Accepting that lasting environmental protection is likely impossible doesn’t mean giving up Peterborough Examiner – April 19, 2025 – by Drew Monkman When I was still teaching, Earth Day was a major event on our school calendar. It wasn’t just a day—it Read more…
Replanting is more important than ever – both for nature and for us Peterborough Examiner – April 11, 2025 – by Drew Monkman The recent ice storm that swept through central Ontario has left a trail of devastation in its wake. While Read more…
Worrisome declines continue across most avian groups Peterborough Examiner – March 28, 2025 – by Drew Monkman Lost in the political turmoil consuming all of our attention since the re-election of Donald Trump is the worrisome state of biodiversity in both Canada Read more…
March 14 – Beautiful day for spring skiing at the Kawartha Nordic trails north of Burleigh Falls. Lots of snowfleas (springtails)in many locations, especially where soil and leaf litter were exposed. Active on mild, late winter days. If you watch Read more…
A look ahead at what bird species to expect and where to find them Peterborough Examiner – March 21, 2025 – by Drew Monkman With spring now upon us, I’d like to look ahead at what birds will grace us with their Read more…
Using China’s heavy emissions as an argument for not taking greater climate action is dishonest Peterborough Examiner – January 24, 2025 – by Drew Monkman Writing in the National Observer this week, Max Fawcett reminded us of a prescient quote from Canadian Read more…
Species diversity on local counts remains healthy, but many populations are decreasing in number Peterborough Examiner – January 17, 2025 – by Drew Monkman “Wow! There must be at least 20 chickadees that have flown in,” I exclaimed to my friend Brian. Read more…
The large number of rarities and the continued increase in Red-headed Woodpeckers grabbed the birding spotlight Peterborough Examiner – January 10, 2025 – by Drew Monkman For bird enthusiasts in Peterborough County, 2024 proved to be an exceptional year. Among the 252 Read more…
From intriguing celestial events to the return of bird song, there’s lots to command our attention. Peterborough Examiner – December 27, 2024 – by Drew Monkman As we begin what will hopefully be a colder and snowier winter than last year, here’s Read more…
Exploring the remarkable adaptations and timeless appeal of these endearing backyard birds Peterborough Examiner – December 27, 2024 – by Drew Monkman It’s hard not to love chickadees. Their endearing appearance, friendly and curious nature, and resilience in the face of winter Read more…
Snowy owls may be more common this winter after last year’s near-total absence Peterborough Examiner – December 6, 2024 – by Drew Monkman It’s hard not to love winter finches like evening and pine grosbeaks, redpolls, siskins and crossbills. Their mysterious, nomadic Read more…
Join me on a trip back in time through millions of generations Peterborough Examiner – November 29, 2024 – by Drew Monkman There’s something captivating about tracing our roots back through time and learning what we can about our ancestors. I’m very Read more…
Let your sense of smell lead you to greater enjoyment of the season and to new discoveries. Peterborough Examiner – October 25, 2024 – by Drew Monkman One of my favorite fall memories is raking and burning leaves with my grandfather at Read more…
Out driving on October 10 and came across Easter Bluebirds in the Trent U.. parking lot and Red-bellied Woodpecker in Burnham’s woods. Carl Welbourn
Cottontail rabbit numbers have exploded. Gardeners aren’t impressed. Peterborough Examiner – October 4, 2024 – by Drew Monkman “Drew, you won’t believe what the rabbits have eaten now!” If my wife said this once this summer, she said it a hundred times. Since Read more…
Some sightings from September 27 in Meadowvale Park in Peterborough. Carl Welborn Here are some pictures from my walk in Meadowvale park on September 10. Carl Welbourn
An overview of what, where, when and how to feed backyard birds Peterborough Examiner – September 27, 2024 – by Drew Monkman When I was 12 years old, my father and I built a bird feeder. Even though my interest in birds was Read more…
A look ahead at what species to expect between now and Christmas Peterborough Examiner – September 13, 2024 – by Drew Monkman With the official change of season almost upon us, I’d like to look ahead to what birds are likely to grace Read more…
Wasps play a key role in pest control and pollination Peterborough Examiner – August 30, 2024 – by Drew Monkman As pleasant as a late summer outdoor meal might be, there always seems to be a handful of unwanted guests. More often than Read more…
Spiders are fascinating creatures and an essential part of our local biodiversity Peterborough Examiner – August 23, 2024 – by Drew Monkman Late summer is a special time of year. Dawn often arrives with heavy dews, gentle mists and a sort of melancholy Read more…
Climate conversations are the best way to influence others and speed more action and awareness Peterborough Examiner – August 9, 2024 – by Drew Monkman “What can I do? Little old me alone in the world against such a huge problem as climate change.” Read more…
Knowing what you can harvest or nibble on as you hike adds fun to nature outings Peterborough Examiner – August 9, 2024 – by Drew Monkman When I’m walking through the woods of the Canadian Shield, I always keep an eye open for Read more…
Thanks to the internet, learning a second language is easier than ever before Peterborough Examiner – July 12, 2024 – by Drew Monkman When we were in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula in early March, my wife and I visited a Mayan animal rescue and Read more…
Knowing a language like Spanish is a great way to enrich travel experiences and see more nature Peterborough Examiner – July 5, 2024 – by Drew Monkman I knew that the spectacular great green macaws were nesting nearby. But where? Several birds continually Read more…
“Seeing” often comes down to knowing what to expect. Peterborough Examiner – June 21, 2024 – by Drew Monkman Like a celestial clock, events in nature tick off the time of year and the progression of the seasons. The predictability of these happenings Read more…
My friend Dave McNab spotted this albino American Toad in his yard in Millbrook this month. Brenda Ibey Here are some very interesting shots I got with a trail camera that I set up in Jackson Park in Peterborough this Read more…
The under-appreciated members of the minnow, perch and stickleback families offer great fish-watching opportunities Peterborough Examiner – June 14, 2024 – by Drew Monkman As a child, there was nothing I enjoyed more than pursuing frogs and turtles along Jackson Creek or at Read more…
Late spring provides a wonderful opportunity for the gentle art of fish-watching Peterborough Examiner – June 7, 2024 – by Drew Monkman The delights of watching birds, mammals and a wide variety of insects are well known to nature enthusiasts. But only rarely Read more…
In late May, we had a male (I think) American Robin in our backyard that’s constantly feeding a pair of Common Grackle chicks. The robin does not have chicks of its own, nor does its mate seem to be involved Read more…
As biodiversity becomes increasingly threatened, naturalists are more important than ever Peterborough Examiner – May 24, 2024 – by Drew Monkman Whenever I’m out birding, I’m easily distracted. As much as I’m watching and listening for birds, part of my mind is also Read more…