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 it truly responsible—or even ethical—to tackle one crisis by worsening 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 I made to Colombia last November. Colombia has emerged as 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 and focused, Carlos Mario was coaxing in one of Colombia’s 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 was a celebration and a time of action. We organized 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 power lines, homes, and vehicles suffered significant damage, the most 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 and the U.S. The situation stands to get even worse 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 presence during this wonderful season. A big part of “seeing” 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 sci-fi novelist William Gibson. “The future is already here. It’s 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. “All you do is pish a bit, and they appear 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 species recorded, four rarities stand out: the county’s first-ever Barnacle 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 a sampling of what to watch for in local nature 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 make them a favorite of nearly everyone who pays attention 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 nature and colourful plumage makes them a favourite of bird 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 fortunate in that both my parents did extensive genealogical research 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 our family cottage. The air was filled with the spicy Read more…
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 last spring, our gardens and those of our neighbours have Read more…
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 only modest at the time, it was a great project 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 us with their presence this fall. A big part of 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 not, yellowjackets also show up. While it’s true they can 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 peace as fall approaches. It’s on these quiet beginnings to 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.” Well, the most influential thing we all can do is 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 wintergreen. It’s a small, ground-hugging plant with leathery leaves and 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 environmental/cultural education centre called Nojoch Keej. The owner, Manuel Trinidad, 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 flew low overhead, broadcasting their raucous calls. I then saw 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 – often within a few days of the same date 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 my grandparents’ cottage on Clear Lake. However, when I’d try 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 do we turn our attention to fish. With the spawning 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 paying attention to the trees, flowers, insects, fungi and whatever Read more…
From bird song games to smell cocktails, here are some fun activities to better engage with nature Peterborough Examiner – May 10, 2024 – by Drew Monkman With May now upon us, the promise of spring is being fulfilled. Spectacular long-distance migrants like hummingbirds and orioles are arriving, leaves and flowers are bursting Read more…
Science is shedding new light on how, where, when and why birds migrate Peterborough Examiner – May 3, 2024 – by Drew Monkman Spring and fall migration are the best times to be a birder. For me, however, spring takes top billing. May sees the biggest push of spring migration with the arrival Read more…