We don’t just study nature: WE EXPERIENCE NATURE!
Our Next Event
MPFN Xmas Events
Annual Audubon Bird Count and Potluck Christmas Party
From 9:00 am until 8:30 pm
At Various Locations and Wye Marsh
Christmas Bird Count & Potluck Christmas Party
125th Audubon Christmas Bird Count
On Saturday Dec. 14, 2024 the Midland-Penetanguishene Field Naturalists will be the local organizers of the 125th Audubon Christmas Bird Count. This annual tradition started in 1900. Our local club held their first count in 1981. We missed only one year in 1986. That was just after the federal government tried to shut down the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre in 1985. This important conservation project was rescued by the formation of the volunteer organization the Friends of Wye Marsh, who took over the management of the resource. It took us a year to reorganize the Christmas count, but since 1987 our club members and other volunteers have beat the bushes for birds every December, even during the challenging times of the Covid pandemic. That will make 2023 our 43rd count.
Once again our Christmas Bird Count Coordinator will be David Schandlen. To volunteer for the count contact David at [email protected] 705 526 8320. The deadline to volunteer is the end of the day on Wednesday Dec. 4th. David will organize the teams, assign their areas and distribute the info they will need.
When you respond to David, give him your contact info (email and phone number), where you live which will help David know where to assign you in our contact circle, a brief assessment of your birding experience and let him know whether you are able to drive or would like to carpool with other birders.
Birders and non-birders of all abilities can participate in a Christmas Bird Count. We need spotters, drivers, cheer-leaders, as well as those walking field guides who can ID every sparrow. Often it’s the novice birder who manages to spot that special bird. David will make sure the teams are well balanced with people that can work well together for the birds.
For those not able to get out in the field, you can become a registered Feeder Watcher by replying to this email [email protected] Let us know where you live in the circle, give us your contact info and we'll send along instructions about how to watch your feeders and send us your report.
You can also become a registered Feeder Host by replying to this email [email protected] Again, let us know where you live in the circle and how you would like our field counters to access your property. They'll count your birds for you.
It would be particularly useful to hear from anyone who has waterfront property in our circle so that our field counters can get an unobstructed view of any open water in the area.
Potluck Christmas Party / Bird Count Wrap-up / Mystery Gift Auction
Once the counting is done, we party! Our Christmas Bird Count Wrap up/Christmas Party will once again be held at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre on the evening of the count day, Dec. 14th. Doors will be open around 5 PM so that we can eat at 6PM. We’ll go over the day’s birding reports and then we’ll hold our ever popular Mystery Xmas Gift Auction. Participants bring their mystery gifts, festively wrapped with a cryptic poem or riddle subtly hinting or perhaps misleading as to the contents. Then our auctioneer goes into action. After what is often a very spirited competition, the gift goes home with the successful bidder and the proceeds go to the Owl Foundation of Vineland. Win Win all round!
Remember, the Christmas Party is not just for CBC counters, but is open to everyone – all members, their guests, and CBC volunteers. We hope to see you all there.
So why do we count birds every December? Here’s a link to a very interesting article from Audubon that outlines some of the history of the count and how the CBC is a prime example of how observations from first-time volunteers and experts alike can make a big difference in understanding our world. You may find some of what we have learned from the CBC disturbing. But knowledge is power and we can use the knowledge gained to benefit birds.
Audubon Article on Christmas Bird Count (link opens a new browser tab on the Audubon site): Click to Visit
You can read about some of the club's previous bird counts on our website. https://mpfn.xyz/christmas-bird-count/
Our Mission.
To study and
appreciate nature.
To protect and preserve wildlife
and the environment.
To stimulate public interest in,
and promote protection
and preservation of nature.
Who we are.
The Midland Penetanguishene Field Naturalists Club (MPFNC) is one of the oldest affiliates of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists. The objective of the Club is to promote public awareness of natural history, conservation and the environment. We feature lectures by expert naturalists on a range of fascinating topics at our monthly meetings. We also schedule outings (field trips) and nature study.
We meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month, 7:30 PM at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre No meeting in December, July or August. Our June meeting is held at Tiny Marsh.
For a printable schedule of our meetings & events, click the link to view and download our MPFN 2024/2025 Program bookmark (opens in a new tab).
The MPFNC is involved in many projects in the area including the Christmas Bird Count as well as environmental and wildlife surveys, the Tiny Marsh BioBlitz and the Sweet Water Harvest at the Wye Marsh. The club also supports the Owl Foundation at the Christmas Bird Count Potluck Wrap-up at the Wye Marsh. This year we raised $440 for the Owl Foundation of Vineland through our famous Mystery Gift Not-So-Silent Auction.