Natural Themes

EXPLORE NATURE IN THE BAY OF QUINTE REGION !
Photo by Gilles Bisson of BellevilleIn this section, we look at all things natural  around the Bay of Quinte region. These will include conservation areas, nature reserves, provincial parks, trails, national wildlife areas and others in our region. Many of these include special areas where we have conducted some of our guided hikes over the years. These natural areas are very special as most have been set aside to preserve the habitat and flora and fauna, as well as the human history. We are very fortunate to have these great areas in our midst, in an era when the importance of preserving remnants of the Quinte area’s natural habitat has never been more important. 

PHOTO DESCRIPTION: Each winter, we look forward to the arrival of winter finches that move into the Quinte area when wild food crops crash in their boreal nesting habitats. This is one of them – a lovely male Pine Grosbeak.
Photo Credit: Gilles Bisson of Belleville

It’s March – What Birds Are Here This month?

While March generally marks the start of the spring migration, the date of arrival is almost as uncertain as the weather itself.  Persistent snowfalls and blustery weather will halt the northward movement, while an early spring will prompt the arrival of RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, NORTHERN…

Quinte Field Naturalists Annual Dinner

Greetings to all: Quinte Field Naturalists is pleased to announce its Annual Fundraising Dinner on Wednesday, May 14th We invite you to enjoy a delicious meal, hear a wonderful speaker, and support QFN’s efforts to conserve and protect nature in your neighbourhood and beyond….

Ontario Rare Bird Report

Ontario Rare Bird Report for the week of February 14, 2025  This weekly report provides information about bird sightings that aresignificant due to the species, the location and/or time of year of thesighting.  Within these weekly reports, as much detail will be provided aspossible…

Kingston and Area Bird Sightings

Kingston Area Birds February 08 2025 – February 14, 2025 Kingston Field Naturalists (KFN) maintain records in a 50km radius ofMacDonald Park, Kingston. Birders using eBird are encouraged to share theirsightings with ‘Kingston FN’. Alternatively, please email  records directlyto me – contact details below….

Flowering Rush in the Napanee River

Invasive aquatic species are on the rise as the Napanee River is being invaded by Flowering Rush! WHERE: Newburgh Community Hall (2 Factory Street) WHEN: Saturday, February 22 from 9:30am – 11:00am Join Friends of the Napanee River for a public information session on…

What Bird Species Can We Expect To See in February?

What has already been said about January can also be applied to February. As far as snow goes, there has been little through January, but lots of rain.  However, it is still winter and I am sure winter isn’t over yet!  Any good species…

Growing Up Big Island (2021)

“GROWING UP BIG ISLAND” A look at life on Big Island growing up in the 1950s Terry’s new book, Growing Up Big Island, is his fifth literary effort, and relates his memories of growing up on “the Island” in the 1950s.  Contained are stories…

Prince Edward County Bird List

Prince Edward County Checklist of Birds(November, 2024) Because of its location in eastern Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County is a natural catch-all for migrating birds during both spring and fall. The points of land along the southern shore especially, provide excellent birding opportunities during…

26th Annual Winter Finch Forecast – 2024 – 2025

By Forecaster Tyler Hoar GENERAL FORECAST This year, a widespread cone crop reaches from northern British Columbia to eastern Quebec and down the western mountains. While there is a widespread crop, some areas have significant holes caused by insect infestations (Spruce Budworm, Tent Caterpillar,…

Birding Abandoned Fields

No doubt you have noticed as you have been driving the back roads this past month, birds flitting around in grassy meadows and darting from bush to bush. This month we check out the “little brown jobs,” the sparrows. They are passing through right…