Volunteering to help the turtles!

Volunteering to help the turtles!

Spring 2026: Volunteering with Grey Sauble Turtle Conservation This spring I began volunteering with the Grey Sauble Turtle conservation group in Grey County. My role is to locate nesting turtles, record observations for research, and install nest-protector screens over the eggs. These protections help reduce predation, prevent compaction from passing vehicles, and encourage hatchlings to head toward the ditch instead of the road — giving many a much better chance of survival. What I’ve noticed so far Nesting activity tends to peak on warm, wet evenings.  On stretches of road where new erosion-control technology has been installed, turtles struggle to dig through gravel and tar to reach sand — it’s heartbreaking to watch them try.  Predators clearly take advantage of nesting sites; it’s not just human eyes watching.  Properly placed 2 ft × 2 ft frames with a screen and spikes work well when positioned carefully, protecting eggs without blocking hatchling exit routes. Female covering her nest How you can help Volunteer as a nest spotter and observer — more eyes mean more nests found and protected.  Help build nest-protector frames; there’s a consistent need for more of them. Heading to the Beaver River after laying eggs on the sandy bank For more information on volunteering opportunities and how to get or build frames, visit Grey Sauble Conservation’s website or contact their volunteer coordinator. https://www.greysauble.on.ca/turtle-stewardship-program/ Contact the Program Coordinator:  Chelsea Vieira: education@greysauble.on.ca If you find an injured turtle, please contact the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre: 705-741-5000 or the S.T.A.R.T Hotline:...
Scarlet Tanager

Scarlet Tanager

Scarlet Tanager, a flash of brilliant red, usually very far away and gone so quickly that the camera didn’t have a chance. So much more brilliantly red than a Cardinal, it is an unmistakable brilliant red. These photos are a result of many hours of waiting on the bird to come down from the tree...
Grey-Blue Gnatcatcher #202

Grey-Blue Gnatcatcher #202

These nimble little birds flit about in the tree tops, so it is rare to see one even though they are around. This was my first time photographing one as they are very difficult to find in camera range. I was thrilled to finally photograph one of these very tiny and fast...
Dark Eyed Junco #201

Dark Eyed Junco #201

Dark Eyed Junco, still here for early spring, soon to head north to cooler nesting grounds. Commonly found in the underbrush all over North America. so common that I overlooked adding the Junco to my blog, here it is newly added at...

Categories