There have been three work parties at Willoughby Nature Reserve on Kennedy Road north of the Grange Sideroad this May and June. Our Chair of Headwaters Nature, Robin Harmer, organized each one. On a rainy morning in June, we spent about 90 minutes cleaning up small patches of tall Garlic Mustard, and bigger patches of Dog-Strangling Vine —some close to blooming and some just small ones. We left much of the DSV behind, but I suspect that, had we carried this all out it would have been 2 full bags. We spent the last bit of time on the right of way trail on the south border. Last spring, Robin’s and Cathy’s hiking group spent quite a lot of time pulling Garlic Mustard there, and it has made a real difference. There was still some, but much reduced. On the section of the “pink” trail where we did the removal of DSV… Read more »
Luther Marsh Christmas Bird Count Date: January 12, 2026 at 1:31:40 PM EST from: “birdnews@ontbirds.ca” Last year in 2024, we had a trial Luther Marsh bird count. Birds Canada approved our application for a new circle, and we had the first official Luther Marsh Christmas Bird Count on Thursday 2024 December 18. Eighteen birders in six teams participated. The weather forecast was for a high of 5 degrees (after weeks of bitter cold); what we didn’t expect was the biting wind, up to 45 km/hour. The birders clocked 31 hours, drove 415.5 km and walked 5.2km. In total we had 33 species and 1,962 birds. As yet we don’t have any bird feeder watches. Highlights included many small flocks of Snow Buntings, 60 Cedar Waxwings, 82 Bohemian Waxwings, 45 Common Redpolls, some Pine Grosbeaks, one Evening Grosbeak and a bird feeder by the road that had 100 Goldfinch (and little else)…. Read more »
Headwaters Nature 2025: Christmas Bird Count Information It’s that most wonderful time of the year: CBC – Christmas Bird Count time. Headwaters Nature has been participating in Bird Studies Canada Christmas Bird Count since the club’s inception in 1987. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a beginner, it’s a great chance to spend time outdoors, meet like-minded people, and make a real impact by helping scientists track bird populations. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the excitement of spotting new species, all while being part of a long-standing tradition. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the season and make a difference! This year: Headwaters Nature will be conducting two official CBCs. Last year’s trial run of a Luther Marsh count was successful and has been accepted by Birds Canada as an official CBC. The Luther Marsh CBC will be held on Thursday Dec. 18, 2025, and the Caledon CBC will be… Read more »
