I would like to invite each and every one of you to Gateway to Nature, the 74th Annual Ontario Nature Conference & Nature Canada Annual General Meeting, hosted by the Nipissing Naturalist Club at Nipissing University, North Bay, June 3-5.
In addition to the informative sessions featuring provincial and regional environmental experts, there are 18 field trips offering participants options for hiking, biking and paddling as a means to get out and see the region's forests, wetlands, lakes and rivers. Popular spots will include Temagami, Lake Nipissing, Cache Bay, the Mattawa River, South River and the Old Nipissing Road. Many of the trips will offer some exciting birding opportunities: You were wondering about Swainson's Thrush? Lots of them sing in wooded areas near North Bay. Also, Wood Thrush, Hermit and Veery. What about Black Terns? Cache Bay just west of North Bay is hosting lots of them at this moment, and they can be readily observed from shore. Did you know that four White Pelicans were within the rocky islands of northern Lake Nipissing just a few days ago? Bald Eagles nest in the same area, with Osprey not too far in the distant. Wood warblers? Within Laurier Woods some 24 species are regularly seen each spring. These woods are but 5 minutes from downtown. Upland Sandpipers? A pair is already answering one another (or visiting birders) just a few minutes from the city. Boreal Chickadees? - This bird can be often located within Marten River Provincial Park - a site of one of the field trips heading out Sunday morning. Black-backed Woodpeckers? Findable at various local locations. Scarlet Tanagers? They nest in the big trees surrounding the city. Sewage lagoons? - There are 5 of them within 40 miles. All are open to visitors! Redhead Ducks, Gadwall, Shovelers, Ruddy Ducks are some of the species readily observed in these neat spots. ...or what about shorebirds? A couple of the drained lagoons will have the common ones and very likely have Semi-pal Plovers, Solitary Sandpipers and others stopping over during their journey further north. Bonaparte Gulls? In beautiful summer plumage, they should be readily observed, along with Common and Caspian Terns near the shores of lovely Lake Nipissing. Over 250 species of birds are seeable annually within the North Bay area. Join us Friday, June 3rd through Sunday, June 5th, scout out some rare bird finds, and have fun exploring exciting Near North destinations. For more complete details on the Gateway to Nature conference and its field trips check out the website: www.nipissing-naturalist.com/ON/conference.htm Dick Tafel, Conference Chairman - North Bay