Nestled deep within the heart of Carolinian Canada, lies Ontario’s second oldest Provincial Park: Rondeau!
30 Jul 2014

Species of the Day: Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar (Pickering, 2014)

This living fossil is one of two species of gar we have in Ontario and we’re lucky enough to have both here in Rondeau Bay. This is the much more common species, the longnose gar (Lepisosteus oseus). This Latin name refers to its bony scales that cover the whole length of the fish. The Spotted Gar is the other and is much rarer, being found in only about 6 bodies of water in Ontario, 1 being our shallow bay. Only 500 of these uncommon fish have ever been caught in Ontario.

This fish is most commonly mistaken for a pike, it is commonly called a gar pike but that would be in fact incorrect because gars and pikes are their own separate families.

The body length may be up to 5 feet but the common size is much smaller.

The gar is found in quiet large bodies of water usually seen floating at the surface of the water mimicking a stick. They use this form of behaviour to catch their prey, they will float slowly towards the minnow or yellow perch and strike too fast for the prey to escape.

The longnose gar spawns in late spring or in early summer. They spawn in large schools in close formation in order to ensure fertilization of the eggs. The spawn will be deposited in shallow bays that are filled with submerged aquatic vegetation.

The Longnose Gar ranges from Northern Mexico to Southern Quebec, most commonly found in the deep Southern U.S. and anywhere along the Mississippi river.

– J. Pickering (2014)

06 Jul 2014

The Sword Master

 

Photo taken by Ric McArthur

There are bully birds that chase others away from feeders and birdbaths – Grackles and Blue Jays are repeat offenders – but there aren’t many that will take on a Red-bellied Woodpecker. His long, pointed bill makes him a master at fending off other birds.

This spring has been a great year for woodpeckers in general around Rondeau – especially the Red-bellied who has been seen at numerous feeders and backyards around the park!

You may occasionally see a Red-bellied Woodpecker flying quickly and erratically through the forest, abruptly changing directions, alighting for an instant and then immediately take off again – all while keeping up a quick chatter of calls. It’s thought that this is a type of play that probably helps young birds practice the evasive actions that they may one day need (Cornell Lab of Ornithology).

– Ric McArthur

26 Jun 2014

We’ve got Babies… birds that is.

Image from Ric McArthur (2014)

It’s nesting time, and with many birds that raise their young in the Rondeau area, we’ve been receiving many phone calls about baby birds who have fallen out of their nest. We love answering your questions, but here’s a key to let you know what to do if you find a baby bird on the ground:

 

26 Jun 2014

July Activities!

July is almost upon us – and we’ve got some exciting events planned for all of you! From children’s programs to guided hikes to many special events! There’s definitely something for everyone, and we hope to see you all out and exploring Rondeau real soon.

Click on the image above to expand.

26 Apr 2014

May Activities

Our Festival of Flight is almost under way, check our the events we have to offer for one of our favourite months!

 

13 Apr 2014

A New Bath for the Birds

Thanks to a generous donation from a long time friend of the park, we were able to redesign our bird garden pond! This important water feature has gone through a few changes over the past few years (mainly due to a mischievous muskrat) but now we have settled on a design that we think will please both visitors and birds alike. Birds are attracted to the sound of running water, and we hope to draw some interesting species into our garden for your viewing pleasure.

So stop by the Visitor Centre (Open every Thursday – Sunday in April from 10-4) and relax by our birding window and enjoy the show!

We hope to see you soon

04 Apr 2014

Congratulations Caitlin!

We have exciting news! After a long process, Rondeau Provincial Park is happy to announce the hiring of Caitlin Sparks as the Park Interpreter. As many of you know, Caitlin has been with us for 4 years now and has filled a variety of roles.

Caitlin started off at the Rondeau Visitor Centre as a hard working summer student where she developed and delivered an abundance of excellent educational programs. As a graduate from Laurier/Nipissing’s Concurrent Education program she brings a plethora of knowledge on teaching and developing educational and interactive lessons for all ages. Caitlin brings a positive attitude and a great working knowledge of the park.

We are pleased the Caitlin will be with us for the long term in this role and wish her success in her new endeavour!

18 Mar 2014

A Good Time Had By All!

Although this past weekend was a little chilly, the winter weather didn’t stop the hundreds of people from enjoying a day in Rondeau Park. As always the Ontario Falconry Centre put on an amazing show and the Rondeau Bay Waterfowler’s helped many excited children build their own birdhouses.

Thank you to everyone who braved the cold and helped make our festival a success. Thanks to the many volunteers and sponsors who took the time out of their busy schedules to help out!

The Visitor Centre is closed for the remainder of March but will reopen in every Thursday through Sunday in April from 10:00am – 4:00pm. Hope to see you all soon!

12 Mar 2014

Winter Storm Closure

Due to the winter storm, the Visitor Centre will be closed Wednesday, March 12. The guided hike at 1:00pm will be cancelled. We will re-open Thursday March 13 from 10:00am – 4:00pm.

Sorry for any inconvenience – stay warm and safe!

VC Staff