From Judy Steeper The Easter egg hunt at the clubhouse this weekend was a big hit with the kids! Each child crafted a bag to collect their treats. Then, with excitement in the air, they eagerly searched the grounds for brightly coloured eggs hidden throughout the area. Laughter and smiles filled the clubhouse as they returned to enjoy an ice cream sundae. It was a joyful morning with fabulous weather that brought families together and created many happy memories for everyone who attended.Thank you to Kate Whitfield for organizing the event!
This is a Rufous Sided Towhee. This bird flew to Huron Woods from Florida only to die after striking my kitchen window. After hearing the thud, I went outside to find it on the ground with its mate fluttering beside. Seeing this beautiful bird up close and watching it die while its mate hovered inches away is an image I’ll never forget. This convinced me to work to prevent bird window collisions in our own home and raise awareness for others to do the same. A 2014 study estimated 599 million birds die in window collisions each year in the U.S. alone.
Two important facts:
North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds since 1970. The loss is staggering.
As many of you are aware, our Huron Woods properties are critically important habitat for birds and biodiversity. The area supports an exceptional concentration of threatened species. The area is significant for forest birds in general. Large numbers of warblers and other songbirds congregate in the forests along the lakeshore during spring and fall migrations. The area, known as The Port Franks Forested Dunes, has an internationally recognized designation. (See signs throughout the subdivision.)
How we can help:
Prevent window collisions: see flap.org for options including DIY
Keep cats indoors to prevent the predation of birds
Grow native trees and plants essential for providing food and shelter for birds, insect and all wildlife.
Avoid pesticides and herbicides
Remove invasive species like periwinkle and English ivy
Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights
When safe, leave dead trees, both fallen and standing for critical nesting habitat
Leave the leaves. Pollinators and butterflies overwinter in leaf litter.
Native trees and plants support insects. Insects are bird food. Chickadees require 6,000 to 9,000 caterpillars to raise a single brood of chicks.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, World Wildlife Canada, Nature Canada
