Trail Side News
Fall 2004 Issue 2 Volume 1
Natural Autumn Highlight:
The Galapagos Islands
- Lava Herons nesting (Oct - March) ;
- Galapagos Fur Sea Lions begin mating period (Oct);
- Sea Lion pups are born (Nov);
- Sea Lion pups play aqua aerobics with visitors (Nov);
- Brown Noddies breading season (Nov.)
- Band Rumped Storm Petrels begin second nesting (Nov).
Feature Article:
Summer 2004 - Lake Opeongo Research Reviewed
Introduction
Building upon the success of our 2003 pilot season, Nature Trails®, in partnership with the Harkness Fisheries Lab, offered an opportunity for the general public to participate in the collection of fisheries research data in Algonquin Park, this summer.
The program conducted this year consisted of four components:
- Lake Opeongo temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles;
- Sampling of the zooplankton community of Lake Opeongo;
- Observation of the Lake Opeongo bird Community;
- Survey of small fish community in Lake Opeongo.
The data collected from each of these four components represent useful trend through time information, which will supplement other trend through time data collected by Harkness Lab on fish community, the fishery and the physical environment of Lake Opeongo. The objectives of each component and a summary of the data collected to date follow in more detail.
- Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Sampling and Secchi Depth
Purpose
Thermocline depth and water transparency are two variables, which are likely to be impacted by climate change. Long term monitoring of these variables will be important in interpreting the effects of climate change upon lake ecosystems.
Objectives
To obtain a dissolved oxygen and temperature profile and a secchi depth measurement from each sampling station (TP#1 -#3) once per week through July and August.
Progress
The objective of sampling each site once per week has not been accomplished, with only site TP#1 and TP#2 visited weekly. It is possible this objective is not logistically possible given the time constraints of the existing expedition. Discussions to alleviate this problem will be had in the near future.
- Sampling of the zooplankton community of Lake Opeongo
Purpose
The zooplankton community, one of the lower rungs of the trophic ladder, should be one of the first communities to respond to the introduction of an invasive species such as Bythotrephes (spiny water flea, B.C.) or Zebra Mussels. The zooplankton community might also be impacted by the introduction of fish species such as northern pike, which are poised at the doorstep of Opeongo, through the impact pike might have upon planktivorous species such as lake herring.
The plankton samples collected through the Nature Trails® program will become part of an archive of plankton samples collected periodically since 1960. This collection will allow us to examine the impacts of future species introduced to Lake Opeongo.
In the event that Bythotrephes is introduced to Lake Opeongo this program will also provide us with the ability to detect the introduction shortly after it occurs.
Objectives
The target will be to obtain one plankton sample from the south arm of Lake Opeongo at site TP#1 once per week through July and August.
Progress
A plankton sample has been collected once weekly. The samples have been preserved in alcohol and stored for future analysis. Bythotrephes have not been detected to date.
- Bird Observations
Purpose
One purpose of this project is to contribute to a long term park-wide dataset of bird observations. Another purpose is to monitor the abundance and distribution of Double Creasted Cormorants, a species which has been increasing in number on Lake Opeongo over the last few years.
Objectives
To record occurrence and behaviour (feeding, nesting etc.) of bird species on Lake Opeongo.
Progress
To date 10 separate species have been observed on Lake Opeongo. The most commonly observed species were the Common Loons and Herring Gulls. Double Creasted Cormorants were less frequently observed, however, this may be due to fewer excursions into the East Arm of Lake Opeongo where a colony is located (~100 birds).
- Small Fish Sampling
Purpose
Small fish surveys have not been conducted recently in Lake Opeongo. This study will update the species list of the lake and provide an opportunity to examine habitat associations of certain species.
Objectives
To fish 30 baited minnow traps in a variety of different habitats each week from throughout July and August.
Progress
Of the 16 species of fish we might expect to be caught in these traps, 6 have been observed to date (e.g. Golden Shiner, Common Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Creek Chub, Pumpkinseed and Yellow Perch). We would like to expand the range of locations trapped to see if some of the more rare species can be trapped and identified in the lake.
Conclusion
With respect to the data collection this season has be a productive one for Nature Trails®. The data collected will become part of a long term dataset which will help us understand the effects of environment change upon Lake Opeongo.
As important as the data collection, or perhaps even more importantly, this partnership has exposed a large number of people to the science behind monitoring our natural resources. Many of these people would never have had this opportunity without this partnership and the support of its sponsors.
Nature Trails® Autumn Program Highlights
Annual SkyNews Astronomy Weekend
(October 14th to 17th)
Join editor Terence Dickinson, associate editor Alan Dyer, columnist Ken Hewitt-White and senior naturalist Robin Tapley at the Delta Grandview Resort SkyNews Astronomy Weekend. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings enjoy astronomy seminars and visit the Echo Valley Observatory. Our line-up of experts will lead telescope viewing and guided tours of the night sky. The day is yours to explore the surrounding area with Nature Trails¨ on guided nature activities or, on your own. Participate in astronomy equipment, viewing and astrophotography seminars and solar viewing sessions. This is an all inclusive weekend including three dinners, three breakfasts, three nights accommodation, select Nature Trails® programs and the astronomy seminars and telescope viewing.
For weekend details and reservations call 1-800-461-4454.
Nature Tour – The Algonquin Highlands
Cavalcade of Colours (September 27th to October 3rd)
Surrounded by a cavalcade of autumn colours, explore the essence of Ontario's northern wilderness. The Delta Grandview Resort as our base, participants will have the opportunity to explore remote trails and lakes for autumn wildlife. Migrating warblers and vireos, the Moose rut, fall foliage and mushrooms and velvety dark skies make the perfect back drop for a fun vacation.
For trip details refer to www.questnaturetours.ca
Nature Tour – The Galapagos Islands
Darwin's Enchanted Islands (November 3rd to 13th)
Darwin's Enchanted Islands provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for nature enthusiasts to experience unique wildlife, that is undisturbed by the nearness of people. Calling the yacht M/Y Beluga home, we will explore the islands' remote beaches, shorelines and crystal clear waters, where the intriguing tales of those that live at the equator come alive (e.g. sea lions, marine iguanas, tiny Galapagos Penguins and an array of seabirds).
Intertwining nature and culture participants have a short stay in the old colonial city of Quito. Nestled amongst the snow-capped mountains of the Andes, experience the culture of the Otavalo and Peguche Indians.
For trip details refer to www.questnaturetours.ca
Astronomical Views
Aurora Borealis – "The Dawn of the North"
The phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis has been cause for great pondering through out the ages. Seen as fire dragons in the sky by ancient Chinese scholars; spirits to be tamed by various native cultures; or, more recently as sunlight reflecting off earth's polar ice, the undulating, pulsing and dancing light show has caught peoples' attention. In fact if you find yourself in northern parts of Canada on a clear, dark night one to two days after a sunburst has left the surface of the sun, you may in fact observe this wondrous display on the northern horizon.
As recently as the early 1900s, scientists came to the conclusion that the Aurora Borealis, in fact had a logical scientific explanation. Using physics and chemistry the phenomenon is no longer shrouded in myth. Travelling millions of kilometres an hour the energy from a sunburst travels towards the earth's upper atmosphere (120 to 1200 km above sea level). Within one to two days, the sun's energy hits the earth's magnetic field and is funnelled towards the poles. Once at the poles, the energy enters the upper atmosphere bombarding and ionizing (exciting) the atoms found here. Not being able to maintain an excited state, the earth's atoms release the energy in the form of light and heat to return to their normal state. This energy release in turn causes the "Northern Light Show". In shades of white and green (ionized "excited" Oxygen molecules), red (ionized "excited" Oxygen molecules at low atmospheric pressure) and blue (ionized "excited Nitrogen molecules), the Aurora Borealis starts off as slight pulses just off the northern horizon, progressing to curtains of dancing and undulating light transforming into unique shapes for as far as the eye can see.
Refer to www. for Auroral predictions.
Behind The Spotting Scope
"Whiskey Jack" – A Friend In The Forest
After a summer siege of visitors, quiet begins to settle in throughout our northern Canadian parks. It is in this quiet that you can easily become acquainted with "Whiskey Jack", a year round resident. Sitting still on a rock outcropping, surrounded by coniferous trees (e.g. black and white spruce, balsam fir etc.), enjoying a warm autumn breeze, this curious fellow may come to share your cheese sandwich. Dressed in various tones of grey, the boldly curious and fearless Gray Jay Perisoreus Canadensis, would be happy to spend the day entertaining visits in his humble abode, in exchange for a gourmet meal. It sure beats the regular menu of beetles, caterpillars, grubs, mice, bird eggs and young.
With the approach of the lean fall and winter months, the Gray Jay sets his sights further a field in search of food. But don't let his robin size stature fool you, as he is the expert at surviving when the going gets tough. Petty thievery, scavenging and begging are among his most legendary qualities. Having mastered the skill and grace of silent flight he can set his sights on a target and be in and out without detection. With his immediate hunger satisfied, the Gray Jay will preserve extra meals for later consumption by coating it with saliva and storing it nature's cupboard: woodpecker holes, hollow stumps and logs.
Petty thievery aside, the Gray Jay has proven himself as a family man. He and his life-mate share equally in the hard work of raising a family. From choosing the nest site, to construction of the nest, providing food to the expectant mother, maid service for the nest and continuous feeding and tutoring of the young, they shoulder the joys and sorrows together. Raising their young in late winter puts them at a definite disadvantage. However, with great wisdom every move they make is strategically planned and with great purpose. The nest itself is an example of their intricate wisdom, as it is designed to ensure warmth and protection (from owls, marten, porcupines etc.) during the months of February and March. Woven close to the trunk of a young coniferous tree and made of dry sticks, leaves, cocoons, parts of wasps' nests and spiders' silk, lined with deer fur and grouse feathers they strive to give their young the best start in life. And with much nurturing the young will become the future "Friends in the Forest".
For more Gray Jay information refer to www.hww.ca
A Look Ahead
Feature: "Tis the season of giving..." – To Give or, not to Give [a Telescope]? That is the question!
Feature: Robin Tapley's Trip Diary from the Galapagos Islands
Program Highlights: Snow Shoe Adventures
