March’s digital download

Hang in there, parks-lovers — spring is on the way!

One of our favourite signs of spring? The male Black-capped Chickadee’s mating call: “Feebee!”

What are your favourite signs of spring?

This month’s FREE digital download features a Black-capped Chickadee.

Continue reading March’s digital download

Wildlife parenting strategies

This blog comes from Laura Penner, a Discovery Program Group Leader at Rondeau Provincial Park

As a naturalist and a mother of three, I find great joy in catching rare glimpses of wildlife taking care of their young.

This looks so different from species to species. It could be a female oriole meticulously weaving grasses into an intricate basket-shaped nest, or a Map Turtle digging test nests all over a campsite until she finds the perfect soil composition.

Each species has its own unique way to raise its young that best deals with the challenges in its environment. Let’s take a look at a few interesting ways wildlife care for their young.

Continue reading Wildlife parenting strategies

A clash of talons and tail-feathers: the Superb Owl

As the world gears up for one of the most anticipated events in sports, we’re here to celebrate the athleticism of a different kind of MVP – the owl!

This Most Valuable Percher has captured the hearts of enthusiastic birdwatchers.

Owl fans crowd the natural nighttime “stadium” of owls just to catch a glimpse of these star athletes.

A devoted fandom of birders and nature enthusiasts, these fans unite to support the conservation of all owls (despite some disagreement over which owl is most superb or most cute).

How do these athletes inspire such passionate support?

It’s all in the arm! Uh…we mean wing!

Continue reading A clash of talons and tail-feathers: the Superb Owl

A winter birding challenge

Today’s post is from Justin Peter, who was a Natural Heritage Education Specialist at Algonquin Provincial Park from 2006 through 2013. Now a professional travel planner, Justin is a keen local and worldwide explorer, looking for birds everywhere he ventures.

It’s tempting to say that winter’s not the best time to look at birds in our Ontario Parks. Many species have migrated south. We’re hesitant to venture into the chilly weather.

But the quieter (and leafless) atmosphere of our parks during winter provides an excellent and unique challenge for our sense of environmental awareness.

Up for the challenge? 

Here’s a selection of birds (and bird signs) you can look for this winter:

Continue reading A winter birding challenge

Winter adventures at Rushing River Provincial Park

Today’s post comes from Isabella Schives, senior park clerk at Rushing River Provincial Park.

Now that the seasons have changed and snow blankets the ground, the natural beauty of this vibrant and popular summertime park takes on an incredible transformation.

Icicles begin hanging from trees and buildings, fresh snow crunches underneath your feet, and the brisk, cold air provides a refreshing feeling with every breath.

Each step takes you further away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life as you relax into the tranquility and peace of wintertime at Rushing River Provincial Park.

Continue reading Winter adventures at Rushing River Provincial Park

10 ways to enjoy winter at Quetico

Today’s post comes from Quetico Provincial Park Superintendent Trevor Gibb.

Quetico is primarily known for its world class backcountry canoeing opportunities.

However, once the lakes freeze and snow blankets the forest, the park transforms into a wilderness winter wonderland.

Continue reading 10 ways to enjoy winter at Quetico

Christmas Bird Count — keep the community science tradition going!

Today’s post comes from Cortney LeGros, the Healthy Parks Healthy People coordinator at Ontario Parks.

The holiday season is steeped in tradition.

No matter how you celebrate, there’s one scientific tradition that’s been around for over 120 years to help mark the holidays.

For me, the holidays would not be complete without participating in at least one Christmas Bird Count.

Continue reading Christmas Bird Count — keep the community science tradition going!

Woodpeckers 101

Today’s post comes from Barb Rees, our Discovery Program and Marketing Specialist in the Northwest Zone of Ontario Parks.

Winter is a great time to watch for woodpeckers. Why? Simply because there are less leaves on trees making most birds more visible.

Typically, there are also more birdfeeders placed out in the winter than the summer (since the bears are hibernating). So attracting birds closer to your home makes bird-watching possible right from the warmth of your living room window.

Continue reading Woodpeckers 101

Tracking the mysteries of migration

Today’s post comes from Bronte Creek Provincial Park Discovery Ranger Hannah Stockford and Darlington Provincial Park Piping Plover Student Jax Nasimok.

Once upon a time, bird migration was a great mystery!

Early ideas about migration by philosophers and scientists from hundreds of years ago were quite unusual. They varied from thinking birds hibernated in the mud at the bottom of lakes to flying to the moon!

Now we know most birds that migrate do so to find food, or travel to seasonal habitat or reproductive grounds.

While our understanding of migration is limited, with new technologies like Motus, humans are on the right track expand our knowledge in order to better understand and conserve migratory wildlife.

Continue reading Tracking the mysteries of migration