Editor’s Synopsis of CFN 137(4) plus FREE feature article
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 was also included in a segment on the popular radio show Quirks and Quarks; you can listen to the segment here). CFN subscribers have access [...]
Christmas Bird Count Season is Approaching
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 you. Volunteers are always needed. Christmas Bird Count Calendar 2024-25 The counts take place across North America. Check out Christmas Bird Count Map
How to Find 250 Bird Species in a Single Year – October to December
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
OFNC Book Club Reads: Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake
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 an excellent device in science fiction, also have so much to teach us about the natural world. For September and October, the OFNC Book Club [...]
Editor’s Synopsis of CFN 137(3) plus FREE feature article
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 posted online. Issue 137(3) follows the double Special Issue 137(1–2), dedicated to a remarkable Canadian scientist and naturalist, Dr. Donald F. McAlpine. Don is the [...]
How to Find 250 Bird Species in the OFNC Study Area – July to September
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
Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas – It’s Peak Breeding Season
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 help shape conservation efforts for years to come. Every observation is welcome and valued: whether a bird seen or heard in appropriate habitat (possible breeding) [...]
Survey: OFNC-run Book Club
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!
OFNC Winter Feeding Program 2023-24
The OFNC maintained 4 winter feeding stations in 2023-24. Three of these feeders are on NCC property and authorized by LAP 25743. The fourth feeder is at the Museum of Nature in Gatineau. A pole mounted feeder is located at the Dewberry Trail near P23 on Dolman Ridge. Suspended feeders are located at the Pine Grove Trail near P18 and another on NCC Trail 28 near the former Wild Bird Care Center. Downy Woodpecker at Stony Swamp Feeder by [...]