Archive for April 2014
WEEKEND 2 – HFBF – ITS GOING TO BE A BIG ONE!
Word is that the second weekend of the Huron Fringe Birding Festival promises to be one for the birds – i.e. – there will be lots and lots of them.
That’s what the local birders are all excited about. Why? Well, remember that frigid ‘Arctic Vortrex’ that made the winter of 2014 a thing of legend? It delayed everything spring such that the migration should be ramping up for the first HFBF weekend and the second should be busier than usual bird-wise.
All the more reason to visit: http://www.friendsofmacgregor.org and check out our second weekend event availabilities. There are lots of hikes available designed to give you a most satisfying birding experience. It will be a peak time for birds that you won’t want to miss.
Two optimal viewing spots to see what is incoming are the Tower Trail and the Ducks Unlimited pond. The viewing tower and the bird blind are perfect for sightings. The habitat, a mix of wetlands and hardwood forests is just what the birds are looking for.
And, it so happens, that Justin Peter is leading a hike called ‘BIRDING THE TOWER TRAIL’ (B32) on SUNDAY JUNE 1 at 6:30 AM and there are 16 OPENINGS AVAILABLE .
Come see what he is looking at. B32 – Birding the Tower Trail. June 1.
You’ll want to take advantage of this because Justin truly lives “for the birds”. In fact, he cannot remember a time when he was not interested in birds and nature.
He spent much of his childhood consulting his considerable nature book collection. At age 14, a family friend invited Justin to attend the birding course he was teaching for adults as part of the local school board’s continuing education program. He soon assumed the role of unofficial assistant in the classroom as well as co-leader and, later, leader of the field excursions.
After university he eventually landed work as a seasonal, and then full-time interpretive naturalist at Gatineau Park. Three years later, he began full-time work as Senior Park Naturalist at Algonquin Park, where spent 7 years, organizing the park’s educational programming based at the Visitor Centre, recruiting and mentoring promising young interpretive naturalists, and assisting with various park management activities.
Justin joined Quest Nature Tours in 2013 as Director of Programs, where he continues to apply and expand his interests in wildlife (including birds, of course!). Justin has participated in various bird-related projects. He married his interests in birds and in languages by participating in a migration-monitoring program at the Strait of Gibraltar in Spain.
He did a stint as a bird-banding assistant at the Observatoire d’oiseaux de Tadoussac in Quebec.
His very favourite thing will always be leading bird walks. He is particularly interested in bird behavior and vocalizations, and enjoys raising others’ awareness of these aspects in the field.
That’s why Justin Peter is the perfect guide to a unique birding experience. REGISTER NOW FOR ‘BIRDING THE TOWER TRAIL’ (B32) on SUNDAY JUNE 1 AT: http://www.friendsofmacgregor.org
Follow Justin Peter on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.peter.75
And on Ontario Birds: https://www.facebook.com/groups/377736792291721/
For an up-close look at your Huron Fringe Birding Festival experience
click on: http://youtu.be/0_vvcLJdE74
https://www.facebook.com/HuronFringeBirdingFestival
Recognized as One of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals
HURON FRINGE BIRDING FESTIVAL – MAY 23 to MAY 26 & MAY 29 to JUNE 1
MacGREGOR POINT PROVINCIAL PARK, PORT ELGIN, ONTARIO
Email: birdfest@rogers.com
JOIN THE ‘PLOVER LOVERS’
“Piping Plovers at Sauble Beach and Oliphant.”
A few years ago, that headline appeared in the Saugeen Times of Saugeen Shores. To area birders this was significant news. To Stew Nutt of Southampton it was especially significant. He stated, “We are celebrating the Piping Plover’s return to the Canadian shores of Lake Huron”. Their presence so close to home marked the beginning of a quest by Stew to lead in the efforts to see that the Plover’s return would become an annual event, helping to secure their survival. Under that headline came an article by author and birding expert Mick Pickup that went on to describe Stew’s involvement with the plovers.
Volunteers with guidance from Stew Nutt of Southampton have undertaken to monitor the birds on a daily basis at both sites. Their duties are to protect the birds from predation, human disturbance, educate beach visitors about the status of the birds and to cooperate with the municipality, local residents and cottagers, MNR and CWS in protecting the birds and their habitat. From the middle of May to the beginning of August, many volunteers have generously donated their time to this project…
To which Stew has commented: 
Sometimes, we are presented with unique opportunities that can change our lives. For me this opportunity came in the summer of 2007 when the endangered Piping Plovers arrived and established a nest at Sauble Beach. These birds build their nests, mere scrapes in the sand, on the beach close to the shoreline and usually in the same area. This becomes their habitat for feeding, nesting and raising young. Such habitats are mostly inhospitable for survival as many beach areas are used for beach and water-based recreation. They are also of course used for development. As such Piping Plovers are struggling to survive. They are forced to battle the elements, human encroachment, and many predators. As a special event at this year’s Huron Fringe Birding Festival I invite you to join me as we travel to the nesting area(s) at Sauble Beach and observe the plovers’ behaviors including: courtship, feeding, life history, territorial displays and fierce protection will be observed and/or explained as well as local attempts to protect this delicate species. Be a ‘Plover Lover’! Sign up for A17 – 7:30 AM – SATURDAY, MAY 24 – or B23 – 1:30 PM – SATURDAY, MAY 31 – THE TALE OF THE PIPING PLOVER and experience the unique, fragile world of these special birds and what is being done to help this species survive.
For up-to-date information on the progress of the Piping Plovers at Sauble Beach click on: http://saublepipingplover.com
Stewart Nutt is a retired educator and local naturalist who led the Piping Plover recovery project for five years. His Piping Plover knowledge was gained through countless hours of both personal and project participant observations, along with current information from visiting longer established projects in Michigan, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
REGISTER NOW FOR A17 or B23: http://www.friendsofmacgregor.org
Take a up-close look at the what you can expect to experience at this year’s Huron Fringe Birding Festival click on: http://youtu.be/0_vvcLJdE74
One of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals
http://www.facebook.com/HuronFringeBirdingFestival
HURON FRINGE BIRDING FESTIVAL – MAY 23 to MAY 26 – MAY 29 to JUNE 1 -2014
MacGREGOR POINT PROVINCIAL PARK – PORT ELGIN, ONTARIO
Email: birdfest@rogers.com
HURON FRINGE BIRDING FESTIVAL REGISTRATION UPDATE
Below is a complete list of the Huron Fringe Birding Festival events that still have openings. Have a look.
THEN WATCH OUR VIDEO http://youtu.be/0_vvcLJdE74
That should inspire you to rush to register your choice on our website: friendsofmacgregor.org.
Sign up today.
FRIDAY MAY 23
A2 – 8:00 am – ROCK STARS OF THE CITY – Peter Middleton. Fifty species of fern are found in Grey/Bruce and many of them can be seen in and around Owen Sound. With Peter as your guide, you will be certain to meet a good number of these “rock stars”.
A4 – 6:30 am – BIRDING MacGREGOR’S SOUTHERN BOUNDARY – James Turland. This road trip explores the forest, wetlands and abandoned farms along the park’s southern boundary. A walk to Ducks Unlimited pond includes visits to the viewing tower and bird blind.
A5 – 7:00 am – BIRDING MacGREGOR – Marilyn Ohler. Learn more about birding and MacGregor Point Provincial Park by joining festival veteran, Marilyn Ohler, on a morning walk in the park.
ONE OPENING LEFT – A7 – 1:30 pm – TREE IDENTIFICATION USING LEAVES & NEEDLES – Jim Coles. We will identify conifers and hardwoods in the vicinity of the Visitor Centre by leaf and needle characteristics. The use of botanical keys will differentiate between species.
A8 – 1:30 pm – THE GEOLOGY & GEOMORPHOLOGY OF THE HURON FRINGE – Norbert Woerns. This driving and walking field trip will include stops at the Algonquin and Nipissing bluffs and a walk along the Detroit River Group outcrops to Gunn Point at Inverhuron Park.
A9 – 1:30 pm – GETTING INTIMATE WITH NATURE: RE-DISCOVER NATURE THROUGH VIDEOS – Kerry Jarvis. Living in a “YouTube” generation creates exciting opportunities for naturalists to capture and preserve their experiences through video. In this new workshop, Kerry will share nature video vignettes that he has created from outings and from his gardens. (Indoors)
SATURDAY MAY 24
3 OPENINGS – A11 – 6:30 am – SOUTH SHORELINE TOUR – Marshall Byle. Marshall will follow the Lake Huron shoreline and include stops at varied habitats between MacGregor Point and Inverhuron. Species may include Common Moorhen and Orchard Orioles.
A13 – 8:30 am – UNIQUE HABITATS ALONG THE LAKE HURON SHORELINE – Judith Jones. Judith is an expert on dune ecology and many local species at risk. Your morning will be spent learning about the plants along the sand dunes at Inverhuron; in the afternoon you will check out the near-shoreline and forest habitats at MacGregor Point.
A16 – 7:00 am – BIRDING THE TOWER TRAIL – Richard Tofflemire. Campground areas, dune habitat and the Lake Huron shoreline will be featured on this morning hike.
A17 -7:30 AM- THE TALE OF THE PIPING PLOVER – Stewart Nutt. Piping Plover behaviours including: courtship, feeding, life history, territorial displays and fierce protection will be observed and/or explained during your time with these birds. Become a ‘Plover Lover’.
ONLY ONE OPENING LEFT – A18 – 1:30 pm – BIKING MacGREGOR – Doug Martin. Follow Doug along a variety of the extensive biking trails in the park, with a bit of park history, natural history and birding thrown in! (Moderate, hybrid or mountain bike)
A20 -1:30 pm – MAKE YOUR SIGHTINGS COUNT – Mike Burrell. The Citizen Science project eBird is a comprehensive online bird database that is revolutionizing how birders go about their business. Contributing is simple. Other Citizen Science projects will also be discussed.
A22 – 1:30 PM – TIPS & TECHNIQUES ON SUCCESSFULLY PHOTOGRAPHING TREES – Kerry Jarvis. Trees are often seen as a backdrop to a scene. Join Kerry in this new photography workshop hike, as he explores and inspires photographers to look at trees differently. (Moderate) Intermediate to experienced DSLR camera users. (Bring Tripod & zoom/close-up lenses.)
A23 – 4:30 pm – SOCIAL. 5:30 pm – BANQUET & PRESENTATION – BIRDS & SOME OF THEIR MYSTERIES – David Lamble. David is no ordinary bird lover. He will talk about bird intelligence – bird vision and his passion, bird banding, and how they all contribute to our understanding of birds. (St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, Port Elgin, Chicken Buffet, Harrigan’s Catering) (Early bird price – $35 extra per person; after April 15 or for banquet/presentation only – $45 extra per person) Casual. Bar available. Pre-registration required. Silent auction. Contact registrar by May 1 with dietary restrictions.
SUNDAY MAY 25
ONLY ONE OPENING LEFT – A25 – 7:00 am – HIDDEN TREASURES OF THE HURON COAST – Peter Middleton. This outing will explore Lake Huron coastlines, both present and past, north of Sauble Falls. You will visit Ontario Nature’s oldest reserve, Petrel Point, and their newest, Sauble Dunes. (Moderate, car-pool, bring lunch, sturdy footwear)
ONLY 3 OPENINGS LEFT– A31 – 1:30 pm – NATURE RAMBLE – OLD SHORE ROAD TRAIL – John Reaume. A leisurely walk along the Old Shore Road Trail near the Visitor Centre. Plants, flowers, dragonflies, birds – let’s see what we find.
A33 – 1:30 pm – FUN, FROG FROLIC AT MacGREGOR POINT – Kerry Jarvis. Join Kerry on this fun frog frolic to listen to, locate and observe several species of frog and the American Toad at MacGregor Point. (If you have them, bring camera and close-up binoculars.)
A34 – 7:15 pm – THE PLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE – Sheila Colla. Come learn about the status of Canadian bumblebees and what you can do to help wild populations of these important native pollinators. Tools for identification to species level and a new Citizen Science project will also be discussed. (Indoors)
MONDAY MAY 26
A37 – 1:30 pm – BOTANY & BIRDING IN SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA – Doug Pedwell. We will be observing a variety of ecosystems including forest, escarpment, rocky shorelines, marshes, lakes, sandy shorelines, and pasturelands. (Bring lunch, snacks and water. This all day event returns by 8:45 pm.)
A38 – 6:30 am – BIRDING THE PERIPHERY OF THE PARK – Mike Burrell. Grab your binoculars AND notebooks! While we are out enjoying the birds we will also be contributing to one of the biggest Citizen Science projects ever – eBird. After the hike we’ll have a quick demo of how simple it is to really make your observations count.
A39 – 7:00 am – BIRDING THE TOWER TRAIL – James Turland. Walk the Tower Trail from the park road to the Ducks Unlimited pond. Habitat is a mixture of wetlands and hardwood forests.
A40 – 1:30 pm – NATURE RAMBLE – OLD SHORE ROAD TRAIL – Laura Cook. Laura will take you along one of her favourite trails in MacGregor Point. Wildflowers, insects and birds seen along the route will be highlighted.
A42 – 7:15 pm – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS – Mike Burrell. Come hear about some of Ontario’s most important sites for bird conservation and how your help can make a difference on a global scale.
A43 – 9:00 pm – AN EVENING OF ASTRONOMY – THE NIGHT SKY – John Hlynialuk & Bluewater Astronomical Society. John will take you on a tour through the deep reaches of the universe. Program will feature astronomical highlights of 2014 as well as Saturn, Mars and more distant objects like nebula, clusters and galaxies. Outdoor viewing through telescopes is weather permitting. (Indoors/outdoors)
THURSDAY MAY 29
ONLY 3 OPENINGS LEFT – B2 – 7:00 am – BIRDING THE HURON FRINGE NORTH – James Turland. Huron Fringe refers to the sand and gravel lowlands adjacent to Lake Huron. This driving tour explores the fringe between MacGregor Point and Sauble Falls to the north. (Bring lunch)
B3 – 7:30 am – TIPS & TECHNIQUES ON PHOTOGRAPHING WATERFALLS – Kerry Jarvis. Participants will get an opportunity to capture several local waterfalls by experimenting with a variety of photographic techniques. (Bring lunch – Intermediate to experienced DSLR camera users. Bring tripod & zoom/close-up lenses.)
B4 – 7:30 am – DOWN & DIRTY – WILDFLOWER PHOTOGRAPHY – Doug Pedwell. Participants will take their cameras and equipment to photograph wildflowers at a variety of locations in the park.
B5 – 1:30 pm – BOTANY OF THE “FRINGE” – Barbara Palmer. Many unique shoreline plants, including Dwarf Lake Iris, are found in MacGregor Point. Barbara will help you learn to identify them.
B6 – 1:30 pm – TREE & SHRUB IDENTIFICATION – Bob Gray. Take a leisurely walk in the interior of the park to identify trees and shrubs and to see how species associate with different site types.
B7 -7:15 pm – ONTARIO’S BIRD SURVEYS – WHAT ARE THEY TELLING US? – Mike Cadman. Citizen scientists provide a wealth of data on the size and trends of Ontario’s bird populations. This presentation will outline surveys, methods and findings. Special attention will be given to the decline of aerial insectivores (swallows, swifts, nightjars). (Indoors)
FRIDAY MAY 30
B8 – 6:00 am – CABOT HEAD/DYER’S BAY – A BIRDING AREA OF IMPORTANCE – Rod Steinacher.
Visit some of the Peninsula’s best-known birding spots, such as Dyer’s Bay, the sparrow fields near Larkwhistle and Crane Lake. You will have the opportunity to observe migration monitoring and bird banding at the Cabot Head Research Station. (Bring lunch)
ONLY ONE OPENING LEFT – B10 – 6:45 am – NATURE & LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY IN SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA – Doug Pedwell. We will photograph some of the unique plants and rugged landscapes that the Niagara Escarpment has created. (Difficult, car-pool, bring lunch. Bring DSLR camera & accessories.)
B11 – 6:00 am – IS IT A BIRD OR YOUR MNEMONIC? – Michael Carlson. A field workshop on how to listen to and identify bird vocalization. Michael will use the Tower Trail where you will listen for orioles, woodpeckers, warblers, flycatchers and waterfowl. (Car-pool, for experienced birders only)
B12 – 7:00 am – BIRDING THE MacGREGOR BOUNDARY – Mike Cadman. Join Mike as he visits some hot spots including the Day Use beach, the Park Office, the old cottage entry road and along the Townline.
B13 – 1:30 pm – WILDFLOWERS: HISTORICAL FACTS & FICTION – Heather Starrs. Legends and superstitions are attached to many common, and not so common, plants found at MacGregor Point. Heather’s walk will introduce you to some plants’ stories. (Easy) (Limit 20)
ONLY 3 OPENINGS LEFT – B14 – 1:30 pm – ROADSIDE BOTANY RAMBLE – Larry Lamb. Explore various roadside habitats in the vicinity of the Visitor Centre. Learn to use identification keys and Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide (Bring yours along!).
ONLY 3 OPENINGS LEFT – B16 – 7:15 pm – A FLING WITH SHOREBIRDS: BILLS, BREASTS & A LITTLE TAIL – Mark Peck. For many birders, shorebirds can be notoriously difficult to identify. Join in the fun as we look at the important characteristics that help simplify common Ontario shorebirds. (Indoors)
SATURDAY MAY 31
B17 – 6:00 am – BIG DAY ON THE BRUCE – Michael Carlson. Are you ready for a full day of birding? If so, you won’t want to miss this morning to night birding marathon on the Bruce Peninsula. (Easy, car-pool; bring lunch, snacks and a walking dinner.)
B18 – 7:30 am – SECRETS OF THE GEORGIAN BAY FORMATION – Bob Gray. This daylong excursion will explore several hidden features of the Niagara Escarpment. Bob will share theories about how these features were formed. (Difficult, car-pool, bring lunch.)
B19 – 7:00 am – ROAD BIRDING FOR GRASSLAND BIRDS – Brett Woodman. Tour the local countryside looking for the elusive nesting grassland birds of Saugeen Shores.
B22 – 9:00 am – DYNAMIC DIGITAL CAMERA TIPS – Jennifer O’Reilly. Great for beginner or intermediate photographers. Step by step instruction on how to take award-winning compositions using features on your camera! (Suitable for point-and-shoot or DSLR cameras.)
B23 – 1:30 pm – THE TALE OF THE PIPING PLOVER – Stewart Nutt. Piping Plover behaviours including: courtship, feeding, life history, territorial displays and fierce protection will be observed and/or explained during your time with these birds. Become a ‘Plover Lover’.
B24 – 1:30 pm – WILDFLOWER DIVERSITY WITHIN THE FRINGE – Brett Woodman. Here’s your chance to learn about and appreciate some of MacGregor Point’s varied wildflowers. Brett will show you some of his favourite plants.
B25 – 1:30 pm – PLANT & WILDFLOWER RAMBLE – Larry Lamb. Walk the trails and campground loops from the Day Use area to Pitcher Plant Marl. Learn to use identification keys and Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide (bring yours along!).
B27 – 1:30 pm – ADVANCED DIGITAL CAMERA TECHNIQUES – Jennifer O’Reilly. This workshop takes you out into the ‘field’ for hands on photography. Learn pro techniques guaranteed to put the ‘wow’ factor into your photographs. (Point-and-shoot or DSLR cameras.)
B28 -5:00 pm to 6:30 pm – BRUCE COUNTY BEEF DINNER – Harrigan’s Catering, Southampton. In MacGregor Point Provincial Park, additional charge of $17. Dinner combined with B29 as a single event $23. Pre-registration required.)
B29 – 7:15 pm – THE STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR: A BIRD MIGRATION HOTSPOT – Justin Peter. Each autumn, millions of birds that breed in Europe will go to Africa to spend the winter. In this illustrated talk, Justin will shed some light on the mysteries of bird migration across the Strait of Gibraltar and on his experiences there. (Indoors)
SUNDAY JUNE 1
B30 – 6:00 am – MALCOLM BLUFFS & CAPE CROKER – Alfred Raab. Bird in a variety of habitats within the Cape Croker Peninsula and Malcolm Bluffs Nature Reserve. The cliffs above Colpoy’s Bay shoreline provide spectacular vistas
B32 -6:30 AM – BIRDING THE TOWER TRAIL – Justin Peter. Hike the Tower Trail and check the Ducks Unlimited pond from both the viewing tower and bird blind. Habitat is a mix of wetlands and hardwood forests.
B33 – 7:00 am – BIRDING THE PERIPHERY – James Turland. Woodland, lakeshore, wetlands and abandoned fields are some of the habitats involved. (Easy, car-pool)
ONLY ONE OPENING LEFT – B34 – 8:00 am – SEARCHING FOR STRAGGLERS – MacGREGOR’S LATE MIGRANTS – Michael Carlson. Join Michael as he searches select spots in MacGregor for breeding birds as well as late spring migrants, such as Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Gray-cheeked Thrush.
ONLY ONE OPENING LEFT – B35 – 1:30 pm – EXPLORING KINGHURST FOREST – Tanya Pulfert & Catherine Jimenea. Kinghurst Forest is a special place and Catherine and Tanya are keen to take you for a walk through this Ontario Nature property. On this general nature walk you will be a Citizen Scientist and report your reptile and amphibian sightings.
B36 – 1:30 pm – FUN, FROG FROLIC AT MacGREGOR POINT – Kerry Jarvis. Join Kerry on this fun frog frolic to listen to, locate and observe several species of frog and the American Toad at MacGregor Point. (If you have them, bring camera and close-up binoculars.)
B37 – 7:15 pm – SUNSET WALK – John Cummings. The Lake Huron shoreline offers some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. What a wonderful way to enjoy a sunset with friends.
REGISTER NOW: friendsofmacgregor.org
https://www.facebook.com/HuronFringeBirdingFestival.
HURON FRINGE BIRDING FESTIVAL – MAY 23 to MAY 26 – MAY 29 tor JUNE 1 -2014
MacGREGOR POINT PROVINCIAL PARK – PORT ELGIN, ONTARIO
Email: birdfest@rogers.com
DOWN AND DIRTY WITH DOUG PEDWELL
Since retiring from teaching Doug Pedwell has indulged his lifelong passions of nature study, photography and travel. He can often be found wandering the back roads of Grey and Bruce Counties, camera in hand, searching for that perfect shot of flora, fauna, birds and landforms. You will definitely feel that a day with Doug in the field is informative, rewarding and a whole lot of fun. A member of the Bruce Birding Club, the Saugeen Shores Camera Club and a past president of The Friends of MacGregor, Doug has also participated in the Huron Fringe Birding Festival as an event leader and committee member for quite a few years now. Doug will be leading three events at this year’s Festival. Here is his description of what he expects to accomplish on Down & Dirty – Wildflower Photography (B4).
Down and dirty is just what it means.
I’ll take you along the Old Shore Road trail in MacGregor Point Park. As you amble along the way I’ll stop and explain various techniques to use in shooting photographs of wildflowers. You can expect to be lying on the ground trying to get pictures at the flowers at their level.
Make sure you have your camera’s manual with you, as you may want to try different settings. Discussions about aperture, shooting speeds, focal length will be part of the event.
As with most photography trips there is a theme, but we take advantage of whatever Mother Nature sends our way.
(All photographs courtesy of Doug Pedwell. Follow our Blog to see more of Doug’s photos as well as comments on his other events.)
REGISTER NOW FOR ALL OF DOUGS EVENTS:
http://www.friendsofmacgregor.org
A37 – 1:30 pm – BOTANY & BIRDING IN SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA – Monday, May 26. This all day event returns by 8:45 pm. (Moderate, car-pool, bring lunch, snacks and water)
B4 – 7:30 am – DOWN & DIRTY – WILDFLOWER PHOTOGRAPHY (see this blog) – Thursday, May 29.
B10 – 6:45 am – NATURE & LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY IN SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA – Thursday, May 30. We will photograph some of the unique plants and rugged landscapes that the Niagara Escarpment has created. (Difficult, car-pool, bring lunch) Bring DSLR camera & accessories.
HURON FRINGE BIRDING FESTIVAL – ONE OF THE TOP 100 FESTIVALS IN ONTARIO
MacGregor Point Provincial Park, Port Elgin, Ontario
MAY 23 to MAY 26 & MAY 29 to JUNE 1
http://www.facebook.com/HuronFringeBirdingFestival
Explore the Bruce – Huron Fringe Video
CLICK ON THE YOUTUBE LINK BELOW TO VIEW VIDEO ABOUT ABOUT
THE HURON FRINGE BIRDING FESTIVAL
REGISTER NOW -LOTS OF EVENTS ARE STILL OPEN
http://www.friendsofmacgregor.org
http://www.facebook.com/HuronFringeBirdingFestival
birdfest@rogers.com
WILDFLOWER FACT AND FICTION WITH HEATHER STARRS
Heather Starrs and MacGregor Point Provincial Park are well acquainted with each other.
After completing her Honours Degree in Biology, with a focus on wildlife biology and ecology, at Trent U and then earning her Teaching Certificate at Brock University, she worked at MacGregor from 1988-1997, and again in 1999.
Heather was responsible for all Visitor Centre programming, summer students and volunteers. She assisted with the organization of the first Huron Fringe Birding Festival, spent 6 years on the board of Friends of MacGregor, and was manager of the Huron Fringe Shop for several years and editor of the Spotted Turtle Newsletter.
Heather’s programming interests included carnivorous plants, spiders and wildflowers. Currently she spends her time with her “four wonderful children,” and volunteers at the school and church.
When the weather allows she likes to venture out on her bike with her camera to search for local wildflowers to add to her photo collection.
Columbine
Here’s how Heather describes her event – WILDFLOWERS: HISTORICAL FACTS & FICTION – B13 – 1:30 pm – Friday, May 30
Legends and superstitions are attached to many common and not so common plants found at MacGregor. Our walk will introduce you to some and their stories. My hike will be leisurely and informal. I have stories, poems, mythology, medicinal and biological information for many wildflowers we may see as well as a few herbs, trees and shrubs. I welcome any stories and information that others on the hike might like to share.”
Stripped Coralroot
Dwarf Lake Iris
Red Trillium
Yellow Lady-Slipper
REGISTER NOW – http://www.friendsofmacgregor.org
https://www.facebook.com/HuronFringeBirdingFestival
birdfest@rogers.com
HFBF IS FILLING UP FAST! REGISTER NOW IF YOU HAVENT ALREADY!
Below is a complete list of the Huron Fringe Birding Festival events that still have openings as of this posting. Have a look. Then register your choice on our website: friendsofmacgregor.org. Sign up today.
FRIDAY MAY 23
9 OPENINGS – A2 – 8:00 am – ROCK STARS OF THE CITY – Peter Middleton. Fifty species of fern are found in Grey/Bruce and many of them can be seen in and around Owen Sound. With Peter as your guide, you will be certain to meet a good number of these “rock stars”.
5 OPENINGS – A4 – 6:30 am – BIRDING MacGREGOR’S SOUTHERN BOUNDARY – James Turland. This road trip explores the forest, wetlands and abandoned farms along the park’s southern boundary. A walk to Ducks Unlimited pond includes visits to the viewing tower and bird blind.
8 OPENINGS – A5 – 7:00 am – BIRDING MacGREGOR – Marilyn Ohler. Learn more about birding and MacGregor Point Provincial Park by joining festival veteran, Marilyn Ohler, on a morning walk in the park.
1 OPENING LEFT – A7 – 1:30 pm – TREE IDENTIFICATION USING LEAVES & NEEDLES – Jim Coles. We will identify conifers and hardwoods in the vicinity of the Visitor Centre by leaf and needle characteristics. The use of botanical keys will differentiate between species.
4 OPENINGS – A8 – 1:30 pm – THE GEOLOGY & GEOMORPHOLOGY OF THE HURON FRINGE – Norbert Woerns. This driving and walking field trip will include stops at the Algonquin and Nipissing bluffs and a walk along the Detroit River Group outcrops to Gunn Point at Inverhuron Park.
24 OPENINGS – A9 – 1:30 pm – GETTING INTIMATE WITH NATURE: RE-DISCOVER NATURE THROUGH VIDEOS – Kerry Jarvis. Living in a “YouTube” generation creates exciting opportunities for naturalists to capture and preserve their experiences through video. In this new workshop, Kerry will share nature video vignettes that he has created from outings and from his gardens. (Indoors)
SATURDAY MAY 24
3 OPENINGS – A11 – 6:30 am – SOUTH SHORELINE TOUR – Marshall Byle. Marshall will follow the Lake Huron shoreline and include stops at varied habitats between MacGregor Point and Inverhuron. Species may include Common Moorhen and Orchard Orioles.
16 OPENINGS – A13 – 8:30 am – UNIQUE HABITATS ALONG THE LAKE HURON SHORELINE – Judith Jones. Judith is an expert on dune ecology and many local species at risk. Your morning will be spent learning about the plants along the sand dunes at Inverhuron; in the afternoon you will check out the near-shoreline and forest habitats at MacGregor Point.
6 OPENINGS – A16 – 7:00 am – BIRDING THE TOWER TRAIL – Richard Tofflemire. Campground areas, dune habitat and the Lake Huron shoreline will be featured on this morning hike.
8 OPENINGS – A17 -7:30 AM- THE TALE OF THE PIPING PLOVER – Stewart Nutt. Piping Plover behaviours including: courtship, feeding, life history, territorial displays and fierce protection will be observed and/or explained during your time with these birds. Become a ‘Plover Lover’.
ONLY 1 OPENING LEFT – A18 – 1:30 pm – BIKING MacGREGOR – Doug Martin. Follow Doug along a variety of the extensive biking trails in the park, with a bit of park history, natural history and birding thrown in! (Moderate, hybrid or mountain bike)
12 OPENINGS – A20 -1:30 pm – MAKE YOUR SIGHTINGS COUNT – Mike Burrell. The Citizen Science project eBird is a comprehensive online bird database that is revolutionizing how birders go about their business. Contributing is simple. Other Citizen Science projects will also be discussed.
7 OPENINGS – A22 – 1:30 PM – TIPS & TECHNIQUES ON SUCCESSFULLY PHOTOGRAPHING TREES – Kerry Jarvis. Trees are often seen as a backdrop to a scene. Join Kerry in this new photography workshop hike, as he explores and inspires photographers to look at trees differently. (Moderate) Intermediate to experienced DSLR camera users. (Bring Tripod & zoom/close-up lenses.)
32 OPENINGS – A23 – 4:30 pm – SOCIAL. 5:30 pm – BANQUET & PRESENTATION – BIRDS & SOME OF THEIR MYSTERIES – David Lamble. David is no ordinary bird lover. He will talk about bird intelligence – bird vision and his passion, bird banding, and how they all contribute to our understanding of birds. (St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, Port Elgin, Chicken Buffet, Harrigan’s Catering) (Early bird price – $35 extra per person; after April 15 or for banquet/presentation only – $45 extra per person) Casual. Bar available. Pre-registration required. Silent auction. Contact registrar by May 1 with dietary restrictions.
SUNDAY MAY 25
ONLY 1 OPENING LEFT – A25 – 7:00 am – HIDDEN TREASURES OF THE HURON COAST – Peter Middleton. This outing will explore Lake Huron coastlines, both present and past, north of Sauble Falls. You will visit Ontario Nature’s oldest reserve, Petrel Point, and their newest, Sauble Dunes. (Moderate, car-pool, bring lunch, sturdy footwear)
ONLY 3 OPENINGS LEFT– A31 – 1:30 pm – NATURE RAMBLE – OLD SHORE ROAD TRAIL – John Reaume. A leisurely walk along the Old Shore Road Trail near the Visitor Centre. Plants, flowers, dragonflies, birds – let’s see what we find.
4 OPENINGS – A33 – 1:30 pm – FUN, FROG FROLIC AT MacGREGOR POINT – Kerry Jarvis. Join Kerry on this fun frog frolic to listen to, locate and observe several species of frog and the American Toad at MacGregor Point. (If you have them, bring camera and close-up binoculars.)
6 OPENINGS – A34 – 7:15 pm – THE PLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE – Sheila Colla. Come learn about the status of Canadian bumblebees and what you can do to help wild populations of these important native pollinators. Tools for identification to species level and a new Citizen Science project will also be discussed. (Indoors)
MONDAY MAY 26
16 OPENINGS – A37 – 1:30 pm – BOTANY & BIRDING IN SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA – Doug Pedwell. We will be observing a variety of ecosystems including forest, escarpment, rocky shorelines, marshes, lakes, sandy shorelines, and pasturelands. (Bring lunch, snacks and water. This all day event returns by 8:45 pm.)
6 OPENINGS – A38 – 6:30 am – BIRDING THE PERIPHERY OF THE PARK – Mike Burrell. Grab your binoculars AND notebooks! While we are out enjoying the birds we will also be contributing to one of the biggest Citizen Science projects ever – eBird. After the hike we’ll have a quick demo of how simple it is to really make your observations count.
9 OPENINGS – A39 – 7:00 am – BIRDING THE TOWER TRAIL – James Turland. Walk the Tower Trail from the park road to the Ducks Unlimited pond. Habitat is a mixture of wetlands and hardwood forests.
9 OPENINGS – A40 – 1:30 pm – NATURE RAMBLE – OLD SHORE ROAD TRAIL – Laura Cook. Laura will take you along one of her favourite trails in MacGregor Point. Wildflowers, insects and birds seen along the route will be highlighted.
26 OPENINGS – A42 – 7:15 pm – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS – Mike Burrell. Come hear about some of Ontario’s most important sites for bird conservation and how your help can make a difference on a global scale.
29 OPENINGS – A43 – 9:00 pm – AN EVENING OF ASTRONOMY – THE NIGHT SKY – John Hlynialuk & Bluewater Astronomical Society. John will take you on a tour through the deep reaches of the universe. Program will feature astronomical highlights of 2014 as well as Saturn, Mars and more distant objects like nebula, clusters and galaxies. Outdoor viewing through telescopes is weather permitting. (Indoors/outdoors)
THURSDAY MAY 29
ONLY 3 OPENINGS LEFT – B2 – 7:00 am – BIRDING THE HURON FRINGE NORTH – James Turland. Huron Fringe refers to the sand and gravel lowlands adjacent to Lake Huron. This driving tour explores the fringe between MacGregor Point and Sauble Falls to the north. (Bring lunch)
10 OPENINGS – B3 – 7:30 am – TIPS & TECHNIQUES ON PHOTOGRAPHING WATERFALLS – Kerry Jarvis. Participants will get an opportunity to capture several local waterfalls by experimenting with a variety of photographic techniques. (Bring lunch – Intermediate to experienced DSLR camera users. Bring tripod & zoom/close-up lenses.)
11 OPENINGS – B4 – 7:30 am – DOWN & DIRTY – WILDFLOWER PHOTOGRAPHY – Doug Pedwell. Participants will take their cameras and equipment to photograph wildflowers at a variety of locations in the park.
10 OPENINGS – B5 – 1:30 pm – BOTANY OF THE “FRINGE” – Barbara Palmer. Many unique shoreline plants, including Dwarf Lake Iris, are found in MacGregor Point. Barbara will help you learn to identify them.
5 OPENINGS – B6 – 1:30 pm – TREE & SHRUB IDENTIFICATION – Bob Gray. Take a leisurely walk in the interior of the park to identify trees and shrubs and to see how species associate with different site types.
19 OPENINGS – B7 -7:15 pm – ONTARIO’S BIRD SURVEYS – WHAT ARE THEY TELLING US? – Mike Cadman. Citizen scientists provide a wealth of data on the size and trends of Ontario’s bird populations. This presentation will outline surveys, methods and findings. Special attention will be given to the decline of aerial insectivores (swallows, swifts, nightjars). (Indoors)
FRIDAY MAY 30
10 OPENINGS – B8 – 6:00 am – CABOT HEAD/DYER’S BAY – A BIRDING AREA OF IMPORTANCE – Rod Steinacher. Visit some of the Peninsula’s best-known birding spots, such as Dyer’s Bay, the sparrow fields near Larkwhistle and Crane Lake. You will have the opportunity to observe migration monitoring and bird banding at the Cabot Head Research Station. (Bring lunch)
ONLY 2 OPENINGS LEFT – B10 – 6:45 am – NATURE & LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY IN SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA – Doug Pedwell. We will photograph some of the unique plants and rugged landscapes that the Niagara Escarpment has created. (Difficult, car-pool, bring lunch. Bring DSLR camera & accessories.)
12 OPENINGS – B11 – 6:00 am – IS IT A BIRD OR YOUR MNEMONIC? – Michael Carlson. A field workshop on how to listen to and identify bird vocalization. Michael will use the Tower Trail where you will listen for orioles, woodpeckers, warblers, flycatchers and waterfowl. (Car-pool, for experienced birders only)
8 OPENINGS – B12 – 7:00 am – BIRDING THE MacGREGOR BOUNDARY – Mike Cadman. Join Mike as he visits some hot spots including the Day Use beach, the Park Office, the old cottage entry road and along the Townline.
14 OPENINGS – B13 – 1:30 pm – WILDFLOWERS: HISTORICAL FACTS & FICTION – Heather Starrs. Legends and superstitions are attached to many common, and not so common, plants found at MacGregor Point. Heather’s walk will introduce you to some plants’ stories. (Easy) (Limit 20)
ONLY 3 OPENINGS LEFT – B14 – 1:30 pm – ROADSIDE BOTANY RAMBLE – Larry Lamb. Explore various roadside habitats in the vicinity of the Visitor Centre. Learn to use identification keys and Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide (Bring yours along!).
ONLY 3 OPENINGS LEFT – B16 – 7:15 pm – A FLING WITH SHOREBIRDS: BILLS, BREASTS & A LITTLE TAIL – Mark Peck. For many birders, shorebirds can be notoriously difficult to identify. Join in the fun as we look at the important characteristics that help simplify common Ontario shorebirds. (Indoors)
SATURDAY MAY 31
8 OPENINGS – B17 – 6:00 am – BIG DAY ON THE BRUCE – Michael Carlson. Are you ready for a dawn to dusk day of birding? If so, you won’t want to miss this morning to night birding marathon on the Bruce Peninsula. (Easy, car-pool; bring lunch, snacks and a walking dinner.)
11 OPENINGS – B18 – 7:30 am – SECRETS OF THE GEORGIAN BAY FORMATION – Bob Gray. This daylong excursion will explore several hidden features of the Niagara Escarpment. Bob will share theories about how these features were formed. (Difficult, car-pool, bring lunch.)
15 OPENINGS – B19 – 7:00 am – ROAD BIRDING FOR GRASSLAND BIRDS – Brett Woodman. Tour the local countryside looking for the elusive nesting grassland birds of Saugeen Shores.
7 OPENINGS – B22 – 9:00 am – DYNAMIC DIGITAL CAMERA TIPS – Jennifer O’Reilly. Great for beginner or intermediate photographers. Step by step instruction on how to take award-winning compositions using features on your camera! (Suitable for point-and-shoot or DSLR cameras.)
7 OPENINGS – B23 – 1:30 pm – THE TALE OF THE PIPING PLOVER – Stewart Nutt. Piping Plover behaviours including: courtship, feeding, life history, territorial displays and fierce protection will be observed and/or explained during your time with these birds. Become a ‘Plover Lover’.
ONLY 4 OPENINGS LEFT – B24 – 1:30 pm – WILDFLOWER DIVERSITY WITHIN THE FRINGE – Brett Woodman. Here’s your chance to learn about and appreciate some of MacGregor Point’s varied wildflowers. Brett will show you some of his favourite plants.
ONLY 4 OPENINGS LEFT – B25 – 1:30 pm – PLANT & WILDFLOWER RAMBLE – Larry Lamb. Walk the trails and campground loops from the Day Use area to Pitcher Plant Marl. Learn to use identification keys and Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide (bring yours along!).
5 OPENINGS – B27 – 1:30 pm – ADVANCED DIGITAL CAMERA TECHNIQUES – Jennifer O’Reilly. This workshop takes you out into the ‘field’ for hands on photography. Learn pro techniques guaranteed to put the ‘wow’ factor into your photographs. (Point-and-shoot or DSLR cameras.)
32 OPENINGS – B28 -5:00 pm to 6:30 pm – BRUCE COUNTY BEEF DINNER – Harrigan’s Catering, Southampton. In MacGregor Point Provincial Park, additional charge of $17. Dinner combined with B29 as a single event $23. Pre-registration required.)
11 OPENINGS – B29 – 7:15 pm – THE STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR: A BIRD MIGRATION HOTSPOT – Justin Peter. Each autumn, millions of birds that breed in Europe will go to Africa to spend the winter. In this illustrated talk, Justin will shed some light on the mysteries of bird migration across the Strait of Gibraltar and on his experiences there. (Indoors)
SUNDAY JUNE 1
8 OPENINGS – B30 – 6:00 am – MALCOLM BLUFFS & CAPE CROKER – Alfred Raab. Bird in a variety of habitats within the Cape Croker Peninsula and Malcolm Bluffs Nature Reserve. The cliffs above Colpoy’s Bay shoreline provide spectacular vistas
16 OPENINGS – B32 -6:30 AM – BIRDING THE TOWER TRAIL – Justin Peter. Hike the Tower Trail and check the Ducks Unlimited pond from both the viewing tower and bird blind. Habitat is a mix of wetlands and hardwood forests.
16 OPENINGS – B33 – 7:00 am – BIRDING THE PERIPHERY – James Turland. Woodland, lakeshore, wetlands and abandoned fields are some of the habitats involved. (Easy, car-pool)
ONLY 1 OPENING LEFT – B34 – 8:00 am – SEARCHING FOR STRAGGLERS – MacGREGOR’S LATE MIGRANTS – Michael Carlson. Join Michael as he searches select spots in MacGregor for breeding birds as well as late spring migrants, such as Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Gray-cheeked Thrush.
ONLY 1 OPENING LEFT – B35 – 1:30 pm – EXPLORING KINGHURST FOREST – Tanya Pulfert & Catherine Jimenea. Kinghurst Forest is a special place and Catherine and Tanya are keen to take you for a walk through this Ontario Nature property. On this general nature walk you will be a Citizen Scientist and report your reptile and amphibian sightings.
12 OPENINGS – B36 – 1:30 pm – FUN, FROG FROLIC AT MacGREGOR POINT – Kerry Jarvis. Join Kerry on this fun frog frolic to listen to, locate and observe several species of frog and the American Toad at MacGregor Point. (If you have them, bring camera and close-up binoculars.)
12 OPENINGS – B37 – 7:15 pm – SUNSET WALK – John Cummings. The Lake Huron shoreline offers some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. What a wonderful way to enjoy a sunset with friends.
REGISTER NOW. friendsofmacgregor.org
https://www.facebook.com/HuronFringeBirdingFestival.
HURON FRINGE BIRDING FESTIVAL – MAY 23 to MAY 26 – MAY 29 tor JUNE 1 -2014
MacGREGOR POINT PROVINCIAL PARK – PORT ELGIN, ONTARIO
Email: birdfest@rogers.com
BIRDING ACCORDING TO JAMES
If you asked James Turland when and where he likes to bird, he just might say ‘always and everywhere’. His philosophy is simple, “There are birds in all landscapes one just has to look”. Here, in his own words, are his thoughts on birding:
James and Feathered Friend
The average person seems to think the best places for birds are remote and pristine, and they can be, but often these places are costly to get to. More realistically birders look for their feathered friends close to home. A birders yard is often an oasis of plants and feeders specially placed to lure birds closer. Birding doesn’t get better than finding a rarity right in your own backyard. Birders have a knack for looking at landscapes and seeing the beauty in the birds. A landfill site is not just a pile of garbage but also a mecca for gulls and other scavenging birds. Sewage lagoons are sanctuaries for shorebirds and waterfowl. Some urban parks are bird magnets and havens. I believe with a little urban planning these places could be enriched and turned into truly scenic wildlife habitats. For now we just have to keep up wind and dream a little.
When visiting Bruce County farmland I try to imagine a pristine prairie. Hidden within this idyllic sea of grass are specialized creatures waiting to be discovered. Because of a lack of perches some grassland birds have evolved to sing while flying and also incorporate aerial displays. Even if blindfolded the babblings of Bobolinks conjure images of fields and meadows. The amazing woo woos of the Snipe as it dips and dives way above its chosen territory is not easily forgot. Yet other songs are cleverly devised to misrepresentation. The Grasshopper Sparrows high-pitched trill could easily be mistaken for a Six Legged Hopper. Birds don’t get much more secretive than the Henslow’s Sparrow. It’s weak chip is usually only heard from the tall grass at night. An Upland Sandpipers presence signifies short grass and that probably means grazers are nearby. Other grassland signature birds we hope to see are Eastern Meadow Lark, Clay-Coloured Sparrow, Northern Harrier and Sedge Wrens.
When Europeans first contacted North America, Ontario was nearly completely forested except for the occasional beaver meadow. By 1900 only 10% of the forest remained. Pockets of grassland species initially benefited and expanded into the newly created habitat. Most recently as pasture decreases and the land is subjected to more intensive farming practices the grasslands and all its inhabitants are in jeopardy. There are solutions and we all can play a part. Like the movie Field of Dreams tells us, ‘Build It And They Will Come’.
REGISTER NOW AT: http://www.friendsofmacgregor.org FOR YOUR BIRDING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMES
7 OPENINGS – A4 – 6:30 am – BIRDING MacGREGOR’S SOUTHERN BOUNDARY – James Turland. This road trip explores the forest, wetlands and abandoned farms along the park’s southern boundary. A walk to Ducks Unlimited pond includes visits to the viewing tower and bird blind.
9 OPENINGS – A39 – 7:00 am – BIRDING THE TOWER TRAIL – James Turland. Walk the Tower Trail from the park road to the Ducks Unlimited pond. Habitat is a mixture of wetlands and hardwood forests.
ONLY 4 OPENINGS – B2 – 7:00 am – BIRDING THE HURON FRINGE NORTH – James Turland. Huron Fringe refers to the sand and gravel lowlands adjacent to Lake Huron. This driving tour explores the fringe between MacGregor Point and Sauble Falls to the north. (Bring lunch)
ONLY 3 OPENINGS – B21 – 8:00 am – BIRDING MacGREGOR – OLD FIELDS & TRAILS – James Turland. A morning walk through varied habitats along the Deer Run and Rotary Way trails in the northeast corner of the Park. These are infrequently birded areas.
MCGREGOR POINT PROVINCIAL PARK, PORT ELGIN, ONTARIO – MAY 23 to MAY 26 & MAY 29 to JUNE 1
http://www.facebook.com/HuronFringeBirdingFestival
birdfest@rogers.com
huronfringefest 