Archive for March 2016
THE FAMILY WEEKEND IS BACK
“Children have a natural affinity towards nature. Dirt, water, plants, birds and small animals attract and hold children’s attention for hours, days, even a lifetime.” Robin Moore & Herb Wong
BRING OUT THEIR NATURAL CURIOSITY AT HURON FRINGE BIRDING FESTIVAL FAMILY WEEKEND
Parallel to our regular program we again offer our fun-filled FAMILY WEEKEND. It features family-oriented programs and activities on Saturday June 4 and Sunday June 5 – just for kids. And their parents too, of course. Here’s how the fun breaks down.
SATURDAY JUNE 4
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.
Morning
6:00 am to noon BIRD BANDING – weather permitting
FAM1 9 am PLUGGING KIDS INTO BIRDING – Richard Tofflemire – Birding with kids can start right in your own backyard or in a provincial park! It is a family friendly activity. Learn about the equipment needed, field guides and apps and the easiest ways to identify birds. Bring binoculars if you have them, we will have some for you to use if you don’t.
Afternoon
FAM2 1:30 pm AFTERNOON ADVENTURES – (Children will be divided into two groups. Each child will attend both afternoon programs.)
BINO BOY & ELYTRA GIRL – Andalyne & Richard Tofflemire – Everyone already has the superpowers they need to explore nature! Come out for a dynamic exploration of the forest and learn how much fun discovering nature can be.
and
MONARCH MADNESS – Audrey Armstrong – Not only are monarchs beautiful, but their life cycle and migration is amazing! In this hands-on interactive workshop, children will learn about monarchs and create really cool crafts. To help foster habitat for this Species at Risk, you will make “seed bombs” to take home.
Evening
FAM3 7:15 pm ANIMAL DEFENCES – CAMPFIRE PROGRAM – Park Staff – Join Park Naturalists for an evening of deception, camouflage and chemical warfare as they investigate the defensive nature of MacGregor’s wild inhabitants.
9:00 pm to 10 pm ATTRACTING MOTHS BESIDE VISITOR CENTRE – Andalyne Tofflemire
SUNDAY JUNE 5
Morning
6:00 am to noon BIRD BANDING – weather permitting
7:00 am to 8:30 am MOTH ID – Andalyne Tofflemire
FAM4 9:00 am MORNING EXPLORATIONS – (Children will be divided into two groups. Each child will attend both morning programs.) (limit 40)
BUILDING FOR THE BIRDS – Kerry Jarvis – Get in the birding spirit. Build your own structure for a nest or wildlife feeder. No carpentry skills are required; just bring your enthusiasm! (kit – $10 extra per child. All tools provided.)
and
POND EXPLORATION – Andalyne & Richard Tofflemire – Join Richard and Andalyne 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.
Afternoon
FAM5 1:30 pm SPEED, STRENGTH & STEALTH: ONTARIO’S RAPTORS – Wild Ontario – Ontario is home to some of the most amazing hunting birds on the planet! Come get nose-to-beak with these stunning predators, and learn about the incredible skills and abilities that help them do what they do.
2016 FAMILY WEEKEND FEES
CHILD* Saturday/Sunday $30 sYOUTH:** Saturday/Sunday $45
CHILD HALF DAY EVENT: $9 YOUTH HALF DAY EVENT: $15
CHILD EVENING EVENT: $8 YOUTH EVENING EVENT: $10
* 5 to 10 accompanied by an adult
** 11 to 17
REGISTER YOUR FAMILY NOW AT: 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.
HE OR SHE WHO HESITATES…
QUITE A FEW EVENTS ARE SOLD OUT AS OF THIS POSTING. THE ONES LISTED HERE ARE STILL OPEN. SOME HAVE ONLY A FEW SPACES LEFT BEFORE THEY’RE FULL. CHECK OUT THE LIST BELOW, NOW, AND DECIDE WHICH EVENTS YOU WANT TO ATTEND, THEN LOG ON TO:www.huronfringebirdingfestival.ca TO CAPTURE YOUR SPOT ON THE HIKE OR WORKSHOP THAT INTERESTS YOU. BY THE WAY, WE HAVEN’T LISTED THE FULL EVENTS.
Registration for open events
http://www.huronfringebirdingfestival.ca
FRIDAY MAY 27 – FIRST WEEKEND STARTS
All Day
A3 8:00 am NORTH OF THE SAUGEEN – Joy Albrecht – Explore the backroads north of the Saugeen River. You will travel through the Chippewas of Saugeen Ojibway territory and inland habitats at the base of the Bruce Peninsula.
Morning
A4 6:30 am KINCARDINE LAGOONS – James Turland – Hike the trails of this premier birding hotspot, locally known as “Pelee North”. If you missed seeing birds at Pelee, chances are you’ll find them here.
A5 7:30 am BIRDING THE EDGE OF MacGREGOR – Terry Crabe – The MacGregor landscape offers a variety of habitats that provide the right niches for a good number of different species. Travelling by car to these areas, we will seek them out on short walks into each habitat.
Afternoon
A6 (NEW) 1:30 pm LET THERE BE LIGHT – Fran Sanagan – Learn how lighting influences your photographs. In this workshop, you will learn a variety of natural lighting techniques, and how to get the most out of outdoor flash photography. There will be an opportunity to share your photos and discuss the results.
A7 1:30 pm ARE YOU A PLOVER LOVER? – Stew Nutt – If you’re not already, you will be after spending time on the beach with these charismatic, endangered birds.
A8 1:30 pm SHRUB & TREE ID IN MacGREGOR – Jim Coles – Using leaf and twig keys, we will identify the conifers and hardwoods in the vicinity of the Visitor Centre and learn about the role of site (soil characteristics) in determining species composition.
SATURDAY MAY 28
A11 6:00 am HURON SHORES TO MALCOLM BLUFFS – Mike Burrell – We’ll cover all the birding bases – shorebirds, ducks, grassland birds and forest birds. You’ll be amazed at the diversity. We may even find a Cerulean or Hooded Warbler on territory.
A12 7:00 am INVERHURON BIRDING & BOTANY – Dr. 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 songbirds and unique plants. Join us for this exploration of the forest and shoreline habitats.
A13 (NEW) 9:00 am MONARCH FRIENDLY HABITAT – Audrey Armstrong – Learn how to nurture monarch butterfly populations by growing your own easy to maintain monarch waystation garden. Following a slide show in the morning, the afternoon will be outdoors, making seed balls, looking for monarchs, eggs and larvae along the Lake Huron shore and visiting local waystations.
Morning
6:00 am to noon BIRD BANDING – weather permitting
A14 6:00 am BIRDING BY EAR – Michael Carlson – Do you have difficulty remembering bird songs and calls no matter how often you hear them? Michael is a natural at mnemonics. This field workshop will give you tips and tools you can use to sort out bird songs.
A15 6:00 am SEX & THE SINGLE WARBLER – Mark Wiercinski – In spring, love is in the air. Let Mark explain the unseen action in the trees. It’s always fun when Mark tackles this topic.
A16 6:30 am BIRDING THE 4 CORNERS OF MacGREGOR – James Turland – Visit wetlands, shorelines, forests and fields along the margins of MacGregor Park. You will enjoy James’ relaxed style and his ability to locate the birds.
A17 7:00 am BIRDING THE EDGE – Todd Pepper – Back by popular request, Todd will bird the Lake Huron shoreline along the Old Shore Road Trail. He will lead us through habitats including fens, forests and wet beaches.
A18 7:30 am PAISLEY BIRDING – Joy Albrecht – Join Joy birding the back roads from MacGregor to Paisley, with a stop at the Old Mill, Schmidt Lake and some roadside birding in the swamp on the way back to the Park.
.11:00 am EAGLE OPTICS
During the lunch break Eagle Optics will have binoculars and telescopes on display and for sale.
Afternoon
A19 (NEW) 1:30 pm ETHICS OF BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY – Terry Crabe – The Tower Trail provides many opportunities to view birds but what are the challenges for the
casual or professional photographer who wants to get the best shot. A birder and photographer, Terry will share the principles he follows.
A21 1:30 pm BIRDING BRUCEDALE TO MacGREGOR – Joy Albrecht – Wooded and open areas beside the shore from Brucedale Conservation Area to MacGregor Point’s Koehler Pasch property provide great birding opportunities.
A22 1:30 pm FROG FROLIC – Kerry Jarvis – Listen to, enjoy and locate the frogs who call MacGregor Park home. Our frolic will take us to several ponds to revel in the sights and sounds of these amazing creatures. If available, bring cameras and close-focus binoculars.
Evening
A23 4:30 pm SOCIAL 5:30 pm BANQUET & PRESENTATION – Lust & Domain: An Exploration into Why Birds Sing – Dr. Lyle Friesen
Recent advances in the field of bioacoustics have revealed that birds communicate in highly sophisticated ways. The mysteries of the dawn chorus, a sublime avian phenomenon, will be highlighted. Champion singers, those with the most complex songs, the largest repertoire or that are marathon singers, will be identified. (St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, Port Elgin, Roast Beef Buffet, vegetarian option available). (Early Bird Price – $40 extra per person – after April 15 or for banquet/presentation only – $50 extra per person). Casual, bar available, pre-registration required, silent auction. Contact registrar by May 1 with dietary restrictions.
SUNDAY MAY 29
All Day
A25 6:00 am FLOWERPOT ISLAND – Doug Pedwell – 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 an equally worthy substitute! (difficult, car-pool, jet boat, bring backpack & lunch) ($45 extra per person)
A27 7:30 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, providing a variety of bird habitat. Participants will benefit from Todd’s knowledge of birdsong and breeding bird behaviour.
Morning
6:00 am to noon BIRD BANDING – weather permitting
A28 6:00 am WRESTLING WITH WARBLERS – Mark Wiercinski – Warblers are very annoying. They move around a lot and hide behind the most inconvenient leaves and branches. Mark’s humour and tips about habitat and song will definitely keep you interested.
A30 7:00 am eBIRDING THE PARK – Mike Burrell – Mike will take you birding, then introduce you to eBird, the amazing online repository of bird sightings, abundance, distribution and seasonal occurrence. You’ll find out how easy it is for you to become a citizen scientist and contribute your sightings to this awesome database.
Afternoon
A33 1:30 pm DRAGONFLIES & DAMSELFLIES – John Reaume – Damselflies and dragonflies are members of the order Odonata meaning “toothed ones” which reference their awesome mouth parts. We will attempt to capture some of them in butterfly nets for closer examination. (bring binoculars/cameras/butterfly nets/field guides if you have them)
A34 (NEW)1:30 pm SAUGEEN SHORES BUTTERFLY TRAIL – Kerry Jarvis – Want to know the best plants, trees and shrubs to attract wildlife? Join Kerry as he showcases various gardens throughout Saugeen Shores. Learn about the “magic plants” that are magnets for birds, butterflies, caterpillars and mammals.
A35 1:30 pm SONGBIRDS & SALAMANDERS ON THE FARM – Art Wiebe & Janice McKean – All living things need water to survive. Let Art and Janice introduce you to their backyard pond as they explain “natural habitat” and what it means to migrating birds, and the little critters who call it home. They will also talk about conservation programs that have assisted them in enriching these habitats.
Evening
A36 (NEW) 7:15 pm SPIDERS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA – John Reaume – Spiders have a bad reputation but in reality they are fascinating creatures. John will talk about their unique anatomy and interesting behaviours. Webs are not just for catching prey! Learn how to observe them. Understanding spiders will make you appreciate them more – it’s true!
MONDAY MAY 30
All Day
A37 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 Plover; inland lakes including Boat, Isaac and Sky lakes; grasslands around Ferndale and Black Creek Provincial Park.
A38 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 “The Bruce Beckons”. You will spend the day exploring Fox’s Bruce to see what still exists after 63 years.
Morning
A40 7:30 am BIRDING IN AN AMPHITHEATRE – Joy Albrecht – The elevated steps of the Saugeen amphitheatre provide viewpoints over the river and riparian habitat. Here you will get a bird’s-eye view.
Afternoon
A42 1:30 pm DOWN & DIRTY PHOTOGRAPHY – Doug Pedwell – Participants will explore through photography the wildflowers growing along the Old Shore Road Trail. All types of cameras welcome. Be prepared to get down and dirty.
Evening
A43 (NEW) 7:15 pm WHAT’S THE FLAP ALL ABOUT? – Paloma Plant – The Fatal Light Awareness Program is sustained by a terrific group of volunteers. FLAP was the first organization in the world to raise concerns about bird collisions. They have instigated many changes to building design and lighting in urban areas
THURSDAY JUNE 2 – SECOND WEEKEND STARTS
All Day
B2 (NEW) 8:00 am MORE OF THE BRUCE RE-BECKONS – Willy Waterton – Join Willy in a continuing quest to rediscover Sherwood Fox’s Bruce Peninsula, based on his landmark 1952 book “The Bruce Beckons”. You will spend the day hiking and exploring Fox’s Bruce to see what still exists after 63 years. This trip involves more hiking than A38.
Morning
B3 6:30 am BIRDING KINCARDINE & AREA – James Turland – Hike the trails of Kincardine’s premier birding hotspot, locally known as “Pelee North”. You will see a variety of warblers, ducks and other migrants.
B4 8:30 am THE BIG SIT – Margaret Anderton – Join Margaret to see what can be seen from the comfort of a sitting position overlooking a pond, a field, forest and feeders. ( bring a lawnchair)
Afternoon
B5 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.
B6 (NEW)1:30 pm WHAT’S YOUR QUESTION? – Fran Sanagan – Bring your photographic questions to Fran. With his many years of experience, he will offer insights into how to get the photos you’re after. From raw images to photo editing, Fran can help you improve your technique with his tips of the trade.
Evening
B7 (NEW) 7:15 pm TICK TALK: LYME DISEASE IN ONTARIO – Dr. Andrew Peregrine – Lyme disease is an infection that primarily occurs in wildlife. However, infections also occur in people. This talk will review current information on the importance of identifying Lyme disease in wildlife and people across Ontario. Practices to prevent infection in people and pets will also be discussed.
FRIDAY JUNE 3
All Day
B9 6:30 am BIRDING SOUTH BRUCE – Marshall Byle – This is car birding at its best. We will follow a scenic route in Southern Bruce County, stopping to bird various habitats.
B10 7:30 am A GEOLOGICAL JOURNEY – Bob Gray – Join Bob in exploring spectacular caves, deep gorges and a scenic broad glacial re-entrant valley along the Niagara Escarpment in eastern Grey County.
Morning
B11 6:30 am BIRDING THE 4 CORNERS OF MacGREGOR – James Turland – Visit wetlands, shorelines, forests and fields along the margins of MacGregor Park. You will enjoy James’ relaxed style and his ability to locate the birds.
B12 7:00 am BIRDING THE TOWER TRAIL – Ellen Smout – Join Ellen as she leads us along the Tower Trail, a favourite spot for local birders. We will see species that will nest in the boreal forest. We will scope the wetland from the observation tower and dyke.
Afternoon
B13 (NEW) 1:00 pm CHANTRY ISLAND – Marine Heritage Society – Chantry Island, an international Important Bird Area, offers protection of colonial nesting species such as egrets, herons, gulls and cormorants. This boat trip includes a tour of the lighthouse and historic keeper’s cottage. (moderate, flip-flops not permitted, weather permitting, car-pool leaves the Park at 12:15 pm, $30 per person to be paid at the dock – limit 9)
B14 1:30 pm WOULDN’T IT BE PLOVERLY – Stewart Nutt – Join Stew to visit endangered Piping Plovers at one of their few nesting sites in Ontario. You may observe courtship (Plovers) as well as other behaviours and learn about the many perils these birds face. You will find out how local involvement is helping this species recover.
B15 3:00 pm CHANTRY ISLAND – Marine Heritage Society – Chantry Island, an international Important Bird Area, offers protection of colonial nesting species such as egrets, herons, gulls and cormorants. This boat trip includes a tour of the lighthouse and historic keeper’s cottage. (moderate, flip-flops not permitted, weather permitting, car-pool leaves the Park at 2:15 pm, $30 per person to be paid at the dock – limit 9)
B16 1:30 pm SAUGEEN SHORES: WATERSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY – Kerry Jarvis – Saugeen Shores is a treasure chest for photographers. Learn photographic waterscape techniques to enhance your photography skills and discover some of the majestic vistas in Saugeen Shores.
Evening
B17 (NEW) 7:15 pm SPARROWS – Rupert – Do little brown jobs have your head spinning? Join Sarah for a light-hearted presentation on sparrow identification. She’ll break the sparrows down into small groups, give you tips and tricks to figure out one of the more challenging groups of birds and show you some imposters that are often confused for sparrows.
SATURDAY JUNE 4
All Day
B18 6:30 am BIRDING THE BEYOND – Mark Peck – Mark will travel backroads and byways beyond the Park boundaries searching for various habitats and their niche birds. Knowing Mark, an expert on “nidiology”, you’ll find a nest or two also.
B19 7:00 am BIRDING THE HURON FRINGE – James Turland – A visit to Inverhuron Provincial Park and the Lake Huron shoreline will provide dune grassland as well as edge and shoreline habitats.
B20 (NEW) 8:00 am BEACHES & BIRDS – Karen Alexander – During this shoreline tour of varied coastal areas north of Sauble Beach, Karen will describe how different types of beach stewardship can influence the health and quality of coastal ecosystems.
Morning
6:00 am to noon BIRD BANDING – weather permitting
B21 6:30 am BIRDING THE TOWER TRAIL – Justin Peter – Diverse habitat along the Tower Trail makes it a mecca for an eclectic mix of warblers, flycatchers, thrushes and more. Justin will help us find these birds by sight (and sound!) and will share tips about bird behaviour.
B22 7:00 am ROAD BIRDING FOR GRASSLAND SPECIES – Brett Woodman – Tour the local countryside looking for elusive nesting grassland birds of Saugeen Shores.
B23 7:30 am BIRDING HIDDEN SPOTS OF MacGREGOR – Ellen Smout – Travel some of the lesser known areas in the park looking for hidden gems.
B24 8:00 am BEGINNING BIRDING FOR ADULTS – Doug Pedwell – This event is for those who wish to learn about the world’s number one hobby – birding. Topics include binoculars, field guides and apps, identification marks of birds and eBird.
Afternoon
B26 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.
B27 1:30 pm FIELD SKETCHING &/or JOURNALING – Sarah Rupert – Field sketching helps you hone your identification skills. Everyone can do it. Sarah will show you how sketching can help you document your observations in the field. (bring pencil & notebook)
B28 1:30 pm BLUEBIRD LANDLORDS – Dennis & Gwen Lewington – Bluebirds are cavity nesters and natural cavities are not very abundant. Dennis and Gwen will take you on their “Bluebird Trail” which they have been maintaining and monitoring for over 32 years.
B29 1:30 pm ARE YOU A PLOVER LOVER? – Stew Nutt – If you’re not already, you will be after spending time on the beach with these charismatic, endangered birds.
Evening
B30 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm BRUCE COUNTY CHICKEN DINNER – (MacGregor Point Provincial Park, additional charge of $17. Dinner combined with B31 as a single event $23. Pre-registration required)
9:00 pm to 10:00 pm ATTRACTING MOTHS – Andalyne Tofflemire
B32 9:15 pm STARRY STARRY NIGHT – John Hlynialuk – John will introduce you to the wonders of the night sky, and tell you about dark sky events for 2016. Weather permitting, members of the Bluewater Astronomical Society will have their telescopes available for viewing the evening sky.
SUNDAY JUNE 5
All Day
B33 6:00 am DEBATING THE ISSUES, & MORE, WITH MARK – Mark -Wiercinski This walking / driving tour travels between Bayview Escarpment and Bognor Marsh. Along the way, Mark will highlight issues affecting bird populations in Ontario. You will find out what this has to do with sex, which of course it does.
B34 6:30 am WINGED PURSUITS – Nathan Miller – Join Nathan as he pursues the winged jewels of MacGregor Point Provincial Park and Bruce County. We will focus on finding birds during the morning and winged insects as the day warms up. All creatures found will be discussed.
Morning
6:00 am to noon BIRD BANDING – weather permitting
7:00 am to 8:30 am MOTH ID – Andalyne Tofflemire
B35 7:00 am BIRDING THE PERIMETER OF THE PARK – Justin Peter – Driving the varied habitats along the edge of the park provides a mix of warblers, flycatchers and other possibilities. An opportunity to view wetlands and the shoreline will also enhance this outing.
B36 7:30 am BIRDING & BOTANIZING – Dr. Bill Crins – The Lake Huron shoreline, fen and edge habitats are featured during this walk from the Visitor Centre. We always benefit from Bill’s broad experience as an interpretive naturalist
B37 8:00 am NEST QUEST – Mark Peck – On a leisurely walk in the park, you will take your love of birding to the next level. Find out how citizen scientists provide valuable conservation information while expanding their observation skills and learning about the nests of breeding birds.
B38 1:30 pm SPEED, STRENGTH & STEALTH: ONTARIO’S RAPTORS – Wild Ontario – Ontario is home to some of the most amazing hunting birds on the planet! Come get nose-to-beak with these stunning predators, and learn about the incredible skills and abilities that help them do what they do.
B39 1:30 pm WITCHES & WILDFLOWERS – 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 stories about plants.
Evening
B40 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 scents of an early June evening in MacGregor Point Provincial Park.
FAMILY WEEKEND – SATURDAY, JUNE 4 & 5
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 JUNE 4
Morning
6:00 am to noon BIRD BANDING – weather permitting
FAM1 9 am PLUGGING KIDS INTO BIRDING – Richard Tofflemire – Birding with kids can start right in your own backyard or in a provincial park! It is a family friendly activity. Learn about the equipment needed, field guides and apps and the easiest ways to identify birds. Bring binoculars if you have them, we will have some for you to use if you don’t. (limit 40)
Afternoon
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 – Andalyne & Richard Tofflemire – Everyone already has the superpowers they need to explore nature! Come out for a dynamic exploration of the forest and learn how much fun discovering nature can be.
and
MONARCH MADNESS – Audrey Armstrong – Not only are monarchs beautiful, but their life cycle and migration is amazing! In this hands-on interactive workshop, children will learn about monarchs and create really cool crafts. To help foster habitat for this Species at Risk, you will make “seed bombs” to take home.
Evening
FAM3 7:15 pm ANIMAL DEFENCES – CAMPFIRE PROGRAM – Park Staff – Join Park Naturalists for an evening of deception, camouflage and chemical warfare as they investigate the defensive nature of MacGregor’s wild inhabitants. (outdoors)
9:00 pm to 10 pm ATTRACTING MOTHS BESIDE VISITOR CENTRE – Andalyne Tofflemire
SUNDAY JUNE 5
6:00 am to noon BIRD BANDING – weather permitting
7:00 am to 8:30 am MOTH ID – Andalyne Tofflemire
FAM4 9:00 am MORNING EXPLORATIONS – (Children will be divided into two groups. Each child will attend both morning programs.) (limit 40)
BUILDING FOR THE BIRDS – Kerry Jarvis – Get in the birding spirit. Build your own structure for a nest or wildlife feeder. No carpentry skills are required; just bring your enthusiasm! (kit – $10 extra per child. All tools provided.)
and
POND EXPLORATION – Andalyne & Richard Tofflemire – Join Richard and Andalyne 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.
Afternoon
FAM5 1:30 pm SPEED, STRENGTH & STEALTH: ONTARIO’S RAPTORS – Wild Ontario – Ontario is home to some of the most amazing hunting birds on the planet! Come get nose-to-beak with these stunning predators, and learn about the incredible skills and abilities that help them do what they do. (outdoors)
2016 FAMILY WEEKEND FEES
CHILD:* Saturday/Sunday $30
- YOUTH:** Saturday/Sunday $45
- CHILD HALF DAY EVENT: $9
- YOUTH HALF DAY EVENT: $15
- CHILD EVENING EVENT: $8
- YOUTH EVENING EVENT: $10
- 5 to 10 accompanied by an adult
- ** 11 to 17
Registration for open events
http://www.huronfringebirdingfestival.ca
Registration inquiries: birdfest@rogers.com or 519-389-6231
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HuronFringeBirdingFestival.
twitter: @HuronBirdfest
WINGS OF CHANGE
Consider the Monarch Butterfly and the troubles they must contend with throughout North America. Illegal logging, use of pesticides and herbicides, habitat loss and the misunderstanding of milkweed (its only host plant) have led to its demise.
Thankfully, concerned groups have taken up the cause. In the fall of 2014, a newly formed community group, “Butterfly Gardens of Saugeen Shores” spearheaded by naturalists’, Melitta Smole, Stew Nutt and Kerry Jarvis was formed. They were determined to make a difference with their ambitious plans of creating butterfly garden friendly pods throughout Saugeen Shores to help save the Monarchs. Their purpose was to provide a food source for Monarchs and other pollinators – enhance the visitors experience in Saugeen Shores and educate people on the plight of Monarch butterflies and native gardening.
By the end of 2015, Butterfly Gardens of Saugeen Shores had planted over 1,400 native plants in 13 different pods. The largest pods are along the Lake Huron shoreline in the newly created Captain Spence Path in Southampton. Other pods were created at: Saugeen First Nation, MacGregor Point Provincial Park, Perkins Park, and the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre. All of these pods have been certified and registered as Monarch Way Stations. Lending a hand is something Canadians do well. In year one of this project, over 60 volunteers contributed over 1,720 hours to assist our troubled Monarchs. (Story and photographs by Kerry Jarvis)
Join Kerry Jarvis as he showcases some very special gardens throughout Saugeen Shores.
A34 – SUNDAY, MAY 29 – 1:30 pm – SAUGEEN SHORES BUTTERFLY TRAIL This workshop will start with a walk along the Captain Spence Path in Southampton, where Butterfly Gardens of Saugeen Shores planted over 1000 native plants! Planting native plants and providing shelter, water and food are key ingredients in attracting birds, insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians to your property. You’ll learn about the “magic plants” that are magnets for birds, butterflies, caterpillars and mammals and the hidden secrets in successful gardening.
REGISTER FOR A34 – SAUGEEN SHORES BUTTERFLY TRAIL – ONLINE – NOW
http://www.huronfringebirdingfestival.ca
Registration inquiries: 519-389-6231 birdfest@rogers.com
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HuronFringeBirdingFestival.
twitter: @HuronBirdfest
HOW TO BECOME AN EXPERT ‘BIRD LISTENER’
So you are not good at birding by ear.
You have a tough time telling an American Redstart song from a Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Canada Warbler, Golden-Winged Warbler or whatever. You struggle to figure out bird sounds and then translate them to the actual bird sound. You also have difficulty remembering songs/calls and which birds make them, no matter how often you have heard them! Do you wish someone would give you the tips and tools that you can use to solve the mysteries of bird song?
Well. Michael Carlson is a natural at mnemonics. His gentle style and keen ear will definitely enhance your ‘listening’ experience.
On Saturday, May 28, he will be leading A14 – BIRDING BY EAR. This field workshop will give you an up-close and personal tutorial on how to demystify bird songs.
Michael is an internationally recognized field ornithologist and a popular HFBF leader. The Huron Fringe Birding Festival welcomes him back in three special events that are sure to showcase his scouting talents and patience and, as always, enhance your birding experience.
If you want to learn how to listen to and identify bird vocalization…Michael is your man.
SO REGISTER, ON-LINE – NOW AT:
Michael Carlson – looking and listening.
Michael Carlson has over 45 years of experience in the field identification of birds. He is an expert at identifying birds by sound and has led workshops in birding by ear at the the Huron Fringe Birding Festival for many years. Michael was a member of the elite Canadain team KOWA, which won the E.S. Stearns Award in 1989/1992 and the coveted Urner Stone Cup in1992 at the New Jersey World Series of Birding. From 2002 to 2005 he conducted bird density surveys on the Bruce Peninsula for the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario (2007). Formerly from Rochester, New York, Michael spent his formative years birding the Lake Ontario shoreline. In the early 1980s he was biologist-in-charge of studies examining the utlization of urban microhabitat by avian migrants and the collision of nocturnal avain with tall buildings in Rochester, New York, and Detroit, Michigan. Michael organized the Letchworth-Silver Lake, New York Christmas Bird Count for 30 years. He also developed bird identification and nature appreciation programs, including training for Christian youth camps in Michigan. Professionally, Michael is an environmental consultant providing regulatory compliance and wildlife management services to industry. In addition to frequenting the Brue Peninsula, Michael regularly birds Point Pele in Leamington, Ontario, the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas and southeastern Arizona. He has also birded in England, Isreal and Costa Rica. Participants of his tours and field trips have praised his bird finding abvilities and his identification skills. (Bio courtesy Bruce Bird Tours website)
http://www.huronfringebirdingfestival.ca
Registration inquiries: birdfest@rogers.com or 519-389-6231
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HuronFringeBirdingFestival.
twitter: @HuronBirdfest
Email: birdfest@rogers.com.
‘MR. LONELY’ IS LOOKING FOR “PLOVER LOVERS”!
With permission, Hart’s Tongue Herald (Spring, 2016) Owen Sound Field Naturalists
On that note, the Huron Fringe Birding Festival invites you to join Stewart Nutt for a trip to the Piping Plover nesting sites at Sauble Beach to experience the unique, fragile world of these special birds and what is being done to help this species survive.
Here’s what Stewart has to say about there brave and beautiful birds: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. Their presence so close to home marked the beginning of now continuing efforts to see that the Plover’s return becomes an annual event, helping to secure their survival. 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.
You’ll observe the Plovers’ behaviors including: courtship, feeding, life history. Territorial displays and fierce protection will be observed and explained as well as local attempts to protect these charismatic, endangered birds.
Stewart will be leading three separate events to the nesting sites. All you need to do is pick one to become an official Plover Lover.
A7 – Friday, May 27 – 1:30 pm – ARE YOU A PLOVER LOVER?
B29 – Saturday, June 4 – 1:30 pm – ARE YOU A PLOVER LOVER?
B14 – Friday, June 3 – 1:30 pm – WOULDN’T IT BE PLOVERLY
REGISTER ON LINE: http://www.huronfringebirdingfestival.ca
Follow us on FaceBook
http://www.facebook.com/HuronFringeBirdingFestival
On Twitter@HuronBirdfest
Registration Inquiries: birdfest@rogers.com or call 519-389-6231
‘THE BRUCE REBECKONS’ – REVISITED
Sherwood Fox had a life-long love affair with the Bruce Peninsula. He knew and loved the land, the waters surrounding it, its natural history, richly varied wildlife and folklore. So much so that in 1952 his book ‘The Bruce Beckons’ was published and immediately acclaimed as a delightful guide to a uniquely beautiful and fascinating part of Ontario. W. Sherwood Fox, was a distinguished scholar and president of the University of Western Ontario for twenty years, as well as honorary president of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists for several years.
Now you can join award-winning photographer Willy Waterton in his quest to rediscover Sherwood Fox’s beloved Bruce Peninsula in two exciting and informative events.
It all starts with The Bruce Re-Beckons (A38) Monday, May 30 at 8:00 am. Join Willy as he leads you in a quest to rediscover Sherwood Fox’s Bruce Peninsula, based on his landmark 1952 book. You will spend the day exploring Fox’s Bruce to see what still exists after 63 years.
After this day’s introduction to the Bruce you can explore the peninsula event further as Willy digs deeper into Sherwood’s stories on Thursday, June 2 (B2) at 8:00 am. This second trip involves more hiking than A38. You will spend the day hiking and exploring Fox’s Bruce for a totally different perspective.
(A38) and (B2) – The Huron Fringe Birding Festival is offering these exciting daylong journeys exploring the Bruce through the stories of Fox’s book with Willy Waterton as your personal guide.
Willy’s family settled in the Balaclava area of Grey County in the 1840’s, where a creek still bears the family name. For the last 36 years as a full time photo journalist, he has recorded the people, places and events while exploring the nooks and crannies of Grey Bruce by foot, car, canoe, airplane, helicopter, skis and bicycle.
As Chief Photographer for The Sun Times. Waterton’s newspaper photographs have won over 100 provincial and national awards. He was named Ontario News Photographers’ Association “Photographer of the Year” in `1990. Willy Waterton has shot for numerous publications: the Toronto Star, Maclean’s, the Globe and Mail, Cottage Life, Bruce Trail News, Ontario Out of Doors, Canadian Geographic, Harrowsmith, Mountain Life, New York Times, Seasons, Ski Canada and the United Church Observer. He has photographed many assignments for The Canadian Press in this area. He is a contract photographer for Parks Canada, National Defence and the Niagara Escarpment Commission.
These are eventful and informative journeys into the heart of the Bruce Peninsula you will want to be part of. So register now.
http://www.huronfringebirdingfestival.ca
Registration inquiries: birdfest@rogers.com or 519-389-6231
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HuronFringeBirdingFestival.
twitter: @HuronBirdfest
Email: birdfest@rogers.com.
huronfringefest 