The sing-song of summer

The sing-song of summer

In the decade since designating the whip-poor-will a threatened species, the Ontario government has done little to halt its decline. Yet, without the bird’s call, Ontario outdoors would not be the same DUSK CREEPS IN LATE once mid-June arrives in Ontario. It’s...
Chasing the dragon

Chasing the dragon

Thanks to citizen scientists and new technologies, we are finally learning about the common green darner, an amazing migrating dragonfly SUSAN BLAYNEY STARTED OUT watching birds. Next it was butterflies. Now it’s dragonflies. Come spring the retired former registered...
A howl for help

A howl for help

For years the Algonquin or eastern wolf was considered a sub-species of the grey wolf and its importance questioned. Research over the past decade has changed that. Now… can they be saved? ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK’S “WOLF HOWLS” have long been...
On the wolverine’s trail

On the wolverine’s trail

Forestry and development have pushed the ferocious carnivore into Ontario’s far north. A new research project is looking for ways to bring the species back MATTHEW SCRAFFORD’S JOB TITLE — wolverine conservation scientist — is as rare as the animals he studies....
Why did the turtle cross the road?

Why did the turtle cross the road?

Because, like many animals, its habitat is increasingly fragmented by highways – death traps for wildlife. An ambitious road ecology project is seeking changes that will stem the car-fuelled carnage THE MOMENT JOSHUA JONES SAW the two young snapping turtles crawling...
The turtle crusaders

The turtle crusaders

With seven of Canada’s eight species of native freshwater turtles in a race against extinction, will scientists, planners, wildlife managers and vets — together with thousands of volunteers and supporters — be able to keep pace? MOST SIGNS OF SPRING — BUDS ON the...