wetland a provincially rare Le Conte’s sparrow perched upon the observation … Continue reading
Posted in nature
Tagged baillie birdathon, birding, black tern, conservation, green heron, le conte's sparrow, little tract, luther marsh, wellington county, woodpeckers
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How Amateur Birding Aids Conservation
I plan to spend most of today traversing the woods and byways of Wellington County as a dry run for the 2012 Baillie Birdathon. Please consider sponsoring me toward my goal of raising $1,000 for bird conservation. As I will … Continue reading
