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The Egret - Volume 37 - Issue 4 - December 2021 |
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Have a safe and happy holiday season!
We will be back stronger. |
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First Annual Lynda Corkum ECFNC Bursary
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By Chris Hart
In the Club’s continuing effort to support the fascination and exploration of nature by our community, we are pleased to announce the contribution of a bursary to a graduate student in the Biology department at the University of Windsor. This bursary was made possible by funds collected through sales of the Fish Book (more formally, The Fishes of Essex County and Surrounding Waters), and as such, has been named after its author, Lynda Corkum.
The Club is pleased to announce the winner of the 2020/21 Lynda Corkum Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club bursary is Erika Nissen, a second year Master’s student working in Dr. Oliver Love’s research lab. Erika works on movement modelling data in Common Eider sea ducks in the Canadian Arctic, and expresses her deep gratitude towards to the club.
Please click the link below to read Lynda's letter to Erika in which she provides a detailed (and interesting) history of the Fish Book.
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A New App for the Twitcher’s Toolkit |
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If you’ve ever subscribed to a rare bird alert notification, you’ll be all too familiar with descriptions like this, “Travel west 2/3rd of the way down Army Camp Road from Hwy 21, look for orange flagging tape on the fence on your left. Look for hydro pole 2146.” It gets even worse if there’s no roads involved, “5 in weedy areas near flooded fields, 2 at least along trail behind pond (north side toward transmission tower).”
These descriptions are somehow overly wordy while at the same time being imprecise. Enter what3words, a geocoding system that breaks the world down into 3 m squares and assigns each square a unique three-word address. For instance, the front door to the Ojibway Nature Centre is located at ///rattler.whistle.dust. The bird blind at Hillman Marsh is at ///chicken.garments.good. The Serengeti Tree at Point Pelee is at ///feasting.pitted.bypasses.
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Memories of Jim McAllister
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Forty years ago it was quite common to hear people suggest that we should have a nature club in our area. At that time there was the Kent Nature Club and the Sun Parlour Nature Club but neither was active or had any field outings (both folded a few years later).
It was people like Jim McAllister that finally stepped forward to do the hard work to get a club started. There were many meetings at Jim and Claire McAllister’s home to make the preparations for starting a new club. We had a 12 member organizational committee and the plan was to get a club going in 1984.
The founding meeting of the Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club was finally held at the Windsor Public Library April 11, 1984. Jim was selected to be the club’s first president and by that summer the club had over 100 members signed up.
Jim was an active birder and hosted a rare bird hotline for Pelee and Essex County at that time which was updated weekly with recent sightings. He was also actively opposed to waterfowl hunting which was still going on at that time.
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Owl Prowl
By Jennifer Nantais |
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The Club celebrated Halloween along with the Pelee Island Bird Observatory by searching for everyone’s favourite spooky bird during an evening Owl Prowl. Two owl hikes were held on consecutive weeks in October/November to listen and search for local owls. While many calls were during these evening visits, one group was treated to an excellent view of an Eastern Screech owl perched overhead observing the group. What an exciting encounter!
< Eastern Screech Owl. Photo: Derek Slater.
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Stay tuned to the Field Naturalists, Pelee Island Bird Observatory and Bird Friendly Windsor Facebook pages for upcoming events and outings.
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Return to the Great Outdoors - ECFNC Pop Up Events
By Carl Maiolani
On Saturday December 4, the Membership Committee held the 8th in an ongoing series of “pop-up” field trips at the Holiday Beach Conservation Area. The purpose of this trip was to simulate a Christmas Bird Count (CBC) especially for those in the club who had not participated before in this kind of citizen science. The trip was led by Jeremy Hatt who is an active founding member of the Membership Committee, a former Board member of the Club, and who currently serves along with Kory Renaud as a coordinator of the Holiday Beach CBC which is scheduled for Tuesday December 28th. Jeremy began the event by giving an overall introduction to CBCs and explained how he was going to use the eBird app to track all the required info.
The trip began shortly after 8am and lasted about 3 hours for those of the 12 participants who stayed until the end. Forty-five species were identified with over four thousand individual birds counted. Birds of note included a White-winged Crossbill heard flying overhead, herons, egrets, and a Northern Shoveler. We also were treated to cheer calls coming from a Carolina Wren who seemed to be having an animated conversation with a nearby Nuthatch.
The Membership Committee continues to plan this kind of trip and will be announcing our next efforts in January after the local CBCs are completed. Anyone wishing to suggest locations for future events are encouraged to contact me via email at carlmaiolani@cogeco.ca .
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Club members who attended a pop-up outing at Holiday Beach Conservation Area on Dec. 4, 2021, look down from the Hawk Tower. The focus of the pop-up was preparing for Christmas bird counts. |
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ECFNC Phragmites Committee Update: ‘Phragmites Fighters’ volunteers needed
The ECFNC has initiated a Phragmites Committee and we are looking for ‘Phragmites Fighters’ to join us as we prepare to assist with Phragmites control programs in Essex County. Please contact Heather Inksetter (heathercohen962@gmail.com) for more information about the role and responsibilities and how to support the Committee.
Also, if you have invasive Phragmites on your property and would like more information about how the Committee can help, please reach out to Heather.
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An update on the early history of ECFNC
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By Jeremy Hatt
While looking through files from the early days of the formation of ECFNC, Paul Pratt came across three newsletters that were sent out prior to the existence of The Egret. These were written on typewriter by Wilf Botham, a well-known, self-trained botanist, and distributed to those interested in being part of the “Essex County Naturalists” as it was referred to in the newsletters. These newsletters contain mostly nature sightings of interest in Essex County along with a couple of essays and trip reports. Paul has kindly digitized these newsletters and effort will be made to make them available on the ECFNC website along with the rest of the digitized Egrets already available. Reading these early newsletters is a reminder of the effort and passion that went into creating the Club we know today and the volunteers, like Jim McAllister, that stepped up to make it happen. The Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club is just one of Jim’s lasting legacies.
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Attached is a reprint from December 1986 (Egret Volume 3, Issue 4), in which Paul Pratt discusses the fine art of cocoon hunting. Hopefully these tips have stood the test of time, and you might just have yourself a new hobby this winter.
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The Global Bird Rescue is an annual week-long event where citizens search for birds that have collided with windows in urban areas. The goal is to find injured birds quickly to get them the help they need and increase their chances of survival, and record all collision incidents, casualties and survivors. The purpose is to identify the extent of the losses taking place in order to mitigate hazards and make communities safer. |
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Welcome to the Invasive Species Spotlight, a new segment of the Egret that will include interesting and educational reports on invading species. Enjoy!
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Invasive Species are considered one of Canada’s greatest threats to the survival of our wild animal and plant life. These species arrive, often accidentally, and establish in the absence of natural predators. As a result, invasive species kill, crowd out, and devastate native species and their ecosystems.
Invasive plants and animals not only threaten wildlife, woodlands, and waterways, but they cost Canada billions of dollars in losses to forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and other industries affected by their impact. Economic, environmental, and social costs of invasive species are much lower when funds are allocated to prevention and early detection efforts. Once an invasive species spreads, management is exponentially more expensive and less efficient.
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Watercraft and 13 New Species Regulated Under Ontario’s Invasive Species Act and Wild Pig Strategy Finalized.
By Karen Alexander
There were positive steps forward on invasive species as the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry regulated 13 invasive species and watercraft as a carrier of invasive species under the Invasive Species Act and finalized Ontario’s Strategy to Address the Threat of Invasive Wild Pigs on October 19, 2021.
By regulating watercraft, Ontario made a big jump toward preventing the introduction and spread of many invasive species that can hitchhike on watercraft and spread to new waterbodies. The additional regulation of 13 now prohibited and restricted species will help Ontario to prevent their introduction and spread, as prevention is the best, most effective way to avoid future environmental, social, and economic harm, and management costs. Finally, the threat of Wild Pig is being met with a proactive action plan to prevent the establishment of this damaging species in the province.
Read more about what species are prohibited or restricted and what this means for Ontario’s land and water here.
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Invasive Jumping Worms in Ontario – Early Detection is Key to Prevention
By Tera Shewchenko, Invasive Species Centre
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In the summer of 2021, several sightings of invasive jumping worms were reported in Ontario, predominantly in home gardens. Jumping worms, species of pheretimoid earthworms belonging to several genera including
Amynthas, Metaphire, and
Pheretima, are native to East-Central Asia and had previously invaded the Northwest and Midwest regions of the United States. They can be introduced into urban gardens through mulch, compost, nursery stocks, or potting mixes from areas with established jumping worm infestations, and have the potential to cause major harm to surrounding forest areas. Given their relatively recent spread into Ontario, early detection and rapid response (EDRR) is critical to managing the Canadian jumping worm population. So, if you see a jumping worm, the best way you can help is to report it!
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EDRR Network and Citizen Science
The Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club can help prevent the spread of invasive species and protect Canada’s environment, economy, and social well-being simply by reporting observations to the Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) Network. The EDRR Network uses a mapping Smartphone App called EDDMapS (Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System). This is a real-time app that allows citizens across North America to report invasive species in their communities. Click here to learn more about EDDMapS and becoming a citizen scientist.
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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 December
Virtual Members' Meeting
A Year in Review
Wednesday, Dec. 8th, at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom
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It is a club tradition for members to share photos and stories of their nature outings and adventures at the December meeting. This year we're doing it on Zoom. Please join us to reconnect with other club members and share some sightings.
Come to our Zoom meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8, with your cup of tea or coffee and favourite snack to hear updates and recaps of our activities this year from board members.
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Christmas Bird Counts
The annual Christmas Bird Count is an important opportunity to learn more about winter bird populations, and get outside and enjoy nature! The 122nd CBC takes place between December 14 and January 5 this year.
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Here are the dates and compiler for local counts:
Dec 18 Cedar Creek, Paul Pratt
Dec 19 Blenheim/Rondeau, Keith Burk
Dec 20 Point Pelee, Sarah Rupert
Dec 28 Holiday Beach, Jeremy Hatt/Kory Renaud
Jan 01 Detroit River, Ojibway Nature Centre
Jan TBA ST Clair NWA, Allen Woodliffe
Jan 05 North Shore, Glenn Gervais
There will be no after count dinners or in person compilations this year due to current covid numbers.
If you would like more information, or to volunteer, please contact the personel listed above, or reach out to education@pibo.ca
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ECFNC January Members' Meeting
Wednesday, January 12th, 7:30pm
Karen Alexander, Policy Coordinator with the Invasive Species Centre (and Club President) will present on “Invasive Species: updates for Essex County.”
Invasive species threaten communities across Canada and Essex County is no exception. We all remember the Emerald Ash Borer, and we all see the extensive presence of Phragmites australis in our natural areas and wetlands. Other common observations in Essex include Garlic mustard, the impacts of Dutch Elm Disease, the lovely experience of trying to walk past Multiflora Rose on the trails, and shorelines covered in Quagga and Zebra Mussel shells. We see dead Ash trees, many of us lost trees on our property. Fact is, once established, invasive species cause significant impacts to our native ecosystems as well as our local economies, and they are incredibly difficult and expensive to control. In Ontario, invasive species are estimated to cost agriculture, forestry, tourism, and recreation around $3.6 billion per year! Meanwhile, across the globe reports of the number of invasive species are increasing, and the costs of damage are tripling every decade.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
As naturalists, we are out and about in natural areas more often than most and we can make a huge contribution to the prevention and early detection of invasive species. Join this Zoom meeting to learn more about current and emerging invasive species in Essex County, pathways for introductions, and some of the new tools and programs for preventing the establishment and spread of invasive species in Canada.
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Project FeederWatch
Project FeederWatch is on now and runs until April. This project provides critical information on winter bird populations and is funded by Birds Canada members so a donation is required to participate. You can count birds at your feeder, or birds that are attracted to food, water and shelter sites near you.
For detailed instruction on how to join and participate:
https://feederwatch.org/about/how-to-participate/
White-breasted nuthatch. Photo:Jennifer Nantais>.
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Join or Renew your Membership for 2022!!
Thank you to those who have paid for 2021 memberships! If you have paid for 2021, you can renew your membership for 2022 as early as December 2021. New members who join in December will be given 2022 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 Ellen van Wageningen.
We cannot accept cash payments for memberships at this time. Please send 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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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).
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 7:30 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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Dave Kraus ( 519-257-8674)
Gina Pannunzio ( gpannunzio@erca.org)
Jeremy Bensette ( jeremy_bensette@hotmail.com)
JoAnn Grondin ( 519-734-0056)
Chris Hart (c.hart14@yahoo.ca)
Aileen Petrozzi (petrozzi2@gmail.com)
Ellen van Wageningen (ellenvw@cogeco.ca)
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CHAIRPERSONS/LIAISONS
Ontario Nature Liaison: Karen Alexander
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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