Roadside Ponds, Wetlands, and Other Nooks and Crannies

The idea for this month`s places to bird came from an experience at a little insignificant pond south of Milford about 14 years ago. It is a combination of two small ponds – farm ponds they appear to be, likely spring fed as there…

Butterflies of Prince Edward County by Paul Catling – 2014

FIELD GUIDE TO BUTTERFLIES LONG OVERDUE      The field guide was out of date before it was even launched! This frustrating experience happens to all authors of field guides and reference books when they deal with something as dynamic as wildlife.. And, so it was…

Birds of Prince Edward County – 1969 & 1984

Up Before Five – the Family Farm

A humorous look at growing up on the family farm in Prince Edward County by Terry Sprague, 2011 1,000 copies sold! Now out of print. WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT “UP BEFORE FIVE” “A story of farming life riddled with humour and characters from…

“Niger” is the Seed. “Nyjer” Is Someone’s Idiotic Attempt at Political Correctness!

Even in John V. Dennis’  “Complete Guide To Birdfeeding,” (1975), it is referred to as “thistle seed,” but the author is quick to point out that the seed is in reality niger seed (Guizotia abyssinica), a seed of the niger plant native to Ethiopia. …

For a Change of Pace, Try Jerusalem Artichokes

Before the snow flies and the ground freezes, now would be a good time to dig up a few Jerusalem artichokes , (Helianthus tuberosus)  if you have them in your garden, or know where some might be growing. For years, I grew them in…

Stalking the Wild Tea

When I worked at Sandbanks Provincial Park as a park naturalist about 10 years ago, I always used to mix up a batch of wild tea and offer it to the campers who attended my evening programs. Usually, they would clean up the entire…

Presqu’ile Provincial Park Bird Sightings

Presqu’ile is fortunate in having a number of dedicated local birders constantly keeping an eye out for birds in the park.  Sightings can be recorded and viewed at the Bird Sightings Board, located in the parking lot at the entrance to the campgrounds. In…

One of Us – A Biologist’s Walk Among Bears – by Barrie Gilbert

Barrie Gilbert’s fascination with grizzly bears almost got him killed in Yellowstone National Park. He recovered, returned to fieldwork and devoted the next several decades to understanding and protecting these often-maligned giants. He has spent thousands of hours among wild grizzlies in Yosemite and…

Beaver Meadow Conservation Area

The small band of Prince Edward Region Conservation Authority staff and volunteers were elated. This was the very first piece of property purchased by the fledgling organization, and they were on their way to undertake their first project – the installation of wood duck…