Tag: Nature Watch

Mushroom Identification Tour in Ottawa Valley

On Sunday, August 20,  we are going to explore some places around Ottawa with our traditional mushroom identification tour.  We learn how to identify mushrooms and know some basic rules related to their search and picking up. Please, confirm your participation. We’ll meet at Hazeldean Mall at 9:00 am near the big board with the address “300 Eagleson Rd.” From the mall, we’ll drive together to the place of our excursion. The exact place of the excursion will be identified to the end of this week.

Place and Subject of the Excursion:

We will stop in several places to explore the area and search for mushrooms. We’ll learn how to identify mushrooms, places where we can pick up mushrooms, and just enjoy the trip to the forest in a beautiful area. We’ll talk also about the diversity of mushrooms in Ottawa Valley and about other forest creatures we’ll be able to spot.

We recommend carpooling from Ottawa. I will be able to take 3 passengers to my car.

Dress:

Watch for the weather forecast and be prepared accordingly. For the trip, you will need a pair of good shoes for hiking along the trails. Do not forget sunscreen and insect repellent. You also need to take water and a light snack.

Guided Tour to Purdon Conservation Area

Did you see the most stunning Lady’s Slipper in Ottawa Valley? If not, join us for the nature-guided tour to Purdon Conservation Area. At the end of June, the time of blooming for one of the most beautiful and attractive orchids starts. This is a Snowy Lady Slipper orchid. In Ottawa Valley, the species may be found in several places, but the most expressive is a colony of the Purdon Conservation Area. According to a recent assessment around 16,000 plants grow in this Conservation Area. The orchids were discovered in the 1930s by the local farmer Joe Purdon, who protected the natural habitat and literally ensured the conservation of this rare orchid in Ontario. Besides, there are many other interesting plants and animals inhabiting this unique bog, surrounded by upland forests. We’ll be able to explore the area on the trail with a length of about 2 km and stop in several places: on the boardwalk with a colony of orchids, near a wetland, and in the upland forest to observe and recognize animals and plants inhabiting different ecosystems.

We have two meeting options: in the parking lot of the Hazeldean Mall in front of Eagleson Road at 8 am (drive to Purdon Conservation Area is about one hour) or at the lower parking near the boardwalk to the colony at Purdon Conservation Area at 9:00 – 9:15 am. Please let us know if you intend to join the tour and at what location.

After the visit to the area, we’ll be able to see several more interesting places located close to Middleville and Almonte.

How to dress?

Please, watch the weather forecast to be prepared for a trip. You will need comfortable clothes and good light sportive shoes for the trip.

What else might be needed?

It will be great to have your cameras and binoculars for nature observation. Please, take water and light snacks: there are several picnic areas where we can stop to rest. There are many mosquitoes at the bog at any time of the day: you need to have a bug spray. Also, it is good to have sunscreen.

Night creatures in Gatineau Park

Our last evening trips to see salamanders at night in Gatineau Park were successful. Therefore, we plan to have one more hike at the end of this week. 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 7:30 pm on May 05 (Friday evening) at Parking 8 in Gatineau Park, which is located not too far from the Gatineau Park Visitor Center.

During our last excursion, we counted many spotted salamanders, one northern dusky salamander, and five species decided to move into other ponds after the evening chorus singing. 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 flashlight. 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.

Excursion to Waterfall and Escarpment in Gatineau Park

We invite families with kids for a spring hike in Gatineau Park. We’ll meet on Saturday, April 29, near the Visitor Center of the Park at 9:00 am at the address 33 Chem Scott., Chelsea, Quebec, J9B 1R5. If the Museum in the Visitor Center is open, we’ll explore its exposition and learn how to identify animals by calls, signs, and footprints. If the Museum is still closed, we’ll walk around the parking and explore the closest area looking for signs of spring: singing birds and other animal footprints.  From the Visitor Center, at approximately 9:30 – 9:45 am we’ll go to the P6 (Parking 6) near Mackenzie King Estate. There, kids will have a chance to explore the ruins and to know about the history of this place. And then, we’ll visit a waterfall at a distance of around 500-700 m from the parking, stopping that to listen to birds and watch animal tracks. After the observation of the spring waterfall, we’ll go on the trail along the escarpment with a scenic view of the Ottawa River and farmland fields. We’ll stop on the trail to find and identify the first spring flowers and listen to birds coming back to our forests after wintering. The total length of our hike is around 3.5 km.

Place and Subject of the Excursion:

Gatineau Park is an amazing place to explore at any age.  We select the simple trail this time, which should be interesting for kids and parents. If we’ll be lucky, we’ll have a chance to see some interesting birds, salamanders, and frogs near the trail. Chipmunks have already come out after hibernation and will watch us with curiosity, staying at a safe distance along the path. American red squirrels are also numerous in this part of the forest. We’ll talk about animals and plants inhabiting Gatineau Park. Kids will have a chance to play ecological games.

We’ll meet near the Visitor Center of Gatineau Park in Chelsea at 9:00 am on April 22 (Saturday). There is an opportunity for carpooling from Ottawa (2-3 places).

Dress:

It is expected that the real spring It is expected that there will not be much rain on this day. However, after abundant rains in the last few days, it will be good to have waterproof shoes and rainy jackets. Prepare snacks for kids, do not forget some seeds to feed nuthatches and chickadees near the trail. Take your sandwiches and water with you.

 

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.

Snow Geese on the Way to Breeding sites

Spring migration this year already started! We observe the long goose wedges over land, stopping in various places on their way to breeding grounds. The two most common species of geese in the Ottawa River Valley are the Canada Goose and the Snow Goose. Canada geese not only migrate but also nest both in water bodies around cities and in the cities themselves, forming an urban population that reaches significant sizes in Ontario. Although most of the geese still fly north to the Arctic tundra, where they spend a fleeting summer. But the snow goose could be found in Ottawa River Valley during migration. These geese nest in water bodies along the Arctic coasts. Both species have increased markedly in recent decades, and even the migration patterns of snow geese have changed. The snow goose has become a regular stopover species during the autumn and spring migration in fields in Ontario along the St. Lawrence River valley. Each spring, huge swarms of white geese return from their wintering grounds in the United States to nesting places in the Arctic tundra stopping at wetlands near Ottawa for several weeks, from where they fly in the morning to feed through the agricultural fields just opened after the winter snow. The Canada goose flies in a scattered front: clusters and small flocks of these geese can be seen in a variety of places – along reservoirs, along the banks of rivers and lakes, in farmland fields and openings, and on lawns in cities. The snow goose, on the other hand, always migrates in large flocks and forms huge congregations at the stopover places. They follow a certain route, which is insistent from year to year. Our tour will focus on visiting such places! You will be able to learn about geese, ducks, cranes, and other fauna that nest in Ontario or are found here during periods of seasonal migration.

Place and Subject of the Excursion:

Snow geese nest far north, on lakes, rivers, and other water reservoirs in tundras. However, during migrations, large flocks of geese stay to rest and feed on agricultural fields in Ontario. This spring, the first migratory snow geese just appeared near Ottawa. We expect that the mass migration will start in early April. We plan to go to some such places in the Cobbs Lake Creek area, known as a stopover for snow geese during spring migration. We hope to see not only snow geese but other interesting bird species, including other geese species, birds of prey, ducks, gulls, and passerines. If we’ll be lucky, we’ll be able to see even sandhill cranes.

We’ll meet in the middle of Milton Rd. (exit #96 to Boundary Rd. from Highway 417) at 9:00 am on Monday, April 10. There is an opportunity for carpooling from west Ottawa (3 places). The duration of the guided hike is 4-5 hours until 1-2 pm.

Dress:

Spring just started. This is a time with fresh weather, contrasting temperatures, and often rains. Please, watch the weather forecast for the day and prepare to hike accordingly the forecast. It is good to have warm jackets and gloves. Waterproof boots will be appropriate to walk around wetlands after abundant rains in the last week. Take your binoculars and cameras. Do not forget about the water and light snack.

Fall Colors in Algonquin Provincial Park

We are looking for some traveling companions for a trip to Algonquin Park from late September to early October. This trip will take place at the peak of autumn colors, which at this time form the unique landscape of the park and attract many visitors who want to see this beauty. We have booked a place for 6 people in the Pog Lake and Kearney Lake Campground from Friday (it’s September 30th) until Sunday (it’s October 2nd). I plan to organize several guided nature watch tours these days to places where there is a high probability of seeing moose,  otters, beavers, as well as birds such as Spruce Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Canada Jay, and late migrants occurring this time in the Algonquin Park – in the mornings and evenings. We will also visit several lookouts to view the beauty of the autumn colors of the park from a height. On Sunday, when we leave the park, we will visit several areas where mushroom picking is allowed on the way home to Ottawa. Those wishing to go, please contact either through the comments below or through the messenger on Facebook. For the trip you need to have a tent, sleeping bags, and mattresses, although we have extra tents and all other equipment available, so please contact us if you need anything for the trip.

How to dress?

From late September – early October, it can be already fresh or even cold in the park. It is necessary to bring warm clothes for sleeping, as well as for hiking in the morning and evening. Please, prepare also good hiking shoes. It is also advisable to bring your own mugs, spoons, forks, and knives. In the evening you will need flashlights.

What else might be needed?

We bring food and agree on our diet and cooking plans before the trip. We also have other field utensils for cooking. But you can grab a light snack for hiking. Don’t forget your personal insect repellent and sunscreen.

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Мы ищем несколько попутчиков для поездки в Алгонкин парк в конце сентября – начале октября. Это поездка состоится в пик осенних красок, которые формируют в это время неповторимый ландшафт парка и привлекают сюда многих посетителей, которые хотят увидеть эту красоту. Мы забронировали место на 6 человек в районе озер Пог и Киарни с пятницы – это сентябрь 30 – до воскресенья – это 2 октября.  Я планирую провести несколько экскурсий в эти дни в места, где высока вероятность увидеть лосей, выдр, бобров, а также птиц – канадскую дикушу и воротничковых рябчиков – по утрам и вечерам. Также мы будем подниматься в места обзора, чтобы увидеть красоту осенних красок парка с высоты. В воскресенье, когда мы выедем из парка, мы посетим несколько мест, где разрешается собирать грибы, на пути домой в Оттаву. Желающих поехать прошу связаться либо через комментарии внизу, либо через мессенджер в Фэйсбуке. Для поездки нужно иметь палатку, спальные мешки и матрасики, хотя у нас есть в наличии и экстра-палатки, и все остальное оборудование, поэтому, обращайтесь, если вам что-то будет нужно для поездки.

Как одеваться?

В конце сентября – начале октября в парке уже прохладно. Необходимо взять с собой теплую одежду для сна, а также для походов утром и вечером. Также желательно взять свои кружки, ложки, вилки и ножи. Вечером понадобятся фонарики.

Что еще может понадобиться?

Мы привозим еду и согласуем наш рацион до поездки. Также у нас есть плитка для готовки и полевая посуда. Но вы можете захватить легкий перекус для походов. Не забывайте средства персональной защиты от насекомых и крем от солнца.

Nature Guided Tour to Marlborough Forest

This is a trip for nature and mushroom lovers. During this time, we expect to find several species of “slippery jacks” or Suillus sp. mushrooms. In forests around Ottawa, there are more than 20 Suillus species. During our trip, we hope to find 5-7 species and learn how to identify different species of these edible mushrooms. We hope to find several other species from Boletes, most part of which are considered edible. Besides, we’ll learn about several other mushroom species, which we can find in this area this time. We also will talk about mushroom collections in different areas. We will meet near Hazeldean Mall at 9:00 am on Saturday, September 10, and drive together to the Marlborough forest area, where we’ll have the opportunity to explore the forest in several places. Mid of September is a time when many kinds of edible mushrooms appear in the forests of Ottawa valley. At the same time, we can find many mushrooms, which are not edible or even poisonous. We will learn to distinguish edible mushrooms from non-edible mushrooms, we will get acquainted with several fairly common poisonous mushrooms. We will find out which species are considered conditionally edible. And also we will learn to distinguish between different groups of fungi: bracket fungi, coral fungi, boletes, agaric mushrooms, morels, hedgehogs, chanterelles, and their relatives. Carpooling is welcome. If you are thinking about carpooling, please contact us in advance.

Это экскурсия для любителей грибов и походов в лес.  Мы исследуем одну из интересных природных территорий, которая расположена неподалеку от Оттавы, где территория открыта для охоты в сезон, а также для сбора грибов. Мы встретимся в 9:00 утра в субботу, 10 сентября, на парковке у мола Хазельдин в Канате.  А далее, мы поедем вместе в сторону леса Мальборо, где мы будем останавливаться в нескольких местах. Эта поездка будет тематической. Мы будем учиться искать и различать разные виды маслят. На территории вокруг Оттавы можно найти больше 20 видов маслят. На территории, куда мы поедем сейчас встречается 5-7 видов маслят. Мы поучимся их различать, а также узнаем об их вкусовых свойствах, способах сбора и приготовления. Кроме этого, мы познакомиться с несколькими довольно распространенными ядовитыми видами грибов. Мы узнаем, какие виды считаются условно-съедобными. А также мы будем учиться различать разные группы грибов: трутовики, коралловые грибы, трубчатые и пластинчатые грибы, сморчи и строчки, ежовики, лисички и их родственники. Карпулинг приветствуется. Если Вы думаете, поехать с кем-то на машине, то такая возможность представится, когда мы встретимся на парковке у мола Хазельдин.

Как одеваться?

В лесу сейчас влажно и прохладно, поэтому позаботьтесь об одежде и обуви, которые наиболее комфортны для перемещения по густому лесу. Лучше одеть яркие курточки или рубашки, чтобы Вас было хорошо видно в лесу. Эта территория открыта для охотников и хотя охотничий сезон у Оттавы открывается 17 сентября, лучше быть заметным уже сейчас.

Что еще может понадобиться?

Вам понадобится вода, легкий перекус, так как на свежем воздухе обычно появляется аппетит. Не забывайте небольшие корзиночки и ножички для сбора грибов. А также средства персональной защиты от насекомых и крем от солнца.

 

Travel to Quebec-City and Tadoussac in September

We are inviting a few people to join us for a trip to Quebec City and Tadoussac in early September this year. The trip is scheduled from  September 2 to September 5 with a 1-night stay in Quebec City and 2-nights in the Tadoussac area. This is a tour to explore nature and to know more about the history and nature of Quebec.

On the first day (September 2), we plan to arrive in Quebec City in the afternoon to explore the historic centre of Old Quebec and walk along its fortified walls. We’ll visit the Dufferin Terrace, Château Frontenac, Place Royal, and other historic sites in the area recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll stay for the night in the area with a waterfront view of the St. Lawrence River.

By the morning of September 3rd, we plan to visit the Montmorency Falls following the path that runs along the cliff’s edge to the suspension bridge at the top of the bridge. After the visit to the falls, we’ll head up to the Tadoussac area (about two hours driving). We’ll stay there for two nights in the small village nearby the Saguenay River and the Park National Fjord-du-Saguenay. We’ll explore this area after arrival and walk in the evening along the shores of the Saguenay Fjord, one of the longest and most southerly fjords in the world.

On September 4th, we plan to make a Zodiac Whale Watching tour. The first whale-watching tour was organized in Tadoussac in 1979. At present, whale-watching tours have been organized from spring to autumn. Only one species – the Beluga whale – lives in the St. Lawrence year round. Other whale species such as humpbacks and fin whales, minke whales and blue whales come to St. Lawrence to feed in summer from May to October. We expect to see some other marine mammals and bird species both from boats and on land.

After whale watching, we’ll have a chance to visit one of the parks in the area including Saguenay – St. Lawrence Marine Park with two land-based observation sites: Islet Point and Rouge Point. We hope to see marine mammals, birds, plants and even fish. We’ll be able also to visit the Pointe-Nore Interpretation and Observation Center to observe confluence phenomena where two rivers meet. We also can walk on one of the trails such as one the Le Fjord Trail, De La Plage Trail, and De L’Estuaire trail with panoramic views of dunes and good places for bird observation. If we’ll have time, we’ll try to visit Parc national des Monts-Valin, which is located not far from Tadoussac. There are many hiking trails in the Park. The trails vary in length and range in difficulty level from easy to difficult.

On September 5th, we’ll have several options from the morning until noon and we’ll decide about the specific site to visit after our whale watching tour and exploring areas around Tadoussac. We are coming back to Ottawa on September 5th afternoon.

What do we need to bring planning a whale watching tour?

For the whale-watching tour we need to have very warm clothes, do not forget to take with you the following items:

  • Warm sweater
  • Warm socks, gloves, scarf
  • Raincoat or warm jacket
  • Pants
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses (ideally polarized for better vision)
  • Binoculars
  • Camera (protected from water)