I took a photo of this spider tonight, June 27, before bed. It’s bigger than a toonie for sure and the biggest spider since my cottage days and dock spiders. Any thoughts? Wayne Stovell, Cavan Note: I believe it’s a species of fishing spider (Dolomedes). D.M. My neighbour who lives Read more…
The Kawarthas is home to close to 100 species of butterflies. Peterborough Examiner – June 30, 2023 – by Drew Monkman My special affection for butterflies began as a classroom teacher. Each September, I would collect monarch caterpillars for my students to raise. They would watch and document each stage of metamorphosis with Read more…
Lots to look forward to in the coming weeks Peterborough Examiner – June 23, 2023 – by Drew Monkman As I do at the beginning of each new season, I’d like to look ahead at some of the events in nature that we can expect over the coming months.To enjoy some of these Read more…
Big change begins with small talk Peterborough Examiner – June 16, 2023 – by Drew Monkman As a dystopian orange sun rose over the Kawarthas last week and Peterborough recorded the second worst air quality in all of North America, one thing became abundantly clear: the impact of climate change has descended upon Read more…
On May 28, I also saw this Eastern Milksnake on the west day use trail at Petroglyphs Provincial Park. It was in the section just before the small bridge that spans the creek between the marshes. I had never seen one of these snakes before, and it was a very Read more…
Male cones are now releasing copious amounts of pollen. Peterborough Examiner – June 2, 2023 – by Drew Monkman In recent days, you may have noticed a mysterious dust that has descended upon your car windshield or outdoor furniture, turning surfaces a lemon colour and making puddles appear like some strange, yellow alga Read more…