nature v iews

Humanity in Harmony with Nature

Nature SaskatchewanRoom 2061860 Lorne S treetRegina, SK S4P 2L7

Publication Mail Agreement # 40063014Postage Paid in Regina

Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses T o:Administration Centre Printing Services

111-2001 Cornwall S tRegina, SK S4P 3X9

[email protected]

Nature ViewsIssue 178 Summer 2014

- a forum for environmental discussion - published by Nature Saskatchewan

Table of Content s

2 From Your President

3 From Your Editors2014 Nocturnal Owl SurveyWOW Nature FestivalNature in the CityVolunteersNew Members

4 Turning LeavesMargaret Skeel Graduate Student

Scholarship

5 Rare Plant Rescue2014 Baillie BirdathonLinking CommunitiesLMBOBlack-billed Magpies

6 Meadow Lake Junior Forest WardensNational Camp

2014 Spring Meet2014 Fall Meet

7 2014 Spring Meet Registration FormCall for Resolutions

8 New StaffWanted: Birders and BandersGreen Birding26th Annual Winter Bird Contest

9 Nature Sask Awards: Call forNominations

10 Celebrating Nature Sask’s VolunteerStewards

Lichens in ReginaNew Flower App

11 Arts CARESTurtle Lake Nature SanctuaryInland Bird Banding Association

Conference & AGM

12 Ruby-Throated HummingbirdSK PCAPPacific Wren

13 Conservation VolunteeringCanada’s Migratory BirdsRusty Blackbirds

14 Top Ten Ways to Help Migrating BirdsFescue Grassland EcosystemBreeding Bird Surveyors

15 Imperiled Red KnotLoons and Lake HealthDonors

16 Upcoming Events

Update from Grasslands National Park

Branimir GjetvajThe following report was prepared based on information provided by Parks Canada.

Bison herd grows faster than expected

Since creation of the Grasslands National Park (GNP) insouthern Saskatchewan in the 1980s (the Park was officiallyproclaimed in February of 2001), there has been little or nograzing within the Park boundaries. In 2006, Parks Canadamoved 71 Plains Bison from Elk Island National Park andintroduced them to the GNP. The Park has been establishedto preserve a representative portion of the Canadian mixedgrass prairie ecosystem. Restoration of grazing regime bylarge herbivores is an important element in accomplishingthat goal.

Since the introduction, the Park bison herd grew from theoriginal 71 to an impressive herd of approximately 400 animals.The GNP management plan set a target population size of300 – 350 animals within the current 44,000 acre enclosurelocated in the West Block. Without natural predators and apopulation age structure that does not include old individuals,Parks Canada decided to remove a portion of the herd fromthe Park. This was done to maintain a healthy prairie and toensure optimal herd health.

In December of 2013, bison were baited and drawn towards the new handling facility south of the Belzacampground. Park staff successfully and safely handled almost 300 of the 400 animals, inspected forhealth condition, presence of diseases, pregnancy etc. Bison appear to be in top condition, with a generousfat layer under the thick fur. Veterinarian in charge determined that the GNP bison are in significantly bettershape than many other free roaming or conservation herds. This would explain rather unexpected and rapidincrease in the population size of GNP bison herd.

The bison were handled with minimum stress and very low key; the animals would only have seen one or twohandlers on foot. One hundred and sixteen surplus animals were auctioned in North Battleford, and sold tocommercial breeding operations. A decision was made not to use surplus GNP animals for conservationpurpose this time, by shipping them to other conservation areas (like the American Prairie Reserve inMontana). This role is currently served by the bison herd originating from Elk Island National Park, whichhas more experience with all the animal health testing, CFIA approvals, exporting permits, etc. The nextscheduled removal of surplus GNP bison is scheduled for December of 2015. At that time, Parks Canadawill consider an option of contributing GNP animals to other conservation programs.

New land holdings fill the gap

The GNP was envisioned to grow in size on thewilling-seller, willing-buyer principle. Private landholdings within the proposed Park boundary willbe integrated into the Park only if there is interestby ranchers to sell their land. In January of thisyear, Parks Canada officially took over theadministration of the Dixon and Walker Ranchholdings. At about 42 sections (square miles)and 64 sections respectively, these two landacquisitions will almost complete the proposedPark boundary in the West Block. An additional8.5 sections in the East Block will come underthe Park administration in 2015. Transition,management and visitor access to these landswill be gradual and dependant on availablefunding. In the meantime, the newly acquired

cont’d on page 2

Nature Saskatchewan members exploring GrasslandsNational Park during the Spring Meet in June 2013.Photo by Branimir Gjetvaj.

Bison in Grasslands National Park. Photoby Branimir Gjetvaj.

Conservation Now...For The Future

Summer 2014 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 Rebecca MagnusConservation & Education Manager Lacey WeekesCommunications Manager Ellen BouvierOffice Coordinator Jen GibsonHabitat Stewardship Coordinator (Rare Plant Rescue) Kristen MartinHabitat Stewardship Coordinator (Oper. Burrowing Owl) Kaytlyn BurrowsHabitat Stewardship Coordinator (Shrubs for Shrikes) Ashley FortneyHabitat Stewardship Coordinator (Plovers on Shore) Ashley FortneySaskatchewan 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 Donna Bruce (acting) Vice-president Tara SampleTreasurer Bill Mackenzie Recording Secretary Christie Thomson

DIRECTORSVinessa Currie-Foster Joan Feather Branimir GjetvagSuzanne Henry Arlene Karpan Lorne ScottLorelei Wilson 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 StephensIndian Head Natural History Society Irv EscottKelsey Ecological Society Michael PittMeadow Lake Woodlanders (Junior Forest Wardens) Neil MarshNature Moose Jaw Russ McKnightNature Prince Albert Carman DodgeNature Regina Dale HjertaasNeudorf Nature Trails & Wild Bird Sanctuary Keith GerstnerSaskatoon Nature Society Inc. Joan FeatherSouthwest Naturalists Irene StinsonWeyburn Nature Society Val Thomas (Secretary)Wolseley Nature Conservation Society Richard SolbergYellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association Lauretta Ritchie McInnesYorkton Natural History Society Geoff Rushowick

For more information, please contact Nature Saskatchewan

MAILING ADDRESSRoom 206

1860 Lorne StreetRegina, SK

S4P 2L7

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

E-MAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.naturesask.ca

Donna Bruce

In spite of technology, transportation and the attraction of cities with boomingeconomies, Saskatchewan’s culture is still quite closely tied to its landscapesand natural communities. Most of us still recognize and savour spring’s firstcrocus. We understand the significance of flocks of geese and cranes streamingoverhead. Seeing bison on open grasslands “just feels right” to us. We knowwhat loons and meadowlarks sound like. We know how to recognize the work ofa beaver. And we know that prairie lilies and Saskatoon berries are somethingspecial.

The realization that others who live here may not know, recognize or understandthese things has come as a bit of a revelation to me! I’d never really thoughtabout it until I sat down with a friend whose work with Parks Canada includedcoordinating a “Learn to Camp” program for new Canadians. Through a few keycontacts they found lots of interest. Many of their participants clearly understoodthat wild landscapes are an important part of who we are as Canadians. Theywanted to know and experience what many of us may have come to take forgranted. It had its challenges, we were told - communication, transportation,and the need to test all assumptions, just for starters. But the rewards wereabundant and the exercise was very highly recommended.

With those encouraging words, some members of Saskatoon Nature Societyhave decided to give it a try. Working with a local agency that serves newCanadians, they are exploring how best to provide an event or two that will shareSaskatoon’s natural treasures with a new audience. Planned revisions to theirguide to local sites of interest are intended to be a little more accessible and“friendly”, including information on public transportation options and a format thatthose less familiar with English will be able to follow and understand.

In sharing this I’m hoping it may spark others out there to be watchful foropportunities to share what we know and value with others. School programmingcan only go so far. I think we all need to consider how we might play a role inever so gently reminding family, friends, neighbours and colleagues about therich natural heritage we have all around us in this province. Perhaps you know ofsome new Canadians in your community. Or perhaps you know a young familythat would love to give their kids a bit of quality outdoor time, if they only knewwhere to go to do that. If ever there was a good time to start sharing what we lovewith others, I think it is now.

On a separate note, Nature Saskatchewan is busy gearing up for another busysummer of research and stewardship. On the conservation front we are dealingwith some fallout from Environment Canada’s release of an emergency order forthe protection of Sage Grouse - if only they had talked with the folks living andworking on the land in question before deciding what should be done! Work iscontinuing on Birds of Saskatchewan, in hopes that we will manage to get itpublished within the next year or so. Plans for the Spring Meet are well in handand preparation of our 2013-2014 Annual Report has begun.

A few of our valued board members will be retiring in June. We are particularlyanxious to find a good replacement for Treasurer Bill Mackenzie. If you have aninterest in things financial, or know of someone you think might be interested inworking with us, we’d love to know! Please just get in touch with me [email protected] or 306-956-3437.

New land holdings fill the gap

cont’d from front page

lands will be grazed by cattle, in prescription intensity and patterns that meetdesired ecological outcome for maintaining a healthy prairie ecosystem, and tosupport species at risk present in the area. Parks Canada will attempt to providelimited visitor access and support services in the newly acquired sections.However, with no reliable roads nor signs, frequent washouts, no warden patrolsand no cell service, Park visitors entering this area will need to be entirely self-sufficient and prepared to deal with unexpected situations. Check with Parksstaff at the Information Centre in Val Marie before you go.

Chaplin Lake Festival and Fundraiseron June 6-7, 2014

June 6: tour the prairie potholes of the Missouri Coteau and Besant Park led byJoel and Myrna Priebe.June 7: tour the prairie potholes of the Missouri Couteau and the Ducks Unlimitedsite led by Joel Priebe.

Also join us on June 7 for our supper and fundraiser. Guest speaker will be TedCheskey; manager of bird conservation programs with Nature Canada.

More information on this exciting event is available on the chaplintourism.comwebsite.

Festival Contacts - Chaplin Nature Centre (after May 15th) 306-395-2770 - Clem Millar 306-631-4621 or [email protected]


The Voice of Nature for Saskatchewan

From Your Editors

Letters to the Editors

A segment of Nature Views is designated for Letters to the Editors. Feel free tovoice your opinion and inform members and the Nature Saskatchewan directorsabout issues relevant to our Society. Letters to the Editors provides valuablecomments about Nature Views’ articles, programs and ensures we keep ontrack! Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

We hope everyone had a great start to the year and survived the long winter. Itis great that Spring is finally arriving with fast disappearing snow (on April 6th),warmer temperatures, more hours of sunlight and the return of birds and theirsongs.

This issue is jam packed with Nature Saskatchewan news including reportson Rare Plant Rescue, Turtle Lake Nature Sanctuary, Linking Communities,Nature Saskatchewan summer staff profiles and the latest instalment of theCelebrating Nature Sanctuary Stewards series. From Our President reportdiscusses efforts to get recent immigrants interested in nature in Saskatchewan,the emergency protection order for Sage Grouse, upcoming field season formost of the Nature Saskatchewan staff and an initial call for board membernominations. There are also interesting articles on the Ruby-throatedHummingbirds, Grassland National Park, lichens in Regina and a large numberof other notices and articles worth checking out including new apps for non-grass native flowering plants in Saskatchewan.

We express our deepest condolences to families and friends of Shirley Jowseyand Albert Oeming and all other Nature Saskatchewan members who havepassed away recently.

Don’t forget to mark on your calendar for the Spring Meet in June in FortQu’Appelle (Rob needs a ride) and Fall Meet in September in Regina/Lumdsen.

Please consider participating in some of the upcoming events and activitiesincluding the Baillie Birdathon, Nature Conservancy of Canada volunteer eventsand citizen science projects such as Breeding Bird Survey, the Nature Watchprograms and Nocturnal Owl Surveys and help those looking for information onBlack-billed Magpies, Rusty Blackbirds, Northern Pygmy Owls and PacificWrens. We encourage all eligible graduate students to apply for the $2,000Margaret Skeel Graduate Scholarship (deadline June 1, 2014). Also, pleaseconsider nominating someone for a prestigious Nature Saskatchewan awardor submitting a resolution for consideration at the Fall Meet in Regina.

We hope you have been enjoying recent issues of Nature Views and wewelcome your feedback (bouquets or bricks), as it is your publication. Have asafe and wonderful spring and summer and don’t forget to enjoy nature withfamily and friends!

Rob Warnock and Angela Dohms

“W ings Over W ascana Nature Festival:Discovering Nature in the Centre of Regina”“Are those goat s in the middle of W ascana

Marsh?!?”

Friends of Wascana Marsh is proud to be co-hosting the 9th Annual Wings OverWascana Nature Festival, May 30th & 31st. This year, the organizing committeeis excited to include a unique outdoor educational activity, our environmentallyfriendly project of using GOATS to help eliminate the invasive plant species in theHabitat Conservation Area in Wascana Centre. The festival begins with the SchoolDay on Friday, May 30th, with over 200 grades 4-6 students attending. Theyoungsters will be discovering the beauty and wonder of the Wascana Marsh, avulnerable prairie marsh ecosystem, in the urban centre of Regina. Expertvolunteers will guide and educate them through 8 stations where they will participatein nature-based activities, including pond-dipping, eco-trek, and of course invasivespecies education at the goat grazing station. The students are sure to beexhausted from a full day of outdoor activities when they jump on the bus at theend of the day to return home.

May 31st is the festival’s Public Day event. This year, there is a location changewith the festival, moving it closer to the Habitat Conservation Area. Look for theinformation tent located at McDonald Street and Assiniboine Avenue to directparticipants to the events and displays. The activities are all FREE and aredesigned for the enjoyment for ALL AGES! Of course the goat grazing project willcontinue. Other activities will include pond dipping, nature apps technology, birdbanding, First Nations Elder storytelling, displays, live animals and more. Ahighlight is the Saskatchewan PCAP Native Prairie Speaker Series presentationby the Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl interpretive Centre from 2:30-3:00pm. Comeout and learn about this endangered species and see this shy creature up close!See our website www.wascanamarsh.ca for more details.

The WOW Nature Festival has been financially supported by RBC Foundation,SaskEnergy, the Co-operators, Conexus Credit Union, Wascana Centre Authority,Ducks Unlimited Canada, and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. Wesupport many other projects. Our continued partnership with Wascana CentreAuthority has enabled us to support projects such as the Goat Grazing in theHabitat Conservation Area. We have provided volunteers for Wascana CentreAuthority MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) project.Volunteers have been provided to pull the invasive Purple Loosestrife in the marsharea of the Habitat Conservation Area (HCA). We continue monetary sponsorshipto Wascana Centre for the park naturalist position. And recently we sponsoredthe design and installation of new interpretative signage in the HCA.

In order to continue these and other projects, Friends of Wascana Marsh will beco-hosting a fundraiser with the Regina Road-Runners. On Saturday, June 14th

the Marsh Dash will take participants on a fun scavenger hunt race through theWascana Marsh area on the east side of the Broad Street Bridge. Each teamentered must have one person running, others can bike or walk. Entry fee is $10/person with discounts for members. See our website www.wascanamarsh.ca fordetails.

We hope to see you at the Wings Over Wascana Nature Festival on May 31st!For more information visit our website or call 306-531-9759. Come to see thegoats – stay to explore the activities!

Thank you to These Nature SaskatchewanVolunteers

Thank you to our Arts CARES volunteers: Brody Dermody, Rossanah Ben Jack,and Nengi Allison.

Thank you to Kaylin Zimbaluk for her work on the Stewards of Saskatchewanbrochure.

Welcome to New Nature Saskatchewan Members

Peter AshcroftMichael BaydaKatrin BohnAubrey CartierLarry GoingHeather Heim

Lorne HeshkaWes PearsonMartin PhillipsCory SheffieldC. SipkoMarilyn Totten

Nature in the City T ales

Reprinted from Saskatoon Nature Society February 2014 Newsletter

The second annual NatureCity festival in Saskatoon is coming May 25-31; getready to celebrate our nearby nature. This festival connects people with thewildlife and wild places right here in our city.

Karin Schwier is collecting short ‘rave reviews’, testimonials about favourite naturalareas and wild spots in the city which will be used to promote the event and helppeople re-envision our home as a place immersed in nature. She is looking fora three or four (or five) sentence testimonial about your favourite natural spot inSaskatoon, perhaps a place you go, alone or with family or friends, to drink innature. What makes it so special? It might be a place on the riverbank whereyou take your children to watch the pelicans arriving in spring or the geesegetting ready to head south in the fall. It might be a path through the woods ora patch of prairie grassland; a magical place within city limits that resonateswith you. Or maybe you’ve had an unforgettable encounter with urban wildlife—a bird, an insect, an animal, even a plant.

The idea is to show that Saskatoon’s wild spaces mean a lot to a diverse arrayof residents. So please include your vocation, like ‘teacher’ or ‘psychologist’ or‘community gardener’ or ‘volunteer’ or ‘homeschool parent’. Your review will becredited to you like this: — Karin Melberg Schwier, writer. Please email yourcontribution to [email protected]. If you would like more informationabout the festival, go to www.wildaboutsaskatoon.org .

2014 Nocturnal Owl Survey

It is almost time for the 2014 Nocturnal Owl Survey through Bird Studies Canada.In Saskatchewan, non-standardized owl surveys were conducted along roadroutes from 1974 through 1999. The standardized Saskatchewan NocturnalOwl Survey (SNOS) has been conducted annually since the spring of 2000.Since that time about 35 participants have surveyed almost 30 routes. Mostroutes have been surveyed in the Boreal Forest of the province with a fewconducted in the Aspen Parkland. Saskatchewan is home to 11 species of owlsat different times of the year, seven of these can be heard on nocturnal owlsurveys: Long-eared, Barred, Great Gray, Boreal, Northern Saw-whet, EasternScreech, and Great Horned owls.

If you are interested in participating in owl surveys, or would like more information,please contact: Alan R. Smith at [email protected].



Income T ax Receipt s

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

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.

ALBERT FREDERICK HANS OEMING

April 9, 1925 to March 17, 2014

This abridged obituary is based on the obituary in the Edmonton Journal publishedon March 29, 2014. Reprinted with permission.

The Oeming Family of Edmonton, Alberta announce the passing of Dr. AlbertFrederick Hans Oeming, world renowned zoologist, naturalist, filmmaker, historianand great Canadian and long-time member of many nature conservationorganizations including Nature Saskatchewan.

Al was born on April 9, 1925 in Edmonton to Albert and Elspeth Oeming, who hadimmigrated to Canada from Germany. Al joined the Canadian Navy in 1943 andactively served on the high seas as a gunner in the South Pacific until February14, 1946 when Al was discharged.

Al became a professional wrestler in 1946 working on the East Coast. Returningto Edmonton, Al married May Dorothy Dennistoun in 1950 while he was anornithology student at the University of Alberta. He continued wrestling andquickly became known as ‘Nature Boy’, a wrestler and fiery promoter who heldweekly sold out matches at the old fair grounds and more often than not riotsensued. Al completed his university studies under Professor William Rowan,obtaining his Master’s Degrees in Science specializing in Zoology in 1955.

Soon after graduating, Al sold his share in Stampede Wrestling and used theproceeds to fund the creation of what would become the Alberta Game Farm(AGF), which opened its gates on August 1, 1959. Over the next twenty years,the Alberta Game Farm would become famous as a vast reservoir for vanishingspecies due to the breeding programs that were implemented. Exotic animalssuch as white rhinoceros, snow leopards, and giant sable were but a few of the166 species and 3,200 head of mammals and birds that were raised and fullyacclimatized to year-round northern Alberta weather conditions.

Al promoted the AGF through the production of such feature films as “Land of theBlack Bear”, “Window on the Wilds”, “Galapagos”, “Wild Splendor”, the NationalGeographic special “Journey to the High Artic”, and the CBC television series “AlOeming: Man of the North”. Al established himself as the fondest childhoodmemory for countless school children across Canada from Victoria, BC to St.John’s, NF and virtually every major settlement in the Canadian Arctic as hetoured with his cheetah “Tawana” and visited classrooms and auditoriums, inspiringgenerations of young Canadians to appreciate their natural surroundings andrespect the gifts of nature. He gave two memorable presentations on October16, 1964 and October 16, 1965 that generated record attendance for SaskatoonNatural History Society and Saskatchewan Natural History Society meetings(Source: Houston, Stuart. Chapter 4, Monthly Indoor Meetings In: NatureSaskatoon: Saskatoon Natural History Society 1955-1980).

In 1964, Al was awarded the Everly Medal for Excellence in Conservation by theUnited States Government. He toured communist China in 1964 as an officialguest of the Chinese government to observe the breeding programs in rare andexotic species throughout China. The tour led to many years of successfultrading in exotic species between Chinese zoos and the AGF. In 1972, theUniversity of Alberta awarded Al an Honorary Doctorate of Law degree. He hasalso received numerous awards and citations for his work.

In 1978, Al married Gina Mrklas and the AGF changed focus to cold climatespecies only. Polar Park became the successor to the AGF and dholes, sablemarten, Pallas’ cats, lesser panda and Chinese red fox were imported from theHarbin Zoo in Harbin, China in exchange for white rhinoceros and llamas. Thebusiness of both the Alberta Game Farm and Polar Park was accomplished byAl with no public grants or government assistance whatsoever.

Until the day he died, March 17, 2014, Al pursued his interests with the zeal of ayoung man, banding Great Grey Owls in Flatbush in northern Alberta, clearingtrails with his JD 450B bulldozer and tending to his chickens and horses.

Al leaves behind a legacy in the future redevelopment of the game farm lands andis survived by his sisters Virginia Lorenz, and Elsbeth Grant, his children ToddOeming, Eric Oeming, Lorelei von Heymann and Thelon Oeming, as well asgrandchildren Dr. Bethany May Oeming, Robert Oeming and Minka von Heymann.Devoted father, doting grandfather, friend and mentor to generations of youngCanadians, Al will be forever remembered.

Margaret Skeel Graduate Student Scholarship

In the fields of ecology, wildlife management,biology, environmental studies including socialscience applied to marketing conservation andsustainable use of natural resources.

A $2,000 scholarship will be awarded in 2014 toassist a graduate student attending a post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan. Thisscholarship must be applied to tuition andassociated costs at the named institution.

The Margaret Skeel Graduate Student Scholarship is awarded to a student pursuingstudies in a field that complements the goals of Nature Saskatchewan. NatureSaskatchewan promotes appreciation and understanding of our naturalenvironment, and supports research to protect and conserve natural ecosystemsand their biodiversity. We work for sustainable use of Saskatchewan’s naturalheritage, ensuring survival of all native species and representative natural areas,as well as maintenance of healthy and diverse wildlife populations throughout theprovince. We aim to educate and to stimulate research to increase knowledge ofall aspects of the natural world. Research that will contribute to resolving currentconservation problems have a special priority.

Application Guidelines· an updated resume and a cover letter· a full description of your present and/or proposed research· a transcript of the undergraduate and graduate courses thus far completed

and of those currently enrolled in· an indication of what other source(s) of funding you hope to rely on to

complete your studies· letters of reference are optional but recommended

If you have any questions, please contact our office by e-mail [email protected] or phone 306-780-9273 (in Regina) or 1-800-667-4668 (SKonly).

Application Deadline: June 1, 2014

Please submit your completed application to the Scholarship Committee:E-mail: [email protected]: Nature Saskatchewan, 206-1860 Lorne Street, Regina, SK S4P 2L7Phone: 306-780-9273 (in Regina) or 1-800-667-4668 (SK only).

“Humanity in Harmony with Nature”



Rare Plant s and Ranchers –Enhancing habit at for rare plant s

Kristen Martin, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator, Rare Plant Rescue

The prairies of Saskatchewan are home to manyspecies of rare plants. For over ten years now,Nature Saskatchewan’s Rare Plant Rescueprogram has worked with rural landowners toconserve prairie habitats, including grasslandsand sand dunes, which support these rare plantspecies. Due to the stewardship and dedicationof landowners and ranchers throughout southernSaskatchewan, just over 100,000 acres of rareplant habitat is being conserved under the RarePlant Rescue program!

Since 2012, Rare Plant Rescue has teamed up with the Native Plant Society ofSaskatchewan to provide stewards of rare plant habitat with an exciting opportunityto enhance the rare plant habitat on their land, to mutually benefit plant speciesat risk but also the ranching operation. This program, called Rare Plants andRanchers, is specifically geared towards landowners who have one or more ofthe following species at risk (federally listed under the Species at Risk Act):Buffalograss, Smooth Goosefoot, Tiny Cryptanthe, Small White Lady’s-slipper,Hairy Prairie-clover, Western Spiderwort, Slender Mouse-ear-cress, DwarfWoollyheads, or Small-flowered Sand-verbena (photos and descriptions of allspecies can be found in our Rare Plant Pocket Guide, online atwww.naturesask.ca or call (306) 780-9417 for a paper copy).

Participation in Rare Plants and Ranchers is totally FREE, and we do all of thework for you! Here’s how it works. First, a Professional Agrologist from theNative Plant Society of Saskatchewan will visit your ranch to ask you questionsabout historical and current management of the land, including grazing regimes,the presence of invasive species, goals of your ranching operation, and anythingelse that will give context to the species at risk occurrence on your land. TheProfessional Agrologist then conducts range and riparian health assessmentson your land, and collects data on the plant species at risk occurrences.

All of the information is then compiled into a report for you, which is yours tokeep for your own information and use. The report also contains recommendations,specific to your land and ranching operation, which could be implemented tobenefit the plant species at risk on your land. The best part is that cost-sharefunding is available to implement any of the optional recommendations that youchoose. In addition to benefiting the rare plants on your land, recommendationsoften have added benefits for your ranching operation. For example, arecommendation to control a patch of Leafy Spurge next to an occurrence ofHairy Prairie-clover would reduce competition stress on the Hairy Prairie-cloverpopulation, but would also improve range quality for cattle grazing.

It’s as easy as that! For more details or to become involved in the Rare Plantsand Ranchers program, please visit our website (www.naturesask.ca) or contactRare Plant Rescue at (306) 780-9417 or [email protected]. We would love tohear from you!

Linking Communities Education Exchange

Lacey Weekes, Conservation & Education Manager, Nature Saskatchewan

The Linking Communities Project is the collaborative efforts of NatureCanada, Chaplin Tourism Association and Nature Saskatchewan to protectpopulations of shared bird species through education, outreach, research,monitoring and applied conservation. The Linking Communities Project fundersare Kennecott Utah Copper Corp, Rio Tinto, and Birdlife International.

The conservation objectives of this partnership are to assess the status of thekey sites for state and pressure, protect the habitat integrity of the WesternHemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network or WHSRN and Important Bird Area sites,and the birds that they support. Partners participate fully in range-wide efforts toconserve these species. Several lakes and wetlands in south-westernSaskatchewan are of great importance for several shorebird and water bird specieswhich pass through the Great Salt Lake in Utah on their way to wintering areas inMexico including Marismas Nacionales and other locations further south.

This summer, Nature Saskatchewan along with Nature Canada and Chaplin NatureCentre will be hosting the Linking Communities educational exchange from June5th till 9th, 2014. For the past five years environmental educators from UnitedStates, Mexico, and Canada have spent some time in each other’s countrieslearning about local natural history. This year we are showcasing Saskatchewan,touring the Regina, Swift Current, and Chaplin area. These educators will havethe opportunity to visit the linking lakes Reed, Old Wives and Chaplin and learnabout the many conservation and education initiatives for our shared migratorybirds.

The Last Mount ain Bird Observatory Opens inMay

By Lacey Weekes, Conservation and Education Manager, Nature Saskatchewan

People can visit the Last Mountain Bird Observatory(LMBO) every day in May, and during the months ofAugust and September. Individuals and groups ofall ages are welcome to visit between 9 am and 1pm each day (net opening is weather dependent)and see many bird species up close, and observecatching, handling and banding techniques. Learnabout species identification, bird migration, threatsto bird populations, and bird conservation.

If you have a group that would like to visit for a morning of fun and educationalactivities, and learn through being involved with your hands, eyes and ears, thenplease call Lacey at 306-780-9481 or e-mail [email protected] [email protected] for more information or to book a date for a visit. Girl Guides,Scouts, School classrooms, and groups of all ages are encouraged to book amorning of fun and learning at the LMBO!

Notice of Bylaw Change

The Nature Saskatchewan Board of Directors approved a change to the bylawsat the March 25, 2014 meeting whereby a Special General Meeting may becalled with the written request of 25 members and the quorum for Spring andFall or special general meetings will also now be 25 members. The changewas from 40 members in both circumstances.

Please Join us for the 2014 Baillie Birdathon atLast Mount ain Bird Observatory

Lacey Weekes, Conservation and Education Manager, Nature Saskatchewan Come join us on Saturday, May 17th, 2014 to have a lot of fun and help birds atthe same time! Nature Saskatchewan’s Last Mountain Bird Observatory (LMBO)is hosting a Baillie Birdathon event in the Last Mountain Regional Park which isjust west of Govan (please call the NS office if you need directions). Plan to gettogether with our Birdathon leader Marla Anderson, on May 17th, to enjoy amorning of birding around Last Mountain Bird Observatory. It will be fun,challenging, and a great learning experience. Come on your own, or bring yourfriends and family - everyone is welcome! If you have binoculars, then don’tforget to bring them along too. Please meet at 8am at the LMBO banding station,and then everyone can walk around the park as a group, and have lunch togetherat the park concession. Last year, leader Gabriel Foley had a total speciescount of 101 birds at LMBO and area!

More than 7,000 people from across Canada (and from several countries aroundthe world) participate in and/or sponsor Birdathons in May of every year. Duringa 24-hour period, “birdathoners” attempt to find as many bird species as theycan, sponsored at a flat rate, or on a per-species basis.

Help fundraise for the Last Mountain Bird Observatory and become a part of the2014 Baillie Birdathon by registering & finding sponsors. You can sponsoryourself, a participant, or our Birdathon leader. A tax receipt is issued for allsponsorships of $10 or more.

To register for the Baillie Birdathon contact Nature Saskatchewan (1-800-667-4668 or 306-780-9481), call Bird Studies Canada (1-888-448-2473 ext. 210), orvisit BSC at www.bsc-eoc.org to download your Birdathon Participant kit – besure to name “Nature Saskatchewan” as your sponsoring club on the registrationform so that funds will go to LMBO (about 60-90%). The remainder supports birdconservation in Canada.

Can’t make it to LMBO? You can do your own Birdathon: sign up, find sponsorsand get out in May to see as many species as possible in one day at a locationof your choice! Go alone or with a friend. Check with your local nature club – abird enthusiast may be leading a local Birdathon that you can join (considersponsoring the leader if you are not planning to sign up for the Baillie Birdathonyourself). Thank you and Happy birding!

Seeking Observations of Black-billed Magpies

I am gathering observations on magpie behaviour and wonder if any readers mighthave any interesting observations they wish to share with me. As an observer ofnatural events, I have a question for you on black-billed magpies. Have you everseen or heard about magpies killing full grown passerines? That is acting aspredators on small birds? I would also be interested in hearing of magpies chasingother small prey like mammals (mice, squirrels and bats). I would be veryinterested in hearing any details of your observations (predation by magpies onsmall birds or small mammals) that you can remember: date or even generaltime of year (winter, spring); location; species involved; and observers.

Please send information to: [email protected].

Many thanks in advance, Phil Taylor



Nature Saskatchewan Spring Meet - Fort Qu’Appelle June 20- 22, 2014

The Fort Qu’Appelle Natural History Society would like to invite you to share thevalley and area with us. Here is an opportunity for you to learn about, and toexplore part of, Saskatchewan’s historic Qu’Appelle Valley. Registrants 16 yearsor younger, if accompanied by an adult may attend FREE OF CHARGE.

The Fort Qu’Appelle Natural History Society will be hosting the Spring Meet onbehalf of Nature Saskatchewan June 20, 21, and 22. Registration and meals willbe in “The Fort” located at the junctions of Boundary Avenue North and Highway#56 next to the Fort Campground. Note: You will find a map on the town’s website:www.fortquappelle.com.

As a separate event, Nature Saskatchewan will be hosting a Kid’s Program onSaturday June 21. It is geared for 4-12 year olds but 4-6 year olds need to have aparent or guardian and there must be a reliable phone number in case of emergency.

Schedule of Events

Friday , June 204:30 pm - 7:30 pm – Registration7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - Greeting and welcoming of registrants at the building

known locally as “The Fort”. Greetings from Mayor Osika – Fort Qu’Appelle Philip Brass – Ojibwa artist and hunter offering an indigenous perspective on Land Stewardship in the 21st Century Displays and Silent Auction Details and housekeeping for Saturday’s three tours

Food: You will be on your own for supper but there will be beverages and“finger or comfort” food available throughout the evening.

Saturday , June 21. All registrant s will have the opportunity to visit allthree locations.

You are “on your own” for breakfast

Saturday, registrants will visit three locations in the immediate vicinity ofFort. Qu’Appelle:

A. Ft. Qu’Appelle Fish Culture Station. You will talk and tour. You will seea couple of species of game fish in various stages of their developmentfrom eggs, to fry, to adult, to breeding stock. You will have an hour or soto walk about the facilities as your questions are answered. If you preferto be less active you will be able to enjoy some fish watching or combingthe skies and grounds with your field glasses.

B. You will visit Crow’s Nest Coulee with Jim Harding as your host and guide.You will be able to hang out at a fire pit near an historical Metis homesteador you will walk on medium or longer trails. Conversations will center onthe history of humans in the valley (Aboriginal use, Metis traders, furs,early settlers and agriculture); on sustainable land use and on passivesolar home heating.

C. You will have a delightful few hours to spend with Colette and Richard atthe Stushnoff Century Farm. You will stand on the historic trail thatconnected Qu’Appelle to Batoche as General Middleton moved his forcesnorthward at the time of the 1885 Resistance. You will encounter aspenparkland mixed-grass prairie habitat. You will have an opportunity toexplore and to encounter some the impressive biodiversity (which is certainto include flowers and birds) that remains in undisturbed areas. This tourwill accommodate both hikers and sitters. You will learn what it means tobe a good landlord for Purple Martins. You can be up close and personalwith honeybees (Note: The potential for a bee encounter exists, particularlysince the Stushnoff farm operates as an apiary). You will have an opportunityto examine, if you wish, an observation hive.

2014 Fall Meet in Regina

The 2014 Fall Meet will be centred in Regina on September 19 to 21, 2014with field trips held in the Qu’Appelle Valley between Lumsden and Highway#6. Watch for further information in the next issue of Nature Views.

Ride to Spring Meet Needed

Please contact Rob Warnock at [email protected] or 306-586-2492. Willshare gas costs. Thanks.

News from Meadow Lake Junior Forest W ardensNational Camp Count down!

Club members and Junior Forest Wardens (JFW) clubs from far and wide aregetting set for the National Camp July 13-18, 2014. This event is held onlyonce every 3 or 4 years, and this is its first time ever in Saskatchewan, so weare very excited!

This is an event that our Nature Saskatchewan friends can enjoy as well. Infact, this is a great opportunity to build on the spirit of collaboration and friendshipthat we have formed over the years, most recently at the 2013 Fall Meet. Pleaseread on for ways that you or your local society can be part of this great event.

Attending the EventThe Junior Forest Wardens National Camp is not open to the public, and spaceis limited, but as Nature Saskatchewan members you are welcome to registerto attend one or more days of the event.

Sign up for some of the many instructional sessions. Enjoy the eveningentertainment. Swap stories with new friends around the campfire.

Caveat: JFW members get first dibs on available spacesCounter-caveat: Start your own JFW club and enjoy full membership benefits!

Further information is available on our websites:www.jfwa.cawww.meadowlakejfw.blogspot.comhttp://www.jfwnationalcamp.com

InstructingThis is an opportunity to inspire a new generation, and pass along the knowledgethat you are passionate about. Whether your “thing” is birding, photography,citizen science, botany, endangered species, art, local history, geology, crafts,primitive skills, cooking, medicinal plants, edible mushrooms, music, or anythingelse even remotely related to nature, conservation or enjoying the outdoors, wewant to hear from you! Saskatchewan is full of people bursting with uniqueknowledge and talent - and many of them are nature Saskatchewan members!Please have a look at the websites noted above, and for further informationcontact [email protected] or call Neil at 306-236-2166.

Promoting Nature SaskatchewanYour organisation has a LOT to offer, and deserves to be better known, as do itssister organisations in other provinces. Junior Forest Wardens is a big, friendlyaudience, and a logical source of future natural history society members! Comerepresent Nature Saskatchewan at this JFW event! We will discover ways tohelp each other succeed.

Light the Fire!The theme of this National Camp is ‘Light the Fire’ and the camp logo features aflame sprouting up from the centre of a Western Red Lily. The time is right forJunior Forest Wardens to spread like wildfire across Saskatchewan! This family-and-youth-centric organisation is a logical partner for Nature Saskatchewan andits many Local Societies. Come to National Camp, and learn first-hand howclubs operate, see what we do, discover just why a JFW club would be a greatthing in your town, and how your Local Society can help make it happen!

See you in Meadow Lake!

New Nature Saskatchewan ElectronicNewsletter Now Available!

Nature Saskatchewan has its own electronic newsletter or e-newsletter! Signup for our e-newsletter mailing list by filling out and submitting the short contactinformation form at http://www.naturesask.ca/who-we-are/contact-us. NatureSaskatchewan does not share its mailing list with anyone.

If you wish to submit material for the e-newsletter, please contact Ellen Bouvier,Nature Saskatchewan Communications Manager at [email protected].

This e-newsletter will complement not replace the very popular quarterly NatureViews newspaper you receive in the mail. It will allow time sensitive newsitems to reach many Nature Saskatchewan members in a timely fashionbetween issues of Nature Views.



Nature Saskatchewan Spring Meet - Fort Qu’Appelle June 20- 22, 2014

8:30 am – Meet at “The Fort”. Registrants will be assigned to a bus.

Important : buses will depart at precisely the announced time.

8:30 am to Noon - One group will travel to the property of Jim Harding andto Fort Qu’Appelle Fish Culture Station. A Second group will travel to thefarm of Colette and Richard Stushnoff.

Noon to 1:00 pm - Two groups will return to “The Fort” for a lunch break.

1:00 pm to 4:30 pm – The groups will complete their visits to the threelocations.

4:30 pm to 5:30 pm – Free Time - Fort Qu’Appelle Museum open

5:30 pm to 6:30 pm - Social Hour at “The Fort”

6:30 pm to 7:30 pm - Banquet

7:30 pm – Program and Guest Speaker – Dr. Cory Sheffield, Curator ofInvertebrate Zoology at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. He has discoverednew bee species and has rediscovered a species of bee that was thought tobe extinct. His research interests are primarily focused on all aspects ofbees, including their diversity and taxonomy, ecology and conservation.

Sunday , June 22

Early morning birding tour

You are on your own for breakfast.

9:00 am to 10:30 am - Annual General Meeting of Nature Saskatchewanat “The Fort”.Possible activities: Butterfly count, visit Fort Qu’Appelle Museum openfrom 10am – 4pm.

Saturday Kid’s Program (for detailed information contact NatureSaskatchewan)

8:30 am - ‘Get to know you’ activities

9:00 am - Nature walk (Plant, bird, track identifying and interpretation)

10:00 am - Nature craft (e.g. picture frames or rock painting)

11:00 am - Active leave-no-trace games (e.g. predator-prey)

12:00 noon - Lunch

1:00 pm - Scavenger hunt

2:30 pm - Human history story/medicine program

3:30 pm - Active leave-no-trace games

4:30 pm – End of program

Accommodations

Note: We recommend that you visit the Town of Fort Qu’Appelle’s well-crafted website: www.fortquappelle.com. Here you will find currentinformation regarding hotels, motels, guesthouse locations and campingvenues for Fort Qu’Appelle. You will also find a listing of places to eat,places to visit and a map.

You don’t have an internet connection? You aren’t comfortable navigatingin the digital world? Need some assistance? See bottom of registrationform. We want to make your registration process quick and easy .

Registration Form for Spring MeetJune 20, 21 and 22, 2014

Fort Qu’Appelle

Name/s:________________________________________________________

To enable us to contact you, please provide information below:

Phone (including area code):_______________________________________

Email: _________________________________________________________

Spring Meet Fees

o If paid BEFORE, June 1, 2014: $85.00 X ______ = $___________ (number of registrants)

o Youth Registrants $0.00 X ______ = $ ___________

o Youth Registrants KID’S Program $0.00 X _____ = $ ___________ (number of registrants)

o AFTER June 1, 2014: $95.00 X ______ = $___________ (number of registrants)

o Extra banquet tickets $25.00 X _______ = $ ___________ (number of registrants) Total Fee $___________

Dietary request/s of caterer________________________________________

REGISTRATION DEADLINE : June 14, 2014

Make cheque payable to : The Fort Qu’Appelle Natural History Society

Mail registration form and payment to: Peter and Jean AshcroftBox 291Fort Qu’Appelle, SKS0G 1S0

May we be of assistance to you?o with accommodation?o with a health concern (e.g. potential exposure to allergens)?o with specific details regarding the three tours?

We want you to feel welcome and we want to help. Please contact:Peter or Jean AshcroftTelephone: 306 –332 –3070Email: [email protected]

We are waiting to meet you.

Call for Resolutions

The resolutions considered during the Business Meeting at each year’s FallMeet are very important expressions of member concerns on environmentalissues. The Nature Saskatchewan Board of Directors is responsible for actingon all resolutions that are passed by the members. This includes sendingresolutions directly to the responsible government ministry, and further actionand/or meetings with government and others, as deemed appropriate.

Anyone wishing to submit a resolution for consideration at the 2014 BusinessMeeting, to be held on Saturday, September 20th, is asked to send a writtendraft to the Nature Saskatchewan Office ([email protected]) no later thanMonday , August 25 th. This provides an opportunity to receive feedback frommembers of the resolutions committee that can help to improve your resolution.It also helps us prepare for the meeting. Please note that resolutions notsubmitted to the Nature Saskatchewan office by 5 pm on Tuesday, September16th will be considered only with the agreement of a 2/3 majority of those attendingthe business meeting.

Resolution Guidelines:

1. Resolutions must be in keeping with the society’s mandate, bylawsand goals.

2. All resolutions must be submitted in writing.

3. A resolution is, essentially, an exercise in communication. Simple,clear language and focus on one topic or issue is most effective.

4. Supporting information presented in “Whereas” statements must beaccurate and factual.

5. Resolutions should be no longer than one page, and preferably less.



Marla Anderson – Important BirdAreas/Last Mountain BirdObservatory AssistantBorn and raised in Regina, Marla’slove for nature started during themany cross country camping tripsshe took with her family and thesummers spent at their cabin onLast Mountain Lake. Manywonderful days were spent at theLast Mountain Lake bird observ-atory where Marla developed akeen interest in bird watching andphotography.

After receiving a diploma in photography at SIAST, Marla travelled the worldand made a home in a variety of places, including the UK, Palau, Botswana,and South Africa. She has seen some amazing places and some amazingwildlife but it was while doing large predator research in South Africa thatMarla decided nature conservation was what really inspired her.

Having completed a diploma in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation fromLakeland College, Marla will be attending the University of Regina this fall toobtain a degree in Environmental Sciences.

Marika Cameron – Stewards ofSaskatchewan AssistantMy name is Marika Cameron, and I am inmy fourth year of Environmental Biologyat the University of Saskatchewan. I wasborn and raised in Regina, and I havealways loved camping, hiking andspending time outdoors with my family.My university classes have furtherdeveloped my passion for grasslands andgrassland ecology, particularly in the areasof conservation and range management.My other interests include music,spending time at farmers’ markets, and Ihave a new interest in bird watching,thanks to a recent ornithology class. Ialso enjoy traveling around Canada, andseeing some of the beautiful landscapeswithin our country. I recently visited the Yukon and was captivated by thenorthern forest. I’m really excited to have this opportunity to spend my summerworking with Nature Saskatchewan and am looking forward to the valuableskills that I will gain!

Beth Dolmage – Stewards of Saskatchewan Six-Month AssistantBeth was born and raised in Fort Qu’Appelle,SK. Growing up within the Qu’Appelle Valleywas a valuable experience as it contains thebeautiful Fishing Lakes, and the fascinatingecosystems they foster. Travelling throughoutEurope and spending summers in northernSaskatchewan further inspired Beth to enroll atthe University of Saskatchewan with a focus inbiology. Throughout her studies, she enjoyedworking with Saskatchewan Parks coordinatingvarious nature activities and enjoying thebeautiful landscapes that Saskatchewan hasto offer. After completing her honours degree inEnvironmental Biology, she decided to staywithin this wonderful province and further herpassion studying biology, with a focus onecosystems and botany. Beth is very excitedto advance her experience with her six-monthterm at Nature Saskatchewan.

Emily Putz – Stewards of SaskatchewanAssistantEmily Putz was born and raised in Regina,Saskatchewan. From a young age she alwaysenjoyed being outdoors; helping in the garden,spending time with her numerous pets, horse-back riding and bird watching. She always knewshe wanted a career in biology and, specifically,conservation. Currently Emily is finishing aBachelor’s Degree in Biology with an area ofconcentration in Ecology and EnvironmentalBiology at the University of Regina. Recentlyshe spent last summer in South Africa doingwork with the Bonamanzi Conservation Trust,tracking and doing population surveys on anumber of at risk species. She is very excitedto be working for Nature Saskatchewan in theupcoming months and learning more about herfield of interest: Saskatchewan’s beautifulhabitats and the amazing animal and plantspecies that inhabit them.

Welcome to New S taff at Nature Saskatchewan

Marla Anderson. Photo courtesy ofMarla Anderson.

Marika Cameron. Photocourtesy of Marika Cameron.

Beth Dolmage. Photo courtesyof Beth Dolmage.

Emily Putz. Photo courtesy ofEmily Putz.

Reprinted from Bird Studies Canada February 2, 2013 E-newsletter

The Canadian Migration Monitoring Network (CMMN) (http://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/cmmn/) is made up of a series of independent birdobservatories and research stations across Canada. Volunteer participantsensure migratory bird populations are monitored from coast to coast, and gainhands-on training in bird banding and censusing techniques.

CMMN stations across the country (including Last Mount Bird Observatory)are looking for keen birders and banders interested in gaining the experience

Wanted: Birders and Banders for V olunteer Positions

of a lifetime volunteering or working with birds. Visit our website to explore theCMMN Member Station Directory at http://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/cmmn/index.jsp?targetpg=directory, and follow the links to the individual observatory andresearch station webpages to learn about opportunities to get involved. For moreinformation on Last Mountain Bird Observatory, please visit http://www.bsc-eoc.org/national/lastmtbwc.html or http://www.naturesask.ca/what-we-do/last-mountain-bird-observatory (the editors).

Population trends, seasonal abundance graphs, and other CMMN statistics areavailable from the NatureCounts website at http://www.naturecounts.ca/.

Invit ation to Particip ate in Green Birding

Willing to try a wild and crazy activity? Rememberthe “The Big Year” comedy movie starring SteveMartin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson? In thatmovie, birdwatchers rushed across the continenttrying to rack up the largest list of bird speciesseen in a single year. Our “Green BirdingChallenge” is based upon that concept but is muchmore environmentally friendly.

The Saskatoon Nature Society invites you to compete in our Green BirdingChallenge that takes place during the first 4 days of the Saskatoon NatureCityFestival . It is open to anyone residing in or near Saskatoon. Spend up to 2hours between Sunday morning May 25 and noon on Wednesday, May 28birding at your favorite local bird habitats such as backyards, city parks andMVA conservation areas. In keeping with the environmental theme of this festival,participants may only sit, walk, run, bicycle, canoe, kayak or ride a wheel-chair or city bus while participating in this Green Birding Challenge. (If necessary,seniors and disabled persons may use private vehicles before and after theevent.)

26th Annual W inter Bird Contest 2013-2014

Boyd Metzler

The 26th Annual Winter Birding Contest was held from December 1, 2013 to February28th, 2014. This year there were only 2 entries in the individual category: BoydMetzler of Whitewood spotted 37 species and Orval Beland of Denholm, SK identified26 species.

This was a very slow year in our area. Most summer stragglers left early and somenorthern migrants never came this far south. It will be interesting to see if theChristmas Bird Counts reflect similar results. Orval observed some very interestingbirds during the count period: the White-throated Sparrow, the Saw-whet Owl, Red-winged Blackbird, as well as the Evening Grosbeak, and the Gray Partridge. Thelast 2 species are becoming very rare in our area. Both Orval and Boyd hadAmerican Goldfinches in their areas. Once again winter bird watching to be a veryenjoyable experience and the winter bird lists continue to show great variation fromyear to year.



Each year at the Fall Meet, Nature Saskatchewan recognizes outstanding serviceand contributions that Society members, and/or affiliate and partner organizationshave made towards Nature Saskatchewan’s objectives and goals. Recently, theAwards Committee has recommended that the awards be restructured slightly.Clear criteria have been established in terms of purpose, eligibility, and nominationprocedure. This year, we are seeking nominations for three classes of awards –Volunteer Recognition Award , Fellows Award , and Conservation Award .The Volunteer Recognition Award and Conservation Award can be conferred to thesame individual or organization more than once.

The Cliff Shaw Award will also be presented at the Fall Meet. The recipient ischosen by the Blue Jay editors.

Local societies throughout Saskatchewan play an important role in furtheringconservation and appreciation of nature at the local level. There are always thosewho step up to the plate to organize meetings and outings, go the extra mile tohelp others connect with nature, or work silently and tirelessly behind the scenes.It’s time those contributions were recognized. We encourage anyone from a localsociety to consider nominating someone from your local group who is a NatureSaskatchewan member, who deserves recognition for any of these awards. Notethat nominees for the V olunteer Recognition Award and Fellows Awardmust hold a current membership with Nature Saskatchewan.

In the interests of space, we are including the Nomination Procedure only for thefirst award, since the procedure is the same for all three awards. The criteria andnames of past recipients can be found on the website here: http://www.naturesask.ca/what-we-do/awards. The office can also send you a copy by mail, if youprefer.

Nomination Procedure

· Nominations can be made by Nature Saskatchewan members, directors,and staff. Local societies should consider nominating someone from theirlocal group.

· Self-nominations will not be accepted.

· Nominations are to be made in writing and submitted by the publisheddeadline.

· Nominations are to include the following information:

o The nominee’s name, address, and phone number;

o The nominator’s name and contact information;

o Details of the nominee’s efforts.

· The Awards Committee will independently rate the nominations, and confirmthat the nominee holds a current membership with Nature Saskatchewan.

· Chairperson of the Awards Committee will bring the recommendations tothe Board.

· If ratified, the President or his/her delegate shall confer the respectiveAwards to the recipients at the Fall Meet.

The deadline to submit nominations for awards is August 31, 2013.

All Nature Saskatchewan Awards consist of the following:· The announcement of the recipient’s name at the Fall Meet.

· The presentation of a certificate recognizing the contribution.

· An announcement in Nature Views recognizing the distinction.

1. Volunteer Recognition Award

This award was created in 1996 to acknowledge an individual Nature Saskatchewanmember who has devoted significant time and energy to promoting the objectivesof the Society, including contributions made at the local society level. Priority forthis award will be given to a Nature Saskatchewan member whose volunteer workhas helped to enhance the public awareness of the Society (this may includecontributions to a Society conservation project or program). It may be appropriatein some years to have this award shared by more than one person, if they haveworked together on the same project, or on closely related projects.

EligibilityNature Saskatchewan members who have provided valuable time and effort incontributing to the Society are eligible. Local societies are encouraged tonominate someone from their local group who is a Nature Saskatchewan member,recognizing that Nature Saskatchewan values their contributions to the overallgoals of the Society. The nominee must be a current member of NatureSaskatchewan. This award can be conferred to the same person more thanonce.

2. Fellows Award

Purpose of the AwardA motion was passed at the 1987 Annual General Meeting creating a new classof honorary membership entitled “Fellows of the Saskatchewan Natural HistorySociety.” This award recognizes an extensive and continuing contribution of timeover many years to the Society and its objectives. Up to five recipients may bechosen annually. Once selected, Fellows hold that title as long as they remainmembers of the Society. It is the highest honour the Society can bestowupon a member .

EligibilityEligible individuals are members of Nature Saskatchewan who have provided anoutstanding time and work contribution to the Society over many years. Thesecontributions have been significant, and may have come in the form of leadership,communication, authorship, social media outreach, research, and other areas.The contributions have been cumulative or ongoing, and represent long-standingservice or commitment to Nature Saskatchewan and its objectives.

3. Conservation Award

Purpose of the AwardIn addition to advocacy and other forms of conservation action, it is importantthat Nature Saskatchewan recognize, as it has done since 1953, those bothwithin and beyond the organization who have done “meritorious work in the interestof conservation in Saskatchewan.”

Nature Saskatchewan’s Conservation Award will be presented to an individual ororganization whose total contribution to conservation is outstanding, whether inrelation to a particular project or in a number of roles over a period of years.

EligibilityIndividuals, affiliate and/or partner organizations, not-for-profit associations,institutions, community groups, businesses, government and non-governmentorganizations that have contributed significantly to conservation in Saskatchewan.This award can be conferred to the same individual or organization more thanonce.

Nature Saskatchewan Awards: Call for Nominations

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS

The Board has agreed to continue the approach with respect to the LarryMorgotch Memorial Award for photography. Over the past few years, entriesfor this award, which recognizes excellence in photography, have fallenconsiderably. To encourage more people to share their photos, this year ona continuing trial basis we will be staging the Larry Morgotch Photo Eventto acknowledge excellence in nature photography as exemplified by LarryMorgotch. The event will celebrate nature through photography, without theelement of competition. No one will receive an award; instead, all contributionswill be enjoyed and appreciated.

Members attending the Fall Meet are invited to present photos of their choiceon Friday evening that portray any aspect of nature from anywhere. Videoscan also be shown. Just bring your photos or videos on a memory stick orUSB flash drive, or a CD when you come to the Fall Meet. Digital imagesmay be individual files, assembled as a Power Point or similar type ofpresentation, or an executable file. Name the files so they display in thecorrect order. Individual files must be in JPG format with the longest dimensionno more than 1300 pixels. If your presentation was made using a Macintoshcomputer, try it first on a PC to make sure it runs correctly. Your presentationshould be a maximum of 5 minutes. We’ll have a computer and digital projectoralready set up.

Here’s a chance to showcase some of your favourite images of nature withoutpressure of competition.

Nature Saskatchewan is now on Facebook andTwitter!

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

New Fact Sheet: Import ance of Federal PFRAManagement in Mitigating Oil and Gas Imp acts

Available

New fact sheet on the Importance of Federal PFRA Management in Mitigating Oiland Gas Impact is now available. This factsheet was sent to us via a memberand was prepared by Dr. Emily Eaton and can be viewed in full here: http://pfrapastureposts.wordpress.com/resources/pppi-factsheets/



Celebrating Nature Saskatchewan’ s VolunteerStewards

Nature Saskatchewan Salutes: Doug Phillip s andDoug Pegg

Rob Wilson, Director and Lands Committee Member, Nature Saskatchewan

The two Dougs have beenadvocates of natural areaswithin the boreal transitionEcoregion (near Tobin Lake)since the 1960s.

“We have to protect this areabecause it provides asanctuary for nature from thepressures of modern life.” –Doug Phillips

“We have to preserve the forestso future citizens can find thequietness of the forest. It islike a cathedral.” – Doug Pegg

The views and feelings, withregard to landscapes nearTobin Lake, held by thesestalwarts are evident.

Doug Phillips began work, advocating that some of the forest be set aside, in1963. Shortly thereafter he was joined by like-minded naturalist Stan Riome.Their efforts to protect a portion of the forest came to fruition in 1968 when, thenMinister of Natural Resources, Ross Barry, officially opened the Maurice G.Street Wildlife Sanctuary. In 1972, Doug Pegg, sensing a need for on-goingprotection of habitat, joined Doug Phillips as a conservation advocate.

In 1997, the Government of Saskatchewan decides to lease the lands and it isNature Saskatchewan that becomes the leaseholder. Subsequently Doug Phillipsand Doug Pegg are asked to act as stewards of the lease. They continue toclear deadfall, install signs, provide pamphlets and generally welcome thosethey meet. They possess a fervent passion to introduce the area to those whowish to enjoy and share in an appreciation of the amazing biodiversity of thelands.

When asked if their journey as stewards has been a solitary one, they indicatethat they receive offers of help, especially with trail-clearing, from neighboursand concerned supporters of their volunteer work. They express a special thankyou to Rick Douslin who remains active and helpful.

I asked if there was anything that they would like to highlight:

“It’s hard, through paper and voice, to describe what we feel just by walking intothe forest. You have to come to experience it. You will leave, having learned ofits importance.”

“It’s becoming more and more unique because of the diminishing number ofnatural spaces.”

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.

Thank you Doug Phillips and Doug Pegg. You are “voices for nature.”

Doug Pegg (left) and Doug Phillips (right) posingwith a sign constructed and installed throughtheir volunteer efforts in 1997. The signpromotes the sanctuary. Photo courtesy ofDoug Phillips.

Are There Lichens in Regina? (Part 2)

Bernard de Vries

The previous article based on a preliminary study on “Lichens as Bioindicators ofAir Pollution in Regina: A Preliminary Investigation” gave a brief overview of thepossible effects of airborne pollution causing microclimatic changes on epiphyticlichens from motorized traffic and industry (de Vries 1987).

Excessive levels of air pollution can alter the physiology and morphology ofvulnerable species, ultimately killing them (Haffner et al. 2001, Purvis 2000). Thepossibility that the epiphytic lichen flora in Regina could also be affected by airpollution especially in the core area prompted the 1987 investigation to assess airquality using epiphytic lichens (Nimis et al. 2002, Hawksworth and Ross 1976,Case 1978 and Gilbert 1965).

Previous studies on lichens and air pollution have shown that coverage andfrequency of species are important variables and highly correlated with air pollutionlevels (Leblanc & De Sloover 1970, Nimis et al. 2002).

The environmental effect on epiphytic lichens by SO2 and other toxic air pollutantshas been documented in Canada (Becket et al. 1982, LeBlanc et al. 1970 andSkorepa and Vitt 1976). The impact of air pollution on lichens has not beenpreviously investigated in Regina, and only a few lichens were hitherto recordedfor Victoria Park and warehouse district in the City’s core area (de Vries 1995).(Could this be attributed to microclimatic influences (the Drought Hypothesis),according to which changes in microclimatic conditions particularly the loweringof humidity, increasing temperatures and frequency of drying, could be responsiblefor the decline of lichen growth especially in the build-up core-area (Rydzak 1959b)?)

The investigation showed a distinct gradient between the core of the City andoutlying, more open, suburbs, e.g. an increasing lichen diversity with an increasingdistance from the inner city core and three distinct zones were identified: 1 industrial-warehouse (city core), 2 avenues, streets (transition zone), 3 Suburbs (normal zone).(Rydzak 1968). Epiphytic lichens were investigated in each of these on matureisolated Ulmus americanus (American Elm) and Populus balsamifera (BalsamPoplar) which mainly occurs in parks, selected as host substrates to reduce barkvariables and to a height of 2.5 m above base level to obtain relatively homogenousand comparable environmental conditions.

To a lesser extend Salix sp. (Willow), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green Ash), Acernegundo (Manitoba Maple), Betula papyrifera var. papyrifera (Paper Birch), Piceaglauca (White Spruce) and Pinus banksiana (Jack Pine) mainly found in cityparks, were also surveyed.

Regina was chosen for this investigation not only because the author was familiarwith the city, its climate characterized as humid continental with cold winters,warm often dry summers (Sanderson 1948), with a mean annual precipitation ofabout 10 cm and annual evaporation pressure of about 51 cm (Thomas 1953), butalso because few previous studies on the effects of epiphytic lichens by atmosphericpollution in Canadian cities had been done (Brodo 1972-Montreal, LeBlanc andDeSloover 1970-Montreal, LeBlanc et al. 1972-Sudbury).

Two large water-bodies Wascana Lake and Wascana Creek, which bisects thecity, the large urban Wascana Park,and numerous scattered smaller parks showedno marked effect on the city’s microclimate.

Measuring of air impurities in the City was begun in 1970, with the establishmentof permanent monitoring stations in the most air pollution locations where airpollution may be of greater magnitude (Gray 1999).

The main pollution source of SO2 (sulfur dioxide) is caused by emissions frommotorized traffic. Two large industrial plants, a pipeline steel plant in the northwestand an oil upgrader in the northeast have no reliable SO2 levels available.

All obtained data was analyzed with the exception of those from cemeteries andoutside city limits which were omitted from the study. A total of 790 trees in 323sampling plots with 720 supporting 48 epiphytic lichens were recorded.

The most common species (>50) are): Physcia aipolia (Hoary rosette lichen-85),Xanthoria polycarpa,(Pin cushion sunburst lichen-61), Xanthomendoza fallax(Hooded sunburst lichen-58), Candelariella vitellina (Common goldspeck lichen-53) which have a larger surface area than the much smaller and least recorded(<5): Lecanora samhbuci (Rim-lichen- 4), Lecanora symicta (Fused rim-lichen-4), Caloplaca cerina (Gray-rimmed firedot lichen-2), and Xylographa parallela(Black woodscript-2). Hoary rosette lichen and Hooded sunburst lichen often forma species pair on Elm and Poplar.

Nomenclature of lichens follows (Esslinger 2011), and those of common namesBrodo et al. 2001. Trees are those of Johnson et al (1995).

Part three will discuss results, discussion, conclusion and references.

New Flower Apps Now Available!

Flora ID Northwest has just announced two new Android apps for Saskatchewanand for southwestern Canada wildflowers on the Google Play Store. They arepleased to make this available in a “field friendly format” that is the culmination of20 years producing interactive plant keys. The apps are titled “1050 SaskatchewanWildflowers” and “2350 SW Canada Wildflowers.” They are much morecomprehensive than the usual wildflower book or app, with many more species,over 3,300 and 7,200 photos respectively, and sophisticated interactive keyswith all the functionality of the keys in our PC programs (currently sold throughthe BC and Alberta Native Plant Societies). The apps each include 92% of theentire native and naturalized, non-grass like flowering species in Alberta and inthe 4 provinces of southwestern Canada. Species can be sorted by either commonor scientific names, with synonyms listed in descriptions.

For more details, see their web site http://flora-id-northwest.com, or the webpage on Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.floraidnorthwest.saskatchewan Scroll to the bottom to access otherapps ) They also have apps available on the store for western and central statesfrom the Pacific to and including New Mexico to Wisconsin.



Update from T urtle Lake Nature Sanctuary

Darlene Roth, Sanctuary Steward

Good Day from Turtle LakeNature Sanctuary. As thewinter blanket of snow starts torecede off the ground and trees,the sanctuary will becomelivelier once again.

The squirrels are the first to letus know warmer weather is onits way. They are very activeat Turtle Lake right now. Thismakes the walks a little moreexciting as life stirs around you.Soon the quietness that winteronce brought you will breakwith song birds returning to oursanctuary.

Have you ever wondered who knows how cold the winter is going to be? Wellmaybe we should be paying attention to our wildlife and plants in our area.

Such things as:· Thicker corn husks· Woodpeckers sharing a tree· Early arrival of the Snowy Owl· Early departure of geese and ducks· Early migration of the Monarch Butterfly· Heavy fogs during August· Raccoons with thick tails and bright bands· Insects marching a bee line rather than meandering their way about· Early seclusion of bees within the beehive· Unusual abundance of acorns· Muskrats burrowing holes high on the banks

These are all tips you can find that are printed in the Farmer’s Almanac on predictionsof a cold winter ahead. If you have witnessed any of these sighting you would beright to say this past winter was a cold one! This weather kept most of our trailseekers indoors. Four feet of ice on the lake will test Mother Nature’s power inremoving it in a safe manner. Once the snow is gone we will forget all about JackFrost and his kingdom of white!

Make Turtle Lake Nature Sanctuary, a must walk through, at least once this year.New points of interest signs will direct you to cool discoveries and fact spots inour sanctuary. Watch your Turtle Lake surrounding beach bulletin boards forattractions, happenings and adventures you can take part in for the spring, summerand fall of 2014.

See you on the trails. Nice to see the return of our Canada Geese!

Canada Geese at south end of Turtle Lake onMarch 16th, 2014. Photo by Darlene Roth.

Art s CARES Student s Volunteer at NatureSaskatchewan

Brody Dermody, Arts CARES Student, Nature Saskatchewan

I am a third-year student majoring inPsychology at the University ofRegina, and through the Arts CARESprogram I was given a greatopportunity to volunteer at NatureSaskatchewan over Reading Weekfrom February 18-21, 2014. Theprogram itself allows people, morespecifically students, to give backto their own community, by helpingout the chosen organization in theareas they need. Basically, ArtsCARES is a four-day program thatallows students enrolled in theFaculty of Arts to volunteer atcommunity-based organizations,with the end goal being not only toprovide services to the organizationsinvolved, but also to give the studentsa chance to gain valuable experienceand develop new skills.

Since I have always been fascinatedwith nature throughout my life, Ilucked out being placed with NatureSaskatchewan and it was great to have the opportunity to work with like-mindedindividuals and discuss topics and opinions about various aspects of theSaskatchewan environment, animals, and overall ecosystems. Working at NatureSaskatchewan I learned a plethora of material about Saskatchewan and theplants and animals native to this beautiful land. Since the organization itself,relies heavily upon volunteer participation, I felt that my time was well spenthelping out the staff to finish some of the less crucial tasks, thereby freeing themup to use their time and resources to work on more pressing matters.

While volunteering, I participated in the construction of the spring newsletter,which included aspects of other information programs such as BumblebeeWatch,FrogWatch, PlantWatch, and WormWatch. These projects really informed meon things that people in the community could participate in, to help continue theconservation and protection of our wildlife and environment.

Unfortunately, because Saskatchewan winters are so frigid, I did not get thechance to go out and do fieldwork this time around. I hope to set aside sometime in the summer to go back and volunteer and experience the outdoor aspectto Nature Saskatchewan. All in all, I cannot say enough good things about thepeople that I worked with, the organization itself, and my time spent there. Iwould highly recommend others that are interested to volunteer at NatureSaskatchewan!

ARTS Cares Student Volunteers (from leftto right) Nengi Allison, Rossanah BenJack, and Brody Dermody. Photo byYolanda Hansen.

The conference includes a banding session at theWascana Monitoring Avian Productivity andSurvivorship Station, bird banding researchpresentations, a demonstration of attaching patagialtags on Turkey Vultures as well as other activities.

The banquet on Saturday evening features C. Stuart Houston’s presentation,EXCITING NEW FACTS FROM 1,100 SASKATCHEWAN TURKEY VULTURES!

Registration is $40 per participant. Full conference itinerary and a registration

Inland Bird Banding Association Conference & AGM – August 8 to 10, 2014Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Hosted by Wascana Centre Authority

form can be found at www.ibbainfo.org or by contacting Jared Clarke, (306) 771-4933 or [email protected].

Deadline to register is July 31, 2014.

The call for papers on any aspect of bird banding is open until June 1, 2014.

Planning is underway to host a North American Banding Council CertificationWorkshop for August 10 to 12. More details will be posted on the IBBA websiteonce finalized.

Reprinted from Bird Studies Canada April 18, 2014 E-newsletter

Bird Studies Canada recently participated in the 2014 Public Pastures – PublicInterest (PPPI) (http://pfrapastureposts.wordpress.com/) Annual General Meetingin Regina, SK. PPPI draws together rural and urban Canadians who share aninterest in conserving the great public grasslands of Saskatchewan. InSaskatchewan, management of 1.8 million acres of land in 62 former PrairieFarm Rehabilitation Administration community pastures is being transferred fromthe federal government to the province. This is a land area larger than PrinceEdward Island, and includes some of the largest remaining tracts of intact nativegrasslands.

Topics discussed at the meeting included: the process of transfer from the federalto the provincial government; the effects on the cattle producers who use thepastures, and their communities; the effects on species at risk and habitatprotection; oil and gas developments on the pastures; First Nations concerns;and protecting heritage sites on the pastures.

Visit our website to read the article “Prairie Grasslands in Peril?” at http://www.birdscanada.org/download/BWCfa13.pdf from the Fall 2013 issue of ourmagazine BirdWatch Canada.

What Does the Future Hold for SK Grasslands?



Discovering Nature…Beyond Your BackyardTime for Hummers! The Ruby-Throated

Hummingbird

Kimberly J. Epp

I think spring may have finallyarrived – but it sure has taken itstime. It made me think about oneof our common summer visitors:the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.These little sprites start arrivingback to our area in June. And theysure have completed a long andincredible journey, which is just asamazing as these tiny birds arethemselves. The species is thesmallest bird in Saskatchewan andmeasures ten centimeters inlength and weighs between 2.5and 4.5 grams. It is so light that itcan be held by a spider web.Because of its small size theRuby-throat has difficulty maintaining its body temperature. Therefore, this tinyhummer has to feed almost constantly from dawn to dusk. A lot of work for thesmall creature – and some of the nutrients will also need to go to the helplessyoung in the mother’s intricately and delicately built cup-like nest. And themother may raise two to three broods while here.

A person with a similar rate of metabolism would have to consume 285 hamburgersper day to maintain a constant weight. Even though hummingbirds have thehighest body temperatures of any bird, an important and life-saving defensemechanism that all hummingbirds have is their ability to go into torpor. This is asleep-like condition where the hummer perches lifelessly on a branch with itshead dropped down on its chest and feathers puffed out to conserve the warmthneeded to survive. Its heart, which is the largest relative to its body of any warm-blooded animal, has a normal resting beat at 250 beats per minute and canreach 1000 beats per minute during flight. But during torpor the heart rate can beslowed down to only 50 beats per minute. Torpor happens at food shortages andwhen it is cold and can last 8-14 hours - which also helps these tiny birds ingetting through the night.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds musttherefore mostly eat foods that aresugary, such as sap and nectar.These foods are high in the caloriesthey require. To feed efficiently thebird has a long beak with a long,extensible tongue which has atube-like groove for the nectar toflow along. You can help thesehummingbirds by planting brightly-coloured flowers such as petuniasor red morning glories or byplanting native flowers such asbeard tongue or bergamot.Hummingbirds are opportunisticand will quickly learn that non-native plants in your garden will alsosupply them with the right kind ofnectar.

You can supplement your flower garden by putting up a hummingbird feeder witha sugar- water mixture with a ratio of one part sugar dissolved in four parts water.Adding food colouring is not necessary as the feeders are already brightly colouredand it is harmful to the birds. Keep the feeder(s) full and clean at least every 2days.

Ruby-throats migrate in the spring and in the fall. Their journey is 1,600 kilometersall the way to Central America. Their travel route includes non-stop journeys overthe Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. The flight over the Gulf of Mexico, whichmakes their journey so incredible, is 800 kilometres without stopping! Theycomplete the journey on their own (and not with the help of Canada Geese, assome people do believe!) and can even reach maximum speeds of 88 to 96kilometers per hour. So much could still be said about these amazing little birdsbut I encourage you to help them throughout this spring and summer, and takethe time to thoroughly enjoy their presence. They are, after all, innately unique!

You can reach Kim at [email protected] if you have any comments or questionsabout this article or any others – or if you have any further questions aboutnature.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird in flight. Photoby Adele Wasden.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird at WesternRed Lily. Photo by Adele Wasden.

Renewing SK PCAP’ s Areas of Focus

Natasha Wilkie, PCAP ManagerReprinted from Prairie Conservation Action Plan February 2014 E-newsletter

As many of you are aware, SK PCAP is currently in a renewal phase as we revisitour 5-Year Framework, modifying the focus groups or areas where we will investour time and effort along with their associated objectives, strategies and measuresof success. The entire Framework will be revealed during Native Prairie AppreciationWeek, the third week of June 2014. Initial meetings by the SK PCAP Partnershiphave revealed a narrowed focus, emphasizing the following three areas andassociated objectives:

1. Native Prairie Education and AwarenessObjective: Increase awareness of the importance of native prairie and species atrisk, targeting students, industry and provincial & municipal policy makers.

2. Responsible Land Use on Native PrairieObjective: Guide native prairie land users with balanced, evidence-basedinformation about ecological footprints and best practices to sustain healthy nativeprairie and species at risk while mitigating human impact.

3. Native Prairie Ecosystem ManagementPromote the importance of land management knowledge and adoption of practicesthat have a positive impact on biodiversity, species at risk, and prairie ecosystemhealth.

As such, a 2014 Annual Workplan will not be completed as PCAP partners arebusy creating a carefully-crafted 5-Year Framework containing definable andmeasureable results. Until our new plan is revealed in June of 2014, the focusgroup update articles in this newsletter will reflect on the accomplishments ofeach group during 2009-2013.

We look forward to sharing the new Framework with you in June, along with arenewed passion for why we all work so hard to conserve our native prairieecosystem!

Can You Add the Pacific W ren to Our ConfirmedSaskatchewan Bird List?

Stuart Houston, Al Smith and Frank Roy

Before the Pacific Wren was split off as a new species from the Winter Wren,several birders heard and possibly taped presumed Winter Wrens singing in theCypress Hills. While such a bird might have been a Winter Wren singing beforeit reached its breeding area in northern Saskatchewan, the wren heard on 9 April1988 was three weeks early for a Winter Wren. Robert Kreba’s recording of asinging male Winter Wren in the Valley of the Beavers Trail in Cypress Hills PPin July 1996 (Luterbach ) apparently followed Kreba’s first Cypress Hills sightingof 15 to 17 Jun 1995 (SBDB). Might one of these have in retrospect been aPacific Wren instead?

The Winter Wren is “best known for its remarkable song, which the male deliverswith remarkable vehemence as if it were trying to burst his lungs; per unit weightit has ten times the sound power of a crowing rooster.” (Hejl, Holmes andKroodsma, Birds of North America No. 623, 2002).

The song of the Pacific Wren is even more remarkable. It shares with the WinterWren the designation “the pinnacle of song complexity” given both by bird songexpert, Donald E. Kroodsma. The two wren species may have separated twomillion years ago, based on mtDNA sequence changes. Pacific Wren has aneven larger repertoire of notes in varying arrangements. (Toews and Irwin, Birds ofNorth America Online, No. 720).

Before the two volume, beautifully illustrated BIRDS OF SASKATCHEWAN goesto the printers about a year from now, we desire help from anyone that has heardeither one of these wrens singing on the Saskatchewan side of the Cypress Hillsin the past, or can tape them this coming spring or summer. If a recording can beobtained, Donald Kroodsma would be asked to listen and adjudicate as to whichspecies is involved.

Anyone listening and looking in the Lodgepole Pine or Spruce Forest of theCypress Hills in 2014, has two other opportunities for satisfying our pre-publicationdesiderata. First, sighting or hearing a Northern Pygmy-Owl, a potentialSaskatchewan first. Second, photograph the first nest of the Western ScreechOwl, and thereby take it off the hypothetical list.

Anyone with such information should contact Stuart Houston at 306-244-0742(but Never after 9 pm) OR [email protected] OR 863 University Drive,Saskatoon, SK S7N 0J8.



Consider Conservation V olunteering Around YourCommunity!

The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s(NCC’s) Conservation Volunteer programin Saskatchewan engages volunteers ofall ages in the management ofSaskatchewan’s species and naturalhabitats. Events are planned across theprovince where volunteers join NCC staff as together; they pitch in to take greatcare of a protected property.

NCC Saskatchewan’ s 2014 Conservation V olunteer Event s

Wednesday , May 28: 9:30AM-3PMChappell Marsh T our near SaskatoonTour the Chappell Marsh habitat, learn about wetlands and grassland birds, andexperience the critters, all part of Saskatoon’s Nature City Festival.

Saturday , May 31: 10AM-4PMBuffalo V alley Bio-Blitz near BeechyOn open prairie, identify plants (and weeds) and animal species, map the fencelines, and learn about prairie habitat.

Friday , June 6: 10AM – 4PMBreak Down the Barricade at AsquithTear down broken fences, prepare for new fencing, learn about on-the-groundconservation actions at NCC’s Asquith property.

Saturday , June 7: 10AM – 4PMFlora and Fauna Fun! BioBlitz’in at AsquithIdentify, count and learn more about the plants, birds, fungi, insects on this Aspen-forested land.

Friday , June 13: 9AM – 4PMShrub Planting Party in the Qu’Appelle at Fort Qu’AppellePlant shrubs on slopes of the Qu’Appelle Valley to protect from flooding. Joincorporate Leaders in Conservation here!

Friday , June 20: 10AM – 4PMGet Muddy in Molde! At Central ButtePlant shrubs and clean debris from Molde property to help prevent flooding andprepare for cattle grazing. Learn about the health of the land and long-termconservation techniques.

Friday , July 18: 9AM – 4PMKing of the Crowns Competition in the Qu’Appelle near ReginaJoin a team and compete with Saskatchewan Crown corporations to become thechampion of fence and noxious weed removals at NCC’s Fairy Hill property.

Friday and Saturday , August 15-16: 4PM Friday to 10AM SundayMany Ranch Hands Make Light Work (A Super Southwestern Weekend) nearClimaxJoin the NCC team at the 13,000 acre Old Man on His Back Ranch. Observegenetically-pure plains bison herd, count calves, manage weeds, repaint the Butalahouse and remove an old fence.

Saturday , September 13: 10AM – 4PMMopping Up in Mortlach at MortlachJoin Mountain Equipment Co-op members and the NCC team as you remove oldcorrals and invasive weeds.

Friday , September 26: 10AM – 3PMSpurge Social in the V alley near CravenJoin the NCC team at Big Valley, helping remove invasive leafy spurge, clean birdhouses and study the many birds here. Great for school groups!

More information about NCC’s Conservation Volunteer program is available bycontacting Kirsten Jensen at [email protected] or by calling306-347-0447, ext: 230.

A Warm Welcome Home for Canada’ s MigratoryBirds

Reprinted from Bird Studies Canada March 22, 2014 E-newsletter

Although wintery weather is still lingering in parts of the country, spring is on thehorizon. At this time of year, our thoughts turn to two of Canada’s most popularhobbies: birdwatching and gardening. And these fun pastimes go hand in hand!

The benefits of creating an inviting and diverse backyard ecosystem are far-reaching, for you and for Canada’s birdlife. Bird Studies Canada thanks HomeHardware for sharing the article, “7 Meaningful Ways You Can Help Birds thisSpring from Bird Studies Canada” at: http://homehardware.ca/en/index/home-experts/mark-cullen/helpful-advice/a-warm-welcome-home-for-canadas-migratory-birds.htm in the spring issue of Home at Home magazine. Be sure to pick upyour free copy at your local Home Hardware or Building Centre.

Sightings of Rusty Blackbirds Needed

Reprinted from Saskatoon Nature Society February 2014 Newsletter

Prior to 1920, the Rusty Blackbird was a common to abundant species in NorthAmerica. By 1950, a decline in its population was apparent. And since the1960s, the species has been in a free fall with its numbers dropping by up to 95per cent! While the greatest Rusty Blackbird declines have been seen in thebreeding populations of eastern North America, the current and plannedindustrialization of the boreal forest here in western Canada could deal a majorblow to our breeding populations. Reasons for the decline are being studied, butwe still know very little about its ecology, distribution, and habitat use duringmigration. Are there hotspots where Rusties congregate? Are there stopoverareas that they use predictably each year?

These are questions that the Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz is hoping toanswer. The blitz, which kicks off this spring, is a three-year citizen scienceproject organized by the International Rusty Blackbird Working Group, eBird,and the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. Birders from across the Southeasternand Midwestern U.S., Alaska, and Canada (all areas through which Rustiesmigrate) are being encouraged to participate.

Participating is easy: Simply go birding this spring and submit your bird sightingsto eBird (ebird.org/content/ebird/). Even if you don’t find any Rusties on youroutings, this information will contribute to the blitz by showing when and whereRusties were not found. You can visit the website of the International RustyBlackbird Working Group (rustyblackbird.org/outreach/migration-blitz/) forinformation on Rusty Blackbird identification, vocalizations, and habitat as wellas types of data to collect to support the blitz.



American Bird Conservancy

Despite persistent late-occurring snowstorms, average temperatures are startingto climb, soon to be followed by the most deadly period of the year for birds:springtime. Although spring means new life and hope to many people, billions ofbirds face the tribulations of a perilous migration followed shortly by breeding andthe production of scores of newborn birds that will spend several highly vulnerableweeks as they grow and fledge.

According to Dr. George Fenwick, President of ABC, “Spring is a deadly time forbirds for three big reasons. Scientists estimate that 300 million to one billionbirds die each year from collisions with buildings, many during arduous migrationsin unfamiliar environments. Up to 50 million die from encounters withcommunication towers and up to six million may die each day from attacks bycats left outdoors. These deaths occur year-round, but many occur during springand fall migration.”

“Some studies suggest that perhaps as many as half of all migrating birds do notmake it back home,” he said, “succumbing to various threats on either end of thejourney.”

One in five Americans engage in bird watching, so after months of waiting formigrants to return, many people turn to emails, phone lines, and social media toask ABC a dozen variations on the same question: “How can I help the birds?”Here is our answer to that question, just in time for spring.

TOP TEN WAYS TO HELP BIRDS THIS SPRING

1. Keep your cat indoors. This is best for your cat as well as for the birds, asindoor cats live an average of three to seven times longer. Cats are responsiblefor an estimated 2.4 billion bird deaths each year. In the spring, young birds ornestlings often end up on the ground, attracting the fatal attention of a nearbycat. Ground nesting species that are especially vulnerable include Killdeer andWood Thrush, but all baby birds—from ducks to warblers—will be on the groundfor a critical period of time.

2. Prevent birds from hitting your windows. As many as one billion birds dieeach year after colliding with glass in buildings. You can reduce this problem atyour home by applying a variety of window treatments. For example, ABC BirdTapeis a proven solution that is inexpensive and long-lasting. Birds most prone tofatal collisions at home windows or glass doors include Ruby-throatedHummingbird and Wood Thrush.

3. Eliminate pesticides from your yard. Even those pesticides that are notdirectly toxic to birds can pollute waterways and reduce insects that birds rely onfor food. For rodent control, seal cracks, remove food sources, and use snap andelectric traps rather than rodenticides, which can poison raptors such as hawksand owls as well as young children. And be sure not to garden with neonicotinoid-coated seeds, or neonics, which are lethal to songbirds as well as to bees andother invertebrates. Learn more here.

4. Buy organic food and drink Smithsonian-certified Bird Friendly Coffee. Goingorganic helps to reduce pesticide use on farms and increases the market for

produce grown without the use of pesticides, which can be toxic to birds andother animals, and will help to reduce the use of these hazardous chemicals inthe US and overseas. Shade coffee farms have been shown to provide far superiorhabitat for birds than coffee grown in open sun. Buying coffee that is certifiedBird Friendly is one of the easiest ways to help migratory birds.

5. Create backyard habitat using native plants. When you garden with plantsthat evolved in your local habitat, you supply native insects and their larvae withfood, which in turn are an irreplaceable food source provided by birds to theirnestlings. Yards both large and small can benefit birds and other wildlife. Createa diverse landscape by planting native grasses, flowers, and shrubs that attractbirds. You will be rewarded by their beauty and song, and will have fewer insectpests as a result.

6. Reduce your carbon footprint. While all forms of energy use impact birds,small individual actions can add up and make a difference. Use a hand-pushedor electric lawnmower, carpool, and use low-energy bulbs and Energy Starappliances. Less energy used means less habitat destroyed for energy production.

7. Donate old bird-watching equipment. Binoculars or spotting scopes will beappreciated by local bird watching groups—they can get them to schools orbiologists in other countries who may not have the resources they need. Morepeople studying birds means more voices for bird conservation!

8. Keep bird feeders and bird baths clean. If you feed the birds, make sure youaren’t accidentally allowing the spread of disease. Disinfect feeders and birdbaths, and change water regularly or use a drip system to prevent mosquitoesfrom breeding.

9. Support bird-friendly legislation. US policy makers frequently make decisionsthat affect birds. For example, decisions are now being made that will impact thesurvival of the imperiled Greater Sage-Grouse. By raising your voice, you canhelp to influence the outcome for birds on this and other important issues.

10. Join two bird conservation groups—a local one and a national one. Yoursupport will provide needed dollars for bird conservation, enabling you to helpachieve more than is possible through individual efforts. Membership also enablesyou to become more informed and involved in the issues you’re concerned about.

“Protecting and helping birds is not only the right thing to do,” said Fenwick. “It isalso good for the economy and the future of our environment. Birds are invaluableas controllers of insect pests, as pollinators of crops, and as dispersers of nativeplant seeds. They also generate tremendous economic revenues through thepastimes of bird feeding and bird watching.”

A federal government study reports that about 20 percent of the U.S. population— 47 million people —participates in bird watching. About 30 percent of allpeople over 55 enjoy this pursuit. About 40 percent of birders (18 million people)actually travel to see birds and spend about $41 billion annually in pursuit of theirpastime. The top five bird watching states by percentage of total population are:Vermont (39%), Wisconsin (33%), West Virginia (33%), Wyoming (31%), andAlaska (30%). The states with the greatest raw number of birders are: California(4.9 million), New York (3.3 million), Florida (3.0 million), Pennsylvania (2.7 million),and Texas (2.3 million).

Top Ten Ways to Help S pring’ s Migrating BirdsHelp During Migration and Breeding Periods Crucial to 200+ Declining Bird Species

Visit a fescue grassland ecosystem in Saskatoon!

Reprinted from Prairie Conservation Action Plan March 2014 E-newsletter

The Saskatoon Natural Grasslands (SNG) is a 34 acre (13.8 hectare) parcel ofnative Saskatchewan grassland persisting in a surprisingly natural condition. Itlies within the area known as Silverspring (located in the northeast sector ofSaskatoon, 8 kilometres from the city centre along the South SaskatchewanRiver). This fescue grassland is not just grass, but an ecosystem - a complexassociation of grasses, flowering and non-flowering plants, birds, animals andinsects representing 10,000 years of natural history since the glaciers receded.

Thanks to education programs provided by the University of Saskatchewan Centrefor Continuing and Distance Education, the Saskatoon Nature Society, the Cityof Saskatoon, the Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division, the SaskatoonPublic School Division, Meewasin Valley Authority and others; and the stewardshipby the Silverspring community, the SNG continues to provide habitat, aestheticand recreational opportunities, soil protection and gene pool for future medicaland agricultural research.

For more information, visit the Meewasin Valley Authority website at http://meewasin.com/visitors/saskatoon-natural-grasslands.

Breeding Bird Surveyors Needed

Enthusiastic and skilled birders are needed to participate in the Breeding BirdSurvey (BBS). North America’s premier bird survey is coordinated in Canada bythe Canadian Wildlife Service.

Participants survey assigned routes one morning a year in June. Each routeconsists of 50 three-minute roadside stops, and takes about five hours to complete.Volunteers are asked to survey the same route for at least three years.

The results are used by countless researchers and biologists to monitor birdpopulation trends, generate population estimates, assess the status of birds inCanada, and identify birds of conservation concern.

If you would like to lend your eyes and ears to this very worthwhile effort, contactone of the provincial coordinators.

ManitobaKen De Smet, Phone: (204) 945-5439, Fax: (204) 945-3077, E-mail:[email protected]

AlbertaJack Park, Phone: (780) 469-8127, E-mail: [email protected]

SaskatchewanAlan Smith, Phone: (306) 868-4554, E-mail: [email protected]



Thank you to These Generous NatureSaskatchewan Donors

Memorial DonationsArdythe McMaster – Donation made to

General Programs in Memory ofShirley Jowsey

Nature Saskatchewan GeneralPrograms

Andrew BelykJoanne BlytheMike BrayMuriel CarlsonMary ChristieConexus- Board of DirectorsLouetta and Robert CormierMae ElsingerDon ForbesKen GardnerJoseph HnatiukC. Stuart and Mary HoustonM. Ross LeinBill and Audrey MacKenzieGerald MachneeLila McDermaidArdythe McMasterJohn MeldrumWilliam MonroWilliam NellDale NostbakkenDorothy RiemerDoug and Irene SchmeiserJosef SchmutzMargaret SkeelPaul SoronColette and Richard StushnoffHellen TaylorIvor and Orca ThokleRob and Joan WilsonJudge David H. Wright

Grasslands T rust FundTrish Santo

Land Conservation FundGerald Heinrichs

New Life MembersDonna BruceDavid Weiman

Last Mountain Bird ObservatoryJoyce ChristiansenGordon DashHarold FisherG. Murray and Edna Forbes

FoundationJ. Frank Roy

Nature Legacy FundDoug and Irene Schmeiser

Bird Species at Risk ProgramJames W. LuthiJack MacKenzieIsobel McLeishEdith May ShannonDavid StirlingTD Friends of the Environment

Foundation

Rare Plant RescueGwen JamiesonRuth SmithMarilyn Totten

Nature Savings PlanContributors

Robert AlvoKeith BellLori CaronKristin CatherwoodJoseph and Sylvia ChorneyLouise and Dave CookDr. Yvonne G. CuttleRev. Suzanne EdgarGwen GordonChristina HavardJocelyn HextallIna HillGary HowlandA.R. IversonJohanna and Ken JensenRon and Julie JensenKen KingdonTom LawtonRobert J. LongRandy LundyJack MacKenzieDeena McNicholJonathan MelvilleAlison PhilipsJulianna M. RobinLyle SaigeonCandace SavageDanna SchockMargaret SkeelHellen TaylorHendrik VanderpolGuy WapplePattie WilkinsonCatherine Zeilner

Imperiled Red Knot Proposed for Listing asThreatened by W ildlife Agency

Focussing on Wildlife October 6, 2013 E-newsletter

American Bird Conservancy (ABC), one of the nation’s leading bird conservationgroups, today welcomed the decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)to formally propose an Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing of ‘threatened’ forthe highly imperiled rufa Red Knot, a shorebird which flies more than 9,300 milesfrom south to north every spring and repeats the trip in reverse every autumn,making this bird one of the longest-distance migrants in the animal kingdom.

Surveys of wintering knots along the coasts of southern Chile and Argentina andduring spring migration in Delaware Bay on the U.S. coast indicated that a seriouspopulation decline occurred in the 2000s. Specifically, the 2011 count of the mainwintering population of the bird in South America, found a decline from the previouswinter of at least 5,000 birds—approximately one third of the population.

“There is a compelling scientific case for ESA listing. The U.S. Fish and WildlifeService decision to list the rufa Red Knot, though long overdue, offers hope thatfuture generations of Americans will be able to witness this migratory marvel,”said Darin Schroeder, Vice President of Conservation Advocacy for AmericanBird Conservancy.

Red Knot survival has been tied to battles over state and federal managementpractices associated with a key food source for the bird, horseshoe crabpopulations along the shores of New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. An abundanthorseshoe crab population provides critical fuel for the bird’s migrations as theyput on weight by stopping at Delaware Bay to feed on horseshoe crab eggs.Birds with higher weights have a better chance of reaching the Arctic to breedand survive into the next year.

In 2011, ABC organized a group meeting with FWS ESA Program staff, regardingABC’s longstanding request to list the rufa Red Knot. Because of new informationpresented (including the 2011 count), FWS agreed to issue a proposed listing ofthe rufa Red Knot.

Despite this growing evidence of over exploitation of the horseshoe crabpopulation, Atlantic States Marine Fish Commission has not reduced their harvestsignificantly in the last six years. Unfortunately, the Atlantic States Marine FisheriesCommission, which regulates the horseshoe crab harvest, dismantled its ownshorebird technical committee after it recommended a moratorium on harvests.

Background:Since 2005, four formal requests to list the Red Knot under the EndangeredSpecies Act have been submitted to the FWS. Citing a lack of resources andother priorities, the Service chose not to list the bird but placed it on the candidatelist in 2006. Since then, Red Knot numbers have continued to fall.

The decline of Red Knots and other shorebird species has been caused by adramatically diminished supply of horseshoe crab eggs after millions of crabswere removed from the Bay beginning in the 1990s.

When Red Knots leave Delaware Bay in poor condition due to the lack of horseshoecrab eggs, they either die before ever arriving in the Arctic or arrive in too poor acondition to successfully reproduce. As a result, adult birds are dying off withoutbeing replaced by juveniles, leading to a decline in population.

Attempts to rebuild the Delaware Bay horseshoe crab population through minimalreductions in harvest quotas have to date been unsuccessful. The State of NewJersey implemented a moratorium on horseshoe crab harvesting in 2008.

Governments and scientists from five other countries where Red Knots breed,stopover, or winter are studying and working to address the other threats thespecies faces. At a meeting attended by many of the knot experts, they agreedthat rebuilding the horseshoe crab population at Delaware Bay by implementinga moratorium until recovery occurs is the top management priority.

Red Knots are not the only species affected by the horseshoe crab fishery. Otherspecies including Sanderlings, Ruddy Turnstones, and Semi-palmated Sandpipersalso depend on an abundant supply of horseshoe crab eggs at the Delaware Baystopover. Each of these species has experienced significant declines, as well.

This article was written and published by American Bird Conservancy (ABC), a501(c)(3) not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to conservenative birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC acts by safeguardingthe rarest species, conserving and restoring habitats, and reducing threats, whilebuilding capacity in the bird conservation movement.

Record-breaking Bird Migration Discovered

Bird Studies Canada January 17, 2014 E-newsletter

Scientists have uncovered one of the world’s most amazing annual bird migrations.Using geolocator technology, a Red-necked Phalarope was tracked on a 16,000-mile round trip from Scotland to the Pacific Ocean (via Iceland and Greenland,south down the US eastern seaboard, across the Caribbean and Mexico, to alocation off the coast of Ecuador and Peru) – and back again.

Help Monitor Loons and Lake Health

Reprinted from Bird Studies Canada April 18, 2014 E-newsletter

Common Loons are returning to their territories on inland lakes. Do you spendat least one day a month in summer (June-August) on a Canadian lake whereloons breed? If so, you could help monitor loons and lake health for Bird StudiesCanada’s Canadian Lakes Loon Survey (http://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/clls).

For three decades, our volunteers have supported loon and lake conservation byreporting on loon chick survival. Our 30-year report (http://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/clls/resources/CLLSsummary.pdf) outlines key program findings.

This iconic species is facing significant threats. The Canadian Lakes LoonSurvey supports lake stewards by providing materials such as conservation tipsand articles, nesting platform instructions, and signs that can be posted in areaswhere loons nest.

Survey participants are needed for 2014. Visit our lake activity map at http://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/clls to view survey locations. To join, pleaseregister as a Bird Studies Canada member at http://www.birdscanada.org/shopping/membership.jsp and opt into the loon survey. Active members can sign up byemailing Kathy Jones ([email protected]).

Humanity in Harmony with Nature

Spring 2014 Nature Views

Nature Saskatchewan’ s Websitewww.naturesask.ca

Upcoming Events

o Yes, I want to become a member of Nature Saskatchewan.

o Please renew my membership

Name: __________________________________________________Address: ________________________________________________City/ Town: ______________________________________________Province: ____________Postal Code: _________________________Phone: ______________Email: ______________________________Occupation/ Interests: ______________________________________

Category One Year Three Year Five YearIndividual o $ 25 o $ 65 o $ 95Family o $ 30 o $ 75 o $115Student o $ 15Senior >64 o $ 20 o $ 50 o $ 75Foreign o $ 30 o $ 75 o $ 115Institutional o $ 30Life o $ 600 Summer 2014 Nature Views

Membership Fee $ __________I wish to make a tax-deductible donation to Nature Saskatchewan to support:o Operation Burrowing Owl $__________o Land Conservation Fund $__________o Last Mountain Bird Observatory $__________o Nature Legacy Fund $__________o Margaret Skeel Graduate Student Scholarship Fund $__________o General Society Programs $ __________

TOTAL PAYMENT $__________

I would like to pay by:o Cheque/money order o Visa o Mastercard(Please make cheques payable to Nature Saskatchewan)Income Tax receipts available for donations over $10.00.Card Number: _________________________________________________

Card Name: ____________________________________________________

Signature: __________________________ Expiry Date: _________________

Are you Moving? Please let us Know!

If you are planning on moving and wish to continue receiving Nature Viewsand Blue Jay, PLEASE notify the Nature Saskatchewan office in Regina at306-780-9273 or 1-800-667- 4668 (in SK only) during regular business hoursMonday to Friday or anytime by fax at 306-780-9263 or e-mail [email protected]. It is a waste of money and resources when you don’tas it costs Nature Saskatchewan for all returned mail. Thank you.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field T rip s

All are welcome to participate in field trips; bring your friends. Carpooling for out-of-town trips is usually arranged at the meeting place. There are no fees unlessindicated; however, participants are expected to share gasoline costs and shouldmake arrangements with the driver to do so. Phone the trip leader if you haveany questions. Participants can depart early if they wish. Members with CB orFRS radios should bring them on out-of-town trips. Check our website atwww.saskatoonnaturesociety.sk.ca for last minute changes or cancellations. Forinformation on city buses, phone 306-975-3100.

Meewasin Valley Authority (MVA) Trail Bird WalksSundays in May, (May 4, 11, 18, 25) 7:00 AM–9:30 AMThis walk is ideal for beginners.Meet at the Diefenbaker Centre parking lot on campus. (No Bus Service onSundays.)May 11 Leader: Carol Blenkin (306-244-1927)May 18 Leader: Hilda Noton (306-374-0674)May 25 Leader: Heather Wagg (306-652-7351)

Saturday, 17. May 2014Shorebird Trip to the Bradwell District

We will drive to the Clavet, Bradwell, and Blucher areas to look for shorebirds andother water birds. Bring a lunch.

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Place: meet at the NW corner of the parking lot for the Centre at Circle and 8thMall. Bus: Route 50 Lakeview departs the downtown terminal at 8:31 AM, the Uof S terminal at 8:38 and arrives at the Mall bus stop on 8th St about 8:50 AM.Leader: Guy Wapple (306-249-3280)

Sunday, 18. May 2014Butterflies I

Learn how to identify our butterflies. Bring rubber boots. Trip will be cancelled ifthe weather is poor.

Time: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.Place: meet at the NW corner of the parking lot for the Centre at Circle and 8thMall. Bus: Route 60 Lakeridge departs the downtown terminal at 1:01 PM, the Uof S terminal at 1:08 and arrives at the Mall bus stop on 8th St about 1:20 PM.Leader: Anna Leighton (306-665-6074).

Nature Regina Field T rips

Please note: Field trips could be cancelled or postponed due to bad weather;please phone Lauren at 584-1171 for up-to-date information. We encouragecarpooling on field trips. There is no charge other than to share gasoline costs.Estimated share of gas is assuming four people per vehicle; please confirm withyour driver. (Note: RSM is the Royal Saskatchewan Museum at the corner ofAlbert Street and College Avenue in Regina/All Nature Regina events are scent-free events) Saturday, May 24: Chaplin Lake Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve NetworkSite & Chaplin Heritage MarshThe Chaplin Lake area is the second largest inland water body in Canada and isone of the most vital nesting and stopover sites for shorebirds on our continent. More than 30 species, some endangered, either stop to rest and refuel duringtheir migratory journey, or nest and raise their young here each summer. ChaplinLake’s saline wilderness makes this area one of the best spots in the Americasfor viewing shorebirds along with other wildlife. Amenities here include a viewingtower, bus tours along the dikes, nature centre, and picnic area. We would alsovisit the Chaplin Heritage Marsh, southeast of Chaplin, which offers a completerange of habitats from wet meadow, sedge and cattail marshes, to open water. Here we would see waterfowl, gulls, grebes, terns, herons, songbirds, and possiblyBlack-necked Stilt and White-faced Ibis. Costs for this trip are as follows: Shareof gas average $12 assuming four people per vehicle, Shorebird Shuttle bus tour$15, and possible admission to the nature centre. Bring lunch, lots of water andinsect repellent. It would be best if vehicles with high clearance went in case weneed to drive through tall grass by the marsh. If you are interested in this trip,please contact Lauren at 584-1171 by May 17, so we can make bus tourreservations.Leader: Stephane CanevetTime: 7:30 a.m. sharp - approx. 5:00 p.m. Don’t be late!Meet at the RSM parking lot Saturday, May 31: Wascana Centre Join us for birding in Wascana Centre. Hopefully there will still be some interestingmigrants around. We’ll start in the Legislative grounds and do Warbler Alley andthe areas around the tennis courts, totem pole, and beyond. Those wishing canthen move over to the Science Centre and do the marsh, Goose Hill Park, andpossibly Faraway Place and the Habitat Conservation Area. Time: 8:00 a.m. - noonMeet in the parking area in front of the Legislative Building Saturday, June 7: Catley’s Ranch (a.k.a. Riffel’s Walk) This trip has been rained out the last three attempts so we’ll try again. Thismixture of woods, prairie, and marsh, on the south side of the Qu’Appelle Valleynortheast of Craven, is home to an amazing diversity of breeding birds, and earlyJune is the best time to see and hear them. We could find as many as 100species. Some possibilities are: Turkey Vulture, rails, a variety of flycatchersand wrens, Veery, eight species of vireos and warblers (including Yellow-breastedChat), Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Lazuli and Indigo Buntings, towhees, and eightplus species of sparrows. There should also be a good showing of wildflowers. This trip involves a walk of five - six kilometres, so be prepared. Bring water,lunch, and insect repellent. There could be a lot of wood ticks. If there has beenrain in the area, this trip will be cancelled or postponed. Share of gas average $3.Time: 8:00 a.m. - mid-afternoonMeet at the RSM parking lot

nature v iews

Documents