ONTARIO SPECIES AT RISK IN THE PARK

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources published its most recent Species At Risk In Ontario list in February 2009 (SARIO list). It can be viewed at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Species/2ColumnSubPage/246809.html

(Status definitions are given in the glossary at the end of the list) Habitat preservation for these species is one of the purposes behind the publication of the list.

There are a number of bird species on the list that I have observed in Sam Smith Park, especially resting and feeding during migration and in the naturalized areas that are most at risk from development. These birds include the Short-Eared Owl, the Golden-Winged Warbler, the Cerulean Warbler, the Hooded Warbler, and the Least Bittern. I am sure that there are many other species on that list, including amphibians, fish and reptiles that have been seen by others in Sam Smith.

Monarch butterflies are also on the list.

If you have been lucky enough to have seen any of these struggling species, please contact me (Terry Smith) at tz.smith@sympatico.ca