The Peninsula Naturalist

Newsletter of The Peninsula Field Naturalists’ Club

Volume 252
Fall 2021

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New Members

Upcoming Meetings

Upcoming Outings

Autumn

A Message From the President

R ecently the annual Buffalo Ornithological Society October count was held, and while covering our usual area, Jean, Paula and I discovered

Niagara Parks
Niagara Parks Environmental Restoration Project
© Bob Highcock
a restoration project at Dufferin Islands in Niagara Falls. It was a small patch along the shoreline of the duck pond, but it is always good to see projects like this taking place in Niagara. Knowing that the Government of Canada provided funding to the Niagara Parks Environmental Restoration Project is a good thing, and I’m looking forward to following the progress of this project.

Another important project is Bring Back the Brookies in the Short Hills area along Twelve Mile Creek. I was excited when the PFN was invited to participate in the Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited project

Trout outing
Trout Unlimited outing.
© Bob Highcock
education sessions open to the public. A few of us visited the first private property on a wet and rainy October 3. We walked along trails identifying flora and fauna and heard Project Coordinator Kerry Kennedy describe tree planting plans in the upper field of the extensive property. The PFN members have been invited to a tree planting on a second property at the end of October, and I’m looking forward to participating. This project will assist in maintaining a healthy Twelve Mile Creek and suitable habitat for Brook Trout.

Getting property owners and the public engaged in restoration projects is beneficial. It helps ensure a successful result, and I, for one, am happy to continue to represent the PFN at future events in Niagara. So whether you were informed by a sign or participate in seed collecting or tree planting, restoration projects are always a good thing.

Bob Highcock, President

In Memorium by Jean Hampson

Jill Hampson
Jill Hampson

April 18, 1944 – July 2, 2021

My Mother

M um was a huge advocate of the natural world. I remember heated meetings held in our house when I was young that concerned the development of our Martindale area due to the 406 being extended. We, unfortunately, lost many of our favourite areas to this construction, but this didn’t stop me from being proud of my Mum for trying to protect natural areas. When I would ask what she would like to do for her birthday or Mother’s Day, she would often request that we go for a hike to find Trilliums or go to a pond so she could see a fat bullfrog.

Mum loved animals, always having a pet or two. We had many animals around the house growing up, and Mum told me stories about bringing bats, mice and frogs home to live in her dad’s garage, much to her mother’s chagrin.

My mother was a big proponent of the PFN. She liked attending the meetings and participated in some of the outings. Her favourite was the club picnic. Some may remember her and Danie bringing tasty homemade treats to our Hot Chocolate Walk at Walker’s Creek. My Mum liked to follow the adventures of Bob and me on Facebook. When my camera broke, she bought me my latest replacement for my birthday. So every photo I take now is for her.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust by Mary-Lou Davidson

A t the PFN's March 22 Zoom meeting, we welcomed Vanessa Brownbridge. Her childhood in Kenya was like you see in movies - a rich landscape among African animals and, of course, elephants. Her father was a ranger and tracker, and being part of the animal world was entirely natural for her.

Elephants
Elephants
© Vanessa Brownbridge

She has relocated to Fonthill with her husband and is known as an artist and healer. However, her passion for the protection of elephants is very evident. She spoke about how the habitats for these majestic creatures are disappearing. Too many people are competing with the elephants for resources. In the early 20th century, there were 10 million elephants across Africa. By 2016 only 352,000 - a heartbreaking and profound loss. She points out that elephants are vital to other wildlife.

Vanessa said that Africans not being interested in their animals is a myth, and money pushes the agenda. Global bribery, rivalry, competition and foreign influence affect African conservation. These exploited creatures have brains four times the size of a human brain and are one of only six self-aware species. She believes awareness and education are essential for a fundamental change, and we must start, each of us, at home caring for the earth.

Brownbridge supports the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and encourages everyone to go onto their website at https:// www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/. It is truly a remarkable place dedicated to saving elephants, rhinos, and other African wildlife and operates the world's most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program. Visiting the orphanage and even volunteering there is a dream come true for most nature lovers.

We thank Vanessa for her dedication and for sharing with us the struggle to protect all wildlife.

Latest Research on Cormorants by Ken Smith

M any of us are aware of the damage done to wildlife by the plastic garbage in our oceans, but what about our local lakes and rivers? In In April of this year, Melina Damian talked to the PFN about the latest research on cormorants and the anthropogenic debris they bring to their nests.

In 2020 she worked with Professor Gail Fraser from York University to study the garbage that cormorants use in their nests. The two of them wore protective suits to pick through 50 cormorant nests leftover from the previous breeding season at Tommy Thompson Park in Toronto. In 50 nests, they found 13.8 kg of garbage and 1435 different items. All of the nests had some trash in them. Most of the items found in the nest were made of plastic, although electrical wiring and small metal poles were also common. The reason plastic items were found most often might be because the cormorants are attracted to the bright colours. The next step will be to see if the plastic is causing harm to the cormorants or their chicks.

Ms. Damian explained to the Club that plastic makes up more than 80% of the garbage found in nature. Plastic tends to be more common in our environment because it takes so long to break down and is so lightweight that it easily gets blown out of recycling bins and washed down streams. It can take from 100 - 1000 years for plastic items to degrade, and for plastic, that means they turn into smaller bits instead of going away. They also tend to collect other pollutants as they accumulate in organisms.

Our world needs less plastic and more cormorants.

Human Vulnerability in Nature by Mary-Lou Davidson

O n September 27, the PFN was thrilled to welcome Owen Bjorgan back to speak at our Zoom meeting.He used bits from previous experiences to explain the meaning of human vulnerability in nature.

Ecuador
Ecuador © Owen Bjorgan

Owen, a Niagara-on-the-Lake native, received a BSc in Biodiversity from the University of Guelph in 2016 and is a published co-author and photographer. In addition, he has produced four Hidden Corners international nature documentaries, including work in remote areas of Australia, Ecuador, Florida, and here in Niagara. Owen is an official Ted Talk speaker, a two-time recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award from Rotary International and the Spirt of Niagara “Dan Patterson Youth Leadership Award” recipient.

At 21 years of age, Owen successfully hiked the 890 km Bruce Trail in 37 days. He started the hike in Tobermory in April 2014 in temperatures as low as -5°C. At one point in his journey, Owen was cold, soaking wet, nothing was dry, and he was beginning to experience hypothermia. As a treat, Owen showed us a photo of his feet with both big toenails missing from being wet for so long (hence the title of the presentation). However, Owen persevered and continued on his journey home to NOTL. The expedition raised over $27,000 for two local charities.

Owen Bjorgen
© Owen Bjorgan

We experienced a very remote area of Ecuador through Owen’s photos and dialogue and learned about the Bullet Ants (known for their excruciating sting). Owen also told us of unfortunately catching Dengue Fever, a tropical disease caused by the dengue virus and transmitted by mosquitoes. Other entertaining adventures discussed were being chased by an alligator in Florida (watch it here) and canoeing the Great Lake Superior.

Back at home, Owen is the owner and operator of Owen’s Hiking and Adventures, a local hiking tour company specializing in getting people outside to experience the Niagara Peninsula’s incredible ecosystems. If you are interested, you can find out more information at www.owenshikingandadventures.com

We are incredibly fortunate to have such a compassionate advocate for nature in our community. Owen is a shining example for the younger generations who will be protecting our environment and the natural world. We wish him many more adventures and look forward to having him back to tell us all about them.

Birding Close to Home by Ken Smith

W hen I first started birding, I believed that interesting birds were only found in exotic locations and that my local neighbourhood only had Robins and House Sparrows. I'd have to drive to Point Pelee or Algonquin Park if I wanted to see warblers and vireos. Thanks to the Peninsula Field Naturalists and something called the Five Mile Radius Birding Challenge, that belief has changed.

After joining the Peninsula Field Naturalists and going on some of their hikes, I discovered how many amazing birds are here in Niagara if you know where to look. During our hikes, the expert birders in the group have shown me Cliff Swallows, Bank Swallows, Green Herons, Snow Buntings and even a lost Pelican. I've come to realize that Niagara is a hot spot for birding, and there's no need to drive across the province to see rare birds.

In early 2020, a member told me about the Five Mile Radius Birding Challenge. The project was started by Jen Sanford, who lives in the North-Western United States. According to the 5MR Birding website, she wanted to focus on something positive, which meant discovering interesting birds close to where she lived. Using Google Maps (or good old paper maps and a ruler), you can draw a circle five miles around your house (or eight kilometres if you live anywhere other than the United States, Myanmar, or Liberia). You then keep a list of how many species you find in that area throughout the year. If you se eBird, you can make things easier by creating your own 'patch' and adding any birding spots within your eight km range. There is also a 5MR Facebook group where people compare findings and keep lists.

Last year I started late and wasn't entirely focused, and I ended up with 70 species for the year. This year it has gradually become my main focus. Also, due to COVID-19, I've had more time for birding, and I've figured out a method for birding while walking my dogs (although focusing on small jumpy birds while my dogs are pulling me forward with all their strength can be challenging).

The advantages to 5MR birding are many. First of all, I'm only really competing with myself. Nobody else has the same patch as I do. Second, my goal is to find more species than I did last year. So far, I am on pace to finish with way more species than in 2020. I'm doing that by exploring different trails and hotspots near my house, which has given me a whole new appreciation for my local area. For example, I had no idea that during the winter by Decew House, I could find Hooded Mergansers, Redheads, Canvasbacks, and Trumpeter Swans.

I'm also learning more about the behaviour of birds in my area. For instance, I had no luck seeing any Red- breasted Nuthatches until I explored the paths around Mel Swart Park. Why are they only found there and not in the trails just a half kilometre down the road? I'm not sure, but maybe I could learn something about the species by comparing the vegetation between the two locations. Knowing this could lead me to discover more about my area than just the bird species, such as the types of nearby trees and plants.

I hope that by focusing on my 5MR, I will become an expert on my location over the years. Once I know where to find different species, I should increase my species count every year. For example, seeing a Bald Eagle was exciting at Point Pelee, but it pales compared to seeing one a few minutes away from my house or hearing a Great Horned Owl from my front porch.

PFN Virtual Get-Together by Jean Hampson & Bob Highcock

I t had been tough that our club could not gather for the annual potluck and picnic since we were following the necessary measures. However, we made the best of it using Zoom for a virtual summer picnic on the evening of Monday, June 28.

A PowerPoint presentation was created from the nature photos sent in by club members, and each contributing member would discuss their photos with the other attendees. As a result, we discovered that there are quite a few talented photographers in our club.

Contributors included Bev Hadler, Mary-Lou Davidson, Win Laar, Jean Hampson, Debbie Wright and Rafael Fernandes da Matta.

Here is just a sample of what was shared that evening.

Red fox
Red fox © Bev Hadler
Wimbrel
Wimbrel © Jean Hampson
Red-breasted nuthatches.
Red-breasted nuthatches. © Win Laar
Northern Watersnake
Northern Watersnake © Debbie Wright
Gray squirrel
Gray squirrel © Mary-Lou Davidson
Wilson's Phalarope.
Wilson's Phalarope. © Rafael Fernandes da Matta

The Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (OBBA) (2021-2025) is Underway!

T he goal of the Atlas is to map the distribution and relative abundance of Ontario’s approximately 300 species of breeding birds.

For atlassing purposes, Ontario is divided into a number of Atlas Regions. Most of the Niagara Region falls in Atlas Region 11. This Atlas Region stretches eastward to the Niagara River from a north-south line extending from a few kilometres west of Beamsville to Mohawk Island in Lake Erie. It is divided into squares 10 km by 10 km in size. There are 25 such squares or partial squares (those along the lakes and the Niagara River). The Regional Coordinator (Marcie Jacklin) assigned one principal atlasser to gather data for each of these squares.

In this article, I will focus on the findings from 2021 in square 17TPH47, for which I am the principal atlasser. The eastern edge of the square runs south from the Niagara College Ponds to the east of Allanburg, and the square reaches west to include a bit of the Short Hills. In addition to ponds and forests, the square also includes my house and the Niagara Regional Headquarters, where we have our PFN meetings.

Altassing was a great way to cope with lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I frequently went out on my own looking for birds, although one other person accompanied me some days. Marcie Jacklin, Ryan Griffiths, Katherine Stoltz, and Jean Hampson helped me Atlas in my square at an appropriate social distance. I went out up to three days a week from the start of May to the end of July. Typically, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, but also on some evenings and early mornings. The goal of these outings was to observe as many species as possible and record if they demonstrated possible, probable, or confirmed instances of breeding.

I also entered several observations from birders who found birds in the square. Kayo Roy observed a Willow Flycatcher at the Outlet Ponds. Staff at Niagara College observed Hooded Mergansers and other water birds on the Niagara College Ponds. Our neighbours added nesting Starlings and Carolina Wrens, and John Stevens had Cooper’s Hawks nesting near his house.

When the summer was over, about 114 hours of atlassing had taken place in 17TPH47 and data for 91 species were entered. In the second OBBA, 101 species were documented over the five years. Four new and exciting birds not seen in the second Atlas were Bald Eagle, nesting Ospreys, nesting Ravens and Trumpeter Swans. Notable absences this year, all seen in the second Atlas, were Red-headed Woodpecker, Common Nighthawk, Brown Thrasher, Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark.

Observations for the first year of the third OBBA are complete. Four more years to go. Next year I will be looking for Purple Martins (I only saw one bird on all my outings this year), the notable absences described above and anything else I can find.

An excellent understanding of the goals and details of the OBBA can be found by visiting https:// www.birdsontario.org/about/. Data from the first OBBA (1981-1985) and the second OBBA (2001-2005) are also available on that site.

Niagara Birding During the Pandemic

I ’m a lister. I admit it. I enjoy breaking down our lists of bird species I have seen by years, locations and, of course, over all time, also known as life lists. Since we were restricted in the amount of travel we could do over the last two years, my Niagara life list has taken precedence over all other lists for now. After adding only three Niagara life birds in 2020, 2021 turned out to be an exciting year with seven species added to the Niagara life list, and the year is not over yet.

In 2020, I saw Western Grebe, Least Bittern and Hudsonian Godwit.

This year started with a bird that I predicted would be found soon in Niagara. Bob and I were on the Green Ribbon Trail when we received an alert from Nancy Smith. Nancy had seen a Townsend’s Solitaire along a creek in Fenwick, so we headed straight there and had beautiful views.

We had to wait until April to add another bird to my list. We received a late report on Thursday evening of April 15 about a Little Blue Heron spotted on Miller’s Creek in Fort Erie. So early Friday morning, we set out to find it. At first, we thought we were out of luck, but then the Little Blue Heron flew down the creek towards us and landed on a log near the bridge we were standing on.

In May, a Niagara Falls homeowner had a Yellow-headed Blackbird in their yard, and this time I had to wait until Bob finished his workday before we could drive to Chippawa to see him. The bird had a brilliant yellow head and a lovely harsh voice. The homeowners were very gracious to allow so many Niagara birders to visit.

Juvenile Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Juvenile Yellow-crowned Night Heron. © Jean Hampson

On a hot, sunny July afternoon, Lisa Bacon found a juvenile, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron at Happy Rolph’s. It took a few moments of searching the trees, but there it was, perched above the duck pond. This was another rarity that attracted birders, including those from outside of Niagara.

The next bird was a very rare sighting of a Black-bellied Whistling-Duck. It was first discovered by a member of the Niagara Birds Facebook group who was requesting an identification. It sent many Niagara birders scrambling to Dufferin Islands to see this first Black-bellied Whistling-Duck recorded on eBird for Niagara. We did not need to run, though, because he is still being reported there as of this writing.

Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike © Jean Hampson

On September 3, we were once again on the Green Ribbon Trail when a rare bird report came in. The sun was about to set, though, so we had to wait until the next day to head out to the Port Weller East Pier. We walked out the entire length of the path, where we observed a young Loggerhead Shrike complete with a radio tag. We later found out that this bird originated from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and had been released in the Carden Alvar on August 18. It was the first sighting of a Loggerhead Shrike in Niagara for decades.

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck.
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck. © Jean Hampson

The latest addition to the Niagara life list is more personal for Bob and me because we missed seeing them last year at a big fallout on the Niagara River near the Peace Bridge. This year we were away in Kincardine when a similar fallout happened again. So, we were happy to see two Red-necked Phalaropes in a flooded field in Niagara Falls on September 26, bringing my Niagara life list up to 295 species.

I’m looking forward to reaching number 300!

Day Trips - The Cheltenham Badlands by Bob Highcock

The Cheltenham Badlands
The Cheltenham Badlands. © Bob Highcock

A pproximately 1.5 hours away from St. Catharines is a Conservation. Until recently, I had no idea it was there. Then,a Facebook feed for the Cheltenham Badlands dropped into my lap, and I thought, I want to go there! Somehow Jean had seen a Bruce Trail presentation that included the Badlands, and I had missed it due to another scheduled meeting. Perhaps my Eureka moment would have happened then instead of on the social network.

We set a plan in place. On the first day of my vacation week, Jean and I travelled to the geological gem northwest of Brampton in Caledon. Due to current guidelines to manage capacity, we arranged our visit online days before our arrival. So, starting at 10:40 am on September 20, we had 1.5 hours to explore the site owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust. The entry fee was $20 per vehicle.

Visitors can enjoy the view of the Badlands that formed at the base of an ancient sea over 450 million years ago from an accessible boardwalk. It is quite the sight, and I am glad they no longer allow visitors to walk and climb on this important site.

After viewing the Cheltenham Badlands, you can walk along the Bruce Trail to Creditview Road and return to the parking area with maybe a minute or two to spare.

If you’re spending the day in the area, you can stop for lunch in nearby Belfountain. Don’t blink because you’ll miss it. We highly recommend having lunch at the Higher Ground Café.

After lunch, we moved on to the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, a day-use park with many hiking trails to suit all abilities. Jean and I spent most of our afternoon there and hiked over 6 km.

It was a fulfilling day, and if you’re into geological formations and hiking along trails, this is a day trip for you.

I thought about writing a new article for The Peninsula Naturalist, and even better, I thought it should continue. So, if any PFN members plan a day trip between now and our next newsletter in the spring, it would be great to have you share your experiences. Submit an article and a photo or two to our Editor at penfieldnatsnews@gmail.com.

Great Canadian Birdathon 2021 by Jean Hampson & Bob Highcock

F or this year’s Birdathon, the Fitzgerald Flickers (Jean and Bob) started their tally at Jones Beach the morning of Friday, May 14. While at this eBird hot spot, we recorded Canada Goose, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Least Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Gray Catbird, American Robin, Song Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Yellow Warbler and Northern Cardinal.

Yellow Warbler.
Yellow Warbler. © Jean Hampson

That sunny morning, we moved on to the Port Weller East Pier and walked along the trails with warblers in mind. During the two hours we spent at this location, we observed Mute Swan, Mallard, Long-tailed Duck, Mourning Dove, Solitary Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Caspian Tern, Common Tern, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, House Wren, Carolina Wren, European Starling, House Sparrow, American Goldfinch, Chipping Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black- throated Green Warbler and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

As we returned to our parked car, we noticed a Red- breasted Merganser on the lake. Fifty-one species so far.

After a quick trip home for a break, picking up sightings of American Crow and Rock Pigeon on the way, we headed over to Power Glen. Over a dozen species, but nothing new for the 24-hour list. Acting on a tip from Kayo Roy, we observed Trumpeter Swan on Lake Gibson in Thorold. We then moved on to the Outlet Collection Ponds in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where we observed nine new species. Common Gallinule, Least Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Great Egret, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Red-tailed Hawk and Marsh Wren.

We stopped for another break after the ponds so we could prepare ourselves for a long evening ahead. Our next stop was at Royal Henley Park in Port Dalhousie, where we saw Eastern Kingbird, Bank Swallow and Cliff Swallow. Then at the Green Ribbon Trail, we saw Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker and Great Crested Flycatcher before moving onto the fields at 5th Avenue Louth to find grassland species. We added Savannah Sparrow and Bobolink to our list.

A Chimney Swift flying overhead near the downtown was species number 72 for the day. From urban birding to rural birding, we drove to Willson Road in Wainfleet for some evening birding. The next species for our Birdathon list were all heard only and included Eastern Whip-poor- will, Veery, Hermit Thrush, Wood Thrush, Swamp Sparrow and Eastern Towhee.

Because it is a 24-hour challenge, we had time Saturday morning to search for more birds. We headed to Cherie Road Park and discovered the bird activity was thrilling. There was no need to go elsewhere in the two hours that remained of our Great Canadian Birdathon.

Checking out all the good birdy spots we knew in the municipal park, we found Hairy Woodpecker, Yellow- throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Brown Thrasher, Swainson’s Thrush, House Finch, White- throated Sparrow, Ovenbird, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, and Indigo Bunting.

Scarlet Tanager.
Scarlet Tanager. © Jean Hampson

After 24 hours of birding over May 14 and 15, we observed a total of 95 species. We want to thank all that sponsored our efforts to raise funds for bird conservation.

‘Tis the Season: Upcoming Bird Counts

St. Catharines Christmas Bird Count December 19, 2021 Contact: Bob Highcock/Jean Hampson
bob.jean@sympatico.ca 905-688-1260
Niagara Falls CBC December 26, 2021 Contact: Marcie Jacklin
mjacklin@brocku.ca 905-871-2577
Port Colborne CBC January 1, 2022 Contact: Drew Campbell
drew.campbell@gmail.com 716-668-0759
Grimsby Peach Tree CBC TBA Contact: Drew Campbell
drew.campbell@gmail.com 716-668-0759
Waterfowl (Duck) Count January 9, 2022 Contact: Phil Downey
philip.downey@gmail.com

November Virtual Meeting and AGM

O n November 22, 2021 at 7:30 pm, join us on Zoom for out Annual General Meeting followed by a presentation on the TIFFT Nature Preserve, Track and Scat.

Join the Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85964693892?pwd=Tkpza3Frck9QVVgvd3VoUU1ZMVArQT09

Meeting ID: 859 6469 3892
Passcode: 807548

To call in by phone, find your local number:
https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kFGzMzj9d

Whooo’s On Your Christmas List? 2022 Memberships

G ive the gift that keeps on giving all year long - informative speakers, hikes, birding, picnics, as well as a printed brochure and newsletters.

A PFN Family Membership is the perfect gift for your favourite family (2+ members at the same address) for only $35. For your nature-loving friends, a Single Membership is $25 and $15 for Students or Low- income. A membership also makes a great thank you gift for those that have served you over the past year. You never know who will end up becoming an active participant in helping The Peninsula Field Naturalists keep Niagara green!

With each membership, the recipient will receive an electronic copy of The Peninsula Naturalist newsletter twice per year (there are a few printed copies available to those who don’t have access to a computer or email).

We will send the gift recipient a nature-themed Christmas card informing them of your thoughtful gift as an added perk. New memberships or renewals may be paid for by cheque, downloading the membership form from our web page and mailing it in. All the information is on our web page, www.peninsulafieldnats.com or on the back page of this newsletter.

Let's start the New Year with new members! We look forward to having everyone join us for more great speakers, outings, helping in the community, fun, learning and friendship in 2022.

Red fox
Christmas card example.

Nature Quiz #3 by Marlene Sanders

  1. If you were in Tuktoyaktuk, which ocean would you be looking at?
  2. If you were in Owl Woods Nature Reserve, which island in Ontario would you be on?
  3. What are the names of Canada’s three largest islands?
  4. If you were standing on Cripp’s Eddy, where would you be?
  5. How many native species of bees are in Canada?
  6. Which area of Ontario are you most likely to see orchids, and in what month do they bloom?
  7. Name butterflies you see in early Spring in Niagara.
  8. How big is Algonquin Provincial Park?
  9. Which mammal is elusive so rarely seen even by scientists that have been studying them for years? Where would you find this mammal in Ontario?
  10. By 1909, wild turkeys were extirpated in Ontario. However, in 1984 MNRF reintroduced 27 wild turkeys in Norfolk County. Do you know where in our much- loved Long Point area the release took place?

The answers can be found on the back page.

The Peninsula Field
Naturalists Club
PO Box 23031 RPO Carlton
St Catharines, ON L2R 7P6

www.peninsulafieldnats.com
email: info@peninsulafieldnats.com

2021 Executive

President - Bob Highcock

Vice President - Carol Horvat

Secretary - Jean Hampson

Treasurer - Doug Gillard

Membership Secretary - Barb West

Directors - Janet Damude - Mary-Lou Davidson
- Roman Olszewski - Marlene Sanders
- Don Stevenson

Newsletter Editor - Lorraine Brown-Joyce

Webmaster - Adrian Lawler

T he Peninsula Field Naturalists Club is a non-profit organization started in 1954 with the objectives to preserve wildlife and protect its habitat, to promote public interest in and a knowledge of the natural history of the area, and to promote, encourage and cooperate with organizations and individuals having similar interests and objectives. We are affiliated with Ontario Nature and Nature Canada.

Currently, our meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month from September to April (except December) at 7:30pm via Zoom. We may offer various popup outings around the Niagara area. Please check our Facebook page for more information.

T he Peninsula Naturalist newsletter is published twice per year, in Spring and Fall. Submissions for the next newsletter should be received by the end of March or September for publication.

Club members are encouraged to send in articles, photos, stories, observations and outing reviews to PenFieldNatsNews@gmail.com. Material accepted may be edited and will be used subject to space allowances.

Views expressed are not necessarily those of the Peninsula Field Naturalists Club or the Editor.

Thank you to all the members who volunteer their time to our club and also to those who make submissions to make our newsletter fabulous!

Nature Quiz #2 Answers

  1. Arctic Ocean.
  2.  
    Amherst Island
    © Owl Woods Nature Reserve | waymarking.com
  3. Amherst Island
  4.  
    World Atlas
    © World Atlas
  5. Baffin, Victoria, Ellesmere
  6.  
    Cripp’s Eddy
    Cripp’s Eddy | © Julie Falsetti
  7. In the Niagara Gorge
  8.  
    Sierra Club
    © Sierra Club
  9. Approximately 800
  10.  
    Showy Lady’s Slipper
    © Showy Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium reginae) | Wikipedia
  11. The Bruce Peninsula in June
  12.  
    Mourning Cloak
    © Mourning Cloak | Britannica.com
  13. Mourning Cloak, Eastern Comma, Compton’s Tortoiseshell, Spring Azure
  14.  
    Friends of Algonquin Park
    © Friends of Algonquin Park
  15. 7,630 km2 (or about 2,946 square miles). Algonquin Park is larger than Prince Edward Island (~5,684 km2).
  16.  
    Daniel Cox
    © Daniel Cox | Nature Conservancy of Canada
  17. The Wolverine in Northwest Boreal forest and coastal tundra.
  18.  
  19. Backus Woods.
  20.