Nature Events

Join us for our annual Dr. Cathy Charles Bird Count at the Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve on Saturday, May 18, 8:00AM to noon. Rick and Kelly Stronks have been conducting our bird counts for years and will lead us in documenting the species of birds at the Marsh's Falls property during the spring migration. P lease email registration@lakeofbaysheritage.ca if you plan to join us or have any questions. B ring rubber boots, cameras, binoculars (a few extras will be available to borrow), bug spray, and a sense of adventure. No experience required. The purpose of the count is to document all birds present and especially any bird species potentially breeding on the property. The month of May is when many male birds, primarily through song, are trying to establish territories to attract females. Although we try to locate and see the birds, sometimes we can only hear them. For example, Pine Siskins (see photo above by Rick Stronks) have been very common in our area this winter due to the availability of cones from coniferous trees. Normally this species moves north in the spring but when there is abundant food, Pine Siskins may stay and breed. We will be paying close attention to try to find evidence of this breeding on the property. The count involves walking much of the property while watching, listening and documenting all species. The data will be tabulated and submitted to eBird , a citizen science website used throughout the world to track birds. Check it out to see what’s been observed so far. Not able to join us? If you are not available to join us in person, we are also interested in the species you observe around your property on this weekend. Send your list of species to info@lakeofbaysheritage.ca . We will add it to our summary for the Lake of Bays area. And if you are unsure about what you are seeing or hearing, record it and send it to us. Our team of naturalists will try to identify it! Who is Dr. Cathy Charles Our annual spring bird count now carries the name of Dr. Cathy Charles. Cathy enjoyed a long career as a Professor in the Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at McMaster University. She was also a lifelong cottager on Kerrimuir Road. Unfortunately, she died in November 2015. Her love of Lake of Bays was expressed in her will: she left the Foundation a very generous bequest. It was indeed the first bequest of several that the Foundation has since received. To recognize these generous donors, the Foundation has established the Legacy Circle . In Cathy’s instance, the Foundation also decided to name the spring bird count in her memory to honour her love of nature.

The first half of July sees the greatest diversity of butterfly species at Marsh's Falls. Rick and Kelly Stronks return to lead this event on Saturday June 29 . Start time is 9:00AM and it will end around noon. The focus is on observation and learning about species as you stroll around the property. Bring binoculars, an insect net if available, clear jars (baby food size is great), a camera and insect repellent. It's a great family outing. To register, please email us at registration@lakeofbaysheritage.ca Photo above: Compton Tortoiseshell by Mark McLean

Sneak up on nature on July 27! We start at Dwight Beach at 9:00am and paddle 1 km along the Dwight Bay shore to the mouth of the lower Oxtongue. From the lake it's 4.5 km up the winding river to Marsh's Falls. Take your time and explore the meanders and bays along the way. Each boat will have a list of 36 plants and animals to look for. Prizes are awarded for the most species found. When you reach the falls land at the Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve. Stretch your legs, explore our walking trails and enjoy a catered lunch by the falls. Return to Dwight Beach by 2:00pm. Cost $25 per person. Join us! Register at registration@lakeofbaysheritage.ca