The IDNC has been busy again, with 2 immensely successful, back-to-back events: Live Flying Birds of Prey (Feb. 18) and Lawson in Winter (Feb. 20th).

Lawson Reserve in Winter – February 20
18 Adults and 6 children joined club naturalist Don Bucknell to learn about the birds and trees at the Lawson Nature Reserve just South of Ingersoll (LNR info). It was an easy walk of about 2 km through mostly woodland. Highlights included spotting a red-bellied woodpecker, and learning the easy way to tell the difference between red and white pines (red have needles in groups of 2 while white have needles in groups of 5). Don also pointed out the many different tree species and what makes their bark unique.

Red-bellied woodpecker. Photo by B.Grant

Group on the path. Photo by B.Grant

Yellow Birch. Photo by B.Grant

Photo by B.Grant

Don explaining the difference between red and white pine needle arrangements. Photo by B.Grant

Live, Flying Birds of Prey! – February 18
250 people came to see the  demonstration by the Canadian Raptor Conservatory! A horned owl, harris hawk, red-tailed hawk, and bald eagle were brought to the Unifor Hall and allowed to fly down the aisle, or over the crowd of people!  An in-depth commentary on the natural history, size, prey species, range and the relationship to humans of each bird. We think it’s safe to say that everyone learned something new and fascinating that evening!

To see descriptions of more past events, please visit our Recent Events Page

We had a great time last week, with a visit from Scales Nature Park on Wednesday evening, and a beautiful walk through the woods at the Embro pond on Saturday! 26 children and 22 adults were kept on the edge of their seat for a presentation with live reptiles by Scales. Everyone then had a chance to hold a friendly snake after the presentation, and see that snakes aren’t so scary after all. An advanced workshop later in the evening gave many adults a better understanding of the reptiles at risk in Ontario. We’d like to thank club VP Dave Baird for organizing this great event!

For more photos and information about the Scales event and the walk at the embro pond, check-out our write-up and photos on our Recent Events page.

Ontario Reptiles At Risk

The Ingersoll District Nature Club would like to invite you to a free Family Presentation  and  Advanced Workshops about Ontario reptiles.

Wednesday January 20th 2016. Family presentation from 6 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. (open) and Advanced Workshop from 8 P.M. – 10 P.M. ( e-mail to reserve your space)  at the Unifor Building, at 364 Victoria Street in Ingersoll.

The Reptiles at Risk Advanced Workshop is an interactive training workshop featuring live reptiles, many of which are species at risk. It is a great opportunity to increase reptile knowledge and gain hands-on experience. Reptiles at Risk is a partnership between Scales Nature Park, Laurentian University, and CARCNET. The project is funded through the Ministry of Natural Resources Species at Risk Stewardship Fund to provide free educational programming about reptiles at risk throughout Ontario. The goal is to increase appreciation and conservation of Ontario reptiles.

This informative workshop is suitable for advanced herpetofauna enthusiasts. It will provide detailed information about Ontario reptiles, focusing on species found locally within the community. Topics will include species identification, life history, handling techniques, conservation status and threats, mitigation strategies, and legislative issues. Following the presentation portion of the workshop, a hands-on session will provide an opportunity for participants to practice and become familiar with the handling of these reptiles.

The Ingersoll District Nature Club is hosting and funding the family presentation and workshop, and are providing coffee and refreshments.

If you are interested in attending the workshop or would like more information, please email Dave Baird at dcbaird@rogers.com

On Monday (Dec. 28th) several members of the IDNC joined club naturalist Don Bucknell in the annual Christmas Bird Count at the Lawson Nature Reserve. Here are the numbers:

Number of birds (individuals): 276
Number of Species: 16

85 Ring-billed Gulls
3 Mourning Doves
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker
16 Downy Woodpeckers
2 Hairy Woodpeckers
2 Pileated Woodpeckers
4 Blue Jays
5 American Crows
29 Black-capped Chickadees
12 White-breasted Nuthatches
2 Brown Creepers
20 American Tree Sparrows
1 White-throated Sparrow
35 Dark-eyed Juncos
3 Northern Cardinals
56 American Goldfinches

Great for Kids – We’ve recently come across a great article from Ontario Nature all about hibernation for frogs and toads. Think all Frogs burrow into mud to hibernate? Not so, explains this easy to read article. Plus, learn about toads that freeze solid, only to thaw and hop away once spring arrives! Here is the article link:
http://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/hibernation-frogs-toads/

We’ve had some great events lately! Most recently, the Twinkle Twinkle Little Bat presentation by Toby Thorne (Nov. 5) attended by 26 IDNC and community members, and the Owl Howl (Nov. 9th) attended by 25 children (mostly Beavers) and their adult leaders/guardians. If you’re wondering what else we’ve been up to this past year, visit our Recent Events page which we are working on:
https://ingersollnatureclub.com/club-activiti…/recent-events/

This year we decided to create blank-inside greeting cards for sale at local retailers and our club events.

There are 10 designs to choose from – all use pictures taken by Terry Parker at the Lawson Nature Reserve.

For more details see our page about the Greeting Cards.

Ingersoll District Nature Club announces its second Annual Photo Contest, designed to engage eager photographers in the pursuit of great nature shots in Oxford County. Electronic and traditional photo submissions are accepted (maximum of 10 submissions per person), within three age groups:

• 12 and Under
• 13-18 Years of Age
• 19 and Over

Top winner in each category will receive a prize! Winning photos will be published by local media, as well as on our website.

DEADLINE: Tuesday, October 13th by 5:00 pm

This year’s topic? Things that Fly (Naturally) – in Oxford County!

How to enter? At any time between now and October 13th,
send electronic submissions to: ingersolldistrictnatureclub@gmail.com
and print submissions, along with a self-addressed return envelope,
to Ingersoll District Nature Club Photography Contest, c/o 205 George Street, Ingersoll, ON N5C 1Z5.

Good luck to all photographers!

As of June 9, 2015 the Ontario government published a new regulation to restrict the use of neonicotinoid pesticides (neonics). It is the first jurisdiction in North America to regulate the use of neonics.

Read more about this news here on the David Suzuki Foundation website:

Ontario restricts bee-killing neonic pesticides

And from the Toronto Star:

Ontario first in North America to curb bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides