Nature Guelph News - Conservation Priorities p. 4, 5 2018 Christmas Bird Count p. 3
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Nature
Guelph
News
January/February 2019
Conservation
Priorities p. 4, 5
2018 Christmas Bird Count p. 3
A Year to Remember
By Brett Forsyth, President, Nature Guelph
The traditional time of reflection is upon Nature Guelph signing on in support through a Club donation and a donation-
us and 2018 was one to remember for of Ontario Nature’s petition to the matching program. It is wonderful to see
Nature Guelph. To start the year, the Club provincial government to remove our membership so engaged.
had record attendance for the January Schedule 10 of Bill 66. Locally, mem- To the best executive team a president
speaker series. We also set another record bers have been active in the community could hope for, thank you all for your
for total membership heading into the planning process for the Clair-Maltby dedication and commitment to making
summer break. Nature Guelph members development area. To close out the Nature Guelph what it is. Without your
also helped set an attendance record for year, Nature Guelph has committed to efforts, I know the Club would not be as
the 2018 Christmas Bird Count. supporting raresites Eramosa River healthy and vibrant. Thanks to everyone
More exciting developments include Conservation Corridor land purchase for a wonderful 2018! l
Jo-Anne McArthur, Photographer, Author, Educator
Photographs and Stories of
Photos: (Cover) Brett Forsyth; Jo-Anne McArthur/Oikeutta Eläimille weanimalsarchive.org
Animals in the Anthropocene
Nature Guelph Speaker Series
January 10, 7:30 pm – Everyone welcome
OAC Centennial Arboretum Centre, University of Guelph
McArthur will share with us her stories of animals in the human
environment; specifically, the “invisible” animals with whom we have
close relationships but nevertheless remain hidden in our world, such
as farm animals and those used for our entertainment.
www.natureguelph.ca
Nature Guelph News January/February 2019 2
Christmas Bird Count Results
by Mike Cadman
Here’s a quick summary of Guelph’s tied the record for four species: Golden
52nd Christmas Bird Count that took Eagle (1), Sharp-shinned Hawk (7),
place on Sunday, December 16, 2018. Barred Owl (2) and Eastern Towhee (1).
First the good news. We had a record
turnout of 73 participants, and found
We had no American Kestrels, which
is only the second time that’s happened; Open Season
68 species, which is tied for the highest
ever with 2014 and 2016! Despite that,
the other being in 2013. And we had very
low numbers of American Tree Sparrow
on Cormorants?
it was an unusually slow day (despite (54), which is by far the lowest ever count The Ontario Government has
above-freezing conditions and some since we started in 1967. Both species proposed reclassifying the Double-
open standing water) and we had the have been showing long-term declines crested Cormorant as a game bird
lowest total number of birds reported in in Guelph. We found only 11 American and opening up hunting from
the past 10 years: 11,903, which is well Robins, which is the lowest total since March 31 to December 31 annually.
down from totals of over 20,000 in both 1996, and typical of numbers from the OFO is opposed to this proposal
2011 and 2012. 1970s and 1980s. The low number of because it is not based on scientific
We had new record high numbers berries this winter may help explain this evidence, puts protected species at
of four species: Merlin (5), Belted low number. risk and is a public safety hazard.
Kingfisher (13), Red-bellied Woodpecker Winter finches were here in small OFO’s Response
(21) and Pileated Woodpecker (14). And numbers: Evening Grosbeak (1), Pine Please take a moment to read OFO’s
Siskin (9), Common Redpoll (158) and response at: ofo.ca/ofo-docs/
White-winged Crossbill (2); no Pine OFOCormorantProposal
Grosbeaks were reported, though they Response.pdf
have been found in small numbers
around the county this winter. One flock Other bird-related organizations
of Bohemian Waxwings was found, of 57, have also come out against this
and a single bird was also noted. proposal and there has been a lot
Also noteworthy were Northern of media coverage.
Photos: Brett Forsyth, depositphotos.com
Pintail (1), Common Raven (20, which What You Can Do
is the second highest count ever) and Ontario Nature provides an easy
Lesser Black-backed Gull (1). on-line way to send a (pre-
Thanks to everyone who helped out composed) letter to Minister
with collecting the data, especially the 13 John Yakabuski. Use this link:
group leaders. And special thanks to Dave ontarionature.good.do/
and Margaret Hull for hosting the tally opposecormorantslaughter/
rally, and Wild Birds Unlimited for donat- sign/
ing a prize for a lucky CBC participant. l
Join Nature Guelph! Sept. 2018 – Aug. 2019 Annual Membership
Choose One: New Member Renewal Update Select Your Membership:
Fill Out Your Personal Information: Individual ($25) $
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Online at natureguelph.ca/membership
Eramosa River Conservation Corridor
Nature Guelph Membership Supports Land Purchase Contribution
By John Prescott, Nature Guelph raresites Representative
Help Support the
Eramosa River
Conservation Corridor.
Every dollar counts.
A contribution of any size means
you will be making a significant
difference to the health and beauty
of our area – forever. A charitable
tax receipt is available, and rare is
even able to accept gifts of stocks.
Eramosa River within the property that is being purchased by raresites.
Donations to date amount to $3,325,
which will be matched 1:1.
raresites recently made its first offer to Nature Guelph is contributing Donations can be made either by
purchase property in the Eramosa River $10,000 from its Land Acquisition giving or sending a cheque to:
corridor. This 87-acre property on the and Conservation Restricted Fund
7th Line between Everton and Highway and will match any additional Laura Rundle
50 near Rockwood has four sections, contributions 1:1 from the just over Treasurer, Nature Guelph
with one large open area being proposed $10,000 remaining in the fund. We P.O. Box 1401
to be seeded as meadow for grassland see this both as an important conserva- Guelph, Ontario N1H 6N8
birds. The largest section is wooded land tion action and as future site for member – or –
through which the Eramosa river runs. education and conservation engagement.
Discussions with adjacent landowners by donating on the Canada Helps
raresites is an initiative of the rare website: CanadaHelps.org
and others in the area suggest that this
Charitable Research Reserve to promote To donate through Canada Helps,
property will link to future conservation
community-driven land securement search on their website for Nature
“easements” in a proposed Eramosa River
in the Grand River watershed. It has Guelph, then under “Donate now”
conservation corridor. The site can be
developed a land securement strategy apply the donation to the “raresites
viewed with other details on the Nature
to identify, acquire or otherwise protect Eramosa conservation land acquisi-
Guelph website under “Conservation.”
ecologically important areas in the tion” in the drop-down menu.
raresites is raising $1 million for
Waterloo-Wellington region as conser-
purchase ($800,000) and stewardship Depending on how you donate,
vation lands. This process has identi-
($200,000), and has asked Nature Nature Guelph or the Canada Helps
fied the Eramosa River “Conservation
Guelph to contribute both financially and website site will issue a tax receipt.
Corridor” as a priority for conservation.
through publicity. With strong support
from members at the December meeting,
Guelph Lake Nature Centre
For the best in bird food, feeders, binoculars,
spotting scopes, bird baths and nature gifts.
Photo: Courtesy raresites
951 Gordon St., Guelph | 519-821-2473
Please visit www.grandriver.ca for
wellbirds@bellnet.ca | www.guelph.wbu.com
information about all GRCA family programs.
Your Backyard Birdfeeding Specialist
Nature Guelph News January/February 2019 4
Protect Our Moraine Coalition Update
by Marnie Benson
Protect Our Moraine (POM) coalition for feedback on the policy directions well attended. There is lots of interest in
is continuously busy with ongoing document being written right now, which these issues.
engagement with the City as plans for will inform people on how development Upcoming in January, POM will be
the Clair-Maltby development progress. happens. Many Nature Guelph members hosting a speaker series focused on ways
We meet with City staff regularly, and attended those meetings and the mes- to do development better. The City may
surprisingly, they now reach out to us sages of protect the natural areas and co-host this with us, so keep your ears
first for comment and direction before moraine, best practices for safe wildlife tuned for that one.
developing policy and moving forward crossings, low-impact development, In other news, several Nature Guelph
with next steps. They have even offered green energy and infrastructure, protect members attended a consultation session
to collaborate with us (financially) to the water, etc. were heard loud and clear. with the City on the environmental
host public information sessions and a POM hosted a bus tour of the aspect of their new Community Plan.
speaker series! Never in all my activist Clair-Maltby area on December 2nd to The City was interested in what we see
years have I seen this! highlight all the concerns and educate as Guelph’s environmental concerns
Recently the City held public meet- the public about what is happening and and how we would like to see them
ings and have an ongoing open forum how they can get involved. It was very addressed. l
Yorklands Green Hub What we are doing right now:
• Building membership and partner
support to prepare for the future
Yorklands Green Hub (YGH) is an The Yorklands Green Hub will be a provincial sale of the property so we
incorporated non-profit group working centre for preservation, education and can realize our mission.
to establish an interactive learning and appreciation of our environment: its • Delivering programs and connecting
nature centre to inspire change toward biodiversity, wise water use, wetland with like-minded partners.
urban environmental sustainability at restoration, sustainable food produc- • Fundraising for operational expenses
the unused Guelph Correctional Centre. tion, energy and waste conservation including an executive director.
Our mission is to be a centre for and technologies. • Designing and collaborating to build
urban sustainability initiatives through • a site for citizens and community a capital fundraising campaign
innovating, educating and collaborating groups and institutions to share
to open green doors to the future. space to build resilience through We ask you to help the Yorklands Green
Our goal is to have public use in stewardship of nature, educa- Hub become an educational resource
perpetuity of 70 acres and one building tion, research, demonstration and for living and working in a resilient
of the Guelph Correctional Centre to recreation. future, an environmental exhibition
inspire nature connection, stewardship • an historic destination that reflects centre, an eco-tourism destination, a
and resilience on local food, water, the ground-breaking past of early community hub of best sustainability
waste and energy in the culture-rich 20th century skill-building on this practices and a preserved heritage site.
landscape of meadows, wetlands, site as well as its earlier Indigenous To join, donate or contact us:
streams, ponds and trails. origins. info@yorklandsgreenhub.ca
Nature Guelph News January/February 2019 5
Where Do Turtles Go in Winter?
by Christine Bowen
You would be hard-pressed to find a wild
turtle this time of the year. They haven’t
gone anywhere, but are instead hiding and
relaxing through brumation. Brumation
is very similar to hibernation but done by
ectotherms (cold-blooded animals) and
involves specific metabolic processes.
Generally, turtles find a specific site,
called hibernacula, to rest. Hibernacula
are carefully chosen and dependent on
species and life stage. In northern parts
of North America, like here in Canada,
turtles can spend almost half their life in
an overwintering state in their hibernac-
ula, and thus have specific adaptions.
Northern Map Turtle
Midland Painted Turtle
The widespread and most common Blanding’s Turtle goes in and out. Oxygen moving across
turtle, the Midland Painted Turtle is an this skin can be absorbed into one of the
anoxia-tolerant species (meaning it can The elusive Blanding’s Turtle has similar
many blood vessels there. However, this
withstand the depletion of oxygen) that hibernacula selection to Snapping and
only works if there is dissolved oxygen in
prefers shallow vegetated water where Painted Turtles – and is believed to be
the water.
they bury themselves in the mud. They anoxia-tolerant. Blanding’s Turtles are
During winter, turtles also decrease
are unique in that hatchlings may spend more likely to be in stream tributaries,
in activity and their metabolism by up to
the winter underground in their nest by as it may not be as anoxia-tolerant as
90%, so that they don’t have to breathe
freezing, where up to 50% of their body the above two. More research is required
as much in the first place. (Think of how
water freezes in extracellular space. on this species, especially what the
much more we have to breathe when
hatchlings do.
running then when sitting still.) They
Snapping Turtle
Northern Map Turtle will then “breathe” anaerobically using
Snapping Turtles are the most likely to stored fats causing a lactate accumula-
exhibit movement during winter. This The Northern Map Turtle is not anoxia- tion – similar to how humans can have a
anoxia-tolerant turtle, adult and hatch- tolerant, thus they require moving water buildup of lactic acid while running caus-
lings alike, prefers hibernacula in very with dissolved oxygen. Their hibernacula ing cramps. They have a special adaption
shallow water, in mud, where they can are normally in rivers and lakes, not where they use mobilizing carbonate buf-
easily come up to breathe during ice ponds. Furthermore, they show prefer- fers from their skeleton to neutralize the
thaws. Hibernacula are often near bur- ences for sites near dams. They don’t bury lactic acid and allows their bones to act
rows or lodges of muskrats and beavers. themselves in the mud, but instead rest as a respiratory for neutralized lactate.
They appear to be the best at withstand- on the bottom rocks. Like the Snapping The combination of these adaptions
ing the cold and are found the farthest Turtle, they can exhibit some movement. allow turtles to find hibernacula out of
north of any aquatic (non-marine) turtle And like the Blanding’s Turtle, they the water column where there is less
in North America. require more research! dissolved oxygen, so that they can avoid
predation during winter. However there
How do they do it? is a trade-off. As the turtle is lethargic,
from the cold and lactic accumulation,
Turtles breathe air, so how do they do it?
Photos: Courtesy Christine Bowen
they are at a risk of predation in spring
Some turtles, like the Midland Painted
when they first emerge. To help with this,
Turtle, have a special adaption where
turtles in spring will try and warm up as
they breathe through their butt! Well, not
quickly as possible by basking in the sun.
exactly… they use their cloaca. The cloaca
Therefore in spring you can look forward
is an opening in a turtle’s rear end where
to seeing an abundance of turtles out! l
the rectum and urinary systems empty.
Snapping Turtle By flexing the cloaca muscles, water
Nature Guelph News January/February 2019 6
Upcoming Events
NATURE GUELPH NATURE GUELPH
MEETINGS & SPEAKER SERIES OUTDOOR EVENTS Nature in the City:
January 10, 7:30–9:00 pm
Photographs and Stories of
January 20, 1:00–6:30 pm
Birding for Winter Raptors and
Save the Dates
Animals in the Anthropocene Snow Buntings Nature in the City returns in
Jo-Anne McArthur, Kyle Horner 2019. This is Nature Guelph’s major
Photographer, Author, Educator outreach project, a series of talks
Meet to carpool at Wild Birds
Jo-Anne will have copies of her two Unlimited parking lot, 951 Gordon St., and walks to introduce families to
books for sale. Guelph at 1:00 pm. the natural world.
February 14, 7:30–9:00 pm Bring your binoculars and dress April 22: Kick-Off
Sea of Life: A Call to Save the Ocean warmly. This event is family-friendly April 27, 28: Feathers & Beaks
Julia Barnes, Filmmaker BUT is likely not suitable for young
children. There will be periods of wait- May 4, 5: Slime & Scales
February Bucket Raffle
ing, potentially in inclement weather. May 11, 12: Roots & Shoots
As is tradition at our February meeting,
This event is NOT dog-friendly.
we will also be holding a bucket raffle. May 25, 26: Swimmers & Striders
Members are encouraged to bring NATURE GUELPH
nature-related items in good condition. June 2: Nature Scavenger Hunt
WILDFLOWER SOCIETY
Don’t forget your chequebooks! We need volunteers to help with
January 16, 7:30 pm
Tickets are 1 for $1 and 3 for $2. the Kick-Off and Scavenger Hunt,
Making Lemonade or What
Meetings occur on the second Thursday Happened After The Buckthorn and to assist at all the walks.
of each month. We begin with a brief Was Gone: The Silvercreek Park Please contact Jenn at
business meeting, followed by a short Hydro Corridor Project pastpresident@natureguelph.ca or
break, then the speaker’s presentation. Moritz Sanio, Trees for Guelph Judy at wildflower@natureguelph.ca
Lisa Mactaggart, OALA, to volunteer.
Non-members are welcome at this free
event. Goodwill donations gratefully Arium Design Group
accepted. Snacks and coffee available February 20, 7:30 pm
for a nominal fee. Please bring your own Alien Invaders: The Ecological
coffee mug. Effects of Phragmites australis Pollination Guelph
OAC Centennial Arboretum Centre, Courtney Robichaud and
University of Guelph Heather Polowyk, University of Symposium
270 Arboretum Road, Guelph Waterloo Graduate Students Save the Date: March 9, 2019
We ask that you do not wear perfumes out of John McCrae Public School Library,
Theme: Local Actions and
respect for people who are allergic to them. 189 Water St., Guelph
Partnerships for Pollinators –
Visit www.natureguelph.ca Bee Part of Our Community!
for event updates.
pollinationguelph.ca/
pollination-symposium
Call for Volunteers
We need your help! Nature Guelph is
looking for an Outdoor Programs
Coordinator to help organize our
outdoor events. We’re also looking
for assistance with coffee prepara-
tion at our Speaker Series events.
Please email Christine Bowen,
Volunteer Coordinator at
volunteer@natureguelph.ca
Nature Guelph News January/February 2019 7
Stay informed with
The Arboretum ROM Special Offer
Nature Network News
Winter Tree for Nature Guelph
Help your friends and family stay up to
Identification date with happenings in the naturalist Members
February 21, 9:00 am–4:00 pm community by letting them know about ROM is offering Nature Guelph an
Nature Network News. This monthly exclusive 20% discount to experi-
No leaves? No problem! In this electronic newsletter features informa- ence Wildlife Photographer of the
workshop, you will learn about the tive articles about conservation issues Year and other ROM exhibitions.
variety of tree features that are use- throughout Ontario and a listing of
ful for winter identification of decid- events hosted by Nature Network mem- To save 20% off regular rates,
uous trees. From bark to buds to leaf ber groups. It is offered free of charge purchase your tickets online at
scars, you will get hands-on experi- to all nature lovers and members of www.rom.on.ca and use the
ence in reading these winter clues Nature Network groups who want to be promo code: WILDLIFE18
to tree ID. We will focus on native part of an informed naturalist commu- In addition, the ROM Wildlife
Ontario trees, and we’ll be spend- nity. Visit ontarionature.org/about/ Photographer of the Year contest
ing part of the session outdoors, so nature-network/ to sign up today. returns for a fourth year! Share
please dress for the weather!
your captivating images of the
Arboretum Director: Shelley Hunt natural world for a chance to win
Check out Nature Guelph’s
Early Bird Registration Deadline: a G Adventures 14-Day Experience
February 13
active Facebook community:
Borneo tour, a Digital SLR camera
Early Bird Registration Fee: $80 facebook.com/natureguelph courtesy of Henry’s Camera, and
Registration Fee After Deadline: $90 have your photograph prominently
displayed in the ROM’s Wildlife
If we don’t have enough registrations by
Nature Guelph is grateful for the Photographer of the Year exhibition.
the early bird deadline, the course may
loyalty of our advertisers and thank
be cancelled. Maximum 16 adults.
our members for supporting them.
NATURE GUELPH EXECUTIVE TEAM
President Membership Communications Volunteer Coordinator
Brett Forsyth Valerie Wyatt Randy Van Gerwen Christine Bowen
president@natureguelph.ca membership@natureguelph.ca communications@natureguelph.ca volunteer@natureguelph.ca
Past President Indoor Programs Newsletter Editor Ontario Nature Rep
Jenn Bock Peter Kelly Sandra MacGregor Jenn Bock
pastpresident@natureguelph.ca indoorprogs@natureguelph.ca newsletter@natureguelph.ca onrep@natureguelph.ca
Vice President Outdoor Programs Publicity & Social Media University Community Liaison
Judy Brisson outdoorprogs@natureguelph.ca Denise Fell Abigail Wiesner
vicepresident@natureguelph.ca publicity@natureguelph.ca uogliaison@natureguelph.ca
Youth Programs Coordinator
Secretary Allie Mayberry Website Wildflower Society
Christine Bowen youthprograms@natureguelph.ca webmaster@natureguelph.ca Judy Brisson
secretary@natureguelph.ca wildflower@natureguelph.ca
Young Naturalists (NATs) Conservation Coordinator
Treasurer Ann Schletz Marnie Benson raresites Representative
Laura Rundle nats@natureguelph.ca conservation@natureguelph.ca John Prescott
treasurer@natureguelph.ca raresitesrep@natureguelph.ca
Nature Guelph Nature Guelph News Advertising
P.O. Box 1401 Please submit all contributions Please email Randy Van Gerwen at
Guelph, Ontario N1H 6N8 for the next issue to Sandra communications@natureguelph.ca
www.natureguelph.ca MacGregor by email on if you wish to publish nature-related
or before February 8, 2019. ads in this newsletter.
Check us out on Facebook,
Twitter and Instagram. Thank you to all our contributors.
Nature Guelph News January/February 2019 8
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