OUTINGS
MFN offers outdoor activities in all seasons. Outings provide opportunities for participants to enjoy the great outdoors and to learn more about natural history and conservation. Outings are usually local to Muskoka, but we occasionally venture farther afield. They are usually free and are open to members and non-members alike. All ages and skill levels are welcome, so come on out and join in the fun.
MFN offers outdoor activities in all seasons. Outings provide opportunities for participants to enjoy the great outdoors and to learn more about natural history and conservation. Outings are usually local to Muskoka, but we occasionally venture farther afield. They are usually free and are open to members and non-members alike. All ages and skill levels are welcome, so come on out and join in the fun.
UPCOMING OUTINGS
TBA
Muskoka Field Naturalists
PAST OUTINGS
Birding walk with Aaron Rusak
Join MFN President Aaron Rusak for an early spring birding walk at the Violet Drive Trail in Georgian Bay Township. Details TBA
Sunday, 15 May 2022
Great Canadian Birdathon/Global Big Day
Meet at Kerr Park at 7:00 a.m. Lagoon sightings will be first on the list before moving on to traditional birding locations. The goal is to count species, not birds, so lots of territory will be covered. Pledges collected are sent to Bird Studies Canada with MFN receiving 25% of the proceeds. Come out for a great spring outing and be the one to find that rare species! Note that several die-hard birders will be meeting at the snowplow turnaround (just north of Partridge Lane) on South Monck Drive for the dawn chorus at 5:00 a.m. Yes, you read that correctly. Join us if you like standing around in the dark listening for birds and trying to keep warm!
Sunday, 16 December 2018
Christmas Bird Count and Pot-Luck Supper - Plan to join us!
Counters will meet at 9 a.m. at the rear of the post office in Bracebridge or McDonalds' in Gravenhurst. Bring binoculars, warm clothes, field guides, lunch (or plan a Tim Horton's stop). Re-Assemble at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Bracebridge between 4:00 and 5:00 for some warm-up refreshments followed by our annual pot-luck! Top last year's numbers by joining a team and bone-up on your birding skills! If you have a birding question, call Al at 645-2848. For a supper question, call Gayle Carlyle, the pot-luck coordinator, at 705-689-1600.
Sunday, 23 September 2018
Christmas Bird Count and Potluck Supper
Sunday, 18 December 2022
Christmas Bird Count
Christmas Bird Count
Plan to join us! The more participants, the better the count results. Counters will meet at 9 a.m. at the rear of the post office in Bracebridge or McDonalds' in Gravenhurst. Bring binoculars, warm clothes, field guides, lunch (or plan a Tim Horton's stop). Top last year's numbers by joining a team and bone-up on your birding skills! If you have a birding question, call Al at 645-2848.
This year there will not be a pot-luck dinner at the end. We'll have a Zoom conference to run through the total counts for the day. More info on how to join the Zoom call will be emailed to interested members closer to the date.
Saturday, 7 May 2022This year there will not be a pot-luck dinner at the end. We'll have a Zoom conference to run through the total counts for the day. More info on how to join the Zoom call will be emailed to interested members closer to the date.
Birding walk with Aaron Rusak
Join MFN President Aaron Rusak for an early spring birding walk at the Violet Drive Trail in Georgian Bay Township. Details TBA
Sunday, 15 May 2022
Great Canadian Birdathon/Global Big Day
Meet at Kerr Park at 7:00 a.m. Lagoon sightings will be first on the list before moving on to traditional birding locations. The goal is to count species, not birds, so lots of territory will be covered. Pledges collected are sent to Bird Studies Canada with MFN receiving 25% of the proceeds. Come out for a great spring outing and be the one to find that rare species! Note that several die-hard birders will be meeting at the snowplow turnaround (just north of Partridge Lane) on South Monck Drive for the dawn chorus at 5:00 a.m. Yes, you read that correctly. Join us if you like standing around in the dark listening for birds and trying to keep warm!
Saturday, 16 May 2020 Cancelled
The Great Canadian Birdathon
Meet at Kerr Park at 7:00 a.m. to car pool. Lagoon sightings will be first on the list before moving on to traditional birding locations. The goal is to count species, not birds, so lots of territory will be covered. Pledges collected are sent to Bird Studies Canada with MFN receiving 25% of the proceeds. Come out for a great spring outing and be the one to find that rare species!The Great Canadian Birdathon
Saturday, 13 June 2020 Cancelled
Wildflower walk with David Hawke
David will be leading the group at the Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the trailhead on Riverdale Road. The Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve is located just east of Washago. Take Highway 11 south to the Canal Road off-ramp and take the immediate left onto Brady Drive, to go over the highway. At Muskoka Road, turn right (south). At the second left, Coopers Falls Road, turn left and continue to Riverdale Road on the right. Follow it to the end of the road, and park at the cul-de-sac.
Saturday, 27 June 2020 Cancelled
Butterfly Count
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Ragged Rapids hydro parking lot. Take Road 38 from Bala, roughly 5 km to Ragged Rapids Road (make a right turn), follow Ragged Rapids Road to the hydro parking lot keeping left all the way. Bring lunch. Spare nets will be available. After initial introduction and ID of butterflies, the group will search out different routes reconvening at Jaspen Park at approximately 3:30 p.m. If it is raining heavily or the wind is strong, postponement to Sunday is a distinct possibility. If in doubt, phone Al at 645-2848.
Saturday, 8 February 2020
Swan Watching in Washago - 10:30 a.m.
Meet Susan Best at the dock in Washago to see Trumpeter Swans. She gave us a wonderful program on these swans at our September meeting. Susan suggests wearing a warmer layer of clothes than you think you'll need... it can be a chilly morning there with crisp winds coming off the lake. She suggests Hoopers in Washago for a warm-up hot chocolate and snacks after the sightings. Directions: Exit Highway 169 at Washago. Drive right towards town and turn on Quetton Street (at the Anglican Church). Go straight ahead and stop before you drive into the lake! There's limited parking by the municipal wharf, but more in the park beside it.
Sunday, 15 December 2019
Christmas Bird Count and Pot-Luck Supper
Wildflower walk with David Hawke
David will be leading the group at the Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the trailhead on Riverdale Road. The Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve is located just east of Washago. Take Highway 11 south to the Canal Road off-ramp and take the immediate left onto Brady Drive, to go over the highway. At Muskoka Road, turn right (south). At the second left, Coopers Falls Road, turn left and continue to Riverdale Road on the right. Follow it to the end of the road, and park at the cul-de-sac.
Saturday, 27 June 2020 Cancelled
Butterfly Count
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Ragged Rapids hydro parking lot. Take Road 38 from Bala, roughly 5 km to Ragged Rapids Road (make a right turn), follow Ragged Rapids Road to the hydro parking lot keeping left all the way. Bring lunch. Spare nets will be available. After initial introduction and ID of butterflies, the group will search out different routes reconvening at Jaspen Park at approximately 3:30 p.m. If it is raining heavily or the wind is strong, postponement to Sunday is a distinct possibility. If in doubt, phone Al at 645-2848.
Saturday, 8 February 2020
Swan Watching in Washago - 10:30 a.m.
Meet Susan Best at the dock in Washago to see Trumpeter Swans. She gave us a wonderful program on these swans at our September meeting. Susan suggests wearing a warmer layer of clothes than you think you'll need... it can be a chilly morning there with crisp winds coming off the lake. She suggests Hoopers in Washago for a warm-up hot chocolate and snacks after the sightings. Directions: Exit Highway 169 at Washago. Drive right towards town and turn on Quetton Street (at the Anglican Church). Go straight ahead and stop before you drive into the lake! There's limited parking by the municipal wharf, but more in the park beside it.
Sunday, 15 December 2019
Christmas Bird Count and Pot-Luck Supper
Plan to join us! The more participants, the better the count results. Counters will meet at 9 a.m. at the rear of the post office in Bracebridge or McDonalds' in Gravenhurst. Bring binoculars, warm clothes, field guides, lunch (or plan a Tim Horton's stop). Re-Assemble at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Bracebridge between 4:00 and 5:00 for some warm-up refreshments followed by our annual pot-luck! Top last year's numbers by joining a team and bone-up on your birding skills! If you have a birding question, call Al at 645-2848. For a supper question, call Gayle Carlyle, the pot-luck coordinator, at 705-689-1600.
Hike at Abbey Gardens, Haliburton
Hike at Abbey Gardens, Haliburton
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Gardens located on Highway 118 East, 10 minutes from Highway 35/118 intersection. Watch for the Gardens on the right-hand side (1km west of West Guilford Road). Salamander stations have been established along the hiking route. Mushrooms will also be plentiful. Plan for about 2 hours. Hike to be led by staff member, Heather Reid. A donation is requested. Lunch and fresh produce can be purchased at the Gardens. Hike will be cancelled if raining.
Saturday, 22 June 2019
Butterfly Count
Meet Al Sinclair at 9:30 a.m. at Ragged Rapids hydro parking lot. Take Highway 38 from Bala, roughly 5 km to Ragged Rapids Road (make a right turn), follow Ragged Rapids Road to the hydro parking lot keeping left all the way. Bring lunch. Spare nets will be available. After initial introduction and ID of butterflies, the group will search out different routes, reconvening at Jaspen Park at 3:30 p.m. If it is raining heavily or the wind is strong, postponement to Sunday is a distinct possibility. If in doubt, call Al at 645-2848.
Saturday, 11 May 2019 (Rain Date 12 May)
The Great Canadian Birdathon
Meet at Kerr Park at 7:00 a.m. to car pool. Lagoon sightings will be first on the list before moving on to traditional birding locations. The goal is to count species, not birds, so lots of territory will be covered. Pledges collected are sent to Bird Studies Canada with MFN receiving 25% of the proceeds. Come out for a great spring outing and be the one to find that rare species.Saturday, 22 June 2019
Butterfly Count
Meet Al Sinclair at 9:30 a.m. at Ragged Rapids hydro parking lot. Take Highway 38 from Bala, roughly 5 km to Ragged Rapids Road (make a right turn), follow Ragged Rapids Road to the hydro parking lot keeping left all the way. Bring lunch. Spare nets will be available. After initial introduction and ID of butterflies, the group will search out different routes, reconvening at Jaspen Park at 3:30 p.m. If it is raining heavily or the wind is strong, postponement to Sunday is a distinct possibility. If in doubt, call Al at 645-2848.
Saturday, 11 May 2019 (Rain Date 12 May)
The Great Canadian Birdathon
Sunday, 16 December 2018
Christmas Bird Count and Pot-Luck Supper - Plan to join us!
Counters will meet at 9 a.m. at the rear of the post office in Bracebridge or McDonalds' in Gravenhurst. Bring binoculars, warm clothes, field guides, lunch (or plan a Tim Horton's stop). Re-Assemble at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Bracebridge between 4:00 and 5:00 for some warm-up refreshments followed by our annual pot-luck! Top last year's numbers by joining a team and bone-up on your birding skills! If you have a birding question, call Al at 645-2848. For a supper question, call Gayle Carlyle, the pot-luck coordinator, at 705-689-1600.
Sunday, 23 September 2018
MFN has been invited to join a Mushroom Foray at Copeland Forest on Sept. 23, 10 a.m. Copeland Forest is near Craighurst. (Wallwin Tract, Simcoe County Forest, 6600 Concession Rd. 4, about 2.5 km north of County Rd. 5 near Everett). Cost $15; pre-registration required. Bring a basket and wax paper for collecting mushrooms, mushroom guide and any mushrooms from your own property that you wish to have identified. To register log onto the Dufferin Simcoe Land Stewardship Network. The form is listed in the July Events section.
Cancelled. Weather conditions for Saturday and the rain date, Sunday, are predicted to be wet and cool and not conducive to butterfly counting. See you next year!
Saturday 23 June 2018
Butterfly Count - led by Al Sinclair. Meet at 9:30 a.m. Ragged Rapids hydro parking lot. Take Highway 38 from Bala, roughly 5 km to Ragged Rapids Road (make a right turn), follow Ragged Rapids Road to the hydro parking lot keeping left all the way. Bring lunch. Spare nets will be available. After intital introduction and ID of butterflies, the group will search out different routes, reconvening at Jaspen Park, Bala, at 3:30 p.m. If it is raining heavily or the wind is strong, postponement to Sunday is a distinct possibility. If in doubt, phone Al at 645-2848.
Saturday, 12 May 2018 (rain date 13 May)
The Great Canadian Birdathon - Meet at Kerr Park at 7:00 a.m. Lagoon sightings will be first on the list before moving on to traditional birding locations. The goal is to count species, not birds, so lots of territory will be covered. Carpooling can be arranged before setting out from Kerr Park. Pledges collected are sent to Bird Studies Canada with the MFN receiving 25% of the proceeds. Come out for a great spring outing and be the one to find that rare species.
Saturday, 3 March 2018
Snowshoe (maybe) hike with Bill Dickinson. And, maybe we'll see some signs of spring! We'll help Bill clean out a couple of Wood Duck boxes and visit a beaver pond. Meet at 10:00 a.m. Plan for a couple of hours. Could be shorter if conditions are difficult. Meet at the end of Fairlight Glen Road. Take Santas Village Road, turn onto Leslie Drive, which ends at Fairlight Glen Road. Turn right and go to end of the road to park.
Sunday, 17 December 2017
Please join us for our annual Christmas Bird Count and Potluck Supper. Birders of all ages and skill levels are invited to join us as we search for birds in the Gravenhurst and Bracebridge areas. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the rear of the Post Office in Bracebridge or at McDonald's in Gravenhurst. Bring binoculars, warm clothes, field guides, lunch, (or plan for a Tim Horton's stop). Assemble at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Bracebridge between 4:00 and 5:00 for some warm-up refreshments followed by our annual pot-luck. If you have any birding questions, contact Al Sinclair at 645-2848. For pot-luck supper questions, contact Gayle Carlyle at 705-689-1600.
Saturday, 30 September 2017
Meet at Bracebridge Resource Centre at 9:30 a.m. for a walk and talk covering tree and shrub ID, ecology, succession, tree growth, disease, etc. Bill Dickinson and Jan Larsen, former MNR Forestry Tech, will be our leaders. The outing will end around noon.
Saturday, 24 June 2017
Please join us for the annual Butterfly Count led by Al Sinclair. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Ragged Rapids Hydro Parking lot. Take Highway 38 from Bala, roughly 5 km to Ragged Rapids Rd. (make a right turn), follow Ragged Rapids Road to the hydro parking lot keeping left all the way. Bring lunch. Spare nets will be available. After initial introduction and ID of butterflies, the group will search out different routes, reconvening at Jaspen Park at 3:30 p.m. If it is raining heavily, or the wind is strong, postponement to Sunday is a distinct possibility. If in doubt, phone Al at 645-2848. A $4.00 donation is requested by the National Butterfly Association (NABA) to defray publication results.
Saturday, 17 June 2017
Beausoleil Island Hike
We'll be led by their park naturalist on a trail that will skirt the island and feature birds, and whatever else nature has to offer. The views of Georgian Bay are spectacular. The June MFN meeting will whet your hiking appetite for an unforgettable outing. The cost is only $15.70 per person to cover the boat ride over to the island. No charge for the park this year in recognition of Canada's 150th birthday. Catch the boat at Honey Harbour at 10:30 a.m. and return at 2:30 p.m. Please sign up for this outing at the April and May meetings.
Monday, 12 June 2017
Torrance Barrens Evening Birdsong
A joint outing with the Huntsville Nature Club! Meet at 6:30 p.m. at Windsor Park in Bala (3070 Muskoka Road 169 on Lake Muskoka) for picnic supper and social hour. At 7:30 p.m.drive to Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve parking lot where George Bryant will lead the group in search of some of the interesting flowering plants on the barrens and help i.d the many songbirds such as Eastern Towhee, Hermit Thrush, Field Sparrow, Brown Thrasher, and Common Nighthawk. Just after sunset we should hear the emphatic whistle of Eastern Whip-poor-wills. Insect jackets and head nets recommended.
Saturday, 13 May 2017 (Rain date 14 May)
Join us for the annual Great Canadian Birdathon (formerly known as the Baillie Birdathon). While the name has changed the goal remains the same: to count as many species as possible and raise funds for both the MFN and Bird Studies Canada. We will meet at Kerr Park at 7:00 a.m. Lagoon sightings will be first on the list before moving on to other birding locations. Come out for a great spring outing and be the one to find that rare bird!
Sunday, 18 December, 2016Saturday 23 June 2018
Butterfly Count - led by Al Sinclair. Meet at 9:30 a.m. Ragged Rapids hydro parking lot. Take Highway 38 from Bala, roughly 5 km to Ragged Rapids Road (make a right turn), follow Ragged Rapids Road to the hydro parking lot keeping left all the way. Bring lunch. Spare nets will be available. After intital introduction and ID of butterflies, the group will search out different routes, reconvening at Jaspen Park, Bala, at 3:30 p.m. If it is raining heavily or the wind is strong, postponement to Sunday is a distinct possibility. If in doubt, phone Al at 645-2848.
Saturday, 12 May 2018 (rain date 13 May)
The Great Canadian Birdathon - Meet at Kerr Park at 7:00 a.m. Lagoon sightings will be first on the list before moving on to traditional birding locations. The goal is to count species, not birds, so lots of territory will be covered. Carpooling can be arranged before setting out from Kerr Park. Pledges collected are sent to Bird Studies Canada with the MFN receiving 25% of the proceeds. Come out for a great spring outing and be the one to find that rare species.
Saturday, 3 March 2018
Snowshoe (maybe) hike with Bill Dickinson. And, maybe we'll see some signs of spring! We'll help Bill clean out a couple of Wood Duck boxes and visit a beaver pond. Meet at 10:00 a.m. Plan for a couple of hours. Could be shorter if conditions are difficult. Meet at the end of Fairlight Glen Road. Take Santas Village Road, turn onto Leslie Drive, which ends at Fairlight Glen Road. Turn right and go to end of the road to park.
Sunday, 17 December 2017
Please join us for our annual Christmas Bird Count and Potluck Supper. Birders of all ages and skill levels are invited to join us as we search for birds in the Gravenhurst and Bracebridge areas. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the rear of the Post Office in Bracebridge or at McDonald's in Gravenhurst. Bring binoculars, warm clothes, field guides, lunch, (or plan for a Tim Horton's stop). Assemble at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Bracebridge between 4:00 and 5:00 for some warm-up refreshments followed by our annual pot-luck. If you have any birding questions, contact Al Sinclair at 645-2848. For pot-luck supper questions, contact Gayle Carlyle at 705-689-1600.
Saturday, 30 September 2017
Meet at Bracebridge Resource Centre at 9:30 a.m. for a walk and talk covering tree and shrub ID, ecology, succession, tree growth, disease, etc. Bill Dickinson and Jan Larsen, former MNR Forestry Tech, will be our leaders. The outing will end around noon.
Saturday, 24 June 2017
Please join us for the annual Butterfly Count led by Al Sinclair. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Ragged Rapids Hydro Parking lot. Take Highway 38 from Bala, roughly 5 km to Ragged Rapids Rd. (make a right turn), follow Ragged Rapids Road to the hydro parking lot keeping left all the way. Bring lunch. Spare nets will be available. After initial introduction and ID of butterflies, the group will search out different routes, reconvening at Jaspen Park at 3:30 p.m. If it is raining heavily, or the wind is strong, postponement to Sunday is a distinct possibility. If in doubt, phone Al at 645-2848. A $4.00 donation is requested by the National Butterfly Association (NABA) to defray publication results.
Saturday, 17 June 2017
Beausoleil Island Hike
We'll be led by their park naturalist on a trail that will skirt the island and feature birds, and whatever else nature has to offer. The views of Georgian Bay are spectacular. The June MFN meeting will whet your hiking appetite for an unforgettable outing. The cost is only $15.70 per person to cover the boat ride over to the island. No charge for the park this year in recognition of Canada's 150th birthday. Catch the boat at Honey Harbour at 10:30 a.m. and return at 2:30 p.m. Please sign up for this outing at the April and May meetings.
Monday, 12 June 2017
Torrance Barrens Evening Birdsong
A joint outing with the Huntsville Nature Club! Meet at 6:30 p.m. at Windsor Park in Bala (3070 Muskoka Road 169 on Lake Muskoka) for picnic supper and social hour. At 7:30 p.m.drive to Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve parking lot where George Bryant will lead the group in search of some of the interesting flowering plants on the barrens and help i.d the many songbirds such as Eastern Towhee, Hermit Thrush, Field Sparrow, Brown Thrasher, and Common Nighthawk. Just after sunset we should hear the emphatic whistle of Eastern Whip-poor-wills. Insect jackets and head nets recommended.
Saturday, 13 May 2017 (Rain date 14 May)
Join us for the annual Great Canadian Birdathon (formerly known as the Baillie Birdathon). While the name has changed the goal remains the same: to count as many species as possible and raise funds for both the MFN and Bird Studies Canada. We will meet at Kerr Park at 7:00 a.m. Lagoon sightings will be first on the list before moving on to other birding locations. Come out for a great spring outing and be the one to find that rare bird!
Christmas Bird Count and Potluck Supper
Counters will meet at 9:00 a.m. at the rear of the post office in Bracebridge or McDonald's in Gravenhurst. Bring binoculars, warm clothes, field guides, lunch (or plan for a Tim Horton's stop). Assemble at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Bracebridge between 4:00 and 5:00 for warm-up refreshments followed by our annual pot-luck! Top last year's numbers by joining a team and bone-up on your birding skills. Any questions call Al at 645-2848.
Saturday, 25 June 2016 (rain date June 26)
Please join us for the annual Butterfly Count led by Al Sinclair. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Ragged Rapids Hydro Parking lot. Take Highway 38 from Bala, roughly 5 km to Ragged Rapids Rd. (make a right turn), follow Ragged Rapids Road to the hydro parking lot keeping left all the way. Bring lunch. Spare nets will be available. After initial introduction and ID of butterflies, the group will search out different routes, reconvening at Jaspen Park at 3:30 p.m. If it is raining heavily, or the wind is strong, postponement to Sunday is a distinct possibility. If in doubt, phone Al at 645-2848. A $4.00 donation is requested by the National Butterfly Association (NABA) to defray publication results.
Saturday, 14 May 2016 (Rain date 15 May)
Join us for the annual Great Canadian Birdathon (formerly known as the Baillie Birdathon). While the name has changed the goal remains the same: to count as many species as possible and raise funds for both the MFN and Bird Studies Canada. We will meet at Kerr Park at 7:00 a.m. Lagoon sightings will be first on the list before moving on to other birding locations. Come out for a great spring outing and be the one to find that rare bird!
Saturday, 7 May 2016
MFN Lagoon Ramble
Meet at Kerr Park in Bracebridge at 8:00 a.m. for our annual walk around the Lagoons to search for early spring migrants. Bring your binoculars. Everyone welcome.
Saturday, 5 March 2016
Track With Jack 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
This never fails to be a great outing on a beautiful blue-sky morning. Enjoy an easy snowshoe trek through the woods with Jack Jennings identifying signs of animal activity. Bring a hot beverage and lunch to enjoy around a warming fire at Jack's place, #4065 Hwy. 118W (last place before the Hwy. 169 junction). Weather conditions have to be suitable for a successful outing so please contact Linda if in doubt.
Sunday, 20 December 2015
Please join us for our annual Christmas Bird Count and Potluck Supper. Birders of all ages and skill levels are invited to join us as we search for birds in the Gravenhurst and Bracebridge areas. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the rear of the Post Office in Bracebridge or at McDonald's in Gravenhurst. Bring binoculars, warm clothes, field guides, lunch, (or plan for a Tim Horton's stop). Assemble at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Bracebridge between 4:00 and 5:00 for some warm-up refreshments followed by our annual pot-luck.
Sunday, 27 September 2015
Canoe outing on Oxtongue Lake. If enough interest is shown. Meet at Algonquin Outfitters at 12 noon for put-in. Contact Linda if interested.
Saturday, 27 June 2015 (rain date June 28)
Please join us for the annual Butterfly Count. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Ragged Rapids Hydro Parking lot. Take Highway 38 from Bala, roughly 5 km to Ragged Rapids Rd. (make a right turn), follow Ragged Rapids Road to the hydro parking lot keeping left all the way. Bring lunch. Spare nets will be available. After initial introduction and ID of butterflies, the group will search out different routes, reconvening at Jaspen Park at 3:30 p.m. If it is raining heavily, or the wind is strong, postponement to Sunday is a distinct possibility. If in doubt, phone Al at 645-2848. A $4.00 donation is requested by the National Butterfly Association (NABA) to defray publication results.
Saturday, 13 June 2015
We're heading to Killbear Provincial Park to seek out rattlesnake habitat and see some of the sites that Kenton Otterbein will be referring to in his talk to the MFN on June 4. We'll meet Mike Colley, M.Sc. candidate from Laurentian University, for a rattlesnake tour. Mike has spent the last two years gathering data about the effectiveness of ecopassages. Meet at the Killbear Park Office at 10:30 a.m. for a 90 minute presentation. Bring a picnic lunch...maybe a lawn chair if you're nervous about sitting on the rocks in the sun, also a preferred spot for the rattlesnakes!
Saturday, 23 May 2015
The Great Canadian Birdathon (formerly known as the Baillie Birdathon)
The tradition continues, but with a new name! Join us in raising funds and awareness for bird conservation. Meet at Kerr Park at 7:00 a.m. Lagoon sightings will be first on the list before moving on to other local birding hotspots. Carpooling possible. Bring lunch.
Saturday, 2, 9, 16 May 2015
Lagoon Morning Ramble
Meet at Kerr Park at 8:00 a.m.to search for early migrants in the air and on the water.Saturday, 25 June 2016 (rain date June 26)
Please join us for the annual Butterfly Count led by Al Sinclair. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Ragged Rapids Hydro Parking lot. Take Highway 38 from Bala, roughly 5 km to Ragged Rapids Rd. (make a right turn), follow Ragged Rapids Road to the hydro parking lot keeping left all the way. Bring lunch. Spare nets will be available. After initial introduction and ID of butterflies, the group will search out different routes, reconvening at Jaspen Park at 3:30 p.m. If it is raining heavily, or the wind is strong, postponement to Sunday is a distinct possibility. If in doubt, phone Al at 645-2848. A $4.00 donation is requested by the National Butterfly Association (NABA) to defray publication results.
Saturday, 14 May 2016 (Rain date 15 May)
Join us for the annual Great Canadian Birdathon (formerly known as the Baillie Birdathon). While the name has changed the goal remains the same: to count as many species as possible and raise funds for both the MFN and Bird Studies Canada. We will meet at Kerr Park at 7:00 a.m. Lagoon sightings will be first on the list before moving on to other birding locations. Come out for a great spring outing and be the one to find that rare bird!
Saturday, 7 May 2016
MFN Lagoon Ramble
Meet at Kerr Park in Bracebridge at 8:00 a.m. for our annual walk around the Lagoons to search for early spring migrants. Bring your binoculars. Everyone welcome.
Saturday, 5 March 2016
Track With Jack 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
This never fails to be a great outing on a beautiful blue-sky morning. Enjoy an easy snowshoe trek through the woods with Jack Jennings identifying signs of animal activity. Bring a hot beverage and lunch to enjoy around a warming fire at Jack's place, #4065 Hwy. 118W (last place before the Hwy. 169 junction). Weather conditions have to be suitable for a successful outing so please contact Linda if in doubt.
Sunday, 20 December 2015
Please join us for our annual Christmas Bird Count and Potluck Supper. Birders of all ages and skill levels are invited to join us as we search for birds in the Gravenhurst and Bracebridge areas. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the rear of the Post Office in Bracebridge or at McDonald's in Gravenhurst. Bring binoculars, warm clothes, field guides, lunch, (or plan for a Tim Horton's stop). Assemble at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Bracebridge between 4:00 and 5:00 for some warm-up refreshments followed by our annual pot-luck.
Sunday, 27 September 2015
Canoe outing on Oxtongue Lake. If enough interest is shown. Meet at Algonquin Outfitters at 12 noon for put-in. Contact Linda if interested.
Saturday, 27 June 2015 (rain date June 28)
Please join us for the annual Butterfly Count. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Ragged Rapids Hydro Parking lot. Take Highway 38 from Bala, roughly 5 km to Ragged Rapids Rd. (make a right turn), follow Ragged Rapids Road to the hydro parking lot keeping left all the way. Bring lunch. Spare nets will be available. After initial introduction and ID of butterflies, the group will search out different routes, reconvening at Jaspen Park at 3:30 p.m. If it is raining heavily, or the wind is strong, postponement to Sunday is a distinct possibility. If in doubt, phone Al at 645-2848. A $4.00 donation is requested by the National Butterfly Association (NABA) to defray publication results.
Saturday, 13 June 2015
We're heading to Killbear Provincial Park to seek out rattlesnake habitat and see some of the sites that Kenton Otterbein will be referring to in his talk to the MFN on June 4. We'll meet Mike Colley, M.Sc. candidate from Laurentian University, for a rattlesnake tour. Mike has spent the last two years gathering data about the effectiveness of ecopassages. Meet at the Killbear Park Office at 10:30 a.m. for a 90 minute presentation. Bring a picnic lunch...maybe a lawn chair if you're nervous about sitting on the rocks in the sun, also a preferred spot for the rattlesnakes!
Saturday, 23 May 2015
The Great Canadian Birdathon (formerly known as the Baillie Birdathon)
The tradition continues, but with a new name! Join us in raising funds and awareness for bird conservation. Meet at Kerr Park at 7:00 a.m. Lagoon sightings will be first on the list before moving on to other local birding hotspots. Carpooling possible. Bring lunch.
Saturday, 2, 9, 16 May 2015
Lagoon Morning Ramble
Saturday, 7 March 2015
Track With Jack
This never fails to be a great outing on a beautiful blue-sky morning. Enjoy an easy snowshoe trek through the woods with Jack Jennings identifying signs of animal activity. Bring a hot beverage and lunch to enjoy around a warming fire at Jack's place. Weather conditions have to be suitable for a successful outing so please sign up at the March meeting so that last minute calls can be made if rescheduling is necessary. Details and directions will be made available at the March meeting.
Sunday, 14 December 2014
Christmas Bird Count and Potluck Supper
Counters will meet at 9:00 a.m. at the rear of the Post Office in Bracebridge or at McDonald's in Gravenhurst. Bring binoculars, warm clothes, field guides, lunch, (or plan for a Tim Horton's stop). Assemble at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Bracebridge between 4:00 and 5:00 for some warm-up refreshments followed by our annual pot-luck. All ages and skill levels welcome.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Supper and Wildflower Hike at George and Stephanie Bryant's Cottage - 4:00 p.m.
George and Stephanie will lead a wildflower hike around their cottage property, followed by a picnic supper. For more information and directions please see the May-June Wakerobin.
Saturday, June 28, 2014 (raindate June 29)
Bala Butterfly Count
Al Sinclair and Ron Stager will lead the 16th annual count as part of the North American Butterfly Association's program for education and conserving butterflies. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Ragged Rapids Hydro parking lot. Take Highway 38 from Bala, roughly 5 km to Ragged Rapids Road, make a right turn, follow Ragged Rapids Road to the hydro parking lot, keeping left all the way. Bring lunch. Spare nets will be available. After initial introductions and ID of butterflies, the group will split up for different routes, reconvening at Jaspen Park at 3:30 p.m. If it is raining heavily, or the wind is strong, postponement to Sunday is a distinct possibility. If in doubt, phone Al at 646-2848 or Ron at 684-9194. A $4 donation is requested by the National Butterfly Association to defray publication costs.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
In Search of Cerulean Warblers at Awenda Provincial Park
A guided hike in search of Cerulean Warblers will be led by park naturalist, Tim Tully. The hike will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will last until noon. We will car pool from McDonalds in Gravenhurst meeting there at 8:20 a.m., or you can meet up with the group at Awenda at 10:00 a.m.
Friday, May 30 - Sunday June 1, 2014
Hamilton Field Trip
We will be travelling to the Hamilton area to link up with members of the Hamilton Naturalists Club who will introduce us to some of their favourite areas. We will do some birding along the Lake Ontario shoreline, search for regional specialties such as Hooded Warbler, Louisianna Waterthrush, and Cerulean Warbler in remnant Carolinian forest, and explore the unique geology of the Eramosa Karst. For details, talk to Linda at the April or May MFN Meeting.
Saturday, May 24, 2014 (raindate May 25)
Baillie Birdathon
Meet at Kerr Park, Bracebridge at 7:00 a.m. to walk the Lagoons first and then carpool to various locations throughout Muskoka. The goal is to count species, not birds, so we try to cover a lot of territory and visit a variety of habitats. Pledges collected are sent to Bird Studies Canada, with MFN receiving 25% of proceeds. 2013 pledges totalled $246.25. Let's try to make it $300 for 2014!
Saturday, May 3, 2014
MFN Lagoon Ramble
Meet at Kerr Park at 8:30 a.m. for our annual walk around the Lagoons to search for early spring migrants. Everyone welcome.Track With Jack
This never fails to be a great outing on a beautiful blue-sky morning. Enjoy an easy snowshoe trek through the woods with Jack Jennings identifying signs of animal activity. Bring a hot beverage and lunch to enjoy around a warming fire at Jack's place. Weather conditions have to be suitable for a successful outing so please sign up at the March meeting so that last minute calls can be made if rescheduling is necessary. Details and directions will be made available at the March meeting.
Sunday, 14 December 2014
Christmas Bird Count and Potluck Supper
Counters will meet at 9:00 a.m. at the rear of the Post Office in Bracebridge or at McDonald's in Gravenhurst. Bring binoculars, warm clothes, field guides, lunch, (or plan for a Tim Horton's stop). Assemble at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Bracebridge between 4:00 and 5:00 for some warm-up refreshments followed by our annual pot-luck. All ages and skill levels welcome.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Supper and Wildflower Hike at George and Stephanie Bryant's Cottage - 4:00 p.m.
George and Stephanie will lead a wildflower hike around their cottage property, followed by a picnic supper. For more information and directions please see the May-June Wakerobin.
Saturday, June 28, 2014 (raindate June 29)
Bala Butterfly Count
Al Sinclair and Ron Stager will lead the 16th annual count as part of the North American Butterfly Association's program for education and conserving butterflies. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Ragged Rapids Hydro parking lot. Take Highway 38 from Bala, roughly 5 km to Ragged Rapids Road, make a right turn, follow Ragged Rapids Road to the hydro parking lot, keeping left all the way. Bring lunch. Spare nets will be available. After initial introductions and ID of butterflies, the group will split up for different routes, reconvening at Jaspen Park at 3:30 p.m. If it is raining heavily, or the wind is strong, postponement to Sunday is a distinct possibility. If in doubt, phone Al at 646-2848 or Ron at 684-9194. A $4 donation is requested by the National Butterfly Association to defray publication costs.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
In Search of Cerulean Warblers at Awenda Provincial Park
A guided hike in search of Cerulean Warblers will be led by park naturalist, Tim Tully. The hike will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will last until noon. We will car pool from McDonalds in Gravenhurst meeting there at 8:20 a.m., or you can meet up with the group at Awenda at 10:00 a.m.
Friday, May 30 - Sunday June 1, 2014
Hamilton Field Trip
We will be travelling to the Hamilton area to link up with members of the Hamilton Naturalists Club who will introduce us to some of their favourite areas. We will do some birding along the Lake Ontario shoreline, search for regional specialties such as Hooded Warbler, Louisianna Waterthrush, and Cerulean Warbler in remnant Carolinian forest, and explore the unique geology of the Eramosa Karst. For details, talk to Linda at the April or May MFN Meeting.
Saturday, May 24, 2014 (raindate May 25)
Baillie Birdathon
Meet at Kerr Park, Bracebridge at 7:00 a.m. to walk the Lagoons first and then carpool to various locations throughout Muskoka. The goal is to count species, not birds, so we try to cover a lot of territory and visit a variety of habitats. Pledges collected are sent to Bird Studies Canada, with MFN receiving 25% of proceeds. 2013 pledges totalled $246.25. Let's try to make it $300 for 2014!
Saturday, May 3, 2014
MFN Lagoon Ramble
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Tiny Marsh Waterfowl Viewing Day
It starts at 10:00 a.m. with a free guided trip for adults and children in the morning into the marsh. Barbecued hamburgers and hotdogs are available for purchase at noon. There will be a free presentation of the Tiny Marsh Biological Inventory which is now in its second year. Species at risk and invasive species documented in the first year of the survey will be presented as well as the progress and planned projects for this coming year which will include an intensive snapping turtle nest monitoring project. Bob Bowles is leading the walk and giving the presentation with his inventory team.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Track With Jack
This never fails to be a great outing on a beautiful blue-sky morning. Enjoy an easy snowshoe trek through the woods with Jack Jennings identifying signs of animal activity. Bring a hot beverage and lunch to enjoy around a warming fire at Jack's place. Weather conditions have to be suitable for a successful outing so please sign up at the February meeting so that last minute calls can be made if rescheduling is necessary. See the Wakerobin for directions or email muskokafn@gmail.com for more information.Tiny Marsh Waterfowl Viewing Day
It starts at 10:00 a.m. with a free guided trip for adults and children in the morning into the marsh. Barbecued hamburgers and hotdogs are available for purchase at noon. There will be a free presentation of the Tiny Marsh Biological Inventory which is now in its second year. Species at risk and invasive species documented in the first year of the survey will be presented as well as the progress and planned projects for this coming year which will include an intensive snapping turtle nest monitoring project. Bob Bowles is leading the walk and giving the presentation with his inventory team.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Track With Jack