Chimney Swifts, Spring Planting & More: May Updates from the Owen Sound Field Naturalists
Chimney Swifts return to the Old Courthouse, spring planting begins at Brightshores, and local naturalists share sightings and events happening across Grey-Bruce this May.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
Here’s what’s happening in the natural world this month — the latest updates and events from the Owen Sound Field Naturalists.
NeighbourWoods North Spring Planting Days
NeighbourWoods North invites you to help with some spring planting projects at Brightshores Hospital in Owen Sound. Volunteers just need to dress for the weather, bring drinking water, and enjoy planting small trees.
If you have a favourite shovel, feel free to bring it — otherwise, tools will be provided for this satisfying work.
After each work bee, refreshments and snacks will be available.
Upcoming Schedule: Saturdays, May 24, May 31, and June 7, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Southwest corner of the hospital grounds near the helipad.
Visit neighbourwoodsnorth.ca or follow NeighbourWoods North on Facebook for updates.
Chimney Swifts Return to Old Courthouse
Good news to share: Chimney Swifts have returned to the Old Courthouse in Owen Sound!
Peter Middleton and I are pleased to confirm that recent repairs to the chimney at the Old Grey County Courthouse have met with the approval of the returning Chimney Swifts, as they look for a spot to roost overnight while migrating north. I observed about 50 Swifts swirling, serenading, and then descending into the chimney at 9:00 p.m. on May 9.
Peter visited the site on May 10 and reported:
"The skies were empty of any swifts until 8:51 p.m. when a small flock appeared.
Very quickly it increased in number. At 9:04 p.m., the flock — almost in one steady flow — descended directly into the chimney. They were all inside within two minutes.
Unlike the previous few years, there was basically no hesitation in approaching and stalling to descend. 120 birds were observed descending into the chimney to roost. The restoration of the chimney is a success!"
People are welcome to observe the birds on their own. For the best view, watch from the vacant lot on 4th Ave East between 12th and 14th Streets East, just north of the old Registry Office.
For me, it was a treat to witness the arrival of the Chimney Swifts with their cheerful chatter as they cruised through the neighbourhood until bedtime, when they entered the chimney for the night.
Chimney Swift Night – Community Science in Action
Birds Canada and the Owen Sound Field Naturalists are co-hosting a Chimney Swift roost monitoring event on Monday, June 2, at 8:00 p.m. at the Old Grey County Courthouse (1235 3rd Ave E, Owen Sound).
Come out for a chance to witness one of springtime’s most captivating aerial displays and contribute to important community science.
Gabriel will start the evening with a short talk about Chimney Swifts, their incredible migration journey, and the urgent need to monitor their declining populations through Birds Canada’s SwiftWatch program.
As dusk falls, we’ll hopefully see dozens of swifts swirling through the sky before they funnel into the chimney to roost — a spectacular sight.
Everyone is welcome. Bring your own coffee, tea, or snacks. Let’s help conserve Chimney Swifts, one roost at a time!
You’ll find the event details here.
Birds of Prey Talk – Markdale
David Turner will present a talk on Birds of Prey in the Beaver Valley at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, at Annesley Church in Markdale. Admission is by donation.
Young Naturalists Explore the Carnahan Nature Reserve
Eleven Owen Sound Young Naturalists attended the April meeting at the Carnahan Nature Reserve, led by guest naturalist Jeannine Kralt. We learned all about her Junior Hiking Program with the Sydenham Bruce Trail Club and the badges kids can earn.
We had a true naturalist’s hike along the Frank Holley Side Trail, identifying and documenting over 20 plant species — and spotting a few salamanders too!
We also learned about local geology and saw many fossils. Everyone earned their “boots on the ground” and “Junior Naturalist” badges.
It was a beautiful day for a hike, and it’s always great to see what the kids notice.
— Amanda Eriksen
Huron Fringe Birding Festival – Still Time to Register
There are still openings in a variety of guided activities and presentations at the Huron Fringe Birding Festival, held this year on May 23–26 and May 29–June 1.
Visit huronfringebirdingfestival.ca to see what’s available and register for an event that fits your schedule.
To Close: Words from Pablo Neruda
Selections from Heights of Macchu Picchu VI and The Future is Space, translated by Michael Eisner:
“There is a place for everyone in forests... but what joy to find in the end, rising, an empty planet, great stars…”
Thank you to sponsors of The Owen Sound Current Writers’ Fund, who make these community contributions possible. Contributions from the community do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of The Owen Sound Current and its editor or publisher.
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