Nature Outings of the Hamilton Naturalists' Club

 

 

Field Events 2010-2011

NOTE: As these are “nature outings” please take precaution for poison Ivy, insect bites and sun exposure.

Sunday, May 2, 2010, 9:00 a.m.
SHORT HILLS SANCTUARY WORK DAY
Come and join us for a day in our Carolinian Forest Sanctuary, hiking, clearing and marking the trails, removing garlic mustard and garbage, and enjoying the early spring flowers, birds and the old growth Carolinian trees. Members of the Sanctuary Committee work crew may also be removing some fallen and hazard trees. Bring a picnic and enjoy the camaraderie . Meet at 9am in the parking lot of Battlefield Square Plaza on Queenston Rd. ,(Hwy #8 ), just east of Centennial parkway, for car-pooling.
Contacts: Sanctuary Director Michael Fischer (905) 526 0325 or Warren Beacham (905) 627 3323

Saturday, May 8, 2010, 8:00 a.m. - 12 noon
WALK FOR NATURE AT THE RBG NATURE CENTRE AND ARBORETUM
Bring the whole family out to the annual Walk for Nature in support of local environmental groups working to protect nature in the Hamilton area. Choose a 5 or 10 km walk beginning at the RBG Nature Centre and Arboretum on Old Guelph Rd. Practice your sleuthing skills in the new Nature Quest. Afterwards there will be special activities for children and free refreshments for walkers. Family fun will include interactive displays from local environmental groups and the opportunity to see live birds of prey up close. Consider getting sponsors for your walk or supporting Brian McHattie, HNC past president and Hamilton City Councillor, our ambassador for the Walk for Nature this year.
Contact Jennifer Baker our HNC Land Trust Coordinator for more details land@hamiltonnature.org or call 905 524 3339 to make a donation.

Sunday, May 9, 2010, 1:30 p.m.
EARLY SPRING WILD FLOWERS WALK
This is an exciting time of the year as spring flowers start to appear in the woodlands and fields. Join botanists Dean Gugler and Fleure-Ange Lamothe for a walk in the Hendrie Valley. Meet at Cherry Hill Gate in the parking lot on Plains Rd. across from the RBG. at 1.30pm. There is a small charge for parking if you are not an RBG member.
Call Dean at (519) 647 2371 for more details

Saturday, May 15, 2010, 8:00 - 11:00 a.m.
BIRD BANDING DEMONSTRATION AT RUTHVEN PARK With Rick Ludkin
It’s the peak time for bird migration in the middle of May and an ideal opportunity to watch the banding team identify each bird that is caught in the mist nets, apply a tiny leg band, carefully weigh and measure the birds and record data about each one, before it is released. A great variety of warblers and other birds are likely to be seen during the morning. You will learn about the birds and their migration from these expert, dedicated birders, who operate the banding lab every day in April and May, ( unless it’s very wet, windy weather), from dawn till noon.
Bring your binoculars, rubber boots, a snack and warm drink . It is cold in the early morning and the trails are often wet and muddy. Park at the end of the driveway by the washrooms. The banding lab. is the small building on your right as you walk towards the mansion. Ruthven Park is located on Hwy # 54 between York and Cayuga along the Grand River. Check their website at www.ruthvenpark.ca Call Rick Ludkin (905) 765 4963
NOTE: If it’s very wet on Saturday, this will be postponed until Sunday May 16th.

Saturday, May 29, 2010, 10:00 a.m.
WOOD DUCK NEST-BOX EXCURSION
Alfie Stanevicius will take you to see some of the 200 Wood Duck nest boxes that he monitors. Come and meet the handsome ducks that are featured on our HNC logo. Bring binoculars and your camera, as we expect to see some other interesting birds along the way. Expect to get muddy and have some fun! Rubber boots or hip waders are essential for this outing. Meet in Copetown at the school parking lot by the Community Centre (on Hwy # 99- just east of the traffic light at Hwy # 52 ). We will carpool from there.  Duration approx. 2 hours. This may be extended if the weather is good and people are interested in going further.
Contact Alfie at (905) 331 0303

Saturday, June 5, 2010, 8:30 a.m.
BLUEBIRDS AT CEDARBROOK FARM
Join Dan Welsh for a walk at Cedarbrook Farm, bird-watching and discussing bluebirds, tree swallows, house wrens and other birds. Duration 1 – 2 hours. Location ; # 812   8th Concession Rd. West RR # 3 Puslinch
Contact  Dan  at (905) 659 4957 or e-mail:  bluebird6@sympatico.ca

Sunday, June 13, 2010, 9:00 a.m.
FLORA AND FAUNA OF BEVERLY SWAMP
The Beverly Swamp sits just within the northern boundary of the “Carolinian zone”, but has much flora and fauna more typical of the boreal forests of the north. Star flower, Labrador Tea, White throated sparrow and Yellow warbler, to name a few of these, 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. and 8th Concession Rd. west at 9am. Bring rubber boots and bug repellent.
Leader; Paul Smith (905) 659 1482

Saturday, June 19, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
BioBlitz FUN DAY AT HILTON FALLS CONSERVATION AREA
In celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity, Conservation Halton is holding a BioBlitz fun day at Hilton Falls. Come out and enjoy the themed hikes, guest speakers, birds of prey demonstrations, family activities, a BBQ lunch and much more. Check the website for more details: www.conservationhalton.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?itemid=9918&subCatID=1519
Contact: Liz Wren (905) 3360 1158 (ext 284) or e-mail ewren@hrca.on.ca

JUNE 19/20 BioBlitz NATURALISTS' CHALLENGE
Join in and compete in Halton CA’s first Bioblitz! Put together a team or sign up individually and identify all you can over the 2 days. Prizes for the biggest species list, rarest bird and more! Specialised hikes and demonstrations on dragonflies and damselflies, butterflies, bat mist netting and others. Sign up at the following website: www.conservationhalton.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?itemid=9918&subCatID=1519
Contact Nigel Finney at (905) 3360 1158 ( ext 305) or e-mail: nfinney@hrca.on.ca

Sunday, June 20, 2010, 10:00 a.m.
ODONATES WORKSHOP & FIELD TRIP AT HILTON FALLS BioBlitz, With Brenda VanRyswyk
Brenda will start the day by giving an introduction to Dragonflies and Damselflies and give you some handouts about them. Then outdoors to explore the property and watch Brenda demonstrate the basics of catching odonata. She will identify each one and show you their particular characteristics. Be prepared to be outdoors most of the day and dress appropriately, including hat and sunscreen. Hiking boots are recommended. Bring lots of water, lunch and snacks. Also, if you have them,. binoculars, insect net, hand lens, field guide to odonates. Meet in the parking lot at Hilton Falls. Entrance fee: $5.50, or free to BTA members, (bring your card), and those with season pass to Halton CA. If it rains, just the workshop will take place indoors.
Leader:  brendavanryswyk@gmail.com

Saturday, July 3, 2010, 9:00 a.m.
HAMILTON ODONATE COUNT
Bring lots of enthusiasm, sunshine, a lunch, lots of water, sunscreen, shoes that you don’t mind getting wet, and any of the following that you may own.net, field guides, hand lens, envelopes for hard to ID guys, digital camera. All welcome. Meet at the corner of Kirkwall Rd. and Con. #8 in the church parking lot.
Leader:  Brenda Van Ryswyk, E-mail brendavanryswyk@gmail.com

Sunday, July 4, 2010, 9:00 a.m.
HAMILTON BUTTERFLY COUNT
Bring a net, field guides, sunscreen, lunch, plenty of water, etc. as above. This count is not for complete beginners, but those who can identify most of our local butterfly species and also those who have been on the count before with moderate butterfly ID skills. Meet at the church right on the corner of Kirkwall Rd. and Con.#8
Leader: Bill Lamond (519) 756 9546

Saturday, August 14, 2010, 11:00 a.m.
MEDICINAL AND EDIBLE PLANTS AT APP'S MILL BRANTFORD
(rain date Saturday, August 21, 2010)
We are delighted that Shawn is able to offer his hike again this summer. It will be a late morning walk, looking for edible and medicinal plants in a lovely conservation area. Exit Hwy #403 at Restacres Rd. S. to Robinson Rd. Turn right and continue to Apps Mill CA. it’s a fast approaching turn at the bottom of a steep hill. After crossing the creek bridge you will pass the Interpretive Centre on your left. Continue to the next parking lot, on the right, which will be the meeting place.
Leader: Shawn Held (519) 753 4092, E-mail: shawn.held@rogers.com

Monday, August 30, 2010
HIKE AT SHORTHILLS NATURE SANCTUARY
With Lunch and Wine Tasting at Featherstone Winery and Visit to the Centennial Forest
Meet at Tim Horton’s parking lot in Beamsville at the Ontario St. / QEW intersection.  This is your coffee and washroom opportunity! We will continue to our beautiful old growth Carolinian forest nature sanctuary near N. Pelham for a nature walk. The trails are hilly. Bring a light snack if you like and water. We plan to arrive at the winery around noon for our tasting, tour and lunch. Afterwards, those who are interested may continue to the Centennial Forest, which is very close, at the end of Victoria Avenue by Lake Ontario. NB We will need to know numbers for the luncheon, please e-mail or phone Elaine 2 weeks before this outing to comfirm your attendance.
Leader: Frank Morley (905) 575 0668 or contact Elaine Serena for more details: (905)639 2702 eserena@cogeco.ca

 

Field events beginning in May 2010 appear in the May Wood Duck and here on the website.

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.

Wednesday Evening Walks

Watch the April and May Wood Ducks and the HNC website for information about these popular summer outings, held every Wednesday evening from late April to early September. There may also be more weekend outings or further details posted nearer the time.

Join us in the Summer/Fall months 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 usually start at 6:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted and usually finish about 9 p.m.. No dogs please.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 7:30 p.m.
SPRING CHORUS
Come out for one of the traditional rites of spring : breeding frogs and salamanders. The Beverley swamp is a great place to find them and you will hear many amphibians calling now. You may also be lucky enough to see a beaver or two busy at work. The trails are very wet, so rubber boots will be necessary. Tana and Shane will demonstrate precautions you may take to prevent transferring amphibian diseases from site to site.  This hike is for HNC members only. The meeting place will be at the parking area on Flamborough Con. #8 West, just past the bridge over Spencer Creek.
Leaders: Tana McDaniel (905) 957 9523 and Shane de Solla

Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
MOSSES AND FOREST PLANTS IN THE SPENCER GORGE, DUNDAS
Follow the Bruce Trail along the Spencer Gorge to Webster’s Falls looking for mosses and spring wild flowers with Terry Carleton our HNC Conservation Director. Bring a hand lens to examine the plants and a camera for macro photos. Sturdy waterproof footwear with a good grip is essential. The trail is rough in places and may be wet. There is one tricky spot requiring a rope handhold, so this hike is NOT suitable for disabled walkers. The distance of the walk is approximately 4 km and may be extended by climbing up the steep steps by the waterfall. (you may wish to leave one car in the parking lot here, if car-pooling, to avoid retracing steps back. We go rain or shine, please dress warmly as the gorge tends to be cool and damp in the evening. This is an ecologically sensitive area, no specimen collecting.
Meet just off King St. W. along Woodley Lane, (the road to the Dundas Golf and Curling Club), on the left immediately before the railway bridge as you go up the hill out of Dundas towards Greensville. Park along the side of the road.
Leader: Terry Carleton: (905) 515 4101 

Wednesday, May 12, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
BIRDING HIKE IN HAMILTON - URBAN MIGRATION
Late spring migration features the brightly coloured warblers amongst the many birds moving north. When the weather cooperates the numbers can be impressive! We will meet at the Chedoke Golf Course parking area at the end of Beddoe Drive and hike along a segment of the historic Radial trail.
Leader: Sheldon Mc Gregor.  (905) 304 8282 or e-mail SMcgrego@SCJ.com

Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
BIRDS AND FLOWERS ALONG THE MCCORMICK TRAIL, DUNDAS VALLEY
Walk the rolling hills of the Dundas valley north of Governor’s Rd., looking for bluebirds, bobolinks and other spring migrants and flowers. There may also be some deer in the early evening. Park carefully along Governor’s Rd, west of the road to Dundas Valley CA. Trail Centre. Please don’t block the entrance to the farm. Waterproof footwear is recommended if the weather has been wet. Please note there is a $3 charge for non members of the DVCA.
Leader; Joyce Litster (905) 627 1203

Wednesday, May 26, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
WILD FLOWERS OF 16 MILE CREEK
Explore this wooded river valley in Oakville which is noted for its great variety of spring wild flowers, which include drifts of white and yellow dog tooth violets along the valley slopes and Virginia bluebells in the floodplain . The Sixteen Mile Creek in its southern portion consists of a spectacular gorge 30 metres deep with shale bluffs up to 15 metres high. There are steps and steep trails, so come prepared with good hiking footwear and maybe a walking stick.
For further information and directions to the meeting place, please contact
Leader: Diane Green (905)827-4662

Wednesday, June 2, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
BIRDING THE DOFASCO TRAIL, STONEY CREEK
Dennis and Gwen Lewington will treat us to another of their annual Wednesday evening strolls along a couple of sections of this trail. A great variety of birds may be found here during the different seasons, up on the escarpment, not far from the city. So polish up your binoculars and join these 2 great birders for an interesting evening.
Meeting point: 10th Rd East at the railway line, south of Ridge Rd. in Stoney Creek.
Contact Dennis (905) 662 7952  

Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
HIKE THE LA FARGE TRAIL
This section of the trail passes over a drumlin and through part of the Beverly swamp, where many of the plants and breeding birds are more typical of northern Ontario. Meet at the end of Middletown Line at the intersection of Reg. Rd. # 97 ( previously Hwy 97), west of Hwy #6 north. The trail is steep, and usually dry, but bring bug repellent.
Leader: Paul Smith (905) 659 1482

Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
HNC FALCONWATCH
Come and watch as the young peregrine falcons take their first flights from their nest ontop of 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. Mike Street and Audrey Gamble will tell you about the falcons, who have been nesting here, monitored and protected by the HNC team, for more than 10 years .
Contact Mike: (905) 648 3737 or Audrey (905) 522 8447

Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
BIRDING HIKE #2 With Sheldon McGregor
Summer solstice gives us close to the longest day of birding for the year! The Dundas Valley is host to many breeding birds, including blue – winged and hooded warblers. Meet at the turn-around at the bottom of Martin’s Lane. ( off  Jerseyville Rd. West in Ancaster).
Leader: Sheldon McGregor (905) 304 8282

Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
WEST HARBOUR TRAIL FEATURING BARC
Enjoy a guided walk along the West Harbour trail with John Hall, Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan coordinator. Try to locate a 50,000 cubic metre sewage holding tank, a sewer diversion, a former toxic landfill, a fishy trail, some of the harbour’s original oaks, a replica barge on its way to old Dundas, a fishway unique in the world, a floating roadway, a species at risk hotspot and much more, hiding right along the West Harbour trail!
Meet at Bayfront parking area and hike towards the fish barrier.
Contact John Hall:  e-mail:  john.hall@ec.gc.ca

Wednesday, July 7, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
PLANTS, BIRDS AND GEOLOGY ALONG THE BRUCE TRAIL IN GRIMSBY
This hike up the escarpment to Beamer CA follows a rather uneven trail that is steep in places. There are many steps to climb near the top, so please be prepared for this. It is a delightful area to explore and George is a very experienced botanist and birder, so you can expect an interesting and informative outing. You will also enjoy the beauty of the valley and the view of Lake Ontario from the escarpment above. Bring binoculars and field guides and sturdy footwear with a good grip. Directions: take QEW to Grimsby, exiting at Christie St. Turn right, travelling towards the escarpment along Christie St. Turn right at Elm St., then immediately left onto Gibson. At the end of this short street is the access to the Bruce Trail. Street parking is limited here, so you may need to park on Elm St.
Leader: George Holland (905) 945 3962

Wednesday, July 14, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
A SUMMER EVENING NATURE HIKE BY THE WATERFALLS OF DUNDAS
Join Brian Wylie, former HNC President, for an evening walk to Webster’s and Tew’s Falls and on to the Dundas Peak, if time permits. Enjoy the views of the Dundas Valley and the birds and maybe other creatures that Brian will find along the way. You never know what may turn up, as he’s not only a great birder, but also a snake expert and knows the local butterflies and dragonflies. Meet at the Optimists’ Park at Hwy #8 and Brock Rd.
Leader: Brian Wylie (905) 627 4601 e-mail: bwylie3@cogeco.ca

Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
SHOREBIRDS, DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES AT 50 POINT With Bob Curry
Explore this Conservation area on the shores of Lake Ontario with Bob Curry, HNC Past President and author of Birds of Hamilton and Surrounding Areas. This is sure to be a fascinating hike, as Bob is an outstanding naturalist and teacher and the area has a good diversity of habitat. The main focus of the evening will be shorebirds and odonates, but no doubt other interesting things will be spotted along the way. Bring your binoculars and maybe a hand lens.
Meet at the entrance of 50 point CA  ( Exit  QEW at 50 Rd and follow the signs to the park, turning  quickly off the N. Service Rd. onto Base Line Rd.  The park entrance is a short distance along this road.
Leader: Bob Curry  (905) 637 2022

Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
BOTANY HIKE AT THE RBG Wit Dr. Jim Pringle
Join a brilliant botanist for this special evening looking for summer flowers and plants along the RBG trails and marsh boardwalk. Bring your binoculars, as Jim may point out some birds as well. His hikes are always fascinating and very popular. It will be at the Nature Centre / Arboretum. Meet at the parking circle.
Leader: Jim Pringle, (905) 527 1158 

Wednesday, August 4, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
EXPLORING CARTWRIGHT - OUR NATURE SANCTUARY IN THE CITY
This HNC nature sanctuary is part of a wild life corridor from the escarpment to Coote’s Paradise and abuts RBG and conservation lands. There are old orchards and woodlands and a distant view of the city of Hamilton. Warren Beacham, who was Sanctuary Director for several years, will lead the hike and tell you about the flora and fauna and the natural features of our sanctuary. Approx. 2 km walk with some hilly sections. Meet at the Borer’s Falls parking lot on the west side of York Rd. between the railway bridge and Valley Rd. We will carpool to Patterson Rd. as there is very little parking available there.
Leader; Warren Beacham (905) 627 3343

Wednesday, August 11, 2010
PERSIED METEOR SHOWER
Join the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers’ Club at their observing site at Binbrook Conservation Area for one of the most exciting astronomical events of the year. Just bring a blanket or lounge chair to watch the show. Time and meeting place to be determined. The club’s website is www.hamiltonastronomy.org
For more details nearer to the date, contact Mario Carr (905) 333 1365, e-mail; mariocarr@cogeco.ca

Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
A SUMMER EVENING WALK AT VAN WAGNER'S BEACH AND CONFEDERATION PARK
Meet Angie and Gord McNulty at Hutch’s Restaurant, then walk in an easterly direction along the Waterfront Trail to the end of Confederation Park. We will enjoy a leisurely evening stroll, taking in the scenic views of the beach and the lakeshore and attractive green-spaces and wetlands.
Leaders: Gord and Angie McNulty (905) 525 9927, gmcnulty7@gmail.com

Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
BOTANY HIKE AT SMOKEY HOLLOW FALLS
This will be mostly a trees and plants tour and will include a discussion of plant types, how to identify characterstic traits in plant families, botanical etymology, ( how plants get their interesting names), edible and medicinal uses for plants, phytochemicals, plant- animal interactions, ethnobotany , (or how certain plants have shaped our culture) and a host of other things. Ionatan likes his tours to be interesting, dynamic and interactive.
Check out his blog at http://kaleidoscopeflux.blogspot.com
Meet at the Smokey Hollow Falls parking lot on Waterdown Rd (278 Mill St. Flamborough)
Leader: Ionatan Weisgluss (416) 707 9342 or e-mail – kaleidoscopeflux@hotmail.com

Wednesday, September 1, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
NATURE HIKE IN THE DUNDAS VALLEY AT MARTIN'S ROAD IN ANCASTER
Frank Morley will lead one of his popular nature walks, looking for mushrooms, flowers, and migrating birds in this lovely part of the Dundas Valley. This area is very hilly, so please be prepared. Meet at the Robert E. Wade Community Park., 385 Jerseyville Rd. W. Ancaster.  Park by the last baseball diamond on Martin Rd. ( map 13 in the phone book).
Leader: Frank Morley, (905)575 0668

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