Trail Side News
Summer 2004 Issue 1 Volume 1
Natural Summer Highlight:
St. Andrew, New Brunswick
- Bird's Eye Primrose is in bloom;
- Minke, Humpback and Northern Right Whales are raising their young in the Bay of Fundy;
- Northern Atlantic Puffin, Razor Billed Auk and the Arctic Tern are nesting on Machias Seal Island;
- the tidal flats are a unique natural highlight to explore finding creatures like, Bamboo Worms, Clam Worms etc.
Feature Article:
A Lesson Learned - The Value of The Dark Sky
Winding up a narrow dirt road, in the pitch black to one of the highest points in Muskoka, a trip to the Echo Valley Observatory at first glance seems completely untouched by the expanding development of the surrounding area. With an elevated view of the entire surrounding area it becomes quite evident in which direction the Town of Huntsville lay. As your eyes become dark-adapted the evidence of wasted light creeping into the nights sky from the towns of Orillia and Barrie (approximately 130 km South of the Observatory) becomes apparent, as well.
The location of the Echo Valley Observatory was originally chosen due to its relative ease to access and to escape the effects of distant light pollution. However, as development has continued to expand in and around Muskoka we have noticed, especially in the last three years, the effects encroaching light can have on our night skies.
Most recently, the opening of the new Huntsville Walmart turned into an event not to be missed, even under the veil of a dark star lit night. The lighting installed in this new facility illuminated the entire south-western night sky. Very quickly and diplomatically it was brought to the attention of Walmart, the contribution they were making to the area's light pollution. After discussions on the topic, and possible solutions to explore were made known, Walmart decided to replace the original lighting system with more "night sky" friendly products (e.g. lights that focused downward instead of up; timed lighting; lower wattage light bulbs etc.).
As a new neighbour, Walmart has unknowingly brought to our attention the issue of maintaining our night skies. Having set a good example, they have shown area businesses and residents the need to be aware of their individual contributions to this growing problem, and how relatively easy it is to solve with a little education, thought and action. The value of our night sky as a natural jewel is not to be ignored, rather to be aware of, respect and to protect, for future enjoyment and exploration.
Feature Article:
An Adventurous Twist to Family Vacations
As the final bell of the school year is set to ring, many families are beginning to contemplate their summer vacations. For many however, the word vacation and family are not quite compatible, rather the word adventure – an unusual and exciting experience; a daring enterprise – and family go hand in hand. Family vacations often lead to adventures in family dynamics, individuality, personality traits, many meetings of the minds, personal growth and discovery, family growth and discovery... It becomes a great balancing act of the interests, needs and attention span of the family members involved. From a day trip, to an extravagant world tour getting the most out of family time requires a lot of fancy foot- work dancing around patience, flexibility, quick thinking and open mindedness.
Being well organized, well read and versed in where you are going, for how long, your mode(s) of transportation, potential points of interest suitable for the entire family and the goal of the entire adventure, is a great foundation to build on. However, for peace of mind consider that the best laid plans will work fifty percent of the time and the rest will require reshaping or, at times major overhauling, depending upon the free will of your family members at any given moment.
The experiences of families that have tested these waters before you, will become the best resource and source of support in what you are trying to achieve. They will tell you that making it to your planned destination may not be in the cards on your adventure, but rather making the most out of your attempt to get there should become the focus. They may also tell you that working to keep the grand plan simple will afford the necessary room for the creativity and personalities of those adventuring with you. When all is said and done however, the joy of your family vacation/adventure may not turn out to always be bliss, but definitely will be worth the effort for family togetherness.
Out of the Box Family Adventures...
- Lend a Helping Hand - Volunteer as a family in a community of need, helping to establish (e.g. a water pump; school; women's centre etc.)
- Research Crew – Encourage your family to become involved with ongoing research, development and education programs (e.g. Nature Trails Algonquin Park Citizen Science Program etc.)
- A New Perspective of Your Own Backyard – Travel over, through and/or, to your favourite family place by plane, train, bus or, boat to gain a different perspective (e.g. Travel by plane to Georgian Bay and explore the its wonders by Zodiac Boat etc.)
- An eye for detail – Plan a day trip to your neighbourhood pond, wetland, lake and/or, river and explore it for wildlife on the shoreline, on the surface and under the surface.
Nature Trails Summer Program Highlights
Delta Lodge at Kananaskis
Wapiti, Bighorns, Ptarmigan and Glacial Lilies
In partnership with Quest Nature Tours, Nature Trails is proud to offer the opportunity to explore the rugged Alberta west, while providing first class accommodations at the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis. Surrounded by wildflowers and snow capped mountains explore the natural diversity of the high alpine meadows and shores of turquoise mountain lakes, in hopes of viewing Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear and Grizzly Bear.
For trip details refer to www.questnaturetours.ca
Fairmont Algonquin Lodge
Loyalist Heritage, Ancient Beaches, Pitcher Plants and Shorebirds
In partnership with Quest Nature Tours, Nature Trails is proud to offer the opportunity to explore beautiful St. Andrews-by-the Sea, New Brunswick, while providing first class accommodations at the Fairmont Algonquin Lodge. Picturesque Passamaquoddy Bay is the perfect natural setting to experience first hand, Maritime hospitality, history and nature. Explore by wind and sail the Bay of Fundy as in search of Humpback and Northern Right Whales. Exploring the tidal flats and the unique standstone formations of Fundy National Park, the natural diversity of this area will come alive.
For trip details refer to www.questnaturetours.ca
The Muskoka Butterfly Conservatory
Monarchs, Morning Cloaks and Swallow Tails
In partnership with the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, Nature Trails is excited to open the doors to the Muskoka Butterfly Conservatory, at Rocky Crest Resort for another summer season. Join Nature Trails Naturalist Sophie Caap for a guided tour and discover the life stages and struggles these winged jewels face. Close encounters with native Ontario species including the Monarch, Swallow Tail and Morning Cloak are possible. View the miraculous transformation from caterpillar to butterfly, uncover the secrets of how they fly, feed and avoid predator detection, and be apart of their release into the wild upon reaching adulthood.
For program details refer to www.naturetrails.ca
Algonquin Park Citizen Science Program
Lake Trout Surveys, Aquatic Bird Surveys, Zooplankton Studies...
In partnership with Ontario Parks, the Harkness Fisheries Laboratory and Tembec, Nature Trails is set to begin another season of research on Lake Opeongo, in Algonquin Provincial Park. This research program is unique as it invites the general public to be contributing members of ongoing research projects involving studies on monitoring invasive species, impact of climate change, as well as, shifts in abundance and distribution of aquatic birds. Hands on experiments including zooplankton netting, temperature/oxygen profiles, tracking trout movements using hydrophones, and bird surveys will have participants experiencing and appreciating Algonquin Park in a more intimate way.
For program details refer to www.naturetrails.ca
Astronomical Views
The Summer Viewing Station – Looking into Sagitarius
The arrival of warm summer evenings sees the constellation Sagittarius poised over the southern Canadian Horizon. In Greek times known as the archer, Sagittarius forms an unmistakable teapot shape with the Milky Way rising from the spout in an arch across the summer sky.
Centred around the nucleus of the Milky Way Galaxy, Sagittarius is a great location for amateur astronomers to start training their astronomical eye. The teapot shape is quite easily defined from surrounding stars, with every aspect of its shape acting as guides/pointers to interesting deep sky objects.
Using sky charts (e.g. those found in NightWatch by Terence Dickinson), observers can slowly discover with the naked eye, binoculars and eventually a telescope the wealth of objects found in the region of Sagittarius.
Astronomical Objects to observe in the region of Sagittarius:
| Naked Eye Objects |
| M6 |
Butterfly Cluster |
open cluster |
| M7 |
|
open cluster |
| M8 |
Lagoon Nebula |
cluster & nebula |
| Binocular Objects |
| M16 |
Eagle Nebula |
open cluster & emission nebula |
| M17 |
Swan Nebula |
open cluster and emission nebula |
| M22 |
Great Sagittarius Cluster |
globular cluster |
| M23 |
|
open cluster |
| M25 |
|
open cluster |
| Telescopic Objects |
| M9 |
|
globular cluster |
| M11 |
Wild Duck Cluster |
open cluster |
| M20 |
Trifid Nebula |
nebula & cluster |
| M28 |
|
globular cluster |
Behind The Spotting Scope
The Wild Call of The Common Loon
The annual migration of tourists to Canada's cottage country has begun, with the Common Loon (Gavia immer) proceeding them all, laying an early claim on a lake they consider their own. Of course summer wouldn't be summer without the haunting and poetic call of this elegantly dressed avian species (tuxedo black and white in summer) on many of Canada's lakes.
Measuring almost a metre in length and weighing 2.5 to 6 kilograms the Common Loon makes a visual statement sitting in the water taking it all in, above and below them. At their most vocal in late spring the Common Loon begins to lay boundaries to their lake front property (small lakes 5 to 50 hectares or, part of a larger lake which would be shared by another pair), prior to the private courting and nest building with its long time mate (they will chose another mate in situations of failed nesting). In preparation of a June egg-laying date, a nest site from previous years is often reused as long as it provides protection from predators and allows easy access to the water. Ideally the nest would be surrounded on all sides by water like small islands, muskrat houses, partially submerged logs or, sedge mats. Upon the arrival of their one or two eggs, both parents take a hands-on approach to the month long incubation period, each taking turns incubating the eggs. The arrival of the young chicks sees them instantly take to the water. For rest, warmth and protection from predators like snapping turtles, gulls, eagles, crows, large carnivorous fish and motor boats, chicks often hitch hike on the back of a parent.
A tight knit family for much of the summer, chicks learn to feed, defend and fly for it self under the guarded tutelage of its parents. The chick must master diving to depths of up to 80 m for as long as a minute. With practise, air control (compressing their feathers forces air away from the body and out of the air sacs allowing the bird to sink), good bone structure (unlike the hollow bones of other birds, many of the Loon's bones are solid aiding their diving ability) and the propulsion of webbed feet, they become graceful divers able to search out their prey, including fish (perch, suckers, catfish, sunfish, smelt and minnows), crayfish, frogs, snails, salamanders and leeches. Being great divers makes for taking to the air a much more daunting task. Depending upon wind conditions Loons require several hundred metres of running space for a successful take off. Once in the air they can travel speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour, making their long winter journey to Mexico or, the coasts of North America, seem easy.
As September nears the Loon family will become part of larger migration groups, landing together on lakes for feeding. The group of Loons are often unrecognizable as themselves, as the elegant sleek plumage of the adults is shed for a drab grey colour, similar to that of the older chicks. Given the freedom to test their new skills and travel the path foraged by their ancestors, here is hoping the chicks have learned their lessons well and will be able to return to Canada's summer lakes for the another fifteen to thirty years (their expected life span).
For Loon Resources, Conservation Efforts and more refer to www.hww.ca
A Look Ahead
Feature: Summer 2004 Opeongo Research Reviewed
Feature: Robin Tapley's Trip Diary from St. Andrews, New Brunswick
Program Highlights: Annual Sky News Astronomy
Weekend; The Mushroom Foray
