From Feeders to Forests: February Updates from the Natural World
Nature columnist John Dickson shares seasonal highlights, sightings, and community updates from the OSFn, including local birding outings, youth events, and a tribute to botanist Walter Muma.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
Each month, John Dickson gathers stories and updates from across Grey and Bruce Counties that reflect the rich natural heritage of our region, on behalf of the Owen Sound Field Naturalists.
From birding excursions and ski trail sightings to youth activities and local tributes, these notes offer a snapshot of what’s happening in the natural world around us.
Young Naturalists Enjoy Winter Outing
Report submitted by Marsha Courtney
The Young Naturalists had a fun outing snowshoeing on the Eriksen family property. Amanda made bannock and hot chocolate, and we enjoyed a cozy fire.
Cookies, marshmallows, and animal tracking handouts were also on hand. We observed rabbit tracks and tracks from the family’s dogs. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did!
Photos from the event were generously shared by Marsha Courtney.
Winter Birding Report – Owen Sound Group of the Bruce Birding Club
Submitted by Norah Toth
The Owen Sound Group of the Bruce Birding Club conducted a half-day tour of bird feeders and Harrison Park on Wednesday, February 4. Although the day began cold, the eight participants enjoyed a productive and rewarding morning.
A Bald Eagle perched in a tree near the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre was the first sighting. This adult bird appeared like a sentinel guarding the mouth of the Sydenham River.
The first feeder stop, near Bognor Marsh, provided a spectacular view: over 60 Evening Grosbeaks dotted the frost-covered treetops like bright yellow ornaments. This feeder was bustling with activity. Species observed included Hairy, Downy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers; American Goldfinches; White-breasted Nuthatches; Black-capped Chickadees; and a lone Dark-eyed Junco.
A second feeder stop closer to town added sightings of a Cooper’s Hawk and Mourning Doves, followed shortly afterward by a Red-tailed Hawk. This location may be serving as a feeding area for birds of prey.
At Harrison Park, the group found open water attracting several hundred Mallards. These were joined by Canada Geese, Black Ducks, and three hybrid ducks. One of the hybrids—likely a Goldeneye x Hooded Merganser—was especially distinctive, with a fully dark head resembling a “hoodie” and the eye-catching coloration of a Goldeneye, minus the characteristic white cheek patch. This individual has been observed overwintering in Owen Sound for at least two years.
The other two hybrids were photographed for further identification. The final stop of the morning was in-town, where a Carolina Wren was observed. Typically more secretive and found further south, the wren appeared content with the feeder offerings this winter.
The group recorded 22 species and 3 hybrids by the end of the morning. Gratitude is extended to the property owners who permitted visits to their feeders.
Personal Sightings on the Ski Trails
I’ve had a few rewarding sightings myself recently while skiing in the Owen Sound area. A Great Horned Owl was observed in a wooded area that could potentially be a nesting site.
The next day, while skiing at Hibou Conservation Area, I encountered both a Pileated Woodpecker and a Hairy Woodpecker—always a treat to see.
Great Backyard Bird Count – This Weekend
This coming weekend marks the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. More information is available at: https://www.birdcount.org
Lorie Smith Retires from Grey Ag Services
Another highlight in the local agriculture community this month is the retirement of Lorie Smith from Grey Ag Services in Markdale. A former recipient of the Tommy Cooper Award, Lorie was known for her helpfulness and deep knowledge, especially when identifying speakers or field trip leaders suited to nature and agriculture programming with the Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN).
A former colleague offered this tribute:
“Lorie has been a great person to work with during the past 20 years. She has done an excellent job at Grey Ag. I am so happy to witness the progress that Lorie and the team have achieved and truly proud of the job that Lorie has done mentoring the current staff who will lead the team and continue the great reputation the Ag Centre has always been recognized for—serving the agricultural community not only in Grey County but far beyond our boundaries.”
— Ray Robertson
Congratulations and best wishes to Lorie in her retirement.
Remembering Walter Muma
The naturalist community was saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Walter Muma, a renowned botanist, on January 8 at the age of 69. He died following a brief illness.
Walter contributed extensively to the OSFN Publications Committee’s three major works: Orchids Bruce & Grey, Ferns Bruce & Grey, and Asters, Goldenrods, Fleabanes Bruce & Grey. He played a crucial role in helping locate rare plant species for field research and photography.
Willy Waterton and Audrey Armstrong offered the following reflections:
“So shocking to hear of Walter’s passing. Very sad. He didn’t suffer fools lightly, but once he knew you were trustworthy with not sharing locations of rare plants, he went overboard to help us.”
— Willy Waterton
“Without Walter, the three publications of the OSFN Publications Committee would not be complete. He helped us so much in the field, finding rare species for Willy to photograph.”
— Audrey Armstrong
Brian Maher of OSFN added:
“So sorry to hear Walter is gone. He was one of the most knowledgeable botanists I’ve ever met. RIP.”
I, too, will miss Walter. I leave you with this note he wrote after a summertime birthday spent doing what he loved:
“Well I had a very nice day out and about on my birthday. I spent the day hiking and botanizing at an undisclosed location. Came upon an orchid I haven’t seen for many years—Dwarf Rattlesnake Plantain.
Of course, it is easily overlooked due to its diminutive size. Also, the Cardinal Flowers were out in their fullest glory.”
— Walter Muma
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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