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Displaying results 11 - 20 of 53 items found.

11. Mhairi’s bird of the day: Brown-headed cowbird

(Web Page; Thu Jul 15 11:16:00 CDT 2021)

Spotted on March 19, 2020 Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater molos: “struggle or “battle” in ancient Greek throsko: “to sire” or “to impregnate” in ancient Greek ater: “dull black&rdq...

Description: My colleagues, who have been enjoying my daily updates of my sightings, invited me to share my observations in this four-part blog series.

12. Brown-headed cowbird

(Web Page; Tue Jan 05 10:39:00 CST 2021)

Range and habitat The brown-headed cowbird is a blackbird found in nearly all of Canada, near livestock, birdfeeders and forest edges. In Alberta, this species is found throughout most areas of the province and has been observed on the...

Description: The brown-headed cowbird is a blackbird found in nearly all of Canada, near livestock, birdfeeders and forest edges.

13. Large-flower Trillium

(Web Page; Wed Nov 01 16:35:00 CDT 2023)

Five different species of trillium are found in Ontario: large-flower trillium, commonly known as white trillium nodding trillium red trillium painted trillium and the rare drooping trillium Trilliums are members of the lily fa...

Description: Large-flower Trillium

14. Wood thrush

(Web Page; Wed Jun 08 14:56:00 CDT 2022)

During the spring and summer months, the wood thrush’s beautiful “eee-o-lay” call rings throughout deciduous forests in southeastern Canada. The wood thrush’s rusty-brown pattern means that you will likely hear it...

Description: The wood thrush is a medium-sized songbird, whose beautiful "eee-o-lay" call rings out through the deciduous forests of southeastern Canada.

15. Tracking animals by what they leave behind

(Web Page; Thu Apr 19 07:39:00 CDT 2018)

Wildlife tracking is one of the many fun nature activities you can take part in. One of my favourite pastimes is pointing out something to a friend or family member that they may have never noticed before, especially something left behin...

Description: Wildlife can leave behind many things while travelling through a habitat. Just like us humans in our homes, they can leave behind crumbs (or in their case, middens), tracks (or in our case, footprints from muddy feet) or echoes from a call made to attract a mate (in our case, a stern “conversation” over the crumbs and mud all over the house).

16. How do I love the prairie? Let me count the ways

(Web Page; Fri Jul 03 18:31:00 CDT 2015)

Once again I will be spending a few weeks out at the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s fescue prairie preserves south of Riding Mountain National Park, studying plant-pollinator interactions. The beginning of June marked my first trip...

Description: Once again I will be spending a few weeks out at the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s fescue prairie preserves south of Riding Mountain National Park, studying plant-pollinator interactions.

17. Paw in claw: Friendships in the wild

(Web Page; Mon Jul 26 09:26:00 CDT 2021)

Friendships are one of the most organic things that can happen between humans. An often magical thing, these bonds are strong and can last a lifetime. While these human connections are no doubt valuable, for animals, “friendships...

Description: Friendships are one of the most organic things that can happen between humans. NCC's Raechel Bonomo discusses similar bonds between species in the wild.

18. Connect with people and nature through volunteering

(Web Page; Thu Apr 12 12:37:00 CDT 2018)

For me, spring is a time of new beginnings. As the ground starts to thaw and we begin to shed our winter layers, the rhythm of the season draws us outdoors, where we can breathe in the fresh spring air. Spring bulbs push their way throug...

Description: This year, National Volunteer Week (NVW) takes place April 15–21. NVW has deep roots; it was introduced in 1943 to highlight the significant contributions women made on the home front during the Second World War in Canada.

19. A tale of two hawks

(Web Page; Mon Apr 13 15:21:00 CDT 2015)

Each spring the hills of the Happy Valley Forest become the stage for a spectacular aerial ballet. They have a short run over the woods, but if you are lucky you may see the swooping, diving courtship display of red-shouldered hawks. If ...

Description: Each spring the hills of the Happy Valley Forest become the stage for a spectacular aerial ballet. It has a short run over the woods, but if you are lucky you may see the swooping, diving courtship display of the red-shouldered hawk.

20. Understanding the buzz of bees

(Web Page; Tue Apr 18 11:38:00 CDT 2017)

For residents of northern Alberta, the coming of spring is never a guarantee of the mild weather it suggests; but this year we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the seasonal warmth. The bees here have also appreciated the early thaw,...

Description: Guest blogger Christy Curran of NBDC discusses the importance of protecting bees nationally and on a molecular level.