The Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) invite you to learn about the Soils of Grey and Bruce, with David Morris. Why do we have so many different types of soil? How were they formed? What makes one soil different from another?
How do those factors affect the way they are managed? What makes for a “healthy” soil?
For larger view, click on image
David Morris’ long career included his work with OMAFRA where he also shared his expertise in nutrient management and soil fertility.
In addition he was knowledgeable about field crop and corn production practices, and was a prolific author of many reports and factsheets plus articles in the Ontario Corn Producer Magazine.
In his own words ” As a Soils and Crops Specialist, my primary function was to advise farmers on matters related to crop production and soil management practices.”
Morris has also been a key member of OSFN’s publication committee and has led many helpful botany themed hikes too.
This event is scheduled for 7pm Thursday February 12th at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, with the doors open by 6:30.
Everyone is welcome, with Admission by Donation and free for OSFN members. To learn more please visit https://owensoundfieldnaturalists.ca/
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Norah Toth reports: The Owen Sound Group of the Bruce Birding Club did a half day tour of bird feeders and Harrison Park on Wednesday, February 4. It was a cold start to the day but the eight of us had a great morning.
A Bald Eagle perched in a tree near the Bayshore Community Centre was our first sighting for the morning. This adult eagle looked like a sentinel guarding the mouth of the Sydenham River.
Evening Grossbeak – for larger view, click on image
Our first feeder stop was near the Bognor Marsh where over 60 Evening Grosbeaks looked like yellow decorations in the crowns of the trees covered with hoar frost. What a sight! This feeder was busy. Hairy, Downy and Red-bellied woodpeckers, American Goldfinch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee were in abundance and at times they were joined by a lone Dark-eyed Junco.
Our next stop closer to town added a Cooper’s Hawk, Mourning Doves and just after we left, a Red-tailed Hawk. This feeder may currently be a birds of prey lunch spot.
Hooded Merganser/Common Goldeneye Hybrid at Harrison Park with a seafood snack (Crayfish)
Then to Harrison Park for some ducks. We were not disappointed. With the Sound frozen over, several hundred Mallards had found what little open water they could. They were joined by Canada Geese and Black Ducks; and by three hybrid ducks. The Goldeneye X Hooded Merganser was very distinctive with a completely dark head shaped like a “hoodie” and the very distinctive colouration of a Goldeneye, minus the white cheek patch. Its golden eye sparkled in the sunlight. This duck has been sighted around Owen Sound in the winter for at least two years. It was great to have a photographer along as the other two hybrids may need a bit more assistance to tie down exactly which species their parents had been.
Carolina Wren – Carolina Wren in Weeping Mulberry tree, Owen Sound east hill neighbourhood
Our final stop was in town where, among a flurry of other species, sat a Carolina Wren.
Typically a fairly secretive species found further south, it appeared quite content with the feeder offerings it has been receiving this winter.
Thank you to the people who allowed us to visit their feeders, it was greatly appreciated. Our morning ended with 22 species and 3 hybrids which for a frosty morning in February was quite satisfying.
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I had some good bird sightings myself recently while skiing in the Owen Sound area. These included a Great Horned Owl, in a wooded area which just might also be a nesting area at this time of year.
The next day I was skiing on the woodland trails at Hibou and encountered a Pileated Woodpecker and also a Hairy Woodpecker, both of which are always a treat to see.
Photos by John Dickson
Great Horned Owl
At Hibou January 22 Pileated Woodpecker looking for Emerald Ash Borer larvae
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This coming weekend is also the opportunity to participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count More details are available at this link – https://www.birdcount.org/
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Another Agriculture highlight this month is the retirement from Markdale’s Grey Ag Services of Lorie Smith, a former recipient of the Tommy Cooper Award, and for me, the person to call to learn who might be a good fit for a talk or a field trip with a combined Nature and Agriculture theme for OSFN. Lorie Smith was always helpful, supportive and pleasant to interact with too. Congratulations Lorie!
More accolades here for Lorie come from a former co-worker who told me – “Lorie has been a great person to work with during the past 20 years. She has done an excellent job at GreyAg. I am so happy to witness the progress that Lorie and the team has achieved and truly proud of the job that Lorie has done at mentoring the current staff that will lead the team and continue the great reputation the Ag Centre has always been recognized for serving the Agricultural Community not only in Grey County but far beyond our boundaries.
Respectfully submitted!!”… Ray Robertson”
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Thank You to Marsha Courtney for sharing this Young Naturalists report, and her photos too.
The Young Naturalist group had a fun outing, snowshoeing the trails at our the Eriksens’ property. . Amanda made the bannock and hot chocolate and we enjoyed a nice fire. We also had some cookies and marshmallows available and tracking ‘ hand-outs.’ We only saw bunny tracks and their dogs’ tracks. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did.
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Walter Muma
Photo supplied
Many in the Naturalist community were saddened recently to learn that renowned botanist Walter Muma had passed away unexpectedly on January 8th, after a brief illness, at the age of 69.
OSFN’s Willy Waterton and Audrey Armstrong shared this tribute to Walter:
“So shocking to hear of Walter’s passing. Very sad. He didn’t suffer fools lightly, but once he knew you were trust-worthy with not sharing locations of rare plants, he went overboard to help us.” … Willy
Walter Muma in the Greenock Swamp by Willy Waterton
“Without Walter, the three publications of the OSFN Publications Committee, Orchids Bruce & Grey, Ferns Bruce & Grey and Asters, Goldenrods, Fleabanes Bruce & Grey would not be complete. He helped us so much in the field, finding the rare species for Willy to photograph.” … Audrey Armstrong
OSFN’s Brian Maher: “So sorry to hear Walter is gone. He was one of the most knowledgeable botanists I’ve ever met. RIP”
I too will miss Walter, and share here, in his own words, his delight after one of his recent summertime birthdays –
“Well I had a very nice day out and about on my birthday. I spent the day hiking and botanizing at an undisclosed location. Came upon an orchid I haven’t seen for many years – Dwarf Rattlesnake Plantain. Of course, it is easily overlooked due to its diminutive size. Also the Cardinal Flowers were out in their fullest glory.”
