We were joined by Don Scallen for our November meeting with 30 people in person and 15 on Zoom. We were also joined by Jeff Hathaway from Scales Nature Park and one of their Blanding’s Turtles. Don shared information on the different species of turtles in Ontario, efforts by local groups to protect turtle nests,…
Activities
Summary: Dr. Kiff’s Bluebird Trail
Four dedicated volunteers monitored 44 boxes once a week from March 30 to September 8 with the following results: 50 bluebirds, 63 tree swallows and 15 house wrens. There were twelve successful Bluebird nestings in ten of our boxes and seven unsuccessful nestings (eggs predated by wrens, dead bluebirds fledglings, etc.). We found a lot…
Recap: October Meeting, MOTUS Towers
At our October meeting, we delved into the fascinating world of MOTUS towers and their essential role in wildlife conservation and species tracking. Our group gathered to learn about this cutting-edge technology through a video presentation. The MOTUS Wildlife Tracking System, developed to monitor the movements of small animals, particularly birds, uses a network of…
Outing Recap: Upjohn Nature Reserve
This past weekend, our group of 13 nature enthusiasts led by Don Currie embarked on a wonderful outing to the Upjohn Nature Reserve, a hidden gem protected by the Muskoka Conservancy. With crisp air and the golden hues of autumn surrounding us, it was the perfect day to explore the diverse flora and fauna the…
Recap: Outing to Milford Bay
On Saturday June 1st, a group of 7 naturalists including our leader Don Currie, met at the Milford Bay Community Center. Â Don lead the group along 2 trails nearby through very lush woodlands. Â As Don entertained the group with some of the history of the area, we were treated to a choir of…
Recap - 2024 Chimney Swift Watch
11 people showed up during a break in the stormy weather of May 22nd to watch 96 chimney swifts enter the chimneys at Residence on West and the Desjardin Insurance building. That is the highest count in the past three years! It was beautiful to see so many chittering birds circling a sky filled with…
A Year of Connection, Nature, and Learning
A Delicious Start Our recent Orillia Naturalists’ Club gathering kicked off with a delightful potluck supper, setting the tone for an evening of warmth, camaraderie, and shared passion for the natural world. Denis Paccagnella welcomed both in-person attendees at the Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) and those joining via Zoom. He opened the…
Exploring East Coulson Swamp: A Chilly Spring Outing with the Orillia Naturalists Club
On a crisp spring evening, eight nature enthusiasts from the Orillia Naturalists Club gathered for our last Sights & Sounds outing to the East Coulson Swamp, a pristine nature reserve protected by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Although the air was cool and the sky blue, we were eager to explore this unique wetland ecosystem…
Sights & Sounds #2: A Refreshing Evening Stroll at George Langman Sanctuary
The Orillia Naturalists’ Club embarked on a tranquil journey through George Langman Sanctuary, greeted by a cooler breeze at 7 degrees Celsius. Despite a day of rain, fortune smiled upon us as we ventured around the sanctuary without a single drop falling from the sky. Our senses were treated to a plethora of natural wonders,…
Sights & Sounds #1 Recap
As the chill of winter dissipates and the days grow longer, nature awakens with a symphony of sights and sounds, heralding the arrival of spring. We had 10 people join our first Sights & Sounds Outing. Our journey began with a stroll down the Rail Trail from Line 14, Oro Medonte. We noted Coltsfoot and…
Recap: April Meeting with Leora Berman
It was a blustery first Wednesday in April in Orillia, and 18 people joined in person at the Orillia Museum of Art & History and 18 joined via Zoom. Recent Sightings: White Fox with dark face Flock of Turkeys with Males Displaying Courtship Behaviour Red bellied Woodpeckers (several reports) Snowy Owl Great Blue Heron Red…
February Meeting Recap - Mute Swan Society
Thanks to the 34 people who attended in person and 25 people on Zoom for our February meeting with Kelly Duffin from the Mute Swan Society. Kelly’s presentation covered identification, history, population and range, life cycle, social and common behaviours and common misconceptions. The presentation focused on one pair – “Mama and Dad Swan” (being…