Owen Sound Field Naturalists Share Updates, Events & Recent Bird Sightings

Upcoming events include Birding in the Beaver Valley, Earth Day with Robert Bowles, and an American Kestrel talk on April 11

Sandhill cranes checking out their new digs north of Kimberley on April 7, 2024. Photo credit: Ingrid Remkins 

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION

In my local rambles this month, I have been rewarded with a view of an American Goldfinch in its bright yellow plumage, and a Northern Shrike.

I also saw my first-of-the-year beautiful and elegant Mourning Cloak Butterfly while I was cycling on the rail line on Owen Sound's east side. Just last week, I watched a solitary Sandhill Crane wading slowly as it hunted in a wetland there which was resounding with a chorus of wood frogs in the same place.

Here are other sightings from Owen Sound Field Naturalists around the region.

Bald Eagle, Thornbury

Photo by David Turner April 6

Tundra Swans at Side Road 3, Chatsworth

Photo by Fely Clarke.

Eastern Meadowlark along the "Ben Allen" trail

Photo by William Gray

Eastern Bluebird at Garryowen

Photo by Nigel Eves

Snow Geese on the move

Photo by Pat Gillies in Southampton

An update from the Young Naturalists

From Amanda Eriksen, Coordinator for the Owen Sound:

The Young Naturalists met in March at Bob and Mary Beth Gray’s maple syrup farm. Bob was a wealth of knowledge. We learned how to tell trees apart when there are no leaves, and about the invasive species affecting butternut, beech and ash trees.

Bob explained how the changing weather patterns are altering the species composition in his forest, through the differing moisture levels there.

We got to see his very impressive maple syrup production – and sample fresh syrup, along with some very fun and yummy maple taffy. 

The plan for April is for a visit to the Chatsworth Fish Hatchery.    To learn about joining the Young Naturalists please visit the website or email Amanda at eriksen.amanda@gmail.com.

Upcoming OSFN Events

The Friends of the South Grey Museum is offering a presentation by David Turner about Birding in the Beaver Valley, at 7 pm on April 18, in the Annesley United Church in Markdale.

Admission is by donation, and streaming is also available.     

David Turner's knowledge and joy of birding, exquisite photography, plus his engaging personality promise an entertaining and informative experience. For more details, please join the Beaver Valley Birding Facebook group. 

Don’t miss:

Earth Day Speaker: Robert Bowles

OSFN is also presenting its 9th annual Celebrate Earth Day Keynote Speaker event with award-winning Naturalist, Artist, and Writer Robert Bowles.

Entitled 'A Lifetime of Nature Drawing and Nature Journalling for Learning and Teaching about the World Around Us,' it will take place at 2 pm on Sunday, April 21, aboard the Chi-Cheemaun. Bowles will also have a selection of his nature artwork on display. 

There will be delicious complimentary refreshments, but seating is limited, so it is recommended that you purchase your tickets, $10 each, in advance at:

• the OSNGU Public Library

• Sheila Gunby's Paper Cut Designs at the Owen Sound Farmers' Market

• Suntrail Source for Adventure.

Originally from the Markdale area (Bowles Hill is named for Bob Bowles' family property nearby), his curiosity and drive to learn contributed to his own personal growth and knowledge, which he has shared through hikes, workshops, TV shows, and his Ontario Master Naturalist Certificate Programme through Lakehead University, both in Thunder Bay and in Orillia, his home for more than three decades.

He was recently inducted into the Orillia Hall of Fame, and the Robert L Bowles Nature Centre was named after Bob as a way to honour his lifetime commitment and dedication to preserving and conserving nature.

In 2014,, Bob founded the Ontario Master Naturalist Certificate Program at Lakehead University in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. He continues to coordinate this first-of-its-kind program, educating citizen scientists about 'all things nature' and encouraging everyone to protect and respect their environment. Bob continues to be the lead teacher at the Nature Centre, offering educational programs and facilitating a deeper connection with nature.