Robins not only a harbinger of spring…

This week at Ostrander Point
Robins and cedar waxwings were flitting from tree to tree at Ostrander Point last weekend.
These attractive birds have been there all winter, feasting on the red cedar and buckthorn berries.  There was lots of water, too.  Babylon Road was close to wash-out condition and Helmer Rd was under water in several places.  Petticoat Lane was impassable.

A significant part of Ostrander Point Crown Land Block – the official name for the area where Gilead Power wants to build nine industrial wind turbines – is provincially significant wetland. In other words, it’s a wetland that ranks among Ontario’s finest.

Wetlands may just look like another swamp, but they’re actually a very  important habitat for a wide variety of animals, birds and insects.  Wetlands provide homes for frogs and turtles, and are very good at purifying water.

Traditionally, the first robins were heralded as harbingers of spring.  For many winters now, however, robins have been living in sheltered areas  all through Southern Ontario, places like Ostrander Point.  We saw them there on a bitter December day during the Christmas Bird Count – and they’re still there.  Open water seems to be a requirement for wintering robins, as it is for many birds.  There sure was lots of open water at Ostrander Point this week.
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The Prince Edward County Field Naturalists, founded in 1997, is an affiliate of Ontario Nature. It provides an educational forum dedicated to the study, promotion, appreciation and conservation of the flora and fauna within Prince Edward County. The public is welcome at the meetings held on the last Tuesday of the month from September to May, except December, at Bloomfield Town Hall. Guest speakers introduce a variety of nature related topics. All members are encouraged to participate at meetings by sharing their experiences and observations. Regularly scheduled field trips in the vicinity offer members the opportunity to experience various habitats. Membership in PECFN is open to all. Contact: Prince Edward County Field Naturalists, P.O. Box 477, Bloomfield, Ontario K0K 1G0 Or Cheryl Anderson 613-471-1096