Members share recent nature sightings and report briefly on club activities at 7.30 pm. Location: O'Brien Rooms at the Pickering Recreation Complex, 1867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering.
The evening ends with refreshments, an opportunity to meet with the speaker and to socialize with
fellow members.

February 2, 2012 The Forest Understory - Paul Heydon

March 1, 2012 Great Slave to Svalbard -Travels in the Arctic and Subarctic - Peter Money

Introduction to Birdsong Workshop - Thursday May 3rd 6:00 to 7:15 pm before the May meeting.

We will also have a chance to practice these identification skills during the outing to Thickson's Woods on Saturday, May 5th.
The workshop is intended as an introduction to birdsong and will concentrate on the identification of songbirds that could be moving through the woods in early May.
Anyone interested in beginning or adding to their skills is encouraged to attend. Acquiring these skills adds greatly to the enjoyment of birding. There will be some handouts but no test.

June 7, 2012 Assisted Species Migration: helping species or hurting communities - Nina Hewitt

As the climate warms, and the weather tends to be more extreme, many plants and animals will find it impossible to survive in their present locations. The talk will examine the controversy surrounding the policy of assisted migration of plant and animal species polewards/upslope during climate change.
Example species will be presented to illustrate the potential risks and benefits of such a policy. Nina will discuss the feasibility of these proposals and how different interest groups may reach a consensus.

Nina Hewitt is a professor of Geography and works with the Institute for Research and Innovation in Sustainability at York University

Previous meetings

January 5, 2012 - Planets beyond our Solar System: The Hunt for Earth 2 - Paul Delaney

Since 1995, over 550 new exo-planets have been discovered. When the Kepler spaceprobe was launched in April 2009, many expected hundreds of new worlds to be discovered in its 4 year lifespan. It appears that some 1200 of exo-planets may have been found within the first year of its mission, suggesting that planets are more common than we had thought or dared hope.

In this talk, Astronomy and Physics Professor Paul Delaney discusses the exploding field of exo-planetary astronomy, what we can expect in the coming months and its implication for other Earth's and life within our galaxy.

December 1, 2011 - Member's Night

Our members will share their interests and experiences on a variety of nature subjects, from Astronomy to Zoology, with slides, photographs, stories and needlework.  And don't forget our combined Christmas Bake Sale & Silent Auction!

 We will also be presenting the Pickering Naturalists Conservation Award to Rosemary Speirs.

November 3, 2011 - Gull Watching in Ontario - Jean Iron

Gulls are fascinating and challenging. This presentation will help you appreciate the 21 species of gulls in Ontario with tips on identification, plumages, and where and when to see rare gulls.
Among our foremost birders, Jean is probably the best at pointing out just what we need to identify birds to species.  

Enjoy her wonderful photographs and brush up on your ID skills, just in time for our November Niagara Gulls outing!

October 6, 2011 - Pollinator Gardens - Clement Kent

Many of us know that honeybees have declined drastically, some of us know that other pollinators such as native bees and butterflies are experiencing habitat loss, disease, and use of pesticides.  This talk focuses on positive things you can do to create pollinator habitat and enjoy wildflowers and native plants - a win-win proposition!
Clement Kent has a PhD in insect genetics and behaviour.  He researches the genomics of honeybees at York University.

September 1, 2011 - Bats: Evolution of Flight & Echolocation - Kevin Seymour

Most living bats use echolocation to detect and capture flying prey. Echolocation and the ability to fly are the key innovations largely responsible for the evolutionary success of bats today. But how did these two characteristics evolve? Up until recently, the fossil record has been mute on this subject because all fossil bats looked pretty much like living bats.

The world's most primitive bat was described by Kevin and his colleagues in 2008, and this changed all that. Because of the preserved features in this fossil, now we know that in the evolution of bats, flight evolved first and echolocation evolved later.

June 2, 2011 –Invasive Plants and Insects - Stephen Murphy

Stephen Murphy is a professor in the Department of Environment and Resource Studies at the University of Waterloo.  He specialises in restoration ecology and the ecology of invasive plants such as garlic mustard and knapweed.  Stephen will cover a range of plant and insect species, focusing on the evolutionary reasons why some species invade,  human management or mismanagement of landscapes that encourage invasives and some effective management responses.   He will also take a wry look at the sometimes hysterical and sometimes blase coverage of invasives.

May 5, 2011 –An Introduction to Bird Banding - Elizabeth Kellogg

As the spring bird migration gets into full swing, so do a number of  birding activities organised to add to our knowledge of our feathered friends.  This presentation is an introduction to bird banding – why it is done, how it is done, where it is done and how the birds are caught to be banded.  

Elizabeth Kellogg and her husband, Roger Frost, band in Northumberland County as the Willow Beach Banding Group.  She will present banding through her personal experience of banding, primarily in Northumberland County.  The talk will be illustrated by photographs of the banding process.

April 7, 2011 – Northbound Shorebirds - Jean Iron

Shorebirds provide birders with some of our greatest challenges in identification.   Jean Iron, one of our top birders, who has a special interest in studying them, has come to the rescue, with this wonderful interactive program.
Jean will cover 28 regularly occurring spring migrant and breeding shorebirds, plus 8 rarer species that migrate through southern Ontario to their Arctic breeding ground.  Her talk is loaded with tips to sharpen identification skills, and you will increase your knowledge of shorebird molts, plumages and aging. You will learn to identify shorebirds by jizz or giss - general impression of size and shape. You can test your new knowledge by doing interactive shorebird quizzes and find out the best spots to see shorebirds in spring.

March 3, 2011 – Bees - Laurence Packer

Laurence is a biology professor at York University and a renowned expert on bees.  He will bring his new book “Keeping the Bees: Why All Bees Are at Risk and What We Can Do to Save Them .”
He says: Bees are in trouble and there is news about this almost every week.  But few people know what bees are.  It would surprise most people to find that there are over 19,000 described bee species.  I will dispel some myths about bees based upon common misconceptions about them, outline their diversity in the world and in Canada, explain their importance to us concentrating on their potential role in environmental monitoring and outline two Canadian-led initiatives that seek to help us make best use of them.  Lastly, I will outline some ways in which we can make our backyards better for bees.

Feb 3, 2011 – Natural Brazil – Peter Money

Brazil has a diversity of ecosystems and a very large number of species of mammals, birds and other fauna, many endemic to specific ecosystems. This natural history “snapshot” includes several areas in the Atlantic Coastal Rainforest and others in the savannah-like cerrado, the Amazon Rainforest and the Pantanal wetlands. Mammal highlights include the endangered northern muriqui monkey endemic to the Atlantic Coastal Rainforest, giant anteater on the cerrado, and giant river otter and jaguar in the Pantanal. Additionally, there are many birds, other mammals, some reptiles, insects, and flora, and views of  their environments.

Jan 6, 2011 – Fungi on Our Doorstep: The Mushrooms of Durham Region - Richard Aaron

Mushrooms and other fungi are an integral part of the natural world, with a rich diversity of species found right here in Durham Region. We will become acquainted with some of the region's common and less common species while discussing their life histories and various uses. From tiny bird's nests to giant puffballs, and the stunningly beautiful to the oddly bizarre, a world of discovery awaits you in the fungal kingdom. Richard lives in Toronto and operates a nature interpretation business. He gives lectures, walks and workshops on plants, dragonflies, and fungi (http://natureknowledge.weebly.com). From 1996-2002, Richard led a joint mushroom outing each fall for the Pickering Naturalists and the Durham Region Field Naturalists.

Nov 4, 2010 – Wild Ontario - Raptor Rescue & Conservation - Jenn Bock and friends

When the Wild Bird Clinic at the University of Guelph had to close in 2006, some members of the group determined to reform and pursue their goals in a different format. After considerable reorganisation, they have re-emerged as" Wild Ontario" , with a mandate to educate the community about wild bird and habitat conservation. Jenn Bock and her volunteers will be bringing 3 or 4 of their raptor friends to our meeting - perhaps Einstein the Great Horned Owl or Socrates the Turkey Vulture, maybe beautiful little Artemis the American Kestrel or Indiana the majestic Red-tailed Hawk. They will share their stories and discuss their adaptations to survival in Ontario. Come and meet some of our wonderful raptors close-up, and learn how we can change the impact that humans have on wildlife from negative to positive.

Oct 7, 2010 – Insect Life Cycles and How They Survive our Winters - James Kamstra

We all know about the complete metamorphosis of butterflies, with four stages from egg to adult. Other insects, such as dragonflies and grasshoppers, have an incomplete metamorphosis, with only three stages in the life cycle. The variations, however, are as wide ranging as the diversity of insects. While late spring to early autumn is when most insects are active, all of our species must somehow cope with the long snowy winter. James' presentation will highlight the life cycles of a number of southern Ontario insect species, looking at the variety of strategies that they employ to survive the cold season.

James lives in the Oak Ridges Moraine north of Whitby and works as a full-time naturalist for an environmental consulting company. He is an excellent all-around naturalist with a particular interest in insects.

Sept 2, 2010 – Birding Northeastern Australia

Otto will be taking us on a birding trip from Sydney, Australia, north to Cairns.

Northeastern Australia is a land of spectacular scenery and lush tropical rainforest. Otto visited a number of the country's beautiful national parks, seeking out the bizarre and exotic birds that the area is famous for.

June 3, 2010 – BIRDS OF NIAGARA & PAPUA NEW GUINEA - JOHN BLACK

John Black and Kayo Roy have put together an impressive new book on the birds of Niagara, involving 25 authors and over 400 illustrations and photographs! John will tell us how they achieved this impressive task, and show us some examples of the page layouts.

John will also give a presentation on his 18-day birding trip to Papua New Guinea. This tropical land of rainforests, volcanoes and mangroves has 630 species of birds, and 84% of the animal genera are endemic. He will show us some of the amazing things he saw (including the strange wig college and many birds of paradise).

May 6, 2010 – Nick Eyles - Frenchman's Bay, 150 Years of Change

Nick will describe more than ten years research on the Frenchman's Bay watershed by University of Toronto and McMaster University and explore the major changes that have affected the area over the last 150 years. This talk will identify the effects of urbanization on the Bay and its aquatic biota.

A professor of geology at U of T Scarborough, Nick's main research is in environmental geology and ice age geology. He gave us an excellent talk on Ontario's Long Geologic Journey a couple of years ago.

April 1, 2010 – Sixty Years of Birding Around Toronto - George Bryant

Many of you will know George Bryant as a prominent birdwatcher, both locally and as a leader on trips abroad. He has bee interested in birds since he was a boy in Toronto. George will tell us about the history of birding in the Toronto area, using both historical photos and personal anecdotes.
He will also talk about how many of our birds have been affected by the changes that human settlement and activities have made to their environment, using information from the two Ontario Breeding Bird Atlases.

March 4, 2010 – Ontario's Polar Bears

February 4, 2010 – Western Canada & AlaskaCoastal Rainforest to Sub-arctic Taiga - Peter Money

An introduction to the dramatic mountain ranges of the western and northern Cordillera of Canada and Alaska and to the diverse flora and fauna in this region and in near-shore environments in the adjacent Pacific Ocean. Featuring, among many others, Turkish towels and calypso orchids; bald eagles and willow ptarmigan, grey whales and sea otters; moose, black-tailed deer and caribou, and black and grizzly bears. Peter brings his knowledge and insight as a geologist and dedicated naturalist to show us this spectacular landscape with its amazing wildlife

January 7, 2010 - Antarctica - First Journey! - Geoff Carpentier

The mystique of the Antarctic enthralls everyone, but few dare venture to its icy shores. But for those who do, a myriad of questions arise - what do I wear? What will I do? What will I see? How do I prepare? Geoff Carpentier, a veteran expedition guide, has travelled to the Antarctic, South Georgia and the Falklands 11 times so far and loves it more each time he visits. Join Geoff as he treats you to an insider’s view of the wildlife, the history and the sites you will see if you venture there. Learn about the penguins, seabirds, whales, seals, dolphins, safe travel and ice, ice, ice as Geoff shares his knowledge of this remote region. He will also bring us copies of his new book on Antarctica.

November 5, 2009 - A NEW SURVEY for Ontario's Reptiles and Amphibians - Joe Crowley

Ontario Nature has begun work on a new Ontario Herpetofaunal Atlas Program, under the direction of biologist Joe Crowley. The objective of the program is to improve our knowledge of the distribution and abundance of Ontario's reptiles and amphibians, collectively referred to as herpetofauna, through public solicitation of species observation data, field surveys and the amalgamation of existing databases. Joe will provide a brief summary of reptiles at risk in Ontario, discuss the new atlas program and how to get involved, and will also talk about how to survey for and identify local reptiles and amphibians.

October 1, 2009 - DRAGONFLIES and DAMSELFLIES of ONTARIO - Colin Jones

All summer our ponds and marshes have been alive with the acrobatic flight of dragonflies and damselflies (odonates). Colin will give us an overview of the fascinating biology and life cycles of these beautiful aerial hunters, and also touch on their conservation.
Colin is a contract biologist with the Ministry of Natural Resources in Peterborough. He is very well-known and respected in the odonate world as an expert. He is one of the authors of the new book Dragonflies and Damselflies of Algonquin Park and Surrounding Areas. He will be bringing copies of his book to this meeting for those who want to purchase it.

September 3, 2009 - BIRDS of ECUADOR - Carol Horner and Kevin Seymour

Ecuador, because it is bisected by the Andes, has a very large biodiversity in a very small area, making it an excellent choice for a birding destination. Carol and Kevin will talk about birding on the east and west slopes, and páramo regions of the Andes, as well as birding in the eastern Amazonian lowlands. The presentation includes beautiful photographs, not only of birds, but also plantlife, butterflies and the spectacular Ecuadorian scenery.

Carol Horner is a birder and nature photographer. She is a member and former board member of the Pickering Naturalists, as well as former board member of the Ontario Field Ornithologists. Kevin Seymour has been a birder and a naturalist for many years, and is currently President of the Toronto Ornithological Club.

June 4, 2009 - The Wonderful World of Vernal Pools

Ever notice those large puddles in a forest that seen to be full of calling frogs in the spring and early summer? These are vernal pools and they are important to Ontario because of their contribution to groundwater recharge, flood attenuation, maintenance of water quality, as habitat for species at risk, and to the preservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity.

Join the Pickering Naturalists and Ontario Vernal Pool Association for a presentation that explores the weird and wonderful world of the vernal pool.

May 7, 2009 - THE APPALACHIANS AND THEIR MARGIN Peter Money

Peter Money brings us another of his excellent nature programs, from the point of view of a naturalist and geologist. He will introduce us to the Appalachian mountain system, a region extending from coastal Labrador to northernmost Florida, including fauna ranging from puffins and moose to salamanders, pelicans and armadillos, many flowering plants, and fossils of the oldest known (565 million years old) multicellular life. Peter’s expert photography brings to life this vast area of impressive landscapes, delightful wildflowers and a surprising variety of wildlife.

Apr 2, 2009 - THE ONTARIO HUMMINGBIRD PROJECT Cindy Cartwright

Few birds inspire such delight as the tiny hummingbird. That such a diminutive jewel-like bird can migrate thousands of kilometres is a constant source of amazement. The Ontario Hummingbird Project is a long-term research effort throughout the province to understand the life cycle of Ontario's hummingbirds. Cindy Cartwright is the Founder/Coordinator of the project and is one of only three active Canadians with permits to band hummingbirds in Ontario. Learn more about the project and how you can help.

Mar 5, 2009 - TREASURES OF CAROLINIAN CANADA Lorraine Johnson

Feb 5, 2009 - Birding in northern Peru Hugh Currie

Jan 8, 2009 - Subarctic Wildlife of Akimiski Island Jean Iron

Jean joined an Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources research crew counting, aging, and studying shorebirds on Akimiski Island. In this digital presentation you will see Akimiski's birds, mammals, and wildflowers, and experience its subarctic wilderness.

Come and see Akimiski's birds, mammals, wildflowers, and experience its subarctic wilderness.

Thurs, 4 Dec 2008 -MEMBER’S NIGHT    Member participants

Thurs, 2 Oct 2008 - REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS  Sid Daniels

Thurs, 6 Nov 2008 -ONTARIO’S LONG GEOLOGIC JOURNEY Nick Eyles