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

Kingston and Area Bird Sightings

Kingston Area Birds 7 December 2024 -13 December 2024 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. Please…

Ontario Rare Bird Report

Ontario Rare Bird Alert for the week starting December 6, 2024Species mentioned (all caps indicate species on the OBRC review list):Red Phalarope (Northumberland)Sanderling (Norfolk)Black-legged Kittiwake (Lambton, Niagara)Pacific Loon (Hamilton)Varied Thrush (Rainy River)Baltimore Oriole (Ottawa)Ovenbird (Middlesex)Black-and-white Warbler (Halton)Orange-crowned Warbler (Toronto)American Redstart (Halton)Northern Parula (Halton, Lennox…

December has arrived! What Birds Are We Apt To See?

Sunday, December 1st this year is an important day in the lives of serious birders. As far as birders who compile lists of winter birds are concerned, this is the date when the winter season officially begins. From this date through to the end…

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…

Grant Mackay Nature Sounds

POINT PETRE – A Birder’s Paradise ( review by Terry Sprague) Recorded right at Prince Edward County’s Point Petre, this latest Earthhaven CD from Oasis Productions is sure to please. It was while I was having dinner with our neighbours awhile back when I…

Picton Farm Supply – Birds, Home & Garden

(contact information at bottom of page)  * Updated August 28, 2024 *   Picton Farm Supply – where good prices, selection and customer service have always been our motto  Please scroll down to see some specials and featured items! THIS WEEK’S FEATURED ITEM You can also…

Picton Farm Supply – Farming

(contact information at bottom of page)  * Updated August 28, 2024 *    Picton Farm Supply – where good prices, excellent selection and customer service have always been our motto   Please scroll down to see some specials and featured items! THIS WEEK’S FEATURE We have a…

Watch For Dangers When Out Foraging

When I used to work for a conservation authority in Picton, one of my jobs in early spring was to visit all the local schools and warn the kids of the dangers of playing too closely to fast flowing water and flooded areas. One…

The Two Of Us

My latest book, The Two of Us, is now available. Current retail outlets are being posted below as they are finalized. Price is $25.00, and can also be purchased directly from me by e-transfer. (tsprague@xplornet.com), or from any one of the following retail outlets….