Archive for May 2015
HFBF HAPPENINGS – PART 5 – FAMILY TIME! AND MORE.
New for 2015 – Parallel to our regular program we offered an new FAMILY WEEKEND PACKAGE that included Bird Banding, Birding 101, Afternoon Outdoor Adventures, Nest Box Building, Pond Exploration, Birds of Prey from Wild Ontario and a Campfire Program…all for the children. And it looks like they’re having a great time!
BINO BOY & ELYTRA GIRL – Andalynne & Richard Tofflemire – With Bino Boy’s binocular vision and Elytra Girl’s power of magnifying, the kids use their senses to discover what can be found in nature in an entertaining way!
Richard Tofflemire dons his giant binoculars to transform himself into BINO BOY!
Looking at the world through insect eyes…when he puts on Bino Boy’s special glasses.
HAPPY CHICKADEE NEST BOXES BUILDERS. No carpentry skills required.
DAVE BREWER SET UP HIS NETS AND SPREAD SOME SEED TO ATTRACT BIRDS FOR HIS NEXT MORNING’S BIRD BANDING DEMONSTRATION. THIS WET AND HUNGRY CREATIVE WAS THE FIRST TO ARRIVE.
KERRY JARVIS SENT IN THIS NOTE ABOUT SCOTT TAYLOR’S BIRDING AND BOTANY HIKE AT INVERHURON PROVINCIAL PARK
Scott is holding a water snake. Scott grew up in this area as a boy and is now working with Cornell University Ornithology. This interesting thing is that his dad, Bob Taylor was on the hike. It was nice to see father and son on an outing.
Scott and participants use Newcombe’s book to identify a plant.
KERRY JARVIS ALSO CONDUCTED TWO PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS DURING THE FESTIVAL. HERE ARE SOME PICTURES OF HIS PARTICIPANTS PRACTICING THIER NEWLY LEARNED TIPS AND TECHNIQUES IN THE FIELD.
Landscape Photography along Southampton Beach
“Landscape Photography” is a new photo workshop where we made 7 stops from the park to Southampton exploring and photographing the theme of water, nature and man’s intervention with nature.
Photographing the MacGregor Point shoreline was a new photo workshop at this year’s festival led by Kerry Jarvis. Participants had an opportunity to photograph the unique, rugged shoreline.
“You really don’t need to travel the world to see beauty, its all here at MacGregor,” explained one enthusiastic photographer.
HFBF HAPPENINGS – PART 4 – DAMSELFLIES AND DRAGON FLIES – NO BIRDS
It was a hot and humid afternoon at the DU Pond Friday…perfect weather for Dragon hunting. John Reaume showed us how to capture and identify some of the 171 or so species that have been recorded in Ontario. There are 77 confirmed species in Grey County and 87 confirmed species in Bruce County. At the end of the day I, personally, still couldn’t tell the difference between Dragons and Damsels – or – ever remember how to tell them apart.
But I got some great shots – so, you see, the HFBF is not just about birds. These amazing predators have wings too.
John Reaume explains netting technique…its didn’t take us long to start capturing these speedy creatures.
Getting up close and personal…
They do bite…but you won’t feel it unless you’re another insect.
This, I believe, is a “Northern Bluet” Damselfly,…but I could be wrong.
HFBF HAPPENINGS – PART THREE – BIRDS AND OTHER THINGS
Jim Punnett sent in these pictures and brief synopsis of the hike with Rod Steinacher.
ROD STEINACHER – LEADING THE ‘CABOT HEAD – A BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT” HIKE
“Our hike was in the Dyers Bay Road, Dyers Bay, Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory, Sparrow Fields by Larks Whistle, and Crane Lake area.”
“The 1st photos, Eastern Meadowlark, American Bittern & female Red-winged Blackbird on Dyers Bay road. The photos of Rod and participates were also on the road.”
“Others were taken at the BPBO (Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory). The shipwreck was taken in the bay at the BPBO.”
WILD COLUMBINE – SOMEWHERE ONE THE ROAD.
“The last one is taken on Crane Lake Rd listening for sparrows.”
And one of our young attendees sent in this invitation to all registrants of the Huron Fringe Birding Festival. Nice to see young folks developing a passion for birding. Could be a future HFBF leader in the making.
Please visit his site.
Hello,
Me and my grandpa where at the festival this past weekend. Here is the link to my website: www.jacobspics.weebly.com. I have uploaded all of my pictures (Macgregor Point > Huron Fringe Birding Festival 2015) I took of birds, reptiles/amphibians, mammals, and butterflies. Feel free to use any of these pictures for the park use or another use.
Thanks,
Jacob Schumann
And Bob Taylor (out birding “Hotspots of the Lower Bruce” with Alfred Raab) sent us his shot of a Sandhill Crane and his Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS.
IF YOU’RE OUT AND ABOUT ON ANY OF THE HFBF HIKES OR IN A WORKSHOP AND HAVE A STORY, PICTURES, THOUGHTS OR WHATEVER, YOU WANT TO SHARE – PLEASE – FEEL FREE TO SUBMIT THEM TO: nanni_4@sympatico.ca – AND WE’LL GET THEM UP ON THIS, YOUR BLOG. THANKS.
HFBF HAPPENINGS – PART TWO – BIRDS AND OTHER THINGS.
Bill O’Keefe explains why the apples at the O’Keefe Grange are so special. After years of collecting and growing over 200 varieties of apples and pears trees, he has a lot to talk about. And the blossoms behind him testify to another great year.
This was Todd Pepper’s first experience as a HFBF Leader and he was happy with what he found on his Friday hike…an Acadian Flycatcher at Isaac Lake. (Correction…A mistake was made on the photo of the bird and it was determined by some that it was a Least Flycatcher. The Acadian was heard according to the hike leader but that is not the picture of the Acadian Flycatcher that was heard. )
This little tidbit (as it were) from Fred Jazvac:
We opened our day at with Alfred Raab at Sauble where the Piping Plovers are. A Merlin flew within feet of us, made an abrupt turn and picked up a brown small bird right off the ground and began eating it on a near by post in full view. He ate the bird in minutes. The agility and speed of this bird was amazing as it plucked the bird from the ground. The bird didn’t have a chance. The Merlin was not intimidated by our presence. This is worrying news as the brown bird was taken about 100 feet from the Piping Plover cage. Thanks for the great day, Alfred. We saw 81 species of birds on an all day hike with Alfred starting at 6:00 AM. We started at Sauble and finished at Sky Lake.
The Bruce Re-Beckons with Willy Waterton and Audrey Armstrong.
Willy took us on a tour rediscovering the Peninsula based on the 1952 book The Bruce Beckons by Sherwood Fox. While we covered many sites of historical interest, this gem stood out.
Heading up the 40 Hills Road we stopped at St. Margaret’s Chapel.
It’s a beautiful little church, “built of the stones of its own hills and valleys,” in true turn of the century Anglican tradition.The dolomite limestone blocks are cut large and thick giving the small building a stance that says it will stand for ages.
The interior is finished in dark timber with oak pews.
The stain class windows, some with a local wildflower motif, glimmer in the dim interior as the light seeps through. A guest book revealed pages and pages of visitors from all parts of the globe.
THERE WILL ME MORE HFBF HAPPENINGS AS THEY HAPPEN AS THE SECOND HURON FRINGE LONG WEEKEND IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. KEEP US LOGGED IN.
First time at the Huron Fringe Birding Festival
There’s nothing like unsolicited compliments, especially when they come from folks whose first time impression is one that will stay with them. Below is a Blog from a first-time HFBF attendee…we reblog it with thanks.
Maianthemum stellatum, or Starry False Solomon’s Seal. Very pretty.
I just got home from the Huron Fringe Birding Festival. The “Fringe” part had me thinking it was some kind of arty alternative birdwatching event; however the “Huron Fringe” is actually a boardwalk trail along Lake Huron at MacGregor Point Provincial Park. I wasn’t disappointed though. Birders and naturalists are “alternative” by default, and arty… well, there WAS a lot of camera paraphernalia around. I’m certain the humans struggling under the weight of massive zoom lenses and tripods took some fantastic photos.
The festival is an 8-day extravaganza that celebrates a lot more than birding. Hundreds of people attend up to a dozen different events each day. Yesterday I joined a guided tour of The Ark Farm B&B and learned about the owner’s efforts to incorporate wildlife habitat into their property and farming methods. They are doing something right; Meadowlarks and Bobolinks, both threatened grassland…
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HFBF – HAPPENINGS
Two highlights from the annual Huron Fringe Birding Festival Banquet that took place at the new St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall in Southampton.
Mick Pickup – noted local birder and author is presented with the HFBF Norah Toth Award by Co-Chairs Norah Toth and Doug Pedwell.
Vicky and Mike share a together moment after the presentation.
Our Keynote speaker, Doctor Doug Tozer
presented an informative and entertaining presentation about our most iconic wilderness bird.
And yes, HFBF is definitely in the news as local papers are going with our unique local story in newspapers and the internet.
All of which makes us and all our participants feel most welcome in Saugeen Shores.
SHARE YOUR SHOTS!
The Huron Fringe Birding Festival is ON! And it looks like it will be two great weekends of birding, hiking, photography, workshops and outdoor lovers getting together for good times. Our attendance is up. First time Huron Fringe attendees are at a record high. Our first time Family Weekend is set to go. So thank you to all for joining us. Enjoy.
Our Facebook Editor Bruce Edmunds is busy updating the Festival Bird List, but not too busy to get some shots of his own. Have a look.
If you have shots from your days at the Festival, please send them along…we will happily post them on this blog or Facebook for all to see.
Bruce Edmunds on the job outside the Visitor’s Centre…look for his Festival Updates on our Facebook Page.
Common Yellowthroat…Bruce Edmunds, Ducks Unlimited Pond
Flycatcher. ID help required. Bruce Edmunds at Ducks Unlimited Pond
Song Sparrow at Ducks Unlimited Pond
American Redstart. Official mascot of HFBF. Bruce Edmunds. Ducks Unlimited Pond.
Yellow Warbler. Bruce Edmunds. Ducks Unlimited Pond.
Downy Woodpecker. Bruce Edmunds. Ducks Unlimited Pond
Great Egret. Bruce Edmunds. Taken at the park’s northern edge
Dwarf Lake Iris. On the trails close to the shoreline
Great news for Plover Lovers…Stewart Nutt, via Mike Pickup, reports two more found last night and this Ruddy Turnstone.
Registration inquiries: birdfest@rogers.com or 519-389-6231
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HuronFringeBirdingFestival.
twitter: @HuronBirdfest
Email: birdfest@rogers.com.
HFBF STARTS TOMORROW -MAY 21
If you haven’t registered yet. Come on over to MacGregor Point Park. Lots of events are still open. Join the ladies at the BIG WHITE TENT next to the Visitor’s Centre…they will be more than happy to sign you up. On the spot.
There are still lots of open events.
Take a look and you’ll see there are plenty of opportunities left for great birding, hikes, wildflowers, photography and more. Reserve the events you want now.
Space is available
Register now at: www.friendsofmacgregor.org
FRIDAY MAY 22
A2 – 6:30 AM – LOVING LAGOONS IN LOWER BRUCE – Judith King – Explore the Ripley and Kincardine lagoons, and then continue up the shore of Lake Huron. The emphasis will be on warblers, with as many as 20 species possible at the lagoons. Pockets of migrating warblers may be found along the shore. (easy, car-pool, bring lunch)
A4 – 7:00 AM – BIRDING MacGREGOR’S BOUNDARY – Mike Burrell – Join Mike for a morning of birding some of the hotspots around the edge of MacGregor Point. We will rack up a surprising list without going too far. Several warbler species, Indigo Bunting, Rose-breasted Grosbeak as well as a few grassland species are all possibilities. (easy, car-pool)
A5 – 7:30 AM – BIRDS OF WOODLAND, WETLAND & FOREST EDGE: TOWER TRAIL – Justin Peter – Diverse habitat along the Tower Trail makes it a mecca for an eclectic mix of warblers, flycatchers, and thrushes. Justin will help us find these birds using his fine-tuned hearing skills, and will share tips for the interpretation of bird behaviour. (easy, car-pool – limit 20)
A7 – 1:30 PM – NATURE RAMBLE – TOWER TRAIL – Terry Crabe – Ramble along the Tower Trail to the Ducks Unlimited wetland. This event is geared for a wide level of birders who simply want to enjoy the MacGregor Point landscape. There is always an abundance of species to discover along this trail. (easy – limit 20)
SATURDAY MAY 23
A10 – 6:00 AM – CAPE CROKER – FROM BLUFFS TO SHORES – Joy Albrecht – Explore the seldom-birded Cape Croker peninsula with its abandoned fields, Georgian Bay shoreline and wetlands. As a special added treat we will visit the bird rich woodlands of Malcolm Bluff Shores Nature Reserve. (moderate, car-pool, bring lunch – limit 20)
A11 – 6:30 AM – HURON SHORE TO MALCOLM BLUFFS – Mike Burrell – We’ll cover all the birding bases – stops for shorebirds, ducks, grassland and forest birds. You’ll be amazed at the incredible diversity. We may even find a Cerulean Warbler on territory. (easy, car-pool, bring lunch – limit 20)
A12 – 6:30 AM – BIRDING SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA – Todd Pepper – The southern Bruce Peninsula boasts a number of landform features found both within the Huron Fringe and along the Niagara Escarpment. Wetlands and lakes, hardwood forests, fields and hedgerows all provide varied habitats for you to discover. Participants will benefit from Todd’s knowledge of birdsong and breeding bird behaviour. (easy, car-pool, bring lunch – limit 20)
6:00 AM to Noon – BIRD BANDING – Brendan Toews
11:00 AM – EAGLE OPTICS – During the lunch break Eagle Optics will have binoculars and telescopes on display and for sale.
A17 – 1:30 PM – Keeping the Birds & the Bees on the Farm – Art Wiebe & Janice McKean – You will see both wetland and grassland birds on the farm that Art and Janice manage. They will point out farming practices that enhance wildlife habitat as you walk the trails around their ponds and pastures. (easy, car-pool – limit 20)
SUNDAY MAY 24
A22 – 6:00 AM – A BIG DAY ON THE BRUCE – Michael Carlson – Are you a ‘lister’? Do you ‘tick’? From warblers just after dawn to Whip-poor-will at dusk, you will keep tallying up your numbers. Your day’s list could be over 100 species. Michael found a Kirkland’s Warbler in 2014 and plans to revisit that spot. (moderate, car-pool, bring lunch – limit 20)
A23- 6:30 AM – FLOWERPOT ISLAND – A REMOTE GEORGIAN BAY HABITAT – Don Wilkes – An exhilarating open-air jet boat will take you from Tobermory to the showcase island of Fathom Five National Marine Park. Flowerpot Island is famous for shoreline flowerpots, perched caves, rare orchids and birdwatching. If Lake Huron is too rough, a “Tip of the Bruce” tour will be a worthy … no amazing …substitute! (difficult, car-pool, jet boat, bring backpack & lunch – $40 extra per person – limit 22)
A24 – 8:00 AM – INVERHURON – BIRDING & BOTANY HIKE – Scott Taylor – Inverhuron Provincial Park may be small, but the diversity of habitat and its shoreline location make it an excellent place to look for migrating songbirds and unique plants. Join us for a day-long exploration of the forest and shoreline habitats. (easy, car-pool – limit 20)
6:00 AM to Noon – BIRD BANDING – Brendan Toews
A26 – 7:00 AM – AROUND THE EDGE OF MacGREGOR – Ken Burrell – Birding enthusiast and expert Ken will lead us around the periphery of MacGregor Point. We will look for Indigo Bunting, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and many other bird species. (easy, car-pool – limit 20)
A27 – 7:30 AM – BIRDING THE J/I LINE – Todd Pepper – Grasslands are in decline and grassland bird species are in jeopardy. Bruce County provides a community pasture where Upland Sandpiper, Bobolink, Grasshopper and Clay-coloured sparrows can still be found. Todd’s experience and hearing skills make him an excellent choice to take you on this driving tour. (easy, car-pool – limit 20)
A28 – 8:00 AM – UP WITH THE BIRDS – Doug Martin – This hike has been a tradition since before the beginning of the Huron Fringe Birding Festival –a morning walk along the Tower Trail to the Viewing Tower. Past experience on this hike has resulted in a species list that will rival many other events. Can we do it again? (easy, car-pool – limit 20)
A31 – 1:30 PM – O’KEEFE GRANGE – A HERITAGE APPLE FARM – Bill & Lyn O’Keefe – We will visit O’Keefe Grange, a heritage apple and pear farm. Bill and Lyn O’Keefe have spent many years collecting and growing these fruit trees. These citizen scientists will share their knowledge and passion as you browse their farm store and taste apple cider donuts. (easy, car-pool – limit 20)
A33 – 1:30 PM – NATURE SKETCHING & JOURNALING – Sarah Rupert – Nature journaling documents your adventures and helps you to hone your observation skills. Everyone can keep a nature journal, even if you think you can’t draw. Sarah will show you some easy tricks to start sketching and really observing nature in the field. (easy, bring pencil & notebook – limit 20)
MONDAY MAY 25
A35 – 6:00 AM – HOTSPOTS OF THE LOWER BRUCE – Alfred Raab – Habitats will be varied on this outing. We will visit Sauble Beach for a chance to see Piping Plovers; inland lakes including Boat, Isaac and Sky lakes; grasslands around Ferndale and Black Creek Provincial Park. Alfred is a favourite leader for local birding outings. (easy, car-pool, bring lunch – limit 20)
A36 – 6:30 AM – CABOT HEAD – A BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT – Rod Steinacher
This driving tour will take us to the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory (BPBO), the Bruce Alvar Nature Reserve, and a nearby Nature Conservancy property. Rod is a retired science teacher and President of the BPBO. He is always eager to share his expertise. (easy, car-pool, bring lunch – limit 20)
A37 – 8:00 AM – THE BRUCE RE-BECKONS – Willy Waterton
Join Willy in a quest to rediscover Sherwood Fox’s Bruce Peninsula, based on his landmark 1952 book “The Bruce Beckons”. You will spend the day exploring Fox’s Bruce to see what still exists after 63 years. (easy, car-pool, bring lunch – limit 20)
A38 – 6:00 AM – BRANT TRACT, PAISLEY & BLIND LINE – Judith King – Explore the Brant Tract with its mixed woods and stream by travelling along an old road to the bottom of the valley. Paisley will showcase bird feeders and several species of swallows. The Blind Line parallels the Saugeen River and passes through fields and mixed forest. (easy, car-pool, bring water – limit 20)
A39 – 7:00 AM – BIRDING MacGREGOR – Scott Taylor – A late spring walk around the Ducks Unlimited wetland is sure to turn up migrants. Join Scott to hear about the importance of wetlands for migrating birds. You will also identify some of these spring beauties. (easy, car-pool – limit 20)
A41 – 1:30 PM – BIRDING & EBIRD ENTRY – Mike Burrell – Grab your binoculars AND your notebooks. We’ll go for a short walk to find some birds around the Visitor Centre. Then Mike will introduce you to eBird. You’ll find out how easy it is to contribute your everyday bird observations to this massive citizen science project. (easy – limit 20)
A42 – 1:30 PM – BOTANY ON THE FRINGE – Laura Cook – The Huron Fringe is made up of wave-cut terraces, gravel bars and sand dunes found adjacent to the Lake Huron shoreline. Within MacGregor Point, this habitat contains unique shoreline plants including Dwarf Lake Iris. Laura will introduce you to these plants and more. (easy – limit 20)
A43 – 7:15 PM – ONTARIO’S TRUE NORTH – Mike Burrell – Over the past several years Mike has had the chance to visit Ontario’s little known north coast at sites on James and Hudson bays. Come on this visual journey about these amazing landscapes. You will learn about the plants, animals and habitats that are found there. (indoors – limit 60)
SECOND WEEKEND – THURSDAY MAY 28
B2 – 7:30 AM – GEOLOGY OF THE NORTHERN BRUCE PENINSULA – Bob Gray – Join Bob in exploring the unique geology of the Bruce Peninsula and Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment. (easy, car-pool, bring lunch – limit 20)
B3 – 9:00 AM – BUTTERFLY WORKSHOP – Audrey Armstrong – This workshop will teach you how to nurture butterfly populations by learning about their lifecycle, threats to the monarch population and how to create monarch friendly habitat including growing your own butterfly garden. There will be a slide show in the morning. The afternoon will be outdoors looking for monarchs, eggs and larvae. (easy, car-pool, bring lunch – limit 20)
B4 – 7:30 AM – BIRDING THE SAUGEEN AMPHITHEATRE – Joy Albrecht – The beautiful amphitheatre gardens high above the Saugeen River will be the setting for this hike. Stone stairways and walkways provide access to locations where we can overlook the river and riparian habitat. We will be observing spring migrants, nesting species, shorebirds and raptors. (easy, car-pool – limit 20)
B5 – 8:30 AM – BEGINNING BIRDING FOR ADULTS – Doug Pedwell – This event is designed for those who wish to know about the world’s number one hobby – Birding. Topics include binoculars, field guides and identification marks of birds. There will be a short indoor session and a bird hike. (easy, car-pool – limit 20)
B6- 1:30 PM – BOTANY OF THE FRINGE – Barbara Palmer – The Huron Fringe is a physiographic unit between the former glacial Lake Algonquin shoreline and the present day Lake Huron shoreline. Former cobble beach ridges, swales and ancient miniature dunes each provide their own combination of plants. Barbara will help you identify them. (easy – limit 12)
B8 – 7:15 PM – THE WONDERS OF BIRD MIGRATION – Dave Brewer – Dave gets lost in Toronto but Bobolinks navigate to Argentina. Are they smarter than Dave? Dave’s talk about bird migration will emphasize their navigation. He will look at historical interpretations and recent techniques including satellite tracking and geolocators. (indoors – limit 60)
FRIDAY MAY 29
B12 – 8:30 AM – LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY – Kerry Jarvis – Grey and Bruce counties beckon all photographers to capture their raw beauty. Kerry will help you learn techniques which will enhance your landscape photography skills as you discover some of the majestic vistas in Grey Bruce. Tripods recommended. (easy, car-pool, bring lunch, compact or digital SLR – limit 20)
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!) (easy, car-pool – limit 12)
B16 – 1:30 PM – PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: LANDSCAPES & NATURE WALK – Fran Sanagan – Fran will facilitate this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn how careful observations of the environment around them will improve their photos of nature and landscapes. Bring tripod if you have one. (easy, bring camera – limit 15)
SATURDAY MAY 30
B20 – 8:00 AM – WALKING FOR THE FERN OF IT – Brett Woodman – Brett will introduce you to natural areas along the escarpment where hunting for ferns will also lead you to a variety of interesting habitats. His birding and wildflower identification skills will help to enhance this all day field trip. (difficult, car-pool, bring lunch – limit 20)
6:00 am to noon – BIRD BANDING – Dave Brewer
B22 – 8:00 PM – BIRDING THE OLD SHORE ROAD TRAIL – Bill Crins – The Lake Huron shoreline as well as fen and edge habitats are featured during this walk north from the Visitor Centre. Bill is an active birder and naturalist. We always benefit from his experience as an interpretive naturalist. (easy – limit 20)
B23 – 9:00 AM – SCOPING IT OUT – Andalynne & Richard Tofflemire – It’s more than just identifying what you see. We will focus on how birds and bugs interact with each other. But don’t expect to cover a lot of distance because there’s soo… much to see right at your feet and above your head! (easy, car-pool – limit 20)
B25 – 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!) (easy, car-pool – limit 12)
B26 – 1:30 PM – O’KEEFE GRANGE – A HERITAGE APPLE FARM – Bill & Lyn O’Keefe – Bill and Lyn O’Keefe have spent many years collecting and growing over two hundred varieties of apple and pear trees. These citizen scientists will share their knowledge and passion. (easy, car-pool – limit 20)
B27 – 1:30 PM – PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: LOOKING AT MacGREGOR CLOSE UP – Fran Sanagan – Fran will be facilitating this hands-on workshop where participants will learn how to look at nature close up, through a macro setting or lens. Bring a tripod if you have one. (easy, car-pool, bring camera – limit 20)
B28 – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM – BRUCE COUNTY BEEF DINNER – Harrigan’s Catering, Southampton – MacGregor Point Provincial Park – Additional charge of $17. Dinner combined with B29 as a single event, $23.
B29 – 7:15 PM – ONTARIO NEST RECORD SCHEME & PROJECT NESTWATCH – Mark Peck – Join Mark as he discusses the metamorphosis of the Ontario Nest Records Scheme into Project NestWatch and learn how as a citizen scientist you can both learn and have fun providing valuable information to conservation initiatives. (indoors – limit 60)
SUNDAY MAY 31
B31 – 6:30 AM – DEBATING THE ISSUES – BIRDING BAYVIEW TO BOGNOR – Mark Wiercinski – Invasive species, forest fragmentation, hedgerow removal and wetland modifications are all happening at unparalleled speeds in southern Ontario. On this walking / driving tour Mark will talk about issues that are affecting the bird populations in Ontario. (difficult, car-pool, bring lunch – limit 20)
B32 – 8:00 AM – BIRDS & BEACHES: HOW DO OUR BEACHES LOOK FROM THE SKY? – Karen Alexander – During this shoreline tour of varied coastal areas, Karen will describe how different types of beach stewardship can influence the health and quality of coastal ecosystems. (easy, car-pool, bring lunch -limit 20)
6:00 am to noon – BIRD BANDING – Dave Brewer
B35 – 1:30 PM – BIRDS OF PREY – Wild Ontario – Enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff and volunteers are supported by non-releasable birds of prey during a program that is loaded with fantastic facts, a healthy dose of humour, an inspiring message and lots of “WOW” moments. (outdoors)
B37 – 8:00 PM – SUNSET WALK – Doug Pedwell – Join Doug for a leisurely stroll along the shore of Lake Huron to discover the sights, sounds and smells of a late May evening in MacGregor Point Provincial Park. (easy – limit 20)
FAMILY WEEKEND
One parent/guardian must accompany children from the same family. This person is allowed to participate in the event free of charge. See the website for parent/guardian registration details.
SATURDAY MAY 30
6:00 am to noon – BIRD BANDING – Dave Brewer
FAM1 – 9:00 AM – BIRDING 101 FOR FAMILIES – Doug Pedwell – Birding is a family-friendly hobby. Doug will talk about the equipment needed; how to recognize family friendly field guides and, of course, how to identify birds. (limit 40)
FAM2- 1:30 PM – AFTERNOON ADVENTURES (Children will be divided into two groups. Each child will attend both afternoon programs – limit 40)
BINO BOY & ELYTRA GIRL – Andalynne & Richard Tofflemire -Time to go on an outdoor adventure! With Bino Boy’s binocular vision and Elytra Girl’s power of magnifying, we’ll be out to discover all that can be found in an exciting, entertaining way!
AND
CHICKADEE NEST BOXES – Kerry Jarvis – Build a chickadee nest box. No carpentry skills are required. Participants will assemble their own boxes. Imagine the thrill of seeing a Black-capped Chickadee choose your nest box to raise its family! (Chickadee nest box kit – $10 extra per child)
FAM3 – 7:15 PM – DOWN WITH DR. ENTO – CAMPFIRE PROGRAM – Matt Cunliffe – Fascinated by the insect world? You can learn more about these incredible creepy crawlers from world renowned Dr. Ento…Mologist, through songs, games and trivia… 6 legs, 3 body parts, 1 campfire
SUNDAY MAY 31
FAM4 – 9:00 AM – MORNING EXPLORATIONS (Children will be divided into two groups. Each child will attend both morning programs.) (limit 40)
POND EXPLORATION – Andalynne & Richard Tofflemire – Join Richard and Andalynne for an informal, hands-on look at the fascinating critters that make the pond their home. Dip nets, basins and hand lenses will help us look at the often-unseen animals that live in pond water.
AND
BIRDING 102 FOR FAMILIES – Doug Pedwell – This hike will take place at the Duck’s Unlimited wetland where we will use the bird blind and the tower to see what is in the wetlands. (car required)
FAM5 – 1:30 PM – BIRDS OF PREY – Wild Ontario – Enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff and volunteers are supported by non-releasable birds of prey during a program that is loaded with fantastic facts, a healthy dose of humour, an inspiring message and lots of “WOW” moments. (outdoors)
The complete schedule is also available at: http://www.friendsofmaccgredor.org.
One of the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario for the second straight year. The Only Birding Festival in Ontario to earn this distinction
Huron Fringe Birding Festival Registration: www.friendsofmacgregor.org
Registration inquiries: birdfest@rogers.com or 519-389-6231
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HuronFringeBirdingFestival.
twitter: @HuronBirdfest
Email: birdfest@rogers.com.
MIKE PICKUP – NORAH TOTH AWARD WINNER
It comes as no surprise that Mick Pickup is set to receive this year’s Norah Toth Award. After all, the Norah Toth Award recognizes people who have contributed to the Huron Fringe Birding Festival in ways that makes a difference. Through his writings, his serving the Festival, the Friends of MacGregor, the Bruce Birding Club, the OFO and the inspiration for the Bird Blind – to name just a few – Mike’s contributions make him an obvious choice.
“It’s an honour to be able to get the award and the recognition from your peers and associates,” said Mike. “I feel very humble.” Which is perfectly in character for this gentle man that birders know and respect.
Mike was just 9 years old when birds first began to interest him. His father would take him for walks pointing out birds on the moors in Lancashire. He came to Canada via England and Ireland when he was thirteen. He spent many days hiking and exploring the Bruce Trail near his Georgetown home. Then came the cottage in Sauble Beach, and the eventual move to Port Elgin. It was here that he met his mentor, Martin Parker, a naturalist and ‘big birder’. Martin rekindled Mike’s interest in birding. And the rest is local history.
Mike volunteered for Bird Studies Canada doing Nocturnal Owl Surveys, Breeding Bird Surveys, and Forest Monitoring Surveys; as well he has worked on both the first and second Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario projects and in 2009 received the OFO’s Award of Distinction. Mike loves to share his knowledge with others. After he retired he carried this a step further writing books to give people ideas of where to go and what to expect in certain birding areas. He’s published three helpful books to date and is currently working on a fourth.
When he isn’t out in the field or writing you’ll find him with his other love…Mike, the model train enthusiast, has a layout in his basement that occupies most of his winter hours.
When asked what it takes to be a successful birder, Mike’s advice is simple…”get a good pair of binoculars, a field guide, get outdoors and enjoy yourself.” That’s something Mike has been doing for over 50 years.
The Huron Fringe Birding Festival honours and celebrates Mike Pickup’s Outstanding Volunteer Contributions with this year’s North Toth Award, Saturday, May 23 at their annual Banquet and Presentation.
Huron Fringe Birding Festival Event Registration: www.friendsofmacgregor.org
Registration inquiries: birdfest@rogers.com or 519-389-6231
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