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The Egret - Volume 41 - Issue 1 - March 2025 |
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As days grow longer, hope and wander. Nature makes the heart grow fonder. |
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Cedar Creek Christmas Bird Count
By Paul Pratt
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This 24 km diameter count circle includes McGregor, Essex, Harrow and Kingsville. Our 39th annual count was held December 14. 35 participants record almost 500 km by car and 77 km by foot to record 82 species and 19,571 individual birds. Birds seen count week but missed on count day were Sandhill Crane, Short-eared Owl and Northern Shrike. |
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Following the count observers gathered at Tom and Peggy Hurst’s home for lively discussion on the results and an excellent potluck dinner. A big thanks to all returning veterans, new birders and especially Tom and Peggy for being wonderful hosts.
Over the years we have tallied a remarkable total of 165 species and 2,133,298 individuals and recorded the annual Canadian high count for twenty species on one or more occasions. This year we added one new species for the count, Clay-colored Sparrow, found in a weedy field that was overflowing with sparrows. A few highlights recorded during the count included high counts of 16 Whitewinged Scoter (record high), 23 Bald Eagle (record high), 3 Merlin (a tied record high), 895 American Tree Sparrow, 190 White-throated Sparrow, 1873 Dark-eyed Junco (record high), 683 Common Grackle (record high), and 774 Brown-headed Cowbird (record high). Our biggest misses this year were Eastern Screech-Owl and Yellow-rumped Warbler.
Join us next year for the 40th Cedar Creek count on December 20, 2025
PARTICIPANTS: J Affleck, J Bensette, J Burk, K Burk, M Burkoski, A Campbell, K Cedar, L Cedar, K Derbyshire, P DesJardins, K Fawdry, L Foy, J Hatt, N Herke, P Hurst, T Hurst, C Lapain, S Laurin, D Lee, C Lee, P Lee, M Lee, D Loncke, C Maiolani, J Matte, J McGorman, L Onysko, P O'Rourke, Adam Pinch, P Pratt, P Renaud, B Sanford, D Ware, A Wiebe, K Wiebe, I Woodfield. |
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Point Pelee National Park - 72nd Annual Christmas Bird Count
By Sarah Rupert (Promotion Officer, PPNP)
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Point Pelee National Park was excited to host its Annual Christmas Bird Count on Monday, December 16, 2024. This was the 72nd year for the count, held in the 15 km diameter circle known as the Pelee Birding Area. Results have been forwarded to the National Audubon Society and Birds Canada to be incorporated in data collected from across North America. This information is used by scientists and ecologists across the continent to gain insight into the long-term health of bird populations and the environment. |
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52 people participated from across southwestern Ontario, including members of the Caldwell First Nation. We again welcome many first time Christmas Bird Count participants and they were rewarded with some great observations. Participants were invited to attend the bird count wrap-up at the Visitor Centre with a tasty dinner graciously supplied by the Friends of Point Pelee.
This year’s counters were greeted with a very damp count day, with periods of dense fog, rain and overall greyness. Temperatures were quite mild for this time of year, ranging from 6 to 8C. Despite the damp weather, a good total number of individuals was recorded (59 676). The lake was completely open, so there were some large rafts of ducks to count and still water in the ponds were partially frozen, with open spots in areas to allow for Great Blue Herons to stick around The total number of species observed on the count day was 90, with an additional 7 count week species. |
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New Christmas Bird Count Showcases Winter Birding in the Comber Region
By Jeremy Hatt
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The first ever Comber CBC took place on December 22nd, 2024, w/ 16 keen and enthusiastic volunteers. A total of 22.75km were walked for 10 hours and 583km driven for 32.75 hours and one hour was spent owling.
The Count was one of the coldest days of the winter period in 2024 for the region w/ temperatures ranging from -6C in the morning to -1C by the afternoon. Sunny skies and a light south wind helped make the day comfortable for birding. Most inland water and about 500m of the edge of Lake St. Clair were completely frozen.
The Comber CBC circle spans across Essex and Chatham-Kent Counties and includes several birding hotspots including Ruscom Shores Conservation Area, The Trans Canada Trail from Staples to Comber, Big ‘O’ Conservation Area, Comber Sewage Lagoons, Rowsom’s Tilbury West Conservation Area, Tremblay Beach Conservation Area, Stoney Point Sewage Lagoons, Tilbury Sewage Lagoons, Northside Park, and several parkettes along the Lake St. Clair shoreline.
By the end of the count, a total of 76 species and 26,812 individuals were counted.
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A Record Breaking Year for the Holiday Beach CBC
By Jeremy Hatt
The 2024 Holiday Beach Christmas Bird Count (CBC) took place on Saturday, December 28th. The count includes Holiday Beach Conservation Area, Big Creek, the Lower Detroit River north to LaSalle (Lower Detroit River IBA), Boblo Island and surrounding areas. Boblo Island continues to be inaccessible due to construction on the island but the rest of the count circle received great coverage. 26 participants volunteered for the count, tallying a whopping 93 species and 48,107 individual birds. This species count beats the previous record of 88 set in 2023 and was the highest species count of all the CBC’s in Essex County this winter!
Volunteers experienced unseasonably warm weather w/ temperatures ranging from 9C in the morning to 13C in the afternoon. The sky was sunny all day and winds were a moderate 20-27km/h SW. By mid-afternoon, one could comfortably wear just a sweatshirt or light jacket. Lake Erie, the Detroit River, and inland waters were all open, which resulted in a good diversity of waterfowl. Significant counts of several dabbling ducks were made and southwest winds encouraged a good movement of waterfowl on Lake Erie as well.
The best bird of the count was a long overdue species add for the Holiday Beach CBC, a lone White-winged Scoter flying west past the Delta Trail (spotted by Michael McAllister w/ Cameron Chevalier and Harrison Priebe and subsequently seen flying past Holiday Beach by Jacob Stasso).
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A Noteworthy Observation of American Crows
By Ian Naisbitt
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The above photo was taken at 2:15pm on January 11, 2025, in Tecumseh. The Silver Maple tree in the front yard had what appeared to be a squirrel nest one third of the way up the tree in the Y-junction of two branches. I had never seen a squirrel building the collection of leafy branches that were well-constructed. Winter winds had no effect on the structure so it was solidly built.
That’s until a pair of American Crows arrived. I was sitting in the front room looking out the window in a serene moment and this pair landed on the nest and began to rip into it, strewing the tiny branches left and right.
I grabbed my phone and prepared to take a photograph of the destruction.
As I moved into position, one crow departed, however, the other one remained to continue the demolition. I also noticed the crow would dig down and come up chewing what ever it had in its bill. The digging and chewing continued for a few moments while I took photos. In time, the bird flew away completing the incident.
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Phrag Fighters!
By Aileen Petrozzi
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Our season is wrapping up, but weather permitting, we are still looking to go into Blue Heron Pond and Bryerswood to take down the dead Phragmites.
Those who haven’t volunteered before may ask what I can do to eliminate Phragmites?
- Learn how to identify invasive Phragmites and how to avoid accidentally spreading it through its root fragments and seeds. This is especially important if you are planning to do work in an area which contains invasive Phragmites
- Do not plant invasive Phragmites. Native Phragmites have the same appearance and do not pose an ecological risk. Gardeners should use only native or non-invasive plants and are encouraged to ask garden centres for plants that are not invasive.
- Stay on designated trails. Leaving trails or entering areas containing invasive Phragmites can encourage the spread of this plant. When leaving an area containing invasive Phragmites, brush off clothing and clean equipment onsite to avoid the transfer of seeds to new areas. Remove all visible portions of plants and dispose them in the garbage.
- Do not compost invasive Phragmites. Both seeds and rhizomes (horizontal plant stems growing underground) can survive and grow in compost.
https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Phragmites-MNR-1.pdf
I will address each point in future mailings and issues of the Egret.
Thanks
Aileen Petrozzi
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Summary of Essex County's 2024 Birding Checklist - 305 Species
By Cameron Chevalier
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2024 continued a trend of impressive totals in Essex, with the county exceeding 300 species for the third straight year. With this year’s total of 305 species, Essex now occupies the top three spots for the highest year total in a Canadian county (308† in 2023; 305 in 2024; 304 in 2022). The county added a new species to its checklist for the third straight year (Black-headed Grosbeak) and remarkably added a new breeding species to the list of Canadian avifauna (Blue Grosbeak). Over 31,000† checklists were submitted to eBird this year in Essex, along with over 17,500 photos and over 250 audio recordings.
Click below to see the entire summary, along with several other local bird-related articles.
(† see Amendments to Previous Summaries) |
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Winter Weather Delivers Great Birding on the Detroit River
By Jeremy Hatt
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On January 11, 2025, eleven birders enjoyed near perfect conditions for the Winter Birds of the Detroit River Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) outing. This is an annual hike held around the same time each year and is open to ECFNC members. The aim of the hike is to showcase waterfowl, gulls, and other winter birds that rely on the open waters of the Detroit River as well as two of Windsor’s major city parks, Little River Corridor and Ojibway Park.
Subzero temperatures left Lake St. Clair completely frozen, which concentrated many waterfowl at the Detroit River mouth at Lakeview Park Marina where the outing started. Large numbers of Canada Goose, Canvasback, and Greater Scaup were present along w/ several Mallard, American Black Duck, Redhead, Common Goldeneye, and Common and Hooded Mergansers. Two Ring-necked Ducks and singles of Lesser Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser, and Ruddy Duck were also present. Gulls were unfortunately low in number but a Trumpeter Swan, two Wood Ducks, and 36 Great Blue Herons roosting together on the ice were additional highlights.
After Lakeview Park Marina we left for the Little River Pollution Control Plant and Little River Corridor to look for more waterfowl and search for passerines. |
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Walking in a Wheatley Winter Wonderland
By Janice Boussey
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Planning a field trip in February comes with challenges. The largest of which is the weather. The club planned a winter walk through Wheatley Provincial Park on February 8, 2025.The weather for the week leading up to this outing came with days of cold rain. Once the temperature dropped it left a frozen landscape behind.
Not to be deterred, a small but dedicated group of club members decided to brave the elements. Warm winter coats, hats, scarves and mittens were adorned. A few group members also sported slip on crampons on their boots, which was a wonderful asset to those that had them.
Preparedness is a must when trekking out in unpredictable winter weather.
Meeting at gate of the park we paused to watch the chickadees that gathered there. This proved to be the park hotspot of activity for the day. A common visitor during the coldest of months it’s always amazing to think how these little birds survive the worst that winter throws at them.
(Photo by Sheila Laurin)
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Gull-entine's Day with Windsor Feminist Bird Club and the Importance of Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ Events
By Jeremy Hatt
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The love of Laridae was in the air, but alas, no larids in weather unfair.
Yes, the Windsor Feminist Bird Club’s first ever Gull-entine’s Day was met with wintery road conditions, cold temperatures, sleet, and mist, and virtually no gulls, but our small, intrepid group of six made the most of it!
We held the outing on February 15th, just one day after Valentine’s Day, at Lakeview Park Marina, where just two weeks prior, gulls of multiple species were present in the hundreds. This was due to the polar vortex freezing up all open waters of Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair and concentrating gulls to the Detroit River mouth, which stays open all winter due to the strong river current. Unfortunately, mild temperatures following the vortex opened up areas of water on Lake Erie at the Lower Detroit River mouth and gulls seemed to prefer this location for feeding and roosting.
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Not a gull, but a beautiful Mallard x Northern Pintail hybrid showing aspects of each species - photo by Corinne Allsop
I was honored to host Gull-entine’s Day for the Windsor Feminist Bird Club (WFBC), an LBGTQ+-friendly event created by WFBC’s coordinator, Kate Derbyshire.
The Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club (ECFNC) continues to promote and support 2SLGBTQIA+ events in the region, a mission to ensure safe and welcoming events to the community in a time when they are more important than ever. In particular, recent attacks on the Trans Community have made it imperative for ECFNC to strengthen their support and provide visibility to 2SLBGTQIA+ voices.
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Let’s Shell-abrate the NEW Turtle Conservation Committee!
By Alexander Campbell
Committee Statement:
The Turtle Conservation Committee of the Essex County Field Naturalists Club is committed to protecting and conserving turtles, their nests and habitats in Essex County. While partnering with the local conservation authority and other environmental groups, the goals are to identify overwintering sites, nesting sites, critical habitats and threats to the established populations, and to extend our knowledge of the abundance and distribution of native turtles in Essex County. The major key components of this project will be visual encounter surveys, nest monitoring and protection, and road mortality surveys.
Why a Turtle Conservation Committee?
Not only in Essex County, but in all of North America, turtles are the most endangered vertebrates. Essex County is home to seven of the eight turtle species found in Ontario, all of which are designated as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern Federally. However, only six of the seven turtles found in Essex County are designated as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern Provincially. Urban development in Essex County has accounted for the loss of thousands of turtles, decreasing their population and contributing to the mass mortality of turtles. The protection of turtle nests increases the chances of successful hatching to almost 100%, hyper-abundant species such as foxes, raccoons and skunks are accountable for the destruction and predation of millions of turtle nests in Ontario. While actively surveying populations and protecting turtle nests, the committee will contribute to the increase in turtle populations in Essex County.
Want to learn more about the Turtle Conservation Committee?
Join us on March 26th, 2025 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Ojibway Nature Centre, located at 5200 Matchett Road Windsor, Ontario N9C 4E8 for an introduction to the committee. Learn about past, current and future projects undertaken by the Turtle Conservation Committee. This pop-up event will include a presentation about the committee, turtle identification, threats and more!
For further details or to get involved email:
Alexander Campbell,
Turtle Conservation Committee - Chair / Lead Project Biologist Xandercampbell777@gmail.com
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2024 Club Financial Reports for Membership Review
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UPCOMING EVENTS
For full details and the latest updates, visit www.essexcountynature.com/events
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Member meetings are now starting at 7pm, and pop-up events are still popping up!
The ECFNC is working diligently to host fun, exciting and educational events, as well as inform our members of those events put on by like-minded organizations.
Please stay tuned for Member Updates as new events are announced. |
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ECFNC March Members' Meeting
AGM and Bats!
Wednesday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m.
Ojibway Nature Centre
The meeting will start with a review of Club business from 2024, including Treasurer's Reports, Audits, and our updated Club By-Laws, as well as new business for 2025, including Executive positions and other opportunities.
Following that, there will be a short presentation from Rucha Patel and Teresa Jaworiwsky, students of the Environmental Studies program at the University of Windsor, to discuss avenues of safe maintenance and assisted upkeep of local bat colonies in Windsor-Esssex county! |
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Want to Learn More About the New Turtle Conservation Committee?
Wednesday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m.
Ojibway Nature Centre
Join us on March 26th, 2025 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Ojibway Nature Centre, located at 5200 Matchett Road Windsor, Ontario N9C 4E8 for an introduction to the committee. Learn about past, current and future projects undertaken by the Turtle Conservation Committee. This pop-up event will include a presentation about the committee, turtle identification, threats and more!
For further details or to get involved email:
Alexander Campbell, Turtle Conservation Committee - Chair / Lead Project Biologist Xandercampbell777@gmail.com |
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ERCA Earth Day Community Tree Planting
Sunday, April 27, 10:00am - 12:00pm.
Ganatchio Trail - Little River Extension
For more information visit:
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City of Windsor Earth Day Celebrations
Sunday, April 27, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Malden Park
For more information visit:
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Birding with Pride
Hosted by Ontario Field Ornithologists
Saturday, May 3
Point Pelee National Park
This event run by the Ontario Field Ornithologists during the Festival of Birds provides a chance for members of the community to socialize and attend guided bird hikes from Northwest Beach. Stay tuned for more details. |
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World Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, May 10
Various Events hosted by PIBO
World Migratory Bird Day is held on the second Sunday of May each year. The theme for this year's WMBD is Shared Spaces: Creating Bird Friendly Cities and Communities.
On Saturday, May 10, Dan Mennill from the University of Windsor will be speaking at the Pelee Island Bird Observatory, while various other presentations and events will be held at the Ojibway Nature Centre. Leading up to WMBD, Dr Mennill will also be speaking at the Ojibway Nature Centre on Wednesday, May 7. Dr Mennill is a professor and researcher focussing on bird behaviour and ecology.
Stay tuned for more details.
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ECFNC Annual Pride Walk
Sunday, June 15
Ojibway Complex
The Club's annual Pride Walk at Ojibway will be led by Jennifer Nantais and Jeremy Hatt. This popular nature walk will be held during Pride Month on June 15th as we explore the Ojibway Prairie Provincial Park and Tallgrass Prairie Heritage Park. Stay tuned for more details. |
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ECFNC Monthly Members' Meeting
Second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
Ojibway Nature Centre
April - Nature Conservancy of Canada
- A representative from NCC will speak on restoration projects and land purchases in Essex County
May - Breeding Bird Atlas
Stay tuned for more information on future topics! |
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Monthly Walks in Tallgrass Prairie Heritage Park
Third Sunday of the Month, 10am
After a full year in Spring Garden, we will now venture into Tallgrass Prairie Heritage Park every month to monitor changes in the natural world as the year progresses.
We will meet at the Titcombe Parking Lot off Malden Rd.
Next walk Sunday, March 16th
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Join or Renew your Membership for 2025!!
Another year has come and gone. For those looking to join the club, or renew memberships, just tap the button below to pay online. (You don't need a PayPal account. Just tap "enter as a guest' and then "continue to payment" if you want to use a credit card.)
Annual membership fees are $10 for students, $20 for other individuals and $25 for families. If you have questions or can't remember when you last paid for your membership, contact membership secretary Janice Boussey
Please send cash or cheques by mail to:
Cathy Lapain, treasurer
Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club
c/o Ojibway Nature Centre
5200 Matchette Rd.
Windsor, ON, N9C 4E8
(*Cheques should be made out to the Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club. Please indicate on the cheque if it is a membership fee or a donation.)
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Visit www.essexcountynature.com/junior-egrets to join the excitement.
The Junior Egrets' page is being updated regularly, so check back often. |
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Request for Photos!
Have you seen anything neat in nature lately? Did you happen to catch it on camera? If so, consider submitting it to egret@essexcountynature.com and we could include it in future articles or posts. Be sure to include your name and all relevant information about the photo (who/where/what/when). |
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Stay tuned for more!
Any future events will be announced during monthly meetings and listed in our calendar.
Look out for email updates about any events.
Check out our Facebook page and subscribe to our YouTube channel for fun content updates!
Visit our website to view historical issues of The Egret (1984-present).
A new year is upon us, so don't forget about renewing your membership dues.
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STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE ESSEX COUNTY FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB! |
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About Us
Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club is a non-profit, open-to-the-public volunteer organization that focuses on promoting the conservation and restoration of the diverse natural heritage of Essex County and the surrounding region. We also strive to provide educational opportunities for the people of Essex County to become acquainted with and better understand the natural environment. |
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Contact Us
Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club
c/o Ojibway Nature Centre
5200 Matchette Rd.
Windsor On,
N9C 4E8
Except for our annual dinner in November, monthly meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at Ojibway Nature Center, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor. All are welcome! We also have monthly outings posted in the ‘Events’ section of this newsletter as well as on our website. |
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EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Kory Renaud (koryrenaud@gmail.com)
Vice-President: Chris Hart (c.hart14@yahoo.ca)
Chair Person: Jennifer Nantais (jennifer.nantais@gmail.com)
Secretary: Aileen Petrozzi (petrozzi2@gmail.com)
Treasurer: Cathy Lapain (aclapain@gmail.com)
Membership Secretary: Janice Boussey (electric.chickadee@gmail.com)
Directors:
Dave Kraus (519-257-8674)
Carolyn Brown (carolynabrown99@gmail.com)
Jeremy Hatt (hattjeremy@hotmail.com)
Kathleen Woodhouse (kathleen.woodhouse22@gmail.com)
Sam Dundas (dundas.samantha09@gmail.com)
Xander Campbell (xandercampbell777@gmail.com)
Melanie Masse (melmasse3@gmail.com)
Vicki Rees (vickirees@hotmail.com)
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CHAIRPERSONS/LIAISONS
Ontario Nature Liaison: Jennifer Nantais
ERCA Liaison: Gina Pannunzio
Bluebird Committee: Don Bissonnette
Ojibway Liaison: Chris Hart
Citizens Environment Alliance Liaison: Phil Roberts
Canada South Land Trust Liaison: Dave Kraus
Detroit River Canadian Cleanup Liaison: Gina Pannunzio
Climate Change: Jennifer Nantais
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COMMITTEES
Egret Editorial: Chris Hart, Sheila Laurin
Junior Egrets: Jen Nantais, Carolyn Brown
Heritage: JoAnn Grondin, Dave Kraus, Gerry Waldron, Shirley Grondin, Cathy Lapain, Tim Shortridge, Aileen Petrozzi, Ellen van Wageningen
Little River Enhancement Group: Ian Naisbitt (chair)
Fish Book: Dave Kraus
Website & Social Media: Kory Renaud, Melanie Masse
Membership: Jeremy Hatt (chair), Carl Maiolani, Aileen Petrozzi, Janice Boussey
Grant Committee: Chris Hart, Jennifer Nantais
Phragmites Committee: Heather Cohen, Aileen Petrozzi, Rose Simard, Joan Murphy-Walker
Turtle Conservation Committee: Alexander Campbell, Kathleen Woodhouse
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ECFNC MEMBERSHIP
Your annual membership fees help to support the local efforts of the club. To learn more about becoming a member, please contact our membership secretary, Janice Boussey.
- Receive the quarterly newsletter The Egret via email
- Enjoy guest speakers at the monthly meetings
- Explore our natural heritage with a guide
- Help restore and protect Essex County’s natural heritage
Online Payment Option
Join or renew your membership online at www.essexcountynature.com/membership
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