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The Egret - Volume 35 - Issue 1 - March 2019 |
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Cedar Creek Christmas Bird Count
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By
Paul Pratt
The thirty-fourth Cedar Creek CBC was held Saturday December 15, 2018. This count originally started in part to help count the huge winter roost of American Crows in Essex. Although relatively few crows have been counted in recent years (32 in 2018) our peak count recorded 117, 149 in 2000. By 2004 the Essex roost started to decline as crows shifted to the winter roost in Chatham.
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Cedar Creek CBC Group. Photo by Paul Pratt.
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Christmas Bird Count for Kids
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By
Jessica Middleton
After a 21 year rest, the Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club for kids, known as the Jr. Egrets, is back in action. The new Jr. Nat’s committee consists of Kory Renaud, Andy Paul, Jeremy Bensette, Sarah Renaud, Jessica Middleton and Gina Pannunzio. Our goal is to inspire and support a community of young field naturalists by providing opportunities for kids to connect with nature and each other. For our first event, we wanted something that would be relatively easy to set up and would attract a big and broad audience. We decided that a Christmas Bird Count for Kids at the Ojibway Nature Centre would be a perfect fit!
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Tufted Titmouse, White-throated Sparrow, Blue Jay, Red-tailed Hawk and Downy Woodpecker taken at the CBC for Kids. Photos by Jeremy Bensette.
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International Day of Action for Rivers
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By
Gina Pannunzio
Each year on March 14, International Day of Action for Rivers recognizes and celebrates efforts made around the world to protect and restore rivers. Globally, rivers often share boundaries with numerous jurisdictions, and this day highlights the shared goal of strengthening regional and international networks who steward these resources.
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Aerial photo of Peche Island, showing the beginning of the Detroit River by Lake St. Clair. Photo credit: the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup
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Sunday April 28, 2019 Please join us at Malden park for a Heritage Committee fundraiser 10:00a.m. To 3:00pm. Looking for volunteers to donate bake goodsand also help out at the booth (2 hour shifts or whatever you can do) (You don’t need to belong to the Heritage Committee). Please contact Cathy Lapain at aclapain@gmail.com. We need a lot of bake goods to make this fundraiser a success, so please donate generously. If you can’t help by donating baked goods or helping out at the booth, please drop by and buy some goodies!If you are donating cookies or squares please packaged in 6’s or 12’s for easypricing. Please cover all baked goods with clear plastic wrap.
As many people have allergies or restricted diets, it would be helpful if you could label all baked goods with a list of ingredients.
Thanks! See you there
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Gull Watching at the Essex-Windsor Regional Landfill
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Photo: Adult Iceland “Thayer’s” Gull, the bird in the foreground with pink legs, found by Jeremy Hatt and Kory Renaud on December 29, 2015. Photo by Jeremy Hatt
The Essex-Windsor Regional Landfill is a great place to look at gulls in Essex County. In the colder months, many gulls migrating south stop over or overwinter in the Great Lakes region including Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and the Detroit River. The landfill provides an alternative food source for these overwintering gulls when food becomes scarcer. Although the actual landfill is not open to the public, the field immediately south of the landfill serves as a loafing place for gulls between meals and provides the best viewing opportunities for birders.
From my experience, the best time for finding gulls at the landfill is from November until the beginning of April. In the coldest periods of the year when both Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie are mostly frozen over, there are sometimes no gulls present at this location. This was the case in 2019. After the polar vortex hit at the end of January and Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie experienced almost 100% ice cover, gull numbers at the landfill fell to virtually zero for the rest of January and all of February. Gulls typically roost on open water at night so many gulls likely left the area in search of open water or the landfill was too far from the nearest open water to fly to each day.
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Essex SwiftWatch Summary 2018
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By Jeremy Hatt
The Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club continues to help monitor Chimney Swifts in Essex County by searching for new nesting sites, spring roost monitoring, and Swift Night Out events. This article summarizes the results of 2018.
The Chimney Swift is currently listed as a Threatened species in Ontario, which means the species is not endangered, but is likely to become endangered if steps are not taken to address factors threatening it.
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ECFNC and members of the public watching for Chimney Swifts during the Swift Night Out in Windsor – photo by Liz Purves |
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2018 Holiday Beach Christmas Bird Count Summary
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By Jeremy Hatt
The 2018 Holiday Beach Christmas Bird Count was held on Saturday, Dec. 29. 36 volunteers participated in the count, with 33 people making observations in the field and three people observing feeders. A total of 77 party hours were tallied: 52 hours by foot, 25 hours by car, and 6 hours of feeder watching. A combined total of 441km of distance was travelled for the count by foot and by car.
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Area 5 (Boblo Island and south Amherstburg) group selfie
Left to right: Jeremy Hatt, Kathy Lesperance, Joan Affleck, Pat Schiller, Kory Renaud, Aileen Petrozzi |
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Reptiles and Amphibians need our help! In fact, all wildlife does!
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By Steve Marks
As spring time approaches, and everything in nature comes alive again, reptiles and amphibians are no exception! In spring, it’s normal for these animals to exit the hiding spots they’ve hidden away in for the winter, and venture out to their foraging/breeding grounds for the warmer parts of the year, and this often requires crossing roads!
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A tiny northern brown snake trying to use a road as habitat! Photo: Chevaun Toulouse |
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25th Annual ECFNC Weekend Trip to Pelee Island, Ontario
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Trip dates are Saturday May 4 and Sunday May 5th 2019. Leave at 10:00 am Saturday from Leamington Dock aboard the M.V. Pelee Islander II (be at the dock by 9:20 am). We will return to Leamington Dock by 5:45 pm Sunday.
We will likely see: migrating waterfowl & warblers, wildflowers such as trilliums & waterleaf, basking turtles and snakes, bullfrogs, historic sites, and hear a chorus or two of American Toads, to suggest a few of the many enjoyable experiences on Pelee Island in spring. We should also get a chance to visit the Pelee Island Bird Observatory (PIBO bird banding station) and some of the recently acquired Nature Conservancy of Canada properties: Red Cedar Savannah ESA, Stone Road Alvar ANSI, Brown’s Point and Woods, and Brown’s Road Alvar. We will have plenty of time to walk, observe, and relax on the excursions to some of Pelee's most beautiful natural habitats, including: Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve, Lighthouse Point Provincial Nature Reserve, the Stone Road Alvar Complex, Sheridan Point ESA, and many other stops along the way (including natural habitat restoration work completed on my property).
To register for this trip: see me at the ECFNC meetings, call, or email/text:
Dave Kraus phone: 519 825 7491 (leave message)
Email address: david.kraus@publicboard.ca
Text: 519 257 8674
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Eastern Fox Snake Awareness Video
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Check out this Eastern Fox Snake educational video with members from the Essex County Field Naturalists' Club!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
For full details and the latest updates, visit www.essexcountynature.com/events
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ECFNC Member Meeting
Wednesday March 13 2019, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON 7:30pm.
Elections, a review of the previous year’s budget and minutes, with a fun quiz throughout. Held at 7:30pm at the Ojibway Nature Centre.
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Maple March Break for Families
Friday March 15th 2019, 1:30pm to 4pm, John R. Park Homestead, 915 Essex County Rd 50, Essex, ON
A family friendly maple event perfect for celebrating March Break. Tour the site with interpreters guiding you along the way. Learn the history of this sweet springtime treat as you help to make and taste maple sugar. Arrive early, dress warmly, and be sure to wear boots!
Help carry the sap using pails and a wooden yoke. Try your hand at the brace and bit drill. See the trees tapped and the sap evaporating. $6/adult, $4/child (ages 3-16), $20 family maximum.
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Water Conservation and Stewardship Presentation
March 20 2019. 5pm to 6pm, Forest Glade Windsor Public Library, 3211 Forest Glade Drive, Windsor, ON
In recognition of World Water Day on March 22, staff from Essex Region Conservation will be presenting at the Forest Glade Public Windsor Public Library branch on March 20th at 5pm. Their presentation will discuss water conservation and stewardship actions in the Windsor-Essex region and will include ways for individuals to get involved. |
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World Water Day
March 22 2019
World Water Day, on 22 March every year, is about focusing attention on the importance of water. Windsor-Essex County is surrounded by water with many watersheds! What can you do to help improve the health of our lakes and rivers?
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Spring Bird Migration Field Course
A series of morning field trips to observe the incredible variety of birds that migrate through Ontario, led by Paul Pratt.Morning field trips (3 hours) to Point Pelee and other birding hot spots. Fee: $17/adult, $15.50/senior each trip (dates are tentative)
- March 23, (Saturday) meet at the Visitor Centre, Point Pelee at 8:30 am.
- April 13, (Saturday) meet at the Visitor Centre, Point Pelee at 8:30 am.
- April 27, (Saturday) meet at the Visitor Centre, Point Pelee at 8:30 am.
- May 4 (Saturday) meet at the Delaurier parking lot, Point Pelee at 8:00 am.
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Citizens Environment Alliance 2019 Annual General Meeting
Saturday March 23 2019, Roseland Golf and Curling Club, 455 Kennedy Drive West, Windsor, 2pm
All current CEA members and supporters are invited to the CEA's 2019 Annual General Meeting. Current issues will be discussed, last year's accomplishments will be reviewed, new business can be introduced and this year's board members will be elected.
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Detroit River Canadian Cleanup presents a FREE screening of CLEAR WATER: DETROIT’S RIVER REVIVAL
Tuesday March 26 2019, St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Secondary School: 2800 N Townline, LaSalle, ON, N9H 0K3, doors open at 6:30pm, film begins at 7pm
This is a documentary film that tells an inspirational story of environmental recovery. At Detroit’s peak as a city of prosperity, population and the automobile capital of the world, its river was one of the most polluted in the nation. So much so, that on October 9, 1969, Detroit’s Rouge River burst into flames. Since then, the city has rallied to not only prevent further pollution, but to repair the damage that was already done. In one of the most remarkable ecological comebacks ever, Detroit’s river is once again home to species that have been missing for decades and has even received the American Heritage designation. From an environmental tragedy to an international refuge, the Detroit River’s story is one of determination, resurgence, and most of all, hope.
Event is free, but registration is required. Visit www.detroitriver.ca/movie for more information!
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Sydenham Field Naturalists Annual Spring Banquet
Wednesday April 3 2019, Country View Golf Course, 25393 St. Clair Road, Dover Centre, ON
Come on out to hear Kathy Johnson discuss Sturgeon of the Great Lakes! Tickets are $30 a person. For tickets contact Larry Cornelis (519-330-8981) or Tom Chatterton (519-627-2986).
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Go Wild Grow Wild Green Expo
Saturday April 6 2019, Metroland Media Agriplex, Western Fair District, London, ON
Calling All Wild Ones! Join the largest wildest, greenest, most adventurous event series in Ontario's far South as we collectively step forward to green our future! Together with thousands of adventurers, gardeners, nature enthusiasts, families and green people, Go Wild Grow Wild is growing a green future. This collaborative movement serves as a catalyst to celebrate, inspire and spark action to protect our wildlife and create a healthy habitat.
The Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club will have a booth at this event, so please drop by and visit if you can! If you are interested in helping or attending, please contact Andy Paul (519-817-0155).
For more information: https://caroliniancanada.ca/expo |
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Dark Sky Nights with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
Point Pelee National Park, 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington, ON, Visitor Centre Parking Lot, Saturday April 6 2019, 7:30pm to 11:59pm
Join members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Windsor Centre for an evening of stargazing. Bring your own binoculars or take a look through one of the special telescopes on site for the evening. The park is open until midnight, unless otherwise stated. Visitor Centre Parking Lot. Cost is included in admission fee.
For more information please contact us at pc.pelee.info.pc@canada.ca.
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ECFNC Member Meeting
Wednesday April 10 2019, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON 7:30pm.
Join us in welcoming Tammie Dobbie from Point Pelee National Park! She has been the Park Ecologist at Point Pelee National Park since 2005 and has been with Parks Canada for over 25 years. Her discussion will focus on the recent infrastructure projects that people have probably noticed at Point Pelee National Park: the new parking lot and facilities at Northwest Beach, the new Campground oTENTik village and the new 24 m observation tower scheduled to open this spring at the Tip. While these changes are easy to see, what visitors can't see is what goes on behind the scenes to plan and construct this infrastructure in such a way that the ecological integrity of the park is still protected. Sometimes this creates challenges and very difficult decisions for an ecologist trying to protect and restore one of Canada's smallest and most heavily impacted national parks. Parking lot vs sand dunes... what do you do when faced with that choice? She'll share photos and stories from how these projects happen... spoiler alert... at one point her desk is covered in endangered snail slime.
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Walking in Her Footsteps Ganatchio Trail Cleanup
Saturday April 13 2019, 9am, Riverside Kiwanis Park, 7778 Riverside Drive E
Windsor, ON
Win in Windsor ~ YQG Synergy, in partnership with Eyes On Windsor, through the support of Essex Region Conservation and Detroit River Canadian Cleanup will once again be taking part in the City of Windsor's "Clean Sweep Initiative." We will be holding our second annual Walking in Her Footsteps Ganatchio Trail Cleanup, in honour and in memory of Anne Widholm at Riverside Kiwanis Park at the end of Little River Road, East Windsor.
Widholm, 76- years old at the time was a Windsor resident who could be seen daily enjoying the trails and picking up litter as she walked. She was the victim of a unprovoked attacks in Oct., 2017, that left her unconscious in hospital until she passed away this past Dec. Please come out and honour her by continuing to take the little steps Mrs. Widholm had in keeping our trail clean and healthy. Walk in her footsteps with us as a community to give our trail a good spring cleaning during Volunteer Week, in preparation for the annual Earth Day tree planting.
Please note that in an attempt to maximize the impact this event has on our community and environment, we will also be collecting canned food donations from anyone who would like to donate to the local food banks.
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If your company, organization or group would like to register as a group, please email wininwindsoryqg@gmail.com to ensure enough supplies for your group. Wearing team/company shirts is encouraged.
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Evening Spring Herp Walk
Saturday April 13 2019 (rain date is Saturday April 27), 1515 Mersea Rd 7 Leamington, 6:30pm.
An evening stroll at Dave Kraus' (1515 Mersea Rd 7 Leamington) on Saturday April 13 starting around 6:30pm (poor weather date of April 27) to view spring wildflowers, turtles, waterfowl, shorebirds, look for snakes under cover tins, spring birding, etc. and then at dusk, hopefully see: foraging bats, Woodcock aerial displays, maybe Screech and Great Horned Owls, and listen to Woodcock, Spring Peepers, Chorus frogs, Leopard frogs, American Toads, possibly Green Frogs, Screech Owls, Great Horned Owls, Coyotes, ? Park on the grass farm lane off to the right before reaching the barn when coming down the gravel driveway. Wear waterproof boots, layers for the weather, and you might want a headlight or flashlight if you have one. Also, if you wish, bring a lawn chair to sit out after the walk and listen to the (hopefully) loud evening chorus, chat, stargaze, and BYO beverage.
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Earth Day
April 22 2019
This year's Earth Day theme is "Protect Our Species." A sustainable future is one where the rights of all species to exist in their natural habitat, at the population size necessary to maintain their species and genetic variation is recognized. To learn more about threats to species on a global level click here.
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Heinz Woodlot (Carolina Woods Park) Garlic Mustard Pull
Saturday April 27 2019, Heiz Woodlot or the Carolina Woods Park, 10am
Come one, come all. April 27th will be a lovely day for a little exercise when you join Peggy Hurst to pull out the garlic mustard that threatens the native plants in the Heinz Woodlot. Last year, some hard core conservationists of the Club joined Peggy Hurst to make a difference in the battle against garlic mustard at this woodlot. They filled many garbage bags, did a little bending and stretching, and admired the plants coming up in areas where last year there was nothing but garlic mustard.
The thing about garlic mustard, you have to do this for a few years to win the battle. Every year we will have less to remove, and we may even get a chance to skip a year. The seed remains viable for at least 7 years. It’s a biennial, which means it makes a rosette the first year and seeds the second. Garlic mustard comes up before the native plants, and makes a chemical that impairs the ability of the good guys to germinate. If we don't pull it, it will eventually become the only ground cover. That is not a pretty sight.
The Field Naturalists worked very hard to protect this green space. Please don't let our labours, raffles, and door to door fundraising be for naught. Park behind the Winners store. Turn left (east) just before the Canadian Tire on Erie Street south in Leamington.
Bring your friends as admission is FREE. For additional details or better directions, email Peggy at pjhurst@gosfieldtel.com or call 519-839- 4635.
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Earth Day Community Tree Planting Celebration
Sunday April 28 2019, green space near Wyandotte and Florence, Windsor, ON, 10am to 12pm.
Grab your shovels and join the DRCC and Essex Region Conservation on Sunday April 28 to celebrate Earth Day and help plant more than 2,000 native trees and shrubs in the Little River Watershed in the City of Windsor! While there are some shovels to share, you may consider bringing your own to this free event. More info, click here.
We are looking for volunteers to help with the How To Crew and the Earth Day Charter. For more information, click here.
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Earth Day Windsor-Essex
Sunday April 28 2019, Malden Park, 4300 Malden Road, Windsor, ON, 10am to 3pm.
Please join us at Malden park for a Heritage Committee fundraiser 10:00a.m. To 3:00pm. Looking for volunteers to donate bake goods and help at the booth (2 hour shifts or whatever you can do) (You do not need to belong to the Heritage Committee). Please contact Cathy Lapain at aclapain@gmail.com. We need many bake goods to make this fundraiser a success, so please donate generously. If you cannot help by donating baked goods or helping out at the booth, please drop by and buy some goodies! If you are donating cookies or squares please packaged in 6’s or 12’s for easy pricing. Please cover all baked goods with clear plastic wrap. As many people have allergies or restricted diets, it would be helpful if you could label all baked goods with a list of ingredients.
Thanks! See you there.
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Festival of Birds
Point Pelee National Park, 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington, ON, May 1 to May 20, 2019.
Save the dates! Festival of Birds: May 1 to 20, 2019. Share the excitement of birding at Point Pelee in 2019: learn about shorebirds, explore the world of urban birding, and complete the 100 Species Challenge. For more information please contact us at pc.pelee.info.pc@canada.ca.
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Shorebird Celebration
Wednesday May 1 to Monday May 20th, Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, 1826 Mersea Rd 2 Leamington, ON, 3pm to 5pm
Bird enthusiasts from around the world make Leamington, Ontario one of their bucket list destinations each May, and Hillman Marsh is ready to greet these guests from May 1 – 20 at the Shorebird Celebration. Join experts from the Ontario Field Ornithologists at the Shorebird Viewing Shelter from 3pm – 5pm daily except Mondays to help guests identify these stunning creatures. $6 per vehicle.
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Friends of the John R. Park Homestead Yard Sale
Sunday May 5th 2019, 1am to 4pm, John R. Park Homestead, 915 Essex County Rd 50, Essex, ON
Help the Homestead by donating quality items in advance or by coming out to bargain hunt. Discover treasures old and new. There is something for everyone at this giant sale.
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Camp Cedarwin Garlic Mustard Pull
May 7 2019, 5pm to 7pm,
Camp Cedarwin Sawmill Entrance, 2945 County Road 20
Kingsville, ON
Join the Friends of Cedar, Mill and Wigle Creeks as they pull Garlic Mustard at Camp Cedarwin on May 7 2019. The event will run from 5pm to 7pm with their regular scheduled monthly meeting.
Volunteers should wear weather appropriate clothing. Long pants and shirts are recommended with sturdy close-toed footwear. Equipment will be provided, but we suggest bringing your favourite garden gloves and knee pads along!
High school students who would like to earn volunteer hours should bring their paperwork along. For questions about the event, please contact FOCMWC President, Paul Bourque at pbourque1@cogeco.ca.
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Big Day Birding
May 8 2019, Point Pelee National Park, 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington, ON, 6am
Join us for a long day of birding where we try to see over 100 species!
Fee: $28/adult, $25/senior. Meet at Pelee's Marsh Boardwalk at 6:00 am.
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ECFNC Member Meeting
Wednesday May 8 2019, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON 7:30pm.
Jessica Middleton is a newly certified Forest Therapy Guide and volunteer with the Global Institute of Forest Therapy (GIFT). Forest Therapy (aka Shinrin Yoku or Forest Bathing) is gaining in popularity world wide due in large part to its numerous scientifically proven health benefits. Join Jessica as she shares about her journey into forest therapy and explains the art and science of the practice."
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International Migratory Bird Day
May 11 2019
This day highlights the need to conserve migratory birds and protect their
habitats. (After 25 years, the name of this event has shifted from International World
Migratory Bird Day to World Migratory Bird Day!) Celebrate WMBD by visiting Point Pelee National Park and Hillman Marsh Conservation Area to catch some of the spring migration happening! |
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Forests Ontario’s 2019 Community Tree Plant
Saturday May 11 2019, Location TBD, 10am to 12pm
Spring is right around the corner, and what better way to “dig in” to the warmer weather than with a fun, free, family-friendly tree planting event! Forests Ontario, The City of Windsor, the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup, Essex Region Conservation and the Little River Enhancement Group are excited to invite you, along with your friends and family, to participate in the 2019 Community Tree Plant event happening in Windsor on May 11 2019 from 10am to 12pm!
Trees, shovels, gloves, and refreshments will be provided. This event is suitable for all ages and will take place rain or shine, so dress appropriately! High school students are eligible to receive volunteer hours for participation. Check back soon for location and registration details here.
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The Nature of Music
May 13 2019, Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, 6pm
Join Essex Region Conservation and 4th Wall Music as they present "The Nature of Music", at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area in Leamington.
Since its inception in 2013, 4th Wall Music has been committed to taking down the wall between audiences and performers by presenting classical music concerts that are interactive, educational, and diverse. “The Nature of Music” promises to bring to life music that sparks like fire, flows like water, gusts like wind and supports like the earth. flute, viola, harp and voice. Crossing borders in many ways, 4th Wall performances nurture the inquisitive and adventurous sides of people of all ages.
Donations gratefully accepted at this free outdoor performance, suitable for all ages. Please bring chairs. Wine and light snacks available for purchase.
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Annual Norm Chesterfield Birding Day
May 15 2019, Wheatley Provincial Park, 7:30 am.
Join us in celebrating the annual Norm Chesterfield Birding Day at Wheatley Provincial Park!
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Garlic Mustard Pull at the John R. Park Homestead
Tuesday May 14th 2019, 5:30pm to 7pm, John R. Park Homestead, 915 Essex County Rd 50, Essex, ON
Join the Friends of the John R. Park Homestead and Essex Region Conservation pull Garlic Mustard at the Homestead on May 14 2019. The event will run from 5:30pm to 7:00pm with some light refreshments to follow. Volunteers should wear weather appropriate clothing. Long pants and shirts are recommended with sturdy close-toed footwear. Equipment will be provided, but we suggest bringing your favourite garden gloves and knee pads along! High school students who would like to earn volunteer hours should bring their paperwork along. For questions about the event, call Gina at 519-776-5209 ext. 245.
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Self-guided Dark Sky Night
Point Pelee National Park, 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington, ON, Visitor Centre Parking Lot, May 18, 7:30pm to 11:59pm
Explore the park on your own after dark and experience the dark skies of Point Pelee. You will have the opportunity to stay late and see what goes on after dark. Note that there are no formal programs on these evenings. Visitors can pick up a seasonal star chart at the gate upon arrival. The park is open until midnight, unless otherwise stated. For more information please contact us at pc.pelee.info.pc@canada.ca.
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World Biodiversity Day
May 22 2019
The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.Essex County faces many ecological challenges, as it is part of one of the most populated corridors in Canada. As well, it is part of the unique ecoregion, the Carolinian Life Zone. This region is only 1% of Canada’s total land mass, but is home to more flora and fauna species than any other area in Canada.
Essex County is home to an estimated 2,200 species of herbaceous plants, 64 species of ferns, 110 species of grasses, over 130 species of sedges and 70 species of trees. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in this area, which is over half found in Canada (Carolinian Canada, 2006). Celebrate World Biodiversity Day by getting outside and learning about our natural heritage in Windsor-Essex! |
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Birding Afield
May 22 2019, Rondeau Provincial Park, 8am
Join us for a special birding excursion at Rondeau Provincial Park.
Fee: $28/adult, $25/senior. Meet at public parking lot just outside park entrance at 8:00 am.
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World Turtle Day
May 23 2019
Shellebrate World Turtle Day today! In May 2018, COSEWIC designated the Midland Painted Turtle as Special Concern. This meant that all of Ontario's eight turtle species are now at risk of disappearing from Ontario ( article link). How can you help?
- Reduce turtle road mortality by driving with caution in their habitat range, and keep an eye for wildlife corssing signs along roadways.
- If you see a turtle, consider submitting the sighting to the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (ontarionature.org/atlas).
- Keep learning about turtles in Ontario and check out this great page here, from the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.
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Dark Sky Nights with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
Point Pelee National Park, 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington, ON, Visitor Centre Parking Lot, Saturday June 1 2019, 7:30pm to 11:59pm
Join members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Windsor Centre for an evening of stargazing. Bring your own binoculars or take a look through one of the special telescopes on site for the evening. The park is open until midnight, unless otherwise stated. Visitor Centre Parking Lot. Cost is included in admission fee.
For more information please contact us at pc.pelee.info.pc@canada.ca.
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ECFNC Member Meeting
Wednesday June 12 2019, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON 7:30pm.
Join us in welcoming Larry Cornelis. who will discuss native plants and pollinators! More information on his topic coming soon.
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South Coast Adventure Race Championship
Saturday June 15 2019
Do you have what it takes to compete in the ultimate adventure race? On Saturday, June 15th, join Essex Region Conservation for the South Coast Adventure Race, Championship Edition presented by Kinetic Konnection, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Windsor St. Clair. Click here for more information.
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Citizen Science Tree Survey
June 22 2019, 10am to 2pm, green space near Florence Avenue and Wyandotte Street east, Windsor, ON
Essex Region Conservation staff are looking for individuals who are looking to gain some field experience collecting data from a sample of the Earth Day trees planted in spring 2019 with the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup. This event will take place on Saturday June 22 2019 from 10am to 2pm at the green space near Florence Avenue and Wyandotte Street east in Windsor. Parking is available at the Sand Point Beach parking lot off Riverside Drive. Volunteers will walk south down the Ganatchio Trail towards Wyandotte Street.
Volunteers should bring their snacks/lunch and re-usable water bottle and wear weather appropriate clothing. Long pants and shirts are recommended with sturdy close-toed footwear. High school students who would like to earn volunteer hours should bring their paperwork along.
Spots for this workshop are limited and pre-registration is required. Please register here:https://treesurveycitizenscience2019.eventbrite.ca.
For questions about the event, call Gina at 519-776-5209 ext. 245.
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STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE ESSEX COUNTY FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB! |
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About Us
Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club is a non-profit, open-to-the-public volunteer organization that focuses on promoting the conservation and restoration of the diverse natural heritage of Essex County and the surrounding region. We also strive to provide educational opportunities for the people of Essex County to become acquainted with and better understand the natural environment. |
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Contact Us
Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club
c/o Ojibway Nature Centre
5200 Matchette Rd.
Windsor On,
N9C 4E8
Except for our annual dinner in November, monthly meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm at Ojibway Nature Center, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor. All are welcome! We also have monthly outings posted in the ‘Events’ section of this newsletter as well as on our website. |
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CHAIRPERSONS/LIAISONS
Ontario Nature Liaison: Steve Marks
ERCA Liaison: Gina Pannunzio
Bluebird Committee: Don Bissonnette
Ojibway Liaison: Carl Maiolani
Citizens Environment Alliance Liaison: Andy Paul
Canada South Land Trust Liaison: Dave Kraus
Detroit River Canadian Cleanup Liaison: Gina Pannunzio and Steve Marks |
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COMMITTEES
Egret Editorial: Kory Renaud (acting)
Field Trips: Alexis Hand (chair), Ian Woodfield, Amy Weinz Junior Naturalists: Kory Renaud, Andy Paul, Jeremy Bensette, Sarah Renaud
Heritage: JoAnn Grondin (coordinator), Dave Kraus, Betty Learmouth, Jim McAllister, Gerry Waldron, Shirley Grondin, Cathy Lapain, Rachel Hasson
Little River Enhancement Group: Ian Naisbitt (chair)
Fish Book: Dave Kraus
Website & Social Media: Kory Renaud
Membership: Jeremy Hatt (chair), Paula O’Rourke, Carl Maiolani, Sam Dundas |
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ECFNC MEMBERSHIP
Your annual membership fees help to support the local efforts of the club. To learn more about becoming a member, please contact our membership secretary, Carl Maiolani.
- Receive the quarterly newsletter The Egret via email
- Enjoy guest speakers at the monthly meetings
- Explore our natural heritage with a guide
- Help restore and protect Essex County’s natural heritag
Online Payment Option
Join or renew your membership online at www.essexcountynature.com/membership
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