The annual insect spectacle you may have overlooked Peterborough Examiner – September 12, 2025 – by Drew Monkman On warm, muggy days in late summer, we are treated to a fascinating glimpse into the lives of ants. Although we rarely think of Read more
Why asters and goldenrods are vital to pollinators—and a feast for the eyes Peterborough Examiner – September 5, 2025 – by Drew Monkman Gaze out over any meadow or country roadside in early September and you’ll see the landscape awash in gold Read more
Looking back at 25 years of the Petroglyphs Butterfly Count Peterborough Examiner – August 22, 2025 – by Drew Monkman Last summer marked a milestone for local butterfly enthusiasts: the 25th Petroglyphs Butterfly Count. The first count was held in 1998, and Read more
Simple ways to aid trees, birds and pollinators weather water scarcity Peterborough Examiner – August 8, 2025 – by Drew Monkman Peterborough and the Kawarthas are in the grip of drought. Over the past 30 days, rainfall has been barely half Read more
Zoe Schlanger invites us to see plants not as scenery, but as agents in a living, communicating world Peterborough Examiner – August 1, 2025 – by Drew Monkman “They may not have neurons or brains, but they sense. They decide. They remember. Read more
New book by local educators is an invaluable resource for creative and impactful outdoor learning as well as a framework for transforming education Peterborough Examiner – July 11, 2025 – by Drew Monkman “Those who contemplate the beauty of the Earth find Read more
The surprising love lives of pumpkinseeds Peterborough Examiner – June 27, 2025 – by Drew Monkman Shimmering in the sunny shallows of lakes and ponds, the pumpkinseed sunfish is a true jewel of our local waters. Shaped like a flattened oval—hence the Read more
Summer brings new opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Peterborough Examiner – June 20, 2025 – by Drew Monkman The celestial wheel has once again brought us to the summer solstice and a new, exciting season. The American nature writer Hal Borland spoke of Read more
We can address the housing crisis without sacrificing our climate or biodiversity. Peterborough Examiner – May 23, 2025 – by Drew Monkman The housing crisis is real and urgent—but so too are the twin emergencies of biodiversity loss and climate change. Is Read more
Colombia has emerged as a premier destination for anyone captivated by nature and the richness of Latin American culture Peterborough Examiner – May 16, 2025 – by Drew Monkman This week, I’d like to continue with more highlights of the unforgettable trip Read more
Colombia hosts over 1,970 bird species – more than any other country in the world Peterborough Examiner – May 2, 2025 – by Drew Monkman “Suba, suba, suba. Arriba, arriba, arriba. Pancho, Pancho. Pancho.” Kneeling low to the forest floor, eyes sharp Read more
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