Tag: Mammals

Geology & Fossil Trail, Eganville Area

We are planning a trip to one of the most interesting places in the Ottawa River Valley. This place is called a Geoheritage Trail Walk (where you can see not only geological but also fossil artifacts of the Ordovician period). We will start our hike at the Bonnechere Museum, in the town of Eganville, where we’ll have a chance to know about the geological history of Ottawa Valley. During our walk along the Geoheritage Trail, we’ll pay attention not only to geology and fossils but also to the environment: birds, insects, and plants in the area. 

We have two meeting options: in the parking lot of the Hazeldean Mall in front of Eagleson Road at 8 am (drive to Eganville about 2 hours) or near the Bonnechere Museum in Eganville at 10 am. Please let us know if you intend to join the tour and at what location. We’ll visit first the Museum (admission fees are 5.00$ per adult and 2.5$ per kid). After hiking along the trail, those who wish can visit the famous Bonnechere caves that are located nearby. The one-hour tour to the caves costs from 14$ (children) to 22$ (adults). Excursions are organized by the staff of the caves every 20-30 minutes.

Place and Subject of the Excursion:

This is a new area to explore in Ottawa Valley. Please, register in advance.  We’ll have an opportunity to move into the geological history of Ottawa Valley and know about marine creatures that inhabited this area 430-510 million years ago. We’ll talk about evolution and the current challenges of nature conservation in Canada and in the World.

There is an opportunity for carpooling from Ottawa to Eganville (3-4 places).

Dress:

Watch for the weather forecast and be prepared accordingly: you need to have sports shoes to walk on the trails. If you plan to visit caves, you need to have a headlamp. Prepare sunscreen and mosquito spray. Take your sandwiches and water.

 

Trip to Madagascar during Christmas Vacation

Author’s Tour of Ivan Leshukov  

Lemurs and Baobabs: Best birdwatching time to visit one of the most mysterious and attractive places for naturalists.

MADAGASCAR: October 24, 2023, – November 7, 2023

We change the time for the exotic author’s tour to Madagascar. We will be able to see the nature and wildlife of the mysterious Madagascar Island, which separated from India about 88 million years ago, during the breakdown of the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana. Since then, the unique flora and fauna of the island have been formed in conditions of complete isolation. As a result of this segregation, 90% of the plant and animal species that inhabit the island are found nowhere else in the world. People appeared on the island relatively recently, although the opinions of scientists about the time when the first settlers arrived differed. Surprisingly, this island drifted close to the east coast of Africa. Madagascar is one of the world’s largest islands on Earth (4th by the area) – and only here we can see unusual long-tailed curious lemurs, mammals that belong to primitive primates, they are sometimes also called semi-monkeys.  Only here we will be able to observe the funny Madagascar aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascarensis), which in appearance can be compared with an animal from a fairytale. This is only one modern species from the family. Also only on this island, travelers can find many endemic species of phlegmatic chameleons.

We will visit the best national parks of this island with untouched nature that speaks for itself, take a walk along the fantastic alley of baobabs, get acquainted with the life of the local communities, swim in the Indian Ocean, enjoy wonderful fruits and admire the magnificent landscapes of this tropical island!

Cost: 3,400 CAD (shared room) and 3,800 CAD (single accommodation).

Duration: 15 days

Group size: No more than 10 people, so, that everyone has the opportunity to see unique animals and feel the peculiarities of Madagascar’s nature.

Season: We are going during the rainy season, so, the chance of rain in Andasibe municipality is quite high. But at this time, we have an opportunity to see more interesting living creatures, and the prices for services are lower.

Enrollment in the group closes 30 days before the start of the trip.

See the link for a detailed description.

Included in the price:

  • Transfer from the airport to the hotel in the first day and back on the last day.
  • Accommodation in double rooms in comfortable hotels and guest houses with access to Wi-Fi in all places except Palmarium Reserve and Kirindy. Breakfast is included.
  • Accommodation in a single room is possible for an additional fee.
  • Lunch and supper – in local cafes and restaurants with a rich selection of dishes and preserved traditions of French cuisine.
  • Comfortable transportation: minivan like the Hyundai Starex.
  • Environmental fees.
  • English-speaking group guide with background in biology (ecology and biogeography).
  • The author of the tour is a wandering naturalist with rich experience in organizing unforgettable trips to unique places on the Planet.
  • Acquaintance with the local nature, unique species of plants and animals.
  • All tickets, excursions, and attractions are indicated in the program and tour description.
  • Organization of travel and assistance at all stages from buying an air ticket, and preparing documents to collect a backpack.
  • Friendly atmosphere, individual approach to each participant, caring for the whole group during a trip.
  • All taxes and fees, no additional charges.

* When recruiting less than 6 people on a tour, the total cost will be significantly higher.

* If you cancel the tour on your part, the prepayment is non-refundable (goes to the hotel reservation).

 The price does not include:

  • Airfare (our agents will help you choose the best airfare).
  • A visa is obtained upon arrival at the airport of Madagascar: its cost is 37 $USA.
  • Travel health insurance.
  • Personal expenses (for food, souvenirs, additional excursions, and entertainment according to your desire not included in the program)
  • Alcoholic drinks.
  • Surcharges for single rooms.

* This is a real live tour where the guides may change the itinerary due to transportation challenges, weather or the condition of the participants.

* The organizers are not responsible for force majeure related to weather and other external circumstances.

* Participants of the trip must have a yellow card (yellow fever vaccination, which is required for all travelers to the tropics of Africa and Latin America).

* Don’t forget your binoculars for animal-watching and your cameras. For night trips, headlamps will come in handy, just flashlights will also be useful.

* Item list for your travel: Footwear – light sneakers. Summer clothes plus fleece jacket and windbreaker (minimum temperature can be +16-18 degrees at night). Sunglasses. Hats. Sunscreen (+50). Mosquito repellent. First aid kit for your needs. Flashlight.

* Your baggage: It is better to take a small or medium-sized suitcase with your basic things. Small backpack for going on excursions.

* * *.

Payment order:

500US$ prepayment

The balance should be paid until November 24, 2023

Start of the tour October 22-24; The last day of the tour – November 07.

Please, contact Elena Kreuzberg regarding travel arrangements, including trip details, travel insurance, and airfare at ekreuzberg@holarcticbridge.com or by phone at +1-613-297-6405

For more information and/or to book this tour, please contact the travel agency directly at
YYT Travel Tours: 7851 Dufferin St., Suite 100, Toronto (Thornhill), Ontario L4J 3M4 Tel: 1.877.999.4768 or 905.660.7000 – TICO Reg: #4332359

Excursion to Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve

Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve protects an exceptional forest ecosystem in Quebec. It owes stands of mature trees that were not disturbed by human activities. It is also an area with a rich diversity of amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects, plants, and mushrooms. The reserve was established in 2003. It contains 12 km of trails crossing forests and wetlands.

We’ll walk on the wooden trails with fascinating views of the wetlands. We’ll discover the variety of plant and animal species inhabiting different types of ecosystems in forests and wetlands. We’ll have a chance to spot turtles basking in the sun’s rays. At the end of April, we expect to find some of the first blooming spring flowers and first spring mushrooms called Scarlet Caps.  We’ll try to explore and understand the life of the forest and wetland inhabitants during spring.

We’ll meet at 9:30 am on May 07 (Sunday) in the small parking lot near the Interpretation Center of the Ecological Reserve in Mayo. We’ll have an opportunity to explore several trails, walk in the forest and around lakes, and stop to observe interesting species of plants, amphibians, and birds. I have several spots in my car for carpooling for those who travel from Ottawa. Do not forget your cameras!

Dress:

Please, watch the weather forecast for the weekend so that you can prepare in accordance with the weather. It is better to wear waterproof shoes: there are many wet places in the forest.  We recommend also taking water and a light snack.

From foothills to snow-capped peaks in Kyrgyzstan

Author’s Tour of Elena Kreuzberg (Canada) and Sergey Kulagin (Kyrgyzstan)

Journey to the heart of the Tien-Shan Mountains in Central Asia

KYRGYZSTAN: June 11-25, 2023

This is a journey for nature enthusiasts, for those who are interested to see the variety of ecosystems and biodiversity in all their manifestations. We will drive along mountain roads and visit places with rich biological diversity, as well as get familiar with the cultural traditions of the Kyrgyz people, who move to high mountain pastures in summer.  We will have the opportunity to look at the plains and human settlements adjacent to foothills from the height of mountain passes, see the turbulent streams running down narrow gorges from snow peaks, enjoy the splendor and variety of colorful alpine meadows with marvelous butterflies fluttering over them, walk along the paths in the lush forest belt, hear the singing of numerous birds and the whistle of marmots warning their neighbors about the appearance of unexpected guests in their habitats… We will be able to dive into the clear waters of Lake Issyk-Kul, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks on the hottest days of summer. And also we will be able to explore the colorful and noisy Asian bazaars and immerse ourselves in the oriental flavor, where history and modernity perfectly complement each other.

Cost: US$2,350

See the link for a detailed description.

In group tours, we take usually 8-10 people, so that everything goes comfortably, and cozy in a friendly atmosphere and we have an opportunity to pay attention to everyone.

Canadians do not need a visa to Kyrgyzstan for up to 30 days.

A PCR test is not needed.

Between-group tours, we conduct individual journeys to natural areas, where you can create an individual trip and realize any wishes related to exploring the environmental features.

Included in the price:

  • Transfer from the airport to the hotel after arrival and back on the last day.
  • Accommodation in double rooms in comfortable hotels and guest houses (with a unique local flavor, private gardens, and access to a swimming pool or a picturesque lake).
  • Accommodation in yurts, four or five people in a yurt (attention: in yurts electricity is supplied through generators, and toilets and washrooms are located outside. At night, yurts are heated only on Son-Kul Lake).
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We’ll take lunch boxes during our field trips to the natural areas.
  • Comfortable bus.
  • Environmental fees.
  • English-Russian speaking guide with perfect knowledge of flora and fauna in Central Asia and the author of the tour throughout the entire journey.
  • Certified local guide (ornithologist) with unique knowledge of the history and amazing nature of Kyrgyzstan.
  • Outdoor hikes, informative stories, acquaintance with local nature, national cuisine, language, religion, culture, and customs.
  • All tickets, excursions, and attractions are indicated in the program.
  • Organization of travel and assistance at all stages from buying an air ticket, and preparing travel documents to collect items in your baggage.
  • Friendly atmosphere, individual approach to each participant, caring for the whole group during the travel.
  • All taxes and fees, no additional fees during the trip.

*If there are fewer than 8 people on the tour, the total cost will be higher

*If you cancel the tour on your part, the prepayment is non-refundable (goes to the hotel reservation)

*When borders are closed or other unforeseen circumstances, the reservation is transferred to other dates.

The price does not include:

  • Airfare (we will help you choose the most profitable flights for free)
  • Travel health insurance
  • Personal expenses (for food, souvenirs, additional excursions, and entertainment according to your desire not included in the program)
  • Horse riding
  • Alcoholic beverage
  • Surcharges for single rooms

*The organizers can change the order of the program, and excursions according to the circumstances (weather conditions) or wishes of the group

* The organizers are not responsible for force majeure related to weather, coronavirus, and other circumstances

* The mid of June is a hot summer in Central Asia, but not everywhere. Be prepared for noticeable temperature changes on the plains, in the foothills and in the mountains. Be sure to stock up on warm clothes, waterproof jackets and shoes, gloves and hats for hiking in the highlands (subalpine and alpine meadows and in evenings near mountain lakes). For the night hikes, you need to have a flashlight.

*Enrollment in the group closes 30 days before the start of the trip.

For more information and/or to book this tour, please contact the travel agency directly at
YYT Travel Tours: 7851 Dufferin St., Suite 100, Toronto (Thornhill), Ontario L4J 3M4 Tel: 1.877.999.4768 or 905.660.7000 – TICO Reg: #4332359

Mud Lake: Turtles and Birds in the Spring Time

This is a free guided hike for those who are interested to know more about birds and mammals that are well adapted to urban conditions or stop near Mud Lake during migration. We’ll meet at 9:00 am on May 06 (Saturday) at the parking along Cassels Street near Mud Lake.  We’ll explore the area near Ottawa River and around Mud Lake to enjoy the blooming season of first Trout Lilies and other spring flowers, we’ll walk around the lake that to observe amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, inhabiting the urban area in spring or just passing this area on their way to summer breeding places in the tundra and boreal forests of Canada. We hope to hear the first American toads with their very specific spring calls. We also hope to see many turtles just emerged after hibernation and basking on the floating logs in small bays of the lake. At this time, we have a chance to see their large gatherings. Three species of turtles inhabit Mud Lake and if we’ll be lucky, we’ll observe all these three species. We also will be able to observe several duck species, which nest in the tree hollows and near the banks of the lake.

How to dress?

Please, watch the weather forecast to be prepared for a trip. It could be good warm weather this time, but you need to have waterproof shoes that are most comfortable for a trip on the wet forest paths.

What else might be needed?

It is great if you have your own binoculars for bird observations, cameras, or cell phones to make photos of birds, turtles, mammals, and other animals. It would be also good to have light snacks and water.

Night Creatures in the Gatineau Park

We plan to repeat our evening hike to Gatineau Park the time when the snow is mostly melted on April 21 and April 29. This is a guided hike to explore Gatineau Park in the evening time for those who are interested to know more about dwellers of the forests and wetlands, tiny creatures, that just woke up after winter hibernation and nocturnal bird species. We’ll meet at 7:00 pm on April 21 (Friday evening) at Parking 8 in Gatineau Park, which is located not too far from the Gatineau Park Visitor Center.

The snow barely melts in the forest, and amazing creatures, hibernating soundly in the forest floor all winter, already appear on the thawed patches at night: these are small-tailed amphibians – salamanders. In spring, salamanders rush to forest streams, ponds, and lakes to mate and lay their eggs there. At the larval stage, most salamanders from temperate regions are aquatic. Their tadpoles have three pairs of external gills and a long laterally flattened tail. Tadpoles breathe through their gills. At the end of the aquatic stage, they transform into adult salamanders through the metamorphosis process, becoming similar to small lizards. After the breeding season, adult salamanders will return back to the forest, where they will be almost invisible, as they lead a twilight and nocturnal lifestyle. During the day they hide in secluded recesses under the forest floor, stones, and trunks of fallen trees. The diversity of salamanders is rich in the eastern part of North America. So, we hope to see at least several different salamander species at night.

But not only salamanders will be the goal of our excursion. We will also listen to the voices of spring, which can be heard on the distance in the leafless forest. First of all, we will determine whether tiny tree frogs have already woken up – spring peepers, whose melodic whistle resembles the singing of invisible little birds. Also, we will be able to see in the evening dawn how Wilson’s snipes and American woodcocks fly over the forest openings and over wetlands with the characteristic sound of a propeller. We will listen to see if the secretive American Bittern has already appeared near the reservoirs and hide in dry aquatic vegetation near the lakes. And also, we will be able to hear the night conversation of owls – the barred owls and eastern screech owls.

A year ago, during such an excursion, we also saw a bear mom with three cubs, who had just come out from their winter den and were looking for food under the oak trees. Having noticed our small group, the bears immediately tried to hide in the nearest ravine. We could spot three 3 species of salamanders that occur in Gatineau Park and heard the night call of the barred owls.

How to dress?

It is expected lots of rain in the next week. The rain will destroy the snow, but the forest will be damp.  Please, watch the weather forecast to be prepared for a trip. It can be also chilly in the evening time. So, it is better to have warm jackets and good shoes that are most comfortable for a trip on wet forest paths.

What else might be needed?

Do not forget the flash-light. It is great if you have your binoculars for bird observations, and your cameras, or telephones for photos. It would be also good to have light snacks and water.

Birds and Mammals at Mud Lake in October

This is a free guided hike for those who are interested to know more about birds and mammals that are well adapted to urban conditions or stay at the lake during migration. We’ll meet at 9:00 am on October 22 at the parking along Cassels Street near Mud Lake.  We’ll explore the area near Ottawa River and around Mud Lake to see mammals and birds inhabiting this area in October. Families with kids are invited. Mud Lake is interesting for a visit at any season. In October, it still serves as a stopover place for many birds migrants. However, at this time we expect to see more late migrants and resident bird species. Many ducks already changed their plumage and males show off their brightly colored courtship outfits.

How to dress?

Please, watch the weather forecast to be prepared for a trip. This time you will need gloves, warm jackets, and good shoes that are most comfortable for a trip on the wet forest paths.

What else might be needed?

It is great if you have your own binoculars for bird observations. It would be also good to have light snacks and water.

Это озеро интересно для посещения в любое время года. В октябре оно все еще служит местом остановки для многих мигрирующих видов птиц. Мы надеемся увидеть некоторых представителей из семейства гусеобразных – уток, которые появляются здесь во время миграции, а также тех, которые здесб гнездились и еще не улетели в теплые края. Самцы многих видов уток уже сменили оперение и демонстрируют сейчас яркие брачные наряды. Эта экскурсия организуется для тех, кто хочет больше узнать о птицах и млекопитающих, хорошо приспособленных к городским условиям или же останавливаются на реке Оттаве и озере во время миграции. Мы ожидаем, что наша экскурсия начнется в 9:00 утра 22 октября на парковке возле озера. Мы вместе исследуем окрестности возле реки Оттава и вокруг озера, чтобы увидеть млекопитающих и птиц, обитающих в этом районе осенью. Мы надеемся, что эта экскурсия будет интересна для семей с детьми.

Как одеваться?

Пожалуйста, следите за прогнозом погоды, чтобы подготовиться к этому походу. Вам могут понадобиться перчатки, теплые куртки и хорошая обувь, максимально удобная для ходьбы по мокрым лесным тропинкам, потому как в следующую неделю ожидаются дожди и понижение дневных температур.

Что еще может понадобиться?

Если у вас есть собственный бинокль для наблюдения за птицами и млекопитающими, будет уместно прихватить его с собой. Также хорошо взять с собой воду и легкий перекус.

Guided Tour to Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve

Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve protects an exceptional forest ecosystem in Quebec. It owes stands of mature trees that were not disturbed by human activities. It is also an area with a rich diversity of amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects, plants, and mushrooms. The reserve was established in 2003. It contains 12 km of trails crossing forests and wetlands.

We’ll walk on the wooden trails with fascinating views of the wetlands. At this time of the year, amazing scarlet candles of the Cardinal Plant start to bloom, attracting ruby-throated hummingbirds, specialized to get nectar from their flowers. We can find also several spots with blooming carnivore plants: Northern Pitcher Plant and sundews (Drosera) species which form tight clusters of plants on logs and tiny land islands among the marshes and swamps. We explore what kind of fungi and mushrooms have already appeared in the forest. We also try to find tiny spring peepers and gray tree frogs, hidden under leaves on the forest floor.

We’ll meet at 9:00 am in the small parking lot near the Interpretation Center of the Ecological Reserve in Mayo. We’ll have an opportunity to explore several trails, walk in the forest on several trails, and stop to observe interesting species of plants, insects, amphibians, and birds. Do not forget your cameras!

Dress:

It is expected that the weather on Sunday will be hot. Do not forget water, sunscreen, hats, and other ammunition to prevent overheating. We recommend you also take mosquito spray and a light snack. Light summer shoes good for hiking will be the most appropriate for this excursion.

High Lonesome Nature Reserve in July

High Lonesome Nature Reserve is managed by Mississippi-Madawaska Land Trust serving as stewards of private lands having ecological, aesthetic, and cultural value. The area is open to visitors; it is rich with natural biodiversity. Several trails with lengths up to 8 km give the opportunity to make short or long loops in the area. All trails have names and are well marked. These are a Bear Trail, Spooky Marsh Trail, Wolf Trail, Spring Peeper Trail, and others.

We’ll explore several trails, observing birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. We also will identify trees and grassy vegetation growing in the deciduous forest.

We’ll meet at 9:00 am in the parking near High Lonesome Nature Reserve on Carbine Rd. in the Pakenham area. We’ll have an opportunity to explore several trails, walk in the forest on several trails, and stop to observe interesting species of plants, insects, amphibians, and birds. Do not forget your cameras!

Dress:

It is expected sunny and warm day on Saturday; however, there are many wetlands: ponds, and lakes in the area. We suggest you take mosquito spray,  water, and a light snack. Light summer shoes good for hiking will be the most appropriate for this excursion.

Travel to Dewberry Trail and around

It is expected to rain this Sunday. It is not clear when it will start, but if the morning will be clear we would like to invite nature lovers to visit several places in Ottawa Greenbelt. And first of them is the Dewberry Trail in the eastern corner of Ottawa. Due to the May storm, the trail is still closed for the mass visiting, however, we have been there last weekend and explored the area. The trail is mostly clear, with few trees on the side trails closing the road. We select the safe route in the area to explore wildlife inhabiting the Ottawa Greenbelt.

Place and Subject of the Excursion:

We plan to visit the different types of forest: coniferous, mixed, and deciduous and learn about its dwellers: birds, amphibians, mammals, and insects.  We plan also to explore the diversity of fungi that appear on the trunks of the trees and on the ground.

We’ll meet at 8:30 am at the Parking near Dewberry Trail. We’ll walk along the trail with many stops to observe plants, fungi, birds, and other animals. We’ll watch for the weather, and if it will allow we’ll visit several other places around this area.

Dress:

The forecast is for hot weather this weekend, so, we can expect many mosquitoes after several showers of rain this week. Be prepared to prevent mosquito bites. We suggest you take mosquito spray,  water, and a light snack.