The songbirds are returning and bringing spring with them!
Catch a bird-banding demonstration, take in a nature photography workshop, or sign on for a bird-themed hike with our park naturalists.
If you love songbirds, you won’t want to miss the Ontario Parks spring birding festivals:
Today’s post comes from Eva Paleczny, learning and education specialist with Ontario Parks.
On my morning drive to work one day, I noticed a bunch of Mourning Doves sitting in a row along an electrical line. As I continued driving, I wondered why birds gather in groups like that. Are they being social? Is it advantageous to their survival?
Birds are among the most commonly seen wildlife in our parks and cities, yet probably among the most difficult to observe and identify, due to their intricate colour patterns, quick movements, and ability to stay hidden from view. Not to mention the HUGE variety of bird species out there!
Despite this, I’ve seen many young children express awe and excitement when they see a bird fly by or land on a nearby window sill. These are new sightings for them and they are curious…but eventually, they become ordinary sightings.
How can you tap into discovering birds with your children at home? How can you spark a lifelong curiosity in birds and other creatures?
Here are some fun ideas you can try out from your own backyard:
Spring has sprung at Ontario Parks!
The sun is out, the birds are chirping, and the days of snow and sleet are (hopefully!) behind us. As the snow melts, enjoy the sensory delights of spring in our provincial parks as we see and hear signs of warm weather to come.
You know it’s spring in Ontario Parks when…
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.
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.
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
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:
“The early bird gets the worm” usually makes us think of robins.
But the real early bird isn’t Robin Red-Breast. It’s the Canada Jay, also known as the whiskeyjack or Gray Jay.
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
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.
