by Chris Earley

This year is shaping up to be a great year for winter finches. Can you identify any of these cold-hardy seed-eaters? Photos are by Jon Brierley and Karl Egressy.  The answers are at the bottom of the newsletter.

by Chris Earley

This year has been a good one for owl sightings in The Arboretum so I thought an article describing some of them might be fun. Here are the four species that were seen this year and how they were found.  Read More.

 
Barred Owl                                        Great Horned Owl
photo by James Telford                      photo by Chris Earley

 
Eastern Screech-Owl                            Northern Saw-whet Owl
photo by Chris Earley                          photo by Chris Earley

Looking for a great gift for the nature lover? We have a series of 5 booklets: Feeder Birds, Wildflowers, Mammals, Dragonflies and Summer Garden Birds. Each booklet is full colour and is $8. Details can be found on our website.

We also have a nature journal with a series of colour photos in the centre pages and lots of unique pages with leaf backgrounds for sketching or journaling. Each journal is $10.

Our Wildlife Crossings sign are 12" x 12", are available in 11 different designs and also make a great gift. They are $10 each.

Gift certificates are also available for our workshops. Owl Prowls make a fabulous family outing or check out our other workshops.

To purchase these booklets, journals, signs or gift certificates please call ext. 52358 or e-mail us at [log in to unmask]. We would be happy to mail these out to you (a mailing fee may apply).

Be a part of the BetterPlanet Project by donating on-line:

Working with the talented IT people at Alumni Affairs and Development we now have a secure link directly from our website for individuals who wish to make a donation on line. One feature that I'm sure you will appreciate is the ability to direct your donation to your favourite program at The Arboretum. You can even set up automatic monthly, quarterly or annual donations to spread your support over time. We think you will find it quite easy to navigate however suggestions are always welcome.

The url for the site is http://uofg.convio.net/arboretum.

If you prefer to make your donation by phone or via Canada Post the contact information required is below.

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH
Attention Alumni Affairs
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
Tel: 1-888-266-3108 ext. 56934
Tel: 519-824-4120 ext. 56934
Fax: 519-822-2670
Email: [log in to unmask]

If you would like information on bequests and planned giving to The Arboretum please contact:

Ross Butler
Director, Gift Planning
at (519) 824-4120 ext. 56196 or by e-mail at [log in to unmask]

by Ric Jordan

Change:
As 2012 draws to a close I contemplate the old adage that time does goes by faster as you get older. I'm sure that some of you can explain this concept to me using a combination of philosophy, quantum physics and Einstein's Theory of Relativity however I prefer to sit back and enjoy the changing dynamics of the site, and we have experienced numerous changes over the past year in a variety of areas.  Read More.

The Owl, Animal Tracking, Winter Landscapes Photography and Owl Prowl workshops are all approaching. The dates and registration deadlines can be found in our Coming Events listing in the column on the left side of this newsletter. A detailed description of each course is available on our website. Help us promote our programs … please forward this e-mail on to your friends and colleagues who may be interested. The more participants we have, the more programs we can offer.

For further information and / or to register please call at 519-824-4120 ext. 52358 or [log in to unmask]. Please note that a decision is made on the registration deadline as to whether the workshop will run or not, based on the minimum number of required registrants. You may still register after the deadline as long as the workshop is running and there is space.

A lot has been happening in The Arboretum in regards to bird sightings in the last month. There are a few lingering summer and fall species such as White-throated Sparrow and Northern Flicker as well as newly-arriving northern winter species such as White-winged Crossbill, Common Redpoll and Hoary Redpoll. Other birds seen recently include Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, American Robin and Purple Finch. "Our" Barred Owl is still being seen so be sure to keep your eyes open when walking our wooded trails.

 
Common Redpoll                                White-throated Sparrow
photo by J. Brierley                              photo byJ. Brierley
                                 
                                  Pileated Woodpecker
                                  Photo by K. Egressey

Be a part of the BetterPlanet Project by donating on-line:
Your donation can be directed to The Arboretum online through the secure University of Guelph donation page:http://uofg.convio.net/arboretum 

If you prefer not to make an online donation, there are several other ways to provide your financial support. You can choose to donate by telephone, mail, fax, or in person:

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH Attention Alumni Affairs 50 Stone Road East Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1 Tel: 1-888-266-3108 ext. 56934 Tel: 519-824-4120 ext. 56934 Fax: 519-822-2670 Email: [log in to unmask]

If you would like information on bequests and planned giving to The Arboretum please contact:

Ross Butler
Director, Gift Planning
at (519) 824-4120 ext. 56196 or by e-mail at rbutler@uoguelph.ca