News
It’s Here!
The new Elgin Stewardship assistance for funding application is here! You can download your copy by clicking here
ESC thanks the Royal Astronomical Society- London Branch
ESC would like to thank the Royal Astronomical Society- London Branch for their generous donation. Donations are greatly appreciated as they allow us to continue to make improvements at wildlife management areas and to increase habitat for wildlife in Elgin County.
Thank you from the ESC Board of Directors.
Whats New at AWMA in 2019
What’s New at AWMA in 2019
Check out the new projects at AWMA:
Osprey Nesting Platform
An osprey nesting platforms was constructed with donated pole and recycled wood by volunteers and the Stewardship Rangers this past summer. It was installed thanks to the donation of anonymous sponsor in November with the hopes to attract an osprey pair this spring. Failing that, it is strong enough to handle our bald eagles if they would like to take up a closer residence.
Pairing Ponds Project
With the demise of the 22 year old Goose Relocation Project at the direction of the MNRF, the Elgin Stewardship Council has repurposed several of the goose pastures to create five new wetlands/ponds complete with basking logs and turtle nesting sites to support reptilian wildlife. Ponds in front of viewing stands 3 and 4 will enhance observation opportunities for birds. The pairing ponds will provide more habitat for migratory waterfowl nesting and feeding. All the ponds are surface runoff/precipitation fed so water levels will seasonally fluctuated. The three northern pairing ponds are designed to cascade overflows via swales into the Tundra Swan Cell. Suitable mixtures of dry and wet meadow will be planted around each pairing pond this spring to provide cover and food for wildlife. Construction of a fifth viewing stand overlooking the northern pairing ponds is under consideration.
Water Cells Refurbishment/Maintenance
Ducks Unlimited Canada has undertaken a multiyear refurbishment and maintenance of the west and east water cells. This past season required a full drawdown of the west cell (Tundra Swan Pond) and a partial drawdown of the east cell (Heron Pond) with the removal of stop logs out the water control devices. Due to sediment issues a channel had to be cut to facilitate the drainage of the west cell. A extremely wet autumn delayed work on the re-contouring of west cell and replacement of the northern water control. Four sediment ponds are being cut into the western and northern embayments of the west cell this February which will better handle the deposition of materials entering via the military drains of the former runways entering from the west and north sides of the compound. Work on the western cell will be completed this spring and the re-flooding will commence late next season. The complete drawdown of the east cell is scheduled for 2020 to allow for repair to the berm and maintenance with reflooding scheduled for 2022.
Tree planting
Eastern Cedars, White Pines, and Tulip trees have been added to the windbreak along College Line to fill in the gaps and to increase biodiversity courtesy of the MNRF and ESC who planted on two days. Additional mast producing trees and shrubs will be planted this spring to enhance the wildlife habitat around the new pairing ponds.
Invasive Species Eradication
A contractor has been hired to spray the numerous patches of phragmites that our spreading inside the wildlife refuge compound. Unfortunately weather has caused a delay until this summer. Future plans include the removal of common buckthorn, multiflora rose and other invasive plant species.
Blue Bird Program
The St. Thomas Field Naturalists generously donated twelve new bluebird boxes and stakes which have been installed along the entrance roadway. As part of the refurbishing program, all older bluebird boxes are being removed from the fences, repaired and reinstalled on posts. This will reduce the interference of mice on nesting birds.
Duck Baiting
On-going from September 10th to December 5th
400 lb. every Monday, Wednesday, Fridayfeed by volunteers including the EESS Environmental Leadership Program
400 m no hunting exclusion zone was posted
Duck Banding
Due to the drawdown of the east cell the duck trap was moved to the west cell where conditions were less than favourable.
Completed on September 10th with only 54 ducks banded which was disappointing.
48 Mallards, 6 Wood Ducks
Winter Bird Feeding
Several winter bird feeders are installed in front of Viewing Stand #3 providing niger, black oil sunflower, millet and suet to assist the residential species and to improve birding opportunities.
Waterfowl Hunting
Three hunting blinds were prepared and used this past waterfowl hunting season on College Line. Please note the exclusion signage at the end of Canada Goose Way for hikers and other day users.
Tall Grass Prairie Maintenance
The encroachment of woody stems into the Tall Grass Prairie has required both mechanical and chemical treatments to prevent the formation of a woodland. A contractor will perform a systematic chemical treatment of the affected areas later this season which was impeded due to autumn weather conditions. A new application for a Low Intensity Prescribed Burn has been submitted to the MNRF and waiting approval. A prescribed burn is required on a regular basis to maintain the grasses and forbs of the prairie and prevent succession to forest.
Tundra Swan Fall Migration
Small flocks of Tundra Swan were observed in mid-November at the AWMA. Recently flocks ranging from a dozen to over 200 are being reported this February. The Long Point Flock has overwintered so far and have been commuting to Rondeau Bay and venturing inland. Interpretation and feeding program are prepared.
Donations
All Donations are used to feed the wildlife and maintain the property for passive public recreation and enhance wildlife habitat.
AWMA Managers
Ron Casier – 519 631 5279, ronjcasier@gmail.com
Gary Brown – 519 765 1633
*Please report vandalism or issues to managers*
2019 Spring Tundra Swan Migration
The Aylmer Wildlife Area is an annual favorite staging area for migrating Tundra Swans. These beautiful swans can be viewed annually during late-Feburary, March from the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area’s observation decks. Come out and ask Ron and Keith (our local swan experts) your questions about Tundra Swans. To find out more and to hear the daily swan count, please call the Swan Line at:
(519) 773-SWAN or (519) 773-7926
To learn some interesting facts about Tundra Swans, click HERE
For some Tundra Swan Trivia, click HERE
15th Annual Youth Hunting Day
15th Annual Youth Hunting Day on Saturday, November 30th, 2019 at Fingal Wildlife Management Area (west of St. Thomas)
A safe quality hunting event open to youths aged 12 to 15 who have successfully completed the Ontario Hunter Education Course and are part of the Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program, along with their mentors. Ammunition, trained dogs and a lunch will be provided.
Admission is free. To register, or for more information, call 519-631-4491 or click here
What’s New at AWMA 2020
New AWMA Brochure
A new brochure for the AWMA has been designed and will be available in the View Stands 1 & 3 shortly. The updated version is in full colour and reflects the changes that have and will be occurring at AWMA. The older pamphlet which has developed in 1998 had been out of print since 2018
Osprey Nesting Platform
Our osprey nesting platform installed late in 2019 hopefully will attract some osprey for nesting purposes. With the restoration of the water in the Tundra Swan Pond (west cell),the fish population should bounce back this year to provide the osprey with sufficient food stuffs.Realistically it may take several more seasons to attract ospreys with sufficient food. Failing that, structure is strong enough to handle our bald eagles if they would like to take up a closer residence.
Pairing Ponds
The five pairing ponds dug in the autumn of 2018 by the Elgin Stewardship Council have all successfully held water during past year and are being naturalized by an assortment of aquatic plants, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles. They repurpose the goose pastures with the demise of the 22 year old Goose Relocation Program at the direction of the MNRF. Useage of theinstalled basking logs and turtle nesting sites by native reptiles is anticipated this year. Pond/wetland complexes in front of viewing stands 3 and 4 have enhanced observation opportunities for various migratory and shore birds. The pairing ponds will provide more habitat for migratory waterfowl nesting and feeding. All the ponds are surface runoff/precipitation fed so water levels will seasonally fluctuated. The three northern pairing ponds are designed as cascadingoverflows via swales into the Tundra Swan Cell. Suitable mixtures of dry and wet meadow have been planted around each pairing pond to provide cover and food for wildlife. Additional native shrubs will be planted this spring to for additional cover and mast. The southern two ponds drain naturally into the Fuller Municipal Drain. Construction of a fifth viewing stand overlooking the northern pairing ponds is under consideration.
Water Cells Refurbishment/Maintenance
Ducks Unlimited Canada has undertaken a multiyear refurbishment and maintenance of the west and east water cells. This past season required a full drawdown of the west cell (Tundra Swan Pond) and a partial drawdown of the east cell (Heron Pond) with the removal of stop logs out the water control devices. Due to sediment issues a channel had to be cut to facilitate the drainage of the west cell. An extremely wet autumn two seasons ago delayed work on the re-contouring of west cell and replacement of the northern water control. Four sediment ponds were cut into the western and northern embayments of the west cell better handle the deposition of materials entering via the military drains of the former runways entering from the west and north sides of the compound. Refurbishment work on the western cell has been be completed and the re-flooding commence late October successfully. The Tundra Pond will now enter a seven year cycle of regulated draw downs and reflooding to maintain a healthier aquatic habitat under direction of Ducks Unlimited. The complete drawdown of the east cell is scheduled for 2020 to allow for repair to the berm and maintenance with reflooding scheduled for 2022
Tree planting
Eastern Cedars, White Pines, and Tulip trees have been added to the windbreak along College Line to fill in the gaps and to increase biodiversity courtesy of the MNRF and ESC who planted on two days. Additional conifers species will be planted this spring to enhance the northern and western windbreaks to provide wildlife habitat and better shelter the northern agricultural croplands.
Invasive Species Eradication
Giles Restoration has been hired by the ESC to spray the numerous patches of phragmites that our spreading inside and outside the wildlife refuge compound as well as the extensive woody invaders of the Tall Grass Prairie. This eradication work was successfully completed this past summer and will be monitored for repeat applications if required. Wild Parsley, a cousin to noxious Hogweed was discovered and will be eradicated this coming season as well. This winter the KCCA and CCCA invasive eradication programs were hired by the ESC to remove common buckthorn, multiflora rose, Russian and Autumn Olive and other invasive plant species from the northern and southern portions of the AWMA. Giles Restoration is doing similar work within the Wildlife Sanctuary.
Blue Bird Program
The St. Thomas Field Naturalists continue their efforts to refurbish the new bluebird boxes along the main entrance roadway to the parking lot. As part of the refurbishing program, all older bluebird boxes are being removed from the fences, repaired and reinstalled on posts. This will reduce the interference of mice on nesting birds.
Duck Baiting
On-going from September 11th to December 9th
As permitted by the CWS, 400 lb. of shelled corn was thrown into the baiting area every Monday, Wednesday, Fridayfeed by volunteers including the EESS Environmental Leadership Program
The 400 m no hunting exclusion zone was posted as required by the CWS.
Baiting Permission Application for this season is in progress.
Duck Banding
Due to the extended drawdown of the west cell and the emptying of the east cell, no duck banding was performed by the CWS licenced volunteers this past season. We anticipate a return to normal banding conditions after the disruption of the past two seasons.Year-Round Bird Feeding
Several bird feedersinstalled in front of Viewing Stand #3 providing niger, black oil sunflower, millet and suet to assist the residential and migratory species and to improve birding opportunities for our patrons.
Waterfowl Hunting
Three hunting blinds were prepared for the autumn waterfowl hunting season as usual. However due to the extreme lateness of the corn harvest this past season no actual hunting occurred. This season’s crop rotation and a better harvest period should eliminate the issue this year. Please note that small game, deer and turkey hunting are not permitted at AWMA nor is any target or practice shooting.
Tall Grass Prairie Maintenance
A prescribed burn is required on a regular basis to maintain the grasses and forbs of the prairie and prevent succession to forest. The inability to receive MNRF permission to perform the prescribed burn has resulted in deterioration of Tall Grass Prairie due to woody invasives.
Chemical and physical removal of woody stems has been completed last season in preparation for a possible prescribed burn planned for spring 2020. The ESC has hired WildFire Specialists to prepare Low Complexity Burn Fire Plans for AMWA and FWMA in accordance with MNRF regulations. Final permitting for both burns are pending on MNRF approval. WildFire Specialists will perform both burns hopefully this April of 2020.
Tundra Swan Fall Migration
Due to the lack of water in the Tundra Swan Pond/West Cell last season, the number of visiting swans was greatly reduced to approximately 7000. With the reflooded Tundra Swan Pond, there is anticipated return to normal in this season’s migration. The current open winter has allowed up to 5000 Tundra Swans to overwinter in the open waters of Long Point and Rondeau Bays. So sightings have been frequent this past winter along Erie’s north shore.The Tundra Swan Interpretation and daily feeding programs are prepared for their arrival.
Tall Grass Prairie
The encroachment of woody stems into the Tall Grass Prairie has required both mechanical and chemical treatments to prevent the formation of a woodland. A contractor will perform a systematic chemical treatment of the affected areas later this season which was impeded due to autumn weather conditions. A new application for a Low Intensity Prescribed Burn has been submitted to the MNRF and waiting approval.
Wood Duck Boxes
Ducks Unlimited donate twelve new wood duck boxes, the posts and hardware as part of the refurbishing of the west cell. The MNRF Stewardship Rangers installed the posts, predator guards and boxes this past summer around the new pairing ponds to provide homes to multiple secondary cavity dwellers through all the seasons.
Noxious Weed Removal
Many of you may have noticed the proliferation of Indian Hemp or Elephant Weed in the tailings from the new sedimentary ponds. This invasive weed is a nuisance in agricultural lands and hard on harvest equipment. Thanks to MNRF and ESC volunteers the wildlife sanctuary was systematically cleared of this noxious weed.
Elgin Stewardship Council
AWMA Managers
Ron Casier 519-318-5279, ronjcasier@gmail.com
Gary Brown 519-765-1633
Please report vandalism or issues to managers.
Donations
All Donations are used to feed the wildlife and maintain the property for passive public recreation and enhance wildlife habitat.
Wetland Construction at John E. Pearce Provincial Park
Click to watch a video of wetland construction at John E. Pearce Provincial Park.
Hunters to provide own camouflage for blinds at AWMA & CSWMA
Due to Covid-19, Hunters will be responsible for providing their own camouflage at all blinds at Aylmer Wildlife Management Area and Calton Swamp Wildlife Management Area
Blind #6 at Calton Swamp Wildlife Management Area is CLOSED until further notice
What’s new at AWMA 2022
Addition of New Wetlands
Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Elgin Stewardship Council have created an additional seven new wetlands. Six of the new wetlands stretch across the northern wildlife corridor (northern most former runway). Two larger ponds anchor the east and west ends of the corridor with four smaller acting as linkages. A trail will be extended along this corridor for hikers to use during the non-hunting season. The planting of native shrubs and seeding of native forbs and grasses will be completed this spring as well. Interpretative signage will be installed. Wood duck nesting boxes and Prothonotary Warbler boxes will be installed. The seventh pond is located in the wildlife sanctuary in conjunction with the East Cell (Heron Pond) which is undergoing rejuvenation under the direction of DUC.
Osprey Nesting Platform
Our osprey nesting platform installed late in 2019 did attract a single osprey for a short period this past season again. With the restoration of the water in the Tundra Swan Pond (west cell),the fish population should bounce back this year to provide the osprey with sufficient food stuffs. Realistically it may take several more seasons to attract ospreys with sufficient food. Failing that, structure is strong enough to handle our bald eagles if they would like to take up a closer residence.
Pairing Ponds
The five pairing ponds dug in the autumn of 2018 by the Elgin Stewardship Council in the wildlife sanctuary continue to naturalizewith an assortment of aquatic plants, invertebrates, amphibiansand reptiles. A colony of painted turtles is making useage of theinstalled basking logs and turtle nesting sites as observed last season. Additional aquatic colonizers are anticipated this year and the seeding and planting of assorted native aquatic and emergent species continues. Construction of a fifth viewing stand overlooking the northern pairing ponds was delayed due to the pandemic but hopefully be under consideration again this summer.
Water Cells Refurbishment/Maintenance
Ducks Unlimited Canada has undertaken a multiyear refurbishment and maintenance of the west and east water cells. This past season required a final full drawdown of the west cell (Tundra Swan Pond) and the completion of a full drawdown of the east cell (Heron Pond) with the removal of stop logs out the water control devices. Giles Restoration carried out a thorough spaying of the west cell to control the invasion of phragmites and Cottonwood that threaten to overwhelm the cell last season. Refurbishment work on the western cell has been completed and the re-flooding commence early October successfully to its maximum level. Rehabilitation of the west cell (Tundra Swan Pond) is now complete. The west cell will undergo seasonal draw downs and refloods to provide appropriate shoreline habitat for migrating waterfowl and shore birds.
The full draw down of the east cell (Heron Pond) was completed in October and will remain in phase for approximately two seasons before reflooding. The new wetland (seventh pond) and pond 5 will provide water sources for wildlife during this time as will the temporary stream generated from drainage from the west cell passing through the bottom of the empty east pond. Wildlife viewing from Stand #4 will provide a different perspective and view of rehabilitation of the pond and extensive mud flats after heavy rains.
Invasive Species Eradication
Giles Restoration has been hired by the ESC to spray the numerous patches of phragmites that our spreading inside and outside the wildlife refuge compound as well as the remaining woody invaders of the Tall Grass Prairie for this summer. Last winter,the invasive eradication program was continued to remove common buckthorn, multiflora rose, Russian and autumn olive and other invasive plant species from the wildlife refuge. In November, they returned with a forest mulcher to breakdown the standing dead thickets and prepare the sites for replanting. The plan is to continue this process this coming season.
Native Species Plantings
Numerous native shrubs to provide mast and shelter for wildlife have been purchased from the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority and will be planted out this spring. Areas that have been prepared after replanting by the forest mulcher as well as areas around the new wetlands will be the targeted areas for replant. An assortment of seeds of native grasses and forbes are being purchased for planting this spring as well.
Black Walnut Maintenance
Black Walnut trees that were planted at the AWMA several decades ago are being trimmed to make better timber trees as a demonstration of proper forestry practices. This project is being undertaken by the membership of the Elgin-Middlesex Woodlot Owner’s Association, a chapter of the Ontario Woodlot Association.
Purple Martin House
Our new Purple Martin House was installed and was visited by returning Purple Martins in the spring and autumn migrations but had no nesters. We hope to attract a colony this coming spring.
Bat Houses
As several species of native bats are endangered, two large bat colony boxes will be soon installed. This is to provide safe diurnal shelter and maternity wards in support of local bat populations. Special thank you to the St. Thomas Field Naturalists for the construction of several bat colony boxes for distribution to all the wildlife management area.
Blue Bird Program
The numerous Blue Bird boxes along the main roadway, Canada Wayand Barn trail are being maintained and attracting several nesting birds. Refurbishing of older bluebird boxes and relocation to poles is on going.
Duck Baiting
In the autumn, duck baiting was performed from August 19th to December 15th. As permitted by the CWS, 400 lb. of shelled corn was thrown into the baiting area every Monday, Wednesday, Fridayfeed by volunteers including the EESS Environmental Leadership Program following Covid 19 protocols. The 400 m no hunting exclusion zone was posted as required by the CWS.Baiting Permission Application for this coming season is in progress.
Duck Banding
Despite the pandemic, there was a return to duck banding after a two-year hiatus. Due to the drawdown of the west cell, the duck trap was installed in pond # 3 which was being baited. Duck banding occurred between August 19th and September 18th and was performed by the CWS licenced volunteers this past season.
Year-Round Bird Feeding
Several bird feedersinstalled in front of Viewing Stand #3 providing niger, black oil sunflower, millet, mixed grainand suet to assist the residential and migratory species and to improve birding opportunities for our patrons.
Waterfowl Hunting
Three hunting blinds and parking lots were prepared for the autumn waterfowl hunting season as usual. An early harvest of the soyabean fields followed by the planting of winter wheat provided an excellent hunting field this past autumn. The hunting blinds were well used with new hunters making use of the opportunity. Please note that small game, deer and turkey hunting are not permitted at AWMA nor is any target or practice shooting.
Tall Grass Prairie Maintenance
Invasive woody species were again sprayed to eradicate their presence. Additional prairie seeding will beperformed this spring to infill areas left open by destroyed woody vegetation.
Tundra Swan Fall Migration
The usual swan sightings at AWMA this autumn were typical with small groups stopping for a few hours before continuing south. There is no indication of tundra swans overwintering at Long Point and Rondeau Bays this season.
Tundra Swan Spring Migration
We anticipate a return to a more normal swan migration program this season. All viewing stands will be open this season. The MNDMNRF is restricting the stands to a maximum of 25 people and masks are mandatory! Morning feeding of the swans will continue but the interpretative program provided to the public may be limited due to a lack of volunteers. We anticipate a good migratory season with a full Tundra Swan Pond.
Duck Boxes and nesting Tubes
The five nesting tubes have been refurbished and installed for the up coming season. The 27 new Wood Duck boxes have been cleaned and restocked with wood shavings.
Feral Cat Problem
Ground nesting birds: Meadowlark, Bobolink, Savanna Sparrows, etc continue to be decimated by the release of feral cats into the wildlife management area. There has been no nesting of Bobolinks in the meadows for two seasons now. The loss of the Bobwhites that appeared several seasons ago can also be contributed to predation by feral cats. We ask the public to not abandon cats or any domesticated pet in the wildlife area and not to feed or assist these invasive and destructive species.
Donations
All Donations are used to feed the wildlife and maintain the property for passive public recreation and enhance wildlife habitat. Funding for a new viewing stand (#5) is being sought.
Elgin Stewardship Council
The Elgin Stewardship Council is responsible for the care and maintenance of the three Wildlife Management Areas in Elgin: Aylmer, Calton Swamp, and Fingal under an agreement with the MNDMNRF.
AWMA Manager
Ron Casier 519-318-5279, ronjcasier@gmail.com
Please report vandalism or issues to the manager.