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Nature_Reflections_The_Importance_of_Learning

Feature Article April 10

Feature Article April 10, 2003

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The Importance of LearningLearning about nature is a process that starts as soon as we are able to use our senses. Every time we see a bird, or a flower, or an animal, or an insect (and really look at it), we will unconsciously learn something more about it, until we have gradually accumulated enough information about it and it becomes familiar.

Every time we read or study an article or a book about birds or animals, we absorb more information - of course, we are hoping that the article or book is factual and not fiction. The knowledge we gain helps us understand the world in which we live. The books and articles that are factual have been written by people who have spent years learning and studying. In some instances, years spent in detailed study or observation of a specific species. It is from people like this that we learn about things in nature that we dont have the opportunity to see or study ourselves. How many of us have seen a Polar Bear? And yet, most of us know a lot about it. How many of us have visited Africa? Yet, we each have considerable knowledge and understanding of the animal life on that continent. We know that over the centuries our knowledge of the environment has increased dramatically. Now we are beginning to understand how interdependent different species are. The effect of invasive species on native species is changing our environment - read the articles by Charlie Stewart. The impact of human settlement in North America has dramatically changed the prairies - where are the bison? the forests - where is the habitat some species need? the water - what effect has acid rain had on our fish? And some species such as the Passenger Pigeon have been exterminated by our ancestors belief that they existed in such numbers that they would never disappear. Have we learned enough to prevent other species from vanishing? How do we keep on learning? Here are just a few suggestions:

- Join a nature club - like the Rideau Valley Field Naturalists Club that meets in Perth.

- Go to conservation areas and let nature itself teach you.

- Attend seminars such as the Photography in Nature one on April 25 being sponsored by the Perth Camera Club, where Michael Runtz will share his knowledge and expertise about photographing nature. (I have tickets available).

- Visit the Eastern Ontario Bioversity Museum in Kemptville or attend some of their programs.

- Assist in the research for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, now in its 3rd year of a 5-year undertaking - what birds are nesting and where? I am a regional coordinator for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas and if you can help, please contact me.Learn the facts - for your own enjoyment - for the preservation of the environment and the species!

Observations: Mar 28 and 29 - An Eastern Towhee seen by Brian and Bronwen Sutton, Armstrong Line, Maberly, and Shirley Peruniak had one in Sharbot Lake on Apr 3. Mar 27, Milan Konecny reports a large flock (several dozen) of Cedar waxwings have arrived near Thirteen Island Lake, north of Verona. Shirley also reports a flight of 7 Bonaparte's Gulls on Mar 29. My first Fox Sparrow on Armstrong Road was Apr. 3. Peter Bell had a Red-shouldered Hawk on Mar. 29. On Apr. 4 Ursula Ossenberg, Cloyne, saw a Great Blue Heron in spite of the snow and frozen pond. Please share your sightings, call 268-2518.

With the participation of the Government of Canada