Moose Jaw Nature Society Moves Programs To The Great Outdoors
By Kimberly J Epp
The feeder is back up at Wakamow, and full of seeds, thanks to Rich Pickering.
He also plans to replace the broken old tin feeder with a large log feeder filled with drilled holes for suet. It will look more natural, and give you a better chance for photography, just as the newest feeder does. There is suet on the standing feeder, so you can see the woodpeckers up close. If you sit quietly, even the deer often come in for a nibble.
The bird feeder built and installed by MJNS President, Rich Pickering. The MJNS is once again purchasing seed and suet for the fall to spring seasons. We can always accept donations of seed, however, and black oilseed is generally the best for all feeder birds. A large suet log feeder is in the works, plus possibly also a blue jay feeder.- photo by Kimberly J Epp
White-breasted Nuthatch (photo by K. Epp).
Make sure and bring some pine nuts if you want to hand feed the Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches. They are spoiled, so nothing else will do. Spreading a small amount of peanut butter on a tree will bring in the woodpeckers and White-breasted Nuthatches. Remember a few peanuts for the chubby Fox Squirrels. They love walnuts, too.
"Please, sir...may I have some more?" Cheeky Fox Squirrel (photo by K. Epp).
Bring your camera (if you have, or your phone) as the wildlife are bountiful there right now.
Barn Swallows at Wakamow (photo by Rich Pickering).
Seven Turkey Vultures are in the area, there are mink by the bridge, one can always photograph the deer (and an apple as a treat would always be appreciated, but shhhh...I won't tell!).
Mule Deer at Wakamow (photo by Rich Pickering).
Or maybe you just want to go see the changing fall colors? In any case, it is worthwhile to check out the new bird feeder, bring a comfy chair and let the birds come to you.
Nature is the best healer.
If you want creative photos, the nuthatches are usually happy to oblige, so long as you supply them with their "white gold" (photo by K. Epp).
If you are having a sad day, a nuthatch throwing oilseed on your face because you did not bring the "white gold" along (pine nuts), is sure to break out a laugh on even the foulest of days. Bring the kids, too. Get them interested in nature. Or, come alone and bring a good book to read under the evergreens.
Meet the intelligent mink...
The tiny ferocious predator that will steal your den (if you are an unlucky muskrat) and then use your fur to line its new bed after it has had you for lunch! Then it will simply lick its lips, and sleep for hours on end amongst its hoard of food and bones. So, what does the mink dream of? Murder, mayhem, muskrats, and "crayfish mai tais"? Do mink dream at all?
Perhaps they rub their moist little paws together and as the day ends, it is "excellent". Mink (members of the weasel family) will prey on anything they can get their little paws on, so they prey on what is available at the time. Therefore, as opportunistic predators, you may find them active at morning, day or dusk...all dependent on the current food menu. Photo by Rick Pickering.
As for the Moose Jaw Nature Society, due to covid we will not be having our regular meetings. We will, however, still conduct monthly meetings outside - such as walks, programs and workshops.
Our AGM was at the bird feeder, which was perhaps the best venue one could ask for.
The following people were elected at the AGM:
Rich Pickering - President
Kimberly Epp - Past President, Program and Workshop Director
Patti Kosteniuk - Treasurer
Moose Jaw Nature Society held their AGM on September 13th outside at Wakamow due to COVID - 19 restrictions - photo by Kimberly Epp
Tim Nicholl - Membership Director
Vice President - vacant
Secretary - vacant
Directors - Carmen Kaweski Leslie Fielding
Certain programs will be pre-registered, to ensure we keep our numbers low, and we will social distance, of course, as well.
Turkey Vulture, one of seven out at Wakamow recently (photo by Rich Pickering).
I'll likely prepare a net dipping program soon, so stay tuned if that interests you.
All programs will be announced on our Facebook page, various online media outlets, our members will be contacted, and everyone is welcome to come check our small and friendly group out.
Click here to navigate to their page.
Kimberly Epp - Writer/Environmental Educator
Editor’s Note - Are you a member of a local non-profit group and you would like to submit club notes and activities to MJ Independent? Just drop us a line at moosejawnews@gmail.com for more details.