Nature Outings of the Hamilton Naturalists' Club

Field Events 2007 - 2008

Saturday, September 15, 2007
FALL MIGRANTS AT WOODLAND CEMETERY/CAROLL'S POINT
Enjoy half day hike in one of Hamilton's hotspots, Woodland Cemetery located on Spring Gardens Road behind the Royal Botanical Gardens Centre. Leader Frank Morley is eager to seek out fall migrants. Walking may entail a hike down to Carroll's Point (a bit of an incline). Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the main entrance to Woodland Cemetery on Spring Gardens Road in Burlington. Contact Frank Morley at (905) 575-0668

Sunday, September 16, 2007
LATE SUMMER BUTTERFLIES
Although diversity is lower at this time of year there can still be several species on the wing. Meet in front of the Rockton General Store at 1:00 p.m. In the event of poor butterfly weather we will look at other things. Contact Bill Lamond at (519) 756-9546

Saturday September 29, 2007
CARTWRIGHT NATURE SANCTUARY MORTGAGE BURNING AND TRAIL DEDICATION
Nigel Charlong Community Centre, Old Guelph Rd, Dundas, 1:00 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the symbolic burning of the mortgage on the Cartwright Nature Sanctuary! There will also be a trail naming in honour of Bruce Duncan. Bus to the trailhead for hikes of the Cartwright Nature Sanctuary, refreshments, presentation. Check Wood Duck or website for more details. Contact Alan Ernest at 905 689-9466 or land@hamiltonnature.org

Saturday, October 20, 2007
SPOOKY HOLLOW FALL WORK DAY
Meet at the Egg and I restaurant at Hwy 53 and Hwy 2 at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast. Then it's off to our sanctuary jewel, Spooky Hollow, for trail maintenance. As always, it is not all work as we can enjoy the beauty of Spooky and the fall colours should still be outstanding. Please bring a lunch. Call Warren Beacham at (905) 627-3343

Thursday, October 25, 2007
PARKS CANADA DISCOVERY CENTRE
Meet at 7:15 p.m. at Parks Canada Discovery Centre at 57 Guise Street East, Hamilton, for an after hours private group visit of the Discovery Center including a guided tour and short film in the theater. The centre features 3 galleries each exploring a different theme. Displays and interactive exhibits feature Canada's heritage through our system of national protected and important areas, the culture and interactions with our varied marine areas, and a simulated Voyage of Discovery including a scientists' cabin. For more information visit their website at: www.pc.gc.ca/canada/decouvertes-discovery/index_E.asp. Pre-registration required since numbers are limited. Sign-up at September or October HNC meetings or email Sheldon McGregor at smcgrego@scj.com or phone at (905) 304-8282. Admission fee of $5.45 for adults, and $2.95 for children 16 and under is payable at door.

Saturday, October 27, 2007
TREES OF HAMILTON CEMETERY
How well do you know your local trees with or without leaves? Meet at Dundurn Castle at 9:00 a.m. for this informative morning hike concentrating on the many aspects of identification of trees of the area. Leader: Frank Morley (905) 575-0668

Saturday, November 3, 2007
IN SEARCH OF LATE WILDFLOWERS
Meet expert botanists Dean Gugler and Fleur-Ange Lamothe at Princess Point, RBG at 1:30 p.m. for a walk on the Hamilton Waterfront Trail. Although this hike will focus on late season wildflowers, make sure you bring your binoculars, as the Waterfront Trail will be good for waterbirds at this date. Contact Dean Gugler and Fleur-Ange Lamothe at (519) 647-2371

Sunday, November 4, 2007
HAMILTON FALL BIRD COUNT
This will be the 34th annual HFBC which is always held on the first Sunday of November. An event that Alan Wormington initiated in 1974, is now a favoured tradition for many Hamilton birders. To participate or confirm your area please call Bill Lamond at (519) 756-9546

Saturday, November 17, 2007
VAN WAGNERS TO FIFTY POINT BIRDING
Join Kevin for his annual hike concentrating on waterbirds. Meet at Van Wagners Beach at the north side of Hutch's parking lot at 8:00 a.m. Several stops are in order at Gray's Rd, Sayers Park, Millen Rd, Fifty Point, etc. The duration will be at least the morning and possibly early afternoon if things are good. Contact Kevin McLaughlin at (905) 549-7057

Saturday, November 17, 2007, 7 PM
TRIVIA NIGHT! Head of the Lake Land Trust Fund Raiser
Test your knowledge and help raise money for the Land Trust program. Join us for an evening of skill and fun. This is a team event, with max 8 people per team competing for fun and prizes. Check this webasite or the Wood Duck for details. Contact Warren Beacham (905) 627-3343 or wbeach808@sympatico.ca

Saturday, December 1, 2007
EARLY WINTER HAMILTON BIRDING
Start your "winter listing" with Sheldon at 8:00 a.m. at the upper parking lot of LaSalle Park at the southern end of Waterdown Rd in Aldershot. We will visit several miscellaneous birding hotspots in the local area. This hike will probably go until 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. depending on crowd, weather and how things are going. Please bring warm clothes and a lunch. Contact Sheldon McGregor at (905) 304-8282

Wednesday, December 26, 2007
HAMILTON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
This annual tradition has always occurred on Boxing Day in the Hamilton area. A part of the continent-wide program to monitor bird populations. Please contact Tom Thomas at (905) 689-5920 to confirm your area or to join in the fun.

Saturday, January 5, 2008
WINTER WILDLIFE AT FLETCHER CREEK ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE
Geothermal heat brings on spring any day. Visit a property that has stirred the imagination of many. Surprises are definitely on hand. Take Gore Road west from Hwy 6 a distance of 4.8 km. Turn right on 7th Concession and follow for 0.7 km to the pull off at Crieff Bog - the source of Spencer Creek. Hike begins at 1:00 p.m. Call Bruce Mackenzie to reserve a spot for the hike at (905) 643-4526

Saturday, January 12, 2008
WINTER BIRDING IN HAMILTON
Join Bill Lamond for a winter birding outing. Meet behind the Olympic Arena along Olympic Dr. in Dundas at 8:00 a.m. Hike will end around 12:30 p.m. Call Bill Lamond at (519) 756-9546

Saturday, January 19, 2008
WINTER WANDERING AT DUNDAS VALLEY
Meet Dean & Fleur-Ange at Sanctuary Park at 1:30 p.m. Meet at the parking lot on Sanctuary Drive off Pleasant Ave in Dundas. A suprising number of wildflowers can be identified at this time of year. We will also examine any bit of nature the strikes our fancy. Call Dean Gugler and Fleur-Ange Lamothe at (519) 647-2371

Sunday, February 10, 2008
HAWKS AND OWLS OF SALTFLEET
Join leaders Ken and Angie Williams at this traditional spot in Hamilton on 10th Road East to view wintering hawks and owls. Hike begins at 5:30 p.m. at the tracks on 10th Road East at the Dofasco Trail. This is an ideal spot to view wintering Short-eared Owls. Contact Ken & Angie Williams at (905) 547-8580

March 1 to May 15, 2008
NIAGARA PENINSULA HAWKWATCH
This annual hawkwatch has been going strong for over 30 years! The hawkwatch takes place at Beamer C.A. just above Grimsby on the Escarpment. It is the best place in Ontario to see migrating raptors in the spring. There is always someone knowledgeable present to help with identification. Contact Mike Street at (905) 648-3737

Saturday, March 29, 2008
EARLY SPRING BIRDING
Join Rob Dobos for a birding outing looking for early spring arrivals and lingering wintering birds around the Harbour, Lakeshore and Saltfleet areas. Waterfowl, loons, grebes, raptors, sparrows and a few others should be in store. Bring a spotting scope and a lunch. Meet at LaSalle Marina pier at the foot of Waterdown Rd. in Aldershot at 8:00 a.m. for car pooling. For more info contact Rob at (905) 628-0297 or rdobos@cogeco.ca

Saturday, April 26, 2008
WALK THROUGH SPENCER GORGE
Join leader Frank Morley for this all inclusive spring hike through one of our unique areas of Hamilton. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the west end of Park Street in Dundas where it meets with Bond. Uneven escarpment terrain is involved. Hike runs until noon. Contact Frank Morley at (905) 575-0668

Saturday, May 3, 2008
EARLY SPRING WILDFLOWERS OF COOTES PARADISE
This is an exciting time of year especially with the flowering of the ephemeral spring wildflowers. Join botanists Dean Gugler and Fleur-Ange Lamothe for a walk on the north shore of Cootes Paradise. Meet at the traffic parking circle at 1:30 p.m. at the RBG Arboretum on Old Guelph Rd. Call Dean and Fleur-Ange at (519) 647-2371

May 2008
POINT PELEE CAMPING
Point Pelee N.P. allocates campground sites in January. We usually get a reservation. See the Wood Duck, this website or call Frank Morley at (905) 575-0668

Sunday, May 4, 2008
SHORT HILLS WORK DAY
Meet at Battlefield Square Plaza on Hwy 8 at 9:00 am. This is our annual "spring clean-up" of our Sanctuary. We are always looking for new volunteers to help with sanctuary maintenance. You will be rewarded with the old-growth trees and the beautiful spring wildflowers of Short Hills. Bring a lunch. Please contact Warren Beacham at (905) 627-3343

Sunday, May 11, 2008
FLETCHER CREEK ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE AND CRIEFF BOG
We will visit the remediated quarry and explore the surrounding area for birds, spring wildflowers, amphibians, etc. Meet at the Fletcher Creek parking area just north of Gore Road on Concession 7 Puslinch Township at 9:00 a.m. Bring a lunch. Call Brian Wylie at (905) 627-4601

Sunday, June 01, 2008
BEVERLY SWAMP
The Beverly Swamp sits just within the northern boundary of the "Carolinian" zone but has much flora & fauna more closely associated with the boreal forests of the north. Starflower, Labrador Tea, White-throated Sparrow, and Canada Warblers to name a few. But the swamp has more than one face. The outing will be a half day introduction to this gem of a natural area. Meet at the corner of Westover Rd & 8th Concession Rd West at 9:00 a.m. Bring rubber boots & bug dope. For further info call Paul Smith at 905-659-1482

Sunday, June 8, 2008
DUNDAS VALLEY BIRDING
Dundas Valley is a vast expanse of natural habitat that supports some of our southern breeding birds such as Hooded Warbler and Acadian Flycatcher. Join Jim Heslop and Bob Stamp for a hike through part of the valley. Meet at the dead end of Powerline Rd east of Hwy 52 and Paddy Green Rd, at 8:00 a.m. Hike will end around noon. For more information contact Jim Heslop at (905) 648-5770

Sunday, June 15, 2008
DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES
Join leader Bob Curry for this hike exploring the many species of odonates we have in the Hamilton Study Area. Meet at RBG headquarters parking lot on Plains Rd. W. at 9:00 a.m. Bring a lunch, cameras and a net if you have one. Wear comfortable shoes that you won't mind getting wet if the occasion arises. Call Bob Curry for more info at (905) 637-2022

Saturday, June 21, 2008
ONTARIO EASTERN BLUEBIRDS
Bill Read, founder and president of the Ontario Eastern Bluebird Society, invites you to visit his nestbox trail and learn more about these beautiful birds. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Orchard Home on Howell Road. (From Hamilton and Burlington take Hwy # 5 West to St. George and turn north at the traffic light in the centre of town. Take the next turn left on Howell Road. After approx. 1 km you will pass 2 orchards on your right. The second orchard is your destination.) For further details, contact Bill Read at (519) 620-0744

Saturday, June 28, 2008
DUNDAS VALLEY MOTHS
The Dundas Valley is one the best places to observe moths in the Hamilton area. Meet at the west end of Lions Club Rd. at 9:00 p.m. Bring a flashlight. We will observe moths attracted to mercury vapour lamps and blacklights. Call Bill Lamond at (519) 756-9546

Sunday, July 6, 2008
HAMILTON BUTTERFLY COUNT
Meet at the church in Kirkwall right at the main intersection on Kirkwall Rd. & 8th Concession at 9:00 a.m. This count is not for beginners but for those who can identify most of our butterflies. Call Bill Lamond for details at (519) 756-9546

Saturday, July 12, 2008
HAMILTON 2008 ODONATE COUNT
Please mark your calendars. The Hamilton Odonate Count will take place on Sat. July 12, 2008. (Rain date is Sunday July 13th). Meet Brenda Van Ryswyk in the parking lot of the little church on the south side of Concession 8 West at Kirkwall Road in Kirkwall at 9am. We are in special need of those with expertise in identifying damselflies. Beginners are welcome. If possible, bring nets, field guides, binoculars, hand magnifiers, and digital cameras.

Saturday, July 19, 2008
BUTTERFLIES AT RUTHVEN PARK
Mary and Norm Pomfret will lead a hike at Ruthven Park to look for butterflies at this beautiful property on the Grand River near Cayuga. The wild flower meadows and woodlands provide a rich habitat for butterflies and birds and our leaders have compiled an impressive list of species there over the last few summers. Meet at the parking lot by the washrooms at 1pm or come early and join us for a picnic by the bird banding station close to the parking lot.
Directions: Take Hwy # 6 South ( Hamilton Airport exit) from Hwy 403 ,or follow James St. South, to Caledonia, turn left along the river, (don’t cross the bridge), and continue through York for 2-3 miles until you see the sign for Ruthven Park on your right. Follow the driveway past the mansion to the parking lot. Alternatively you make take Centennial Parkway, (Hwy # 20) up the mountain and follow Hwy # 56 through Binbrook to Empire’s Corners, turn right and follow #8 to York, then turn left along the river to Ruthven.
Leaders: Mary and Norm Pomfret (905 385 2005)

Sunday, August 17, 2008
A SUMMER PICNIC NEAR CAYUGA
Richard and Susan Klement invite HNC members to visit their farm and will lead a leisurely hike exploring their woodlots and fields. Bring a picnic lunch and maybe some carrots or apples for the horses. Directions: At the flashing light on Hwy#3 in Cayuga turn onto Thorburn St., (which becomes #17), and drive 1-2 km. Turn left at Con.1 Rd. south. The farm is the 3rd driveway on your right, signed #140 Klement. Sun Park Stables. Phone: 905 772 3042; Email: RSK@xplornet.com. Start time: 10:30 a.m.

For updates and additions concerning Field Events and other info about the Club, check the Wood Duck, listen to the Bird Hotline at 381-0329, or check this website.

All Summer Long - Wednesday Evening Walks

Join us from late April until the end of August for Wednesday Night Walks, a series of walks led by our dedicated volunteers to explore the great places in the Hamilton Area for hiking and enjoying wildlife. The hikes start at 6.30 p.m. unless otherwise noted and usually finish about 9 p.m.. No dogs please.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008
EARLY SPRING BIRDING
Jean Johnson will lead a hike along the RBG north-shore trails and down to the Dundas marsh to look for early spring migrants and other birds. We will look for early wild-flowers too. Meet at the RBG trailhead along the Old York Rd., on the right, just before the railway bridge when approaching from Dundas. Park along the road or in the parking lot. Trails may be muddy, so come prepared.
Leader: Jean Johnson; Telephone: 905 545 7952

Wednesday, May 07, 2008
CURRIE TRACT WILDFLOWERS
Come and look for the great variety of dainty spring flowers that carpet the Halton forest at this time of the year. The Currie tract is a good spot for migrant birds as well. The trail may be muddy or wet, so please bring suitable footwear. Meet Louise Unitt and Jean Stollard at the Mohawk raceway parking lot, second entrance, on the left side of Guelph line, immediately north of 401.
Call Louise at (905) 634 9179 for details.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
WOOD DUCKS AND WILD FLOWERS
Enjoy a guided tour of Karl’s beautiful property in the west end of the Dundas valley. There will be a lovely display of spring wild flowers and hopefully the many wood ducks that nest here will put in an appearance. Meet at 919 Slote Rd., which is off Governor’s Rd. just east of Copetown.
Leader: Karl Bruederle; Telephone 905 648 3230

Wednesday, May 21, 2008
McCORMACK TRAIL, DUNDAS VALLEY
Walk the rolling hills of the Dundas valley north of Governor’s Rd. We will be looking for bluebirds, spring migrants and other interesting flora and fauna. Park (carefully), along the north side of Governor’s Rd., west of the Dundas Valley Conservation Area trail centre. Please don’t block the driveway to the farm.
Leaders: Joyce Litster 905 627 1203 and Helga Kuhn

Wednesday, May 28, 2008
DOFASCO TRAIL
Dennis and Gwen Lewington will lead a birding hike along at least two sections of the trail, starting at 10th Rd. East. For parking, go east on Ridge Rd., above Stoney Creek, to 10th Rd. East, proceed south to the railway tracks, where there is ample parking.
Leaders: Dennis and Gwen Lewington; Telephone 905 662 7952

Wednesday, June 04, 2008
HYDE TRACT - FLAMBOROUGH
Explore the diverse habitat created by this large managed conifer plantation. We will hike the trails at this excellent time of year to see many breeding birds. Warblers, vireos, sparrows, hawks are all likely to be seen including some more northern species hard to find in the Hamilton area. Meet at the parking area on south side of Safari Road (Regional Road 501) about 1 km east of Kirkwall Road.
Leader: Sheldon McGregor, 905 304 8282

Wednesday, June 11, 2008
BEVERLY SWAMP – LA FARGE TRAIL
Climb a drumlin and explore part of the Beverly swamp, where Labrador Tea and Bunchberry grow and the breeding birds are more typical of cottage country ... White throated Sparrows and Canada Warbler amongst others. Meet at the end of Middleton Line, north of Regional Rd. # 97 (formerly Hwy #97),west of Hwy #6 north.
Leader: Paul Smith; Telephone 905 659 1482

Wednesday, June 18, 2008
TURTLE PONDS IN STONEY CREEK
Sherry Revesz and Don McLean will lead a hike to see several of the turtle ponds in Stoney Creek that are being threatened by development in the area. We will walk through a forested area to two ponds where the turtles will be nesting and laying their eggs. The ponds are also home to ducks, swans and salamanders. Meet at the corner of Teal and Church Streets in Stoney Creek and park along Church St. After the hike Sherry has very kindly invited us back to her home nearby for refreshments.
Leaders: Leaders: Sherry Revesz (905 662 0853 or 905 662 2040) and Don McLean

Wednesday, June 25, 2008
HNC FALCONWATCH
Come out and watch as the young Peregrine Falcons make their first flights from the nest on the Sheraton Hotel in the centre of Hamilton's busy downtown area. Meet at the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board parking lot at Bay and King Streets at 6:30 p.m.
Leaders: Mike Street (905 648 3737) and Audrey Gamble (905 522 8447)

Wednesday, July 02, 2008
WILD FLOWER HIKE WITH DEAN GUGLER AND FLEUR-ANGE LAMOTHE
Meet at the Rock Chapel parking lot to look for summer wild flowers in field and woodlot. There is a parking fee for non-RBG members.
Leaders: Dean Gugler and Fleur-Ange Lamothe, 289 260 9779

Wednesday, July 09, 2008
EXPLORE THE ERAMOSA KARST
The Friends of Eramosa Karst invite you to join them on a hike around this unique geological area and the new park that is opening soon. Please go to their website: www.friendsoferamosakarst.org to find out more about this project. Park in the entrance parking lot of Upper Mt. Albion. We will be following the trail system through the park and seeing all the main karst features plus woodlots and water features.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008
HARRIS INLET WALK
Harris Inlet is the largest non-industrialised natural area in Hamilton’s east harbour and is home to swans, giant snapping turtles, fish, foxes, coyotes, beaver, black-crowned night herons and muskrats. The Hamilton Port Authority intended to fill in this area and the remains of the nearby Secords Bog to build a new pier, but has delayed the project due to public concerns. Come and explore the area with Jim Howlett and Greg Reader and support the HCA in its bid to protect this site and its wildlife.
Directions: Park in the west parking lot of the Jervis B. Webb plant on the right hand side of Hobson’s Rd. (pier 22), which is between Stratherne Ave and Kenilworth Ave. at 1647 Burlington St. East. (Please note: this is under the overpass of Burlington St and on the north (harbour) side.)
Leader: Jim Howlett, 905 544 8514

Wednesday, July 23, 2008
CARTWRIGHT SANCTUARY
Meet at the Borer's Falls Conservation area parking lot, on the west side of York Road, between the railway bridge and Valley Road. We will car pool from there to the Cartwright Nature Sanctuary to enjoy the flora and fauna of the area. This nature sanctuary is part of a wild life corridor from the escarpment towards Cootes Paradise, and abuts Conservation Halton lands. There are old orchards and woodlands and a distant view of the city. Moderate hike, may be bugs, approx. 2 km. distance.
Contact Warren Beacham at 627-3343 for more information.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008
TREES OF HAMILTON CEMETARY #2
Those of you who came out to Frank Morley’s excursion last October, will be delighted to join long time HNC supporter, guide and historian, Albert Butwick, as he continues this fascinating tree identification walk around Hamilton cemetery. Meet at the northeast end of Dundurn Castle parking lot.
For further details contact: Albert Butwick 905 690 1772 or Frank Morley: 905 575 0668

Please note that the hikes listed below start at 6:00 p.m..

Wednesday, August 06, 2008
RBG NORTHSHORE TRAILS HIKE WITH DR. JIM PRINGLE
Join Dr. Jim Pringle for a walk along the RBG Northshore trails. You can be sure that lots of interesting plants will be observed and also a variety of birds, along this beautiful trail on the edge of Coote’s Paradise. The hike will begin and end at the RBG Nature Centre by the Arboretum on Old Guelph Rd.
Leader: Dr. Jim Pringle, 905 527 1158; Start time: 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008
LAKE ONTARIO STROLL
Join our group walking the paved Waterfront trail beside the lake. Meet at the lakeside parking lot at the Hamilton side of the Canal at 6 p.m.. We will walk south, away from the canal.
Leader: Frank Morley, 905 575 0668

Wednesday, August 20, 2008
WINDERMERE BASIN EXCURSION
Come and find out about the rehabilitation efforts being undertaken to restore this new area of parkland and plans for the wetlands within the basin, as we look for birds with Bob Curry, author of "Birds of Hamilton and the surrounding areas". Meet at the small parking lot along Eastport drive at the southeast corner of the harbour at 6 p.m..
Leader: Bob Curry, 905 637 2022

Wednesday, August 27, 2008
AN EVENING OF BIRDING AT DUNDAS MARSH
Shorebirds and passerines should be migrating at this time. Bring your binoculars and meet Brian Wylie at the Spencer Creek bridge on Olympic Drive in Dundas at 6 p.m..
Leader: Brian Wylie, 905 627 4601

Wednesday, September 10, 2008
FALL MIGRANTS AT SHELL PARK AND SHELDON CREEK TRAIL OAKVILLE
Come and explore this "Oasis" in the city. Meet in the first East parking lot at the entrance to Shell Park at 6.00pm. Shell Park is located off Lakeshore Road, east of Burloak Drive in the Town of Oakville.
Leader: Dave Don, 905 637 2426

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