North Durham Nature

NDN Events-Fall  2019

Event Director  -  email James at    James.Kamstra@aecom.com

Please Note:  In light of the current situation regarding the Coronavirus (COVID 19), a number of talks have been postponed and hikes cancelled to ensure the safety of our members and others in the community.  We will update our site regularly to inform you of changes as they develop.  

Sharing your love of Nature during this period of social isolation:

Check out the new Facebook group Wildflowers of North Durham. Created by Derek Connelly to document and share photos of Native plants growing in our area. If you live in the North Durham area, request to join so you can post photos and ask questions. Here is the link:https://m.facebook.com/groups/254772482325254

Backyard Birding Challenge:  Identify and keep track of all the bird species by sight or sound from within the limits of your own yard.  For those who do not live in a house, use the property around the building you live in, or some nearby lot.  Members, for more information or to indicate your interest in participating please e-mail James Kamstra at jkamstra@powergate.ca, who will be compiling monthly species lists.  Results for April and May will be sent to members via e-mail.

Post photos or comments of your spring nature sightings on our North Durham Nature Facebook page at the following link:  https://www.facebook.com/northdurhamnature/  We have a members only group on the Facebook page.  Please request to join if you would like the option of having only members see your posts.

Talks - 2020

 4th Tuesday night at 7 pm

Three locations, either :

Uxbridge - 75 Marietta , Uxbridge Seniors Centre

Port Perry - 231 Water Street , Scugog Memorial Library 

Sunderland - 20 Park St, Sunderland, Sunderland Brock Memorial Arena

bring a mug to enjoy a coffee or tea

Please check site closer to the talk date for more details.

May 26th, 2020 - NDN Members Night - Uxbridge - Postponed to a future date to be determined

Join North Durham Nature for a night of short presentations given by our members for our members.  NDN President, Cara Gregory, will be sharing stories from her 2019 trip to Columbia. Any other members who are interested in doing a short 10 min. presentation, please contact Vice President James Kamstra at james.kamstra@aecom.com. 

June 23rd, 2020 - 20 Years of Butterfly Counts - James Kamstra **Webinar**

Butterfly counts involve groups of dedicated volunteers who spend an entire day in the field to seek out and count all the butterflies they encounter. After 20 consecutive years of these counts, much data has been assembled and some trends in butterfly populations have become apparent. James will highlight the observed changes in some species and describe how the counts have given us greater understanding of the local butterfly fauna.  James Kamstra is an ecologist who has coordinated two butterfly counts in Durham for the past 20 years. He is the Ontario Regional editor who compiles all of the provincial counts for the North American Butterfly Association.  Please stay tuned for details on how to join the webinar.

September 22nd, 2020 - “Bats"- Dr. Christina Davy – Port Perry

Bats have been long misunderstood and even feared, but research in recent decades has provided much insight into their mysterious lives and their role in the ecosystem. Bat populations have suffered significant population declines from White Nose Syndrome and from wind turbines. Christina will present on issues around bat conservation. Dr. Davy is a research scientist with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and is also an adjunct professor at Trent University. Her varied research has involved genetic and behavioural responses of small and declining wildlife populations to environmental changes.

*New Date*October 27th, 2020 - “Tracing the Roots of Native Plants"- Paul LaPorte - Uxbridge

Paul will present a detailed examination on what defines a “native plant” with a focus on how plants evolved. In particular he will look at the connections among Ontario’s diverse flora.

Paul LaPorte is the owner of Ephemeral Ark Nursery (specializing in native woodland species) and a consultant on ecological gardening. He is the current Chair of the Ontario Native Plant Growers Association, and past President of the North American Native Plant Society. He is passionate about the importance of native plants to our ecology.

*New Date*November 24th, 2020 - “Asian Carp"- Andrew Reeves - Port Perry

Four species of Carp native to Asia have been introduced into the southeastern U.S. and are wreaking havoc as they overwhelm and alter aquatic ecosystems.  They are likely to invade southern Ontario in the next few years thereby changing our waterways forever.  Andrew will tell the story of these fish, how they got here and what it means.

Andrew Reeves is an author and geographer who has recently published Overun: Dispatches from the Asian Carp Crisis, a bestseller which examines the history and impact of the four carp species in North America.  He will be on hand to sign books at the end of his presentation.

Walks - 2020

*** Please check back closer to each date for more detail ***

Please Note:  In light of the current social distancing requirements set out by the Provincial Government to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID 19), our hikes have been cancelled to ensure the safety of our members and others in the community.  Members will be notified of changes through e-mail as they develop.  

Special Events 2020

Saturday, April 4th, 2020 - Backyard Birds with Chris Earley presented by Blue Heron Books and NDN. - Rescheduled to November - tickets already purchased will be honoured at the rescheduled event

Join interpretive biologist and bird expert Chris Earley for a walk, talk and book signing in Uxbridge.  Please click on the above underlined link for more details.  Address for Herrema Soccer Fields:  85 Herrema Blvd, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1W6

June 28th and July 5th, 2020 - Butterfly Counts

Stay tuned for details on how this year's butterfly counts will be run.  Those interested in participating please contact James Kamstra by e-mail at James.Kamstra@aecom.com. 

Special Events 2019 - Christmas Bird Counts

The National Audubon count started 118 years ago!  Here in North Durham there are two counts:

15th Annual Uxbridge Bird Count Results - December 27th, 2019

44 species 5157 individual birds 

24% of birds seen were starlings 

Fog and limited open water reduced numbers

Swamp sparrow unusual .  Details on attached links 

Summary

Bird List

Beaverton Bird Count - December 30th, 2019

Summary

Bird List

Official Bird Studies Canada Posting

Each count has two methods of counting – the Feeder Count, in the comfort of your home, and the Field Count, a drive around with walks to find the birds. Each count has a particular circle which is divided up into areas to spread out the counters and reduce duplication.  It’s a full day affair, usually with a pot luck dinner and wrap up for field watchers at the end.  Christmas Bird Count circle areas can be seen online at the Bird Studies Canada website: www.birdscanada.org.  

Club Fees

All events are free to members and open to the public.

Membership in North Durham Nature is $25 for singles, $40 for families for calendar year.  All members receive a quarterly newsletter and priority email of events coming up plus more. Fees cover insurance, room bookings and incidentals. We are non-profit members of Ontario Nature. Join!

A $5.00 donation is appreciated from non-members attending our monthly talks to cover refreshments, insurance, rental and speakers  

For more information, please e-mail Cara at norhdurhamnature@gmail.com

Like us on Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/northdurhamnature

NDN Projects

Nature Interpretive Signs - Nonquon Environmental Education Centre - 2019

Volunteers from both North Durham Nature and Friends of Nonquon worked together to create and install interpretive signs at the David Carroll Classroom site (1710 Scugog Line 10, Greenbank).  Port Perry Sign Shop produced, printed and delivered the signs, and volunteers installed them.  Signs were paid for with NDN donations and a donation from the Retired Teachers of Ontario.  Please see our "Special Events" section for the official sign unveiling date.  A special thanks to all who were involved in the creation of these signs, and to the Durham District School Board's contribution.  They refurbished the KIOSK that the signs were installed on, and will be covering them with a protective layer of plexiglass to prolong the life of the signs.  These signs will be enjoyed by visiting staff and students, and the local community, giving them an opportunity to learn about this valuable local wetland and its wild inhabitants.  

Plans are in the works for the creation of another set of signs on the Kiosk at the Pheasant Pen Classroom site (19745 Old Simcoe Road, Greenbank), with an added focus on local Indigenous history.  Fundraising for these signs has already begun with a funding application letter having been submitted to the Scugog Environmental Advisory Committee.

Lafarge - Regan Pit (7th concession) Bird Boxes

NDN has been monitoring and cleaning out 50 metal design bird houses in the gravel pit for six years. The initial three years were part of a contract with Lafarge who were starting to restore the pit to a more natural state. Since then the pit has been used as a temporary gravel storage area and further restoration seems to be in limbo. 

In 2014-2016  we recommended and located the bird houses in the pit. The club selected Paul Rothfels "Mouse Proof" bird box design after recommendations from neighbours on the 7th concession. The design benefits of reducing predation without the extra costs of a baffle plus the willingness of Lafarge to pay for a secure pole system were factors in choosing the design.

In the first year 52% of the boxes were occupied and all successfully produced eggs and young.  The Tree Swallow occupied most of the boxes, six boxes raised Eastern Bluebirds, and one raised a Black -capped Chickadee. There were no House Wrens, sparrows, mice or other vertebrates in any boxes.

In year two 71% of the boxes were active and a slight increase was observed in target species, allthough House wrens arrived in late summer in a couple of boxes.

In year three  81% of the boxes  were occupied by 29 Tree swallow, 9 Eastern Bluebird, and I Black capped Chickadee families producing over a 100 fledged young. Over the six years over 600 swallows, 150 bluebirds, 15 chickadees and 30 wrens have fledged. This is a huge success. Considering the concern over population declines in aerial insectivores our boxes have certainly helped the Tree swallow populations.  A first detailed report was available  in the April 2017 club newsletter and a 2019 update in this falls newsletter is planned.

Since 2016 we have had limited involvement with Lafarge although we continue to provide them with annual reports and indicate whenever we enter or leave the site.

The nest occupancy rate went up to 83% in 2019.  This last year we estimate that 29 bluebirds, 123 tree swallows and over 7 wrens were fledged.  During the six years over 600 swallows, 150 bluebirds, 15 chickadees and 30 wrens have fledged.

Many thanks to all the volunteers including John and Lee Fisher and David and Liz Taylor . Anyone wishing to see the site and assist in monitoring the bird houses let me know . Derek Connelly

Letter to Lafarge to renew bird box monitoring contract

NDN helps Paul's Vision

Paul Rothfels passed away suddenly in Feb 2017 . In Memory of Paul Rothfels a Gathering was held on March 4, 2017 at the Udora Hall from 2 - 4.  Click on My tribute to Paul and the OBIT

Margaret Almack  passed on Paul's Bird box gig and materials to Keith Stait Gardner who offered his heated workshop to the Nature club to assemble Paul's bird houses to support the club. In 2017 we built and sold 45 boxes and this year another 26 were completed. We have now used up all the supplies Paul left and the next step becomes more difficult. Fortunately Margaret has decided she would like her family to get involved in purchasing materials and carry on Paul's work. NDN will continue to support Paul's vision of a safe home for cavity nesting birds like the Eastern bluebird. 

If you are interested in assisting in anyway contact NDN. 

Uxbridge Countryside Preserve- Bird Houses - 11 years of monitoring !

NDN took over from the Uxbridge Birders who had been monitoring and repairing the bird boxes first placed in the Preserve in 2008 by the Scouts. The number of boxes was reduced to 26 from 45 in 2014 to improve success. Changes in habitat caused by the invasion of Scot Pine and other plants had slowly reduced the meadow habitat which is important for swallows and bluebirds.  A Scot Pine thinning program is now in place on an annual basis to counter the succession of the forest into the meadow. The  box system is not predator proof and was  modified with the help of the Uxbridge Scouts in 2015. Juice cans and plastic pipe along with an additional front was added to some boxes over the entrance  to act as a predator deterrent.   Tree Swallows accepted the change however Bluebirds have not used these boxes.   It is believed the Preserve can only support four Eastern Bluebird nests in any year because of the reduced meadow habitat.   Tree Swallows however are still increasing  and the reduction in boxes available appears to have lowered the House Wren population and competition. Four additional boxes were added donated by NDN using the "Mouse Proof " model.  Intensive monitoring continues by six volunteer Uxbridge resident familes ( BIrd Box Buddies)  resulting in more accurate data. Thanks are extended to the Bird Box Buddies who put in many hours monitoring the boxes over the summer and the Township of Uxbridge for their support.  We are always looking for landlords? If you walk the Preserve regularly in the summer and would like to be involved contact Derek - 905-852-5432 or ndnature7@gmail.com

2019 Bird House Results at UCP

Uxbridge Countryside Preserve Canada 150 Species Count

- Follow the underlined link to read all about it over 180 sp counted!  Canada150 Species Challenge Met!

List of Plant Species 2017

List of Animal Species 2017

We are always looking for additions to our list contact us to help out.

Ontario Nature Youth Summit for Biodiversity and Environmental Leadership

Each year we put aside money to sponsor two North Durham high school students for a September weekend at the Ontario Nature Youth Summit at the YMCA Geneva Park near Orillia, along Lake Couchiching.  Students participate in a number of different interactive workshops and activities aimed at helping them to be effective leaders in advocating for nature and the environment.   You can read about their experiences in the club newsletter. Interested students should contact us or click on Ontario Nature to find out more. If you are or know of interested teens, please contact us.

Thank you letter from NDN sponsored student - 2019 (Laura)

Thank you letter from NDN sponsored student - 2019 (Sam)

Thank you letter from NDN sponsored student - 2018

Late May - The  Great Canadian Bird-a-thon

North Durham Nature's Geoff Carpentier  participates yearly in this charity birding event. The James Baillie Bird-a-thon changed its name to Great Canadian Bird-a-thon, but it's still about counting birds for conservation.  

If you would like more information or to sponsor Geoff for the 2020 Birdathon please click on the underlined link above or go to https://www.canadahelps.org/me/6G9aUug  

Thanks to everyone's generous donations, Geoff raises $1000's  each year to help fund projects to protect birds and their habitats.  25% of the money raised helps fund North Durham Nature's nature-based projects.  Donations are tax deductable!

Bird-a-thon Results 2019 -  Please Refer to the NDN July 2019 Newsletter (Vol. 6, No.3)

Conservation Action 

(click on underlined text to open link)

Letter to Uxbridge Mayor re: Miller Application on Aggregate Pit Boyington#3

Letter to the Mayor Feb. 21, 2020

This letter was also sent to the MPP and MP for Pickering-Uxbridge, the Regional Councillor, Uxbridge Ward 1 Councillor, and Green Durham.

Conservation Authorities Survey - deadline to respond to the survey is March 13, 2020.

From Ontario Nature:

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks is consulting on the mandate of conservation authorities (CAs) and has posted a survey on Ontario.ca (https://www.ontario.ca/form/survey-ontario-conservation-authorities). This survey is following up on public sessions where developers and others have been urging the government to remove CAs from the planning process and limit their mandate and scope. 

It is critical that we resist this trend towards environmental deregulation in Ontario and stand up for the important work of CAs. While you may not agree with every decision or action taken by individual CAs over the years, we encourage you to voice strong support for the role of CAs overall in:

 - land use planning and permitting to protect biodiversity and enhance climate resilience;

- monitoring programs and research that underpin flood mitigation, source water protection, climate action, biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration;

- delivering community projects in partnership with municipalities and local organizations;

- delivering watershed-scale approaches to monitoring, decision-making, stewardship, outreach and education.

 Attached are some suggestions for responding, though it is important to include your own stories and perspectives.

Conservation Ontario has posted a backgrounder and their presentation from the meetings. Those resources can be found here: https://conservationontario.ca/policy-priorities/conservation-authorities-act/

Meanwhile, in case you missed it, here’s an opinion editorial worth reading on the need for CAs https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2020/02/20/attacking-ontarios-conservation-authorities-puts-lives-at-risk.html

Thanks for your attention and support on this important issue.

Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) Submissions 2019

We signed our club’s name to letters written and submitted to the Environmental Registry of Ontario by Ontario Nature regarding:

Bill 66: Restoring Ontario's Competitiveness Act

Changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) 

Proposed Amendments to the Rondeau Provincial Park Management Plan

Many of our members attended protests opposing Bill 66, and placed signs on their lawns.  Success was achieved in regards to this Act, as the government decided to remove Schedule 10 from Bill 66, based on comments submitted to the government by several environmental and nature organizations and concerned Ontario citizens.

Protected Places Campaign

NDN added its signature to Ontario Nature's Protected Places Campaign.  You can show your individual support as well by signing the declaration (click on underlined text)

Review of the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993

Group Letter to Premier

Summary of Recommendations for Reform

Proposed Regional Natural Heritage System for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (EBR 013-1014)

Spring Wildflower Planting in the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve

NDN assisted the Uxbridge Scouts in a Prairie grass and forbs planting May 13th  in the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve. 300 native plant plugs including eight wildflowers and five grasses were planted in a 10 x 25 m rototilled plot. These plants will enhance the field with food and habitat for butterflies, bees, birds and other meadow wildlife. As these plants are challenged and compete with others its encouraging to see them each year. contact Derek Connelly if you would like a tour. 

Turtles

NDN adds its signature to Ontario Nature's call to ban hunting of Snapping Turtles in Ontario  and we were successful ! Now we need to figure out how to reduce road mortality.

Coming up each Fall in November 

Volunteers wanted for Scot Pine ( invasive) thinning in the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve to keep the meadows open. 

Contact Derek for more info ndnature7@gmail.com.

Feral Cats

A request was made to Uxbridge council to change the cat bylaw giving more freedom to cats.  As many of us know cats are major predators to birds and other native species. We apposed the change. Read our letter linked here. Feral Cats