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ICI R Ta We Te Ta TE Ta To Ro Ty Wo IVT gf o [oof ETRY oT: To [X53 SPORTS & LEISURE : [oF:1IR{s[=RTolV e[oTs MOI TF Z=T I [o] das [el =Ne [eT SeTa To BTod gTcTe [V] [=H The Great Blue Heron can be seen in Scugog by Ken Carmichael When Ann and I started home from Texas, | was amazed at the number of Great Blue Herons we observed. Every little pond or stream seemed to have one feeding on it. Ther. on April 4, 1995, while driving across the causeway in a snow storm, I spotted one in the water patiently looking for fish. People who live on Scugog Island must certainly be pleased when the Herons arrive at the rookery at Pine Point Woods, heralding the arrival of spring. "As hungry as a Heron" is an expression people use because Herons always look gaunt, half famished, even emaciated, no matter how plentiful the food supply may be. The Great Blue Heron has many nicknames such as Red Shouldered Heron, Blue Crane, _ or just plain crane. One of the easiest ways to distinguish cranes from Herons is that in flight a Heron flies with its neck folded in, while a crane flies with its neck extended. ° . The Great Blue Heron's length is 48 inches with a wing span of some 70 inches. The identification marks are forehead and tip of the head white, neck pale grey, back and wings bluish und bill yellow. When the heron is disturbed it usually gives out four hoarse croaks as it flies slowly away. Great Blue Herons nest in colonies. In some of the larger ones as many as 150 nests can be seen, with at times, as many as two or three nests in the same tree. Once the nest is constructed three to six bluish or greenish eggs are laid. The noise around a Heron colony can be deafening because the birds seem to croak every time they arrive or leave the nest. The Heron's food is usually fish, frogs, crayfish, and salamanders. They sometimes will feed in fields where their food will be mice. In the Western provinces they actually eat . pocket gophers, ground squirrels, and mice. It was noted that a pair of Herons with four or five young would consume twelve to fifteen gophers a day. 1 know that people, like myself, who have ponds can become pretty upset at the Herons feeding on it. It does not take long for one Heron to eat a dozen twelve inch trout. I have trained my dog to chase the Heron away the minute it lands near my pond. Watching a Heron fishing ATV's work hard, play hard Remember the good old days? When getting to your deer stand took the better part of the morning? Or checking Sunday evening Musicales Sunday, May 21st, we were treated to a brilliant performance by two of Canada's outstanding young musicians. Ron Korg on flutes (at least 7 different ones) and Raymond Hickey on acoustic guitar, a Japanese Koto (a 13- stringed instrument 6 feet long) and a Chinese stringed instrument on the lines of a flute. These musicians played with grace, expertise and sensitivity not common today. Watch for their further performance on July 16th in Palmer Park and September at the Scugog Shores M useum. A list of future performers for our Sunday Evening Musicales will include: Joan Aldred's Sweet Adeline group called "One More Time® and Gretal Cameron, vocalist, on May 28th. Cynthia Nidd from Uxbridge will return with her violin and Sweet Adeline group on June 4th, to perform for us again. Peter Chellew and his splendid brass quintet will have a return at the Mi on June 11th. We hope that George i will appear that evening sm Oldham will again be with us with his guitar and country vocals, along with Birdhouse Willie (Bill Barr) on harmonica on June 18th. There is no charge for these concerts at the Head Church on Scugog Island -- a collection will be take. The evenings include a hymn sing and refreshments, Don't forget us -- come as often as you can. livestock in the pasture took the better part of a day? If you're still living the good old days, then meet the new Polaris' ATVs at Willy & Son. These ATVs work hard, so you can play more. Like the new Polaris XPlorer 4x4. This ATV is ready and willing. Or the Polaris Magnum 2x4 and 4x4, the biggest 4-stroke going. You'll also want to meet the new Polaris Scrambler 4x4. Good-bye good old days. Hello good times. Come in to Willy & Son, Port Perry today. Remember, ATVs can be hazardous to operate. Polaris models are only for riders age 18 and older. Always wear a helmet and be sure to get training. For safety and training information, see Willy & Son, 17300 Simcoe St. N., Port Perry, 986-3192. CeNTENNIAL LANES Hwy. 7A & Water St. Call 985-0345 For Hours & Information Birthday Party Packages Starting at 5.95 per child includes One Hour Bowling, & Lunch (French Fries, Pop, Hot Dog or Pizza). Other packages Available. Any day of the week. Please call and book in advance. RANGE & MINIATURE Go ~~ DRIVING 1525 Hwy. 7A, Port Perry (905) 985-GOLF @® Junior Summer Golf School @® Lessons with Ron Foss, Teaching Professional ® Mini Golf League Openings @® Frequent User Cards ot DRIVING RANGE & MINIATURE QUALIFYING DATES : FINAL PLAY-OFF : June 24 ENTER THE GREENBANK LIONS CLUB HOLE in ONE TOURNAMENT Week 1 - June 3109; Week 2 - June 10 to 16; Week 3 - June 17 to 23 GRAND PRIZE : 1995 Grand AM Tickets available Here Now! among the reeds is amazing. The motionless Heron stands, his long neck doubled into a flattened 8, as his keen eyes search the water nearby. As a frog or fish approaches he holds his rigid position until the prey comes within striking range, then suddenly the curved neck straightens out and simultaneously the long, rapier like bill shoots downward with a movement almost quicker than the eye can follow. In a second the fish or frog is swallowed and he assumes his frozen pose waiting for the next prey. Great Blue Herons are with us for at least seven months of the year. These birds seem to be able to survive right up to freeze up. "While most bird speties are declining the Great Blue Heron numbers are increasing. The Ontario Heron Inventory reports that the number of breeding pairs rose from 5356 in 1981 to 8226 in 1991, almost an increase of 53%. The greatest gains were in Eastern Ontario. The next time you are out fishing or walking near the water you could stop for a few minutes to watch this amazing bird fish, knowing that you will be able to enjoy them for years to come. One of my favourite places to bird watch is the Thickson Woods. This forest is owned by the Thickson's Woods Heritage Foundation to be protected forever so I thought. In the fall of 1994 undeveloped cottage lots on the south side of the woods came on the market and were snapped up before the Thickson's Woods Heritage Foundation realized they were for sale. Human encroachment would sadly reduce this fragile . woodland and the loss of some of the 30 metre pines would be devastating. A few more small lots are becoming available it's vital that these be purchased by the Foundation to minimize the fragmentation, of Thickson Woods. The Thickson"s Woods Heritage Foundation is appealing for help once again. If you want to protect one of the last great birding areas in our area a donation would be appreciated Send your'theque to Thickson's Woods Heritage Foundation Inc., Box 541 Whitby, Ontario LIN 5V3 or phone 905-725-2116 for information. See yqu in Thickson Woods in May and good birding: Just Add Water Stop by today and take a closer look at the muscular Polaris SLT750. ~ * Jcylinder, reed-inducted 744cc engine with three 38mm carbs o Three passenger seating capacity storage compartment and reverse are standard © One-year limited warranty POLARIS ; Believ * Polaris Multi-Function Display provides stats at the touch of a button o Rearview mirrors, watertight il. WILLY & SON "4 ENGINE REPAIRS 17300 Simcoe St. N., Port Perry 985-3192 (across from Castle Harbour) ©1994 Polaris Industries LP. 15% Port Perry Marina 2985-3236 for reservations (limit one coupon per rerital) 215 WATER STREET, LAKEFRONT PORT PERRY =Uohnson OFF BOAT RENTALS HM Fishing Boats HM Runabouts HM Pontoon Boats HM Personal Watercraft EEE EES SSE ESSENSE SESE EEE aE Ee. The Power of Experience"