GOING BATTY

One of the interesting things to do at Sam Smith in the late evening on a night with a clear sky is to go out and watch the bats!

Bats are our friend and eat plenty of annoying insects which come out just before dark. One of the best places for viewing is near the eastern entrance at Thirteenth St.  Just stand beside the path as you come in look out to the north across the open field.  

You can easily spot them fluttering about silently as they swoop in a circle from tree to tree.

Photo courtesy George Raikou

GREBES EXPECTING AGAIN.

After the violent storms early in July, which wiped out the first nest and egg, our valiant grebes have shown some typical Sam Smith fortitude and rebuilt their watery abode.  There are at least 2 eggs currently, which were seen as of the end of July.

If all things go well, we can expect to see our first baby grebes sometime near the middle of August.

Additionally, the newest pair of grebes in the yacht basin are noisily mating and appear to be building a nest beside the orange buoy between the yachts and nest of our original pair.

With any luck we may be observing juvenile grebes well into September!

Photos courtesy of "snapnclk"

LEAVE IT TO BEAVERS

Angelicque James writes: "This evening my husband and I spotted three adult beavers, and 4 young beavers. We're not sure if it's all the same family, it seemed two young beavers hung around one very patient mama, and the other two hung around a very NOT patient mama. The male was seen on his own."

Here is some video of our beaver population provided by Angelicque;

Also, you can view some of Angelicque's other Sam Smith beaver videos;

Mama Beaver:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJHr4Pd-s0E 

Beaver Family:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7nfjjY1No4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYTpQetWGsU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJEZM36b5YQ

Thanks for these great peeks into Sam Smith beaver life!!

LAKESHORE MARDI GRAS - AUGUST 7-9

Next weekend, August 7th to 9th, the 6th Annual Lakeshore Mardi Gras will be held at Colonel Sam Smith Park.

There are many concerts and performers to see...here is a list, as well as a link to the website...

http://lakeshoremardigras.ca

Friday

Free Concert in the Park
Main Stage Colonel Samuel Smith Park
 
6:30 to 8:15 PM Two For The Show
START 8:30 PM Fiddelstix
 
Saturday
Noon - 1:45 PM Harvest Moon
2:00-3:45 PM Spider Jones & The Fabulous Web
4:00-5:45 PM Uptown Express
6:00-7:45 PM George Oliver & Gangbuster
START 8:30 PM Honeymoon Suite
   
Sunday
Noon - 1:45 PM The Homeless Band
2:00- 3:45 PM Diva Mom's & The Three Dad's
4:00-4:45 PM Freedom Train
START 5:00 PM Paul James Band

GROUND CONTROL TO MAJOR ENJOYMENT

Some of the the most interesting things to see at Sam Smith park are not flying in the skies, roosting in the trees or swimming around on the lake or in the pond. You can have lots of fun just watching your step and keeping your eye on the ground!

Many birds, such as the killdeer, lay their eggs in nests built in the soil. Have you ever seen a bird pretending to have a broken wing? It is a killdeer trying to lead you away from the eggs it has laid on the ground!






Perhaps you have seen a blur crossing your path or wiggling into the bushes? It may be a local snake which has been hatched in the rocks near the observation deck. Juvenile snakes are just starting to be seen as summer heats up!







Even some spectacular, colourful plants in all their glory are only a glance away down into the meadow. The bumblebees certainly are their biggest fan!

So, the next time you are passing through the park, watch out for that mink, groundhog, or many other of our grounded treasures!





Photos courtesy of Walter Weary and George Raikou.

FROGS NEAR THE OBSERVATION DECK

There has been much concern over the last few years regarding the drop off in the frog population in Sam Smith park.

Last week, George Raikou was able to photograph some frogs in the pond near the observation deck.

Hopefully this is an indigenous species and not a pet that has been released into the wild.

Any confirmation on this from the photograph here, is welcomed.

COOPER'S HAWKS HAVE FLEDGED

There was some concern after the storm on Saturday, which appears to have wiped out the nest of the Cooper's Hawks near the playing oval.

Happily, two fledglings were spotted on Thursday morning, in the fir trees, just north of the Powerhouse. The juveniles were vocalizing quite loudly and flying from tree to tree in the sunny weather.

If you are lucky and patient, you may be able to spot them for yourself the next time you are walking the path between the south parking lot and the two schools.

Great to see another generation of hawks in and around Sam Smith Park. The first of these pics depicts one of our hawks eating their prey.

GREBES HAVE PRODUCED AN EGG, AND A SECOND PAIR OF GREBES

Update August 3:The grebes are incubating at least 1 egg as of the end of July. Both the female and the male are taking turns incubating and also are now defending their nest site against a SECOND pair of grebes now residing in the yacht club basin!

Update July 15: The grebes have returned to their original nest site. The female is sitting on the remnants and may be heavy with another egg.
Let's hope for success!

Update July 12: In the aftermath of Saturday's powerful storms, which caused much damage to the vicinity, the egg and nest were gone as of Sunday morning. Hopefully the grebes will return next year to try again. Many friends of Sam Smith have certainly enjoyed watching them over the last few months.
______________________

George Raikou has photographed the grebes tending to a new egg near the eastern end of the yacht club basin.

Last year this pair nested in the reeds nearby and also laid eggs. The eggs were found scattered about afterward, so this year the birds have built the nest offshore.

Here's hoping for more eggs in the next few days and some successful hatches by early August.

COOPER'S HAWKS

Photograph from George Raikou of one of the Cooper's Hawk chicks stretching its wings. The hawks are nesting again in the park close to the spot where they were last year (in a spruce tree at the top end of North creek). This is the third year in a row they have chosen nesting sites in the trees around the Power House.

SKATING TRAIL

In spite of requests from the community for a public meeting on the revised skating trail design, the Councillor's office is making it clear that there will be no more public discussion about this project. Below is a response from the Councillor Grime' executive assistant to such a request from a local resident. It explains the City's position.
Given that this new design is totally different from the concept designs already presented and encroaches on the meadow south of the Power House that was so hotly defended by the community when it was under threat from a skateboarding facility, it is surely advisable to allow the communuty a final say before it goes to tender and construction begins.

As you are no doubt aware the vision for an ice skating trail arises from the Moore George Report which was the master plan for the Lakeshore Grounds. This was more than a decade ago. In accordance with requirements for an environmental assessment , the City
of Toronto has held two public meetings in the last year in regards to the Proposed Ice Skating Trail.
The purpose of these meetings is for a community consultation to have input from the local residents regarding suggestions or concerns they may have for the proposal. Everyone in the Ward were invited to attend the public meetings, including those who had concerns regarding a previous proposal a skateboard park
During the first meeting the topic of discussion was a proposed location at the south end of the Power House in Colonel Sam Smith Park.
Following that meeting, where suggestions were made regarding the location, a second meeting was convened to suggest the location of the trail in the Woodlot to the North end of the Power House.
Once the public meetings had been convened the suggestions and information from the community input is considered in the final plans. The Project has been reviewed by the Provincial Ministry of the Environment, the TRCA and the community has had input. The majority of individuals who contacted staff or the councillors office were in favour of an ice skating trail in Colonel Sam Smith Park.
The project has been through all stages of the assessment process and has been approved by City Council
The Councillor has also taken the time to have staff meet with additional representatives of the community to hear their concerns and address the relevant issues wherever possible.
It is as a result of these many community meetings and the input from the consultation process that the final plan was shaped. Councillor Grimes has made every effort to exceed the city 's basic his legal obligations on this project. Many steps have been taken to concerns raised, such as the re-use of areas that are already paved, the movement of a large portion of the trail to the area south west of the power house, community involvement in the re-planting of the meadow etc.
The Councillor appreciates the input and suggestions that has arisen from the dialogue with the community, and many of them have been incorporated into the final plan.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MEETING PROBABLY POSTPONED DUE TO CITY STRIKE

Hi everyone,
As I'm sure you are all aware, negotiations between the City of Toronto and both union locals (79 and 416) are continuing. Both union locals, however, are in a legal strike position as of 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 22, 2009.
Should a labour disruption occur prior to June 24th, the scheduled date of the Etobicoke Waterfront Stormwater Management Facilities Study, please be advised that the public meeting will be postponed until further notice.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.
Thank you
Josie Franch (Giordano)
Sr. Public Consultation Co-ordinator
Public Consultation Unit
City of Toronto
Phone: 416-338-2859 Fax: 416-392-2974
TTY: 416-397-0831 Email: jfranch@toronto.ca
55 John Street, Metro Hall 19th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 3C6

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ISSUES IN PARK

It is important that members of FOSS attend the Etobicoke Waterfront Stormwater Management Study meeting being held at the Assembly Hall on Wednesday June 24 at 7 p.m ( See previous blog post ).
We understand that the plan is for storm water to be be pumped to a holding facility somewhere in Sam Smith. There has been talk about daylighting some of the creeks in the park and re-establishing the bigger swale as a pond/wetland area.
This will have a huge impact on the park and public input is required.

CCFEW BIRD WALK THIS WEEKEND

Don Burton will be leading a Bird Walk this Saturday, June 13th at Colonel Samuel Smith Park from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Spring migration is over. Now we can see the wide variety of birds that make the park their home for the summer. Notable among the nesting species is a pair of Red-necked Grebes which look to be intent on creating the second nest ever recorded in Toronto. This will be our last walk until September.
Meet in the south parking lot (where the road ends) at 9:00. Walks are held rain, or shine.
The photograph of the pair of red-necked grebes is by George Raikou who offers this comment .... "If they are the same two..last year they build their nest and had three eggs but the nest was lost . This year they are building the nest further in the bay. They like to put on a show just after mating."

LATEST SKATING TRAIL DESIGN

This is the latest concept design recently forwarded from Councillor Grimes' office for the skating trail projected to be built by December 2009. (Double-click on image for larger view). Note that parking spaces have been removed to accommodate this south-west design option. There is some intrusion into the meadow. The woodlot north of the Power House is not part of the design. We are told that funds have been set aside for plantings in the meadow and for the restoration of the understorey in the woodlot next year.
Please comment by clicking "Comments" below.

MORE SWAN PICS

FAMILY TIME IN THE PARK

WHIMBREL TIME AGAIN

Members of the Toronto Ornithological Club have been coordinating a Whimbrel Watch at Sam Smith Park from until May 28th. You should be able to find it at the southeastern headland throughout the day.

Highly recommend is checking the daily journey of the each of the five
Whimbrels which were satellite tagged on one of their main east coast
staging areas, coastal Virginia this spring at:
http://www.wildlifetracking.org/index.shtml?project_id=369.

The total number estimated to fly along the Atlantic/Great Lakes basin to Hudson Bay is believed to be about 22,000. Colonel Samuel Smith Park continues to be one of the best spots in the east to view these birds as they migrate from their wintering grounds in South America (Guyana) to the tundra lowlands of Hudson Bay.

RAINY DAY BIRDING SUGGESTION FROM WALT

What can you do on a rainy or snowy day when it is hard for some of us to get out and enjoy nature? Why not use the power of the internet to keep your eye on nature from the comfort of your own home? Here are a few of my favourite webcams to keep checking over the next few months, to watch the eagles and falcons, hatch, grow and fledge.

Hamilton Falconwatch...(4 eggs to be ready by Mother's Day)
http://falcons.hamiltonnature.org/

Eagles near Duke Farms (3 chicks already!!)http://www.dukefarms.org/page.asp?pageId=565

Various BC Eagle webcams (you can watch in our evenings, still daylight there!) http://www.hancockwildlifechannel.org/index.php?topic=cam-sites

Or...go to www.earthcam.com
and search for your favourite bird species! Enjoy!

Posted by Walt Balenovich

RARE (FOR ONTARIO) WESTERN GREBE IN PARK

If you were in the park for clean-up day last Sunday, you probably saw many birders with scopes and cameras. The bird they were chasing is the Western Grebe, a prairie bird that rarely pops up in Ontario. It has been in the waters off the western headland for a few weeks now, sometimes within feet of the shore, hanging out with red-necked grebes. It is an extremely elegant bird and easy to spot. A folk name for this fairly large bird is "swan-necked grebe"; if you see it, you'll know why. The bird is best known for its courtship display - two birds will rear up and patter across the surface of the water.
Check out the two grebe nesting platforms that TRCA have put in the bay. One is close to the spot where there used to be an observation deck, until it was burned. That vantage point is well used by wildlife photographers. It is about a meter from shore and is supported by four blue floats. Hopefully, red-necked or horned grebes will use it and eventually become park residents.

PLANT EXCHANGE

PLANT EXCHANGE: LEGS GARDENING EVENT OF THE SEASON
MAY 9, 2009

Lakeshore Environmental Gardening Society (LEGS) is presenting their semi-annual Plant Exchange at the Assembly Hall, on May 9th, 9-1 pm. The Plant Exchange is designed to allow gardeners, the community, and locals to come out and exchange plants, seeds, and any unwanted tools. This is the true spirit of environmentalism: reuse, reduce, and recycle. The day is filled with plenty of activities and interest for everyone. For more information and to register for the talk, email: info@legsetobicoke.ca or call 416.347.5449.

ETOBICOKE GUARDIAN - PARK BIRDERS

SKATING TRAIL MEETING

Last Tuesday, Allen Valk and two other members of the FOSS executive were invited to attend a meeting at The Assembly Hall organized by Sheila Paxton, our Councillor's Executive Assistant. Irene Jones, former Councillor, and Brian Bailey from CCFEW were also present as well as City staff and skating trail consultants. The latest drawings were shown to us. They show the trail running through the woodlot north of the Power House and further east (closer to North Creek) than was indicated in the concept design we were shown last year. Trail level would be maintained by building retaining walls and by excavation to a height and depth of approximately one metre. Trees would be removed and additional trees and understory would be planted. It was made very clear to us that the City is determined to begin construction very soon and intend to have it up and ready for next Winter, in spite of significant community opposition.
FOSS members went over our concerns and explained the compromise solution we had previously sent to the Councillor. They can be seen in the previous post http://friendsofsamsmithpark.blogspot.com/2009/04/open-letter-from-foss-to-councillor.html
Sheila Paxton told us that she would take our views to the Councillor and City staff and get back to us, but indicated that changing existing parking agreements would probably be "impossible" and that it was very late at this point to make changes to the design. Oh for that Citizens' Management/Advisory Board!!!

Posted by Terry Smith

VIDEO HISTORY OF HOSPITAL GROUNDS

This is an interesting twelve minute video history of Lakeshore Physciatric Hospital and its grounds made by Rogers Television as part of their "Structures"program. It reinforces the concept of the whole site as being a place of education, healing and restoration and shows the long standing community involvement in its development.

SPRING CLEAN UP - 2009

Many thanks to all those who participated in yesterday's spring clean-up day in the park. It was a well attended event and the park is a much cleaner and pleasant place for your efforts. Special thanks to Alan Roy for his tireless efforts in ensuring the success and enjoyable atmosphere of these events.

Posted by Allan Valk, Chairperson, Friends of Sam Smith Park

CLEAN-UP 2009 - PHOTOGRAPHS

MEMBERS URGED TO SUBMIT POSTS TO FOSS BLOG

Have you got some interesting perspectives, news, facts, history , observations or concerns that you would like to express about the park. The FOSS blog needs posts, including photographs and short videoclips, from members. Please forward them to Terry Smith tz.smith@sympatico.ca for publication. Thanks.

PARK BIRD WALKS

CCFEW, with sponsorship from Birds and Beans, is hosting two upcoming bird walks in Sam Smith. The dates are April 25th and May 9th. Walks start at 9 a.m. - meet in south parking lot.

CCFEW AGM

CCFEW Annual General Meeting
Thursday, April 23rd, 7:00pm
Guest Speaker: Ken Sharratt

“High Park Community Advisory Council - history and growing pains”

The High Park Community Advisory Council is probably the most successful park advocacy organization in the city. What can we learn from their experience to apply in South Etobicoke? We have several large parks, but only one group focused on a specific park, the Friends of Sam Smith Park (FOSS). What can we do to foster community engagement and cooperation with the City in our parks?
Join us in the Community Room at LAMP, 185 Fifth StreetThursday, April 23rd, 7:00pm Everyone is welcome!

UNFORTUNATELY, THE PARK'S FIRST GRASS FIRE OF THE SEASON

Quick work by park users and some FOSS members this evening prevented this grass fire on second bay from spreading. Youngsters had been seen running from the scene. The fire department arrived ten minutes after the emergency call was placed, only to find that it had already been taken care of.

COYOTES

Friend of Sam Smith Park member Kathy Sims comments on coyotes in urban parks in this morning’s Toronto Sun. The article included the following advice from wildlife experts ......
- Never feed a coyote.
- Consider leashing your dog in areas frequented by coyotes.
- Don't encourage interaction with a coyote.
- Don't leave garbage, pet food, fallen fruit or bird seed where accessible.
- Consider making your cat an inside pet and keep an eye on small dogs.
- Spaying and neutering protects dogs from coyote interaction.
- Don't run from a coyote if approached; stand still and make noise, such as clapping hands
Follow this link to read the full-page article
http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2009/04/06/9020171-sun.html

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

TREE SWALLOW NESTING BOXES

Tree swallow nesting boxes placed in the park to date have been very successful and are a big draw for park visitors. Unfortunately, there are always more potential tenants than nesting boxes and in a couple of weeks the annual struggle for occupancy will start all over again. It would be a great idea if FOSS members could increase the nesting capacity for these delightful birds by putting additional, simple-to-make boxes on stakes that are already in the park. Along the shore on third bay (east side) are a number of metal stakes that are ideal for this - see photo. Boxes are easily made from a 6' X 6" X 1" pressure treated board ($3 at Home Depot) and construction plans are available at http://www.coveside.biz/tree-swallow-house-plans.htm The clean-out side panel should be secured with a small screw to deter vandalism. Boxes should be placed facing any direction other than north and at about five feet. This would make a great school or interest project to do with your kids. If they were set up in the next few weeks, they would probably be occupied this year. If you need any help with this or want to discuss it, please contact Terry Smith at tz.smith@sympatico.ca.

LONE KYAKER PHOTOGRAPHED IN PARK BY GEORGE RAIKOU

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MARCH 10/09 MEETING

In our discussion the members agreed that we will continue to provide meeting minutes to members of FOSS through email and for members without computers at the next general meeting. We will not be posting our minutes on the BLOG. Our general meeting are well advertised and are open to both member and non members. We encourage everyone to attend!

Clean Up April 19/2009 Allan Roy will be holding his annual clean up. Members of FOSS and CCFEW will support Allan Roy. Posters will be put up by members. There will also be an information table with membership renewal forms. Membership will be renewed at Clean up Day or one can get the membership application from the FOSS BLOG and send money $5 and application to

FOSS

64 Fourth Street.

Toronto, M8V-2Y3

Col. Sam Smith Park Art show will be held in late September to showcase our Gem of a Park. We encourage the community to get drawing,painting for our show. We are looking for Volunteers to help out with the show. Please contact FOSS

CCFEW’s general meeting will be held on April 23/09. Guest speaker will be a representative from Friends of High Park

Mimico 20/20 Vision will hold a 3 day conference April 7, 8 and 9/09

Breakfast of Champions sponsored by Lamp will be held on April 17/09 at 7.30 a.m.

Posted by Liana

NEW SKATEPARK LOCATION CHOSEN

At Tuesday's meeting this week, the Community Working Group presented to residents their consensus choice for a location in Ward 6 for the skateboard facility. This is the same project proposed without adequate community consultation three years ago for the wetland/meadow area south of the Power House in Sam Smith Park . It is interesting to note that the site evaluation criteria for this current location search include "impact on the environment, safety, accessibility, proximity to services, compatibility with neighbouring uses", the very same issues raised by the community in the fight to stop it being built in the park!
The preferred site is the parquette on Eighth Street, north of the Lakeshore. The 10,000 square feet facility would require 41 % of the site's footprint. (Amos Waites' was the second site on the workgroup's list). Before technical assessment of the site is conducted, adjacent residents will be consulted. Skateboarders and others in the audience and on the workgroup appeared to be, for the most part, happy with the choice.
The fight against the skatepark in Sam Smith was always about common sense and proper process. It is refreshing to see these important elements applied this time.

FOSS MEETING

Next meeting for Friends of Sam Smith Park scheduled for Tuesday March 10 at 7p.m. at LAMP, 185 Fifth Street, rm. 302. We will be discussing the upcoming park clean-up day and other issues.

All are invited and welcome.

RESIDENT SNOWY OWL

This is a great shot by George Raikou of the snowy owl that has delighted us all winter. He is on his favourite daytime perch on the boat docks. It is almost guaranteed that he can be found there every day, safe from harassment by dogs and people, waiting for the night's hunt.

COYOTES SEEN IN PARK

There have been recent reports of up to three coyotes in the park. They have been seen all over, particularly on and around the island in the pond. In light of what's been happening in the east end with coyotes taking cats and small dogs, it is advisable to make sure your dog is leashed and kept close. If you live close by, you might also consider keeping your cat indoors. (These are actual photos of some of the coyotes, one with a fawn-coloured coat and the other near the island. They were recently taken by local residents.)

ADD TO TORONTO'S CANOPY - PLANT A TREE IN YOUR BACKYARD

LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests), an award-winning environmental non-profit program whose Backyard Tree Planting program provides subsidized tree planting for Toronto residents, wants people to know that this simple act provides one of the most effective ways Toronto homeowners can contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change on an individual level.

Visit http://www.leaftoronto.org/backyard-tree-planting-program or call 416 413 9244 to inquire about the Backyard Tree Planting program today! LEAF staff will be happy to assist you with details on how you can take part in the program. Yard consultations start in March and continue through to the end of November. Planting happens in spring and fall.

NEW DOG-WALKING BLOG

Maria Doyle and Frida the Dog have started a Sam Smith Park Dog Walkers’ blog. They want an official off-leash area on the filtration plant lands.

For more information, go to …….

http://colonelsamdogs.blogspot.com/

TATSU'S

TATSU's, the bakery and coffee shop on Lakeshore, one block west of Kipling on the north side, is a great place to go for breakfast at the weekend. They have entertainment from 11 a.m. to 1.oo p.m on both days featuring jazz from Humber students, poetry readings and presenting authors. At the moment, a local artist, Megan Williams, has her watercolours of Sam Smith Park displayed on the walls. Check it out.

COME HELP DESIGN NEW INTERPRETIVE SIGNS FOR THE PARK

Colonel Sam Smith Park

Interpretive Signage Meeting

Monday, February 23, 7:00 pm

in the East Room of the Assembly Hall,

1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive
(Kipling Ave. & Lake Shore Blvd. W.)

It has been a couple of years since the badly damaged interpretive signage at Sam Smith Park was finally removed. A group of students from Sir Sandford Flemming College have been working on new signs. This is an opportunity for community members to provide their feedback on the students’ work.

After several aborted attempts to replace the old signs, it looks like the project is finally close to becoming

MARCH 3RD - SKATEPARK MEETING

SNOWY OWL PHOTOGRAPHED AT POWERHOUSE

TODAY'S "ONTBIRDS" RARE BIRDS REPORT FOR SAM SMITH PARK

Hello Ontbirders,

We made a quick visit to Colonel Samuel Smith Park today to see if we could relocate the young male King Eider reported yesterday. We re-found in quite easily just off the rock point south-west of the eastern most bay. It was quite close and was actively feeding on what appeared to be mussels.
As we were leaving we also found a first year male Harlequin Duck in the next bay south-west of here near the point. As luck seemed to be on our side we checked the marina and re-found the Snowy Owl which we had missed on several earlier occasions.

SOME COMMENTS ABOUT THE PARK'S BEAVERS FROM DAN BROOKES, LOCAL ZOOLOGIST

The parks people clean out all the opportunistic (what we call disturbance-adapted) plants growing along the margins of the inlet in Col. Smith Park - this is so there can be better viewing access to the water. As a result, the beavers have to come out of the water and eat young trees. This makes the parks people angry because they are trying to grow the trees, so they begin thinking about beaver removal. During a brief warm spell in December, I think, I photographed a beaver chowing down on some cattails. He was in the water, feeling nice and calm, and warm (getting out of the water would have chilled him), so he let me get within about 5 metres. Now, he'll come out of the water to eat if he has to, but in the water, he's safe from humans and dogs, so all we have to do so people can see a beaver up close is let some natural shoreline vegetation exist.