Trail Side News
Winter 2004 Issue 3 Volume 1
Natural Winter Highlight:
The Georgian Bay Region
- Black Bear cubs born in January/February;
- Massasauga Rattlesnakes hibernate in a hibernaculum until the environmental temperature is above 12-13 C and body temperature reaches 25-30 C;
- Prairie Warblers winter in Florida through Nicaragua;
- Five-lined Skinks hibernate below the frost line in small groups from early October to Mid- May.
Feature Article:
'Tis The Season of Giving
To give a telescope or, not to give? That is the question!
The development of the Echo Valley Observatory has given us an opportunity to meet many an astronomer, from amateur to professional. With enthusiasm and awe they come to observe celestial objects visible in the dark Muskoka skies. Using the constellations to map out the night sky, observers discover naked eye and binocular objects. Once familiar with their surroundings they are dazzled by objects visible in the pier mounted 16" Schmidt Cassegrain telescope. For some this is their first observing experience, for others it is an extension of their already growing hobby.
With the Season of Giving fast approaching, the question, "What kind of telescope should I get so and so?", is frequently asked. For most the answer is simple, slow down and do your homework. We recommend that an amateur astronomer spend at least a year honing their observing skills with seasonal sky charts, the naked eye and a pair of 7x50 binoculars (also useable for nature viewing, sports events, boating and much more - a versatile investment). For many however, the excitement of their experiences observing the night sky rushes them to the nearest department store in search of a telescope. Once home the frustration level reaches critical levels as they try to find an object, any object. Some are lucky and observe the moon and/or, Jupiter and Saturn, others however, have no such luck. The stories that are then shared with us are consistently tales of frustration and giving up ending tragically with the telescope ending up in a corner collecting dust.
A pair of binoculars can be made into a perfect "mini telescope" by mounting them to a stable tripod using an "L" shaped bracket (found at most camera stores). This "mini telescope" provides observers a wider field of view than a telescope does, thereby allowing objects to be found with much more ease. The learning curve of an amateur grows in leaps and bounds making the transition to a telescope a much more satisfying and successful experience.
As for purchasing a telescope, think of it is an investment. Search out a specialty telescope store that has a variety of makes and models and reputable information. Having researched the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of telescopes go in with an open mind. Encourage the sales person to give you as much information as possible on the products they sell. Go home with this new information and consider the following:
- Do I have to travel somewhere to observe? Am I observing on my own? If yes consider the portability.
- Remember your budget and that currently $500 is the minimum you want to invest in a telescope to ensure a reliable and satisfactory product.
- A stable tripod is imperative.
- Try the telescope out before purchasing additional accessories. Knowing your needs and the telescopes capabilities will ensure you buy accessories that will be used and appropriate for you.
- Are there support services offered by the Telescope store you are considering purchasing from (e.g. observing nights where you can bring your new telescope and try it out along side professionals)?
Whether you lie on the cottage dock and observe the night sky with the naked eye or, you take the plunge and invest in a telescope, enjoy. Enjoy the serenity, the wonder, and the awe. Enjoy the challenge of new discoveries. Enjoy the infinite possibilities that our night sky provides.
Feature Article:
Trip Diary - Adventure in the Galapagos
The Galapagos "Darwin's Enchanted Island's" provided an experience for our visitors like no other. The remoteness, native plant's, fearless animals and dramatic and untouched landscapes make up the backdrop for this unique wilderness destination. With small birds that use tools, tortoises weighing up to 300 kilos, penguins from Antarctica living right on the Equator and blue-footed boobies performing sophisticated mating dances make this place a naturalists paradise.
Undisturbed by our nearness, sea lions, marine iguanas, tiny Galapagos penguins, and a fabulous array of seabirds engaged in intriguing courtship displays, groom one another, forage for food and nurture their young. From land to sea we enjoyed the opportunity to explore the underwater world of the Galapagos Islands. The clear water provided participants a chance to swim with a variety of species from the marine world including the playful sea lions, spotted eagle and golden rays, pacific green turtles and the greatly misunderstood hammer head shark.
Our expedition included visits to a variety of the islands each one unique in its own natural history. North Seymour Island has the largest nesting colony of Magnificent Frigate birds, Espanola or Hood Island known for its pristine white beaches and volcanic cliff sides are the nesting sites of the Pacific Green turtle and the Waved Albatross. Floreana Island has a large saltwater lagoon and is the only place in the Galapagos where the Greater Flamingo will feed. Bartolome is one of the best known islands in the Galapagos because of its unique landscapes including splatter cones and the striking Pinnacle Rock which was recently the backdrop of the award winning movie Master and Commander. Fernandina Island is just over 100 000 years old and is one of the youngest islands in the Archipelago. It is also the most volcanically active with last spectacular eruptions in 1995. The island of Santa Cruz is the home of the Charles Darwin Research Station, which is the operations centre for wildlife and conservation programs in the Galapagos.
As our 2004 Galapagos Expedition ended our participants eyes sparkled with wonder as the began to reflect on memories of their past journey. Plans for next years expedition are underway and we hope that you will take the opportunity to join us on this once and lifetime expedition.
Nature Trails® Winter Program Highlights
The Art of Snowshoeing ~ Beginner to Backcountry Excursions
There is nothing like exploring the cold winter landscape by snowshoe. Covering everything from snowshoe history and design, to outfitting and the art of walking and fall recovery snowshoers are bound to experience this sport in a whole new light. Depending upon the abilities of the group, participants will have the opportunity to use the latest in snowshoe technology to explore backyard trails, to the virgin snow of backcountry trails. For program details refer to www.naturetrails.on.ca
Deer Yard Tours
Looking for white-tailed deer at winter-feeding stations is an excellent way to experience these otherwise shy animals. At one time very scarce in Ontario, the white-tailed deer have travelled to more northern regions as new food sources have come available. With a century of forests being cut for lumber, farmland and human settlement, subsequent habitat changes have encouraged new vegetation growth, supporting the food requirements of the white-tailed deer. Not made to survive the long cold winters the deer have since adapted by travelling together creating well trampled forest hi-ways, sleeping together to conserve heat and finding communal food sources.
This personalized travelling road trip will take you to local deer "hot-spots" to observe first hand winter habits and habitats of the white-tailed deer. For program details refer to www.naturetrails.on.ca
Special Christmas and March Break Activities
Those considering a trip to Muskoka in December and/or, March should check out Delta Muskoka Resorts' special holiday programs. (offered throughout Christmas and March Breaks) Daily programs encompass the natural highlights of the particular season. Schedules are published approximately one month in advance of the holiday and participants can pre-book prior to their arrival. For program details refer to www.naturetrails.on.ca
Astronomical Views
The Winter Viewing Season - Looking into Orion
With the arrival of cold winter evenings, the constellation Orion begins to settle into the southern Canadian horizon. Travelling from the east in November towards the southwest in March, Orion the Hunter, searches in vain for the scorpion (found in the summer night sky) that fatal stung him. With a rectangular shape, cinched at the waste with a belt of three prominent stars, Orion is easily defined from surrounding stars and acts as an excellent guide/pointer to interesting celestial objects in the winter night sky.
Using sky charts (e.g. those found in NightWatch by Terence Dickinson), observers can discover with the naked eye, binoculars and telescope, the wealth of objects found in the region of Orion.
Astronomical Objects to observe in the region of Orion...
| Naked Eye Objects |
| Sirius |
Brightest star in our night sky 23 times more
brilliant than our sun
Two times the diameter of our sun
Magnitude -1.4 star
9 light years away |
| Betelgeuse |
800 times the diameter than our sun
Super Red Giant
Magnitude 0 star
520 light years away |
| Rigel |
55 000 times more powerful than our sun
Magnitude 0 star
900 light years away |
| M42 |
Orion Nebula - emission nebula and cluster |
| Binocular Objects |
| M42 |
Orion Nebula |
emission nebula and cluster |
| NGC 2244 |
|
open cluster |
| Telescopic Objects |
| M42 |
Orion Nebula |
emission nebula and cluster |
| M43 |
Orion Nebula |
emission nebula |
| M78 |
|
diffuse nebula |
Behind The Spotting Scope
The Thirll of the chase - Capturing a glimpse of the regal Pileated Woodpecker
In the early morning a drumming sound, echoes through the leaf barren mature mixed forest, turning heads towards the sky. The shadow of North America's largest woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus (Pileated Woodpecker - 40 to 49 cm) is cast to the ground as he glides with great ease through the trees. An unmistakeable sight, with a black body, white chin and telltale red crest of head feathers. Checking in with his mate he starts his day of foraging for winter food (dormant carpenter ants). Well equipped for a job that would require humans heavy machinery, he climbs trees with his stabilizer tail until he locates the perfect excavation site. Using his jackhammer like beak, the Pileated Woodpecker easily spends hours excavating a dead tree for carpenter ants. Bristle like feathers, provides his nostrils protection from flying dust and debris. His highly ossified bone skull and strong head and neck muscles, cushions his head from the constant pounding. And finally, with the skill of a great hunter or, fishermen he captures his prey with a lightning fast flick of his long, sticky and barbed tongue.
Much of the winter behind them and with the approach of spring the (monogamous) pair of Pileated Woodpeckers begin the important job of searching out and defending the perfect nest sight. Having abandoned last year's nest they search for a large, mature dead tree that would provide protection high (4.5 to 21 metres) above the ground. Taking great care to draw little attention to the nest, they create a small triangular entrance hole (7.5- 12.5 cm) and carry away excavated material. With the nest site selected and the nest constructed a clutch of four eggs is laid. Taking turns the pair incubate (1 to 2 hours per time) the eggs for a couple of weeks, with the male taking the brunt of the night shift. Their constant care sees the arrival of their young and new demands of round the clock feedings. On a diet of regurgitated insects the young grow quickly and become daring at 15 days to take in the view from their nest entrance, high above the forest floor. Spending several months as a family in their 200 acre woods, the young learn the tricks of the trade from their ever attentive parents, before searching out their own winter territory to test what they have learned.
A Look Ahead
Feature: Family Night Hikes - Getting Active and Out There
Feature: Moose on the Loose in Algonquin Park
Program Highlights: Spring Birding
