Summer Highlights from the Owen Sound Field Naturalists: AGM, Birding, Butterflies, and More
Catch up on the latest from the Owen Sound Field Naturalists, including the June AGM, summer birding and butterfly counts, Young Naturalists outings, and a special visit to a new NCC property.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
Here are the latest updates from the Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN).
On June 12, following a social time with light refreshments, the OSFN held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. President Dr. Brendan Mulroy conducted the meeting, which included completion of his term and a move to Past President, making room for the incoming new Co-Presidents, Bella Waterton and Paul Scriver.
Congratulations to Lois Johnson and Ernie Vanleeuwen, who received the OSFN Community Conservation Award in recognition of their caring and successful efforts to provide housing for Purple Martins.
The club's Honourary Life Membership was then awarded to Jim and Judy Duncan. After the AGM was adjourned, the audience was treated to a special presentation by marine biologist and artist Sarah McComb-Turbitt about the whales of Canada, with a focus on the Atlantic coast.
OSFN has a few outdoor events during July and August, but generally increases activities in early September.
To learn more about OSFN, please visit www.osfn.ca or our Facebook page.
Bruce Birding Club June Outing
Here are excerpts from James Turland's Bruce Birding Club (BBC) report to the club:
"On June 18, we met in Tobermory for a day of birding and were led by Doug Pedwell. We began with a lakeside property recently donated to the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC). The lake was calm, and there was lots of bird activity. A variety of species, including cormorants and mergansers, were diving for food, while Common Terns patrolled overhead, calling sharply as they plunge-dived for minnows.
At the Shining Rainbow Deer Nature Preserve of the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), a boardwalk over wetlands led to an observation deck and to trails with winter wrens, orchids, and samples of pincushion moss. At a nearby roadside fen, a Sedge Wren emerged just a few metres away, singing loudly from a bush. It gave excellent views for everyone, especially in a scope.
Later we visited Singing Sands, exploring the boardwalk and nearby trails. Because of the cool weather, early spring flowers were still in bloom—Yellow Lady’s Slippers, in particular, lined many roads and trails. Mindy Buckton, a plant expert and co-leader for the day, pointed out several botanical highlights.
We continued on to Dyers Bay Road and the 'sparrow fields.' In a wetland area, a Sora called out and was seen by a lucky few close to the road. Many Cedar Waxwings perched close by, preening after a recent bath. New bird sightings continued right up to our final stop.
It was a wonderful day filled with camaraderie and great birding. Be aware—there are reports of returning shorebirds already. Many thanks to Doug and Mindy for leading. Also, a thank-you to all who've led hikes this season. Sharing the leadership keeps the diversity in the outings."
Young Naturalists Explore Boyd’s Crevice Caves
Young Naturalist club members wrapped up their season with a special hike on June 29 with guest leader Caley Doran, who introduced them to the amazing Boyd's Crevice Caves section of the Bruce Trail.
Many thanks to OSFN's Amanda Eriksen for coordinating the activities of this club, which will be starting up again in September. Visit the website to learn more.
Butterfly Count at MacGregor Point
On a rather hot Saturday, July 5, the annual Butterfly Count was held at MacGregor Point Provincial Park and conducted by seven teams of observers, with 'Cabbage Whites' being the most numerous sighting.
Chris Sheedy, Senior Park Naturalist, wrote:
“Thanks to all who attended the 2025 NABA annual count with us this year. It was the year of the Cabbage White, with a sweeping total of 2,350 observations!
It sure was a hot one, and we do appreciate the commitment to stick it out for the whole day of surveying.”
Seasonal Wildlife Sightings in Owen Sound
I have also had the pleasure—and surprise—to notice large Yellow Tiger Swallowtail butterflies fluttering around treetops and visiting the blossoms there, right in Owen Sound. Other observers in the area have seen the larger silk moths, including Polyphemus and Luna.
Our scarlet runner bean flowers may be attracting hummingbirds when we aren't looking, but we have noticed that they are also quite popular with many bumblebees visiting them.
As James Turland mentioned above—be aware there are reports of returning shorebirds already. In fact, a Ruddy Turnstone, which nests in the high Arctic tundra, was spotted recently by William Gray at Hibou, already on its way further south.
I have also seen several large flocks of blackbirds already—likely both grackles and red-winged blackbirds.
OSFN Tours New NCC-Protected Property
It was a very special day for about 30 OSFN members who took part in tours of a recently acquired property now protected by NCC on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula. It includes many species of flora and fauna, which require specialized habitat features, including the limestone pavement alvars found there.
OSFN recently donated funds—earmarked for conservation—to NCC in memory of OSFN's founding President, Lorraine Brown, to support the protection of this special property.
On July 3, two separate tours with about 15 members each were co-led by NCC staff members Esme and Alex. Afterwards, I received this note from Kate McLaren (a former OSFN President):
“Hi John, it was great to see the new NCC acquisition and to hike the path with such knowledgeable and friendly people. Much appreciated!”
And this one from Ruth Nielsen:
“The hike was wonderful. What extraordinary rock formations!”
2026 Nature Calendars by Arni Stinnissen
If you would like to shop early for those on your list, photographer and naturalist Arni Stinnissen has two different 2026 calendars available. These include his Birds of Ontario, and the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula calendar, with wild landscapes, peaceful shoreline scenes, animals, and birds—celebrating the beauty of our region all year long.
Both calendars are available at Bains General Store in Ferndale, and The Reader's Haven in Tobermory carries the Bruce Peninsula one. Arni is also at the marketplace in Tobermory on Wednesdays and will be at the Art Show at the District School in Lion's Head on the August long weekend, and the Artists Tour the weekend of August 23–24.
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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