It preserves critical migratory bird habitat and supports farmers Peterborough Examiner – July 6, 2022 – by Drew Monkman When you enjoy your morning coffee, what comes to mind? Maybe the aroma, taste, warmth, and the pep-up it gives? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could also feel satisfaction that your choice Read more…
Another Ford majority government would be disastrous for environmental protection Peterborough Examiner – May 13, 2022 – by Drew Monkman On June 2 as we head to the polls, many voters will have the skyrocketing cost of living top of mind. The cost of everything from food to housing is approaching crisis proportions. Read more…
Another fox in city dining on Gray Squirrels There was a large number of squirrels in our neighbourhood. Then came a large, gray-coloured fox, easily the size of my fifty pound Springer Spaniel. I’d often see it at first light, and thrice seen carrying a black-phase Gray Squirrel. The squirrel Read more…
All eight species of Ontario turtles are now designated as at risk With the arrival of June, turtles are once again on the move. Unfortunately, this migration often involves a hazardous trek across busy roads and highways. Clearly, a turtle’s shell is no match for the crushing weight of a Read more…
I’ve just returned from my annual birding trip to Point Pelee and Rondeau parks in southwestern Ontario. And, yes, the birds of spring were present in all their diversity and beauty. Every year, however, I notice something deeply unsettling: the reduction in abundance. Take the Wood Thrush, for example. Instead Read more…
2017 saw dire environmental stories grab centre stage but all was not doom and gloom As we shiver into 2018, I would like to take a moment to look back at 2017 and revisit some of the top environmental and climate change stories. The past 12 months represent a stark Read more…
Everything from climate change to invasive species are threatening our lakes, rivers and fish populations Slowly but steadily, the lakes and rivers of the Kawarthas are changing. The abundance and variety of fish populations are undergoing a transformation that could make them unrecognizable in a few short decades. This week, Read more…
Myriad threats and declines evident in the Kawarthas, too Living in a country as big and relatively unpopulated as Canada, it might come as a surprise that much of our wildlife is in serious decline. This was made abundantly clear last week when World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF) released its Read more…
My passion for nature began with turtles. Catching these wary reptiles was one of my favourite pastimes as a child. I was especially proud whenever I managed to bring home a snapping turtle, keep it for a day or two and show it off to my friends and family. I Read more…
When you drive up County Road 23 into Buckhorn, you have probably noticed the abrupt transition in the bedrock. As you approach the town from the south, layers of limestone line both sides of the road. However, as you exit on the north side, the rock changes abruptly to expanses Read more…
We have Barn Swallow colony of more than 50 birds at our farm at 1276 Crowley Line, just south of Peterborough. Robert Greenman Hood Note: This is a very significant number of birds. Barn Swallows are now a Species at Risk in Ontario. D.M.
The first thing that strikes you about Boyd Island is its sheer size. At 1,167 acres or five square kilometres, it is the largest undeveloped – but still unprotected – island in southern Ontario. Located just east of Bobcaygeon at the north end of Pigeon Lake and only 20 kilometres Read more…
A visiting dog alerted us to something of interest under a parked truck, and upon investigation, we found an adult Eastern Hog-nosed Snake. The top was dark in colour with definite black blotches behind the eyes, and the belly was yellow. It had the unmistakable “nose” and used its protection Read more…
I am out on my bike at 8 pm tonight just north of Sherbrooke at Woodglade. I have counted at least 16 Common Nighthawks on the wing. They are silent but I have been able to clearly see the wing band. After so many years of not seeing many of Read more…
All but one of six local species are at risk, so keep a sharp eye out on rural roads Click here to view column
Plight of butterflies one of several stories Drew Monkman is keeping an eye on Click here to view column
Climate change, herbicides and agriculture conspire against a childhood touchstone Click to view column