The outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Kingston region appears to be over for this season. It began around January 31st, when numerous dead geese were reported at Lake Ontario Park and the Elevator Bay area. The Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre also received calls and distressed birds from Collins Bay, Bath, and Belleville. Over … Read more
A message to all Kingston Field Naturalists members. Your Field Trip Coordinator needs your help. I’m looking for leaders to assist in the seasonal field trip operations. It’s time to get off your “couches” and get involved in the organization we all love. My immediate need is for people to lead the May Nature Walks … Read more
The Kingston Field Naturalists invite you to join us for our 26th BioBlitz — 14 and 15 June, 2024 at Avenstone near Camden East. Our goal is to record 1,000 species in this 24-hour period. We hope that it will be it a fun and educational event for everyone. Our annual BioBlitz is an inventory … Read more
Avian Influenza There have been no reports of large die offs of Canada Geese since the 200+ carcasses found in the Lake Ontario Park – Elevator Bay area at the beginning of February. However, sporadic dead birds have been reported throughout the Kingston region, and are continuing to be reported, so the future is still … Read more
I’m glad to say that I’ve had no more reports of major die-offs like there were at the beginning of the month. However, there continue to be more reports of dead birds than usual. Public Works had 8 geese (in total) last weekend and on Monday in Elevator Bay, and one additional goose Wednesday 28th. … Read more
I’m pleased to say there was good news in the reports I received this week, as the number of dead geese reported had greatly reduced. However, there were more reports of dead crows, and indications that Avian Influenza might be spreading to wildlife. The Public Works Department had reports of six dead geese last week, … Read more
Members of the KFN and other observers were asked to send in information about carcasses they saw over the February 10/11 weekend, to try and ascertain how widespread Avian Flu was in the Kingston region. – They were asked not to approach carcasses closely: the survey was only interested the prevalence or absence of carcasses, … Read more
COMMUNITY STANDARDS BY-LAW – BIRDFEEDERS The original draft Community Standards By-law circulated by the City of Kingston in July included a section: 6. Feeding of Wildlife 6.1 No person will feed or permit the feeding of wildlife, or leave food that is accessible by wildlife. But with exceptions including (h) a person feeding songbirds as … 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