Wildlife Sightings
Black Chipmunk
From John Bonner:
"I recently encountered the most unusual sighting in over 40 years at the Lake. I was playing golf at Westbrook, and saw what appeared to be a baby squirrel, and then saw it again while in the clubhouse. Two of the staff members told me that it was a very rare Black Chipmunk. When I googled it, I have to agree that they were correct. They also told me that there are 2 of them around the course."
Rat Snakes
Kate Laird: Sighted a black rat snake while walking dogs after our meeting.
Mary Lapeer: Also sighted a rat snake with my grandchildren yesterday. They must be on the move.
Rik Saaltink. It seems that black snakes are on the move. Unfortunately I saw a big one killed on the Desert Lake road last weekend.
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Unless otherwise noted, photos below are by Rob Canvin
Herons
Although the Great Blue Heron has been a frequent sight on Desert lake for many decades, it is just in recent years that a heronry has been established at the north end of the lake. Here are two pictures of last year's activity. |  |
Loons
The Common Loon has always been an important part of life on Desert Lake. The health and quantity of a loon population on a water body is a good indicator of the overall quality of that ecosystem. During a period in which statistics on loons were collected, it was found that there was an average of three mated pairs of loons on Desert lake each year, and they raised an average of two chicks per year. This is great news for D.L.P.O.A. and we hope this healthy trend continues. Loons are very special to us on Desert Lake and we would all miss the haunting call and the majestic beauty of the loon.
Osprey
Osprey are another valuable bird species on Desert Lake. The use of D.D.T. in the 1950s and 1960s led to the subsequent decline of many fish-eating bird species including the Osprey. Although Osprey populations have generally recovered, the Osprey also serves as a good indicator species of a lakes systemic health. Although, the Desert Lake Osprey population is not formally monitored we do keep track of bird sightings, mated pairs and chick survival. For many years now, we have had two nesting sites with mated pairs that have produced chicks with varying success. Two of the birds have been seen on the lake this spring. Osprey on Desert Lake continue to provide a dramatic source of entertainment and inspiration.
Some links to Osprey:
Wild Turkey
There have been Wild Turkey Sightings in the Desert Lake area for several years now. Every winter, we usually encounter a band of 15 to 25 turkeys scavenging for food at the local bird feeders. One spring, this confused juvenile turkey was caught "sizing up the competition" at the gas pump at Snug Harbour Resort. He was determined to fight for his territory and fend off any competitors, imaginary or not!
Prior to the re-introduction, the last wild turkey seen in Ontario was at the turn of the century. Between 1984 and 1987, 274 wild turkeys from six states were released at six locations across southern Ontario. Since 1987, Ontario has trapped 1736 birds from within the province, and moved them to 119 new release sites in order to spread birds to suitable habitat more quickly than they would move on their own.
For more information see: The Life History of the Wild Turkey
Bald Eagles
Once common in this part of the country, bald eagles virtually disappeared in the 20th centry. Now they are making a comeback. Early this year seven of the magnificent birds (four adults, three immatures) were observed at Desert Lake feeding on a carcass.Racoons
Not all the creatures here are ones that we look for in the countryside. Some of our friends from the city also show up.
Video by Don Robinson
Various Creatures
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| Photo by John Anderson |
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| Taken through car window on the Bedford Rd by Geoff Torrible |
