Sault Naturalists

    “Where do you find witches’ butter and avenging angels? At a Hallowe’en party? No. On a fall mushroom outing.”

    “After lunch, we lay on our backs in the sand dunes, gazing in awe at the kettles of hawks floating overhead.”

    “In all probability we humans were not even in the master plan then, as tiny creatures lived, died, and deposited the fossil-rich calcareous material that had composed the homes of bryozoans, crinoids, and hosts of species of corals.”

    These are excerpts from field trip reports written by members of the Sault Naturalists for their newsletter. “But who are Sault Naturalists?” you ask.

    Essentially, we are a group of people of diverse backgrounds and like interests who enjoy nature and the out-of-doors. We are comprised of avid birders, botany enthusiasts, and interpreters of the mysterious rock forms that surround us.

    Founded in 1954, Sault Naturalists have as their objective, “To provide members with a common meeting ground for the exchange of ideas and for the broadening of their knowledge and understanding of natural science. To promote the appreciation, preservation and conservation of our natural heritage. To support and co-operate with other organizations with similar aims.”

    Sault Naturalists are an international organization. We usually meet on the second Tuesday of each month, except in July and August. For our evening programmes, we have been most fortunate to have speakers from many fields of nature study and management who have shared their expertise with us. A highlight of the year is our annual dinner meeting. This is a time of fellowship that most members try to attend. The executive for the coming year are chosen on this occasion.

    Since we are international, we are affiliated with both Ontario Nature and Michigan Audubon. In 1996, we had the pleasure of hosting Ontario Nature’s annual meeting in this city. Likewise, we have participated actively in many Michigan Audubon events.

    Field trips rank high on our agenda. We take every opportunity to enjoy nature, and our outings vary from Wednesday evening jaunts to quite challenging hikes. We hesitate to say “hike”. More often we “saunter”—examining a new plant here, listening to a bird call there, or pondering over a strange rock form. Our qualified and patient leaders share their knowledge and sense of discovery with us. Trips are planned throughout the year. Nor do we let a little rain or snow dampen our spirits. We hike (saunter), bicycle, canoe, ski or show-shoe, according to the season.

    An aptly named newsletter, the Wake Robin, is published bimonthly. (The robin is Michigan’s state bird, and the trillium a.k.a. wake robin is Ontario’s flower.) It informs members of upcoming meetings and programmes, of field trips and other pertinent details. Field trip reports, bird sightings, and various nature observations make interesting reading, especially for members who are no longer able to participate actively.

    In December of each year, Sault Naturalists take part in the international Christmas Bird Census—a count of our winter feathered friends. This report is sent to Bird Studies Canada, and eventually ties in with the statistics gathered by National Audubon. We are presently involved with Michigan’s second Breeding Birds Atlas, and have just completed the Ontario study. A comprehensive “Ontario Breeding Birds Atlas” will be available in 2008.

    A few years ago, members who were keenly interested in the local flora, in cooperation with the Region Conservation Authority, compiled “A Checklist of Vascular Plants of the Sault Ste. Marie Area”. We now have access to the comprehensive online “Northern Ontario Plant Database”—a joint project of Ontario’s northern universities.

    Members have become involved in many environmental projects, one of them being B.P.A.C., the Binational Public Advisory Council for the St. Mary’s River. Sault Naturalists have been active in the Adopt-a-Highway programme for the last ten years, and are embarking on a new challenge—the “adoption” of Wishart Park.

    Yes, Sault Naturalists are online, and have an Ontario and a Michigan website.

    Are you interested in our activities? Then come and join us. We would love to have you.

Gladys Wallwork

Of Persistence and Devotion. (A Diary About a Very Special Pair)

    2001 – April. During the Spring run-off, there is a shallow pond in the field. One day we noticed a pair of Mallards dabbling in the water, and we spread corn on a knoll nearby. The Drake finds it, samples, it, and paddles away to find his mate. She is unconcerned and busily grubbing in the bottom of the pond. As she inches closer to the knoll she does not even bother to raise her head. He watches her patiently, then settles down beside the food and waits. She comes at last. He rises to meet her. And together they dine.

    2002 – April. The Mallards are back.

    2004 -- April. We have set out food and water trays – for the Mallards are here. This time they are challenged by a pair of Wood Ducks, who continue to hold sway for several days.

    May 4: There is a difference of opinion in the duck world. The Mallard Drake has challenged the supremacy of the Wood Drake, and there is much chasing and snapping of bills. Finally though, an uneasy truce prevails, and the Wood Drake eats at one end of the feeder, while the Mallard Drake feeds at the other.

    June 2 – 27: The Mallard Drake still comes in and stays until dark just standing and listening. Is she nesting? When she does come, she goes into a frenzy of eating, drinking and bathing, and then flies off again. He always runs to meet her, and then stands guard while she feeds. She takes a mouthful of grain, and then dips her bill into the water tray. Is she softening this food for a special reason?

    2005 – April: The Mallard pair is back. We notice that the duck has lost her leg, and is limping awkwardly. We replenish the food and water trays while they wait at a distance. He watches over her, and chases all other birds away as well as the resident squirrel. After they feed, they move into the shade to rest, feeling quite safe here, it seems. They tuck their heads under their wings for a short duck-nap”, then they rise, shake their feathers and prepare to fly. She falls over and appears quite shaken. He waits patiently until she is ready, then they take off. She is bravely persevering, and he is so thoughtful of her. Will she survive?

    2006 – April: The pair is back. She has survived! As usual they come in to feed, then settle down to rest before flying off. They stay longer and seem to accept us – though he still eyes me warily. They visit regularly until June, and then disappear. One day we wander to the back field where there is a big pond. With our binoculars, we spot a pair of in the distance. Are they “our” ducks? Have they nested here? Are there any ducklings? We cannot tell

    2007 – March 29: [seemingly, spring is here].  Mallards are swimming in the back pond. We watch them curiously. The Drake comes to the feeder to eat, then returns to the pond to find his mate. She is dabbling among the weeds in the water as unconcerned as she was on that first day. They do come in, later – she hopping awkwardly on one foot, and he watching and waiting patiently while she eats.

    April: it is snowing. The pond is frozen and the ground is white. They have disappeared for a time, but they will come back. She has survived another Winter. He has been her devoted and watchful guardian.

    Gladys Wallwork (From TheWake-Robin, April 2007)