Have you ever wanted to just get away from it all, but don't want to travel hours away from home to get away? While your in luck Valens Lake Conservation Area boosts many qualities of the great north while being just a short drive from the city. If you have yet to discover the wilderness of Valens Lake you have a great opportunity to explore what nature has to offer, if you have been there before you will be able to relate to our friend Jeff who most highly recommends the area. Read Jeff's story below and be inspired to make your next trip to Valens Lake Conservation Area!
We go to Valens all year
round, and just love it. It is like being in Algonquin Park. When
we stay overnight camping, it feels like we are in a different place, far from
our home in Hamilton. In fact my wife commutes to work in Burlington from our site. Our children are reacquainted with nature, and you can be put to sleep listening to the coyotes
howling along with the many night birds and frogs. Looking
around at night at other campfires and hearing all the night sounds makes it
tough to believe we are in Hamilton!
Scientifically, four hours walking the beautiful trails in Valens gives you ten
days worth of feeling of well being!
You can also bring or rent a boat and float around and fish on the
lake. No motors.
We have been going for years and always get our annual membership, so that we
can go anytime we want! It is a great way to get the kids interested in
nature (their electronics get shut off at the gate). We have seen myriad
frogs and butterflies, hawks and many other birds including owls, turtles,
racoons, and deer there. Being there stretches the day into another of
many treasured Valens memories.
We feel ownership in a way, regarding Valens. There is a big field where
kids gather and play and a nice quiet beach. Most highly recommended!
Our warm March has certainly kick-started the spring bird migration through the Niagara Peninsula and the city of Hamilton. Something exciting is happening with the colour black in birds in 2012.
Birdwatchers are seeing some new species and in new ways in the Hamilton area. This spring for the first time ever on March 22, two Black Vultures were seen migrating together at Beamer Memorial Conservation Area. And better still, a renowned nature photographer, Mr. Tom Thomas, was there to record the event of the two birds at Beamer flying overhead. Now to add to those excitement just days earlier another Black Vulture was seen migrating towards Hamilton on March 16.
Between the years 1961 - 2000 only 15 Black Vultures have been seen in the Hamilton area as noted in Bob Curry’s book, Birds of Hamilton. In the past decade a Black Vulture has been seen only every couple of years in the Hamilton area. To have three of these magnificent birds in less than a week is just phenomenal to the birding world.
In Hamilton we are used to seeing Turkey Vultures flying through our skies from March until November. Over 10,000 vultures, migrate in the spring alone. It was not that long ago when Turkey Vultures were rare. They started to nest in the Kelso area on the Niagara Escarpment in the 1940’s. In 1975 only 53 were recorded in the spring migration at Beamer. In 2011 there were over 6700 recorded by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch at Beamer. To the end of March of this year there have been 3400 Turkey vultures seen already. This is an increase of 72% over the 1980 vultures seen to the end of March in 2011. WOW!
In the fall migration of an estimated 100,000 Turkey Vultures leave Ontario on their southward migration each year. Not bad for a bird that was almost nonexistent here 70 years ago.
Tom Thomas
Now to most of us a vulture is a vulture. The difference is that Turkey Vultures have red heads, are a little larger than Black Vultures and the back half of their wing is light gray along the entire length. They seldom flap their wings. They just seem to float through the air.
The Black Vulture has a black head and light gray wingtips. It flaps its wings more often and with its short tail the flight is very reminiscent of a bat in flight. And have legs and feet that are almost white.
In the Eastern United States there are thousands and thousands of Black Vultures from Southern Pennsylvania south to Florida and Central America but they are not as migratory as the Turkey Vulture.
Birders had high hopes for these sightings of Black Vultures this spring for there were five Black Vultures wintering along the Niagara River around Lewiston N.Y. last winter. This has not happened before either. We have no way of telling whether or not the three migrating birds seen at Beamer were part of the wintering five. Remember the mild winter. It was the likely reason that that these Blacks survived the winter along the Niagara River area.
This is not the first time some new bird species have shown up in Southern Ontario and stayed. The Cardinal did not appear in Hamilton area until 1923. Now it is in every neighbourhood and across all of
Southern Ontario. The now common Red-bellied Woodpecker did not show up in the Hamilton area in any number until the mid 1960’s. The same kind of story goes for the Mockingbird and the Carolina Wren as well.
Remember the Turkey Vulture was not a bird our parents saw. It has recently set up camp and is now in the thousands in migration.
So is it climate change? Maybe. Is it is habitat change? Maybe. Every species of bird seems to have a few adventurous members that are always exploring where the species has not gone before and some may find a new area suitable for their life.
The changes in these birds do one thing for sure and that is wonderful for those of us who enjoy nature. They are providing us with new wonderments every day. No year is the same.
So look very carefully at the next big black bird you see. It could be your brand new neighbour.
Recently on a winter hike at the Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve, my wife and I were not alone. Flying nearby and then landing in far off trees two Ravens were spotted. It was their wild call that first caught our attention. It is truly a sound of the north. Not the caw of a crow but the croak of the Raven.
Ravens are indeed uncommon in this area. It was only recently, that in the fall of 2001 Ravens started to be seen in the Kelso/Flamborough area. We now find that this pair or maybe pairs of Ravens stay in the area year round. The presence of this bird species speaks volumes about the habitat of the area and how it can support a myriad of life forms.
Ravens are the largest black bird in the world. Their range takes them to almost every continent. They are considered to be the most intelligent of birds and are very much involved in native folklore. In West Coast cultures they are known as the “trickster”. Having this bird in Hamilton brightens our sky.
Ravens are best told from their close relative the crow by their much larger size, a robust throat and a diamond shaped tail on this black of black birds. The wings in flight are long and sickle like in shape. The tail of a crow has a square or flat end. Listen for the croak.
In 2011 a pair of Ravens successfully nested in the north part of Flamborough. Ravens are now being seen regularly in Flamborough all year and last fall and into this winter Ravens are now being seen on a somewhat regular basis flying across the lands across the top of the Stoney Creek Mountain and in the skies over Grimsby. It is very likely that another nesting will occur, time will tell us where in the Hamilton area.
It is always interesting to see how lands and their inhabitants do not stand still as time moves along. Old fields become forests, tree species change over time as the forest is left on its own and the wildlife, whether it be a Monarch Caterpillar feeding on a milkweed or a Cooper’s Hawk patrolling the forests for smaller birds, always reflects the vegetation and habitats of the day. As the habitats change so do the animals living in them.
Now in midwinter the Raven stands out in the sky and it is one of about 25 bird species that might be found on a winter hike in the Fletcher Creek area.
The Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve is located on the east side of Puslinch Concession Rd 7. Take Highway 6 North from Hamilton to the Gore Rd, about 3 km north of Freelton. Turn west on Gore Rd (Concession 11 W.) and follow it for about 5 km and turn north on Concession Rd.7 and the entrance is on the right very shortly after you turn. If the snow is right the cross country skiing here is wonderful. Create your own ski tracks on the trail through this pristine area.
The stillness of the park, the whisper of the wind and NO BUGS - just some of the draws for winter camping.It is a special type of camper that you need to be, a lover of the outdoors.You need to be prepared to face some pretty cold nights, but with the right gear and the right knowledge, it can be an awesome experience.
Winter camping is not just for the “big rig” type of camper with a home on wheels that has a gas fire place, heat and a queen size bed.Even those in a tent or even hanging in a hammock come out during the colder months to enjoy a campfire.There is something about a campfire in the winter.Not only does it bring some added warmth, it just makes the experience that much more enjoyable.
I haven’t been a “warrior” like the ones we get at Valens Conservation Area, but I have enjoyed a weekend of the white stuff while staying in a yurt (a canvas type cabin with electricity and heat) up in Algonquin Park.The peacefulness of camping during this season is something worth experiencing.You won’t find many others out, and those that you do find enjoying the winter wonders, are the friendliest people you will ever meet.And the calm nights allow you to hear the howls of the coyotes.I’ve enjoyed the days with some bird seed in my hand and the winter birds will come by (chickadees, nuthatches) and eat right out of my palm.A suet block will bring by some of the woodpeckers (red bellied, hairy and downy).You can’t get this close to these birds during the summer months when they are scared off by quick movements and the busy-ness of the campground.
I’ve spent the majority of the day exploring trails and the many tracks in the snow left by deer, rabbit, fox and others.At the end of the day, it is so relaxing to sit by the fire and cook up a nice steak and baked potato, right on the campfire.I don’t know if it is from being outside all day and starving or having dinner cooked on an open fire that makes it so delicious...mmm
Valens, sees on average a dozen or so “winter warriors” that will come out for a weekend camp during the winter.The park has a different beauty than what you see in the summer.The snow seems a little whiter, thicker and softer and the visitors practically get the park to themselves.You can explore the trails on foot, ski or snowshoe. Typically Valens boasts a great spot to strap on a pair of skates or try your hand at ice fishing, however with the winter of 2012, the lake has yet to see"safe" ice.
I think Valens is a perfect winter get away from the busy city - a peaceful retreat to allow for our batteries to recharge for the upcoming week ahead.We hope to see you out this winter to experience for yourself how special and different camping can be during the colder months.
January… the first "real" month of winter is about to pass us by and I have yet to find safe ice to go fishing here in the Greater Hamilton Area.
Typically by this time of year – I have made three or four ice fishing trips to local Conservation Areas such as Valens, Fifty Point, Binbrook, Pinehurst and even the Hamilton Harbor. These locations have been reporting less than the recommended levels of safe ice and/or open water hazards that have kept me at home in my “man cave” – setting up ice fishing gear over and over again.
Frustration is running large amongst ice fishing enthusiasts. Ice Fishing Derbies have been postponed or even cancelled outright due to the lack of ice producing cold temperatures. The long range weather forecast is predicting February to be much of the same. With temperatures clearly reporting above average levels for this time of year, you have got to start to wonder if we are running out of time for having the outdoor ice surface that we have become accustomed to, during our winters.
Plus it is not only the ice anglers that will lose out…add to the list those people who partake in ice skating, pond hockey, Ice Fest, even the cross country skiers are taking a hit. Is this how we are to remember the winter of 2012? Is this the effect of global warming and climate change all in one season? What or how, do we predict our future winters will feel or look like?
As much as it is to my chagrin…I am still holding out to the thought of getting some time on the ice this winter. With winter – “it’s never quite over, till it’s over”.
If you haven't been out enjoying the mild winter yet, you are missing out on an incredible birding season in Hamilton. So far this January there have been two hot spots for birds in Hamilton, one, along the Bayfront Trail below Dundurn Castle, where significant rare warblers have been found since the middle of December. Which leaves the second hotspot, the Dofasco Trail. The east end of the Dofasco Trail has been known as a bird watching hotspot for some time now, and this winter it has proven itself to be very popular with not only the birds but also with bird watchers (including myself).
The centre of the activity on the Dofasco Trail is right where the trail intersects with 10th line and the Railroad tracks. If you want to see a variety of raptors, hawks and owls, this winter it seems these two hotspots are going to be the place to be in Hamilton.
Hawks are common in the winter but they have been seen in unusually high numbers this season, and have brought along some rare birds with them.
You may find yourself asking "Bruce what is with all of the hawks?" The answer simply put is the abundunce of Meadow Voles, and right now there is no snow cover making the voles easier for aerial predators to find them. Meadow Voles also know as field mice, are small rodents that are dark brown or grey in colour, have four short legs and burrow in the grass where their tunnels are in places that are easily visible in the tussocks of grass even in the low wet fields.
Harriers are not unknown as winter visitors to the agricultural areas in Hamilton but at 10th Line, they are almost guaranteed to be spotted, and up to four at a time!
Rough Legged Hawks find their winter home in Southern Ontario. They summer in the Arctic. They come in two colour phases, light and dark. Light phases have only been seen so far. They are about the size of Redtails but appear to have narrower wings and may be seen hovering low over the fields searching for rodents.
Both Adult and immature Redtails can be seen. The adult has the rusty red tail and the immature hawks have a brownish tail. They are both the same size.
The Northern Shrike, a rare bird, at any time is usually seen in the field that is full of hawthorn trees which happens to be north of the trail immediately east of 10th line. It is a small aerial predator not much bigger then a blue jay. They feed on small birds like sparrows and meadow voles. Shrikes are known as butcher birds. They often will impale their prey on the sharp thorns on hawthorns. For more information on shrikes check out Conservation Halton, Mountsberg Raptor Centre video all on Eastern Loggerhead Shrikes.
In this same area a Bobolink has been seen in the field to the south of the railroad tracks and to the east of 10th Line. Bobolinks are rare in the summer and to see one in January is astonishing (considering they usually flock south to Argentina.) In the same fields you may also see Eastern Meadowlarks. Again another bird that should be much further south. These birds are not expected to be around much longer as the real winter starts to set in.
In this area bird watchers are also seeing Horned Meadowlarks. The novice bird watcher may have some trouble in finding all of these species but there are plenty of other birds that are easy to identify.
To find some easy birds walk along the Dofasco Trail west of 8th Line along the Vinemount Swamp Boardwalk heading west. There is good flock of Robins there feeding on Buckthorn black berries. Yes Virginia, there are Robins in Hamilton in the winter especially where there is open water and Buckthorn trees.
Along the Boardwalk expect to see Black Capped Chickadees, Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays and Winter Wrens. Winter Wrens are the smallest bird in the swamp and sometimes they make themselves easy to see. The wrens are usually hiding under the boardwalk and fly out from under it when they hear your footsteps. Look for a small brown bird with a small tail trying to hide from you.
Even if you are not interested in birds, the Dofasco Trail with Ontario’s longest boardwalk is always exciting. The Dofasco Trail runs from the Devil’s Punch Bowl on the Stoney Creek Mountain to 11th Line in Winona.
Remember to keep your eyes and ears open and you may just spot one of the many birds in the area, this winter.
On Saturday November 26th Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program hosted a Wood Duck Nesting Box Workshop at Fifty Point Conservation Area. The event was led by Wood Duck expert Alfie Stanevicius (aka Wood Duck Alfie) who has worked on nesting structures for the species for many years. Alfie builds nesting boxes for Wood Ducks because their natural nesting sites have been destroyed due to a lack of understanding of the importance of allowing dead trees to stand rather than cutting them down.
Wood Ducks nest in tree cavities adjacent to lakes, ponds or wetlands. As humans have developed southern Ontario we have removed many of these trees and consequently Wood Duck nesting sites. What makes Wood Ducks so marvellous are their bright colours, crested head and ability to perch in trees because of their unique adaptation of talons.
Alfie is the builder and caretaker of over 200 Wood Duck boxes in the Hamilton – Halton area. Through his experience, Alfie has figured out what does and does not work. He has stories of chewed up boxes and stories of Wood Ducks literally laying eggs on the roof of a nesting box.
His presentation was motivational and his love for wildlife was infectious for those in the room. Everyone shared their tales of Wood Duck sightings, nesting successes and failures and everyone constructed their very own Alfie-designed Wood Duck box. One of the attendees was so inspired that they have begun planning a Wood Duck box building event for sometime next year.
For me it was a great learning experience. I was completely unaware of all the benefits a wood duck nesting box can have. A single box could be used by a Wood Duck, Great Crested Flycatcher and Screech Owl all in the same year. Even Kestrels are using the structures for nesting. These boxes are providing important habitat for species at a vulnerable life stage and they’re also providing an opportunity for people to have a very personal educational experience with local wildlife.
Thank you to all who helped to make this event a success and a special thank you to Alfie for his devotion to helping out Wood Ducks.
Kent Rundle
Watershed Restoration Technician
Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program
If you’re interested in joining a future Wood Duck Nesting Box Workshop or would like plans to build your own at home please contact the Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program at mark.funk@conservationhamilton.ca
For some, it is way too early to even think of how cold the weather will turn in the coming weeks…for others (including myself), the cold nasty weather that turns lakes into giant ice sheets – can’t come soon enough.
Each winter, thousands of ice anglers throughout this province will literally hit the ice by year’s end. (If I have any say in the weather, I expect to have a few trips under my belt before year end.) At Valens, we can expect to see our share of these winter ice fishers from the Greater Hamilton Area. Plus, with the advent of better outdoor wear and specialized ice fishing equipment, the number is growing beyond your typical stereotypes. In fact I have been able to convince 2 of my 3 daughters to take the trip with me to Lake Simcoe, to take up the skill of ice fishing!
Ice fishing at Valens is a “walk on” experience for the novice to the more seasoned ice fishing veteran. Valens is a great location to introduce children to this outdoor sport without the 2-3 hour drive up north. Winter game fish include – Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. No bait or rentals are provided at the conservation area, so a good start is to head out to your local outdoors store.
In order to protect this man made reservoir from over harvest, a “catch & release” policy was adopted and respected by the fishing community in 2008. To date, the fish stocks have been steadily improving and the future has never looked brighter for this fishery.
The ice fishing season at Valens will commence as soon as safe ice has been established by park officials. Generally the season runs from January to March, weather conditions pending. A catch & release Ice Fishing Derby is held near the end of January each year. Over 200 participants will vie for great prizes to take home on a cold winter’s day. Check out HCA Facebook page for more details.
So if you are looking for an ice fishing experience in a conservation setting close to home – Valens Conservation Area may very well be the place for you. Hope to see you on the ice!
Scientifically, four hours walking the beautiful trails in Valens gives you ten
days worth of feeling of well being!
