nature v iews · 2015-12-11 · ruby-throated hummingbird banding 11 don’t release your pet into...

Humanity in Harmony with Nature

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Nature ViewsIssue 184 Winter 2015

- a forum for environmental discussion - published by Nature Saskatchewan

Table of Content s

2 From Your PresidentNature Sask TshirtsDelivering Bird Conservation

3 From Your EditorsEditor(s) for Blue JayMotus System DocumentsProject FeederWatchVolunteersNew MembersSaskatchewan Birds 2016 Calendar

4 Owl Be BackOpportunity for Local Societies and

AffliliatesTurtle Lake Nature Sanctuary

5 Shrubs for ShrikesPlovers on ShoreConservation in Saskatchewan

6 Barn SwallowsCelebrating Nature Saskatchewan’s

Volunteer StewardsNatureHoodMonarch Butterfly Declines

7 2015 Christmas Bird and MammalCounts

LMBOThe Messenger

8 Fall MeetSpring Meet NoticeFriends of Wascana Marsh2015 Loon Survey

9 James L. Baillie Memorial Fund GrantsSBOIC UpdateDistance Learning Program

10 Native Prairie in the NewsRuby-throated Hummingbird Banding

11 Don’t Release Your Pet Into the WildDonorsCPAWS Special Report

12 Upcoming Events

Giving a Dam About the Environment

Raea Gooding, 2012-13 Margaret Skeel Graduate Scholarship Recipient

If the sight of the Hoover dam sends chills up your spine, you are not alone. Indeed, these manmadestructures can significantly alter entire ecosystems, causing controversy in their implementation. But whatif dams are doing more for our environment than just holding back water?

A network of small dams in the South Tobacco Creek Watershed (STCW) in southern Manitoba was installedfor flood control of fertile cropland. The ephemeral nature of the streams means the dams are not a significanthindrance to fish migration, as the fish cannot pass through the streams in the summer, even under naturalconditions. The STCW was selected as a site in the nationwide Watershed Evaluation of BeneficialManagement Practices (BMPs) program, where many agricultural practices were implemented and evaluated.The small dams, though a large capital cost, began paying off their debts immediately with both on-farmdirect benefits (flood control, irrigation, etc.) and off-farm benefits.

It is well known that the nature of our current agricultural practices releases nutrients, namely phosphorusand nitrogen, into water systems. The dams, since they slow the water and allow a buildup of sediment inthe reservoirs, prevent excess sediment and the associated nutrients from traveling downstream. Holdingback these nutrients can prevent consequences such as algal blooms in lakes like Lake Winnipeg: GlobalNature Fund’s Threatened Lake of the Year in 2013.

Raea Gooding, recipient of Nature Saskatchewan’s 2012-13 Margaret Skeel Graduate Scholarship, studiedthe nutrient-removing potential of these dams for her Masters program at the University of Saskatchewan.She found that the dams not only trap nitrogen, but thanks to some helpful bacteria, actually permanentlyremove it from the system. Denitrification is the bacterial conversion of nitrate into the nitrogen gas thatmakes up 78% of our atmosphere. According to one estimate, a single average sized reservoir in thenetwork could remove up to 47 kg of nitrogen in one summer!

There are of course many factors to consider, and dams may not be the best solution for all scenarios.However, they do show promise in cleaning up the flux of nutrients we’ve released into our watersheds. In anagriculturally dominated landscape, these features can provide a great service – and definitely deserve asecond look.

Raea Gooding samples some water and sediment from a small dam located next to canola fields. Photoby Noel Galuschik.

Conservation Now...For The Future

Winter 2015 Nature Views

From Your President NATURE VIEWS

Nature Views provides a forum for discussion, a means for the dissemination ofinformation about environmental issues to the people of Saskatchewan and promotesthe aims and objectives of Nature Saskatchewan. Nature Saskatchewan is also knownas the Saskatchewan Natural History Society.

Nature Views is published four times a year by Nature Saskatchewan. Receiving thenewsletter is a benefit from membership in Nature Saskatchewan. Views expressed inNature Views are not necessarily those of Nature Saskatchewan.

Submissions and comments are invited. Send materials to this Nature Viewseditor : Rob Warnock, 3603 White Bay. Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 7C9. Phone: (306)586-2492. Materials can be sent by email to : [email protected]

Layout: Angela DohmsProof reading: Angela Dohms and Rob WarnockFinal proof approval: Rob Warnock

Submission deadlines:Spring issue: January 15 Summer issue: April 1Fall issue: July 15 Winter issue: October 15

Advertising Rates:Full page (14.5" X 10") .................... $400.001/2 p. (7" X 10") .............................. $200.001/4 p. (7" X 5") .................................$115.001/8 p. (3.5 X 5") ...............................$ 65.001/16 p. (3.5" X 2.25") ....................... $ 40.00Classified ads ................................. 50 cents/wordNon-governmental organizations will receive a 10 percent discount on their ads inNature Views. These rates DO NOT include GST or PST.

The editors reserve the right to edit articles for clarity and space limitations.Materials preferably submitted in RTF format or as a text file with images submittedseparately in .jpg or .tif format. More detailed submission guidelines are available on theNature Saskatchewan website (www.naturesask.ca). All material printed in NatureViews may only be reprinted with permission from the author.

This issue of Nature Views has been printed by the Weyburn Review, Weyburn.Circulation: 2200 ISSN: 1207-5450

OFFICE AND PROGRAM CONTACTSExecutive Director Jordan IgnatiukSpecies at Risk Manager Melissa RanalliConservation & Education Manager Lacey WeekesCommunications Manager Ellen BouvierOffice Coordinator Becky QuistHabitat Stewardship Coordinator (Rare Plant Rescue) VacantHabitat Stewardship Coordinator (Oper. Burrowing Owl) Kaytlyn BurrowsHabitat Stewardship Coordinator (Shrubs for Shrikes) Rebecca MagnusHabitat Stewardship Coordinator (Plovers on Shore) Rebecca MagnusSaskatchewan PlantWatch Coordinator Lacey WeekesNatureQuest Coordinator John MurrayInner Nature Jeanne CorrigalLast Mountain Bird Observatory Alan SmithTurkey Vulture Tracking/Birds of Saskatchewan Book C. Stuart Houston

BOARD OF DIRECTORSHonourary President J. Frank Roy Past President Donna Bruce

OFFICERSPresident Tara Sample Vice-president Branimir GjetvajTreasurer Ed Roger Recording Secretary Nicole Dunn

DIRECTORSDean Cattell Joan Feather Hamilton GreenwoodVladimir Kricfalusy Lorne Scott Rob Wilson

EDITORSNature Views Rob Warnock and Angela DohmsBlue Jay Kerry Hecker and Lowell StraussSpecial Publications Anna Leighton

LOCAL SOCIETIES AND AFFILIATES PRESIDENTSChaplin Tourism Committee Clem MillarFort Qu’Appelle Natural History Society Keith StephensFriends of Wascana Marsh Lorne ScottIndian Head Natural History Society Irv EscottKelsey Ecological Society Kathleen PittMeadow Lake Woodlanders (Junior Forest Wardens) Neil MarshNature Prince Albert Carman DodgeNature Moose Jaw Russ McKnightNature Regina Dale HjertaasNeudorf Nature Trails & Wild Bird Sanctuary Keith GerstnerSaskatoon Nature Society Inc. Martin StoffelSouthwest Naturalists Norma HainWeyburn Nature Society Val Thomas (Secretary)Wolseley Nature Conservation Society Richard SolbergYellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association Martin PhillipsYorkton Natural History Society Geoff Rushowick

For more information, please contact Nature Saskatchewan

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PHONE: 306-780-9273 OR 1-800-667-4668 (in SK only)FAX: 306-780-9263

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WEBSITE: www.naturesask.ca

Income T ax Receipt s

Nature Saskatchewan issues an income tax receipt for each donation.This helps you to have your receipt handy when you need it. Your supportis greatly appreciated! If you have made a donation and don’t receive a taxreceipt make sure you contact our office.

NATURE SASK SHIRTS NOW FOR SALE

Now available are new baseball tees and T-shirtswith our Nature Saskatchewan logo!

Our baseball tees come in adult sizes from S-XXL and you have two colour options:Grey body/black sleeves, White body/Navy bluesleeves.

Our T-shirts also come in adult sizes from S-XXLwith Ash Grey and Light green as your colouroptions.

There are also YOUTH sizes XS-L available inthe Light green colour option.

ORDER NOW! Available online at http://www.naturesask.ca/store/en/promotional-items or by calling in to our office at 306-780-9273.

Fall is one of my favourite seasons. The weather is still pretty nice and there is acrispness in the air that invites you to seek out cozy things. Summer’s flowershave been replaced with colourful fruits and leaves. Somehow the sky seemsbluer against a golden canopy of poplar leaves.

The weather for this year’s Fall Meet was beautiful. It was perfect for exploringthe picturesque vistas of Redberry Lake and the fairytale-like understory of theCrooked Bush.

Part of the tour was not so beautiful and yet it was very inspiring. We visited anabandoned pig barn near Hafford. It was dark; with absolutely no light coming inwe actually found our way by the light of a few smartphones. It was dirty; like ithad been shut down so hastily in the 1990s that it never received a proper cleaningbefore the doors were locked for good. It is an abandoned site now withenvironmental concerns that need to be addressed; a liability that prohibits itssale and leaves it empty and idle.

Unlike many abandoned sites, it is also a hopeful place. An innovative plan toturn the site into a waste treatment centre has been developed by Redberry LakeBiosphere Reserve. The buildings will be revamped so that they can sort andrecycle household and agricultural products. Some of the lagoons, which oncecollected animal waste, will be reclaimed while others will collect the runoff fromthe recycling plant.

This is a perfect plan: turn a problem into a solution. A lesson we can all learnfrom, including your Society Board.

Since June, the board and staff have been immersed in Strategic Planning. Throughan organizational assessment we have seen the strengths and weaknesses inthe Society. A few weeks ago we gathered to start envisioning our future and planthe steps that will get us there. I am happy to report we are a strong society.Much of what we do will remain the same.

As for the weaknesses? Taking a page from the folks in Hafford, we plan to turnthem into opportunities. Expect to see some changes as a result. Our future isbright and inviting, like a canopy of poplar leaves on a clear fall morning.

Tara Sample

Delivering Bird Conservation in Managed Forest s

Bird Conservancy is partnering in a new, innovative project with the SustainableForestry Initiative (SFI) (http://www.sfiprogram.org/) to deliver bird conservationacross millions of acres of managed forest land in the U.S. and Canada. SeeABC’s “Bird Calls” blog(http://abcbirds.org/delivering-bird-conservation-in-managed-forests/) for moreinformation.


The Voice of Nature for Saskatchewan

From Your Editors

Letter to the Editors

A segment of Nature Views is designated for Letters to the Editors. Feel freeto voice your opinion and inform members and the Nature Saskatchewandirectors about issues relevant to our Society. Letters to the Editors providesvaluable comments about Nature Views’ articles, programs and ensures wekeep on track! Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

Welcome to the winter, and last, issue of Nature Views for 2015. It is jam-packed with news from the Stewards of Saskatchewan programs, Last MountainBird Observatory, Turtle Lake Sanctuary, a nature sanctuary steward profile, afront page report from Raea Gooding (a recent Margaret Skeel GraduateScholarship recipient), and the report on the Fall Meet. The From Your Presidentcolumn provides a brief overview of the strategic planning session that theNature Saskatchewan Board and Staff had in October. The Society has anumber of key issues to deal with in coming months including possible changesto Nature Views and Blue Jay. Be sure to check out the many other interestingarticles and notices in the issue and don’t forget that Nature Saskatchewan isselling shirts this year. These shirts make great birthday or Christmas gifts.Check out the ad on page 2 and the Nature Saskatchewan website to seephotos of these exclusive shirts.

We welcome new members, thank our volunteers and the generous donors,and we express our deepest condolences to families and friends of NatureSaskatchewan members who passed away recently.

Rob attended the Fall Meet in the Battlefords. It was great but the lowattendance was very disappointing. He highly recommends meets not only forinteresting and fun tours in different parts of Saskatchewan and excellentpresentations but for the great camaraderie amongst the meet participants.This camaraderie does make each meet very special. It will be sad to cutdown to one meet per year if meet attendance does not improve. Organizersof meets have great ideas to include families and folks of differing physicalabilities and have kept registration fees very reasonable. Nature Saskatchewanoffice would appreciate your thoughts and feedback on the meets. We hopefor a great turnout at the Spring Meet in Wolseley in June 2016.

We hope you have been enjoying recent issues of Nature Views and wewelcome your feedback (bouquets or bricks), as it is your publication. Wewish everyone a wonderful fall and a Merry Christmas!

Rob Warnock and Angela Dohms

Nature Saskatchewan Thanks These V olunteers

We would like to thank Marika Cameron for her dedicated work on the OperationBurrowing Owl Census.

We would like to thank Curtis Bzdel for his recent and continuing volunteer workin helping the Stewards of Saskatchewan Programs restructure their database.

Nature Saskatchewan Welcomes These NewMembers

Gale Diakuw Sindy NicholsonTera Edkins W. Alan PorterDean Johnson Lucas TurpleDoreen Lenius Bev Johnson and Alan ScholzJim Martin

Saskatchewan Birds 2016 Calendar Now Available

Nick Saunders’ popular Saskatchewan Birds 2016 Calendar is now available toorder online this year, for the first time. The price is 16.75 plus shipping.

A preview of every page can also be viewed on the website. If the preview doesnot show please update your computers ‘flash player’.

To order the calendar, please go to http://www.lulu.com/shop/nick-saunders/saskatchewan-birds-2016/calendar/product-22399356.html.

There will be a very limited amount for those who still wish to pick up in person,but they will be first come first serve. Nick will no longer be mailing calendarspersonally. These will be 20 dollars which includes tax.

Editor(s) Needed For Blue Jay

Nature Saskatchewan is seeking an editor (or co-editors) for the quarterly magazine“Blue Jay”.

The position is voluntary with an honorarium provided. If you are interested pleasecontact the office for more details at 306-780-9293 or [email protected]

Join Project FeederW atch

Reprinted from October 2, 2015 Bird Studies Canada E-newsletter

The 29th season of ProjectFeederWatch (http://birdscanada.org/volunteer/pfw/)begins on November 14! Pleasejoin our team of thousands ofvolunteers across NorthAmerica, and turn your birdfeeding hobby into research forbird conservation.

Your counts will help scientistsmonitor changes in winterfeeder-bird populations. Youchoose how much time youwant to spend counting. Newparticipants receive a kit with ahandbook, a bird identificationposter, a calendar, and an instruction booklet. Results are published in BirdWatchCanada and Winter Bird Highlights – the FeederWatch magazine. You can alsoexplore maps and charts online (http://watch.birds.cornell.edu/PFW/ExploreData)see what others are reporting.

Anyone with an interest in birds and nature is invited to join Project FeederWatchand become a Citizen Scientist. To learn more or to sign up, visit our website(http://birdscanada.org/volunteer/pfw/) or call 1-888-448-2473. Your $35 donationdefrays the cost of the materials and data analysis (participation is free for membersof Bird Studies Canada). Project FeederWatch is a joint program of Bird StudiesCanada and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Bird Studies Canada is pleased to welcome Armstrong Bird Food as a nationalsponsor of Project FeederWatch in Canada. Our new partnership aims to inspiremore Canadians to discover the fun of FeederWatch and the importance of CitizenScience.

Black-capped Chickadee. Photo by MissyMandel.

Motus System Document s More AmazingMigrations

Bird Studies Canada August 6, 2015 E-newsletter

In the last edition of Bird Studies Canada E-news, we reported on five thrushestracked from Colombia to Texas, Saskatchewan, and Ontario by researchersusing the Motus Wildlife Tracking System (http://www.birdscanada.org/research/motus/). (For details, please the last issue of Nature Views, the Editors.)

Since our last announcement, we’ve received data showing that an additional 14birds tagged in Colombia by SELVA (http://selva.org.co/) passed through Indianaand Ohio on their northbound spring migration. These birds were detected byMotus stations operated by researchers from Texas Tech University and SouthernIllinois University, with support from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

The research continues to yield amazing results. One of the newly detectedGray-cheeked Thrushes travelled over 3200 km from Colombia to Indiana in just3.3 days, meaning it flew an average of 986 km a day!

In total, 19 of 67 thrushes tagged this season in Colombia have been detected sofar: 14 Gray-cheeked Thrushes and 5 Swainson’s Thrushes. Visit our updatedanimated map (http://motus-wts.org/data/demo/thrushDetections2015-update.html) to view the birds’ journeys.



Owl be back… We Hope!

Kaytlyn Burrows, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator, Nature Saskatchewan

The Operation BurrowingOwl (OBO) census ofparticipants is nearlycomplete, with just over85% of participantsreached; 90% being thegoal. I wish I had betternews to report, but sofar, Burrowing Owlnumbers reported byparticipants - 19 pairs -are down 37% from the30 pairs reported in2014. Hopefully a fewmore pairs will bereported by theparticipants that havenot yet been reached. Sightings from the general public are also down this yearcompared to last year, with only five sightings called in since May.

On a more positive note, I am pleased to welcome eight new participants to OBOthis year! OBO currently has 364 participants conserving just over 150,000 acres(60,703 hectares) of habitat. New participants are signed up through publicsightings and new landowners purchasing land previously owned by OBOparticipants. Even though the majority of participants no longer have nestingowls, their role in conserving habitat is essential if we are to see a populationincrease. One of our new participants this year has also begun a HabitatEnhancement project, which will involve seeding 46 acres back to native grass.This site will be monitored annually for Burrowing Owls and other species at risk.

With the help of our Habitat Stewardship Assistants, Nicole Vanderleest andAshley Fortney, program staff visited 33 current and 15 potential OBO participants.During those visits, 17 site-specific Beneficial Management Practice plans wereinitiated, and 2 health assessments were completed. It is truly the best part ofour job to visit with the stewards and members of the public to share our passionfor conservation in Saskatchewan!

From all of us at Nature Saskatchewan, I would like to thank Nicole and Ashley.The field season was a success because of their hard work, dedication, andpositive attitudes. I would also like to send a huge thank you to Marika Cameron,former Habitat Stewardship Assistant, for volunteering many hours to completethe census follow-up.

As always, if you have any questions or comments about Operation BurrowingOwl or Habitat Enhancements, please do not hesitate to give me a call at (306)780-9833, toll free on our HOOT line (Saskatchewan and Alberta only) at 1-800-667-4668, or email me at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you!

Turning Leaves

Obituaries and T ributes

Readers are welcome to submit memorials for family and friends who wereinvolved in Nature Saskatchewan or one of the Local Societies. Memorialsshould be brief and photos are permitted.

A Burrowing Owl family. Photo by Kaytlyn Burrows.

Opportunity for Local Societies and Affiliates toShare Their News and Event s with Nature

Saskatchewan

Nature Saskatchewan likes to promote our Local Societies and Affiliates.Therefore, we encourage submissions from Local Societies and Affiliates to bothNature Views and the Saskatchewan E-newsletter. Submissions can range fromnews items to upcoming events and field trips.

If your Local Society/Affiliate has a newsletter and want to share it with NatureSaskatchewan, please pass it on to us as well. Your newsletter may havematerial of interest to Nature Saskatchewan members. Currently, only 2 localsocieties/affiliates share their newsletter with Rob Warnock for possible inclusionof their newsletter material in Nature Views.

Please send your submission and/or newsletter to Ellen Bouvier for the NatureSaskatchewan E-Newsletter ([email protected]) and Rob Warnock forNature Views ([email protected]).

Turtle Lake Nature Sanctuary Up date

Darlene Roth, Turtle Lake Nature Sanctuary Steward

Good day readers. Close your eyesand don’t breathe!!! Not going to happenif you’re on the trails of our sanctuary.The sights and smells are foreverchanging with the seasons. Fall is noexception. It’s better said, it isexceptional. The mix of trees andplants take their turn changing coloursto create a photo session that will keepyou clicking for hours. For us cameracrazies the best invention was thedigital camera.

This summer, Muriel Carlson stayed atmy place for a few days. It was nice tohave her back. Plans to put upinformation and points of interest signsin the sanctuary have been completed.With Muriel’s wisdom and vastknowledge of the sanctuary we created11 signs that are now placed in variousspots around the sanctuary. BrendaRutz, of Meadow Lake, also joined usfor this project. She provided some awesome photos. All photos for our signswere taken on the sanctuary by her and me. She has taught me a lot in theworld of photography, thanks Brenda. Marvin Brose stopped in to see the progressof the signs as well, again thanks Marvin for all your help throughout the year.Yes, plans to put up more signs are in order. We are just going to see how thewildlife treats these man made items in their habitat!

The trails for the start of the year were easily maintained. With no or little rainthe trails stayed calm giving me the time to deal with the trees that fell acrossour trails. Thanks hubby, Tom, for your hours of chainsaw help this season.Next year’s “to do list” will definitely have the caging of our young and old aspentrees on the north shore trail. The beavers and the sanctuary have to liveharmoniously, but saying that the beavers will have to fall their treasure chosentrees someplace else.

I would like to thank the Suter family for generously donating a lawn mower, it isabsolutely wonderful. Thank you, Boyd and Laura. It is people with this type ofkindness and awareness of the need to preserve our sanctuary that helps makemy sanctuary steward position enjoyable. We have also bought a mower with awagon attachment. This allows the hauling of the push mower, jerry cans, andgrooming tools easier. Our gas trimmer has given up the ghost and we will belooking at a new one. We will need one that has the rotating blade to keep thegrowth of our tree saplings under control. Grass was kept short and paths weretrimmed a little wider this year, this gave comfort to our trail walkers that theydidn’t have to fear that dreadful tick. From my reports our sanctuary was free ofthose nasty latching pests.

With the countless hours of work behind me there was still time to enjoy thesightings of a few feathered visitors to our lake. A Great Blue Heron visited on thebeach right in front of our cabin, although it was a rainy day he stayed longenough for my photo session. A Belted Kingfisher decided to perch on ourchrome rotor pole off our dock. He had quite the view of the lake. I give credit toour sanctuary for giving the birds around us the surroundings they require to stayin the area. Once again we had our flock of young ducks stopping at our placefor their bread treats. It was so cool watching them mature. The gathering intoflocks indicated their fun with us was over. We hope some make it back nextyear and bring their new batch of chicks by for our entertainment from the birdworld. What do you get when a momma duck and a seagull fight over a piece ofbread? You get to see the hunger seagull!

The pride of our sanctuary is strong. The remarkable diverse ecosystems makefor a beautiful walking tour. Mother Nature’s story isn’t only in books, try strollingour trails with your eyes wide open. There is so much to see, you will have togive yourself 2 to 4 hours to make it through our sanctuary. One trip is notenough I suggest you plan a trip for all four seasons. You will be surprised withthe change. So calling all nature buffs!! See you on the trails in 2016.

Great Blue Heron at Turtle LakeNature Sanctuary. Photo by DarleneRoth.

2015 Madge Lake Common Loon Survey ReportNow Available

The Yellowhead Flyway Birding trail Association Loon Initiatives Committee (YFBTALIC), conducted its annual loon survey at Madge Lake over the spring and summermonths. They also worked on a number of other initiatives involving educationand information about the Common Loon with the Duck Mountain Provincial ParkInterpreters. To read the full 2015 report please go to: www.naturesask.ca/useful-resources/news/2015/190



Shrubs for Shrikes Particip ants Prove to be aReliable Source of Loggerhead Shrike Sightings

Rebecca Magnus, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator, Nature Saskatchewan

With few staff sightings in the summerof 2015, due to a grid road searcharea that sees relatively fewLoggerhead Shrikes, participantswere an extra important source ofLoggerhead Shrike sightings.Thankfully, the Shrubs for Shrikesparticipants are committed toreporting Loggerhead Shrikes on theirland and they reported an abundanceof sightings this summer.

The 2015 census of 157 participantsis nearly complete. Thus far, 128participants have reported 112 adultscompared to 151 adults in 2014, and108 adults in the 2013 census. Inaddition, there were 43 juveniles reported compared to 66 juveniles in 2014, and43 juveniles reported in the 2013 census (including both chicks in the nest andfledged young). However, the 2015 numbers may increase as the remainingparticipants are reached and provide their observations.

Compared to past years’ grid road searches that have been in areas thatLoggerhead Shrikes have been known to concentrate, staff conducted the 2015grid road searches in the Regina Plain area. From July 7th – July 15th, staffobserved 19 adults and 11 juveniles. Additionally, there were only four staffconducting field work this year, compared to 6 to 11 in past recent years; allcontributing to reduced staff observations. Nonetheless, through landowner andland manager visits, staff observed 31 adults and 10 juveniles throughout southernSaskatchewan.

Through 26 on-site visits with potential Shrubs for Shrikes participants, 17 signedvoluntary handshake agreements to conserve 2,364 acres of nesting habitat forLoggerhead Shrikes across 19 new sites. Together, 176 participants are nowconserving 29,670 acres for shrikes across a total of 260 sites!

A special thank you to Shrubs for Shrikes participants: your dedication to reportingyour Loggerhead Shrike sightings and conserving their nesting and foraging habitatis appreciated. If you would like more information about Shrubs for Shrikes, orwould like to report a species at risk sighting, please call 306-780-9832 or toll-free from Alberta and Saskatchewan at 1-800-667-HOOT (4668), or [email protected].

Loggerhead Shrike stained glass. Photoby Rebecca Magnus.

Plovers on Shore - Small but Mighty!


Although few Piping Ploversightings were reported, Ploverson Shore (POS) followed-up andvisited with seven current and 12potential POS participants thispast summer. With four newparticipants joining the program,conserving 4.75 miles of shorelineacross 10 sites, POS now has48 participants conserving 78.3miles of shoreline at 143 sites!

Landowners and land managersare keen to watch out for PipingPlovers on their lands each year;however, it can often be challenging for participants to reach the shorelines ofmany of their basins. Stewards are strongly encouraged to report to POS staffno matter the circumstance each year, letting us know if they have had time tosearch or not. Of the 44 participants censused during the summer of 2015, 16have reported having no time to check their shoreline, and 75% of participantshave now responded. A modified approach to the POS census is being consideredif we are going to properly monitor the plover distribution on participants’ lands.

Three site-specific Species at Risk Beneficial Management Practices (SAR BMP)plans were initiated and one current participant was visited to follow-up on anexisting SAR BMP plan. These plans serve to showcase participants’ practicesthat benefit the plovers on or adjacent to their land, and recommend other practicesthat may further encourage plovers to nest there.

Initial preparations have begun to coordinate the Saskatchewan portion of the2016 International Piping Plover Census, which has happened every five yearssince 1991. On average, 130+ volunteers survey 300+ basins in Saskatchewanin just a 10-day window in early June. If you would like more information or wishto donate time or money to this effort, please contact 306-780-9273 or 1-800-667-HOOT (4668) toll-free from Alberta and Saskatchewan.

If you would like more information about POS, or would like to report a speciesat risk sighting, please call 306-780-9832 or 1-800-667-HOOT (4668) toll-freefrom Alberta and Saskatchewan, or email [email protected].

Piping Plover. Photo by Emily Putz.

Kaytlyn Burrows, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator,Nature Saskatchewan

Without the more than 700 stewards voluntarilyparticipating in Nature Saskatchewan’s habitatstewardship programs (Operation Burrowing Owl,Shrubs for Shrikes, Plovers on Shore, Rare PlantRescue, and the Stewards of Saskatchewan bannerprogram); preserving wildlife and plant habitat, andcontributing to species at risk population monitoringin Saskatchewan would not be possible. While it isnot nearly enough, a small token of our appreciationto these dedicated stewards are ConservationAwareness Days (CAD).

Each year, Nature Saskatchewan holds 2-3 CADevents. This year, our first CAD was held in the quainttown of Hazenmore on July 16th. Stewards fromHazenmore and the surrounding areas along with theirfriends and families attended the event to learn, and share their passion forconservation and stewardship. The evening began with a fantastic roast beefmeal catered by the Red Coat Inn followed by several informative presentations.Next, Nature Saskatchewan’s summer staff, Nicole Vanderleest, provided thenearly 50 attendees with a brief update on the Stewards of Saskatchewanprograms. Following Nicole, Julie MacKenzie, a current Operation BurrowingOwl participant, presented on her successful 40-acre native seeding projectcompleted in 2011 through Nature Saskatchewan’s Habitat Enhancementprogram (50:50 cost-sharing opportunities for landowners to improve habitat forspecies at risk through native seeding, wildlife-friendly fencing, and developingalternative water sources for livestock). As a result, a new seeding project isnow underway thanks to Julie’s presentation! Finally, Tom Harrison, ExecutiveDirector with the South of the Divide Conservation Action Program, informedattendees on their current programming and upcoming plans for preserving habitat

Conservation in Saskatchewan: Celebrating V olunt ary Stewardship!

and species at risk in the Milk River Watershed insouthwestern Saskatchewan. We are alreadyplanning two more CADs, one in December in MooseJaw and another in February in White City.

We would like to thank all of our presenters who cameto share their messages and tell us about the importantconservation work that they are doing inSaskatchewan. Finally, we are grateful to everyonethat attended the event – it is always a pleasure tohear your stories, and we always look forward to visitingwith you!

Along with a busy spring and summer of landownervisits and species at risk searches, Stewards ofSaskatchewan (SOS) staff also delivered severalpresentations and participated in other events. Forexample, staff had a great time chatting and exploringSaskatchewan with Nature Saskatchewan members

at the Spring and Fall meets, presenting to the Women, Gender, and Scienceclass at the University of Regina, presenting an interactive species at risk gameshowwith students at Arcola School, taping a promotional video after winning Cargill’sTogether We Thrive Contest, and discussing our new exciting partnership withMosaic at their ‘snack break’ meet and greet. In the coming months, SOS staffwill be attending the University of Regina’s Volunteer Fair and assisting the PrairieConservation Action Plan (PCAP) at Agribition.

As always, if you have any questions or comments about the Stewards ofSaskatchewan programs or Habitat Enhancements, please do not hesitate togive me a call at (306) 780-9833, toll free on our HOOT line (Saskatchewan andAlberta only) at 1-800-667-4668, or email me at [email protected]. I would loveto hear from you!

Participants at the Conservation Awareness Dayin Hazenmore on July 16, 2015. Photo byKaytlyn Burrows.



Barn Swallows: Popular or Not, They areAmbassadors for the Stewards of Saskatchewan

Banner Program


Barn Swallows have gotten a lotof attention lately. Nearly everyfarmyard in rural Saskatchewan ishome to Barn Swallows. Whenvisited by Nature Saskatchewan’sStewards of Saskatchewan (SOS)staff, landowners are oftenshocked to hear that the BarnSwallow has been designated asa threatened species by theCommittee on the Status ofEndangered Wildlife in Canada(COSEWIC).

In 2011, COSEWIC listed the BarnSwallow as a threatened speciessince the population had declined by 75% over 40 years. Although it can beargued that the Barn Swallow never occurred in large numbers prior to EuropeanSettlement, the concern stems from the 30% decline in the ten years leadingup to their listing - a 30% decline over ten years is the threshold before a speciesis considered for listing by COSEWIC. The main threat to the Barn Swallowpopulation is likely attributed to its specialized diet of flying insects and theirdecline.

While the listing of the Barn Swallow (and the species itself) may not be popular,it serves as an indicator of our changing landscape. Whether natural or human-altered, it is important to do our part as communities to not contribute to furtherlosses in our biodiversity. The Barn Swallow is now an ambassador, just likethe Burrowing Owl or Loggerhead Shrike, for prairie conservation for futuregenerations.

The SOS staff visited with 36 potential SOS banner program participantsthroughout the summer of 2015, and 30 have signed on to conserve habitat for anumber of rare species including the Barn Swallow. Together, 69 participantsare now conserving 15,447 acres across 127 sites in southern Saskatchewan.For a full species list, please watch for our 2015-2016 final report on our websitein spring/summer 2016.

If you would like more information about the Stewards of Saskatchewan bannerprogram, or would like to report a species at risk sighting, please call 306-780-9832 or 1-800-667-HOOT (4668) toll-free from Alberta and Saskatchewan, orsend an email to [email protected].

Barn Swallows. Photo by Shelly Fisher.

Celebrating Nature Saskatchewan’ s VolunteerStewards

Nature Saskatchewan Salutes Land StewardBoyd Metzler

Rob Wilson, Director and Lands Committee Member, Nature Saskatchewan

Nature Saskatchewan maintains a conservancy in the Qu’Appelle Valley referredto as the Crooked Lake Fen. During construction of a highway along the valleythe importance of the fen was recognized by the government. This area is hometo plant and insect species found in few other locations in the province. Theproperty was purchased in 1988 by Saskatchewan Energy on behalf of NatureSaskatchewan. Nature Saskatchewan chose to leave the property in its naturalstate. In 1996, John Pollock, publisher of “Nature Views” and a director ofNature Saskatchewan invited Boyd to join him as a steward of the fen. Nineteenyears later Boyd continues in that role on behalf of Nature Saskatchewan.

I expressed curiosity about Boyd’s willingness to serve for such a long period oftime. “I love nature. I love walking about the property and I have a stronginterest in bird watching and in the geology of the valley,” he said. Boyd alsomentioned that this is a very small service and that he is pleased to provide it toan organization that he supports. “Although I live in Whitewood, I often drive thevalley road and I always observe carefully,” he said.

Boyd reminded that for many of the nineteen years he enjoyed sharing the taskwith John Pollock.

Throughout the years Boyd has enjoyed occasional encounters with membersof Nature Saskatchewan, the Native Plant Society and various naturalists whoappear on the property.

Nature Saskatchewan is responsible for seven parcels of land. It is working toimprove policies and processes with regard to these lands. Each parcel has avolunteer steward or stewards who “keep eyes and ears open” and who periodicallyreport to Nature Saskatchewan.

Nature Saskatchewan says thank you Boyd Metzler. You are a “voice for nature.”

NatureHood Comes to Saskatchewan

Lacey Weekes, Conservation & Education Manager, Nature Saskatchewan

NatureHood is a signature program of NatureCanada. Its goal is connecting people of allages to nature right where they live - which, inCanada, increasingly means urban centres.NatureHood inspires urban residents toconnect with nature through innovativeprogramming, celebratory events andstewardship activities set in urban greenspaces, and Important Bird and BiodiversityAreas (IBAs). In July 2012, Nature Canada

started its pilotNatureHood programalong the Ottawa River atthe Lac DeschÃnes-Ottawa River IBA. NatureSaskatchewan haspartnered with NatureCanada to deliver theNaturehood program inSaskatchewan. This fallwe held several events inthe Wascana LakeMigratory Bird Sanctuaryin Regina. We partneredwith Wascana CentreAuthority to lead ageocaching adventure in

the Wildlife Conservation Area. We held another geocaching event near theUniversity of Regina. We had a beautiful evening finding geocaches along thepath. We also partnered with Nature Regina for a bird walk. We identified themany birds in Wascana Lake stopping over during their migration. We are solucky in Regina to have such a biologically diverse green space in our city. Hereare a few resources to get you outside enjoying nature:

Naturehood App: TheNatureHood app is a simpletool to help identify localwildlife and map wildlifesightings. Naturehood.com

Yardmap: The YardMapNetwork was created by theCornell Lab of Ornithology. Itis a citizen science projectdesigned to cultivate a richerunderstanding of bird habitat,for both professionalscientists and peopleconcerned with their localenvironments. We collectdata by asking individuals across the country to literally draw maps of theirbackyards, parks, farms, favorite birding locations, schools, and gardens. Weconnect you with your landscape details and provide tools for you to make betterdecisions about how to manage landscapes sustainably. Yardmap.org

Wascana Geocaching Adventure. Photo by LaceyWeekes.

Fall migration bird walk. Photo by Lacey Weekes.

Examining Monarch Butterfly Declines

Bird Studies Canada August 6, 2015 E-newsletter

Monarch butterfly populations have declined steadily at overwintering sites inMexico over the last 20 years. Little is known about what’s causing the declines,and whether declines are also occurring across North American breeding grounds,and during southbound migration to Mexico each fall.

This week, seven monarch studies (http://aesa.oxfordjournals.org/monarch_collection) were published in the Annals of the Entomological Societyof America. The articles examine population trends using data collected by CitizenScientists. Included in this series is a paper by Dr. Tara Crewe and Jon McCrackenof Bird Studies Canada, examining long-term trends in monarch numbers countedmigrating through Long Point, Ontario from 1995-2014. Monarchs were counteddaily during fall migration by Long Point Bird Observatory volunteers. The resultssuggest that the number of monarchs migrating through Long Point has declinedby up to 7.8% per year since 1995.



Count Yourself In for the 2015 Christmas Bird andMammal Count s!

Rob Warnock, Co-editor, Nature Views, Nature Saskatchewan

In the winter of 2014-15, over 700 observers completed 88 Christmas BirdCounts (CBCs) in Saskatchewan. During the count period, over 84,000 birds of91 species were counted! Thank you to all participants. Christmas Bird Countscan be a great way to share time with fellow naturalists, both during and at a get-together after the count. We encourage all interested folks to participate inChristmas Bird Counts. This winter will be the 74th annual CBC in Saskatchewan.

In Saskatchewan, an annual Christmas Mammal Count (CMC) is held alongsidethe CBC (since 1973) with this winter being the 43rd annual CMC. In 2014, 81CMCs were completed with 1,937 individuals of 32 mammal species recordedduring the count period.

Many of the CBC counts are submitted to Bird Studies Canada (BSC) and fromthere go into the continental Audubon database. This database is used daily bybiologists to track bird distribution and abundance, and thus CBC countssubmitted to BSC are contributing to bird conservation. The database is freelyavailable to everyone. Thank you to our CBC compilers for submitting to theAudubon database!

Therefore, we encourage even more 2014 counts to go into the continental databasebecause submission of counts to the continental database is now FREE! Let’smake our volunteer hours (sometimes in frosty weather!) and citizen sciencecount for more by submitting our Saskatchewan results into the continental datapool!

For More Information …To learn where and when Christmas Bird Counts are held and who to contact toparticipate in your area of interest, please contact Alan Smith, the SaskatchewanChristmas Bird and Mammal Count Coordinator at [email protected], orDick Cannings, CBC Coordinator for Bird Studies Canada, [email protected].

CBC compilers, please submit your Christmas Bird Counts online, andalso email or snail mail Christmas Bird and Mammal Counts to Alan Smith .Nature Saskatchewan can help with online submission and any participant costsfor counts where this is needed. We greatly appreciate the time, costs and effortdonated by all participants!

Christmas Bird Count s – A Long T raditionFrom the CBC page on the BSC website:http://www.bsc-eoc.org/volunteer/cbc/index.jsp?lang=EN&targetpg=index

In 1900, American ornithologist Frank Chapman asked birders across NorthAmerica to head out on Christmas Day to count the birds in their home townsand submit the results as the first “Christmas Bird Census.” The Christmas BirdCount, as it is now called, is conducted in over 2000 localities across Canada,the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These bird observationshave been amassed into a huge database that reflects the distribution and numbersof winter birds over time.

Christmas Bird Counts are conducted on any one day between December 14and January 5 inclusive. They are carried out within a 24-km diameter circle thatstays the same from year to year. Christmas counts are generally group efforts,though single-observer counts can and do happen. They are organized at thelocal level, usually by a birding club or naturalists organization.

As well as adding an exciting and fun event to the holiday season, the ChristmasBird Count provides important information for bird conservation. Data from theCount were used in assessment reports that added Western Screech-Owl, RustyBlackbird, and Newfoundland Red Crossbill to the Species at Risk Act lists, andthe general database was used extensively in the recent State of Canada’s Birdsreport.

To participate, look for counts happening near where you live by selecting Find aCount Near You from the menu on the left at http://www.bsc-eoc.org/volunteer/cbc/index.jsp?lang=EN&targetpg=index. That will provide lists of all the countshappening in each province or territory, along with the name and contactinformation of the compiler (organizer).

Christmas Bird Count co-ordination and data analysis were formerly funded throughmandatory participant fees, but starting in 2012-13, these will be funded throughdonations. We hope you will continue to support the Christmas Bird Count bydonations to Bird Studies Canada. Thank you for sustaining this critically importantprogram!

If you can’t find a count near you and are interested in starting one in your localarea, please contact Al Smith in Saskatchewan (contact information above) orMike Burrell, Canadian Christmas Bird Count Coordinator, Bird Studies Canada,at 1-888-448-BIRD (2473) ext. 167 or e-mail at [email protected].

Last Mount ain Bird Observatory – Fall 2015

A.R. Smith Last Mountain Bird Observatory Manager,E-mail: [email protected]

25th consecutive fall ofcoverage (23nd of standardizedcoverage).

Migration Monitoring:

First day of coverage: 5 August.Last day of coverage: 7 October.Total days of coverage: 64 of apossible 66.Percent of days with adequatecoverage: 98%.

Number of staff: 3 (Marla Anderson, Ryan Dudragne, Alan Smith).Number of volunteers: 19 (Jessica Bolton, Michelle Chupik, Bert Dalziel, ShellyFisher, Shanna Hamilton, Dale Jefferson, Julie Jensen, Ron Jensen, Joseph Kotlar,Jordan Lang, Dan McKenzie, Scott Rae, Terri-Ann Reimer, Jasmine Rustad, JordanRustad, Lloyd Saul, Dan Sawatzky, Lacey Weekes, Don Weidl).

Number of person-days effort: 170 including 105 staff and 44 volunteer (131 and39 last year).Number of visitors: 233.

Observation effort: census, casual and incidental observations.Standard trapping effort: 13 12mx30mm mist nets for 3878 net hours; 845 birds/1000 net hours (1992-2014 average: 642).Owl trapping effort: 2 12mx30mm mist nets for 68 hours; 7 Northern Saw-whetOwls.

Number of species observed: ~110.Number of species captured: 77 (1992-2014 average: 72).New birds captured (includes birds released without banding): 3279 (1992-2014

average: 2719). Twelve banded birds of 6 species returned from previousyears.

Species banded peak: 15 August, 28 species.Birds banded peak: 15 August, 214 birds.

Top 10 New Captures:Yellow-rumped Warbler 627 Orange-crowned Warbler 150Yellow Warbler 561 American Redstart 104Clay-coloured Sparrow 245 Ovenbird 97Tennessee Warbler 178 Alder Flycatcher 92Dark-eyed Junco 134 Chipping Sparrow 92

Comments :

Aside from an unusually early migration, the fall of 2015 was unexceptional inmost other respects. A few exceptions include record high captures of severalsummer residents. Highs for these species (with the previous high and year inbrackets) were: House Wren 55 (53, 2011), Clay-coloured Sparrow 245 (153,1994), Song Sparrow 27 (10, 1997), and Baltimore Oriole 29 (15, 2011). The onlymigrant to set a record high for captures was the Lincoln’s Sparrow 41 (37, 1993).The only record low was for Gray-cheeked Thrush, a bird captured on 9 Septembertied the single on 19 August 2002; the long term average is 6 birds.

Special thanks to Environment Canada for use of their facilities at Lasher Houseand to the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation for financial assistance..

Disclaimer: these are preliminary results and may be subject to revision.

Alder Flycatcher. Photo by Simon PierreBarrette. Wikimedia Commons.

The Messenger T akes Flight


Bird Studies Canada is the National Outreach Partner for The Messenger (availablehere: https://youtu.be/LjQtRr4CKcc), a powerful feature documentary that tellsthe story of alarming songbird declines, and the range of human-made threatsthat birds face in our changing world.

The film is being shown at a number of festivals this fall, including screenings inCalgary and Vancouver. As more screenings are confirmed, details will beannounced on The Messenger website (http://songbirdsos.com/screenings/festival-screenings/).

If you’re a coffee lover, one way you can help songbirds is by choosing more bird-friendly shade-grown beans. Look no further! The Messenger Blend is nowavailable online here: http://birdsandbeans.ca/Messenger_Blend.html. Birds andBeans will donate 10% from each bag sold to Bird Studies Canada to support ourresearch and conservation work.



Low Attendance Doesn’t Deter Enthusiasm at theFall Meet

Jordan Ignatiuk, Executive Director, Nature Saskatchewan

A weekend of great weather and the beauty of nature began at the newly renovated‘Destination Battlefords’. The tourism centre is located along the NorthSaskatchewan River valley overlooking the Ducks Unlimited Goose Project.Greetings from Ryan Bater, Executive Director of Destination Battlefords precededthe Larry Morgotch Images of Nature - photo presentations. A presentation byPeter Kingsmill about the Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve was followed by Dr.Vladimir Kricsfalusy from the University of Saskatchewan’s School of EnvironmentalSustainability, on how the area has been used by students of the school foreducational and research projects. The evening concluded with an outline of thefield tours for Saturday.

Saturday morning, membersboarded 2 passenger vans(there were just 24 of us) totravel to Redberry Lake eastof North Battleford. We weremet at the interpretive centreby a volunteer who led us on atour of the hills and bluffssurrounding the north side ofthe lake and explained theeducational stops and theongoing development of thetrail. We headed back toHafford for a lunch catered bya local restaurant. The tourcontinued to the next stop, aformer intensive livestock operation (hog barns), where we once again greeted byPeter Kingsmill who explained the non-profit corporation, 16-43 Waste ManagementCorp., and their plans to purchase the site to create a community landfill and toconvert the barns into recycling centres. Current waste management isundertaken by Lorass and the surrounding Rural Municipalities, towns and villageshave partnered together because they believe the costs over the long term will bemore sustainable. From here it was back to the vans to travel north of Speers tothe Crooked Bush site. A mysterious bluff of twisted and crooked aspen treeshas been protected by the landowner and local community. Many theories havebeen proposed for the unusual growth of the tress but the latest (and likely mostcredible) is that it was a result of genetic mutation.

A return to the Tropical Inn in North Battleford in the late afternoon provided ashort break before the business meeting. No resolutions were submitted thisyear so the approval of past business meeting minutes was followed by a members’forum. We were updated on the latest news that the Water Security Agency hasabandoned the idea of diverting Kutawagan Creek to Last Mountain Lake to alleviateflooding of the Quill Lakes and the surrounding area. A banquet followed with aprogram including presentation of the Cliff Shaw Award to Dale Mierau (see articlein the June 2015 issue of Blue Jay). The evening concluded with a presentationon the Nature Quest educational program by John Murray, a silviculturalist andconservationist. The talk was very inspiring and accompanied by John’s beautifulphotography of the boreal forest and some of its species.

The Crooked (Bush) near Hafford. Photo FraserHunter.

Fall Meet participants walking the Discovery Trail at Redberry Lake. Photoby Kaytlyn Burrows.

2016 Spring Meet in Wolseley

The 2016 Spring Meet will be held in Wolseley, June 17-19. Full meet detailswill be on the Nature Saskatchewan website as it becomes available and inthe spring issue of Nature Views.

From Goat s to Turtles in W ascana Marsh

Ramona Clarke, Friends of Wascana Marsh,E-mail: [email protected]

Friends of Wascana Marsh have had a busy and verysuccessful 2015 year. We have been continuingour conservation and research efforts in the WascanaMarsh in the Habitat Conservation Area in WascanaCentre. In May, our Wings Over Wascana NatureFestival began with a fundraising dinner featuringMyrna Pearman of Ellis Bird Farm. More than 150people were treated to a very engaging presentationand a fun evening with great food and lots of prizes.The festival School Day saw over 200 students,teachers and volunteers spend the day experiencingnature based activities all in the marsh area. Friendsof Wascana Marsh appreciates the knowledge andefforts provided by the partnership of the manyenvironmental organizations in this event. Over 700people participated in the final day of the festival, the Public Day. The highlightsof the day included pond dipping, up close encounters with the grazing goatsand learning about the Western Painted Turtles in the marsh. There were displaysand activities for all ages.

This was our final of three years for the goat grazing project. The Caragana in thearea was beaten down to a manageable level and should be able to be maintainedby mowing once a year. Native grass seeds have been distributed in the grazedarea in hopes of returning the area to its more native state. We consider this avery successful project. For the past three years the Bobolink, a threatenedspecies, has been seen in the Habitat Conservation Area near the grazed area.This year it successfully nested! And for the first time in years, the WesternMeadowlark, also a threatened species, has also been spending time in thearea!

Now our focus is turning to the Western Painted Turtle that lives in the WascanaMarsh area. The Friends of Wascana Marsh (FOWM) has partnered with theUniversity of Regina and the Royal Saskatchewan Museum to study the habitsand habitat of the species. The FOWM have made a two year financialcommitment to support this program so we can ensure the conservation of thisspecies and its habitat in the Wascana Marsh. And since the program began inMay, have we learned things! Did you know we found the largest Western PaintedTurtle in North America in Wascana Marsh!?! You can follow all the details andupdates on Twitter @royalsaskmuseum #wascanaturtle, or on the websiteroyalsaskmuseum/wascanaturtles.

We will continue our fundraising efforts for the project and if you are interested,you can make a tax deductible donation for the Wascana Turtle Program. Donationforms can be found on our website www.wascanamarsh/turtles.htm. Considerthis environmental gift for Christmas, birthday and any occasion! Adopt a turtleand receive a photo, a certificate, a magnet and a fact sheet!

Check our website for updates (www.wascanamarsh.ca) upcoming presentationsand fundraising events! We look forward to seeing you at our fundraising dinnerand Wings Over Wascana Nature Festival in May 2016! We always welcomenew members to our organization too! www.wascanamarsh.ca

The 2015 Canadian Lakes Loon Survey Season isComplete


The 35th season of the CanadianLakes Loon Survey (http://watch.birds.cornell.edu/PFW/ExploreData) ended on September15. More than 700 dedicated CitizenScientists across the countryregistered to monitor loons and theirreproductive success. Bird StudiesCanada gratefully acknowledges allvolunteer surveyors for participating,and collecting important information.We thank the participants who havealready submitted theirobservations. Volunteers who have yet to report can return their forms to us orenter data online (http://www.birdscanada.org/dataentry/cllslogin.jsp?ts=1443014860251&lang=EN).

Visit our survey resources page (http://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/clls/index.jsp?targetpg=cllsreports) for results, program materials, and much more –including our 32-year report on long-term trends and conservation (http://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/clls/index.jsp?targetpg=cllsreports).

This program is supported by Bird Studies Canada members and the Kenneth M.Molson Foundation.

Juvenile Common Loon. Photo by SandraHorvath.



2015 James L. Baillie Memorial Fund Grant sAvailable

About James BaillieFor nearly 50 years Jim Baillie worked as Assistant Curator in the OrnithologyDepartment of the Royal Ontario Museum. Although not formally educated inornithology, his knowledge of birds was unsurpassed. Jim Baillie had the abilityto share his knowledge with thousands of people, amateurs and professionalsalike, through newspaper columns, scientific publications and informalconversations with countless visitors to his museum office.

Baillie’s enthusiasm and knowledge have inspired hundreds of naturalists to pursuebird study and conservation. Both the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund and theBaillie Birdathon have been named to honour this great Canadian naturalist,conservationist and educator.

About the Baillie Memorial FundThe James L. Baillie Memorial Fund for Bird Research and Preservation wasestablished by Bird Studies Canada in 1976. It is funded by the annual BaillieBirdathon and by private donations.

Originally, the focus of the Baillie Fund was on amateur ornithological researchwithin Ontario. In 1983, the scope of the granting program was expanded toinclude projects by individuals and organizations that increase understanding,appreciation and conservation of Canadian birds in their natural environment.Additional information on the program goals and objectives is available in theBaillie Fund Application Guidelines available at: .http://www.bsc-eoc.org/about/jlbmf/index.jsp?lang=EN&targetpg=appguide.

The Baillie Fund is directed by a group of independent Trustees comprised ofprofessional and amateur ornithologists from across Canada. The Trustees comefrom all walks of life, but share an enthusiasm for increasing the knowledge ofCanada’s birds as well as addressing concerns for their well being.

Over Three Decades of Baillie Fund GrantsSince 1978, the Baillie Fund has awarded nearly $700,000 to 580 bird researchand conservation projects across Canada. In 2014, the Fund awarded over $20,000in grants, ranging from $500 to $4,000 each, to 12 projects across Canada.

Baillie Fund Grant Programs

The Baillie Fund currently has three granting programs:· Regular Grants Program;· Small Grants Program; and· Baillie Student Award for Field Research.

Applications for the Regular Grants and Small Grants Programs are reviewed bythe Baillie Fund Trustees. Applications for the Baillie Student Research Awardare reviewed by the Student Awards Committee of the Society of CanadianOrnithologists (SCO).

The eligibility requirements, grant size, application deadline, application form,and review process is different for each grant program. Prospective applicantsshould read the Baillie Fund Application Guidelines to decide which grant programfits with your project. Key differences are summarized in the following table.

Regular Grants Small Grants Student Research Award

Eligibility Non-profit Individuals or Graduate studentsOrganizations organizations

Size of Grants $1000 to $5000 $250 to $1000 $1000

Number ofGrants Up to 8 Up to 10 1

Total AmountAvailable Minimum of Up to $5,000 $1,000Annually $15,000

MatchingFunds At least 1:1Required match None Required None Required

ApplicationDeadline 15 December 15 January 15 February

GrantsAnnounced March March March

For more information contact the Baillie Fund Secretary by [email protected] or phone 1-866-518-0212.

Nature Saskatchewan is now on Facebook and T witter!

Nature Saskatchewan is now on Facebook and Twitter! To find us, search “Nature Saskatchewan” on Facebook, and “NatureSask” on Twitter. There are alsolinks to these pages on our website. We hope you’ll follow us!”

Partner Up date: Saskatchewan Burrowing OwlInterpretive Centre

Lori Johnston, Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive CentreReprinted with Permission from Prairie Conservation Action Plan October 2015E-newsletter

The Centre kicked off the opening of our 2015 season onMay 16th with our 3rd annual Family Fun Day and Bar-B-Q. While the weather was not great, the day certainlywas as we welcomed old and new friends back for a fun-filled afternoon of hotdogs, a children’s craft table, facepainting, bubble making, a petting zoo, bouncy castle,and of course the star attraction - the owls!!

During our visitor season which is from the May toSeptember long weekend, we hosted close to 3000 in-house visitors. Visitors from across the province, Canada,the United States, and even the world with people fromAustria, Bolivia, Netherlands, Finland, Ireland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom andAustralia stopping by to visit with our owls!! Our outreach education program,Owls on Tour, has also been very busy this year as well; so far we have traveledto 14 schools around the province visiting with nearly 1000 students. We alsoparticipated in numerous kid’s summer camps, special events at some of ourProvincial Parks as well as a couple of Expo/Trade fairs in the province. Our twoambassador owls, Cricket and Potter did manage to enjoy some “quiet” time atthe end of summer but with the new school year upon us they are now hard atwork once again!

Over the summer we also welcomed one very special addition to our flock, Bubbaand Gem, our bonded pair of owls hatched out a single youngster this year.While we were expecting to have a few more babies, we are very happy that ourlittle one is happy and healthy. Our second pair of owls, Otis and Thea did notproduce any young this year and I guess our match making skills are to blame forthat one as Otis only had “eyes” for Thea when it was time for supper and then itwas just to trick her so that he could steal her mouse! We are hoping that nextyear will be a more successful breeding year and that we will be able to pick anew youngster to begin training as another ambassador owl.

Our partnership with the Manitoba Burrowing Owl Conservation program continuesto be very successful for both provinces. Ko’ko, a young owl hatch here atSBOIC and hand raised by our staff members, is now the proud ambassador forthe MB educational program and two of the young males that we sent to theirbreeding program were successful in finding mates this season! We are expectingto be receiving 2 females from their program sometime this fall/winter season; ayoung female as part of the breeding exchange program and an older, retiredfemale who requires a permanent captive home.

Our next big event will be our 15th annual fundraiser which is coming up onNovember 7, 2015. We hope to host another successful event and raise funds tohelp us continue with our Owls on Tour program as well as caring for our flockmembers. We will also be continuing plans to build and expand the Centre.These plans include a new winter home for our ambassador owls, a medical/treatment room, a large display area as well as a winter viewing area. Theseimprovements and expansion will not only make the care and maintenance of ourresidents easier and safer, but it will also allow the Centre to accommodatevisitors throughout the year thus increasing the number of people that we canreach with our educational programs.

Bird S tudies Canada Dist ance Learning ProgramNow Available


Bird Studies Canada is pleased to announce the launch of our distance learningprogram, Virtual Ornithology (http://www.birdscanada.org/education/school/index.jsp?targetpg=learning). This interactive program connects students fromcoast to coast with our biologists through virtual field trips and engaging lessonsfocussed on Canada’s birds. We’ll run several pilot programs this fall with classesacross the country.

If you’re interested in participating, or if you want more information about any ofour educational and school programs, please visit our website (http://www.birdscanada.org/education.jsp?lang=EN) or email [email protected]. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council ofCanada and The Gosling Foundation provided financial support for the developmentof this program.



Result s from the 1 15th Christmas Bird Count

Reprinted from September 5, Bird Studies Canada E-newsletter

Christmas Bird Counts are in the news! The regional summary reports for the115th Count (2014-15) are now available on the Audubon website (https://www.audubon.org/115th-christmas-bird-count-alphabetical-index-regional-summaries). Visit Bird Studies Canada’s website (http://www.birdscanada.org/download/BWCsu15CBC.pdf) to read our Canadian summary, published thissummer in our magazine BirdWatch Canada.

The National Film Board is embarking on “TheGrasslands Project”

Reprinted from Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Plan August 2015 E-newsletter

The National Film Board is trying to shed light on communities and work thattakes place along a stretch of prairie grassland in Saskatchewan and Alberta.This unique project has filmmakers travelling to communities like Fir Mountain,Eastend and Radville, Saskatchewan, to get a first-hand look at life in this uniquepart of the world. Visit the NFB blog (http://blog.nfb.ca/blog/tag/the-grasslands-project/) for more information or visit the Grasslands Project Facebook Page at(https://www.facebook.com/GrasslandsProject?fref=ts).

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Banding

Ron Jensen, E-mail: [email protected]

Yes, you read the headline correct. Hummingbirds in Saskatchewan are againbeing banded. Doreen Cubie from South Carolina came to the province to bandin August of 2010 and 2011. She was hoping to catch Ruby-throatedHummingbirds (RTHU) previous banded by her banding group in South Carolina.She was unsuccessful at her quest, but did band RTHU in Manitoba andSaskatchewan.

In July 2014, I received a sub permit to band hummingbirds for Saskatchewan.That first summer I banded twenty-seven RTHU in August and September. In2015, from late May through August, I banded 129 RTHU coming to feeders at 5sites near Saskatoon, 1 at Greenwater Provincial Park and 1 near PorcupinePlain.

The hummingbirds were caught in aspecially made collapsible trapwithin which a feeder was placed toattract a hummer. Bands precut andhand formed from strips of aluminumprinted with a letter and 5 numbers.The size of the band varies with thespecies and sex of the hummingbirdto be band. RTHU females receivea size 6.0 while males receive size5.6. (See insert of a formed bandedon a penny). The females receive alarger band to accommodate theswelling of their lower legs foot andknee joint during incubation of eggs.RTHU females do not have brood patches that commonly warm incubated eggs.

Measurements and observations were made on all hummers captured. Before aband was applied – species, sex and age were determined; after a band wasapplied: wing cord length, bill (culmen) length, breeding status of females, fatscore, presence and type of parasites in throat feathers, molt stage, and finallyweight were recorded before finally releasing the hummingbird.

A partial summary from 129RTHU banded in 2015: maleshatched in 2015 have longeraverage wing cord comparedto adult males; female wingcord lengths were opposite;weight was highly variableover the three months, from2.8 to 4.6 gms. Adult malesweighed on average 3.0 gmor 0.5 gm less than adultfemales at 3.5 gm. Theweight in both sexesincreased in August(maximum male weight – 4.6gm and female weight 4.5gm) as migration south

approached. It appears from weight changes of females captured over the threeplus months, late May to August, that RTHU females nest at least twice duringthe breeding period in Saskatchewan. Adult female’s weights varied whether thefemale had eggs ready to be laid or not, 4.3.to 3.0 gm. Adult males were presentat 3 of 6 banding sites until late August. This differs from conventional knowledgethat males leave in July. The last reported RTHU in the province this year, whichI am aware of, was seen at a feeder in Broadview on September 15.

It is hard to arrive at firm conclusions from one year of banding data but somegeneral observations are possible. RTHU don’t seem to nest within the city ofSaskatoon, but RTHU, do occur in Aspen Parkland of rural Saskatchewan includingacreages just outside Saskatoon. Young RTHU males have longer wings thanadult males, supporting known information. But that didn’t appear to occur infemales where the opposite was measured, adult female wing cord were longerthan HY females. Females appear to have two clutches of eggs in Saskatchewan.Some adult RTHUs moult during the summer months. Moult appeared as veryloose feathers during banding or pinfeathers in captured adults. Some malesmigrate later than previously believed.

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank the 6 families who allowed banding RTHUat their properties. The above information would not have been collected withouttheir cooperation.

If you have Ruby-throated Hummingbirds coming to your feeders, I’d be interestedto talk with you about possibly banding at your place in 2016.

Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird in thehand. Photo by Ron Jensen.

Native Prairie in the News...

Reprinted both October and November 2015 Saskatchewan Prairie ConservationAction Plan E-newsletters

Here are some headlines and highlights from news about native prairie and otherthings of interest from the past 2 months:

Unprecedented Conservation Efforts Keep Greater Sage-Grouse off AmericanEndangered Species ListAfter more than a decade of work, a collaborative approach that was implementedto protect the bird has paid off in the United States. Read more about this in anews piece from Audobon here: https://www.audubon.org/news/unprecedented-conservation-efforts-keep-greater-sage-grouse-endangered-species

Turtle Power: Where do Turtles go in Winter?So, where do the turtles living around Wascana marsh go in the winter anyway?Some research is currently ongoing through the University of Regina and theRoyal Saskatchewan Museum that will look at the wintering habits of the Wascanapopulation. Learn more here: http://globalnews.ca/news/2227164/where-do-the-turtles-go-in-the-winter/

Wanted Alive: More Burrowing OwlsThis article, appearing in the Western Producer, discusses the important rolethat livestock play in providing effective habitat for burrowing owls and featuresPCAP Partner Nature Saskatchewan! Read more here: http://www.producer.com/2015/08/wanted-alive-more-burrowing-owls/

Are You Suffering from Nature Deficit Disorder?Brian Keating, an experienced naturalist and former Calgary Zoo professional,recently traveled to Saskatchewan to deliver a keynote address at the NatureConservancy of Canada’s national meetings and asked that very question. “Wemay be raising a generation of kids that are tuned in to electronics, but we areraising a generation that is tuning out from what makes us human,” said Keating.Learn more in this CBC News story here: http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/canada/saskatchewan/are-you-suffering-from-nature-deficiency-disorder-1.

Ranchers and Sage-Grouse Share Common GroundMiles Anderson, former PCAP Chair, ranches in the South of the Divide area. Hisranch is home to one of the few remaining populations of Greater Sage-Grouse inthe province. Read about his ranching practices that support these species atrisk, his collaboration with Grasslands National Park, and his involvement in theSouth of the Divide Conservation Action Program.

Read more about this in a news piece from Prairie Post here: http://www.prairiepost.com/news/sw-sask/item/8779-ranchers-and-sage-grouse-share-common-ground.html

U of R Student Tracks Bull Snakes and Yellow-Bellied Racers in the Big MuddyTara Edkins, MSc. student from the University of Regina, is using radio telemetryto track bull snakes and yellow-bellied racers in the Big Muddy. Learn moreabout here research here: http://www.uregina.ca/external/communications/feature-stories/current/fs-10142015.html

Prairie, Politics & Pasture TransfersRead about how some conservation groups, including Nature Saskatchewan,Nature Canada and the Alberta Wilderness Association are lobbying the newfederal government to stop transfer of former-PFRA pastures in this WesternProducer article here: http://www.producer.com/daily/saskatchewan-pasture-transfers-should-be-delayed-conservation-groups/



Researchers Plea: Don’t Release Your Pet into theWild

Costa Maragos. Reprinted July 14, 2015 University of Regina Press Release

University of Regina researchers and Wascana Centre Authority are pleadingwith the public to not release their pets into the wild.

The plea comes after theresearchers discoveredred-eared sliders living inWascana Lake. Theturtles are popular petsbut they are not native tothis part of the world.

“We’ve found evidence ofmultiple sliders inWascana,” says U of RBiology student andresearcher KelseyMarchand who is part ofa team conductingresearch into theWestern Painted Turtle.which is native to

Saskatchewan.

“Released pets harbour bacteria and diseases that native turtles cannot defendthemselves against. Also, pet turtles may not have what it takes to survive inSaskatchewan, so releasing them is actually cruel.”

The release into the wild of non-native species such as the Red-eared Slider isknown to have led to some real ecological and conservation issues.

Alberta launched a “Don’t Let It Loose” campaign this summer after numerousreports of ornamental fish in lakes and rivers. Not only are the fish surviving butthey are growing in such large numbers that they now threaten the livelihood ofnative species.

“This is a pervasive issue,” says Dr. Chris Somers, Associate Professor of Biologyand one of the supervisors of the turtle project at Wascana Centre. “I don’t thinkmany people in Saskatchewan realize just how important it is.”

Dr. Somers also supervises Biology students working across Saskatchewanwhere other non-native species have been discovered in the wild.

“Students co-supervised by myself and Dr. Ray Poulin (Research Scientist andCurator of Vertebrate Zoology at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum) picked up aMexican Black Kingsnake near Estevan in June. Someone released their pet.Koi fish that were once pets are now established in Boundary Reservoir. Koi isan invasive species with the potential to alter the local ecosystem,” says Dr.Somers.

Dr. Somers isn’t alone in his concerns.

“In general, it is a humongous issue,” says Chet Neufeld, chair of the SaskatchewanInvasive Species Council, a non-profit organization which receives support fromthe Provincial and Federal governments. “A single species could proliferate tothe point that it will have noticeable detrimental effects on the province as awhole.”

Neufeld points to the devastation in the Great Lakes system caused by theZebra Mussel, which has now spread to Manitoba and South Dakota.

“Once Zebra Mussels get into the river system you have lost that river system,”says Neufeld.

Wascana Centre Authority has been monitoring the Carp population in WascanaLake for the past two years as this is an invasive species.

Meanwhile, if you are a pet owner and can no longer look after your animal, Dr.Somers pleads: “Please don’t release your pet into the wild. Find it a new homewith someone who can continue to provide proper care. If all else fails, consultwith your veterinarian about humane options. I know people mean well, but theconsequences of releasing pets can be dire.”

The Government of Saskatchewan has information on invasive species threateningthe province’s ecosystem. Please visit here (http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/invasivespecies) for information and what you can do to help.

Close-up view of the Red-eared Slider. Photocourtesy of University of Regina.

CPAWS Special Report on CommercialDevelopment Threat s to Our National Parks

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society(Published September 9, 2015 and reprinted from http://cpaws.org/news/cpaws-special-report-on-commercial-development-threats-to-our-national-park)

There is a crisis in Canada’s national parks. A rash of commercial developmentprojects have been approved in Banff and Jasper, and similar development pressuresare now spilling over into other national parks as well. CPAWS’ Special Reporthighlights the growing list of commercial developments that are close to finalapproval, or have already been completed in recent years.

Read the report here: http://cpaws.org/uploads/CPAWS-Special-Report-Commercial-Development-In-Parks.pdf and the CBC News story here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/cpaws-report-national-parks-1.3222970

At the end of July, just before the federal election was called, a massive expansionof the Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff National Park was approved. It requiresremoving land from legally protected wilderness to accommodate the demands ofa private business to expand.

From the “Glacier Skywalk”, which turned a public viewpoint into a private pay-for-use theme park-like development, and the proposed Maligne Lake resortdevelopment in Jasper, to a proposal to build a giant seven story statue in CapeBreton Highlands National Park, the list of inappropriate development proposalsin our national parks is growing.

Canada’s national parks belong to all Canadians. They are part of our heart andsoul. Yet this growing trend of commercial development threatens the naturalvalues our parks are intended to protect, as well as our collective responsibility topass them on unimpaired to future generations. It’s time to stand up for thepublic good that our national parks represent to prevent them from being degradedby private interests for profit.

Nature Saskatchewan Thanks These GenerousDonors

New “Lifetime” members:Dan Zazelenchuk

2016 Nature Saskatchewan Calendar:Choice Electrical Supply Co.Electra Sales Ltd.

Nature Saskatchewan General Programs:Lewis BevanRichard and Carol BoltGordon DashKay DixonWillis E. HallDon JohnstonErich KerberM. Ross LeinJack MackenziePatricia SterzukFrank SwitzerJosephine Tessier

Land Conservation Fund:Rudolf KoesDora NicholsEdith May Shannon

Last Mountain Bird Observatory:Joseph and Sylvia ChorneyMary ChristieSouth Saskatchewan Community

Foundation Inc.

Bird Species at Risk Program:Oscar Epp

Friends of Wascana MarshAdopt-a-Turtle Program:

Mary AirdMyrna Pearman

Turtle Lake Nature Sanctuary:Dorothy ReimerCarmel Waddington

Nature Savings Plan Contributors:Robert AlvoKeith BellLori CaronKristen CatherwoodJoseph and Sylvia ChorneyDr. Yvonne G. CuttleGwen GordonJocelyn HextallIna HillGary HowlandA.R. IversonJohanna and Ken JensenRon and Julie JensenKen KingdonTom LawtonRobert LongRandy LundyJack MacKenzieClifford MatthewsDeena McNicholJonathan MelvilleAlison PhilipsJulianna M. RobinLyle SaigeonCandace SavageJosef SchmutzDanna SchockMargaret SkeelHellen TaylorHendrik VanderpolGuy WapplePattie Wilkinson

Humanity in Harmony with Nature


Nature Saskatchewan’ s Websitewww.naturesask.ca

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If you are planning on moving and wish to continue receiving Nature Views and Blue Jay, PLEASE notify the Nature Saskatchewan office in Regina at 306-780-9273 or 1-800-667- 4668 (in SK only) during regular business hours Monday to Friday or anytime by fax at 306-780-9263 or e-mail at [email protected]. It is awaste of money and resources when you don’t as it costs Nature Saskatchewan for all returned mail. Thank you.

Saskatoon Nature Society 2015 Field T rip s

Everyone is welcome to participate in any field trip. Bring your friends. Carpoolingfor out-of-town trips is arranged at the meeting place; there is no charge otherthan to share gasoline costs. Phone the trip leader if you have any questions.Participants are free to depart early if they wish. Members with CB radios orFRS radios should bring them on out of town trips. Check our website atwww.saskatoonnaturesociety.sk.ca for last minute changes or cancellations andto download checklists. Bus Information: 306-975-3100.

Sunday , November 29, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PMPre-Grey Cup birding at President Murray ParkWe will look for kinglets, creepers and crossbills in the spruce trees.Meet at the corner of Wiggins Ave. and Colony St.Bus: Route 50 Lakeview departs downtown terminal at 1:31 PM and arrives atCollege and Munroe stop about 1:35. Walk 4 blocks south to the park and thenwalk to SE corner.Leader: Jan and Stan Shadick (306-652-5975).

Saturday , December 5, 9:00 AM–5:00 PMGardiner Dam BirdingWe will look for ducks, geese, gulls and eagles. Dress warmly and bring alunch.Meet at the Western Development Museum parking lot, 2610 Lorne Ave.Bus: Route 1 Exhibition departs downtown terminal at 8:31 AM and arrives atmeeting place about 8:50 AM.Leader: Robert Johanson (306-653-2610).

Saskatoon Nature Society Young Naturalist s

The Young Naturalists is all about nature activities for kids and their families.Each program offers interesting activities geared for children aged 5 to 11 years.Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Enrolment is limited onmost programs and often programs fill up over a month in advance, so registerearly. To register or for more information, please call 306-975-3042 or [email protected]. Visit the Young Naturalists’ website fordetailed information about the upcoming programs. www.saskatoonzoosociety.ca/programs/young-naturalists/

Program schedule· Paper Making Workshop - Saturday, December 5· Christmas Bird Count for Kids - Saturday, January 2, 2016· Snowshoeing - Sunday, January 3· Scats and Tracks - Saturday, January 23· Chickadee Pishing - Saturday, February 6· Great Horned Owl Ecology - Saturday, March 12· Birdhouse Workshop - Saturday, April 9· Crocus Hike - Monday, April 25· Pike Lake Field Trip - Sunday, May 1· Great Horned Owl Field Trip - May TBA· Bluebird Trail - Starts June 1

Registration for the 1 1th Annual PrairieConservation and Endangered Species

Conference is now OPEN!

To register for the conference, please go to the PCESC webpage found here:http://www.pcesc.ca/registration.aspx. Early bird registration is open until January15th, 2016! In addition, don’t forget about the award and grant that will be givenout at the conference! For details about the Young Professional StewardshipGrant and the Prairie Conservation Award go to www.pcesc.ca/awards/awards.aspx.Nominations are due on November 30 and should be submitted [email protected]. For complete details about the conference, pleasevisit the website at http://www.pcesc.ca/.

Winter Birding Contest 2015/2016

Get Bird Active this winter! Go for walks around your area, drive throughout ourbeautiful province, check out bird hotlines and look for the winter rarities, or justlook out your windows into your yard. Keep a Saskatchewan winter bird list of allyour findings and then share your list with others. Enter your list in 27th AnnualNature Saskatchewan Winter Birding Contest. The contest runs from December1st to February 28th. Send entries to Boyd Metzler, Box 126, Whitewood, SK.S0G 5C0 or email to [email protected] by March 15. For moreinformation contact Boyd Metzler at 306-735-2380.