This is just one possibility of sightings and experiences that you could encounter when you attend a Passport to Nature event at one of the 45 properties that The Couchiching Conservancy helps to protect.
The Carden Challenge: Working Together for Nature
It’s around 5:30 pm on Friday and the teams are starting to gather at the cabin. Tents are being pitched, cars parked and tally sheets distributed. It’s nearly time for the Carden Challenge to start.
Feature Bird: Eastern Towhees
After a minute or so listening and watching, the noise stopped and from out of the undergrowth, a male Eastern Towhee flew up to the rail fence, tipped his head up and began to sing his heart out….”drink your tea…drink your tea!”
It’s Event Season! Join the Passport, Challenge & Walk
Birding, Walking, Biodiversity and Wilderness. Take part in some of the great upcoming events to connect with nature in our neighbourhood!
Birding on the alvar: Wilson’s Snipe
One of the more interesting birds in our region is the Wilson’s Snipe. Classified as a Shorebird, this species inhabits flooded grasslands, bogs and marshes. They are frequently seen, as this one in the accompanying picture, standing on a fence post scanning the surrounding area and uttering a very loud and weird “tuck-a-tuck-a-tuck-a-tuck” call!
Property Stewardship: The Long Walk In
Follow along with Volunteer Property Team Leader, Tom Wilson, as he recalls the ‘long walk in’ at Wolf Run Alvar.
Barn swallows: Gone in 24 hours
Executive Director, Mark Bisset, recalls his experiences with barn swallows through the years.
Carden Challenge Raises Over $23,000
Nearly 50 local birdwatchers topped off the busy month of May by participating in the 12th annual Carden Challenge, an event that combines skills, tenacity, and friendly competition for a good cause. The combined efforts of eleven participating teams raised over $23,000 in pledges and donations for the Carden Alvar programs of the Couchiching Conservancy.
Songs by the thousand – the Brown Thrasher
Brown thrashers got their name from the thrashing sound they make as they forage for food in dried leaves and other vegetation on the ground. Where the “brown” came from is beyond me, because, in fact, they possess beautiful rufous- or rusty-coloured feathers on their back, wings and long tail.
An Update on the Carden Alvar Nature Festival
An update on the Carden Alvar Nature Festival