ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS:

The February 2002 meeting of the PHFN will start at 7 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2002, at the Bible Chapel, 283 Mississauga Ave. Visitors and guests are always welcome. Our program this evening will be presented by Mr. Bob Doesburg, one of the founding members of the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists. Bob will offer us a slide presentation entitled "Travelogue". Promises to be a vacationer's "wish list". Please join us for coffee and chat downstairs after the meeting, and don't forget to "Lug a mug".

IMPORTANT DATES: 2001 - 2002

The PHFN meets on the second Tuesday of each month from September to May.......except in December.

February 12, 2002 - General Meeting
March 12, 2002 - General Meeting
April 9, 2002 - General Meeting
May 14, 2002 - General Meeting
May 2002 - Baillie Birdathon

Newsletters: The club will issue 4 in 2001 - 2002 (September, November, February, and May)

First, I would like to extend my wishes to all members for a Healthy and Happy New Year. These last few months have been exciting and busy! Happily, I am once again a backyard birder, with many visitors to my feeders; from a 3 day visit in late November by a juvenile male Towhee to the present resident group of 13-14 Pine Grosbeaks, as well as the ubiquitous Chickadees, Redpolls, Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, and a pair of Ravens, observed in the bush bordering my yard who are never more than a few inches apart. Terry Carr tells me that the Ravens will be nesting in March.

The Christmas Pot luck was a success with many thanks to the organizer, Audrey Carr, and helpers Ursula van Duin, Jocelyne Breive, Terry Carr, & Naomi Maggs. Also to the members who donated goodies for the tables and goods for the draws. Terry Carr was the music meistro providing CDs to add to the Christmas mood. And the food was wonderful. How can so many naturalists be such good cooks? The club also recognized members Mara Kesteris, Bill Mayne and Art Coggin for their extra service to the club..

Our mild winter has afforded us unique outings in the sanctuary. Today, January 23, we had a winter insect outing led by Terry Carr who delighted 22 of us with his knowledge. From snow fleas to woodpecker holes, from turkey tails to tracks in the snow, we saw how busy and interesting a 'sleeping' bush really is. I don't know what is more enjoyable than being with happy naturalists on a beautiful day. Please visit our web site and go to messages for all the sightings and some very good pictures.

The Red Trail in the sanctuary has become an interpretive walk. Larry Kissau, one of our members, has made plasticized signs for the trees that are easy to read, and informative. Our thanks to you Larry for adding so much to our learning on the trails

I hope that members will pass along their sightings, ideas for outings, and possible speakers for our meetings. Please contact any board member or me, we want your input!

Erwin Meissner has given the club three aerial photographs of Elliot Lake circa 1989 -1995, which can be viewed at coffee time after the meetings. The area that is the sanctuary is very different; a testament to the clubs' vision, as it is now.

Now for a bit more Club History .....

The first Board of Directors January 1997

President............................... Erwin Meissner
Vice - President............Alan Wilson
Secretary............................... Bernie King
Treasurer......................Hans Uhl
Outings................................... Sabine Atteln
Newsletter....................Kerstin Hedgecock
Special Projects....................... Clarence Paris
Programming................Marg Reckahn
Public Relations......................... Nikki Sharpe
Youth Programs & Membership...............Julie St. Pierre

My apologies for any errors in spelling or omissions. My thanks to so many of you who have advised and helped me since September and also thanks for the good humor. See you at the meeting.

-Audrey

Leonardo Reading Nature

Why birds are supported in the air.

Air that is struck with greatest velocity of motion condenses the most. Since air is a body capable of condensation when struck with a motion of greater velocity than its own, it then becomes as dense as a cloud.... But when the bird is in the wind, he can support himself upon it without beating his wings, for the function of wings that move against the air when it is motionless is performed by the air moving against the wings when they are motionless.... Describe underwater swimming and you will have described the flight of birds.

The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)

Submitted by A.Parker-Lowe

Bird Baths ................. Submitted by Erwin Meissner

Bird Baths are often favoured as a source of water since the height usually allows birds to have a view of predators. Even so, the bird bath should be located in an open space with cover available within approximately 3 metres ( 10 ft ).

Choose a bird bath with a rough surface that will enable birds to perch securely on the sloping sides. You may wish to consider arranging for dripping or running water, as this will attract an even wider variety of birds. It is usually not necessary to provide water for birds during the winter unless there are severe conditions, such as long stretches of below freezing temperatures and high winds. It certainly won't hurt, however, and electric immersion style heaters, and bird bath top replacements with built-in heaters are available to prevent the bath from freezing. If you do keep your bird bath going throughout the winter, don't forget that you have to clean it, just as you do during the summer.

Mr. Bob Doesburg is one of the founding members of the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists club, and presently is an advisor on the Board of Directors. Bob will be the "guest speaker" at our upcoming meeting on Tuesday, February 12, at 7:00 p.m., and it promises to be an exciting evening. Bob will present a "Travelogue" of slides and talk to us about the many fascinating places he has had the pleasure of visiting. Please join us and enjoy a "vacation" in the middle of the winter.

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2002 OUTINGS

Come to outings dressed appropriately for the day (check out the weather forecast). Trip leaders have the right to refuse people who are not properly equipped i.e hiking boots for a hike etc. Participants must make leaders aware of any serious medical condition that may arise during an outing. For further information about outings in general, call Naomi Maggs (848-5656)

SATURDAY, 16 FEBRUARY

ANIMAL TRACKING

Meet your outing leader, Jim Johnston in the Brunswick Walk parking lot at

9:30 a.m.. Bring Bino's, Field Guides (tracks), snowshoes or skis if you have them and a snack and drink and dress warmly.

TUESDAY, 19 FEBRUARY

SNOWSHOEING AT SHERRIFF LAKE

Meet your outing leaders, Julie Hong and Artur Rosnau at the Pony Club parking area on the Fire Tower road at 11:00 a.m. Bring a lunch and a hot drink. The outing will take approx. 2½ hours.

FRIDAY, 22 FEBRUARY

SANCTUARIES OF THE NORTH

We Will meet in the Brunswick Walk parking lot at 10:00 a.m. Our leader, Terry Carr, will conduct us on a tour of various landfill sites etc. which are considered by some to be sanctuaries for wildlife, birds in particular. Bring a lunch and hot drink, binoculars and bird field guides. Return time will be mid-afternoon.