Nature Outings of the Hamilton Naturalists' Club

 

 

Field Events 2011-2012

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

FALL 2011 — August thru October
URQUHART BUTTERFLY GARDEN
Located in Centennial Park on the banks of the Desjardins Canal in Dundas, this butterfly garden is heavily planted with nectar and foliage plants needed by butterflies and their caterpillars. It is maintained without the use of pesticides, many of which are detrimental to the butterfly populations. Beyond creating valuable new butterfly habitat, the garden's objectives include educating the public about how to contribute to protecting butterfly populations. The garden also provides a relaxing, natural environment where people of all ages can learn about the diversity of local butterfly species and enjoy their beauty. The brainchild of Joanna Chapman, local businesswoman, the garden hosts a myriad of butterflies. The fall season hosts departing butterflies and is a lovely destination for a self guided tour of plants and butterflies. Bring your guide books as you learn firsthand, scouting the six large raised beds, each 75x35 feet and the adjacent bank of the canal. Website address: www.UrquhartButterflyGarden.org

Wednesday, September 7, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
HAMILTON CEMETARY WALK AND TALK
Join Shirley Klement on a walk and talk of the Hamilton Cemetary across from Dundurn Castle. This historical cemetery holds a delightful and informative history of Hamilton, as well as housing very old trees of Hamilton, as well as housing very old trees of Hamilton. Shirley will take us on an inspiring tour and talk through a casual stroll of this wonderful cemetery. As a keen birder, there will also be an opportunity to spot some feathered friends. Meet in the parking lot of Dundurn Castle just across the road. Contact Shirley at (905) 336-5433 or Gerten Basom (905) 304-5998 or gertenb@shaw.ca.

Saturday, September 10, 2011, 10:00 a.m.- 2 p.m.
MONITORING AT THE SPOOKY HOLLOW NATURE SANCTUARY
Join us this Saturday as we will be working to install monitoring plots, pulling some invasive species and possibly searching for an endangered plant. We'll be leaving Hamilton around 8:30 and should be back by 4. I'll have some snacks but you should bring a lunch. Please contact Jen Baker if you're able to join us (905-524-3339 or land@hamiltonnature.org) and I can confirm carpooling details.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011, 6:00 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.
TALLGRASS PRAIRIE AND OAK SAVANNAH HIKE
Please join Lindsay Burtenshaw, Terrestrial Ecologist, RBG, who will lead a hike and talk about tallgrass prairie and oak savannah restoration programs while visiting three different sites. Through the use of prescribed burns, rare and endangered habitats are being restored at various locations within RBG's nature sanctuaries. Learn about private and savannah ecology and why fire plays a critical role in maintaining these plant communities. This is rated as an easy hike for all, although there will be stairs involved. Meet at Princess Point. Paid parking or RBG members pass is required. Meet at : 334 Longwood Rd. N. From Hamilton: heading west on King St, turn right on Macklin St.N., Princess Point is at the end. From Dundas: heading east on Main street, turn left on Longwood Rd., N. Princess Point is at the end.
Leader: Lindsay Burtenshaw : (905) 527-1158 ext 257 or email lburtenshaw@rbg.ca.

Friday, September 16 & Saturday, September 17th, 2011
POINT PELEE LATE SUMMER CAMPING
We have reserved spots in the PPNP Group Campground for the above dates. These dates coincide with the OFO Convention. This could also be prime Monarch Migration time. To reserve your spot please contact Frank Morley at (905) 575-0668.

Saturday, September, 17, 2011, 2:00 p.m.
ASTER/GOLDENROD HIKE
With the late summer, early fall season upon us, please join Dr. Jim Pringle for an afternoon hike, exploring asters and goldenrod. Meet at the RBG York Road parking lot, where our hike will begin and end. Binoculars and cameras are always a wonderful idea, to capture the striking colours of this abundant group of plants. Hike
Leader: Dr. Jim Pringle, RBG. (905) 527-1158.

Saturday, September 24, 2011, 10:00 a.m.
LATE SEASON DRAGONFLIES & BUTTERFLIES OF FLAMBOROUGH
This time of year can still be good for several species of dragonflies and butterflies. Of course the weather has to cooperate. If the listed daytime high for Sept 24th is not 16c or higher, the hike will be cancelled. Meet on the 8th concession W., at Westover Road at 10:00 a.m. Park on Westover Road. **NOTE** Westover Road is not a through-road from either direction at 8th Concession. Bring a lunch.
Leader: Bill Lamond (519) 756-9546 or bill-lamond@hotmail.com.

Wednesday, September 28, 7:00 p.m, 8:15 p.m.
W.J.McCALLION PLANETARIUM — THE DIVINE SKY
The William J. McCallion Planetarium was the first planetarium in Ontario offering shows to the public. It has offered as many as 100,00 presentations to the public and their features are often sold out. Each week features a different show, but on the 28th, it is entitled "THE DIVINE SKY". This presentation explores the ties between the religions of the world and the physical night sky. Shows begin with a description of the constellations and apparent motions of celestial objects followed by an intro to the evening's show. Reserve your spot early, to ensure seating. The planetarium is situated inside the Burke Science Building, B149, McMaster University. Show fees are $5.00. Contact www.physics@mcaster.ca/planetarium. Check their website for other exciting shows throughout the year.

Sunday, October 2, 2011, 12:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.
BRUCE TRAIL DAY
Each Bruce Trail club is hosting free guided hikes and family activities to help you explore the Bruce Trail and discover the amazing variety of life along the Niagara Escarpment. To find a portion of the Bruce Trail in your area go to www.brucetrail.org and look for "Bruce Trail Day" on their website.

Saturday, October 8, 2011, 10:00 a.m.
PLAN B ORGANIC FARMS TOUR
Join us for a fall tour at Plan B Organic Farms in discovering fresh organic fall produce and how the farm is run. Share in the harvest! An honorarium of $5.00 per person will be paid to Plan B. The farm is located at 1377 5th Concession West, West Flamborough, north of Peter's Corners. www.planborganicfarms.ca. For more information contact Gerten Basom gertenb@shaw.ca.

Saturday, October 15, 2011, 7:30 a.m. (Rain date, October 16th)
SPOOKY HOLLOW VISIT AND FALL WORK DAY
Meet at the Egg and I Restaurant for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. (at the junction of Hwy #53 and Hwy#2), then it's off of to our Carolinian forest sanctuary, Spooky Hollow, for a day out exploring the woods and some trail maintenance. Bring a lunch. Contact Sanctuary Director, Warren Beacham (905) 627-3343 or wbeach808@sympatico.ca

Sunday, October 16, 2011, 8:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
BIRD BANDING AT HALDIMAND OBSERVATORY
It's a great time to see a variety of fall migrants and winter residents at the banding lab. Come watch the experts and hold a bird in your hand to see the beautiful plumage, before letting it fly away. Bird banders will provide info. Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot at Ruthven Historic Park on Hwy #54 between York and Cayuga. Bring a picnic lunch and hike the trails. Event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain. Call Rick Ludkin at (905) 765-4963.

October 22, 2011, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
EXPLORE ST ELIZABETH VILLAGE PONDS
Come and explore the ponds at St Elizabeth Village with HNC hike leader Allan Howie.

These ponds, which form the source of the Twenty Mile Creek watershed, are under the jurisdiction of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and provide habitat for Canada geese, mallard ducks, great blue herons, as well as wintering birds, aquatic life and a variety of mammals. Bring your binoculars and field guides as you share a walk among the many ponds in this secluded area of greenspace located on Hamilton's West mountain. Hike length is approximately one hour. Enter at the Boyes Gate on Garth Street just south of Rymal Rd West. For information call: Allan Howie, tel. (905) 574-2865 or e mail habbie80@quickclic.net

Saturday, October 29, 2011, 10:15 a.m.
NORTH-SHORE TRAIL HIKE
Meet with Elaine Serena to look for late fall migrants, early winter ducks and other resident birds. Location is at the RBG Nature Centre at the parking circle. We'll hike the north-shore trail from there, looking for late migrants and enjoying the last of the beautiful fall colours. Bring your field guides and binoculars and prepare to share your knowledge. Contact Elaine Serena at eserena@cogeco.ca .

Saturday, November 5, 2011, 1:30 p.m. (Changed from November 1st)
LOOKING FOR LATE WILDFLOWERS
Join Dean Gugler and Fleur-Ange Lamothe for a late-season wildflower hike. Meet at the RBG Princess Point parking lot. The warm waters of the Hamilton Harbour and the extra light from the street lights keep the flowers blooming longer than one might expect. Contact Dean Gugler and Fleur-Ange Lamothe (519) 647-2371.

Sunday, November 6, 2011
HAMILTON FALL BIRD COUNT
This will be the 38th HNC Hamilton Fall Bird Count, a favorite tradition for many Hamilton area birders. Contact Bill Lamond to confirm your count area (519) 756-9546.

Saturday, November 12, 2011, 8:00 a.m.
LAKESHORE BIRDING
Kevin has been leading a fall birding hike for almost 35 years and recently he has been focusing on waterbirds. This is a great time of year to see a wide diversity of waterbirds. Meet in the parking lot just north of Hutch's restaurant on the Beachstrip at 8:00 a.m. There will be several stops. The duration will be for at least the morning and then into the afternoon if conditions are good. Contact Kevin McLaughlin, e-mail kam50@shaw.ca

Saturday, November 19, 2011, 6:30p.m. -10:00p.m.
SPAGHETTI DINNER — A NIGHT OUT FOR NATURE
This is a special fundraising dinner event to support the HNC's land trust program. It is being held at St. Paul's United Church in Dundas. Exciting special entertainment is planned for the evening, including Kevin Callan: The Happy Camper, a great story-teller who will share stories about his outdoor adventures, a spaghetti cook-off, live music, silent auction and more! Stay tuned to the Wood Duck for more details or contact Jen Baker at (905) 524-3339 or land@hamiltonnature.org.

Saturday, December 3, 2011, 8:00 a.m.
EARLY WINTER BIRDING
Visit several birding hotspots in the Hamilton area. This outing will probably go till mid-afternoon, depending on the weather. Dress warmly and bring a lunch. Meet at Dundurn Castle parking lot.
Contact: Sheldon McGregor (905) 304-8282 or sheldonbirder@hotmail.com .

Monday, December 26th, 2011
CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
This annual tradition has always occurred on Boxing Day in the Hamilton area. It is part of a continent wide programme to monitor bird populations. I t may surprised you to find out how many different species are spotted during this all day bird count. Contact Tom Thomas to confirm your count area or to join in the fun. (905) 689-5920.

January 2012
SNOESHOING/WINTER WALK AT THE RBG
If you can put one foot in front of the other, you're well on your way to having fun on snowshoes! A nature walk will replace snowshoeing if conditions aren't suitable. Dates and times will be confirmed online at the HNC Website or the RBG website. Pre-registration is a must! Additional dates for January and February are added as popularity of this event grows. RBG Members $10.50, non-members $13.50/class (family rate $38). Meet at the Nature Centre, RBG. Contact www.rbg.ca for details or call (905) 527-1158 ext 270.

January 13, 14, 28 & 29th, 2012
OWL PROWL
Come out on a winter night hike and search for owls as well as meet the resident birds. Each year the Mountsberg Conservation Area in Campbellville offers an Owl Prowl evening, occurring throughout two weekends in January. Adult owl prowls are on January 13th and January 29th, prowl time 7:00-9:00 p.m. For prowls with children and seniors, they are January 14th and January 28th, from 6:30 p.m.-8:30p.m. Costs for Adults are $16.95 tax included, $11.30 for children tax included and Seniors $11.30 tax included. To book your reservation, please call the centre early as these events sell out quickly at (905) 854-2276 or book online at mtsberg@hrca.on.ca

January 29, 2012, 1:30 p.m.
IDENTIFYING WILD FLOWER REMAINS IN WINTER
Join Dean Gugler and Fluer-Ange Lamothe at Sanctuary Park in Dundas in identifying a remarkable number of wild flowers which can still be seen at this time of year. Meet Dean and Fleur-Ange at the parking lot off Sanctuary Drive in Dundas. Call (519) 647-2371.

Thursday, January 26 — 29, 2012
GUELPH ORGANIC CONFERENCE
The largest organic marketing event of the year in Canada, the Guelph Organic Conference is a wonderful winter outing for those wishing to connect with organic goods and environmentally responsible products and services. Entrance to this event is free, but workshops must be registered for a fee. Located in the Guelph University Centre. For more information see guelphorganicconf.ca or call (519) 824-4120 ext 56205.

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 11:00 a.m.
WINTER HAWKS AND OWLS
Ken and Angie have led very successful excursions in Haldimand county. The list of birds sighted are Bald Eagle, Rough-legged and Red Tailed Hawks, Kestrel, a Snowy Owl, White —winged Crossbills, Pine Siskins and flocks of Wild Turkeys. Bring a lunch and meet at Tim Horton's in Hagersville. This outing will go all afternoon. In the event of stormy weather it will be postponed to Sunday, February 12th. Leader Ken or Angie Williams (905) 923-8580 or williamsmusic@execulink.com

March 1st — May 15th, 2012
NIAGARA PENINSULA HAWKWATCH
The annual Hawkwatch has been going on for over 30 years. It takes place daily

Late March 2012
LONG POINT WATERFOWL OUTING
Based on interest and availability, we may have another outing by bus to Long Point. Contact Bill Lamond or Gerten Basom, after the new year. Bill Lamond bill-lamond@hotmail.com or Gerten Basom gertenb@shaw.ca.

APRIL 2012
HAMILTON BURLINGON EARTH DAY EVENT
During the early part of April and May, eco friendly events will occur in Hamilton and Burlington. Sales of rain barrels, tree planting, guided hikes and other environmentally beneficial event planning will be open to the public. Please visit www.earthdayhamilton.ca for further details.

APRIL 2012
TRIVIA NIGHT
This HNC fundraiser is to permanently protect land in the Beverly Swamp located in North Flamborough made up of the best and largest forested wetland in Southern Ontario. Be sure to attend a night of trivia and great fun! Stay tuned for the selected date, posted on the HNC website or contact Jen Baker at (905) 524-3339 or land@hamiltonnature.org .

Friday, April 6, 2012, 10:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.
OPEN HOUSE BEAMER MEMORIAL CA, GOOD FRIDAY
Come and join Mike Street at the annual open house for raptor watching at Beamer Memorial Conservation Authority. This annual event has taken place for the past 23 years. Bring binoculars. By day's end, birders will have sighted up to 2,000 birds. There will also be live bird presentations. Contact Mike Street at (905) 648-3737.

Saturday, April 14, 2012, 1:30 p.m.
SPRING OUTING TO THE ERAMOSA KARST
Join Marcus Buck in exploring the newly established Eramosa Karst CA. Visit sinking streams, sinkholes, karren, springs and caves. A pair of Long Eared Owls nested here in 2009 and raised 3 owlets. Meet at the entrance kiosk, rain or shine, in the parking lot on the east side of Upper Mt. Albion Road, a short distance south of Highland Road West. Leader Marcus Buck (905) 575-4759 or mbuck@karstsolutions.com.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
AMERICAN WOODCOCK OUTING
Join Sheldon McGregor on an American Woodcock outing in the early spring to catch Woodcock calls and see them in flight. Make sure to bring a flashlight, wear rubber boots or waterproof footwear and warm clothing, as the evening air can be cool. Dusk is the perfect time to catch these birds and we will be returning to our vehicles in the dark. We'll meet at the Dundurn Castle parking lot and carpool from there. Contact Sheldon McGregor at (905) 304-8282 or sheldonbirder@hotmail.com .

Saturday, April 21, 2012; 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
SPRING BIRDING IN FLAMBOROUGH
Rob Dobos will take us on a tour of the Flamborough area to look for returning early spring migrants that should be back on their breeding territories, always welcome after a long winter. Brown Thrasher, Eastern Towhee, Eastern Bluebird, Pine Warbler, several sparrows, marsh birds, migrating raptors, early shorebirds and lingering waterfowl should all be found in areas of the Beverly Swamp, Hayesland Swamp, Hyde Tract, and Flamborough Limestone Plain. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the North Wentworth Community Centre & Arena at Clappisons Corners for carpooling. From Hwy. 6 and Hwy. 5 intersection, go west on Hwy. 5 (Dundas St.) about 0.5 km to North Wentworth Dr., turn right to the parking lot at the arena. For info, email Rob at: rdobos@cogeco.ca.

Sunday, April 22, 2012, 8:00 a.m.
BEVERLY SWAMP EARLY WILDFLOWER IDENTIFICATION
Please join Don Corby, wild flower photographer, in the Beverly Swamp to discover early wildflowers. We will be looking for Bloodroot, Hepatica and perhaps even Trilliums depending on weather. Bring your cameras and get some pointers on shooting wildflowers in Don's favorite spots to find these early flowers. Meet on the 8th Concession W., in Flamborough, 8km in from Hwy 6, past Antrum Glen retirement community on the north side, just where 8th concession and Spencer Creek meet. Parking area on north side of 8th west. Contact Don Corby at (905) 689-1976.

 

Field events beginning in May 2012 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.

Notices of Wednesday Evening Walks are now included in the Field Events Listings

 

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