To understand their population status and their wintering habitat needs, we developed a standardized, volunteer-based survey protocol to track Short-eared Owl wintering distribution and abundance on Amherst Island and Wolfe Island. The survey protocol involved recording all raptor species observed; in light of current concerns regarding the effects of wind farm development on the avian … Read more
Out of growing concern over the impact people are having on Amherst Island’s Owl Woods, working with the various landowners and stakeholders,the Kingston Field Naturalists began a project to find ways to minimize this impact. We produced a management strategy for the property. The document we produced is considered as a guide and a springboard … Read more
by Sharon David Introduction In this article I will discuss the trees and shrubs that you can plant in your yard to enhance it’s wildlifeness and which will provide a natural food source for wildlife during the fall and winter months. Many people view trees and shrubs as privacy barriers and shade sources, and often … Read more
by Sharon David and John McLaughlin Introduction In this article we discuss the different methods for attracting and keeping birds around during the fall and winter months. The three main things one needs to provide to keep birds during the winter are food, shelter and water. But why feed birds during the winter? Winter brings … Read more
by Sharon David Introduction In this part of Wildlife In My Backyard I will describe various gardens and flowers needed to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your backyard during the upcoming summer months. Gardening for hummingbirds and/or butterflies need not be on a large scale, but could be obtainable on a balcony or in a … Read more
by Sharon David Introduction Most backyards lack dead trees, also called snags, or damaged live trees, which are needed by cavity nesting birds. But many species can be enticed to nest in your backyard by the placement of nest boxes. In this article I will discuss ways of attracting cavity nesters into nest boxes and … Read more
by Sharon David Butterflies Some people may not be enthusiastic about attracting butterflies and all of their life cycle stages to their garden, but butterflies add colour, movement and beauty to the garden. They are also beneficial pollinators for many of our favourite flowers. Butterflies are classified under Lepidoptera in the class of insects, and … Read more