Friday, March 23 and Friday, March 30, 7-10 p.m.: Gatineau Park Visitors Centre, 33 Scott Road , Chelsea QC: Friends of Gatineau Park present The Dusk Series 2006 – Owl Prowl . When day becomes night, when so many animals wake, when the sun gives way to the moon and stars… it's the Dusk Series in Gatineau Park ! A special indoor presentation by Bernie Ladouceur on owls and their nocturnal habits will be followed by an outing in the Park to call for owls and hear their haunting responses. Adults $15 (Members $12), Seniors/Students $12 (Members $10), Children $5 Information and Registration: (819) 827-2020 www.friendsofgatineaupark.ca
27 people participated in the walk on March 23 and the group heard a barred owl. On the second night, March 30, 33 people attended. They heard a barred owl who had quite a conversation with Bernie. The magical night ended with a call from a saw-whet owl.

Friday-Sunday, March 30-31 & April 1, Mall Hours: Billings Bridge Plaza, Bank Street at Riverside Drive, Ottawa: Wildlife Awareness Event: Exhibits by wildlife organizations, including Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments, environmental agencies, schools, wildlife artists, woodcarvers and much more. Live animals, mascots, giveaways, face painting, etc. Information: (613) 831-2253
21 local and national organizations participated as well as our coordinating booth and a silent auction to assist in funding the Festival. Volunteers from Ridgemont High School painted faces and inhabited mascot costumes provided by local individuals/groups. The wildlife artists donated paintings which were auctioned at the event. An estimated 60,000 people from around the region visited the shopping centre during the event, about 6,500 of whom came because of the festival, and exhibitors reported a keen interest in their displays. The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation provided approximately $3100 funding for this event. Several wildlife organizations who were not able to put in a display provided brochures and other information which was distributed by the coordinating booth. A “Wildlife Festuval cake”, donated by Loblaws, put a great finishing touch on the event.

Club des ornithologues de l'Outaouais
Early April: Courtship Rituals of the Woodcock (Gatineau) and (Aylmer) Observation of the spectacular courtship rituals of the American Woodcock at sundown in a sector of Gatineau.  Please visit the Club's website (www.coo.qc.ca) or contact the Club by e-mail (info@coo.qc.ca) to find out the meeting time and place.
Martine Bouchard and Michel Vandal (Gatineau),
Jean-Pierre Artigau (Aylmer)

Monday, April 2, 6:30-8 p.m.: Ottawa Library--Greenboro, 363 Lorrie Greenberg Drive : Roy John, Canadian Field-Naturalist 's Book Review Editor and ardent eco-traveler, shares his travels to Europe's northern islands - the Svaldbard Peninsula . See wildlife and the effect of the mighty Gulf Stream in The European Arctic . Information and registration 613-580-2957
Slides of the boat, the accommodation, the history, the people, and the flora and fauna enchanted seven people.

Tuesday, April 3, 6:30-8 p.m.: Ottawa Library--Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive , Nepean : Birgit Braune, Research Scientist with Environment Canada and Adjunct Professor at Carleton University , shares her research on Contaminants in the Arctic , focusing on the arctic marine environment with particular emphasis on seabirds. Information and registration (613) 580-2710
Because of equipment failure, the event was cancelled.

Wednesday, April 4, 6:30-8 p.m.: Ottawa Library--Carlingwood, 281 Woodroffe Avenue: Dr. Richard Harington, currently Curator of Quaternary Zoology Emeritus at the Canadian Museum of Nature, has spent many years studying ice age mammals and describes the findings in a fossil site near the head of Strathcona Fiord on Ellesmere Island in Life at a 4 Million Year Old Beaver Pond in High Arctic Canada . Registration (613) 725-2449
A very interesting talk was enjoyed by 8 participants.

Thursday, April 5, 6:30-8 p.m.: Ottawa Library-- Main , 120 Metcalfe Street , Ottawa : Tony Gaston, Research Scientist studying marine birds, describes Birds and Ice: How Climate Change is Affecting Marine Birds in Canada's North . Many of these birds are specifically adapted to life around sea ice - speculate about changes that are already under way and their future in a warmer world. Registration: (613) 236-0301 or 580-2945
Nine people attended a very interesting session.

Tuesday, April 10, 6:30-8 p.m.: Ottawa Library--Carlingwood, 281 Woodroffe Avenue: Max Finkelstein, spokesman for the Canadian Heritage Rivers System, Canada's national river conservation program, will help you Discover Northern Waters on his pictorial journey to the Thelon River in the central barrens, the Bonnet Plume River and the Mountain River in the Mackenzie Mountains, Soper River on Baffin Island, and the Anderson River of the western Arctic. Information and Registration (613) 725-2449
A group of 15 people gathered at the Carlingwood library to hear Max Finkelstein talk about some of the Heritage Rivers of Northern Canada. A number of the participants had been to a presentation by Max before, but always appreciate the images and stories of Max`s adventures. Max has made it a mission to personally explore many of the rivers designated as Heritage Rivers. He talks about the ecology and people living in the area from first hand experience. Once again, this was a fascinating and interesting presentation!

Wednesday, April 11, 6:30-8 p.m.: Ottawa Library–Ruth E. Dickinson, 100 Malvern, Barrhaven: Tobi Kieswalter, Senior Natural Heritage Education Leader at Murphys Point Provincial Park , will present a short video, powerpoint and a live captive snake to describe the Black Ratsnake and Other Reptiles at Risk in Eastern Ontario . Information and Registration (613) 580-2796
Tobi Kieswalter made an excellent presentation on black rat snakes to an audience of 14 people. Tobi's enthusiasm was contagious and the audience quickly became active participants. Tobi used visual aids - pictures and a video - which added to the appeal of his presentation. At the end of the presentation the audience was able to hold and touch a real-live black rat snake.

Thursday, April 12, 6:30-8:00 p.m.: Ottawa Library--Alta Vista, 2516 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa: Irwin Brodo, Research Associate and Lichenologist Emeritus at the Canadian Museum of Nature, shows the beauty and significance of Lichens in Canada's Northern Lands , the most conspicuous and abundant form of vegetation in much of boreal woodlands and in many parts of the arctic. Information and Registration (613) 737-2837
An interactive crowd of 13 people enjoyed the excellent presentation and asked lots of questions.

Friday, April 13, 7-10 p.m. (French): Gatineau Park Visitors Centre, 33 Scott Road, Chelsea QC: Friends of Gatineau Park of Gatineau Park present The Dusk Series 2006 –Frog Chorus : When day becomes night, when so many animals wake, when the sun gives way to the moon and stars… it's the Dusk Series in Gatineau Park! Join Rob Alvo, an amphibian specialist as he presents slides on these vocal amphibians and introduces us to their different songs. Afterwards, we will go into the Park, enjoy the concert and identify who is who! All participants will receive a free CD with frog calls from the Frogwatch Programme! Adults $15 (Members $12), Seniors/Students $12 (Members $10), Children $5 Information and Registration: (819) 827-2020 http://www.friendsofgatineaupark.ca
15 participants saw many yellow-spotted salamanders who congregate in shall ponds for only one or two nights to mate!

Friday, April 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Stony Swamp Parking Lot #8, Moodie Drive, south of Hunt Club, Nepean: Family Nature Walk at Stony Swamp: Naturalist Martha Webber will encourage participants to discover the wonders of the night sounds and sights of nature in spring. Information: (613) 839-5217
Despite the weather, there were over 20 at Stoney Swamp lst Friday night, lots of kids. Braedon, my bird expert from two summers of camp, came along. A barred owl kept an eye on us. A huge hollow tree with lots of fresh porcupine quills scattered below was discovered. A neat raccoon print preserved in snow at the bottom of a 6 inch deep hollow center of a stump was perfect. A little girl found a jade green hemiptera under the leaves. The true bug was the color of her jacket. The nosy beaver surfaced and splashed at us. No ice on the ponds but no frogs calling. I used my frog tape and the Wildlife posture of Ont. frogs, which pleased Ron Hibbler who designed it. A bright night, clouds but no real rain and warm.

Club des ornithologues de l'Outaouais
Sunday, April 15: Marshes Between Angers and Thurso
Observation of ducks and raptors migrating through our famous marshes along the Ottawa River.  At this time of year, it is possible to see eagles eating dead fish near the open bays.  Meeting time and place: 8:30 am at Gatineau airport.  Planned length of the outing: the morning.  For more information, please contact info@coo.qc.ca. Roland Schryer and Marcel Bélanger

Monday, April 16, 6:30-8 p.m.; Ottawa Library-Centennial, 3870 Richmond Road, Bells Corners: Lynn Kaplansky, biologist, Girl Guide leader and member of the Wildlife Festival Committee, whose life-long interest in natural history brought her childhood dream to reality and she shares her memories of Bathurst Inlet - An Arctic Oasis in July . Registration (613) 828-5142
Five participants, one of whom was a companion on the trip, kept up a lively, interactive discussion with Lynn . We all felt we had been there.

Tuesday, April 17, 6:30-8 p.m.: Ottawa Library-- Main , 120 Metcalfe Street , Ottawa : Dr. Grant Gilchrist, Research Scientist with Environment Canada, shares his research and experiences with marine birds in his presentation The Ecology of Eider Ducks Wintering in the Arctic . Registration: (613) 236-0301 or 580-2945
A fantastic, very well received presentation with a very enthusiastic audience who asked many questions. The slides were incredible as he had just come back from the Arctic .

Wednesday , April 18, 6:00-9:30 p.m. : Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod Street (at Metcalfe), Ottawa: Canada's North-- Ours to Protect, The World's to Cherish: An informative and engaging evening with an excellent panel of speakers: Jeremy Inglis , Senior Fish and Wildlife Resources Specialist, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, on polar bear research; David Murray , Parks Planner, Parks Canada, on northern parks; and David Phillips , Senior Climatologist, Environment Canada, on weather and climate. Information tables, displays, handouts, and refreshments. Free admission. Organized by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club/Fletcher Wildlife Garden, the Canadian Museum of Nature, Parks Canada and the Wildlife Festival. Information: (613) 831-2253
About 150 very interested individuals enjoyed the session, the exhibits and the reception. Jeremy Inglis introduced us in picture and word to the world of polar bears; David Murray made us all aware of the many national parks in the north with breathtaking photos; David Phillips provided a great deal of information through witty stories and anecdotes, while giving us much to think about concerning climate change.

Thursday, April 19, 6:30-8 p.m.: Ottawa Library--Hazeldean, 50 Castlefrank Road , Kanata : John Waithaka, Conservation Biologist from Kenya , shows us East Africa Parks Under Siege as the parks face the posing threats of climate change whose solutions lie outside their expertise. Information and Registration (613) 836-1900
21 people, including a Girl Guide troop, listened attentively as John outlined the situation with respect to wildlife in Kenya and the surrounding areas.

Club des ornithologues de l'Outaouais
Thursday, April 19: Birds and Birding Sites of the Outaouais Conference
presented in collaboration with the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Club des ornithologues de l'Outaouais (COO).  Presentation of the main bird species of the Outaouais and of some easily accessible birding sites.
Meeting time and place: 7 - 8:30 pm in the Frank Ling conference room of the Museum of Nature building at 1740 Pink Road in Aylmer.  There will be a nominal entrance fee.  For more information, please contact info@coo.qc.ca. Gérard Desjardins, COO and Tara Conroy, Museum of Nature

Friday, April 20, 7-10 p.m. (English): Gatineau Park Visitors Centre, 33 Scott Road , Chelsea QC: Friends of Gatineau Park of Gatineau Park present The Dusk Series 2006 –Frog Chorus : (See March 13 for details.)
42 people heard spring peepers and an American Toad. They saw green frogs, bull frogs and a red-backed salamander, as well as yellow-spotted salamander eggs. In addition to the amphibians' chorus, they heard woodcock and saw a male's mating “dance”.

Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Open House at Wolf Grove Woods: Explore the woods and harvest wild edible plants with botanist, Martha Webber. Bring a lunch and supplement from the wild. Meet at Metcalfe Park in Almonte. Information (613) 839-5217
The weather brought out about 50 people, tried to count them a few times but it is like counting chickens, lots of kids running around. Garter snakes just out of hibernation and slow moving Wood frogs in full chorus and a few spring peepers waking up.  Too dry on the slopes, very few plants visible, Enough wild leeks for our use.  Pauline found the print of a huge bear, fresh made in the mud.  Turtle sunning. We all had some stage of spring fever and were in no hurry.  A chickadee landed on any hand that held seeds..I identified a fisher den exactly below the caves where the porcupines used to shelter. Fresh chewed furry skin outside, bones all gone, that David Campbell identified tonight as muscrat belly fur.  Several actually saw the fisher which took off when our group arrived.  We played camouflage games , built a debris shelter, tried to involve everyone.

Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive, Ottawa: Eco-Stewardship Fair: Exhibitions and seminars on maximizing energy savings, healthy lifestyles and homes, g r eening your home and community, eco products, services and informative programs, “freecycle”–the never-ending free on-line garage sale, hands-on children's corner with Earth Day Ottawa , all-faith Sacred Earth Celebration . Free admission. Information: www.ottawaecofair.ca (613) 599-3112
This year lived up to its goal of “bigger and better”.

Sunday, April 22, 10 a.m.-Noon: Alba Wilderness School , Lanark: Nature Hike to Blue Berry Mountain : 5 km interpretive hike to the top of Blue Berry Mountain , the highest lookout in the area. Dramatization of life of John Muir, famous adventurous conservationist with a natural scientific focus, and naturalist's ability to commune deeply with nature. Donations appreciated. Information and registration (613) 259-3236
Good weather attracted 21 people for a great walk and an interesting day.

Monday, April 23, 6:30-8 p.m.: Ottawa Library–Elmvale Acres, 1910 St. Laurent : For 7 years, Sophie Borcoman called Nahanni National Park Reserve home. She shares her stories in The South Nahanni Watershed: A Place Worth Protecting . Information and registration (613) 738-0619
Sophie Borcoman talked about her experiences in the Nahanni and the North to a rapt audience of 21. David Murray, Parks Planner for Northern Parks, joined her and discussed the activities that are taking place in the North with respect to park expansion, global warming and mining.

Tuesday, April 24, 6:30-8 p.m.: Ottawa Library–Orleans, 1705 Orleans Boulevard , Orleans : French Presentation: Geological technician and expedition guide, Stéphane Levesque gives us An Overview of the High Arctic Wildlife Situation on Somerset Island , Nunavut , with a special focus on the belugas and the polar bear population. Information and Registration: (613) 824-1962
A group of 7 participants were fascinated by the presentation on the wildlife and life on Somerset Island in Nunavut at the Orleans Branch Library in Orleans . Stéphane Lévesque has spent two summer seasons as a guide with Arctic Watch Lodge. He talked about the beluga whales, the polar bears and muskox that can be seen near or on Somerset Island . He also told stories of the people who live near and visit these islands. Everyone was enchanted by the images and the stories. This french presentation was well worth the evening.

Club des ornithologues de l'Outaouais
Tuesday, April 24: Morning at Leamy Lake
Observation of the progression of spring migration on and around Leamy Lake. Meeting time and place: 9 am in the Leamy Lake parking lot that can be reached by the boulevard de la Carrière.  Why not finish this outing by joining the group for a coffee?  For more information, please contact info@coo.qc.ca. André Cloutier

Wednesday, April 25, 6:30-8 p.m.: Ottawa Library--Beaverbrook, 2500 Campeau Drive , Kanata : Roy John, Canadian Field- Naturalist 's Book Review Editor and ardent eco-traveller, shares his travels to Canada 's remarkable Arctic to see wildlife, what we share with Europe and Russia and changes that are affecting our northern people. Information and Registration: (613) 592-2712
Beautiful slides of the flora, fauna and scenery of the North were enjoyed by 12 participants.

Wednesday-Friday, April 25-27: Tenth Annual Ottawa Envirothon: Hands-on high school environmental competition. This year's special theme: Alternative Renewable Energies (English) Information: Joffre Côté (613) 692-0014
Eleven teams competed and Elmwood H.S. won first place for the 3rd year in a row. A.Y. Jackson Secondary School was second.

Thursday, April 26, 6:30-8 p.m.: Ottawa Library–Ruth E. Dickinson, 100 Malvern, Barrhaven: Laurie Consaul, Canadian Museum of Nature, shares her love and research for the more than 400 species of vascular arctic plants in The Beauty and Braun of Arctic Plants . Information and Registration (613) 580-2796
Six very keen people attended the session which had an interactive component at the end. Laurie provided the participants with a couple of mounted plant samples and had them figure out what species they were by using a computer key.

Friday, April 27, 7:30 a.m.: Jack Pine Trail Parking Lot, Moodie Drive, South of Hunt Club, Nepean : Tony Beck's Guided Nature Walk at the Jack Pine Trail: Early spring field trip for adults into one of Ottawa 's most diverse natural areas. Experience marsh, forest and field as they awaken from winter. Bring waterproof footwear, binoculars and insect repellent. Dress for weather. $10 fee fundraiser for Wild Bird Care Centre. Information and reservations: (613) 828-2849
The fundraiser went very well. We had 14 participants and collected $190 for the Wild Bird Care Centre. The day was relatively cool. But, we had several birds, including a variety of sparrows and kinglets.

Saturday, April 28, 8-10 a.m.: Down to Earth Gardens, 420 Haskins Road, Burritt's Rapids South between Merrickville and Kemptville, off Highway 43 and Burritts Rapids Road: Birding 101 Along the Old Stagecoach Trail: Explore nature's haven for bird watchers along the historic Old Stagecoach Trail with John Mackenzie, retired MNR wildlife technician, and Patti Pokorchak of Down to Earth Gardens. Information and registration: patti@equisol.ca
(613) 269 2687 www.downtoearthgardens.ca
A nice day for a long nature walk attracted 16 people who also found some wild edibles, notably wild leek.

Monday, April 30, 6:30-8 p.m.: Ottawa Library--Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive , Nepean : Gene Canning, artist and host of WPBS TV's Journeys of an Artist, describes his experiences with the Wolves of Algonquin Park and the ongoing research into their status and survival. Registration (613) 580-2710
Gene entertained a captive audience of 20 people with slides and accounts of tagging wolves and information about the flora and fauna of Algonquin Park .

Wednesday, May 2, 6:30-8 p.m.: Ottawa Library–Sunnyside, 1049 Bank Street: Jim Robertson, talented wildlife photographer, presents with music the AV multimedia slide shows:
Iqaluit, a many-faceted walk around the town ;
Beekeeping, a close-up of beekeeping and honey production ;
Maple Magic, how does the syrup get from the tree to the table? ; Florida's Feathered Friends, a trip through several birding areas ;
Birds of Petrie Island, images and calls ;
Turtles of Petrie Island, a look at the three main species ;
Reflections on Fall, a look at nature's mastery with tree leaves in October , and 3 other short, entertaining pieces . Information and registration (613) 730-1082.
Jim Robertson's presentation was a series of short videos featuring his photography set to music. The audience - of about 20 people - seemed captivated and interested in his photography. Jim was enthusiastic and his presentation demonstrated his love of photography and for wildlife.

Club des ornithologues de l'Outaouais
Thursday, May 3: Leamy Lake at Dusk
Observation of the progression of spring migration on and around Leamy Lake. Meeting time and place: 6 pm in the Leamy Lake parking lot that can be reached by the boulevard de la Carrière.  For more information, please contact info@coo.qc.ca. Josée Soucie

Wednesday-Thursday, May 9-10: MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre, 3635 Highway 17 East, Cumberland : L'Envirothon Franco-Ontarien: Annual French high school environmental competition for schools in Prescott-Russell and Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry. Suzanne Lafrance (613) 679-0936
Four groups of five students participated. The winner was L'École secondaire Catholique Le Relais from Alexandria .

Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m.-Noon: Fletcher Wildlife Garden , Prince of Wales Drive (Experimental Farm): International Migratory Bird Day: Guided birding walk, free refreshments, displays and handouts. (613) 234-6767
The walk, themed "Birds in a Changing Climate “, was led by Peter Fuller, a very keen and knowledgeable birder. Over 40 participants discovered 38 species of birds on a very cool and windy day. Everyone had a great time. There were also displays and handouts.

Club des ornithologues de l'Outaouais
Saturday, May 12: Petrie Island: Woodland, shore and aquatic birds In collaboration with "Science pour tous" (Science for All) during the province-wide activities organized for the "24 heures de science" (24 hours of Science) and the International Migratory Bird Day, the COO invites you to discover a little known area that is rich in unsuspected treasures! Petrie Island is on the Ottawa River between Orleans and Cumberland (accessible by car).  Meeting time and place: 8 am at the camping parking lot (fees apply). of Petrie Island (the lot at the back, not the large new lot for the beach). Trim Road exit, after Place d'Orleans.  Waterproof boots are strongly recommended.  For more information, please contact info@coo.qc.ca. Gerhard Bruins and Pascal Samson