Volume 25, Number 4 December 2009

The Egret the Newsletter of the Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club

25th Anniversary Annual Dinner......1

ECFNC Contacts .............................2

Festival of Hawks ............................9

Malden Park Excursion..................11

Ojibway Park-Sept.........................12

Teresa’s ECFNC Moments............14

Black Oak Heritage Park ...............15

Cherise’s Birding Report ...............17

Ojibway Park- Nov. .......................18

Little River Hike ............................19

OPPNR. .........................................21

Tallgrass Prairie Heritage Park......22

Activities & Excursions.................24

Membership Form .........................26

Reminder! New Meeting Location!

Our monthly members’ meeting are held at Windsor Airport’s new community room at the west end of the airport terminal building. From Division Road (County Road 42) turn north on Duncan McColl Road (1st street west of airport terminal entrance) then turn right (east) on Hayes Road (1st right) and drive to the end. Park on south side of long white garage. Community room is adjacent and east of this parking area.

25th Anniversary Annual Dinner By Betty Learmouth

Inside this issue …

Photos by Paul Pratt On the evening of November 7, 2009, one hundred and six persons gathered in the Fogolar Furlan’s Udine Room to celebrate the Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club’s 25th anniversary. Outdoors the weather was mild with twinkling stars in a clear sky. Doors opened at 6:00 p.m. for the silent auction which featured quilted table decorations, home made jams and jellies, young trees, books, prints and much more. Master of Ceremonies Tom Hurst welcomed everyone as the meal service began at 7:00 p.m. The delicious buffet meal included cannelloni, chicken in mushroom gravy, pork tenderloin, green beans almondine, baked sweet potato, salad, veggies and rolls. Desserts, including a variety of sweets and fruit, were provided by ECFNC members. At 8:30 p.m., MC Tom Hurst announced the bidding on the silent auction items was closed. Following the completion of dinner, Jim McAllister, Tom Hurst, and Dave Kraus were recognized as past ECFNC presidents. Deb Gorman Smith and Peter Bondy are also past presidents but were not in attendance. Phil Roberts is the ECFNC’s current president. … continued on page 3

Tom Hurst, Phil Roberts, Jim McAllister, Dave Kraus

The Egret Dec 2009

The Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club was incorporated in March 1985. We are a registered charitable organization which promotes the appreciation and conservation of our natural heritage. ECFNC provides the community opportunities to become acquainted with and understand our natural world through identification, maintenance and preservation of the natural areas within Essex County and surrounding regions. ECFNC is affiliated with Ontario Nature/Federation of Ontario Naturalists. The Egret is published quarterly. To receive information on the Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club or to submit articles, letters, reports, etc., please write to:

Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club

Devonshire Mall P.O. P. O. Box 23011

Windsor, Ontario N8X 5B5

About the Club … ECFNC Contacts

President: Phil Roberts (519-776-8315) Vice-President: Joe Parent (519-322-0004) Secretary: Linda Menard-Watt (519-734-1879) Treasurer: Teresa Austrin (519-322-0004) Directors: Karen Cedar (519-966-5852), Denise Hartley (519-735-1926), Tom Hurst (519-839-4635), Dave Kraus (519-825-7491), Mike Malone (519-326-5193), Ron Muir (519-736-6507), Ian Naisbitt (519-735-2087), Gerry Waldron (519-736-1276) Chairpersons/Liaisons:

Membership Secretary: Denise Hartley Ontario Nature Liaison: JoAnn Grondin ERCA Liaison: Phil Roberts/Tom Hurst Carolina Woods Liaison: Ruth Junge Point Pelee Liaison: Phil Roberts/Mike Malone Bluebird Committee Chairman: Don Bissonnette NHRP Seed Collection: Bruno Sfalcin Special Events Coordinator: Karen Cedar Essex County Stewardship Network Liaison: Linda Menard-Watt Ojibway Liaison: Karen Cedar Citizens Environment Alliance Liaison: Phil Roberts Windsor Planning Advisory Comm. Liaison: Phil Roberts Canada South Land Trust Liaison: Tom Hurst Information

ECFNC website

www.ojibway.ca/ecfn.htmEgret email

kcedar@city.windsor.on.caECFNC fax # 519-839-4795

Ojibway Nature Centre

519-966-5852 Point Pelee National Park

519-322-5700 Essex Region Conservation Auth.

519-776-5209

Detroit River Canadian Cleanup Liaison: Phil Roberts/Ian Naisbitt Committees:

Egret Editorial: Betty Learmouth, Karen Cedar Speaker: ECFNC directors Field Trip: JoAnn Grondin, Margaret Jennings Heritage: JoAnn Grondin (coordinator), Margaret Jennings, Dave Kraus, Betty Learmouth, Muriel Kassimatis, Jim McAllister, Bruno Sfalcin, Gerry Waldron, Peg Wilkinson, Shirley Grondin, Cathy Lapain Annual Dinner: Heritage & Special Events Committees Little River Enhancement Group: Ian Naisbitt, Tom Henderson

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The Egret Dec 2009

25th Anniversary Annual Dinner (continued from page 1) Prior to the presentation of the annual Outstanding Achievement Award, Phil told the audience that the plaque had been created by Lee Rabideau, Barbara Peacock’s husband, from a hickory that had grown in Phil’s woodland. The Outstanding Achievement Award was first presented at the annual dinner of 2000 to John Moore and Peg Wilkinson. ECFNC President Phil Roberts then presented the Outstanding Achievement Award for 2009 to long time ECFNC member Margaret Jennings who has tirelessly contributed to ECFNC activities as a volunteer at many activities and events.

Phil Roberts, Margaret Jennings

Former ECFNC President Jim McAllister introduced guest speaker Paul Pratt who had entitled his talk “A Twinkle in Time: 400 Years of Astronomy”. Paul told the audience that this year has been declared the International Year of Astronomy. This is indeed a special anniversary as it is the 400th year from the date when Galileo looked and described what he saw with his telescope in 1609. This instrument had a three power to twenty times magnification. Paul showed an image of this famous telescope. Paul thought that Galileo would have been over whelmed and totally shocked by his sightings. For instance, instead of the moon’s featureless glow, Galileo would have seen mountains and craters. Galileo pointed his telescope at Jupiter and made a discovery. Galileo could see four big moons orbiting around Jupiter, which are known still as the Galileo Moons. Looking at the Milky Way must have knocked Galileo over as a quote by Galileo indicated the number of stars in the Milky Way was “unfathomable”. Galileo determined that Venus must orbit around the Sun, which was an amazing revelation. A British astronomer had made similar discoveries to those of Galileo, but this person did not publish his findings as Galileo did, thus this first person remains virtually unknown in the history of astronomy. With the passage of time, other names were linked to telescopes such as Hubbell. Better and better telescopes were developed with more and more discoveries made such as the planets in our solar system. Today huge telescopes are in use such as the Keck Observatory in Hawaii. New larger telescopes are in the planning stages for Chile. The images from today’s telescopes are truly amazing with great detail. The very popular Hubbell home page provides some of these images. An observatory exists here in Essex County just outside Comber. The dome for the telescope was donated by St. Clair College. The telescope is a 14 inch Celestron telescope. Red light is used within the “telescope room” as regular lighting destroys night vision. Adjacent to the “telescope room” is the “warm room” where chilly viewers from the “telescope room” may warm up with a hot chocolate. Viewing may also be conducted from the outside deck.

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The Egret Dec 2009 Paul has undertaken photography of the night time sky. This is a challenge for an amateur astronomer as the objects are so distant and the images from large telescopes are so detailed. Paul showed the audience a photograph of the Ring Nebula as seen by the Hubbell telescope and his own telescope and digital camera. Paul stated there is too much light pollution in Windsor so most persons do not know the stars, although Jupiter may be viewed within the City. In contrast, at the Comber Observatory, the Milky Way may be seen. An award winning dark sky site exists on Manitoulin Island. Paul showed us Milky Way photographs taken at this site this past summer. The City of Windsor is

gradually changing its lighting with less spill out of light from lighting along our city streets.

Hallam Observatory in Cottam (left) Paul Pratt (right)

Charles Messier, a comet hunter from the 18th century, prepared a catalogue of fuzzy images. The Dumbbell Nebula, Messier Object 27 (M27) is the remnant of a star that has died. Dense clusters of stars that orbit our galaxy are known as globular clusters with thousands to millions of stars in each cluster. Paul showed us an image of M12. Paul showed us several views of distant galaxies. Within the Andromeda Galaxy, our closet neighbourhood galaxy, there are several hundred million stars, the light of which takes two and one half million lightyears to reach us here on Earth. The scale of our universe is amazing. There is a lot of empty space out there. Paul suggested that we should get to know the constellations. One easy object to observe is Orion and Orion’s Belt. We can look for meteors and we can watch how stars move across the sky. Time exposures exaggerate this movement. The night sky rotates around the North Star so the Big Dipper, which is close to Polaris, is always in view in contrast to Orion which is best viewed during winter months. Even in town there is a lot to see in the night sky, such as the brighter planets and Moon. Lunar eclipses may occur twice per year. The planet Uranus can be identified with up to five moons using a backyard telescope. Saturn with its rings on edge that are only 20 metres thick may be viewed although they are not visible right now. The bands of

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The Egret Dec 2009 Jupiter can be picked out. Look for the Great Red Spot and the four Galilean moons. Paul told us bright Jupiter was high in the sky and due south tonight. Mars would be rising at midnight. On November 9 the last quarter of the moon would occur. Dave Kraus thanked Paul for his fine presentation with a gift of wine and a Kestrel box to be installed at Malden Park. The evening concluded with a draw for door prizes. Thank you to MC Tom Hurst and event organizer JoAnn Grondin for looking after the draw. Thank you to everyone who donated towards the silent auction. Thank you to all who bid on the silent auction. Thank you to all who provided sweets and fruit for the dessert table. Thank you to the dinner’s organizers who looked after the details for the evening. Thank you to the volunteers who set up the silent auction and looked after the reception desk before and after dinner.

ECFNC 25th Annual Dinner, Saturday, November 7, 2009 By JoAnn Grondin, Heritage Committee Coordinator

I would like to take this opportunity to thank several people for their help with our 25th Annual Dinner. Set up – Betty Learmouth, Larry Onysko, Shirley Grondin, Pauline Renaud, Deb Waugh and Karen Cedar. Desserts – Margaret Jennings, Betty Learmouth, Shirley Grondin, Bonnie Ross, Lind Menard-Watt, Teresa Austrin, and Nuong and Ralph Benoit. Reception – Margaret Jennings, Donna Cowie and Helene Parks. Cashiers – Shirley Grondin, Cathy Lapain and Bonnie Ross. Betty Learmouth for contacting her Publisher friends for auction items. Deb Waugh for organizing the desserts. MC Tom Hurst. Guest speaker – Paul Pratt. Jim McAllister and Dave Kraus for introducing/thanking our guest speaker. All the people who donated auction items or door prizes. All those who attended. Karen Cedar for her great coordinating with the Fogolar Furlan. Thank you so very much. It is great to see so many people pull together for such a great Club! I apologize if I have missed anyone.

ECFNC Silent Auction, November 7, 2009 By Betty Learmouth

Miscellaneous Donations from ECFNC Members

Accessory Pouch. Donated by Pelee Wings/ Mike Malone & Joan Walker. Basket of 12 Jars of Jam. Donated by Betty Moore. Basket of Jams. Donated by Cathy Lapain.

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The Egret Dec 2009 Baskets of 4 Jars of Jams. Donated by Shirley Grondin. Basswood , Chokecherry and Red Beebalm. Donated by Don Bissonnette. Bird Feeder. Donated by Peg Wilkinson Bird Songs 2010 Calendar. Donated by Christine Gross. Bird Sounds of Canada, Volume 1 to 3 (four cassettes). Donated by Pelee Wings/ Mike Malone & Joan Walker Bird Watchers Journal. Donated by Pelee Wings/ Mike Malone & Joan Walker. Cardinal Box/Cardinal Candle Holder. Donated by Deb Waugh/ Bistro in a Box. Chickadee Basket. Donated by Deb Waugh/Bistro in a Box. Coasters. Donated by Shirley Grondin. Decorative Candle Holder. Donated by Christine Gross. Decorative Dish. Donated by Christine Gross. Decorative Heart Shaped Wooden Box. Donated by Christine Gross. Deluxe Playing cards With Belted Kingfisher and Raptor. Donated by Les Dickerson. Desktop Sculpture. Donated by Christine Gross. Earthscape Candle, Wind Chimes & Candle Holder, Wind Chimes (Brass and Glass), Elephant Seashell Stature, Hand Painted Bowl from Sweden. Donated by Linda Menard-Watt. Elephant mask. Donated by Christine Gross. Framed Desiderata. Donated by Christine Gross. Framed Print. Donated by Christine Gross. Hand Knitted Afghan. Donated by Shirley Grondin. Hand Painted Ornament. Donated by Anita Colley. Hand Quilted Framed Pictures (2). Donated by Bob and Mary Hall-Brooks. Here Kitty Kitty. Donated by Quilting Confections/Sue Aylesworth. Map Measure, Ocarina Flute, Glass Flower, Map Dry, Stained Glass Flower. Donated by Linda Menard Watt. Mini Garden Tool Kit. Donate by Judy Recker. Nature Prints (5) in Pewter Frames. Donated by Linda Menard-Watt. Necklace and Matching Ear Rings. Donated by Christine Gross. Notebooks (3). Donated by Christine Gross. Pelee Music, 2 disk set. Donated by Pelee Wings/ Mike Malone & Joan Walker. Quilted Place Mats. Donated by Shirley Grondin. Quilted Table Topper. Donated by Quilting Confections/Sue Aylesworth. Rosemary Tree. Donated by Don Bissonnette. Salt Crystal Lamp. Donated by Christina Gross. Solitaire with Semi-Precious Stones. Donated by Christine Gross. Twenty-five Dollar Chapters Gift Card & Bottle of Wine. Donated by Cathy Lapain. Wiser’s Small Batch Canadian Whiskey, Hat, T-shirt and Glasses. Donated by Hiram Walkers & Sons Ltd., and Bob & Mary Hall-Brooks. Water Goblets. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. Window Box, Hummingbird & Other Birds. Donated by Deb Waugh/ Bistro in a Box Wooden Mask from Indonesia. Donated by Christine Gross. Wildlife Habitat Conservation Prints. Donated by Linda Menard-Watt. Writing Notes. Donated by Nancy Pancheshan.

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The Egret Dec 2009 Book Donations from ECFNC Members

America’s Outdoor Wonders: State Parks and Sanctuaries/ National Geographic Society. Donated by Christine Gross. Astronomy Dictionary. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. Backyard Astronomer’s Guide. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. The Birder’s Companion. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. The Birder’s Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds: the Essential Companion to Your Identification Guide. Donated by Rob Dunlop. The Canadian Gardener’s Year: a Perpetual Diary for Northern Gardeners. Donated by Rob Dunlop. Canadian Wilderness – Tom Thomson. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. Care of the Wild and Furred/ Donated by Pelee Wings/ Mike Malone & Joan Walker. Collins English Dictionary in Colour. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. The Dalai Lamas of Tibet. Donated by Christine Gross. Earth From Space. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. The Fine Art of Cabinet Making. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. Gemstones of the World. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. Egypt: Gods, Myths and Religion. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. Encyclopedia of Astronomy. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. Firefly’s World of Facts. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. 500 Cacti; Species and Varieties in Cultivation. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. The Flower Garden Planner. Donated by Rob Dunlop. Garden of Microbial Delights: a Practical Guide to the Subvisible World. Donated by Rob Dunlop. Herbs for Cooking. Donated byLinda Menard-Watt. Himalayan Mysteries. Donated by Christine Gross, How to Pray Without Being Religious: Finding Your Own Spiritual Path. Donated by Rob Dunlop. The Native Seed Identification and Cultivation Guide. Donated by Vicki Trivett New Light-hearted Cookbook. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. The New York Times Book of Vegetable Gardening. Donated by Rob Dunlop. Night Sky Atlas. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. Peterson’s Birds. Donated by Linda Menard-Watt, Peterson’s Field Guide to the Birds of North America. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. Practical Guide to Gardening in Canada. Donated by Mildred Ross. Sharks. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. Spirit of Siberia: Traditional Native Life, Clothing, and Footwear. Donated by Christine Gross, Square Foot Gardening. Donated by Rob Dunlop. There’s No Such Place as Far Away. Donated by Christine Gross, 300 Astronomical Objects. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. Volcanoes. Donated by JoAnn Grondin. Where the Birds Are: The 100 Best Birdwatching Spots in North America. Donated by Rob Dunlop. A World of Butterflies. Donated by JoAnn Grondin.

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The Egret Dec 2009 Books Donated by Publishers

Bondrup-Neilsen, Soren. A Sound Like Water Dripping; In Search of the Boreal Owl. Kentville, NS: Gaspereau Press, 2009. Czajkowski, Chris. A Mountain Year: Nature Diary of a Wilderness Dweller. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing, 2009. De Roy, Tui. Albatross: Their World, Their Ways. Richmond Hill, ON: Firefly Books, 2008. Dolson, Sylvia. Bear-ology: Fascinating Bear Facts, Tales and Trivia. Masonville, CO: PixyJack Press, 2009. Fleeson, Lucinda. Waking Up In Eden: In Pursuit of an Impassioned Life on an Imperiled Island. Chapel Hill: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2009. Heinrich, Bernd. Summer World: A Season of Bounty. New York: HarperCollins, 2009. Hughes, Janice M. The Migration of Birds: Seasons on the Wing. Richmond Hill, ON: Firefly Books, 2009. Humes, Edward. Eco barons: the Dreamers, Schemers, and Millionaires Who Are Saving Our Planet. New York: HarperCollins, 2009. Jacobs, Chip and William J. Kelly. Smogtown: the Lung-burning History of Pollution in Los Angeles. New York, Overlook Press, 2008. McAllister, Ian. The Last Wild Wolves; Ghosts of the Great Bear Rainforest. Vancouver: Greystone Books, 2007. Mitchell, Alanna. Sea Sick: the Global Ocean in Crisis. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 2009. Osborne, Graham. Vancouver Wild: A Photographer’s Journey Through the Southern Coast Mountains. Vancouver: Greystone Books, 2006. Pope, Richard. The Reluctant Twitcher: A Quite Truthful Account of My Big Birding Year. Toronto: The Dundurn Group, 2009. Reaume, Tom. 620 Wild Plants of North America. Regina, SK: Canadian Plains Research Centre, University of Regina, 2009. Sandford, Robert William. Restoring the Flow: Confronting the World’s Water Woes. Surrey, BC: Rocky Mountain Books, 2009. Stryzik, Ed. The Big Thaw: Travels in the Melting North. Mississauga, ON: John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd., 2009. Wetherell, W. D. Yellowstone Autumn: A Season of Discovery in a Wondrous Land. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press, 2009. Williams, David B. Stories in Stone: Travels Through Urban Geology. New York: Walker & Company, 2009. Woolfson, Esther. Corvus: a Life with Birds. Berkeley, CA: Counterpoint, 2009. Miscellaneous Donations

Complimentary One-Day Individual Pass, Royal Ontario Museum. Donated by ROM. Owls Calendar 2010. Richmond Hill, ON: Firefly Books. (10 copies) Donated by Firefly Books. Polar Bears Calendar 2010. Richmond Hill, ON: Firefly Books. (10 copies) Donated by Firefly Books. Wolves Calendar 2010. Richmond Hill, ON: Firefly Books. (10 copies) Donated by Firefly Books. Wilderness Paddling Calendar 2010. Richmond Hill, ON: Firefly Books. (10 copies) Donated by Firefly Books.

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The Egret Dec 2009

Festival of Hawks, 2009 By Betty Learmouth

Photos by Betty Learmouth Festival of Hawks, September 19, 2009 Volunteers at the Festival of Hawks were on hand early Saturday, September 19, 2009 to set up the activity site in anticipation of a busy day. ERCA staff member Bev Wannick greeted volunteers Shirley Grondin, Claire and Jim McAllister, Sarah McAllister and Dave Puglia who soon had tables and tents set up. Coffee was brewing for early morning visitors who were looking for a homemade muffin to start their day. Holiday Beach Migration Observatory President Bob Pettit gave his popular hawk identification talk at 9:00 a.m. in the Education Building to a full classroom. The children’s activity centre included a scavenger hunt. Pelee Wings Nature Store brought their display of binoculars, books, clothing and prints to the big white Festival tent with Mike Malone in charge. Nearby Sarah Rupert represented Point Pelee National Park at the Park’s large panel display. Wildlife photographer Gerry Peltier had a display of his matted photographs. The Canadian Peregrine Falcon Foundation, Windsor Chapter, displayed recent photographs of the Ambassador Bridge Peregrine Falcons and their young. Gwen and Dennis Patrick were on hand, representing the Canadian Peregrine Falcon Foundation.

Passerine bander Bob Hall-Brooks gave a series of passerine talks throughout the day. At 9:45 a.m. Bob displayed and released a Redstart. About 11:00 a.m. Bob brought several birds for display and release including a Magnolia Warbler, a Swainson’s Thrush, and a flycatcher species. About fifty persons gathered around, with several adopting songbirds and receiving a certificate. At noon Bob showed a Nashville Warbler to an attentive group. Cathy Evans provided a hawk talk with a Sharp-shinned Hawk as the subject of the talk, while Martha Vardai looked after the adopt-a -hawk programme. ECFNC members were busy with Marg Calder and JoAnn Grondin looking after coffee and muffin sales. Jim McAllister looked after the grilling of hotdogs, sausages and veggie burgers.

Claire McAllister, Marg Calder, JoAnn Grondin, Shirley Grondin (front to back) volunteering at Kestrel Cafe

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The Egret Dec 2009 On the hawk tower, Justin Bosler was the official hawk counter. At 1:00 p.m. about twenty hawk watchers were at the tower. Hawk migration was slow with winds from the southeast. Small flocks of Blue Jays were passing the tower at tree top level. Several immature Bald Eagles were seen high above the site against a blue sky. Hawk watcher Jim McCoy commented that on Friday, September 18, 2009, he was checking the weather on Cogeco where he noted a change in winds from the north. Jim said he headed to Holiday Beach for the change in the winds which brought 2,300 Broad-winged Hawks past the tower. Shirley Grondin reported that on Friday evening, September 18, 2009, she observed a flock of Broad-winged Hawks in La Salle. Back at the Festival site, Bev Wannick presented a Monarch talk. A Viceroy was released after being captured during a search for Monarchs which were scarce this fall. Two Monarchs were tagged with assistance from younger members of the audience, then released. Official counter at the hawk tower for the day was Dan Lum with assistance from Justin Bosier, Richard Guillet, Bob Hall-Brooks, Olga Kickner, and Jim McCoy. The weather summary was clear to partly cloudy skies with winds from the Northeast. Observation notes indicated a slow day after an initial liftoff of nearby roosting Broad-winged Hawks. Species seen during the day were: Turkey Vulture: 69; Osprey: 2; Bald Eagle: 4; Northern Harrier: 14; Sharp-shinned Hawk: 92; Cooper’s Hawk: 12; Red-shouldered Hawk:1; Broad-winged Hawk: 439; Red-tailed Hawk: 10; American Kestrel: 22; Merlin: 1; Peregrine Falcon: 1; Unknown buteo: 3; Total individuals: 670. Festival of Hawks, September 20, 2009 Volunteers were again on the Festival site early to set up tents, tables and displays. ECFNC volunteers included Jim and Claire McAllister, and Shirley Grondin. Volunteers looking after food sales included Anne Muir, Rob and Shirley Dunlop, and Cathy LaPain. Jim McAllister and Rob Dunlop shared the duties of grilling the hot dogs, sausages and veggie burgers. Bob Pettit presented his hawk identification talk at 9:00 a.m. All displays from the previous day returned with Joan Walker looking after the Pelee Wings Nature Store display. Passerine talks were given by Bob Hall-Brooks and Bev Wannick. Songbirds discussed were a hatch year male Parula Warbler, an Eastern Pewee and a hatch year male Prothonotary Warbler. Jim McAllister volunteering at Kestrel CafeAt the tower hawk watchers reported a tally of 414 individual raptors for the day. The weather was clear to partly cloudy throughout the day with light northeast winds, switching to easterly winds at noon. Official counters were Cindy

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The Egret Dec 2009 Isenhoff and Justin Bosier. Observers assisting were Bob Pettit, Dan Lumm, Karen Padbury, and Sarah Rupert. Notes for the day were as follows: A real treat greeted the early birders this morning with a 7:00 a.m. Peregrine Falcon taking a Blue Jay, and perching near the shoreline for breakfast. This bird was banded on both legs, R had purple over black, L appeared red. A total of four Peregrines were counted in the first half of the day. Sharp-shinned Hawks and Broad-winged Hawks were the birds of the day. Our afternoon was graced by two fabulous birds in the 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. hour, a sub-adult Golden Eagle, and fifteen minutes later, a Northern Goshawk. The Blue Jay highway was going strong most of the day with 12,170 logged during the count time. American Goldfinch had a strong showing of 465 for the day. We were still seeing Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. A juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker and several Downy Woodpeckers were also seen.

Malden Park Fall Excursion, October 19, 2009 By Betty Learmouth

Photos by Dwayne Murphy Ian Woodfield welcomed eleven ECFNC members and friends to a walk at Malden Park on October 19, 2009. Following a spell of cold weather, everyone was pleased to enjoy a sunny warm afternoon as Ian led us around Malden Park. Ian distributed a summary of Malden Park’s history and its special aspects. Malden Park is located on a 175 acre site as a naturalized park in west Windsor north of E.C. Row Expressway some 2 km from the Detroit River. Ian told the group that he has been visiting Malden Park on a regular basis as he participates yearly in the Detroit River Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Ian commented that the Park keeps becoming better for birding as habitat increases. We left the parking lot off Malden Road, and walked to the right. Above us a Red-tailed Hawk and Turkey Vulture soared. Ian said that this area with its backyard bird feeders is particularly good during the CBC. The woodlot is changing yearly, providing good quality habitat. Here we saw American Robins, White-throated Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco, Ian declaring this junco the first sighting of the fall.

ECFNC on the trail at Malden Park

We followed the trail to an upper level of the Malden Park hill where we saw two Chimney Swifts, American Goldfinch, House Finch and a Tree Swallow. A flock of blackbirds moved through the area which were identified as Red-winged Blackbirds. Blue Jays and a Northern Cardinal were noted.

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The Egret Dec 2009 We moved to the height of Malden where the group enjoyed a wide vista of the Cities of Windsor and Detroit. Walking down from this vantage point, we observed many plants such as non native grasses, Prairie Cord Grass, ragweed, asters, goldenrod species, Common Milkweed and a variety of tree species. Butterflies seen during the walk included Eastern Comma, Orange Sulphur and Cabbage White. Woolly Bear Caterpillars were observed on the trail. The adult moth is known as the Isabella Tiger Moth. A profusion of Goldenrod in seed had attracted a flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers and a pair of Eastern Phoebes.

A highlight of the afternoon was a walk through the 25 acre forest in the southeast corner of the site. Here we saw a variety of tree species including Sassafras and Black Oak. An Eastern Gartersnake was encountered beside the trail. At the pond, bird species seen were Canada Geese, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Mourning Dove, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet and a Red-breasted Nuthatch foraging in a cluster of spruce trees. Song Sparrows could not be located. Thank you to Ian for sharing his knowledge of Malden Park while leading a most enjoyable walk about the Park.

Ojibway Park, September 8, 2009

Yellow-rumped Warbler on goldenrod Yellow-rumped Warbler

By Betty Learmouth Drizzle and light rain did not discourage eleven hikers who joined Ojibway Nature Centre’s staff person Tom Preney for a morning hike at Ojibway Park on September 8, 2009. Tom led the group along Ojibway Creek, then through woodland to the Ojibway Pond. The group hiked through the nearby Black Oak Savannah then along the Savannah trail, returning to the Nature Centre shortly after 11:00 a.m. Following a brief orientation to the various sites within the Ojibway Prairie Complex, Tom led the group along the asphalt trail adjacent to Ojibway Creek. The nearly meadow was a colourful display of Canada Goldenrod’s golden plumes and the white blossoms of Tall Thoroughwort. Near an unmowed area by the old willow, Tom showed the group Biennial Gaura, an

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The Egret Dec 2009 uncommon plant in bloom by the trail. At 10:15 a.m. the plant’s daily blooms were white but would become pink by day’s end. At Ojibway Park’s pond, the group admired the newly installed pond interpretation sign. As the group made its way along the boardwalk, a Green Heron flew to the nearby shoreline, providing a good view for all. Tom told the group that this heron species nests on the island within the Malden Park pond. Leaving the pond area, Tom guided the group along a trail to the Black Oak savannah, stopping on the way to point out a large White Mulberry which produces white fruit rather than the usual dark purple fruit. Mulberry fruit is a favoured food for a number of bird species. An interpretive sign within the Black Oak savannah provides information about the surrounding trees, which are part of an old growth area. Tom pointed to a grove of trees, Little Leaf Linden, which are used by the local deer population to rub their velvet-covered antlers. Tom drew our attention to plant species along the trail, including Giant Ragweed, species of aster, Early Goldenrod, prairie plant species such as Tall Ironweed, Tall Coreopsis and Cordgrass, Virginia Knotweed, and Jewelweed. Fern species included Sensitive, Cinnamon and Marsh Fern. The group paused several times to view foraging birds. Tom identified several migrant warbler species including a male Black-throated Blue and Chestnut-sided. Other woodland species heard or seen included Eastern Peewee, Black-capped Chickadee and Downy Woodpecker. The group stopped under a Northern Catalpa with Tom drawing our attention to its large leaves and elongated seed pods. Several persons mentioned the ability of this tree species to produce new limbs following extensive pruning. Tom noted a small Manitoba Maple or Box Elder on which may be found colourful Box Elder Beetles which may also be seen around our residences in the fall as these insects seek a spot away from winter’s frigid temperatures. Tom pointed out a large tree with a Poison Ivy vine growing on the tree’s trunk. The vine was thick indicating it had been growing at this site for some years. The oversized leaves were impressive. Tom suggested that we should look to the left as we were leaving the Ojibway parking lot to note a particularly large “Poison Ivy tree.” Back at the Ojibway Nature Centre, Tom showed us a Pumpkin Ash near the bird feeding area that is doing well despite the Emerald Ash Borer infestation. A researcher from Michigan has suggested that this particular tree’s smooth bark does not provide a habitat for this insect. Thank you to Tom for an enjoyable and informative walk through the Ojibway woodland.

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The Egret Dec 2009

Some of My Favourite ECFNC Moments By Teresa Austrin

Annual Bat Nights at our house in Wheatley

Big Brown Bat Joe Parent and Barbara Peacock

Saw-whet Owl banding at Holiday Beach C.A.

Saw-whet Owl after releaseSaw-whet Owl in mist net Teresa Austrin & Saw-whet Owl Bald Eagle Nest surveys with Phil

Phil Roberts and Teresa Austrin Peche Island

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The Egret Dec 2009

Black Oak Heritage Park, September 22, 2009 By Betty Learmouth

Photos by Betty Learmouth Eleven hikers joined Ojibway Nature Centre’s staff member Karen Cedar for a one and a quarter hour hike in Black Oak Heritage Park which may be visited through an access at Broadway Park. Karen commented that the baseball diamond at Broadway Park was retired several years ago with extensive mowing discontinued. The result has been an appearance of prairie species such as Switchgrass. Karen predicts that in six or seven years, the area will return to a prairie. The hiking group entered Black Oak Heritage Park, walking along the pathway near the drain. Karen drew everyone’s attention to a damp area with a display of Jewelweed which will provide seeds for next year’s plants. The blooms of Jewelweed are an attraction to Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. At the trail’s next intersection, the hiking group turned left. Karen told the group that this area with its hickories and sassafras has the best fall colours in Black Oak Heritage Park with displays of oranges, yellows and reds. Karen drew our attention to the soil on which we were hiking, a dry sandy ridge which is dominated by Black Oak and oak species such as White Oak that prefer a drier site. Black Oak Savannah as found within Black Oak Heritage Park is one of the most endangered habitats in North America. Karen pointed out Common Ragweed growing along the trail which had flowered and produced pollen, completing its season. Karen told the group that plans for Black Oak Heritage Park include providing wood chips for the main trail. Other trails will be closed. Black Oak Heritage Park Garlic Mustard was noted at several locations. Karen commented that removal of this invasive species annually by volunteers within Ojibway Park has been successful. Karen suggested that the work force needs to be doubled to include removal of Garlic Mustard at Black Oak Heritage Park. Tracks of White-tailed Deer were visible in the trail’s soft sand. Karen stated that many deer are present within Black Oak Heritage Park. One of the hikers spotted a large furry caterpillar on the leaves of Black Locust. Tom Preney identified the larva as that of the Hickory Tussock moth.

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The Egret Dec 2009 The use of the Black Oak Heritage Park by vehicles has been a challenge to the City of Windsor. Karen stated that the City of Windsor has been working for ten years to exclude vehicles from this important natural heritage site. Fences have been erected with a notable increase of plants in once heavily impacted areas. Karen showed us a once barren area that is now a butterfly meadow. The group paused to look at various plant species. Karen showed us a young elm specimen which had not yet been affected by the Dutch Elm Disease which is caused by beetles feeding on the dead wood of older trees, spreading the virus. Virginia Creeper, one of our most common vines, was noted in a number of areas. Karen picked up a Pignut Hickory nut which is considerably smaller than the Big Shellbark Hickory nut. A cottonwood by the trail was festooned with Poison Ivy and wild grape vines. Karen told us that Black Oak Heritage Park was purchased by the City of Windsor in 1987. Black Oak savannah supports different species of plants compared to tallgrass prairie, thus protection of Black Oak savannah is important. The group noted very young Sassafras by the trail with adults nearby. Tom Preney pointed out a “stand” of young Sassafras. Prescribed burns are held at Black Oak Heritage Park. Burns preserve the openness of the savannah, allowing lots of sun to reach the savannah floor. Black Oaks grow to a large size, supporting the growth of tall plants on the site. Fire knocks back the shrubs that would inhibit the growth of desirable plants. The openness of the savannah is in marked contrast to nearby woodland with its many young trees and shrubs in the understory. Uncommon plants such as the Purple Twayblade Orchid call the Black Oak savannah home. This orchid grows beneath sheltering fern species in association with low sedges. The remains of an American Chestnut are visible from the trail with a few suckers to be seen at the base of the dead tree. Karen led the group to a nearby area that is fenced to stop the entry of ATVs. This area has been tilled and farmed many times over the years. Karen pointed to a single Gerardia, a prairie species, growing on the site where cottonwood, the dominant plant, germinates with ease on the bare soil. The intention is to burn and plant prairie species at this site. Fall is a time to learn the identification of asters and goldenrods. As an example, Karen showed the group Arrow-leaved Aster (Symphyotrichum urophyllum), a tall aster with elongated leaves which was growing beside the trail. Leaving the Black Oak Heritage Park, a few hikers sampled the fruit of Black Elderberry.

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The Egret Dec 2009 Push ups of soil in a barren spot of Broadway Park were identified as the work of a wasp which preys upon the Emerald Ash borer. A hole with defined edges, the diameter of a pencil, identifies the entrance to an underground burrow. Thank you to Karen for leading the hiking group and for providing so much information about Black Oak Heritage Park.

Birding Report, June – July 2009 By Cherise Charron

Photo by Jason Telasco In the Hillman area I saw a Red-necked Phalarope on June 4 and 5, 2009. Also we had two Little Gulls which was nice. There were also a couple of White-rumped Sandpipers. I was over at Holiday Beach on June 12 and 14, 2009. I saw six American White Pelicans. They

stayed a couple of days, but they were always targets of the Mute Swans and finally they flew off. I managed to get out to Windsor on July 21, 2009. The Ford Test Track area was overgrown with tall grass which was great for the Savannah Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows and a family of Bobolinks. When I went in late July the male Bobolink was starting to molt. What a nice looking bird! It’s amazing how quickly the grass grew and the birds moved in. American White Pelican Meanwhile over at Little River and

Malden Park, the grass and flowering plants had taken over the parks. Chicory, Queen Anne’s Lace and many other plants were flowering and putting on a beautiful display. At Little River, there were Green Herons, Black-crowned Night-Herons, various sparrow species, and Indigo Buntings. It’s a shame to see the land beside the pond being bulldozed over for houses. I suppose water levels remain high at Hillman so no shorebirds to report. There are Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, Great Egrets, and Wood Ducks at Hillman. There are also raptors out and about such as Osprey, eagles, Sharp-shinned and Broad-winged Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk and Turkey Vultures. Oh yes, I almost forgot to mention that this summer in our backyard we had a first year male Orchard Oriole and female nest and raise two offspring. This was great as we have never had an Orchard Oriole, much less one nesting in our backyard!

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The Egret Dec 2009

Ojibway Park Hike, November 10, 2009 By Betty Learmouth

Photo by Karen Cedar Ojibway Nature Centre staff member Karen Cedar lead a group of twelve hikers/naturalists on a hike about Ojibway Park on November 10, 2009. Just outside the Nature Centre, Karen stopped to inform the group that the lawn on which we were standing would be the location of the new nature centre. The picnic shelter would be torn down with the stone in the shelter salvaged for use in the new building. There is also other stone that has being stockpiled which would be suitable for building construction. The group stopped at a nearby new information board as Karen pointed to the map of the Prairie

Glade Trail and the Wildlife Loop that the group would hike over the next hour. The group’s first sighting was that of a curled up raccoon in a nearby dead tree. The raccoon would change position as the day advanced. Karen told the group that dead trees are important to a variety of wildlife including woodpeckers and cavity nesters such as Tufted Titmouse. The group paused by the Ojibway drain to identify a Downy Woodpecker and a flock of American Robins. Karen told the group that the American Robins

about us were northern robins from “up north,” possibly from Algonquin Park. Our own Essex County robins left the area many weeks ago. The northern robins may stick around with hopes that they are still here for the Christmas Bird Counts. The group passed the entrance to the Pin Oak Trail on our left. To our right, Karen pointed out the site of a fence that existed when additional property was acquired fifteen years ago from the Windsor Raceway. The trail on which we were hiking is scheduled for a new layer of wood chips this winter. Wood chips are usually added to Ojibway trails every five years. New directional signs are to be installed on the trails as well. Karen pointed out a fungus growing on a tree trunk which looked like a shelf fungus but had gills, likely an oyster mushroom. Further along the trail Karen showed the group Turkey Tail with its bands of rich brown and black above and tan below. Karen identified a large Black Gum which is one the rarest trees within Ojibway Park. The leaves of this tree turn bright red in the fall. Along the trail, Karen pointed to the fallen leaves of hickories which are bright orange and yellow in the fall. The group paused at the dry section of the trail where the Wild Lupine bloom in May. Karen commented that this is her favourite spot as several endangered species and wildlife such as

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The Egret Dec 2009 foxes may be seen here. Plans include burning this area which is very dry and open. Karen showed the group plant species which thrive in this environment including Little Bluestem, Colicroot and Wild Lupine. The vegetation here does not grow tall in contrast to plants such as the very tall Big Bluestem which grow in a more moist or mesic conditions on the Provincial Prairie. Sandbur Grass grows at this site producing burs which are a nuisance. One of the hikers pointed out a nest which Karen suggested could be a Chipping Sparrow nest. The sparrow had incorporated black horse hair obtained from the nearby race track into its nest. A Northern Cardinal had built a nest in a multifora rose. An unknown creature, perhaps a White-footed Mouse, had been gorging itself and stashing rose hips, the husks and seeds of which filled the cardinal’s nest. A hanging vireo’s nest was spotted. Orioles are another species which construct hanging nests. Some of the hikers were lucky enough to spot a large buck deer that walked through the dry site. Plans are to girdle invasive trees in the area such as the Russian Olive that are throughout the site. Dumping occurred in this area when the site was owned by the racetrack. Karen said that two piles are concrete are being saved for a suitable project. Our walk took us past the Pin Oak Trail so named as this trail has the largest number of Pin Oaks along this trail within Ojibway Park. Thank you to Karen for an enjoyable walk with its many sightings.

Little River Corridor Park Walk, November 3, 2009 By Betty Learmouth

Photo by Betty Learmouth

Ojibway Nature Centre staff person Tom Preney was joined by nine hikers/naturalists on November 3, 2009 at the Little River Corridor Park in east Windsor. As the group gathered Tom told the group that Little River is known for its Long-eared Owl communal roosts that sometime form during winter months. Northern Saw-whet Owls are another species that have been observed at Little River. The group left the gathering place in the parking lot at the very end of Little River Road, walking along an earthen trail, surrounded by countless goldenrod stalks in seed. The area appeared to be the dumping location for soil that had been allowed to regenerate. Tom identified two American Tree Sparrows feeding on thistle seed. This sparrow species is a northern resident that spends the winter in such southern locales as Essex County. This sparrow species has a rufous cap and a dot on its breast. Dark-eyed Juncos made an appearance with Tom’s comment that “winter’s coming” An American Kestrel was spotted at 10:25 a.m. perched on the upper most branches of a small tree, with the WFCU Centre in the background. The small falcon was a silhouette as the group watched the bird plunge into vegetation at the foot of the tree. After a few moments the falcon

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The Egret Dec 2009 appeared, flying to the west with a small dark object in its talons. Tom was astonished that we were so fortunate to have observed this successful hunt by the American Kestrel. In a tangle of vegetation, three Yellow-rumped Warblers were noted feeding. A male Eastern Bluebird was observed dining on Virginia Creeper berries. Other species seen included American Goldfinch, American Robins, Northern Cardinal, Cedar Waxwings and Downy Woodpecker. As we walked near John’s Pond, we could see how the area has changed since the construction of the sports complex. An extension has been added onto McHugh Street with landscaping that includes an expanse of lawn and a bridge crossing Little River. Tom told us that with the development, local coyotes had moved into the nearby residential area. Many calls were received at the Ojibway Nature Centre from residents regarding the coyotes. Tom spotted a Blue-headed Vireo in a thicket. With a little helpful pishing, American Goldfinch and Yellow-rumped Warblers were attracted for better views. As the group walked up and over several vegetated mounds, Tom commented that the grasshoppers we caused to leap from our path were a common species, the Red-legged Grasshopper. The group was surprised to see these insects in mid fall, although we could feel the sun’s warmth in this sheltered place. Walking back to the car park, we observed American Tree Sparrows feeding. Sumac shrubs were a brilliant red- orange colour in the sunlight. With no leaves on the surrounding trees, we observed several nests, possibly that of American Goldfinch. The bright green leaves of Garlic Mustard were along the trail. At a grove of cottonwoods, Tom stepped off the trail to check on the identification of several pine trees. A garter snake moved slowly through the grasses. Tom picked up the slowly moving snake, which turned out to be a Eastern Gartersnake. Sumac shrubs

The pine tree proved to be a Red Pine with its needles growing in groups of two. White Pine may be identified as its needles grow in groups five. Many thanks to Tom for leading us at Little River.

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List of Possible Sites for a 25th Anniversary ECFNC Grove

We would like to plant a grove of trees to help commemorate our 25th Anniversary. Some place accessible by the public yet reasonably protected would be ideal. Here are some

suggestions, please share your thoughts and opinions with an executive member!

Larry Bauer Park in Amherstburg, Greenway or public park located nearby, Little River near Lauzon Parkway & CR 42, Green Gateway to Windsor at

Howard Ave. & 401 or at Walker Road, Maidstone Conservation Area, Essex landfill buffer area, Lakeshore, Leamington Soccer Field, Ojibway Shores, WFCU Centre between parking lot & Little River, Huron Lodge rest home.

The Egret Dec 2009

Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve, September 15, 2009 By Betty Learmouth

Photo by Karen Cedar Twelve naturalists joined Ojibway Nature Centre interpreter Tom Preney for a hike on the Ojibway Prairie, September 15, 2009. Tom lead the group along Titcombe Road to the Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve’s entrance where a newly placed interpretation sign provides information for prairie visitors, including recognition of the Ojibway Prairie as the largest protected tallgrass prairie within Ontario. Tom commented that the management of the prairie is under the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, whereas Ojibway Park is managed by the City of Windsor. One of the best times of the year to enjoy the prairie is in September when there is a transition from the blooming plants of July and August to the fall blooming plants, including an array of asters and goldenrods. This year a prescribed burn on the prairie was hoped for but instead a fire was accidentally set on April 11, 2009, a windy day, resulting in a fire that jumped Matchette Road into the Windsor Raceway property. The out of control fire also approached Conte Crescent, a residential area within the Town of LaSalle close to the prairie. The last prescribed fire in the nature reserve occurred six years ago. Prescribed fires are important as regular fire limits growth of trees and shrubs on the prairie. Tom lead the group along the left hand trail identifying the following plant species: Tall Ironweed, American Hazelnut, New England Aster, Big Bluestem, Flat-topped Aster, Tall Sunflower and Tall Coreopsis. The group paused by a thicket of sumac where Tom told the group that two species of sumac are found on the Ojibway Prairie, the Smooth Sumac with its smooth stems and Staghorn Sumac with its fuzzy stems. Tom pointed out the tree species Black Locust which had been been cut during 2008 and again in 2009. Black Locust is an aggressive species that shades out other plants. A different strategy needs to be used to control the growth of this species which has “gone crazy” since its cutting. Hikers noted that by 10:25 a.m. the prairie had become hot with a cicada calling from the Black Oak savannah. Within a wet section of the prairie adjacent to the trail, Tom identified Sensitive, Marsh, Cinnamon and Royal Fern. Tom called the group’s attention to a single distant note that was repeated over and over. This is the distress call of the Chipmunk. Other plant species identified along the trail included Closed Gentian, Joe-pye Weed, Common Sneezeweed, Prairie Cord Grass, Dense Blazing Star, Indian Grass, and Grass-leaved Goldenrod with black fungal spots on its leaves. A faded Great Spangled Fritillary flew over the prairie. Tom identified Switchgrass and Round-headed Bush Clover along the trail. The group was pleased to observe several Nodding Ladies’ Tresses Orchids in bloom. Galls on the Prairie

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The Egret Dec 2009 Willow were noted. Other plant species observed were Wild Bergamot, Great Lobelia, Hog Peanut, Showy Tick Trefoil and Rigid Goldenrod. The hike concluded with a walk along Titcombe Road with the sighting of a large Chinese Mantid, likely a pregnant female was observed consuming a Locust Boring Beetle.

Chinese Mantid consuming Locust Boring Beetle

Tallgrass Prairie Walk, September 29, 2009

By Betty Learmouth

Ten hikers joined Paul Pratt on September 29, 2009 for a walk to the Tallgrass Heritage Park. As the group was leaving the Ojibway nature Centre, a Wolf Spider was delivered to the Centre by a City of Windsor resident who had discovered the spider in her home. This specimen was in a jar so everyone had a chance to view this large, black spider. Paul Pratt told us that the Field Botanists of Ontario had held a walk to look at goldenrod and aster species at the Ojibway Prairie Complex on September 26, 2009 with botanist Tony Reznicek as leader. This area is very good for these species as species are found here in the Ojibway Prairie Complex that are nowhere else in Canada. Our first aster species was viewed next to the Ojibway Nature Centre’s wheel chair ramp at the bottom step. Paul Pratt showed us Ontario Aster, a small leafy aster, of which there is quite a bit in the garden. Ontario Aster is widespread in Ontario and is found in woodland settings. Our second aster species was viewed in the demonstration garden to the south of the Nature Centre. Frost Aster is the most widespread weedy aster in Ontario. This species likes dry natural habitat and disturbed sites. The group walked across Matchette Road to the Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Preserve entrance. Here Paul showed the group Willow Aster which has a distinctive blue colour. This species spreads by underground rhizomes so a number of plants will grow closely together. Willow Aster is an endangered species which is only found at Ojibway Prairie Complex in all of Canada. The group proceeded along Titcombe Road, stopping to look at Heath Aster, a common roadside aster species with very congested and tiny leaves. Smooth Aster was seen along Titcombe Road. This species has big fat leaves which wrap around and are attached to the aster’s stem. This species prefers savannah habitat.

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The Egret Dec 2009 Paul crumbled the seed head of Grey-headed Coneflower which was then passed around for everyone to experience the seeds which smell like citrus or orange slices. Stiff-leaved Goldenrod was observed along Titcombe Road. Individual flowers of this species are quite large. Also along Titcombe Road was Sky Blue Aster which has unusual shaped leaves at the plant’s base which are really rough and sandpapery. This aster species has azure blue flowers. Two goldenrod species seen along Titcombe Road were Gray Goldenrod and Riddell’s Goldenrod. Peterson’s A Field Guide to the Wildflowers states Gray Goldenrod is a “small species with a one sided plume. Its stem is densely covered with fine hairs as are the rough gray-green leaves.” This species prefers dry open sandy sites. Riddell’s Goldenrod is on the Special Concern List. This species is described in the Falcon Guide Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers as a “stout, showy goldenrod to 3 feet tall, with smooth, hairless stems and leaves. The leaves are toothless, shiny, somewhat folded lengthwise, and tend to curve away from the stem, with rough edges.” New England Aster is a roadside aster found along Titcombe Road and throughout Essex such as along the Highway 3 by pass where it may be seen with Heath Aster. Another goldenrod to look for on the prairie is the Grass-leaved Goldenrod which has skinny leaves. The leaves of this species are attacked by a fungus that leaves round or oval black spots on the leaves. As the group turned to the left under the hydro line, a rainbow was observed. Paul remarked that the Tallgrass Heritage Park almost became the park that was not a park. During the 1920s the area was subdivided with street names such as Oriole Street. Housing lots were sold all over North America. However the Depression hit the region with no development taking place. In the 1970s the owner volunteered the land to St. Clair College as a place to learn heavy equipment handling but fortunately this did not happen. A sand pit may be found on the site from an excavation 40 years ago. In the spring the pond is full of water. Flat topped Aster is found throughout the prairie. Paul commented that this species should not be called an aster as it is in a different genus. Arrow-leaved Aster looks like Sky-blue Aster but as stated in Newcomb’s “Wildflower Guide,” its leaves at the base are “somewhat heart or arrow-shaped. “ Along the trail within the Tallgrass Heritage Park, Paul pointed out Panicled Aster. This species spreads by underground rhizomes. It has long leafy stems with loose groups of flowers. Another goldenrod species observed was the Great Plains Goldenrod. Paul told the group this species has “super skinny little leaves.” Tall Goldenrod is a species of dry open places as are Rough-leaved Goldenrod and Crinkle-leaved Goldenrod, which prefer woodland habitat. Tall and Canada Goldenrod are similar species but the size of the flowers distinguish these species.

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The Egret Dec 2009 As the group walked back to the Ojibway Nature Centre, Paul found a Monarch chrysalid. Paul told us the larva takes a walk before pupating. Thank you to Paul for raising our awareness for our local asters and goldenrods. ECFNC Activities and Excursions, Dec ’09 – March ’10 For further information concerning the ECFNC excursions, contact JoAnn Grondin (519-734-0056), or Margaret Jennings (519-250-0705). Let us know about your ideas for upcoming excursions. Consider volunteering as an excursion leader.

“Thank you” to those who have volunteered to lead an excursion. We appreciate leaders sharing their time and expertise with others.

December 9 – ECFNC Members Meeting – Members Night! Bring your slides, photos, stories, desserts, ECFNC memorabilia as we wrap up our 25th anniversary celebrations! Meet in Windsor Airport Community Room at 7:30 pm, County Road 42, Windsor. Christmas Bird Counts Monday December 14 - Lakeshore (phone June Hurley 519-979-8126) Saturday December 19 – Cedar Creek (phone Ojibway 519-966-5852) Sunday December 20 – Rondeau (phone Keith Burk 519-676-2570) Monday December 21 – Pt. Pelee (phone Pt. Pelee 519-322-5700) Sunday December 27 – Holiday Beach (phone Betty Learmouth 519-944-0825) Thursday January 1 – Detroit River (phone Ojibway 519-966-5852) December 15 - March 9 – Ojibway Nature Centre – Winter Hiking at Ojibway. Stay active this winter and learn about our local natural areas. Every other Tuesday from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Fee is $27/7 weeks. Call Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852) to register. December 28 – Ojibway Nature Centre – Wee Winter Wildlife. Children aged 3-6 explore Ojibway’s winter wonderland through games, crafts and outdoor fun. Program runs from 10:00 am to noon. Fee is $10. Call Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852) to register. December 29 – Ojibway Nature Centre – Wildlife Detectives. Youth aged 7-11 discover Ojibway’s creatures through hikes and outdoor exploration. Program runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Fee is $30. Call Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852) to register. January 9 – Ojibway Nature Centre – Winter Birding Field Trip. Fee is $15. Call Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852) for location and time. Sunday, January 10 – ECFNC Winter Excursion – Join ECFNC member Tom Hurst for our annual Owl Prowl. Meet at the entrance to Holiday Beach Conservation Area at 2:00pm. We may drive to another location. This excursion is an excellent introduction to the techniques for observing owls, especially Long-eared owls which often nest in the Holiday Beach area.

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The Egret Dec 2009 January 13 – ECFNC Members Meeting – Speaker to be announced. Check our website (www.ojibway.ca/ecfn.htm) for updates. Meet in Windsor Airport Community Room at 7:30 pm, County Road 42, Windsor. January 23 – Ojibway Nature Centre – Winter Birding Field Trip. Fee is $15. Call Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852) for location and time. Sunday January 31 – ECFNC Winter Excursion – Join ECFNC member Betty Learmouth for a walk on the Ojibway prairie to observe winter plants. Meet at 2:00 pm in the Ojibway parking lot. February 10 – ECFNC Members Meeting – Speaker to be announced. Check our website (www.ojibway.ca/ecfn.htm) for updates. Meet in Windsor Airport Community Room at 7:30 pm, County Road 42, Windsor. February 13 – Ojibway Nature Centre – Winter Birding Field Trip. Fee is $15. Call Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852) for location and time. February 14 – Winter Festival at Ojibway Park. Celebrate Family Day weekend and participate in a winter scavenger hunt, crafts and other winter fun at Ojibway Park on Sunday between noon and 4:00 pm. Visit the ECFNC display and say hello! Call Ojibway Nature Centre for details (519-966-5852). Sunday, February 21 – ( tentative) ECFNC Winter Excursion – Join ECFNC member Paul Desjardins for our annual Winter Waterfowl Excursion along the shores of the Detroit River. Meet at the Ojibway parking lot at 1:30 pm. Please call to confirm this event: JoAnn Grondin (519-734-0056) or Margaret Jennings (519-250-0705). February 27 – Ojibway Nature Centre – Winter Birding Field Trip. Fee is $15. Call Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852) for location and time. March 4 – Canada South Land Trust - Annual General Meeting in Room C of the Essex Civic Centre at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker is Phil Roberts. March 10 –ECFNC Annual Members Meeting – Enjoy an evening of updates from the various ECFNC committees and a stimulating quiz with prizes. Meet in Windsor Airport Community Room at 7:30 pm, County Road 42, Windsor. March 13 – Ojibway Nature Centre – Winter Birding Field Trip. Fee is $15. Call Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852) for location and time. March 17 or March 19 – Ojibway Nature Centre – Wildlife Discovery. Youth aged 7-11 discover how plants and animals survive in the wild in this hands-on camp. Program runs Tuesday or Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with early dropoff at 8:00 am and late pickup until 5:00 pm. Fee is $31. Call Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852) to register. March 18 or 20 – Ojibway Nature Centre – Frogs, Snakes and You. Children aged 3-6 enjoy a morning or afternoon filled with activities about slimy, scaly critters. Program runs from 10:00 am to noon OR 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Fee is $11/2 hours. Call Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852) to register.

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The Egret Dec 2009 March 23 – May 25 – Ojibway Nature Centre – Spring Hiking at Ojibway. Discover the many signs of spring while visiting our local natural areas. Tuesdays from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Fee is $39/10 weeks. Call Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852) to register.

March 25 – Ojibway Nature Centre –Thrilling Thursday: Owl Prowl. Thursday evening 6:30 – 8:00 pm, Fee = $6/adult, $5/child. Call Ojibway Nature Centre for details (519-966-5852).

April 25- Earth Day at Mic Mac Park- ECFNC members will again be participating with our bake sale and display. Land Trust’s Second Annual Dinner Mark your calendar for Friday, April 9, 2010. Enjoy a delicious dinner in the Marconi Room of the Caboto Club. Tickets are $35. A silent auction will be a part of the evening’s activities. Call Betty at 519-944-0825 for more information. Our guest speaker is Dr. Oliver Love, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor. Dr. Love has entitled his talk as Unappreciated invaders: what European starlings can teach us about maternal stress. European starlings in North America now number in the hundreds of millions and have become the bane of many farmers, avian conservationists and ornithologists. However, their robust nature during breeding, their cavity-nesting behaviour and their life history traits in general make them almost ideal as research subjects for Ecological and Evolutionary Physiologists studying free-living systems. Dr. Oliver Love is using starlings as a model system to understand the evolutionary costs and benefits of maternal stress in vertebrates. Starlings are proving highly effective for understanding how and why offspring respond to pre-natal maternal stress, and are revealing why mothers might actually benefit from providing an honest signal of their quality to their developing offspring. Importantly, this species is providing us with key evolutionary insights into how to properly interpret and manage the apparently sub-optimal neonatal programming we see in human offspring responding to maternal stress.

Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club Membership Form – Due January 1, 2010

Individual membership $20.00 / year ________ Family membership $25.00 / year _________ Student (full-time) $10.00 / year ________ Sustaining membership $30.00 / year __________ Life membership $500.00 / year ________ (tax receipt eligible)

Name _____________________________________ Street _____________________________________ City _____________________________

Province _____ Postal Code ________________ Phone Number ______________________ E-mail ___________________________________ I wish to receive the Egret by email. Make cheques payable to: Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club

Devonshire Mall P.O., P. O. Box 23011, Windsor, Ontario N8X 5B5 Thank you!

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