RETURN OF THE SWANS COMING
The annual harbinger of spring in western Ontario is the soft hoo-hoo-hoo of
the tundra swans, as they glide effortlessly to their feeding grounds on
local bogland. The majestic white birds come to feed and rest during their
annual northward migration from their winter stay on the Chesapeake Bay on
the eastern seaboard, in the State of Delaware. In a good year, there will
be 15,000 individual birds resting on the bog, attracted by the meltwater of
spring and the remnants of the prior year's corn crop.
After leaving the area, the tundra swans reach the lake district of the
Prairie Provinces, and subsequently fan out across the Canadian high arctic
to reach their familial nesting grounds. These grounds on the tundra
stretch from Yukon as far east as Ungava, on the eastern shores of Hudson
Bay. In the short arctic summer the birds must breed, nest, and rear their
young before the onslaught of cold weather in October. The birds make the
return migratory trip the first week of November, but often pass through
relatively unnoticed because they travel the return route in smaller family
units, rather than the large, massed flocks of the dramatic spring migration.
The individual birds weigh 11 kilos as adults, their white plumage and size
making them the most visible species on the bog. In addition to the swans,
however, there are similar numbers of Canada geese, and also numerous
species of both diving and dabbling ducks. The ducks include shovellers,
pintails, redneck, canvasback, and of course, mallards.
Those wishing to attend the swan viewing days should make their first stop
the Lambton Heritage Museum where visitors will be directed to the viewing
site about a half mile away. There is a life-cycle film available
explaining the swan story in detail. The museum swan program dates of March
21,22, 28 & 29 coincide with the best weekend viewing dates.
HAWK & OWL SHOW
An annual highlight of the event is the raptor presentation by Ross Snider,
of the Tamarack Raptor Rehabilitation Foundation. His interpretive show
gets underway Sunday March 22, at 1:30 PM, giving museum visitors the chance
to view one of these fascinating hawks and owls up close, and learn more
about their lifestyle and reproductive cycles. Ross hopes to have some
birds ready for release to the wild, as a dramatic conclusion for his
presentation, always a crowd pleaser for all ages.
On Saturday March 28 at 2 PM, naturalist Sarah Rupert delivers an
illustrated talk, 'Winter Birds and Feeding Stations', also taking place at
the Lambton Heritage Museum.
Woodcarvers from the Sarnia 'Triple C' Club will join in the activities, to
show their woodcarving and modeling skills in the production of waterfowl
decoys and other artwork. Champion loon carver Peter Challen of Grand Bend
will be demonstrating his prize-winning skills, carving full-size loons in
tupelo wood. Challen appears Saturdays March 21 and 28th, from noon to 4 PM.
NEW FEATURES FOR 1998
This year's event has expanded to include the establishment of an open
competition of interest to fine artists, titled 'Paint the Huron Shores'.
This judged art competition focuses on the animals and scenic landscapes of
the Lake Huron shoreline stretching from Sarnia to Tobermory, through the
four seasons. The beautiful art entered in competition can be admired, and
purchased, in Grand Bend at the River Road Gallery, March 21 through to
March 29th. Artists interested in entering the competition, which offers a
$2,000. first prize amongst others, should contact show organizer Barry
Richman, at 238-6213.
At nearby Ipperwash, birders can feast on the maple syrup and pancakes
served by the Bosanquet Beaches Optimists, and enjoy a hayride through the
Williamson Farms Sugar Bush to the sugar shanty, just like grandfather used
to do. Rides leave from the Silver Birches Campground on Army Camp Road,
from 8 AM to 3 PM, March 21 and 22.
A spring outing for birders, titled 'Field Identification of Waterfowl' is
scheduled under the guidance of noted Lambton County birdwatcher Alf Rider
of Forest, leaving from the museum on Saturday March 28 at 8:30 AM. The $8.
registration fee includes museum admission and warm-up drinks;
pre-registration is required for this outing by calling the museum at 243-2600.
Whipple Tree Riding stables offers horse-drawn family hayrides to the swan
viewing area: these must be booked in advance, by calling 243-3517. After
enjoying all the fresh air at the various activities, you can fall asleep in
the great outdoors by booking a campsite in the Pinery Provincial Park.
Contact the Pinery at 243-8574.
Bring your binoculars and cameras and take part in one of the great wonders
of natural history in Southwestern Ontario. For more information call the
Sarnia/Lambton Tourism swan info-line at 1-800-265-0316, or the museum at
243-2600. Information regarding life cycle of the swans, and the event
programme highlights, is available on the internet at
http://www.hay.net/~tpurdy/
The Return of the Swans is a series of family events made possible through
active collaboration of the Pinery Provincial Park, the Lambton Heritage
Museum, Lake Smith Conservationists, the River Road Gallery, and the Ontario
Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism.
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Bob Tremain, M.Museol.,Administrator-Curator,
Lambton Heritage Museum, RR2 GRAND BEND, ON, NOM 1T0
phone/fax 519-243-2600
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visit Return of the Swans at www.hay.net/~tpurdy/
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Sarah Rupert
Natural Selections
email: natsel@ebtech.net
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