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The Egret - Volume 37 - Issue 3 - September 2021 |
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We hope that everyone is staying safe and healthy during these trying times.
We will be back stronger. |
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Hawk Watching at Holiday Beach
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By Hugh Kent
As September is finally here, the Hawk Watchers of Holiday Beach Migration Observatory (HBMO) are looking forward to the expectation and excitement of hawks streaming over the Tower.
The truth is that the season will probably start slowly for the first week or so, but it really heats up quickly by the middle of September. If we are lucky with the north winds, there is the potential for thousands and thousands of Broad-winged Hawks to form kettles over and around the tower, making counting a real challenge, with more eyes involved the better.
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Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Update
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The third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Project began this year and will continue through 2025.
So far this year we have 51 active participants in Essex County who have submitted over 7000 records of 129 breeding species. Several species were reported that were not found during the first or second atlas projects (1981-85 & 2001-05). These included Trumpeter Swan, Osprey, Eurasian Collared Dove, Pileated Woodpecker, White-winged Dove, American White Pelican and Pine Warbler.
Other birds such as the Ring-necked Pheasant are disappearing. Pheasants were confirmed as breeders in 20 squares during the first atlas, 11 squares during the second atlas but none in 2021.
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A recently fleged Marsh Wren (Photo via Paul Pratt)
If you wish to participate in this exciting project please register on-line at birdsontario.org or contact the regional coordinators, Paul Pratt and Karen Cedar.
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ECFNC launches a Phragmites Committee
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The European Common Reed (
Phragmites australis) (a.k.a. Phragmites) is a familiar site to members of the Essex County Field Naturalists Club. Once you know what Phragmites is, it is impossible to ‘unsee’ the landscape-level infestation occurring in Essex County. Phragmites is a significant threat to biodiversity, second only to habitat loss.
Club President, Karen Alexander, gave a talk on Phragmites at the August speaker series. If you missed it, you could watch the recording on the ECFNC YouTube account. Shortly after, Club member Heather Inksetter inquired about manual control methods for Essex County after learning from her brother that they are working in the Saugeen area of Ontario. Her thinking: why not here?
> Invasive Phragmites on Hwy. 17, Sault Saint Marie, Ontario. Photo credit: Invasive Species Centre |
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Return to the Great Outdoors - ECFNC Pop Up Event
By Carl Maiolani
Five attendees came out for a pop-up event at the West Essex Sewage Lagoons on Sunday Sept 5/ 2021. Names and contact info were taken, and all social distancing and Covid guidelines were followed.
The weather was beautiful with temps around 21C and few clouds. A good selection of birds as well as plants and insects were observed and discussed. The trip lasted from 8-10am.
We're hoping to have more successful events like this in the future. Among the suggestions for future trips were Brunet Park, the “Grand Canyon of Essex County,” and the Chrysler Greenway east of Arner.
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Green Shovels Collaborative seeks input on Provincial Phragmites Strategy and Cost-Benefit Analysis
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The Green Shovels Collaborative (GSC) is a coalition of conservation groups that have come together to protect the environment and economy from invasive species. Invasive species are considered the second most important threat to biodiversity after habitat loss. Phragmites australis is one of the worst, most aggressive invasive species in Canada. Land managers and community groups across Ontario have been fighting back for decades, and despite considerable gains Phragmites continues to spread into Northern Ontario.
To slow this spread and effectively manage Phragmites, the GSC is proposing a province-wide control program alongside a preliminary cost-benefit analysis to support such a program. The coalition is currently seeking public input and feedback.
Please visit the GSC website to access the draft documents: 1. Strategic Framework for Coordinated Management in Ontario, and 2. Preliminary Cost-Benefit Analysis for Prevention, Treatment, and Control of Phragmites in Ontario.
Please send feedback to info@greenshovels.ca. by September 12, 2021. If you would like to comment but are unable to make the deadline, please reach out anyway, accommodations can likely be made to ensure your perspectives are reflected in the final documents.
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In Memory of Jim McAllister
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The Essex County Field Naturalists' are greatly saddened by the recent passing of Jim McAllister. Jim was an admired and respected member of the Club and our community. Below is an excerpt from Jeremy Hatt's "A Selected History of the ECFNC" from the March 2016 Egret issue:
"Jim McAllister served as President for two years. He led ECFNC from an organizational meeting of nine people all the way to a group of about 200 members by the time he decided to pass the presidential torch. Jim shepherded the Club with steadfast determination through its infancy, through several important decisions that set its course, through a lengthy legal process, and through rapid growth following the first public meeting. Like many other naturalists, birding was one of the inspirations for Jim becoming more actively involved in pursuits like helping form ECFNC."
Please click the links below to read more of this excerpt, or to read Jim's obituary
ECFNC will be planting a tree in honour of our dear friend.
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Introducing the Historical Egret Article series, which will involve reprinting articles from past issues. Over the lifespan of The Egret, we have accumulated a plethora of quality written works, many of which may go unread by new (as well as existing) members. This series looks to highlight relevant articles from within the archives.
All previous issues are available on the Club website.
Below is a reprint from September 1985 (Egret Volume 2, Issue 3), in which Susan Morrison describes the moulting of a cicada. If you spent anytime outside in Essex County this summer (or even just opened your windows), you can probably understand why this article was deemed relevant. Enjoy.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
For full details and the latest updates, visit www.essexcountynature.com/events
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Unfortunately many of the great local events and activites have been cancelled or postponed due to social distancing guidelines.The ECFNC is working deligently to work within these evolving restrictions. Please stay tuned for more information as things progress. |
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ECFNC September
Virtual Members' Meeting
Global Bird Rescue
Wednesday, Sept 8th, at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom
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The next Essex County Field Naturalists Club meeting will discuss the Global Bird Rescue to raise awareness about the event and recruit volunteers to search for bird collisions in their communities. Club member and PIBO’s Urban Bird Educator Jennifer Nantais will demonstrate how to participate, search for bird collisions, and record your observations in the Global Bird Collision Mapper and iNaturalist to help identify and mitigate potential hazard areas.
Zoom meeting ID: 824 2770 5854 Passcode: 366966
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ECFNC October Members' Meeting
Wednesday, October 13th, 7:30pm
Join us for a presentation about the
Moths of Essex County by club member Mark Nenadov, who has produced an informative video. He will answer questions after the presentation. |
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Festival of Hawks
Saturday, September 18th, Holiday Beach Conservation Area
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Join local wildlife, bird and nature experts in celebration of local bird migration on Saturday September 18 at Holiday Beach Conservation Area from 9am to 3pm for the Festival of Hawks! Watch thousands of birds of prey flying overhead, experience programs that cover a wide range of birding and nature topics and see hawks and owls up close. A great family event for experts and amateurs alike.
Festival admission is $15 per vehicle to gain entry into the Conservation Area. Covid-19 safety protocols including limited capacity for experiences, social distancing, wearing masks and sanitizing will be in place. The Hawk Tower will not be accessible to the public. Passive viewing at ground level will be available.
The schedule and registration links to the Owl Prowl and live raptor demonstrations can be viewed here: https://essexregionconservation.ca/hawkfestival2021
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Bakers needed for Hawk Festival Café
Modified Festival will be held Saturday, September 18th
The Club will be running its Kestrel Café at this year's modified Hawk Festival at Holiday Beach Conservation Area on Saturday, Sept. 18.
This will be the club's first fundraising event in two years. If you can contribute baking please email Aileen Petrozzi or call her at (519) 966-7132. She will provide instructions and arrange the pickup or drop-off of your goodies. |
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Global Bird Rescue
You can help save birds and make your community more bird friendly! Join the Pelee Island Bird Observatory in participating in the annual Global Bird Rescue from September 27th to October 3rd. FLAP Canada, bird conservation groups and volunteers around the world will band together to rescue and document birds that have collided with buildings to help make the urban environment safer.
To learn more, visit:
- essexcountynature.com
- pibo.ca
- globalbirdrescue.org
- Facebook: @birdteamwindsor and @essexcountynature
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Future ECFNC Monthly Members' Meetings
2nd Wednesday of the Month, 7:30pm
Due to current circumstances, information on future members' meetings will be provided closer to the date. If social distancing restrictions are still in place, a virtual presentation will be made available. Please stay tuned for updates. |
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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 within Covid19 guidelines.
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).
It's a new year, 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 7:30 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.
NOTICE - ALL Club in-person meetings and events are cancelled until further notice |
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CHAIRPERSONS/LIAISONS
Ontario Nature Liaison: Jessica Middleton, Andy Paul
ERCA Liaison: Gina Pannunzio
Bluebird Committee: Don Bissonnette
Ojibway Liaison: Jennifer Nantais, Jessica Middleton
Citizens Environment Alliance Liaison: Andy Paul
Canada South Land Trust Liaison: Dave Kraus
Detroit River Canadian Cleanup Liaison: Gina Pannunzio, Andy Paul
Climate Change: Jennifer Nantais
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COMMITTEES
Egret Editorial: Chris Hart
Junior Naturalists: Kory Renaud, Andy Paul, Jeremy Bensette, Sarah Renaud, Jessica Middleton
Heritage: JoAnn Grondin (coordinator), Dave Kraus, Betty Learmouth, Jim McAllister, 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, Ellen van Wageningen
Membership: Jeremy Hatt (chair), Carl Maiolani, Aileen Petrozzi, Ellen van Wageningen
Grant Committee: Karen Alexander, Jessica Middleton, Chris Hart
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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, Ellen van Wageningen.
- 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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