[BNS_members] July e-newsletter from the Blomidon Naturalists Society

Tue Jul 6 15:35:11 CDT 2021

Here's what's happening this month

View this email in your browser (https://mailchi.mp/3542e76c0224/update-from-the-blomidon-naturalists-society-5217332?e=b24cf58224)
You are receiving this email because you previously opted-in to our e-newsletter.
>From the President

It is now officially summer. It always bothers me a bit that once summer is here, the days start to get shorter. But summer is here, and Covid restrictions have been eased – life is good.
I am participating in the Listening Together project surveying birds in Eastern Hemlock stands organized by John Kearney. You will recall he gave a webinar earlier this year on the use of AudioMoths for recording bird songs. I volunteered to conduct a point count of birds in a hemlock stand. John sent me two AudioMoths which I set up. It had been several years since I did a bird survey, so I practiced on several mornings to make sure I had all the songs committed to memory. This was thoroughly enjoyable. Once I felt confident that I could recognize the various bird songs, I went out and conducted two surveys. There is something special about being out in the woods in the very early morning. The forest is a symphony of bird song. Each survey consists of five locations well within a hemlock stand and about 200 metres apart. I would listen for 10 minutes, and record birds heard at each point.

Before I was to conduct the second survey, I received an e-mail notice that the bird app, Merlin now had the added feature that it will automatically recognize bird songs. I was intrigued, so I downloaded the update to my iPad and took it with me out in the field. I was amazed at how accurate it was correctly identifying birds by their song. And birds could be singing at quite some distance, and it could still detect and correctly identify the birds. The technology of smartphones and iPads is truly amazing, not to mention the programming that goes into have the devices record the songs and then compare them to a vast library of songs and pick the right match.  When I started birding over fifty years ago, I would go out with my Petersen Field guide and binoculars. When I heard a bird singing that I did not recognize, I would patiently approach the singing bird to try to get a glimpse of it and then match the song to the particular species. This was time-consuming work but very satisfying.
Going through this process somehow cemented together with the song and the species, although each year, one does have to familiarize oneself with the birds and songs. But using the Merlin program, all one has to do is launch the app, and the program identifies the species.  To me, this takes away the joy of birdwatching and bird surveying – anyone can take their smartphone in the field and accept blindly what the program tells you the bird is you are hearing. Where is the joy? Anyway, the technology is truly amazing.
--Soren

** UPCOMING EVENTS
------------------------------------------------------------
Wildflower Identification Course, Saturday, July 10
On Saturday, July 10th we are hosting a wildflower identification course! Alain Belliveau, Biodiversity Collections Manager of the EC Smith Herbarium, will help you improve your understanding and appreciation for wildflowers. Open to all skill/knowledge levels.
Pre-register here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=79e4d18e27&e=b24cf58224) .

** Next Monthly BNS Meeting
------------------------------------------------------------
BNS monthly meetings are taking a vacation for July and August.  The next monthly meeting will be September 20, 2021 at 7:30.
For further info, you can visit the BNS Activities page here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=6a78596bb3&e=b24cf58224) .

(The next BNS e-newsletter will also take a vacation, returning in late August.)

** Butterflyway Project Tours!
------------------------------------------------------------

Tour of an Urban Pollinator Garden
Date/Time:  August 8, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00
Type of event:  Field Trip Host:  Carole Donaldson   This field trip will showcase an urban, lawn-free garden planted with pollinators and birds in mind.   It will demonstrate how native plants and non-natives can co-exist providing food and shelter for wildlife and an attractive oasis for humans! Link for registration will be posted later on the BNS activities page here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=a9d23e7ebf&e=b24cf58224) .
Tour of a Country Pollinator Garden
Date/Time:  August 29, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Type of event:  Field Trip Host:  Carolyn Green
This field trip will review a variety of elements that support wildlife in the larger country garden. This will include native herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees and other landscape features such as a natural pond.  Link for registration will be posted later on the BNS activities page here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=bca076cf5e&e=b24cf58224) .

Events from Flying Squirrel Adventures

BNS's Flying Squirrel Adventures program is pleased to present its first official impact report, highlighting accomplishments in 2020/ 2021.

Over the past year FSA has had the opportunity to help lots of people connect with nature in new and innovative ways, building new relationships with community groups and launching a number of new initiatives. Over the course of the year they facilitated more than 2770 hours of outdoor time, reached over1200 people and engaged 12 individuals as emerging nature leaders. See a snapshot of the year in the infographic and access the full FSA Impact Report 2020/21 here. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=dbef0bd8f9&e=b24cf58224)

** GET INVOLVED
------------------------------------------------------------
You can Help the Buterflyway Project!

Butterflyway Project: Looking for Pollinator Garden Locations
Our commitment to the David Suzuki Butterflyway Project is to establish 12 pollinator patches, ideally in public areas. These gardens would would have signage and would help educate the public about the importance of pollination. If any member has an idea for a public location or has a connection that might be exploited, we would love to hear from you. For example, maybe you have a child that attends a local school, or attend a local church, or wonder about a local park. Any and all ideas are welcome!
Please email us at:
pollinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca (mailto:pollinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca)
Watch where you walk on the Minas Basin shore

The Atlantic Mud-piddock is a threatened species of mollusc and the only one of it's kind in Canada. It only has habitats located in the Minas Basin. is a threatened species of mollusc and the only one of it's kind in Canada. It only has habitats located in the Minas Basin.  For more info of what to look for, go here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=0da26f204d&e=b24cf58224) .

Backyard Foraging Tips
Wild strawberries, mushrooms and a lot in between: Here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=ffe452c343&e=b24cf58224) are some backyard foraging tips from CBC.

Sustainable Development Goals Act (NS)

Setting ambitious, measurable goals now is our best chance to create an equitable, sustainable future for our province. A future that prioritizes collective wellbeing, protects the communities and natural spaces we love and rely on, and leaves no one behind.

Consultations will run until July 26.  You can learn how to participate here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=f96d52911b&e=b24cf58224) .

** IN THE NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
NS Nature Trust Purchases Beach Near Port La Tour

The Nova Scotia Nature Trust has purchased 147 hectares of coastal wilderness area near Port La Tour, N.S., to save it from future development and provide a safe space for at-risk birds. You can find more info here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=dc3060b4b5&e=b24cf58224) .

https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=b1fb48ea8c&e=b24cf58224
The Save Owls Head Provincial Park campaign is growing momentum. Watch this recently published video (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=b1086855a0&e=b24cf58224) for a good overview of the issue. I encourage you to look through their website (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=c240cdce23&e=b24cf58224)  or Facebook group (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=cfca995636&e=b24cf58224) to learn more and get involved.

** UPDATES FROM BNS
------------------------------------------------------------

** Wildflowers of Nova Scotia
------------------------------------------------------------
The 'Wildflowers of Nova Scotia' field guide was published to encourage an interest in native plants and their conservation. Spring is a wonderful time to learn about our incredible wildflowers, as they pop up from the ground over the next few weeks and months. Not to mention, these easy-to-use, small guides make a wonderful gift! They are available for purchase from our website: https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=b97a7420d9&e=b24cf58224 (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=edaed5203e&e=b24cf58224)
Proceeds from the sale of this guide will go towards conservation projects. A huge thank you to Carole, Howard and the many contributors for putting this together.
https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=b79c31ffca&e=b24cf58224

** 2021 Program on Website
------------------------------------------------------------
You can now see all upcoming events for the year of 2021 on our website. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=0a84771d8e&e=b24cf58224) Details and additional events may be added throughout the year.
We acknowledge that we live in Mi’kma’ki, the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which did not entail the surrender of lands and resources, but recognized Mi’kmaw title.
Renew or Join Membership (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=47712d9558&e=b24cf58224)
If you enjoyed reading this, please feel free to forward it to someone you think might also appreciate it.

As a non-profit, the Blomidon Naturalists Society relies on the tireless of effort of our volunteers and the support of individuals such as yourself. If you are able, we ask that you might consider donating to further enable this work.
Donate Now (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=0c25369f44&e=b24cf58224)
Donate Monthly (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=04c150ea00&e=b24cf58224)

============================================================
** Facebook (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=d83204fa75&e=b24cf58224)
** Website (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=f2ca12b434&e=b24cf58224)
** Instagram (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=127961672c&e=b24cf58224)
Copyright © 2021 Blomidon Naturalists Society, All rights reserved.
 You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
Blomidon Naturalists Society
PO Box 2350 Stn Main
Wolfville, NS B4P 2N5
Canada

 Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp
http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=referral_marketing&aid=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&afl=1
This email was sent to members at blomidonnaturalists.ca (mailto:members at blomidonnaturalists.ca)
why did I get this? (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/about?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=bb709aa177&e=b24cf58224&c=d458effadb)     unsubscribe from this list (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=bb709aa177&e=b24cf58224&c=d458effadb)     update subscription preferences (https://blomidon-naturalists-society.mailchimpsites.com/manage/preferences?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=bb709aa177&e=b24cf58224&c=d458effadb)
Blomidon Naturalists Society . PO Box 2350 Stn Main . Wolfville, NS B4P 2N5 . Canada

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp
http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=referral_marketing&aid=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&afl=1
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://blomidonnaturalists.ca/pipermail/members_blomidonnaturalists.ca/attachments/20210706/ade9e1fe/attachment-0001.html>