Well, the Huron Fringe Birding Festival can help you get the answers. That's because we have four nature photography events and workshops tailored to any experience level. Each one covers an aspect of nature photography with techniques and tips that will have you taking the pictures of birds, wildflowers, sunsets and waterscapes you've always wanted in your portfolio. Each event gives you an "ask and learn experience" with photographers who know the ins and outs of taking great shots. And that's what they're there for.
Check out our shooters and their events and REGISTER NOW www.huronfringebirdingfestival.ca – before they're full.
Learn how lighting influences your photographs. In this workshop, you will learn a variety of natural lighting techniques, and how to get the most out of outdoor flash photography. There will be an opportunity to share your photos and discuss the results.
Bring your photographic questions to Fran. With his many years of experience, he will offer insights into how to get the photos you're after. From raw images to photo editing, Fran can help you improve your technique with his tips of the trade.
The Tower Trail provides many opportunities to view birds but what are the challenges for the casual or professional photographer who wants to get the best shot. A birder and photographer, Terry will share the principles he follows.
Participants will explore through photography the wildflowers growing along the Old Shore Road Trail. All types of cameras welcome. Be prepared to get down and dirty.
Saugeen Shores is a treasure chest for photographers. Learn photographic waterscape techniques to enhance your photography skills and discover some of the majestic vistas in Saugeen Shores.
The average person seems to think the best places for birds are remote and pristine, and they can be, but often these places are costly to get to. More realistically birders look for their feathered friends close to home. A birders yard is often an oasis of plants and feeders specially placed to lure birds closer. Birding doesn't get better than finding a rarity right in your own backyard. Birders have a knack for looking at landscapes and seeing the beauty in the birds. A landfill site is not just a pile of garbage but also a mecca for gulls and other scavenging birds. Sewage lagoons are sanctuaries for shorebirds and waterfowl. Some urban parks are bird magnets and havens. I believe with a little urban planning these places could be enriched and turned into truly scenic wildlife habitats. For now we just have to keep up wind and dream a little.
When visiting Bruce County farmland I try to imagine a pristine prairie. Hidden within this idyllic sea of grass are specialized creatures waiting to be discovered. Because of a lack of perches some grassland birds have evolved to sing while flying and also incorporate aerial displays. Even if blindfolded the babblings of Bobolinks conjure images of fields and meadows. The amazing 'woo woos' of the Snipe as it dips and dives way above its chosen territory is not easily forgot. Yet other songs are cleverly devised to misrepresentation. The Grasshopper Sparrows high-pitched trill could easily be mistaken for a Six Legged Hopper. Birds don't get much more secretive than the Henslow's Sparrow. It's weak chip is usually only heard from the tall grass at night. An Upland Sandpipers presence signifies short grass and that probably means grazers are nearby. Other grassland signature birds we hope to see are Eastern Meadow Lark, Clay-Coloured Sparrow, Northern Harrier and Sedge Wrens.
Most recently as pasture decreases and the land is subjected to more intensive farming practices the grasslands and all its inhabitants are in jeopardy. There are solutions and we all can play a part.
A4 6:30 am KINCARDINE LAGOONS – Hike the trails of this premier birding hotspot, locally known as "Pelee North". If you missed seeing birds at Pelee, chances are you'll find them here.
A16 6:30 am BIRDING THE 4 CORNERS OF MacGREGOR – Visit wetlands, shorelines, forests and fields along the margins of MacGregor Park. You will enjoy James' relaxed style and his ability to locate the birds.
B3 6:30 am BIRDING KINCARDINE & AREA – Hike the trails of Kincardine's premier birding hotspot, locally known as "Pelee North". You will see a variety of warblers, ducks and other migrants.
B11 6:30 am BIRDING THE 4 CORNERS OF MacGREGOR – Visit wetlands, shorelines, forests and fields along the margins of MacGregor Park. You will enjoy James' relaxed style and his ability to locate the birds.
B19 7:00 am BIRDING THE HURON FRINGE – A visit to Inverhuron Provincial Park and the Lake Huron shoreline will provide dune grassland as well as edge and shoreline habitats.
The long holiday weekend marks the beginning of camping season across Ontario. But it also signals the start of tick season says Dr. Andrew Peregrine, of the Ontario Veterinary College. Ticks carry Lyme disease and that's a concern.* Lyme disease is an infection that primarily occurs in wildlife. However, infections also occur in people.
On Thursday. June 2, at 7:15 PM Dr. Peregrine will review current information on the importance of Lyme disease in wildlife and people across Ontario. Practices to prevent infection in people and pets will also be discussed.
Deer ticks carry Lyme disease and are more common in southern Ontario than in the north and northwest.
Peregrine said even just travelling in hot spots in southern Ontario can "dramatically" increase your risk for Lyme disease and bringing ticks home. Many hikers and campers still get quite concerned when they find a tick on their body – or on a pet. Dr. Peregrine recommends speaking with a vet about vaccinations before taking a dog for a walk or hike where ticks may be found.
Dr. Peregrine says the other way to protect yourself and your pet from ticks is to do a thorough tick check after being outside.
Avoid places with long grasses.
If you are hiking or walking, stay in the centre of the trail.
Wear light coloured clothing to make it easier to find the ticks.
Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
Wear long-sleeved shirts that fit tightly around your wrists and long pants tucked into your socks.
Use an insect repellant with DEET.
Check yourself, your children and your pets for ticks after being outdoors. Check before you go into your house. Check head to toe. Check underneath your clothes, next to your skin.
Have a hot shower after checking for ticks.
Wash your clothes with hot water and use the hottest setting on your dryer to kill any ticks that you may have missed.
Andrew Peregrine graduated in 1984 from the University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Scotland. Subsequently, he received a PhD from the same University for work on a parasitic disease of cattle in Africa. From 1987 to 1997, Andrew worked at the International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases, Kenya, where he continued this research. Since 1997 he has worked as an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, where he teaches clinical parasitology to DVM students. Over the last 10 years he has developed a particular interest in parasitic infections of animals that also infect people. As a result, he is currently carrying out research in this area in both wildlife and domestic animal species. He is also conducting work to improve control of parasitic infections in sheep.
*With files from CBC News, Thunder Bay interview.