identification

Myths, mimicry, and misidentification: Eastern Milksnakes in Ottawa

Text and photos by Jakob Mueller Recently, a report of a “rattlesnake” in a local greenspace got some media attention. The observer reported that the blotchy snake, when found by her dog, shook its tail and made a sound – as a rattlesnake would – so she urged caution. This was a case of mistaken [...]

Getting started in birding

Sharp-shinned Hawk by Christine Hanrahan So you want to be a birdwatcher, but you just don't know where to begin? And the thought of trying to distinguish a nighthawk from a nuthatch reduces you to despair? Don't worry, help is at hand! The following information will provide you with everything (well, almost everything) [...]