The total species count this year was 56 , slightly lower than in the previous 4 years (58-60). An additional 8 species were found in the 3 days prior or after count day, so 64 species in count week overall. This was a better than expected result, considering how quiet it was in most places [...]
OFNC Book Club Reads: Bitch by Lucy Cooke What do albatrosses, whiptail lizards, and meerkats have in common? The females of these species are all used by writer and zoologist Lucy Cooke to demonstrate that, when it comes to the sexes, even the field of evolutionary biology has a few biases that need debunking. In the [...]
This issue of The Canadian Field-Naturalist (CFN) received national attention over an article by a team of researchers at Simon Fraser University. The article, a deep dive into the evolutionary isolation of Canada’s vertebrates, was featured on CBC News: “Move aside, moose — a new study has found the most distinct animals in Canada.” It [...]
Christmas Bird Counts are a great way to get out to see winter birds and meet fellow birders while contributing to Citizen Science. There are a number of counts in and around Ottawa that may be of interest. This calendar gives the dates and contacts. Please contact the individual for the area of interest to [...]
We are in the final quarter of the year. Did you set a target for the year? Well, this reference will help you through the October to December. How to Find 250 Birds - Part 4 At the same time, it's an opportunity to review the Code of Conduct for Birders and Photographers
By Jessica Sims The Book: Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures (2020) by Merlin Sheldrake, 368 pages Mushrooms are having a moment. Workshops, books, and classes on wild mushroom foraging abound, while fantastic fungi can be found populating books and TV shows. But these incredible organisms, albeit [...]
Editor’s Synopsis of CFN 137(3) Free Online Access to Feature Article The latest issue of The Canadian Field-Naturalist (CFN) will soon arrive in the physical mailboxes of those with printed copy subscriptions. The Canadian Field-Naturalist is the official journal and publication of record for the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club (OFNC). The current issue is already [...]
As we celebrate the summer solistice, many of birds are getting ready for fall migration. There are still many opportunities to add to your year list. This guide, prepared by Greg Zbitnew, is just what you need to help you in your quest. TL-523-250-birds-in-one-year-Part-3
Peak bird breeding period in Southern Ontario begins on Friday 24 May and continues through to 10 July. If you are out and about, remember that almost every bird you encounter can be added to the Third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas: a once in a generation province-wide community-science effort to provide data that will [...]
Are you a nature lover and a book lover? Would an OFNC-run Book Club that focuses on new titles in natural history interest you? We would be grateful for your thoughts in this short survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbvEG4mXwYDOBjdY_1lvHC3K-0C9P682a2i_72l5JvBEqc0w/viewform?usp=sf_link The survey will run until June 15, 2024, so be sure to submit your responses before then. Thank you!
