KWFN Notices Page

Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
317 Highland Road East, Kitchener, Ontario N2M 3W6

Notices

Quick Links for This Page

Unless indicated here.,
the next KWFN meeting will proceed as scheduled.

Refer to the Meetings Page for details regarding the next regular meeting.

Refer also to the winter weather notice below.

Information regarding a change of meeting plans for any reason will be posted in the box above.

In the situation where a winter storm may arise, please tune to 105.3 Kool FM or 99.5 KFUN for meeting cancellation notices. Weather cancellations should also be provided on their web sites.

Announcements and Notices Information

Attention!
This section of this page is updated frequently.
Check it each time you come on-line.

Members and others are invited to submit information about events that might be shared through this page. Information submitted will be published at the discretion of the Web Site Manager.

CAUTION - Users are advised that following the links below may take you away from the KWFN web site. Clicking the Close [X] button at the top of your screen should bring you back to www.kwfn.ca. You may have to do this several times, depending on how far into the outside site you have gone.

Special Announcements and Notices

KWFN General Meeting (Check Meeting Page for details.)

Monday, April 22, 2013 - 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013 - 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Wonders of Nature - Wings and Weather Festival

Monday, May 27, 2013 - 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. (Please note starting time.)
Annual General Meeting

Find an Announcement or Notice

Following is a list of recent announcements and notices listed in reverse chronological order. Click on the item you want to find in the Current and Past Announcements and Notices section below. To return to this list, click on the Close X button on your screen.

Current and Past Announcements and Notices

INTO THE ARCTIC II - The Fine Art of Cory Trépanier - (Posted November 13, 2011)

Current and Past Announcements and Notices

Province Threatens Endangered Species Act

Dr. Anne Bell, Director of Conservation and Education for Ontario Nature, writes:

Dear Friend of Our Natural Environment,

The government has not heard us yet. Despite concerns expressed by thousands and thousands of people like you, the government of Ontario is getting ready to gut the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with sweeping exemptions for industry. These include:

• A five-year exemption for forestry (an industry that impacts about 30 million hectares of land in Ontario)
• Permanent exemptions for existing pits and quarries, and hydro operations
• Exemptions for planned or approved activities that harm newly listed species, species newly discovered at a site and newly protected habitat.

KWFN and many other concerned organizations will join Ontario Nature in sending a letter to Premier Wynne that urges her to change course in this matter.

To read the letter that will be sent to Premier Wynne,
To learn more from Dr. Bell,
To find out what you can do to assist with this urgent matter,
go to the Conservation Page.

Wings and Weather a Success!

Special thanks are extended to Thelma and Ron Beaubien and their "special crew" for all the work they did to present the second program in the Wonders of Nature series, May 1, 2013! WELL DONE!!

If you were there you know how good the program was.

If you weren't there you missed and excellent opportunity to learn more about our natural environment and the part that weather plays in the total scheme of things!

The Passing of Bob Newberry 1924-2013

Robert Charles "Bob" Newberry passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2013.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Jean, family and friends as they come to gripes with the loss of this very important person in their lives.
Bob was an ever-present member of and contributor to KWFN since 2001.

DIRT! Is Important

Ontario Backs Region in Spawl Battle

This headline appears above Terry Pender's article on the front page of the Waterloo Region Record, Saturday, April 13, 2013. The article goes on to say, "The Ontario government will apply to become a party to the region's court case and support the region's attempt to reverse a decision by the Ontario Municipal Board that opened up 1,056 hectares to new development. The region wanted to keep that at 85 hectares.

"If the court agrees, we will be there with the region helping to argue the case," Kitcherner-Centre MPP John Miloy said in an interview Friday."

To read Terry's complete article go to
http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/918058--ontario-will-apply-to-side-with-region-in-court-case-over-urban-sprawl

Review notices below this one for more information.

Take a Stand on OMB Ruling

You can make your thoughts known regarding the recent OMB ruling that opens up 1,056 hectares of rural land in Waterloo Region for urban development in direct oppostion to the Official Plan of Waterloo Region which, in an effort to curtail urban sprawl, limits such development to 85 hectares.

Use the links below to share your thoughts with your provincial and local government representatives.

Review notices above and below this one for more information.

MPP & ministers: http://smartgrowthwaterloo.ca/m/mpp

Council: http://smartgrowthwaterloo.ca/m/omb

GREN Supports Limits on Urban Sprawl

The Grand River Environmental Network is a strong supporter of the Waterloo Regional Official Plan. We contributed over a number of years to its creation, adoption, and implementation. In 2011, this Plan was approved by the Province of Ontario following extensive engagement with the residents and the Region, and reflects our shared vision for our community. Therefore we are extremely disappointed by the recent Ontario Municipal Board’s decision against the Waterloo ROP and the subsequent refusal to rehear the case. To read more go to GREN Letter.

Review notices above and below this one for more information.

KWFN Supports Region's Appeal of OMB Ruling

"We strongly support the Region’s Official Plan; a plan that directs development toward our city centres, not outward to valued greenfield areas that surround our communities. This progressive plan utilizes leading Smart Growth policies that will protect our open spaces, wetlands, forests, and will work to preserve our farmland."

Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists support Waterloo Regional Council's decision to appeal the Ontario Municipal Board's (OMB) decision to set aside the region's plan to curtail urban sprawl.

You can read the details in KWFN Statement.

Review notices above and below this one for more information.

Our thanks to Deb Swidrovich and Karen Buschert for their efforts to make more people aware of this major concern.

OMB Ruling Threatens Region's Official Plan

Roger Suffling Writes:
"The Ontario Municipal Board met recently to consider the newest official plan of the Region of Waterloo. This was in response to a concerted effort by developers and speculators to have the whole plan overturned. The issue is essentially whether the cities in the Region should be left to spill out across the remaining rural land in the Region, or whether economic and population growth should be directed toward intensification, mostly within the existing development envelopes of the Region’s cities.

The Board sided with the developers and against the collective decisions and wisdom of our elected officials who used the advice of professional planners on Regional Staff, and others in the community. Thus environmental constraints don’t matter. It’s to be sprawl as usual!

The Ontario Municipal Board is an unelected body whose original mandate was to protect citizens from unfair and undemocratic decisions, initially by railway companies, and later by municipal governments. The Board is avowedly “pro-development” and there are few ways to appeal OMB decisions.

The decision of the OMB in this case sets a horrible precedent concerning the capacity of citizens to govern their own affairs through their municipal governments. What goes on here will be used to justify similar self-serving appeals throughout Ontario. Thus there is a growing movement to reform or scrap the OMB, typified by Mr. Rosario’s private member’s bill in the legislature. I append a letter (see link below) that I recently sent to provincial politicians that explains my own views on this matter.

However, turning to this case: The Region is opposing the OMB decision. It needs your support. Please write a letter to the Region on behalf of the club and sign up to efforts opposing the OMB decision. (e.g., Sustainable Waterloo Region http://www.sustainablewaterlooregion.ca/ )."

Time is short! All will be decided by mid May.

You can write a letter of concern to Premier Wynne! See Roger's Letter to Premier Wynne.

Waterloo Region Council is appealing this OMB ruling. Indicate your support for this action by contacting your local mayor, who sits as a regional counsellor.

Wonders of Nature - Wings and Weather Festival

2nd Annual Program in the Wonders of Nature Series
Wednesday May 1, 2013 - 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Add this opportunity to your calendar now!)
Albert McCormick Community Centre
500 Parkside Drive, Waterloo, Ontario

Admission: $5.00 at the door
(Admission proceeds will be donated to the Young Naturalists Program of the K-W Field Naturalists.)

Featuring
David Hobson, Gardening Columnist, as Master of Ceremonies
Jim Burrell - "Bird Sightings - What's Happening Locally with the Northern Migration"
Ken Dance - "How Birds Respond to Changing Weather and Climate"
Don Davis - "One Year Later: What's Happening with Butterflies in Ontario?"
John Wilson - "Weatrher Forecating: - the Challenges to Getting It Right"
Marketplace - field guides, nature and weather books
Mounted Displays - butterflies, hawks, owls

Co-sponsored by the K-W Field Naturalists

For more information please go to Wings and Weather.

Falcon Threat - Action Required

NOTICE TO KWFN MEMBERS FROM DALE INGREY
This notice is a follow up to the announcement that Dale made at the March 25th General Meeting of KWFN.

If you are concerned about the policy change to the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (1997) permitting falconers to capture wild birds of prey for their private recreational use in hunting, I urge you to make your views known to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. You can learn more about this issue by going to Environmental Registry 011-3058 on the net or phoning MNR in Peterborough at 705-755-1999 and asking for Tamara Gomer. Her e-mail address is tamara.gomer@ontario.ca. You may also wish to contact the new Minister of Natural Resources, The Honourable David Orazietti at Queen’s Park, at 416-314-2301 or e-mail him at dorazietti.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org.

If you have any questions please call me at 519-884-3667 or e-mail me at ingreyda@hotmail.com.

Website Recovery - Assistance Required

Between Saturday, March 30th and Monday April 1st we experience a number of website challenges. Hopefully all problems have been resolved. However, if you notice anything that is not working properly for you, please notify the Website Manager at hamell@sympatico.ca. Thank you for your assistance!

We will be catching up with items that need to be posted over the next day or two. When your item is posted, you will be notified by email.

Earth Day Events - Kitchener - April 20, 2013

Kitchener Natural Areas Program (KNAP) is presenting its annual Earth Day Celebration at the Huron Natural Area, 801 Trillium Drive, Kitchener. For details view the poster at Earth Day Kitchener.

There is free transportation to Kitchener Earth Day events. To view the schedule go to Earth Day Transportation.

For more information go to www.kitchener.ca/earthday.

Native Plant Sale 11May2013

The North American Native Plant Society is holding their Annual Sale of wildflowers, ferns, grasses and sedges, as well as trees and shrubs. Our sale showcases hundreds of native species and introduces thousands of native plants into GTA gardens and beyond. Also for sale are books on related topics. See our displays and chat with knowledgeable experts to help you make the right choices for your planting project.

All plants come from ethical growers and are locally sourced.

Visit www.nanps.org to see the plant list. For more info email info@nanps.org.

Location: Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Blvd, Markham (Warden & Hwy 7) free parking

Date: Saturday May 11, 2013, 10am to 3pm

To view the event poster, go to Native Plant Sale.

Bird Studies Canada Latest News 22March2013

To see the latest news from Bird Studies Canada, click BSC Latest News.
Read about the BirdLife World Congress Coming to Canada, amazing Great Backyard Bird Count results and more.

Date Change for Arboretum Outing

The date for Dale Ingrey's Outing to the Guelph Arboretum has been changed to Saturday, May 11, 2013. For outing details, please go to the April Outings Page.

Change of Phone Number

Alert!! The phone number for the leader of the March 23rd outing "Field Trip to the North Shore of Lake Ontario" shown on the March 2013 Outings Page and in the listing for the same outing in the March 2013 newsletter has been changed. To see the correct phone number go to March 2013 Outings.

KWFN Considers Use of Sanctuary Funds

Putting Sanctuary Funds to Work for Nature was the theme of Vice-president Graham Macdonald's presentation to the February 25, 2013 General Meeting of KWFN. You can read the details of Graham's presentation on our
Conservation Page. Graham is currently gathering member responses to his presentation. Please share your thoughts with Graham as soon as possible. There will be an update at the March 25, 2013 General Meeting.

GBBC Local Results February 2013

To review the results of the Great Backyard Bird Count that were reported locally go to GBBC Local Results.
Our compliments to those who participated and reported their observations!

Increased Threat to Endangered Species
!!! URGENT APPEAL !!!
Carolyn Schultz, President of Ontario Nature, in an appeal to KWFN and other similar organizations, writes,
"Once again I am reaching out to you to ask whether you would be willing to consider signing a letter to the Premier opposing proposed changes under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA). As you will remember, last spring the provincial government proposed to make several damaging amendments to the ESA through the budget bill. With your help, we were able to demonstrate widespread public opposition to the amendments, and at the last hour they were removed from the budget bill.

Now the Ministry of Natural Resources is proposing to weaken ESA protections for species at risk through sweeping exemptions that would be created through regulation (with Cabinet approval). The proposed exemptions are very broad – for the most part, sector-wide and/or permanent – and include:" Read more on the Conservation Page.

You can read Ontario Nature's letter to the government regarding this matter on the Conservation Page. The KWFN Board of Directors will add its support to this letter and send its own letter of concern.

You can read KWFN's letter on the Conservation Page.

Individual letters carry a great deal of weight in such matters, as much as and sometimes more than group letters. You are encouraged to send your letter of concern. For example,Graham Macdonald, KWFN Vice-president, has written a personal letter of concern that is shared on the Conservation Page. Your action as an individual is very important. You can write your own letter, use all or part of Graham's letter, use all or part of KWFN's letter, or use all or part of Ontario Nature's letter.

You can also go to the Ontario Nature below to send your message of concern.
http://www.ontarionature.org/act/action_alerts/alert_template.php?n_code=588#sendaletter.

If you are sending a personal communication, it must be received by the government no later than 11:59 p.m. February 25, 2013.
Send your message to
premier@premier.gov.on.ca (Premier Kathleen Wynne)
and
minister.mnr@ontario.ca (Minister of Natural Resources David Orazietti)

Neil Taylor Volunteers for Baillie Birdathon 2013

I have been proud to be a participant in the Baillie Birdathon for 30 years. Since 1993, I have been able to raise $18,569.00. Neither the records of Bird Studies Canada nor mine are available before that year. Last year, support from sponsors allowed me to be 8th of all participants across Canada and I would have been in 9th place as a team of one.
I have already registered for 2013. This year, I have set a goal of $3501. I am also hoping to attract sponsors from the business sector.
The Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists will receive the following % based on the amount that I am able to raise:
$ 1 -3000 will generate 25% to the KWFN
$3001-3500 will generate 30% to the KWFN
$3501-4000 will generate 35% to the KWFN
$4001-4500 will generate 40% to the KWFN
$4501-5000 will generate 45% to the KWFN
$5001 & up will generate 50% to the KWFN
I am asking each sponsor to consider a higher amount according to the means of each. Most of my sponsors pledged directly on line using the internet. This is a completely safe, secure, and easy method. All you need to do is link to:
http://birdscanada.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1048292&lis=1&kntae1048292=ABD231B358F340F1A2859A9C6AF8EE8F&supId=376944970
A donation of $35 or more will permit you to receive BSC’s quarterly newsletter BirdWatch Canada for one year, and you can participate in BSC’s programs upon request.
Please consider supporting me. Help me support the conservation of Canada's birds. Just click "Sponsor Me" to make a donation. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Neil

Baillie Birdathon Financial Results 2012

A wide range of sponsors helped KWFN participants, Jim Burrell, Ken Burrell, Brenda Holvey and Neil Taylor raise a total of $5,546.00. Of this total $1,773.00 will be rebated to the KWFN Sancturary Fund.

Bird Studies Cancada reports that, with 92 partner organizations participating, over $234,000.00 was raised for bird research and conservation projects across Canada.

We extend our sincere thanks to Jim, Ken, Brenda and Neil for a job well done and wish each of them even greater success should they decide to participate in the 2013 Baillie Birdathon for Bird Studies Canada!

Nature Network - News from Ontario Nature

Revision to Schedule for Great Backyard Bird Count Outing

The schedule for this February 16, 2013 outing has been reduced from 4 stops to 3 stops. All other details remain the same.

Check the details on the February Outings Page.

Bird Song Evolves Over Time

"Just as human language evolves, so does birdsong, University of Guelph scientists have discovered in a 30-year study of the Savannah sparrow.
The songs of sparrows living on Kent Island, in New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy, are noticeably different from the tunes their ancestors sang in the 1980s, says biologist Ryan Norris." To see a photograph and read this article by Leslie Scrivener in the Waterloo Region Record (Febreary 11, 2013) go to
http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/884064--the-birdsong-doesn-t-remain-the-same

Piping Plover Recovery Effort

"The Ministry of Natural Resources in partnership with the Rankin Resource Group will be coordinating community volunteers to help with the Piping Plovers at Sauble Beach this summer and provide education and outreach to the general beach-going public. If you are interested in learning more about this project go to Piping Plover Project 2013.

New Links to Field Naturalist Clubs

Journeys Ontario

"Welcome to Journeys Ontario! Your one-stop website for information, personal accounts, maps and pictures of great Ontario and Greater Toronto Area (and beyond) hiking, camping, geocaching, adventure, canoeing, community festivals and anything exciting that happens outdoors." This site contains a wealth of information about places to go and nature-related things to do in Ontario. Read more at http://www.journeysontario.ca/ . You will also find this link on our Links Page under the heading Provincial/Federal Organizations/Sites.

White Squirrels of Exeter Ontario

Here is another variation in animal colouration to consider. Our thanks Stephanie McLean for making us aware of the following link to the White Squirrels of Exeter. They don't seem to fit into the albinism or leucism categories.

Plumage Variations: Albinism or Leucism?

At a recent KWFN meeting a question was asked about a bird with white patches of feathers in places where the feathers should have been coloured differently. In his response, Jim Burrell, who was looking after the Sitghtings portion the meeting made a reference to leucism and albinism. Under the above heading a Project Feeder Watch website begins as follows:
"Among the most difficult birds to identify are the birds that have abnormal plumage. They aren’t in any field guides, and sometimes the unusual plumage removes key field marks. The most common plumage abnormality reported by FeederWatch participants involves patches of white feathers in unexpected places." To read more on this topic go to
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/Albinism_Leucism.htm.

You can view a photo of an American Robin by Derek and Shelagh Hitchens that fits into this topic. Go to
http://www.kwfn.ca/Sightings/Sightings_2011-2012/09_sightingsMay2012.html and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Youth Summit 2013 - Apply Now

The KWFN will sponsor a grade 9-12 student (13 to 17 years of age), to attend Ontario Nature’s Youth Summit to be held September 20-22, 2013 at YMCA Geneva Park in Orillia, Ontario. If you know someone in this age category who has an interest in nature, biodiversity and environmental involvement, please encourage them to contact the KWFN Vice-President regarding the selection criteria and application process. (Refer to the Contacts Page for contact information.)

In general, a brief proposal, outlining any previous involvement with nature related initiatives and including reasons for attending will be accepted as the application. Youth who have received previous sponsorship from KWFN may apply, however, preference will be given to applicants who have not previously been sponsored by KWFN. Sponsorship money may be split between two individuals if the situation warrants.

Applications must be received by the KWFN Vice-President by email, no later than April 30, 2013.

Nuclear Waste - What to Do?

Champion Tree Hunt Slide Show

The Kitchener Public Library is presenting a series in partnership with the Kitchener Horticultural Society.

The Champion Tree Hunt of Waterloo Region by Phil Dickie, from Fast Forest (Large Tree Sales and Relocation), is the first program in this series.
“In 1990, the K-W Field Naturalists initiated a program to identify trees of special interest in our region. Enjoy a slide show of The Honour roll of Trees and learn more about tree preservation.”

Join Phil at
Country Hills Community Library
1500 Block Line Rd
Kitchener, ON N2C 2S2
519-743-3558
January 22, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

The other programs in the series are "Restoring Ontario's Prarie Grasslands" and "Seedy Saturday." Call the library for more information.

Butterfly Research at Rare

“Rare’s butterfly count for 2012 is both heartening and disturbing – the numbers are stable and more species were spotted, but climate change is having an impact.”

The Rare Charitable Research Reserve is located at Blair, Ontario.

You can read more about the butterflies at ‘rare’ in Valerie Hill’s article in the Waterloo Region Record at
http://www.therecord.com/living/article/866936--butterflies-coloured-the-region-in-2012.

Why Save the Salamanders?

Algonquin Wildlife Ski Tour

Hello and Happy 2013!

Here in Algonquin Park at the Wildlife Research Station, along with the Friends of Algonquin Park, we are pleased to offer a new event to any of your club's members and their families who also enjoy cross country skiing!

The new event,
'A Wildlife Ski Tour in Algonquin Park'
brings together outdoor activity with the chance to talk to researchers on a wide variety of topics, from general information about the winter adaptions of different species to specific discoveries made in Algonquin Park.

To see the details regarding this opportunity view the event poster at Algonquin Wildlife Ski Tour.
There is further information at the research station website, http://algonquinwrs.ca/Ski.html.
You can contact Vesa Mather, WRS Intern at wildlife.ski@gmail.com

Great Backyard Bird Count

Coming soon.... the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)!

This event, occurring Feb 15-18, 2013, is a fantastic way of brushing up those bird watching skills and contributing to a terrific citizen science project.

It's easy to do! Just check out www.birdsource.org/gbbc for info on how to sign up.
In a nutshell, you can observe birds by identifying species and numbers for at least 15 minutes on any of those days and then submit your data to the GBBC.

ALSO, our club will be having a prize draw for those of you that participate!! Come to our next meeting to find out more, or contact KWFN board members Karen Buschert (karen.buschert@gmail.com) or Jim Burrell (burrellsc@golden.net) for further details.

Information regarding our next meeting is available at Meetings.

Ontario Big (Birding) Year Winner

"University of Guelph grad Josh Vandermeulen just finished a record-setting year hunting what he sees as Ontario’s most beguiling treasures. His quest took him more than 50,000 kilometres by car in 2012. It has also involved trains, boats and helicopters, to help him visit the farthest reaches of Ontario."

To learn more about Josh and his accomplishment please go to
http://www.guelphmercury.com/news/local/article/863558--university-of-guelph-grad-proves-bird-watching-phenom

Our thanks to Valerie Hill for drawing this item to our attention and to the Guelph Mercury newspaper for making this article available. WSM

Ontario Nature Network News

Christmas Bird Count Time

The 78th Kitchener Christmas Bird Count will be held Saturday, December 15, 2011.
Especially wanted are new feeder counters within the circle.
New field participants are also welcome.
Anyone needing more information and/or wanting to participate should contact Mike Burrell.

The firm date for the 7th Linwood Christmas Bird Count is still to be determined (December 30th is a tenative possiblilty.)
If you want more formation or want to participate, contact Mike Burrell.

Mike Burrell
phone - 613-442-0020
email - mike.burrell.on@gmail.com

To read a current related article in the Waterloo Region Record click on the following link.
http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/852728--annual-christmas-bird-count-begins-friday

The Cambridge CBC will be held on Sunday December 16th, 2012.
This is a great excuse to get out of the house over the holidays, enjoy some winter birds and prepare yourself for some holiday feasting. If you have never heard of a CBC check out the link - http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count

Participants of all skill levels are welcome. For the first time ever there is no fee to participate!

If you live in the Cambridge area and care to look at your feeders during the count please send in your data. This year we have an online data submission page for feederwatchers, check it out at: http://goo.gl/kf3bk

If you have questions, or would like to participate please contact Levi Moore, lcmoore_04@yahoo.ca.

Bruce Trail - Wiarton to Tobermory

Alan and Anne Morgan, KWFN members, have made available a link to the "photo-trail" of their ~175 km journey along the northern end of this most impressive part of Ontario and Canada. By sharing this resource Alan and Anne may encourage others to sample this resource and allow others, who are unable to get out on the trail, to experience to some degree the beauty and majesty of our land. Alan and Anne, we thank you for sharing!

To access the photo-trail go to the Photo Gallery Page.

Bird Studies Canada - Latest News - 7 December 2012

Strasburg Road Environmental Study Report

There will be a Special Meeting of the City of Kitchener Council, Tuesday, November 27, 2012 7:00 p.m. at Kitchener City Hall. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss, the Strasburg Road Environmental Study Report. This will be the best opportunity for the public to come out in full force to state their concerns about the impact of this road on the wetlands, the endangered species, the woodlots, the heritage farm/B&B and the lands surrounding it, the cultural heritage landscapes, the cost and the hydrological concerns.

No decision will be made at this meeting but it is very important that we fill the entire gallery with residents! Think about the Boathouse issue that filled the Council chambers again and again in opposition to the closing of the Boathouse. It was the people coming out and showing Council that we needed to rethink what staff was proposing. WE need to this again. Despite all of the assertions that "we need this road for transportation" it really is intended to support future development. Ironically that future development is planned for the Protected Countryside where the Region of Waterloo has already stated they will not allow development.

We also need to keep the pressure on that the northern section of the road needs to be reviewed again. The studies that were done almost 30 years ago are not acceptable!

The meeting will start at 7:00 p.m.. City staff will present the report and talk about the next steps that will involve more studies, more public information centers, future Council involvement and additional consultant costs.

If you think you are able to make a presentation please register as a delegate with Randy Gosse at Randy.Gosse@kitchener.ca.

There is a lot of information on the City 's website. Search under Environmental Assessments. There is also a Facebook site that has been organized by a group of citizens called "Stop Strasburg Road" Take time to post some comments or just Like the page.

You are welcome to pass this information on to others. Thanks so much everyone!

If you have any questions or comments regarding this notice, please contact the Website Manager.

Mega-Quarry in Melanchthon Township Stopped

This accomplishment has received significant attention in various media in the last day or so! Many people from many walks of life worked together to oppose the development of this project in a prime agricultural area near Orangeville, Ontario.

According to Jayme Poisson's clear and concise article on Page A3 of the November 22, 2012 edition of the Waterloo Region Record, The Highlands Company will not proceed with its application to develop "a quarry on 2,300 hectares (of prime agricultural land), an area roughly one-third the size of downtown Toronto." "It would have been one of the largest quarries in North America." Citing a lack of government and community support for the quarry, a company spokesman now says the land will continue to be used to grow potatoes.

In this case, the protection of local food and water supplies were at the heart of the issue. People working together to protect essentials can be a powerful force!

However, there is a need contnued vigilance! The Highlands Company, owned by an American Hedge Fund, "paid nearly $20,000.00 per hectare for this land, a price above market value." Is there enough money in growing potatoes to keep the investors happy?

December - January Outings Are Posted

KWFN Awards - Call for Nominations

Conservation Award – The Conservation Award acknowledges the contributions(s) made by an individual, group, organization or corporation toward the conservation/preservation of the natural environment of the Region of Waterloo. The nominee shall have participated in or instigated or increased public awareness of (an) endeavour(s) that has/have contributed to the conservation/preservation of the natural environment of the Region.

Honorary Life Membership Award – This prestigious award acknowledges the valuable and exceptional service made by an individual to the KWFN. The recipient must be a long-time KWFN member who has demonstrated outstanding personal service and made a significant contribution to KWFN over a long period of time.

On behalf of KWFN, the President invites members to submit, in writing, nominations for these two awards. Prior to submitting a nomination, prospective nominators must contact the President to receive a copy of the Award Criteria, . Please refer to the Contacts Page for the President's contact information.

Due date for submission of nominations for both awards is December 15, 2012.

Cambridge Christmas Bird Count

“The Cambridge CBC is fast approaching. It will be held on Sunday December 16th, 2012.

This is a great excuse to get out of the house over the holidays, enjoy some winter birds and prepare yourself for some holiday feasting. If you have never heard of a CBC check out the link - http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count

Participants of all skill levels are welcome. For the first time ever there is no fee to participate!

If you live in the Cambridge area and care to look at your feeders during the count please send in your data. This year we have an online data submission page for feederwatchers, check it out at: http://goo.gl/kf3bk

Regular Participants will receive further instructions by email shortly.

If you have questions, or would like to participate please contact Levi Moore, lcmoore_04@yahoo.ca.

November Sightings Page Is Ready for Your Sightings

As we move from fall into winter tell us what you are seeing in your space. The regular, routine everyday happenings are just as welcome as the new, different and spectacular! A single observation is just as welcome as a long list of sightings! Photos are welcome but not mandatory. To submit a sighting/observation go to the Sightings Page and click on Share a Sighting.

Huron Fringe Birding Festival - 2013

Project Feeder Watch

At the October 22nd KWFN General Meeting Graham Macdonald made an announcement regarding Bird Studies Canada's Project Feeder Watch and encouraged those present to become part of the project this year. It is a great opportunity to share what you observe in your own yard and, at the same, help Bird Studies Canada gather information about the distribution of the various bird populations.
To obtain more information and, perhaps accept Graham's invitation to join the project this year, check out the following links.

To learn more about Project Feeder Watch in general, click Project Feeder Watch.

To learn about this year's Project Feeder Watch Workshop click BSC Latest News and either scroll down to the item or click on the Project Feeder Watch Workshop link under Regional News lower down in the left side menu bar.

Learning Opportunities: Cambrian Explosion and Burgess Shale (Canada)

Members of KWFN are invited to attend the departmental lecture and/or the public lecture on these topics. The Earth Sciences Museum at the University of Waterloo is hosting these learning opportunities on November 2, 2012. The guest presenter is Dr. Jean-Bernard Caron, the curator of invertebrate paleontology in the Department of Natural History at the Royal Ontario Museum. Admission is free for both lectures.

For details regarding each topic click Presentation Information.

Parking Details
Most parking costs $5.00. The machines take cash or credit card. See note below.
For the departmental lecture it would be easiest to park in the HV or C lots and then walk into the campus to the Physics (PHYS) Building.
For the public lecture it would be easiest to park in the OV, X or W lots and walk into the Optometry (PHYS) Building.
Note: For the evening public lecture parking is free in lot X!
Following is a link to the campus map https://uwaterloo.ca/map/

Saving Reptiles

The Long Point Basin Land Trust (LPBLT) works in Haldimand, Norfolk, Elgin, and into Oxford and Brant Counties, the story has broader interest and timeliness.

To learn more about this program click Saving Reptiles.

To learn more about the LPBLT go to www.longpointlandtrust.ca.

Interested in Butterflies - Read On

Toronto Entomologists’ Association - Quimby F. Hess Annual Lecture

Saturday, November 17, 1:30pm ROM Theatre (tickets complimentary)

The 2012 speaker is Dr. Orley ‘Chip’ Taylor, director and founder of Monarch Watch. Monarch Watch is a cooperative network of students, teachers, volunteers and researchers dedicated to the study of the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). It has amazing educational outreach programs dedicated to raising awareness about Monarchs. Dr. Taylor will be speaking about Monarch Conservation.

This lecture is made possible by the generous support of Quimby Hess’s children. Quimby was a member of the TEA for over 40 years.

Registration is now open for the lecture.
It is on the ROM website: http://www.rom.on.ca/programs/ lectures/index.php?ref= showinfo&program_id=8108
One registers at the website and prints off the admission ticket. Theatre seats 300.

Entrance via the south ROM doors - the "President's Choice" entrance.

Private reception afterward for members of the Toronto Entomologists' Association and members of the Hess Family.

More Outings/Events

A description of events/outings sponsored by the Guelph Field Naturalists is available on the KWFN November Outings Page. Go to http://www.kwfn.ca/outings.html and click on Quick Link KWFN Outings Details and November 2012.

Yellow-headed Blackbird Sighted

Neil Taylor reported his recent sighting of this bird, perhaps a first for Waterloo Region.
For details please go to October Sightings.

Be Part of a Christmas Bird Count

The 78th Kitchener Christmas Bird Count will be held Saturday, December 15, 2011.
Especially wanted are new feeder counters within the circle.
New field participants are also welcome.
Anyone needing more information and/or wanting to participate should contact Mike Burrell as far in advance as possible.
Regular participants should expect to be contacted in late November.

The firm date for the 7th Linwood Christmas Bird Count is still to be determined (December 30th is a tenative possiblilty.)
If you want more formation or want to participate, contact Ken Burrell.

Mike Burrell
phone - 613-442-0020
email - mike.burrell.on@gmail.com

November Outings Posted

Celebrating 40 Years of Dedication to a 275-km Trail

A Founders’ Tea on Sunday, Oct. 28, will mark the 40th anniversary of the Grand Valley Trails Association (GVTA). The event will pay tribute to Betty Schneider and others who helped her build the trail over 40 years. The tea will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Parkwood Mennonite Home in Waterloo. To read the rest of this article in The Record go to
http://www.therecord.com/living/article/814496--celebrating-40-years-of-dedication-to-a-275-km-trail.

Paris Ontario Needs People, Pots and Pans October 20, 2012

WSM Note:
The following message was sent by Louisette Lanteigne to Neil Taylor who sent it to me. I am posting it for your information.and, if you so choose, action on your part.

"Hi Neil

If you can relay this to the folks at KW field naturalists that would be super.

There is a public rally in Paris Ontario this weekend to help stop a quarry pit that is threatening municipal wellheads, rare species, aquifers and the Grand River. The event is being hosted by Concerned Citizens of Brant and they are hoping folks will come in with pots and pans to help raise media attention on this issue. Poster is in the attachment*. Event starts at 10 am at Syl Apps Community Centre 51 William St. Paris, ON

In a nutshell, the permit was given 38 years ago but they only want to cut ground now. Removing 15 m of fill down to 1m and below water table. They want to take over 5.1 million litres of water per day to rinse the gravel for 30 years. The quarry is on multiple wellhead protection zones identified by the Source Water Protection Act. Blandings turtles are among the rare species found in the area. If today's laws were applied this project is a sure fire no-go. CELA is involved and Council of Canadians support their efforts.

Currently these folks are already seeing high levels of nitrate in their water supplies. Many are concerned about the long term viability of their drinking water, especially with the drought we've had. I'll be giving a presentation at the event. Here is a link to the power point: http://www.slideshare.net/Waterloomoriane/brantwater

So if folks can help spread the word and turn up for a bit to bang on the pots these folks would greatly appreciate the help. Bring signs, banners etc. The more folks the merrier!

Louisette Lanteigne"

Green Energy, Crown Land and Conservation Goals

How can we best develop green energy on Crown (i.e., public) land and meet high priority conservation goals at the same time? Click on the following link to read Ontario Nature's request for assistance.
Ontario Nature and Green Energy

Great Bear Rainforest, Oil Supertankers and the Northern Gateway Pipeline

What do you know about the Great Bear rainforest region, oil supertankers and the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipline?

Click on the following link to read about John Honderich's visit to the area.
(John Honderich is chair of the board of directors of Torstar Corp. and a former publisher of the Toronto Star.)
http://www.therecord.com/opinion/columns/article/812931--the-great-bear-no-place-for-a-pipeline

Northern Mockingbird Sighted

Bird Studies Canada - October News

Friends of MacGregor Point Provincial Park

A number of our KWFN Members are associated with the Friends of MacGregor organization. Each year the Huron Fringe Birding Festival is held in May/June at MacGregor Point Provincial Park in Port Elgin. The Friends of MacGregor website provides information about this festival and other happenings at MacGregor Point Provincial Park.

For more information please click Friends of MacGregor Point Provincial Park.

This site is also available via the Links Page under the heading Sightings Resources - Birding.

Jefferson Salamander Media Release

Neil Taylor has prepared a media release to support his petition regarading fair treatment for the Jefferson Salamanders of Hidden Valley. To read this media release click Hidden Facts ....

Following is the notice that was published August 21, 2012 on this page. You are invited to review this information and consider Neil's invitiation to sign the petition.

Neil Taylor is continuing his valient effort to ensure that the Jefferson Salamanders of Hidden Valley in Kitchener Ontario receive appropriate consideration by the planners and politicians in Kitchener. To this end Neil is requesting all interested parties review and, if possible, sign the petition found at the link given below.

The preamble in the petition lists the major issues that need to be addressed. Additional information can be found in notices posted previously on this page. Click the following link and then scroll through the list of noitices looking for references to Hidden Valley, River Road Extension, Compass Kitchener - Find an Announcement or Notice.

Click the following link to go to the petition
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/178/674/364/urge-minister-gravelle-to-save-endangered-species-jefferson-salamander-from-4-lane-highway/

Thanks to all for giving this matter serious consideration!

Young Naturalists Program for 2012-13

This program is for children 7-12 accompanied by a parent or guardian. The first session, Butterflies and Dragonflies, is September 29, 2012. The staff is ready! The space is booked! Registration is open! You can find the details at Young Naturalists. Have a look! It is a great experience for the kids and the parents/guardians!

Excellent Green Heron Photos

Nominations for KWFN Awards Due

Photography in a Butterfly Garden

Thelma Beaubien, a member of KWFN, will be making presentations regarding photography in her butterfly garden at the International Plowing Match on September 19th and 22nd. For details click Thelma's Poster.

Outing to Westfall/Hill Property Rescheduled

Due to the rain that is falling, this outing has been rescheduled to September 15th. For details click Westfall/Hill Property Outing.

Early September Outing to New Site

Our first outing of the new year comes early - Saturday September 8th! Helga Hartman and Sandy Hill will be leading an exploration of the Westfall/Hill property at St. Agatha. For details click Westfall/Hill Property Outing.

Falcon Flight Chronicle by Dale Ingrey

Dale was one of the approximately two dozen volunteers who stood watch and ready to assist as a young Peregrine Falcon worked up the strength and courage to test its wings. This story unfolded from the roof of the Sun Life Financial tower, twenty stories above the intersection of King Street South and Union Boulevard in Waterloo, Ontario You can read Dale’s account of this precident-setting adventure by clicking on the following link.

http://www.therecord.com/living/article/786873--a-young-falcon-takes-flight-in-waterloo

This story may also be found on Page E3 in the Etcetera section of the August 25, 2012 edition of the Waterloo Region Record.

Congratulations Dale! You have written an excellent article! This is an account that should be shared with as many people as possible. Thank you for taking the time required to assist Sunny, document your experience and share your adventure in your Special to The Record. Well done!!

WSM Note:
Dale Ingrey is a retired teacher and a member of the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Natualists.

September Outings Posted

Jefferson Salamander vs River Road Extension

Neil Taylor is continuing his valient effort to ensure that the Jefferson Salamanders of Hidden Valley in Kitchener Ontario receive appropriate consideration by the planners and politicians in Kitchener. To this end Neil is requesting all interested parties review and, if possible, sign the petition found at the link given below.

The preamble in the petition lists the major issues that need to be addressed. Additional information can be found in notices posted previously on this page. Click the following link and then scroll through the list of noitices looking for references to Hidden Valley, River Road Extension, Compass Kitchener - Find an Announcement or Notice.

Click the following link to go to the petition
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/178/674/364/urge-minister-gravelle-to-save-endangered-species-jefferson-salamander-from-4-lane-highway/

Thanks to all for giving this matter serious consideration!

September Outings Posted

Community Tree Planting Event - Waterloo, Ontario

KWFN members are invited to attend a special event – a community tree planting event – on Saturday, September 29th, to help plant over 2000 native trees and shrubs in 2012.

The City of Waterloo is currently engaged in a project to build sports fields and associated amenities, on University of Waterloo land east of Westmount Road and south of Bearinger Road. As part of this initiative, we are undertaking a significant restoration project to protect and enhance the Laurel Creek corridor and educate residents about the natural surroundings on the Environmental Reserve.

This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to your community and we encourage you to join us for an hour of planting between 9:30 a.m. and noon.

The City of Waterloo is asking that people register as a group rather than as individuals. Karen Buschert, Conservation Director, is the organizer for the KWFN. Please contact Karen at 519-880-8321 or karen.buschert@gmail.com if you would like to participate, specifying range of preferred bus pick up times. As there is NO parking on site, a free GRT shuttle bus will deliver participants from UpTown Waterloo, every half hour beginning at 9 a.m.

Thanks for making a difference in your community!

Chimney Swift Roost Site Data Wanted!

A group of researchers from Queen’s University, the University of Ottawa, Trent University and the Ministry of Natural Resources have teamed up to research the decline of the Chimney Swift population in Ontario. Specifically they are looking for current or historic roost chimneys in order to sample any chimney swift guano that has built up inside the chimney. These guano deposits are largely insect remains and can be thought of as archives of environmental change. The bird’s dietary changes as seen in the deposits are recorded as are changes in local insect abundance and environmental contaminants like DDT. Clues to the causes of swift population decline and of other aerial insectivores may be found.

Please contact Val von Zuben of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources at valerie.vonzuben@ontario.ca or 705-755-2265 if you are able to direct researchers to roost sites in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and elsewhere.

Any insight KWFN members and others can provide would be appreciated very much!

New Links for Birds, Butterflies and Field Naturalist Club

Go to the Links Page to explore new links to the Willow Beach Field Naturalists, Birds of Northumberland County and Butterflies of Northumberland County.

Lifetime Achievement Award for Dr. Greg Michalenko

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Dr. Greg Michalenko received the Niagara Escarpment Commission’s (NEC) Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of education and scientific research in the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve.

As Assistant Professor Emeritus of the University of Waterloo’s (UW) Department of Environment and Resources Studies, Michalenko helped to establish a partnership between UW and the NEC to implement forest biodiversity monitoring in permanent study plots along the Niagara Escarpment.

With Greg’s input, a third-year Environmental Monitoring course was established at the University of Waterloo in 1996. The annual, week-long course studies forest biodiversity change in the Escarpment’s protected areas. Under UW and NEC staff leadership, course participants assess an Escarpment study plot, collecting tree, shrub/sapling, ground cover and forest health data. Data are compiled and analyzed to evaluate trends and report on the state of Escarpment forests. The course has received worldwide attention as an academic-government collaborative success story.

“Greg has brought the Niagara Escarpment to life for hundreds of students over sixteen years,” said NEC’s Senior Strategic Advisor Lisa Grbinicek. “We are delighted to acknowledge his efforts to further our understanding of the Niagara Escarpment with this award.”

Designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1990, Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment is recognized for its spectacular landscapes and waterfalls, as well as its complex ecosystems and unique species. The Niagara Escarpment Commission’s Achievement Awards recognize individuals and groups for outstanding accomplishments, including exceptional building design/site landscaping, environmental restoration projects, and lifetime achievement for outstanding contributions to the conservation and stewardship values embodied in the Niagara Escarpment Plan and the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve.

Go to site below to see a fine picture of Greg and his wife Carol as he received the award today.

<http://uwaterloo.ca/environment/news/uwaterloo-prof-awarded-niagara-escarpment-lifetime-achievement-award>

Submitted by Daphne Nicholls

WSM Note
Dr. Michalenko and Daphne Nicholls are current members of KWFN

Monarch Butterfly Workshop July 26-27, 2012

If you are interested in some in-depth learning about Monarch Butterflies, you are welcome to click the link below.
Be advised that this opportunity is addressed to teachers and there is a $95.00 cost for this two day learning experience.
Website Manager's Notes
While KWFN is making this information available to you as a means of furthering interest in nature, participation is at the discretion of the individual.
The WM apologizes for the short notice regarding this opportunity.

Falcon Fledges

The only offspring of a pair of young peregrine falcons that have been nesting on top of the Sun Life Financial Building in Waterloo, Ontario made his first short flight Monday (July16th) evening and returned safely to roof top nest. He made seven more short flights on Tuesday (July 17th), returning safely to the roof top each time. This activity indicates that he is getting stronger and more confident. He will now have to venture farther afield and learn how to hunt his own food, i.e., pigeons. He may still come down to the ground and have to be rescued over the next few days. Sooo the Watch continues.

Report submitted by Dale Ingrey, KWFN Member

Special thanks to Dale and all the other volunteers who have helped and continue to help with the Falcon Watch.

HELP NEEDED URGENTLY!

As some of you know, a pair of young peregrine falcons has nested on top of the Sun Life building in Waterloo. The Canadian Peregrine Foundation has been conducting the fledge watch from dawn to dusk this past week, aided by a few dozen local birders

Unfortunately, CPF did not budget for this watch which is outside of their home turf of Toronto. They will have to leave by Monday (July 16th) since they are committed to another watch in Etobicoke and they have a skeleton staff with very few volunteers who are able and willing to devote countless hours to saving these birds.

The chick is approx. 40 days old and ready to fledge at any time. This afternoon (July 14th) I observed him, yes it's a boy, flapping his wings on a ledge facing King St. The adults are weaning him, i.e., denying him food so that he can lose some baby fat and be able to manoeuver better on his first flight. When that happens he will in all probability have to be rescued quickly because he will surely come to ground, hopefully not in the middle of one of the busy streets around Sun Life. Even after his first flight he will probably get into trouble for a few days until he is able to maintain altitude and land successfully back on top of the building.

I think one of the CPF people will remain as long as possible and there will be a few trained volunteers from the Ontario Hawking Club available, so you do not have to know the exact procedures for peregrine rescue to be of help. Any amount of time, an hour or four hours would be immensely valuable in ensuring the survival of this bird!

Please bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, water and binoculars or scope and report to the the CPF tent located on the boulevard just south of the King/Union intersection.

The birds are most active from dawn to 9:00 a.m. and again from 5:30 p.m. to dusk, although the first flight could occur at any time of the day. Please consider spending some time at the fledge watch and encourage as many people, KWFN members or not, to do the same. Just park in the visitors' parking lot off Union and register your plate # with the receptionist inside the Sun Life building. After 4:30 p.m. it is not necessary to register since there's lots of room to park. Please spread the word to as many people as possible so we can witness the first successful fledge in Waterloo.

Thanks,

Dale Ingrey
KWFN Member

For more information, please the notice immediately below.

Peregrine Watchers Still Needed!

There is an ongoing need for volunteers to monitor the soon-to-fledge peregrine falcon chick currently on the roof of the Sun Life Financial building at the corner of King Street and Union Blvd. in Waterloo. It is expected that the chick will be taking its first flights this week and more volunteers are needed to ensure its safety from traffic.

Daytime viewers are expecially needed, i.e. between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Instruction will be provided. You would need to bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, water, binoculars, or scope. Length of viewing period is flexible.

Please contact Martin Geleynse, President of the Ontario Hawking Club, directly at mpgeleynse@rogers.com to arrange a time slot for your viewing and to receive further instruction. If you know of a fellow KWFN member who does not receive their newsletter via the website, we encourage you to pass this information on! Neighbours or friends, who are not KWFN members, are also welcome.

This is a great opportunity to encourage the survival of a species at risk and increase your birding knowledge. We hope you are able to participate.

To see The Record's article from Friday July 13 on this exciting happening please view this link. http://www.therecord.com/SearchResults?AssetType=Article&q=peregrine%20falcon%20sun%20life

To check progress of the birds, please go to the Canadian Peregrine Foundation website at
www.peregrine-foundation.ca and view their sightings page for Southwestern Ontario.

Regards,
Janet Ozaruk
President, KWFN

July Sightings Page Is Open

What are you seeing these days? Share your observations by sending in your July sightings info. You can find the "how to" details on the Sightings Page.

Falcon Watch (Local) Opportunity

To: KWFN Members and Members of the General Public
From: Janet Ozaruk, President, Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists

An exciting opportunity is available to all interested KWFN Members and interested members of the general public. A pair of Peregrine Falcons is raising a chick on the roof of the 19th floor of the Sun Life Financial building in Waterloo, Ontario.

The Ontario Hawking Club is spearheading a monitoring program to ensure that the chick is safely fledged. They need volunteers to be the "eyes on the ground" and have asked us to help out. They would like to get volunteers out as soon as possible.

Click here for details, Falcon Watch.

You are invited to share this information with others that may be interested.

Be sure to contact Martin Geleynse, President of the Ontario Hawking Club, directly at mpgeleynse@rogers.com if you would like to participate.

Help Hidden Valley - Learn More

LEAF Fund money could be used as seed money to create a fund for the purpose of purchasing the land in Hidden Valley. To learn about the how and the why of this opportunity read the notice immediately below and then go to the Friends of Hidden Valley website at https://sites.google.com/site/hiddenvalleyorg/Home.

To have your say and participate in the decision making process, attend the June 12, 2012 LEAF Fund meeting and/or complete the on-line survey. Details can be found in the notice immediatly below.

Previous notices regarding this issue can be found by clicking Find an Announcement or Notice and reviewing the list for those that reference Hidden Valley.

Hidden Valley on LEAF Fund List

The $5,000,000.00 LEAF Fund (Local Environmental Action Fund) was created by the City of Kitchener in 2007. Since that time some of these funds have been spent on approximately 30 approved projects. City council has assigned Compass Kitchener, a citizen advisory group appointed by council, the task of gathering public input as to how the remaining $3,400,000.00 should be spent to have a transformational effect on the environment in the City of Kitchener.

Compass Kitchener will hold its final public meeting
Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.,
Kitchener Farmers Market, 300 King St. E. (between Eby St. and Cedar St.)
This is an opportunity for all citizens to have a say, and to hear from others, about how these funds should be used to enhance Kitchener's environmental infrastructure in a transformational way.

Four options have been identified as projects that warrant consideration when it comes to choosing how to invest the remaining funds:

Proceed (continue) with the LEAF program based on its approved mandate.
Allocate all or some of the remaining funds toward the city's efforts to address the effects of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) on local trees.
Allocate all or some of the remaining funds toward several unfunded parks and trails projects.
Allocate all or some of the remaining funds toward purchasing lands in the Hidden Valley community.

An overview of the LEAF Program Review and background information regarding the four options are available on the City of Kitcherner’s website at
http://www.kitchener.ca/en/insidecityhall/LEAF_Program_Review.asp

For additional information regarding Hidden Valley please click on
https://sites.google.com/site/hiddenvalleyorg/Home.

Website Manager's Note
I attended the June 9th public meeting at the Stanley Park Community Centre. Theron Kramer, Chair of Compass Kitchener, and his helpers conducted an informative and friendly meeting. Facilitators at each table made it easy for all to share their ideas and then express their preferences via a brief survey. It was a painless and productive experience. I encourage all citizens of Kitchener who are interested in the well-being of our natural environment to attend the meeting on June 12th and give their input to this very important process.

Over the summer Compass Kitchener will review the information it gathered and then make one or more recommendations to city council early in the fall. It is city council that will make the final decision as to how the remaining $3.4 million dollars in the LEAF Fund will be spent.

Recognizing that there are many citizens who could not and cannot attend the public meetings, Compass Kitchener has made available the opportunity to give your input on-line. To complete the on-line survey form please go to
https://isurvey.esolutionsgroup.ca/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=92LI7mm2.

Website Manager's Note
Please take a few minutes now to complete the survey and have your say in this important matter!

Ontario Nature Action Alert Re: Environmental Issues In Provincial Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE NEXT MPP FOR KITCHENER-WATERLOO MUST STAND UP FOR NATURE!
Right now, the provincial budget bill (Bill-55) is being intensely debated at Queen’s Park. The Liberal government has put forward a 350-page bill that includes a list of devastating changes to a multitude of environmental laws.

These changes have little to do with good fiscal management and lots to do with abandoning protection of the environment in favour of corporate interests. A number of the damaging amendments are aimed at the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

To learn more and find out what you can do please click on the following link.
http://www.ontarionature.org/act/action_alerts/alert_template.php?n_code=559

Budget Threatens Environmental Health

Hidden Valley CALL FOR HELP

Meetings regarding the possible allocation of the $3,400,000 in the City of Kitchener LEAF Fund are fast approaching. For more information and suggestions as to how you can participate please see Daphne Nicholls' article on the
Conservation Page.

Outings Information

The June Outings information is available via the Outings Page.

KWFN Outings will resume in September. Information regarding the September Outings will be available on this website in mid to late August.

We wish you a safe and enjoyable summer filled with plenty of exciting sightings!

Hidden Valley and Leaf Fund Review

The City of Kitchener has determined that Compass Kitchener, a citizen advisory group appointed by council, will lead the LEAF Fund Review. The public consultation process will take place between May 15 and June 25, 2012. Compass Kitchener will analyze the data obtained and report to City Council in September.

Information regarding the LEAF Fund Review and the related public consultation process is now available. Use of all or some of the 3.4 million dollars in the fund for the purchase lands in Hidden Valley is one of the alternatives under consideration.

For more information regarding all of the alternatives and the public consultation process please go to our
Conservation Page.

Hidden Valley - Compass Kitchener - Meeting Dates

In his April 2, 2012 article in The Record, Terry Pender indicated that the City of Kitchener has given Compass Kitchener, an advisory group to City Council, the responsibility to gather public input and make recommendations to council as to how the 3.4 million dollars in the LEAF Fund should be allocated. As a starting point, Theron Kramer, Chair of Compass Kitchener, has provided a short list of possible projects. This list includes the possibility of purchasing Hidden Valley and preserving it as a natural area. For more background information refer to the notice Hidden Valley - The Next Step posted below on April 4, 2012. (Click your back arrow to return to this page.)

Mr. Kramer has indicated that public input will be gathered at two meetings.
Saturday, June 9, 2012, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.,
Stanley Park Community Centre, 500 Franklin St. N. (Franklin & Ottawa St. N.)

Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.,
Kitchener Farmers Market, King St. E. (between Eby St. and Cedar St.)

Further information is given in the May 16, 2012 posting shown above.

Ring of Fire Heating Up

At the April 23, 2012 General Meeting of KWFN Anna Baggio, Director Conservation Land Use Planning, Wildlands League, presented information about the Ring of Fire.. This is a section of Northern Ontario that is currently receiving intense attention from companies intent on extracting mineral resources from the area. Anna shared photos and information that underlined current concerns about the uncontrolled environmental degradation that was taking place. She also expressed some optimism that the Government of Ontario was beginning to exercise some of its authority in an effort to bring some order to these mining operations and their impact on the environment.

A recent announcement regarding a deal between the Government of Ontario and US-based Cliffs Natural Resources, that obligates the taxpayers of Ontario to build a 350 km all weather road at a cost of $600 million, suggests that Anna’s optimism may have been misplaced.

To read more, please go the Conservation Page.

KWFN Presents Two Conservation Awards

On March 26, 2012, KWFN presented its Conservation Award to Waynco Ltd., an aggregate producer located in Cambridge, Ontario. Waynco Ltd. was recognized for its unique contribution to the preservation of the Galt Moraine Tall Grass Prarie System in Ontario.

On April 23, 2012, KWFN presented its Conservation Award to Mr. Wayne Buck, a long time member of KWFN. Wayne was recognized for his participation in and contributions to a wide range of conservation activities.

To read more about these awards and the recipients please go to the Conservation Page.

Unusual Robin Sighted

Derek and Shelaglh Hitchens observed an American Robin with unusual colouring - a white head and some white on its back.
To view a photo go to the May Sightings Page and scroll down a bit.

Butterfly Festival a Success!

Congratulations and sincere compliments to Thelma and Ron Beaubien and their dedicated group of volunteers who, in co-operation with KWFN, worked hard to plan and present this very well-attended and informative program on May 2, 2012 at the Albert McCormick Community Centre in Waterloo, Ontario. The information shared will, undoubtedly, benefit the butterfly population in Waterloo Region. WELL DONE!

Butterfly Festival Features Wonders of Nature*

WATERLOO — Of all nature’s creature, butterflies are perhaps the most delightful to humans. And on May 2, an entire evening will be devoted to our tiny, jewelled friends.

Wonders of Nature Butterfly Festival will feature master of ceremonies gardening columnist David Hobson as well as speaker Don Davis who will recount tales of studying and tagging monarch butterflies during the past 43 years. Davis will focus on conservation issues and explain how the public can help by becoming engaged in citizen scientist projects.
Larry Lamb, environmentalist and retired supervisor of the University Waterloo’s ecology lab, will present a talk on the most common butterflies in our region. Master gardener Anne Morgan will provide details on what plants attract butterflies to our gardens.

The event will also feature vendors such as Nith River Native Plants and Native Plant Source, as well as representatives from organization including the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists, Master Gardeners, Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory and Toronto Entomologists’ Association.
Wonders of Nature Butterfly Festival takes place Wednesday, May 2 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Albert McCormick Community Centre, 500 Parkside Dr. in Waterloo, admission costs $5, free for students and children. All proceeds toward the Kitchener Waterloo Field Naturalist’s young naturalists program.

Website Manager's Note: Refer to the notice immediately below this one.

*This article, dated April 23, 2012, is taken from www.therecord.com.

Wonders of Nature: Butterfly Festival --- May 2, 2012

Mark Your Calendar Now!
The KWFN Executive is pleased to announce that a special Wonders of Nature public event will be held on butterflies and gardening for butterflies on Wednesday, May 2nd at the Albert McCormick Centre, Waterloo, 6:30 to 9:30 pm. This event is made possible through a partnership with sponsors Ron and Thelma Beaubien. Admission is $5.00 at the door. Students and children are free. Net funds from the event will be donated to the Young Naturalists Program of the KWFN.

Please visit WoN Butterfly Festival for complete program details!

Butterfly Monitoring in the City of Kitchener

This is a community-based butterfly monitoring program in City of Kitchener Natural Areas.

Come join fellow volunteers at Huron Natural Area or Lakeside Park where you can participate in a butterfly monitoring program, which has been set up by Charlotte Moore, a local University of Waterloo Master of Environmental Studies student.

No previous butterfly experience is required, as participants will receive training at a local workshop.

Volunteers will be asked to visit a site at either Huron Natural Area or Lakeside Park once every two weeks from May-August to record butterfly activity. Monitoring will consist of walking an established trail and recording butterfly species and abundance.

For additional information, click Butterfly Monitoring.

Bird Ranges Shift Northward

As warmer winter temperatures become more common, one way for some animals to adjust is to shift their ranges northward. But a new study of 59 North American bird species indicates that doing so is not easy or quick—it took about 35 years for many birds to move far enough north for winter temperatures to match where they historically lived.
Read more at Bird Ranges.

KWFN Annual General Meeting May 28, 2012 7:00 p.m.

Waterloo Earth Day Event April 28, 2012

Celebrate Waterloo Earth Day® on Saturday April 28th in Waterloo!
Join us from 10:00am to 2:00pm for FREE family fun at the Laurel Creek Conservation Area.
Celebrate the world we live in through action and awareness: plant one of 1,000 trees/shrubs and enjoy a variety of free, hands-on educational activities!
Go Wild with a traditional Drum Circle, build a bird house or meet the Nature Centre critters!
Get wet with lots of fun water activities or explore nature and agriculture in our own backyard!

Weekends on the Bruce

Dear K/W Field Naturalists: (and others interested in the natural world)

Each spring at the Cabot Head Research Station, the Bruce Peninsula, Bird Observatory presents two weekend events of interest to naturalists. We would like to invite members of the K/W Field Naturalists to join us for one, or both weekends.

Information about the two entertaining and informative weekends, May 4-6 and May 25-27, is in the attached poster. The links to the website are active, so just click on them to access the information. Maps to the location are found in the "Directions/Maps" section of BPBO's web site, or you can click here.

To view the poster, click Weekends on the Bruce.

If possible, could you please circulate this information to your membership? These weekends are an important way for BPBO to raise the operating funds it needs to continue its valuable migration monitoring work at Cabot Head. Participants would, of course, have the opportunity during their stay to view the bird banding component of monitoring at the station.

Thanks,
Rod Steinacher
President, BPBO

Thank You Earth Day Volunteers

We extend special thanks to all those who took time to participate in activities related to the celebration of Earth Day 2012. Your contribution, be it indoors, outdoors, around your home or out in the community, is appreciated!
Just think what we could accomplish if everyone made just a small part of each day a celebration of Earth Day!

Red Admirals in Abundance

Many parts of Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are experiencing and early influx of butterflies that is reported to be 20 times higher than usual for this time of year. The Red Admiral makes up about 90% of these early arrivals. For a photo and more information about the why and the how of this early migration you can click the following link to read an article that was published in The Record on Thursday April 19, 2012.
http://www.therecord.com/news/canada/article/708253

Urgent Action Needed on Endangered Species and Parks

Website Manager's Note:
The following letter was sent to KWFN and other similar organizations by Caroline Schultz , Executive Director, Ontario Nature. (See below for contact information.)

Buried in Bill 55, Strong Action for Ontario Act (the current budget bill of the Liberal Government of Ontario) "are a number of amendments that, if passed, will severely weaken several pieces of environmental legislation, particularly the Endangered Species Act and the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act."

While this letter requests the support of organizations in expressing serious concerns about these proposed changes, individuals are strongly encouraged to contact Premier Dalton McGuinty and their local MPP with expressions of concern.

April 18, 2012

Dear Nature Network Friends,

As you may be aware, the Liberal government recently submitted their budget bill (Bill 55, Strong Action for Ontario Act).

Ontario Nature and many of our member groups who are aware of the changes are deeply troubled by this bill, now being debated at Queen’s Park. Buried in this hefty document are a number of amendments that, if passed, will severely weaken several pieces of environmental legislation, particularly the Endangered Species Act and the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act.

The changes to the ESA remove several key protective measures and in some circumstances open up endangered species and their habitats to harm or outright destruction. The changes to the PPCRA remove the requirements to complete management plans, plan reviews and amendments within specified timeframes. This means that numerous parks and conservation reserves will be without management plans, making the species and habitats they are meant to protect vulnerable to inappropriate activities. An example of what can happen when a park has no management plan is Presqu’ile PP where King Rail habitat was destroyed and the pannes (a special habitat) were filled in by park staff in the 1990s.

We are also greatly disturbed that our government decided to insert these changes in a budget bill bypassing the normal process of posting any proposed changes on the Environmental Bill of Rights for public review and comment.

Ontario Nature, Nature Network groups and other conservation organizations rallied to advocate for the ESA that was passed in 2007 and the Parks and Conservation Reserves Act which was passed in 2006.

As a group, we need to again rally to defend these pieces of legislation and address this crisis by directly telling Premier McGuinty that his government’s actions are unacceptable.

I have attached a letter to Premier McGuinty outlining the most pressing concerns. I have also attached a document that highlights the specific changes to the ESA that are contained in the budget bill. Bottom line: the proposed changes are unacceptable.
To review the letter to Premier McGuinty, click Letter to Premier McGuinty.
To review the document that highlights the items of concern, click Budget Items of Concern.

I am asking each of your organizations to consider signing this letter. Ten groups at the Lake Ontario North Regional Meeting signed the letter on the spot at their regional meeting on Saturday. Collectively, I firmly believe we can influence what is still a fluid situation.

If you want to sign on, please send me your permission to add your organization along with a signature as a jpeg (or another image format if more convenient). If you have any questions about any of the information I have sent, please send me an email and I will respond quickly.

We need to submit this letter by the end of this week so timing is very tight.

In addition to signing the joint letter, I also encourage you to consider sending in individual letters from your organizations in which you can comment on the potential impacts of the changes in your area.

Website Manager's Note
Many letters of concern from individuals often carry as much or more weight than one letter from an organization.
You are encouraged to write or email Premier McGuinty and your MPP today. As time is short, email would be the most effective method. The vote on the budget bill is scheduled for Tuesday, April 24, 2012!

Thank you so much for a quick response. It is much appreciated.

Very best wishes,
Caroline
__________
Caroline Schultz
Executive Director
Ontario Nature
214 King Street West, Suite 612
Toronto, ON M5H 3S6
Tel: 416-444-8419 ext. 237
Toll Free: 1-800-440-2366
Cell: 416-768-9795
Fax: 416-444-9866
carolines@ontarionature.org
www.ontarionature.org

Looking for Earth Day Volunteers

KWFN will be hosting an information table at two locations over the Earth Day weekend.
Saturday, April 21, 2012, Huron Natural Area, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 22, 2012, Steckley Farm, Bleams Road, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
We need volunteers to assist with answering questions, handing out brochures, etc. Any assistance would be most appreciated.
Please contact Valerie Hill, 519-578-8113 or email vhill@therecord.com

Landfill Tours - April 21, 2012

One hour bus tours of the Waterloo Landfill Site on Erb Street in Waterloo will be run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For further information click Landfill Tours.

GBBC - Great Backyard Bird Count

While this extensive bird count takes place each year in February the website offers many other interesting and exciting things for birders with varying degreess of expertise.

Visit http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ to learn more.

This link is also remain available on the Links Page in the Sightings Resources section..

People of the Feather Film Coming to Waterloo May 8th and 9th 2012

May 8th, 9:00 p.m., May 9th, 7:00 p.m.
Featuring groundbreaking footage from seven winters in the Arctic, People of a Feather takes you through time into the world of Inuit on the Belcher Islands in Hudson Bay.
Connecting past present and future is a unique cultural relationship with the eider duck. Eider down, the warmest feather in the world, allows both Inuit and bird to survive harsh Arctic winters.
Recreations of traditional life are juxtaposed with modern life in Sanikiluaq, as both people and eiders face the challenges posed by changing sea ice and ocean currents disrupted by the massive hydroelectric dams powering eastern North America. The eyes of a remote subsistence culture challenge the world to find energy solutions that work with the seasons of our hydrological cycle. (90 minutes.
Click the following link for more information about the film: http://www.peopleofafeather.com/

For information contact Princess Cinemas, Waterloo Office, 519-884-5112, www.princesscinemas.com

Hidden Valley - The Next Step

An article by Terry Pender (April 2, 2012 edition of The Record) gives some indication in this regard. The City of Kitchener has 3.4 million dollars in an environmental fund that Mayor Carl Zehr and City Council want to collapse.

According to Terry’s article the city has given Compass Kitchener, an advisory group to City Council, the responsibility to gather public input and make recommendations to council as to how these funds should be spent. As a starting point, Theron Kramer, Chair of Compass Kitchener, has provided a short list of possible projects. This list includes the possibility of purchasing Hidden Valley and preserving it as a natural area.

Many reasons to support this use of the funds were given in a half-page letter written by Karen Buschert, Conservation Director for the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists (KWFN). This letter was published as an Insight column in The Record on March 17, 2012 (Section A, Page 13). To read this letter on this website, please go to the top of this page and click on the Conservation button.

In one place Terry’s article indicates that Compass Kitchener “will be holding public meetings in May and June to find out what the people want done with the money.” In another, it mentions that “there will be at least one, large public meeting” (and) “all of the city’s advisory committees will be asked for comments.”

This is April. May and June are fast approaching. We are looking to Compass Kitchener for clear concise directions, well in advance of any due dates that may be set, as to how this advisory committee will receive public input.

What can you do?
Review the newly updated website for Friends of Hidden Valley.
Review Karen Buschert’s letter on this website as indicated above.
Review previous notices/announcements found on this page ( January 26, 2012, May 12,2011, May 3, 2011, April 21, 2011)
Watch for more information about the information gathering process.
Plan to attend one of the public meetings.
Visit Hidden Valley to see for yourself the treasure we need to preserve for the benefit of all current and future citizens of Kitchener.
Make a note of any input you wish to provide and share it during the Compass Kitchener information gathering process.

To go directly to the website of Friends of Hidden Valley you can use the following url in the address box of your web browser: www.bit.ly/hvkitchener.

Directions to Hidden Valley
From Fairway Rd., take Wilson Ave. south to Goodrich Dr. Turn east (left) and park on your right just past the railway tracks. Cross the road into an abandoned gravel quarry and bare to the right to find a circular trail along one of the eskers.

April Sightings Page Available

To view current sightings and/or find how to submit sightings information pleases go to the page buttons at the top of this page and click on Sightings Page.

Bat Survey: Can You Help?

At the February 2012 meeting of KWFN, Lesley Hale, a species at risk specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Recources in Peterborough, gave a presentation regarding Bats, Wind Turbines and White Nose Syndrome. You can read a summary of her presentation on page 8 of the April edition of The Heron. Go to the Newsletter Page and click on the April 2012 link.

Lesley is offering anyone who is interested the opportunity to participate in a summer bat count.

The goals of the survey are to: Gather base line information on summer colonies; evaluate the impact of WNS on summer colonies; assist in the identification of the primary WNS contagion; determine if WNS contagions persist and can be transmitted in summer roosts; and correlate long-term trends with the spread of WNS.

For more information please click Bat Survey

Mega Quarry - Melancthon Township - What's Happening???

As indicated in notices posted May 13, 2012 and July 8, 2011 (see below) there was a lot of concern about the environmental and social impacts that the development of this huge quarry would impose on the land and people of southern Ontario. Last summer the the Minister of Environment for Ontario finally ordered an environmental assessment.

What's happening currently with this file? What is the status of the enviromental assessment? If you can bring us up to date please contact Larry Hamel at hamell@sympatico.ca

To review this issue via video, copy the video title "Pitstop - Stop the Quarry" without the quotes. Go to www.youtube.com. Paste the video title into the site search engine at the top left of the screen and click on the search button. This will also lead you to other related videos. You may view videos for free without signing in. Use the back button to return to this website.

Ecotourism Presentation Package

Following Kristen Martyn's interesting presentation about ecotourism at the KWFN January meeting, several members asked her for any information that she could provide in hard copy. She has kindly complied. Anyone wishing an electronic copy of her "Ecotourist" presentation notes, literature about eco-lodge bookings and useful websites for those wishing to travel eco-friendly should send an email request to KWFN Programs Director April Morrissey at amorrissey@golden.net .

Costa Rica Photos by Neil E. Taylor

Neil, a KWFN Honourary Lifetime Member, recently returned from a visit to Costa Rica, bringing with him a wide variety of flora and fauna photos. You are invited to view his photos by going to the Photo Gallery Page and clicking on the View Photos link and then the link to Neil's photos.

Cancelled! - The March 3, 2012 Ski Outing Is Cancelled!

Current conditions are questionable. Rain is predicted for overnight tonight. The Outing Leader and the Outings Director have determined that this outing is officially cancelled. Maybe next year will provide better conditions.

There Is Still Time to Write to Council

There is still time to write to Kitchener Council and Regional Council regarding the preservation of Hidden Valley as a Natural Area. Two January 26, 2012 notices, "A Rare Opportunity to Save Hidden Valley" and "Calling All Friends of Hidden Valley, Clean Air, Clean Water", found further down this page, provide background information and mailing advice.

There has been a change of address for communications going to Regional Council. Please address your communcations to Colleen Sargeant, csargeant@regionofwaterloo.ca. Include a brief note to Coleen that asks her to circulate your communication to all the regional councillors.

This change of address has been incorporated into the January 26th notice, "Calling All Friends of Hidden Valley, Clean Air, Clean Water".

Thank you for taking time to express your thoughts on this most serious matter.!

Correction!! KWFN Meets Monday, March 26, 2012

The date for the KWFN March meeting was shown incorrectly on the Meetings Page. This error has been corrected.

Mike Burrell Featured on eBird.org

eBird Canada is a real-time, online checklist program. eBird has revolutionized the way that the birding community reports and accesses information about birds. Launched in 2002 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, eBird provides rich data sources for basic information on bird abundance and distribution at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. To learn more about eBird please go to http://ebird.org/content/canada/about .

Mike, a long-time supporter of KWFN and currently a resident of Bancroft, Ontario, was recently the featured eBirder on this web site. (He) "isn't just one of our best regional editors, he has been instrumental in building Ontario's entire regional editor network. Our Ontario review team now includes dozens of Ontario's most active birders, many of whom were first convinced to look at eBird by Mike." To learn more about Mike's work with eBird Canada, please go to Mike Burrell and eBird Canada .

Wonders of Nature: Butterfly Festival - May 2, 2012

The 6th (2011) Linwood Christmas Bird Count Report by Ken Burrell

The sixth Linwood Christmas bird count was held Monday January 2, 2012. Weather throughout the day was quite challenging with near whiteout conditions for a majority of the day. 32 hardy observers gave the circle the best coverage yet and as a result many species were recorded in record highs (17(!) record highs vs. 3 record lows). 53 species were found on count day (not quite beating the record of 54 in 2008), plus an additional count-week species (Snowy Owl), bringing the total species list to 54 species.

Two new species for the count were found, bringing the six-year total to 79:
Barred Owl (1 bird near the town of Crosshill) – found by Julian and George Greer,
Merlin (1 bird seen in Glen Allan) – found by Mike Burrell and Tony Straus.

Other unusual species included:
Ring-necked Pheasant (1st record on count day),
Red-shouldered Hawk (present for its ninth winter),
Great Black-backed Gull (5, HC),
Common Raven (2, HC),
White-throated Sparrow, and White-winged Crossbill (4)

Raptors are always one of the highlights of the Linwood CBC and this year was no exception:
Bald Eagle - 6 (HC),
Northern Harrier - 6 (HC),
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 3,
Cooper's Hawk - 6,
Rough-legged Hawk - 75 (low),
Red-tailed Hawk - 51 (low),
American Kestrel - 6 (lowish),
Merlin - 1 (new).

Other species of interest:
Snow Bunting - 13,932 !!! (this smashes our previous high of 3,187),
Common Redpoll - 1,
Pine Siskin - 176 (HC).

The 77th (2011) Kitchener Christmas Bird Count Report by Mike Burrell

The 77th Kitchener CBC was held, as usual, on the first Saturday of the count period, which fell on December 17, 2011. 65 species, plus 1 recognizable form (“Oregon” Junco) were recorded on count day, nicely above the twenty year average of 59.

Two additional species were observed during count week (White-crowned Sparrow and Glaucous Gull). 51 field observers and 5 feeder watchers logged a total of over 150 hours finding over 30 000 individuals, well above the twenty-year average of 22 800. No new species were added to the official count list.

Unusual species:
Sandhill Crane (2nd record),
Thayer's Gull (2nd record),
Northern Shoveler (3rd record),
Peregrine Falcon (3rd record),
"Oregon" Junco (4th record),
Lesser Black-backed Gull (6th record),
Chipping Sparrow (6th record),
Hermit Thrush (10th record),
White-crowned Sparrows (count week, 10th record),
Hooded Merganser (12th record),
Field Sparrow (12th record).

New highs:
Northern Shoveler (4, previous high 1 in 1983 and 1984),
Bufflehead (46, previous high 33 in 2005),
Sandhill Crane (67, previous high 1 in 2005),
Dark-eyed “Slate-colored” Junco (983, previous high 977 in 2004).
Hairy Woodpecker (51, existing record 52 in 1987) and
Red-bellied Woodpecker (36, existing record 38 in 2010)
were just shy of previous records.

Other high counts (20 year average):
Brown-headed Cowbird 86 (1.7),
Red-bellied Woodpecker 36 (6.2),
Pine Siskin 120 (21.6),
Northern Harrier 5 (1.3),
American Crow 5667 (1566, likely quite under-counted this year),
Hooded Merganser 2 (0.7),
Northern "Yellow-shafted" Flicker 5 (1.8),
Purple Finch 10 (4.7), Common Goldeneye 206 (96.3),
White-winged Crossbill 34 (0.5 with 2008 count removed),
White-throated Sparrow 13 (6.2),
Eastern Screech-Owl 17 (9.2),
Hairy Woodpecker 51 (27.1),
Belted Kingfisher 18 (10.3),
Wild Turkey 83 (44.1),
"Slate-colored" Junco 983 (608.1),
Pileated Woodpecker 8 (4.5),
Brown Creeper 39 (25.5),
American Goldfinch 880 (456.4).

Low count counts (20 year average):
Great black-backed Gull 1 (47.7),
Horned Lark 1 (33),
Common Redpoll 5 (98),
American Kestrel 1 (9.8),
Snow Bunting 74 (309),
Cedar Waxwing 78 (153.9),
Herring Gull 575 (1314),
American Black Duck 35 (73.6).

Notable misses: Ruffed Grouse, Winter Wren, Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull (count week only).

Thanks to all 56 counters we had helping make this year another success, and to Virgil and Beth Martin for hosting our wrap-up meeting and dinner. The full results will be available on the KWFN webpage and through the Audubon CBC page. Next year’s count will be held on December 15, 2012.

Wonders of Nature: Butterfly Festival - Scheduled for May 2, 2012

Mark Your Calendar Now!
The KWFN Executive is pleased to announce that a special Wonders of Nature public event will be held on butterflies and gardening for butterflies on Wednesday, May 2nd at the Albert McCormick Centre, Waterloo, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. This event is made possible through a partnership with sponsors Ron and Thelma Beaubien. Net funds from the event will be donated to the Young Naturalists Program of the KWFN. Please mark this important date in your calendar. Further information will follow in future issues of the Heron and on the KWFN web site. Please note that advertising to the public will start late February/March.

A Rare Opportunity to Save Hidden Valley

Reference has been made to Hidden Valley in Kitchener Ontario on this Notices Page several times over the past year or more. Refer to notices below that appeared on the following dates: September 12, 2010, February 19, 2011, April 21, 2011, April 28, 2011, May 1, 2011, May 9, 2011.

The effort to "Save Hidden Valley" continues! In a January 21, 2012 editorial the Waterloo Region Record made several significant points.
City staff has recommended that City Council collapse the city's $3.5 million environmental action fund.
City Council has decided to spend $100,000.00 to finish the Walter Bean Trail within the next couple of years and $250,000.00 on community trails this year.
Where should they invest the rest of the environmental fund if it is collapsed?
To their credit, councillors refused to make a snap decision. Instead they directed staff to organize public meetings and prepare a report on how the funds should be spent. Council hopes to hear from interested citizens and make a decision before it breaks for the summer.

This presents a rare opportunity for citizens, who value green space, clearn air and clean water within the city, to provide input to City Council regarding the preservation of Hidden Valley as a Natural Area that contributes to the environmental health of our city and beyond.

Refer to the following link to read the entire editorial.

Let's Preserve Hidden Valley
http://www.therecord.com/opinion/editorial/article/658865--let-s-preserve-hidden-valley

Refer to notice immediately below this one for more information and details as to whom to contact and how to contact them.

Calling All Friends of Hidden Valley, Clean Air and Clean Water

Daphne Nicholls writes.

The lead editorial in the January 21, 2012 Waterloo Region Record (see notice above) recommends that those people who care about saving Hidden Valley in Kitchener, Ontario as a "Natural Area Park" should contact their councillors now.

Please, write while the issue's hot!

Write your city councillor, in fact, copy all the councillors and the mayor: council@kitchener.ca and/or write the Editor, John Roe ( jroe@therecord.com), in response to the article. If you're short on time, you could simply say "I agree with the Record editorial of January 21st, 2012: We must preserve Hidden Valley".

If you live in Waterloo, or Cambridge, your councillors can encourage the Region to take a stronger stand, especially to protect Regional drinking water if the River Rd. extension goes ahead. For all Regional Councillors and Chairman Seiling send your message to Colleen Sargeant, csargeant@regionofwaterloo.ca. Include a brief note to Colleen that asks her to circulate your communication to all the regional councillors.

If you would like to write a longer letter, here is a bit more background information. Hidden Valley is much more than a beautiful area of woods, fields and Provincially Significant wetlands. It's 200 acres of healthy ecosystems which impact our water and air quality. Water and air impact our health, and therefore our economy. Hidden Valley's worth as "Natural Capital" should be evaluated, before any development or road construction occurs in the area. Without clean water to drink and clean air to breathe, what else will matter?

Water:
The water from the three Provincially Significant Wetlands in Hidden Valley enters the Grand River, right where 22% of the Region's drinking water is piped out and sent to Manheim for treatment. Any contaminants from development, roads and parking lots would end up there. But not all contaminants, including road salt, oil and gasoline can be removed, so surely the precautionary principle should apply. That would mean that the business parks (zoned B1 and B2, which could include manufacturing) and the subdivision which are permitted in Hidden Valley, SHOULD NOT be constructed. This beautiful and biodiverse ecosystem is simply too valuable, just as it is! The zoning bylaws, established 24 years ago, are out-of-date. Current zoning standards, would not permit this kind of development. Hidden Valley needs to be rezoned.

Air:
The construction of the River Rd. extension, including new ramps linking it to Highway 8, would require clear cutting a large portion of the mature forest near Highway 8. The Grand River Conservation Authority recommends forest coverage of 30%, but Kitchener has less than 12% forest coverage. Trees produce oxygen and remove an equal volume of carbon dioxide. How much does your councillor think we should value this natural air purifying system, when air pollution in KW is the worst in the province?

Parks:
At a time when the population of Waterloo Region is going to increase by 200,000 people in the next 19 years, we need a variety of parks for recreational needs. Hidden Valley, with it's wonderful wildflowers, nesting and migratory birds, and beautiful hills and valleys is an oasis in the heart of the Region. We need more parks, not fewer parks. Let's preserve Hidden Valley.

Please send an email and then circulate this request to as many of your friends as possible. As the Record states, now is the time to speak up.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Daphne Nicholls
gordanddaph@sympatico.ca

You can read the complete editorial, "Let's preserve Hidden Valley," in the Waterloo Region Record by clicking on the following link.

http://www.therecord.com/opinion/editorial/article/658865--let-s-preserve-hidden-valley

SILENT BOOK AUCTION : A DOROTHY RUSSELL LEGACY

Dorothy Russell was presented with the KWFN Honorary Lifetime Member Award on the occasion of her 86th birthday, in April 1986, in recognition of her long and faithful association with the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists.. She passed away in 2006.

Her son, Harold Russell, a current member of KWFN, has donated a collection of Dorothy's books to the club. His desire is that these books find happy, welcoming homes where they will be enjoyed in the coming years.

To this end, KWFN will be running a Silent Auction at its February 27, 2012 meeting. The proceeds will go to KWFN.

Refer to the Meetings Page for other details regarding this meeting.

To preview the books, click on the following link. Russell Books

ONTARIO NATURALIST'S NAME CARRIES ON IN NEW PLANT SPECIES

Henry Kock, renowned naturalist of Guelph, is remembered in new species name.

Victoria, BC. Artist Anne Hansen, who is well-known for her paintings of the black oystercatcher (a shorebird), has just purchased the scientific-naming rights of a newly discovered lichen, in honour of her late husband Henry Kock.

He was a well-known horticulturist, who was dubbed "Mr. Arboretum" of the University of Guelph, where he worked for 20 years. Mr. Kock died of brain cancer on December 25, 2005. He is remembered by gardeners, farmers, and naturalists for criss-crossing southern Ontario to give talks on habitat restoration, plant propagation and shelterbelt agriculture. He is the author of Growing Trees from Seed (Firefly Books Ltd., 2008). The book was finished by Kock's botanical colleagues Paul Aird, John Ambrose, and Gerald Waldron.

The species-naming rights were donated to Ancient Forest Alliance (www.ancientforestalliance.org) as a fundraiser by Trevor Goward, a lichen scientist at the University of British Columbia, who recently discovered what will now be called Bryoria kockiana.

Hansen moved to British Columbia in 2007 to pursue her art. She says, "Henry was a tireless champion of biodiversity and inconspicuous species like toads, lichens and sedges. Organic gardening became his life's work after an unfortunate early vocational exposure to pesticides. Many native gardens throughout southern Ontario owe their existence to Henry's classes at the Arboretum and his travelling presentations to surrounding communities. His own garden, which he transformed from lawn to forest, was lovingly called the Hotel of the Trees. In his legendary slide shows, he referred to his suburban yard as a bed and breakfast for migrating songbirds." Henry Kock established the Elm Recovery Project at the Arboretum, which now bears his name, as does a new greenhouse on the University of Guelph campus.

"I feel like I got a bargain," says Hansen. "Many people go into debt in December, for toys and gadgets that will soon be obsolete. Lichens have been around since ancient biological times. If we do something fast about climate change, lichens will be here far into the future. Naming a species after a beloved forest defender is my idea of a fabulous solstice celebration. I'm not the only one who's noticed that the lichen looks like Henry's beard."

Contacts:
Contact: Anne Hansen, artist, 250-381-7313, anitabike@gmail.com http://oystercatchergirl.blogspot.com (press release text and images available by e-mail)
Ken Wu, Ancient Forest Alliance Executive Director, 250-514-9910 info@ancientforestalliance.org
Trevor Goward, Lichenologist, 250-674-2553, trevor.goward@botany.ubc.ca

PIPING PLOVER MONITORING OPPORTUNITY AT SAUBLE BEACH

The Bruce Resource Stewardship Network will be coordinating the community volunteers who will keep an eye on the newly hatched Piping Plovers at Sauble Beach and provide education and outreach to the beach going public in partnership with the Midhurst District Ministry of Natural Resources.

This monitoring will take place during the time the chicks are on the beach from approximately July 1st to August 1st.

We need about 50-75 dedicated volunteers who are either local, may have cottages or friends here or are willing to drive up for a shift and be part of this very important yearly recovery project.

There will be a 1 day training session for interested persons sometime in May/ June in the Sauble Beach area where we will go over the bird's biology, history of plovers in Ontario and Sauble Beach, volunteer duties, tips and directions on interactions with the public, discuss volunteer visual wear, shifts and answer any questions folks may have. We will have experts from the Canadian Wildlife Service, Ministry of Natural Resources enforcement and representatives from the Wasaga Beach Piping Plover volunteer program as part of the training day and all volunteers will receive a Plover training manual. We will also have a daily planner there too where folks can fill in any specific time slots that they can be available.

There will be a volunteer coordinator paid for by the Bruce Resource Stewardship Network who will run the schedule for the beach monitors, provide the daily visual wear and cell phone, collect data from the volunteers and be responsible for the liaison with the MNR species at risk biologist doing research on the birds.

At the end of the season we will have a wrap-up get together and volunteers will be given a thank you gift on behalf of the recovery program and the Bruce Resource Stewardship Network.

If you have questions please call or have members call me directly.

Anyone interested in being added to the volunteer list for training and scheduling should either call me or email.

Craig Todd, Bruce County Stewardship Coordinator
Phone: 519-371-8465 Fax: 519-372-3305 Email:craig.todd@ontario.ca
Web site: ontariostewardship.org/councils/bruce
Address: Bruce Resource Stewardship Network
c/o Ministry of Natural Resources
1450 7th Ave. E., Owen Sound, ON. N4K 2Z1

CATCH UP WITH THE CHIMNEY SWIFT MONITORING PROGRAM

Kitchener's Natural Areas Program - Upcoming Winter Events‏

Winter Birds of the Huron Natural Area
Saturday December 10, 20111-3pm
Huron Natural Area, 801 Trillium Drive, Kitchener

Spend an afternoon with friends of the feathered kind! Join staff from the City of Kitchener on a hike in the Huron Natural Area and learn about some of the birds that remain in Ontario for the winter season.

Suitable for all ages and experience levels – beginner bird watchers welcome!

If you have binoculars, please bring them along. Dress appropriately for the outdoor hike. Free - All Ages Welcome!
__________________________________________

Winter Wildlife Tracking
Sunday January 22, 2012 1-3pm
Huron Natural Area, 801 Trillium Drive, Kitchener.
Meet at the School Portable

Learn how to recognize some of the common winter animal tracks and enjoy a leisurely hike through the forests and fields of the Huron Natural Area.

Dress appropriately for the outdoor hike. Free – All Ages Welcome
__________________________________________

Owls in Kitchener’s Natural Areas
Saturday February 11, 7-9pm
Huron Natural Area, 801 Trillium Drive, Kitchener
Meet at the School Portable

Spend an evening learning about the different owls that live in Kitchener’s Natural Areas. We will begin with an indoor slideshow about owls and their habitats and behaviours.

We will also go for a night hike to call and look for owls in the Huron Natural Area.

Dress appropriately for the outdoor hike. Free -All Ages Welcome!

NOTE: Washroom facilities will not be available. LIMITED SPACE - REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
To register, contact
Josh Shea, Natural Area Coordinator City of Kitchener,
Phone: 519-741-2600 ext 4177, Email: Joshua.shea@kitchener.ca

NOMINATIONS FOR HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARD - Due December 15, 2011

This prestigious award acknowledges the valuable and exceptional service made by an individual to the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists. The recipient must be a long-time KWFN member who has demonstrated outstanding personal service and made a significant contribution to KWFN, over a long period of time.

On behalf of KWFN, the President invites members to submit, in writing, nominations for this award. Prospective nominators must contact the President to receive a copy of the Award Criteria, prior to submitting a nomination. (Please see page 2 for contact information.)

NOMINATIONS FOR CONSERVATION AWARD - Due December 15, 2011

The Conservation Award acknowledges the contribution(s) made by an individual, group, organization or corporation toward the conservation/preservation of the natural environment of the Region of Waterloo. The nominee shall have participated in or instigated or increased public awareness of (an) endeavour(s) that has/have contributed to the conservation/preservation of the natural environment of the Region of Waterloo.

On behalf of KWFN, the President invites members to submit, in writing, nominations for this award. Prospective nominators must contact the President to receive a copy of the Award Criteria, prior to submitting a nomination. (Please see page 2 for contact information.)

KWFN ANNUAL FESTIVE HOLIDAY POTLUCK

This informal social event is scheduled for December 12, 2011. Please go to the Meetings Page. Future Meetings Information for details.

INTO THE ARCTIC II - The Fine Art of Cory Trépanier

"Some painters would be content working from home, sipping lattes, and pulling inspiration from photographs of places they’ve never visited. Cory Trépanier is not that kind of artist.

Cory explores the wild places in Canada, capturing the exquisite natural beauty and raw power on canvas, all while filming his adventures as he travels.

After an overwhelmingly successful premiere last week in his hometown of Caledon, Ontario, INTO THE ARCTIC II is now "going on the road", sharing Cory's unique and passionate vision of our north with other Canadians on the big screen. For most, it will be the closest they will ever come to being there."

The INTO THE ARCTIC II FILM TOUR will be visiting Waterloo on Nov 17th at the Princess Twin at 46 King Street North. Tickets are on sale now for $20.00. From each ticket sold, a $5.00 donation is being made to the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery.

To view the advertising poster click Arctic II Poster.

For additional information click Arctic II Additional Info.

WATER - A CRITICAL RESOURCE

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is developing a new Water Management Plan. The current plan was established in 1982. The target completion date for the new plan is late 2012 to early 2013.

Karen Buschert, KWFN Conservation Director, attended a meeting on this topic, at GRCA Headquarters, on November 10th, to provide input on behalf of KWFN.

Members of the public are invited to review and provide feedback on the new document, specifically the broad objectives. The document can be viewed online at
http://www.grandriver.ca/index/document.cfm?Sec=87&Sub1=0&sub2=0

You can share your comments via the GRCA online survey on this topic. The deadline for accepting such feedback is December 2, 2011.

CHAMPION TREE HUNT RESULTS AVAILABLE

The 2011 Champion Tree Hunt-Waterloo Region are now available.

To view a list of the Tree Hunt winners (trees and their sponsors) go to
https://sites.google.com/a/landscapeontario.com/champion-tree-hunt/all-winners

The following site provides a list of the trees entered and, for each tree, it gives the essential characteristics of the tree, a location for the tree and the name of the person(s) who sponsored the tree. A map showing the location of each tree is also included.
ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=214495312932745599714.0004a30b1ec1b7e3b3531

Our compliments go to Phil Dickie, Waterloo Region Forester, and all those who helped him to bring this project to fruitition!
Congratulations to the winning trees and their sponors of the winning trees!
Thank you to all who participated in this very significant event.

The Champion Tree Hunt has helped us to become more aware of the importance of trees in our lives!

Trees breathe life into our environment! We need to take care of them!

LEARN THE BASICS OF THE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

Neil Taylor is offering this learning experience to interested individuals on two separate occasions.

Saturday, December 10, 2011, beginning at 9:00 a.m., starting from the parking lot of the Doon Presbyterian Church, 35 Roos Street, Kitchener.

Sunday, December 11, 2011, beginning at 1:00 p.m., starting from the parking lot of the Pioneer Memorial Tower.

The Sunday session is a repeat of the Saturday session.

For details/directions go to November Outings Page.

6TH LINWOOD CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT - DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

Contact Mike Burrell if you are interested in participating.

Email: mike.burrell.on@gmail.com Phone: 613-442-0020

77th KITCHENER CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2011 - JOIN IN!

Especially wanted are new feeder counters within the circle.

New field participants are also welcome.

Anyone interested in participating should contact Mike Burrell as far in advance as possible.

Email: mike.burrell.on@gmail.com Phone: 613-442-0020

CAMBRIDGE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2011

As usual, a chilli and Pot-luck dinner to follow the count at Wrigley Corners Outdoor Education Centre (2366 Sprague Rd.).

New participants are welcome, little to no experience necessary, interest in birds recommended.

If you are new to the Cambridge CBC and would like more information or want to participate please contact the compiler (Levi Moore) as early as possible. Regular Participants and area leaders will be contacted shortly.

If you live in the area of the count (24km diameter circle centred on Branchton) and have the time to watch your bird feeder for a part of the day please let us know in advance so that we can collect your information and count you as a feeder-watcher.

Contact: Levi Moore lcmoore_04@yahoo.ca, 519-747-2080)

Water Institute - University of Waterloo - Plenary & Workshop - December 7, 2011

The Water Institute will present A Plenary & Workshop on Blue+Green Resilience and Innovation: “Innovations in Water Source Protection, Protected Areas, & Ecosystem Resilience.” Join Three of the World’s Leading Ecosystem Science/Design Experts: Keith Barnes, F. Stuart (Terry) Chapin III and Jim Harris in this exploration.

For full details please click Water Institute Plenary & Workshop.

In Memoriam: Fred P. Schneider 1926 - 2011

Fred Schneider, a long time member of KWFN, passed away on September 19, 2011. Fred had a deep appreciation for nature and an exceptional dedication to conservation that has been evident for many years. His numerous acts have quietly improved the lives of Waterloo Region residents.

One Fred of the best-known examples of Fred's generosity is evident at their Wilmot Line property. Instead of placing "No Trespassing" signs, around the large rural property, as is often the case, the Schneider property is posted with "permitted uses" signs. What a unique gesture this is! Now that the city is at their doorstep, hundreds of visitors traverse the natural habitats found there annually!

Fred became a member of the Kitchener Waterloo Field Naturalists in1964 and in 1995 the Schneiders were the recipients of the KWFN Conservation Award. The minutes from the presentation cite, "their generosity in sharing property, support of Sunfish Lake, Paris-Cambridge Rail trail, aid in restoration of landfill and many other activities.

"Fred also served for a number of years on the Waterloo Stewardship Network (WSN) and was one of its pioneers.

He was a strong supporter of Outdoor and Environmental Education. When a new Outdoor Education Centre opened at Erbsville School in 1990, natural areas in the vicinity that could be used by students were desperately needed. The Schneider property was immediately made available for educational purposes.

When residential development was proposed on the Waterloo Moraine in the northwest section of the City of Waterloo in 2001, the Schneiders invited councillors and staff to their home to see for themselves and to learn of the uniqueness and the fragility of the area.

In 2004, the Region of Waterloo proposed a new land designation known as an Environmentally Sensitive Landscape (ESL). This proposal brought fierce debate from impacted landowners. The Schneiders canvassed tirelessly in support of the Laurel Creek Headwaters ESL and helped the Regional Municipality of Waterloo become the first region to add the Environmentally Sensitive Landscape (ESL) designation to their Official Plan.

In June of 2011, Fred and Jane were the recipients of Ontario Nature's W.W. H. Gunn Conservation Award. Some details of that award were printed in the September 2011 edition of the KWFN newsletter, The Heron.

Fred's ethic of conservation and sharing nature and open space with others is commendable. He led by "quiet" anonymous example. He was a respected member of his neighbourhood and within the Region in general.

The name Schneider is synonymous with long term commitment to sharing space, sharing knowledge of nature, and sharing the results of his efforts in conservation.

We extend our sincere condolences to Jane and her family.

Respectfully submitted
Fraser Gibson

Another Successful Baillie Birdathon for the Burrell Boys!

We woke at 5:00 a.m. to the rumble of thunder, the flash of lightning and the patter of rain on the cottage roof . ... Our day ended, well after supper, with a total of 143 species seen and counted. Much higher than we expected on the Island!

To find out what happened in between, click Burrell Baillie Birdathon Report 2011.

To view a list of the species recorded, click Burrell Baillie Birdathon Species List 2011.

Thanks to all who sponsored us on this annual fundraiser. Bird Studies Canada and KWFN are the beneficiaries of your pledges.

We'll be back again next year!

The Burrells (Ken, Mike and Jim)

Nominations for Honorary Life Membership Award - Due December 15, 2011

Notices

Quick Links for This Page

Current and Past Announcements and Notices

The Passing of Bob Newberry 1924-2013

Obituary for Robert Newbery

Ontario Nature Action Alert Re: Environmental Issues In Provincial Budget

Butterfly Festival Features Wonders of Nature*

People of the Feather Film Coming to Waterloo May 8th and 9th 2012

Bat Survey: Can You Help?

Mega Quarry - Melancthon Township - What's Happening???

Costa Rica Photos by Neil E. Taylor

INTO THE ARCTIC II - The Fine Art of Cory Trépanier

77th KITCHENER CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2011 - JOIN IN!