Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre Midland Ontario Canada

Nest Box Monitoring Update-Wye Marsh Wildlife Cent...

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 16:17:00 +0000

Nest Box Monitoring Update-Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre

The Ontario Nest Record Scheme is a volunteer monitoring program organized by the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Biology and the Royal Ontario Museum, with close association to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas and Bird Studies Canada. SEE PHOTO
The ONRS provides a valuable method of tracking the health and status of Ontario’s bird populations. Data collected can be used to monitor clutch size, hatching success, fledging success, predation rates and other factors over time, to determine whether sufficient numbers of young are being produced. As the data are entered into a central database, the breeding distribution of each species is documented.
Each year Wye Marsh researchers contribute data to the ONRS for the tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) and wood duck (Aix sponsa) species. With a series of nesting boxes located in and around the Wye Marsh Management Cell, we are able to perform nest checks for both species. While Tree Swallow nest boxes are easily accessed by the walking berms and monitoring is performed from early April to late August (see photo of tree swallow young taken by Renée Moran), Wood Duck boxes are more difficult to access due to their height and proximity to open water. Thus Wood Duck box monitoring is performed during the winter months when the marsh is frozen. This year, the Junior Naturalists and volunteers will perform regular nest checks of the Tree Swallow boxes. If you would like to learn about the life of birds, would like to contribute to the collection of scientific data of Ontario’s bird populations, or you are interested in helping in any way, feel free to contact the Wye Marsh Stewardship Department.

Chris MIchalak
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Stewardship/Junior Naturalist Coordinator
stewardship@wyemarsh.com
1-705-526-7809 ext: 206
http://www.wyemarsh.com/

Update On Least Bittern Research at the Wye Marsh ...

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 16:06:00 +0000

Update On Least Bittern Research at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre

The Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) SEE PHOTO is a Nationally Threatened and Provincially Vulnerable bird, with an estimated population of less than 1000 nesting pairs in Canada.
A new and experimental standardized Ontario Least Bittern survey method from Canadian Wildlife Services was tested in 2004 at the Wye Marsh for the first time. The method included broadcasting a recorded call of a male Least Bittern and playing it at survey stations in order to obtain a response, which would establish the presence of Least Bittern nesting territories. Two nests, plus several responses and sightings of Least Bittern were observed, confirming Least Bittern presence in the Wye Marsh.
The new method proved successful in obtaining responses, and showed promise for national use as a surveying protocol. A standardized method would allow future researchers to more accurately assess Least Bittern abundance, distribution, habitat requirements, and population trends. Both the Least Bittern and the Black Tern have specific habitat requirements and are sensitive to disturbance; the study was undertaken by the Wye Marsh to ensure that we are doing all we can for these sensitive and delicate birds. The information from this study will be shared with the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Immeasurable thanks go especially to the volunteers, who donated their time and efforts in early hours, when chances to view the marsh’s inhabitants were at their best. The field work for this study would not have been possible without them. If you are interested in volunteering with this or other studies, feel free to contact the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre.

Chris MIchalak
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Stewardship/Junior Naturalist Coordinator
stewardship@wyemarsh.com
1-705-526-7809 ext: 206
http://www.wyemarsh.com/

Audubon's Trumpeter Swan In Quebec, Le Musee de l...

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 21:32:00 +0000

Audubon's Trumpeter Swan

In Quebec, Le Musee de la Civilisation's reworkings of John James Audubon's "The Birds of America" are more like multimedia slide shows than traditional animation. But the results are, like their subjects, beautiful. If you watch only one, make it the delightful "La Fluidite" ("Wavy"), which shows a moth flitting around a stately trumpeter swan. http://www.mcq.org/audubon
/menu.html

Click on the Trumpeter Swan and watch the clip to the end for a surprise. You can also click on the other birds in the Harmony collage for similar effects.

Click here for more Trumpeter Swan news.

SNAKES NOT ON PLANES Join snake and reptile exper...

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 15:33:00 +0000

SNAKES NOT ON PLANES

Join snake and reptile expert Mat Johnson with more than 40 varieties of native snakes, lizards, turtles and frogs native to North America and a variety of reptiles and snakes from destinations around the world. Three shows daily on Saturday September 30 will provide visitors with both knowledge and respect for the snakes and the importance of snakes to our natural world. Visitors will have the opportunity to get up close with the selection of snakes that are essential in a healthy
ecosystem. Click here to see Snakes Not on Planes

Put Away That Hose! Xeriscape Gardening Workshop ...

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 15:07:00 +0000

Put Away That Hose! Xeriscape Gardening Workshop

Have you ever wondered how to garden without watering constantly? Join us at the Wye Marsh on Wednesday, September 13th, 2006 from 10-11am or Wednesday, October 11, 2006 from 10-11am to find out how. Using a combination of drought-tolerant plants,native species, and mulch covering, you can reduce your garden’s dependence on water. The effective use of rainwater will also be explored.With hotter and drier summers possibly becoming the norm, we need to move in this direction. This workshop will tell you how!
Cost $5.00. Pre-register by calling 526-7809.

Solar Power — A Hot Topic! Midland, On - Do you w...

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 20:48:00 +0000

Solar Power — A Hot Topic!

Midland, On - Do you want to find out what all the buzz is about solar energy? Come out to the Wye. Please register beforehand by calling Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre 526-7809 or e-mail info@wyemarsh.com. Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to operating year-round programs for the public, students and other organizations to promoteawareness, appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of our environment and wildlife resources in the Wye Valley to hear two speakers on this hot topic. First, representatives from Generation PV in Markham will talk about solar thermal heating and its applications for homeowners. This will be followed by a discussion on photovoltaic systems by Harold deBoer, an electrical engineer with extensive experience in this area.

Cost: $5.00, free for S.H.A.R.E. members Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Please register beforehand by calling Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre 526-7809 or e-mail info@wyemarsh.com.

Every Friday in August-Wet N Scaly Reptile Show. ...

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 14:02:00 +0000

Every Friday in August-Wet N Scaly Reptile Show.

Back By popular demand: a second weekly helping of our famous Reptile Shows. The Wye Marsh Naturalist Team will combine their efforts to bring you all the information you have ever wanted on the reptiles of Ontario! We will lead you around our display hall and introduce you to the creatures that call it home. Our enthusiastic team will make this learning fun and entertaining. See a sample of some of the frogs you might see at the Marsh. Ontario FROGS

Project Purple Week! Description: The Wye Marsh W...

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0000

Project Purple Week!

Description: The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is offering an information session and educational hike to teach the public about purple loosestrife held in honour of Project Purple Week. Participants will be educated on the ecological problems associated with this invasive plant and will follow a guided hike geared towards plant identification and a demonstration of control methods.
What to Bring: Protect your skin from the sun and dress in appropriate clothing, including work gloves.
Date: Saturday August 5th Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm Cost: General Admission

Trumpeter Swan News from Ontario's Wye Marsh It’s...

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre — Tue, 30 May 2006 12:02:00 +0000

Trumpeter Swan News from Ontario's Wye Marsh

It’s Egg Time!

All the critters at Wye Marsh know it’s baby time, and this of course includes a couple of our resident pairs of swans, Jack & Diane and Brutus & Amazon! Diane has been very busy building a huge nest and laying 8 eggs, which she’s currently sitting on. Jack has also been busy keeping other swans out of the territory. We don’t know where Brutus & Amazon’s nest is exactly, but Amazon’s doing a very good job of not only sitting on her nest, but also chasing other swans out of their territory while Brutus sits around looking pretty! Swans incubate their eggs for between 33-34 days, so we’re looking forward to seeing this year’s cygnets emerge in early June. Come out to the marsh soon to welcome our new cygnets, as well as all the other babies that have already been born!

Geothermal Power: Recovering the Heat from the Ea...

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre — Sat, 01 Jul 2006 13:34:00 +0000

Geothermal Power: Recovering the Heat from the Earth Below your Home or Business

About 20 people gathered at the Wye Marsh June 21st to learn more about Earth Energy. Also called Geothermal, these systems can heat your hot water and your home. They involve various designs that draw heat through buried loops in the ground, or in water. Heat pumps collect the heat, and distribution systems then move it through your house. The first speaker was Travis Schmidt of NextEnergy in Elmira, who gave an excellent introductory talk and explained the various systems. Then Tom Restoule, a local homeowner living in Penetang, spoke about his experiences having a geothermal system installed at his home. There was time for many questions, and audience interest was keen. Details on the next topic, Wind Power on July 20th.

Susan Hirst
Research/Sustainable Energy Coordinator
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
705-526-7809 x205
research@wyemarsh.com

Birds of Prey Show is Great Summer Family Entertai...

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 15:56:00 +0000

Birds of Prey Show is Great Summer Family Entertainment

The new Birds of Prey show is attracting many visitors, all whom have enjoyed a great show. Matt Lieberknecht flies a Red Tailed Hawk, a Harris Hawk, a Barn Owl and a Turkey Vulture every Sunday at 1:00 pm. In addition, Matt has brought baby Harris Hawks, a baby Peregrine falcon and an Eagle Owl for the shows. It is really fascinating to see the changes in these birds over a one week period. The eagle Owl has started his training and will be flying in a few weeks! All are amazed at the flying prowess of these birds, especially the Harris Hawk. People in the audience are asked to land the bird on the fist and that really excites the youngsters.

Wildflowers On Display Discover Wye Marsh Wildflo...

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 15:51:00 +0000

Wildflowers On Display

Discover Wye Marsh Wildflowers.

Many opportunites exist to participate in walking tours and talks with Wye Marsh naturalists. Learn about Xeriscaping, and many of the natural perennials that will mix with your favorite garden flowers.

Salvia-Purple Sage(drought tolerant)
Photo: R. Taylor

Record year for Wye Marsh Trumpeter Swans! We’re ...

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 13:23:00 +0000

Record year for Wye Marsh Trumpeter Swans!

We’re still waiting for some nests to hatch, but cygnets are being born in the region, including 7 cygnets to one of our Wye Marsh pairs! A flight that took place over the area to look for nests revealed an astounding 5 nests in Wye Marsh, a new record! Come to Wye Marsh soon to see some babies. More Trumpeter Swan News
Julie Kee
Swan Program / Research Coordinator
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre Photo Credit: R L McAdam

Spring is Birth Time at Wye Marsh There are babie...

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 13:27:00 +0000

Spring is Birth Time at Wye Marsh

There are babies popping up all over the place at Wye Marsh these days, including this young fawn spotted along Wye Marsh’s woodland trail. Baby deer are born with no scent so they are protected against predators, so the mother deer will leave it alone much of the time, and return to feed them every 2-3 hours until they are big enough to keep up with their moms.

If you take your time and look carefully in the underbrush along our trails you might find more treats like this!

Come out and join one of our canoe or hike around the marsh trips. Join experienced Wye Marsh Naturalists as they lead you through the trails and boardwalks or the channels of the Wye Marsh. Learn all about the plant and animal hot spots! No matter what your interest, there is something for you. See reptiles and amphibians, watch birds, search for aquatic insects, or just enjoy the flowering plants. More News from the Marsh

Julie Kee Swan Program / Research Coordinator Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre

Caring For nature Workshops Continue This Weekend ...

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 12:26:00 +0000

Caring For nature Workshops Continue This Weekend

Glossy Buckthorn can be a nuisance species. Ecological problems associated with this invasive plant are discussed and you will participate in an outdoor session geared towards plant identification and removal. http://www.wyemarsh.com/proj_caring.html#glossy