Tiny Marsh Waterfowl Viewing

The Tiny Marsh Waterfowl Viewing Day is being held this year on Sunday, April 27, 2014. It starts at10:00 a.m. with a free guided trip for adults and children in the morning into the marsh. Lunch will be available for purchase at noon. There will be a free presentation of the Tiny Marsh Biological Inventory which is now in its second year and species at risk and invasive species documented in the first year of the survey will be presented as well as the progress and planned projects for this coming year which will includes an intensive snapping turtle nest monitoring project.

The inventory presentation will be given by Bob Bowles and his survey team which includes members of several local naturalists clubs. It will include a video by Clare Holden and account details of the first year of survey by team members. You may decide to join the team this year since they are always looking for new naturalists to take part in this, the last year of the survey. The presentation will give you a good idea of what is involved as well as what species have been documented to date. Each of the champions (birds, plants, dragonflies, herps, mushrooms, butterflies, insects, fishes, etc) will give an account of their species group.

SPRING PEEPERS

By Peter Mills BFNC

Spring Peepers--tiny, tan-coloured forest-dwelling frogs--will soon be waking from their winter slumber. Their shrill choruses are  familiar spring tonic for many of us. Spring of 2013 heard its first Peeper on April 9th at Mayer's Marsh, though it seems likely  they will be later in this cool spring. Keep your ears peeled, and report back to us when you finally hear one break winter's silence!

Peter Mills is a biology graduate from Trent University and has worked as an interpretive naturalist in Algonquin Provincial Park for seven seasons.  He grew up in Barrie and began his study and appreciation for nature in the area.

Club President's Message

MARCH 20, 2014

What a winter!!!!

Sometimes it's hard to believe that with Arctic Vortexes et al, that we are not into a period of Global Cooling, rather than warming, but note that other parts of the world, Europe for example, had an exceptionally warm winter. This year it was our turn for a winter to remember.

In spite of the cold many attended our outings which included the recently extremely successful Horned Larks and Pancakes lunch at Tiffin. Thanks to all who helped make this so successful. Again we were happy to welcome the many participants from the Midland- Penetanguishene Field Naturalists' Association. Those that participated in the birding had the opportunity for a great look at an extremely cooperative Snowy Owl.

Also earlier in the winter we had some successful survival courses in the Copeland Forest, and an outing searching for raptors and owls in the Minesing Area (We found both)

Now, finally, we can look forward to Spring. With Spring comes new challenges. We are looking for new representation on our executive committee, and also volunteers to help with our special projects including the Swift Watch and Blue Bird Trails. If you are asked, please seriously consider volunteering. your services. Better still don't wait to be asked ;- come forward and let us know what would be of interest to you!!!

Looking ahead we have some great outings, and meetings, planned for the spring and please mark our website in your "favourites" so you can keep abreast of what's going on.

Our April Meeting of course includes our revenue generating Silent Auction. Now is the time to seriously consider donating "quality" items that you no longer need and others would truly appreciate for this event.

If you haven't yet paid your dues, please do so. Your club needs this revenue to support our many activities including the Helen Emery Bursary Award, and other initiatives. Remember paid up members only have access to the special members section.

Thanks to all of those who have participated in our club activities this year, and a special thanks to the many dedicated individuals who have assumed leadership roles on our board, various committees, and projects.

Here's to a Great Spring!!!!!

Please remember to continue visiting the website regularly for up to date information on all our activities.

Webmaster's Comments

February 23, 2013

Some new members (and old) are having difficulties logging onto the web site to access member's only content.  I put together this short tutorial that should help you log on and change your password. 

If you have not renewed your membership, and there are a lot of you,  you will find out that you will not be able to access the member's only content on the website and you will no longer get announcements via email.  If it has just slipped your maind get your membership renewal and payment off in the mail and you will be reinstated.

Winter 2014 Blue Heron

 The Winter 2014 Vol 57 No. 3 of The Blue Heron  is now available on the web site for members to download and enjoy.   To download log on at the bottom right hand corner of the main page and then click on Newsletters in the top menu bar.  You will see a download link in Current Issue of The Blue Heron.

Not yet a member?  You can download a sample of it to see what you are missing out on.  If you like what you see, join up and you can read the complete issue.

Cornell Hawk Cam

The Red-tailed Hawks are back on their nest at Cornell and you can watch on the Cornell Hawk Cam.  Click on the Photo below to take a look.