Here’s an update on the American Kestrel that needed a name, that we blogged about earlier.

     Conservation Halton (CH) says they’re thrilled to announce that their young American Kestrel finally has a name to call his own: Bean!

     Bean was one of the most popular submissions received during the contest to name CH’s new American Kestrel. The Mountsberg Raptor Centre team wants to thank everyone who made a submission to the contest through the Mountsberg Raptor Centre Facebook page , via email or in person.

     The Mountsberg Raptor Centre staff agree that the name Bean, which is short, sweet, and cute, suits this little bird’s personality perfectly. Additionally, since the United Nations proclaimed 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity, and with the Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network (BEAN) supporting the naming suggestions, it was a perfect fit!

     There were many other submissions that deserve recognition, which were touching, humorous, or otherwise very fitting. Notable Honourable Mentions were:

·         Captain Jack Sparrow - another popular suggestion, with key points being the American Kestrel’s colloquial name of ‘sparrow-hawk’, the association between pirates and being blind in one eye, and the dark eye markings around the eyes being reminiscent of Johnny Depp’s character in Pirates of the Caribbean,

·         Hathaway - after a classic shirt advertisement with a man wearing an eyepatch,

·         and Horus - after the Egyptian falcon-god. 

     Staff Choice Awards include Polyphemus (both a Cyclops in Greek mythology and a beautiful moth), Amadeus (From Falco’s hit “Rock Me Amadeus” and tied in with the kestrel’s Latin name “Falco sparverius”), Hawkeye (after Alan Alda’s character in M*A*S*H) and Fortinbras (from Shakespeare’s Hamlet).

       Bean is blind in his left eye due to impact trauma sustained in an accident when young. American Kestrels are North America’s smallest falcon. They’re active, agile predators that can snatch a sparrow right out of the air! They also feed on large insects and small rodents. American Kestrels have black “malar” stripes under their eyes to protect them from the glare of the sun, just like football players.

About the Mountsberg Raptor Centre

Tucked within Mountsberg Conservation Area, the Mountsberg Raptor Centre is currently home to 14 different species of native birds of prey. Many of the Raptor Centre’s resident birds of prey have permanent injuries that have left them incapable of surviving on their own in the wild. In many cases, these injuries were caused by human activity. With the help of these feathered ambassadors, the Mountsberg Raptor Centre teaches the community about the native birds of prey that share our environment and how to reduce the negative impact we can have on them.

     Mountsberg Conservation Area is located on Milburough Line, five km west of Campbellville, between Hwy 6 south and the Guelph Line. 

     What do you think of the name Bean? Does it work for you? Do you prefer one of the other names mentioned?

     If you’re interested in nature, check out our feature article on the Eastern Massassauga Rattlesnake. And why not subscribe to keep articles like these coming your way? Or ask us for a free sample issue. We’d love to have you join our community!

The summer issue of Escarpment Views is available for free pick up now from many of our advertisers. Drop in on one in your neighbourhood and tell them you came for a copy.
     This issue is our gardens galore spectacular, with features on growing mighty delphiniums, and some of the lovely private gardens that were on horticultural tours in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Georgetown last year.
     As well, Mike takes you underwater off the Bruce Peninsula to some of the shallow shipwrecks you can see from kayak or by snorkelling. His photographs are unusual views you certainly don’t see frequently. As I’ve said before, he will do almost anything and go almost anywhere to get compelling photos.
     We present a ferry ride on the Chi-Cheemaun with an interview with Captain Adams and photographs of the bridge, the ship and what you see while sailing between Tobermory and South Baymouth.
     Our featured centre photograph is a stone beach, on the north shore of Manitoulin Island, where the Niagara Escarpment reappears in Lake Huron. This is one of the properties protected by the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy. We hear that some people are collecting, framing & hanging up these centre photos! I have to admit that my own office walls are getting covered with them.
     We also celebrate the local freshness available at farmers’ markets, especially Georgetown Farmers’ Market and Ottawa Street Farmers’ Market in Hamilton.
     What looks interesting to you in this issue?

     Of course, instead of having to go out and pick up a copy, you can subscribe and get Escarpment Views coming to you! 
     If you missed the spring issue, some of the articles are available here, or you can contact us to order a copy that we’ll mail to you for $5.25 until July 1. Then it’ll cost $5.65 because of the HST.

Mike and I attended MagNet last week, a national conference for the Canadian magazine industry. On one day we sat in on sessions about the Canada Periodical Fund and about Canada Post, but we didn’t learn much that was new or helpful to us. That’s partly thanks to the Independent Publishers’ Association of Ontario, which we are part of, and which had a meeting recently about the changes to the federal periodical fund.
     I think there’s value in attending a professional development seminar even when you don’t learn anything new, if only so that you get confirmation that your knowledge is current.
     The next day we attended sessions that were jam-packed with new ideas and information. I went to “Circulation Solutions on a Small Budget” by Faith Drinnan, Mike attended “The Fundamentals of Advertising Sales” by Gwen Dunant and we both heard “Small Magazine Creative Marketing Solutions” discussed by three panellists.
     While we scribbled down plenty of notes from these sessions, a strong sense that remains is that people seem to be impressed by Escarpment Views. Thanks to Mike’s fearlessness in handing out copies of our summer issue, lots of people talked to us about the magazine. An editor I’ve known for a long time said she envies us for starting our own magazine that’s a success! One of the panellists even held up a copy saying that we’re doing a lot of neat things, and then used it as an example of ways to try to get advertisers to take bigger spaces. The fact that we have already tried the techniques he mentioned was not as important as the promotion and recognition he gave us. He wouldn’t have used Escarpment Views as an example if it was poor.
     I was exhausted by two solid days of meeting people and taking in information but MagNet was definitely worth going to. Now the challenge is to actually implement the many good ideas we were given.
     What conferences have you found helpful and why?

If you liked this post you may want to read “Celebrating Two Years of Publishing Escarpment Views!” 

Don’t forget to subscribe before July 1 to beat the HST!

Here’s some news about our theatre columnist, Seana McKenna:

     Seana McKenna was awarded an honourary Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting from the American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) in San Francisco on May 18. Seana played the title role in the Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s 2009 production of Phèdre, which was co-produced with A.C.T. and directed by A.C.T.’s Artistic Director, Carey Perloff. The production played in San Francisco in January.

     Seana has been a leading player at Stratford for 19 seasons with feature roles ranging from Medea to Juliet, Amanda Wingfield to Amanda Prynne and Andromache to Anne Hathaway. This season she will thrill audiences once again with her performances as La Marquise de Merteuil in Dangerous Liaisons and Paulina in The Winter’s Tale.

     “Seana McKenna is a remarkable talent, and I’ve been her loyal fan since she was in theatre school and I got to work with her here at Stratford in my first Festival production. It was abundantly clear that she was destined for great things,” says Artistic Director Des McAnuff. “Her commitment to every part and the authenticity she brings to each role are quite extraordinary. She is most deserving of this honourary degree.”

     When I saw this news release, I was reminded of the days before Seana’s acting career began, when she was in fact considering whether to try and enter the field of acting at all. I first met Seana in residence in our first year of university at Trinity College, University of Toronto. She was doing exceedingly well academically as a student of English literature, and we sometimes talked about our essay assignments. Then one day she approached a group of her friends after dinner and asked us if we would be her audience while she tried out her audition piece for the National Theatre School in Montreal.

     We took our coffee and tea cups and joined her in Cartwright Hall, the theatre for St. Hilda’s College, our residence building. We were prepared to be supportive and encouraging. Dressed in a long black skirt, holding a big umbrella, she gave a monologue from The Lady of Shallot. Coffee and tea grew cold in our cups. Some of us were frozen, cups held halfway to our lips, our mouths open. From her first words she had us enraptured, unable to move. When she said “That’s it,” and relaxed her posture, our hands shook with haste to put down our cups and applaud.

     That was her audition piece for the National Theatre School, and of course she was accepted, and that is where she went for the next few years, and she has worked as an acclaimed actor ever since. She didn’t get a degree from U. of T. with the rest of us, but now she has an honourary MFA from the U.S.

     Which of her performances have impressed you? Do you have early memories of Seana’s acting? Misty, Kim, Julia, I’m hoping you’ll share yours!

     If you’re interested in Seana McKenna, you may like to read one of her columns for Escarpment Views: “Seana’s View: Backstage at Stratford.” She’s written several other columns for us as well.

     If you like this website, you may like our magazine even more. Subscribe today and beat the HST!

On the weekend, Mike, my sister Barbara and I were happy to go to the Alton Mill for the opening reception for Home Ground. This is an exhibition by The Art Group (TAG), which is made up of five Headwaters artists: Diana Hillman (landscapes), Susan Powell (watercolours), Pam Purves (photography), Hugh Russel (sculpture in wood), and Ian Sinclair (Adirondack-inspired rustic furniture). 
     Here’s what they say about their exhibition: “Home Ground” is often defined as “an area of special strength or competence.” To the artists that make up TAG, Home Ground also refers to places dear to their hearts. TAG was formed earlier this year by these five artists who have worked and shown together for the past few years. Their common ground is a commitment to excellence, a respect for traditional skills, and an interest in exploring new takes on old artistic media. All five also call the Hills of Headwaters and the Niagara Escarpment home.”
     The show “Home Ground” runs until July 4. The exhibition has a variety of wonderful works and the gallery is located in a wonderful revamped old mill, full of interesting spaces to explore and treasures to discover. There’s also a small cafe to let you refuel.
     Alton Mill Gallery is in the village of Alton, just north of Erin and is worth the drive for a delightful afternoon.
     What kind of art do you like, and what is your favourite place to see or buy it?

If you like this post you may be interested in our articles
“Autumn Colour: Touring for Artists’ Studios” 
“The Creative Hands of Benitta Wilcox”
“Brigitte Schreyer: Continuing the artistic tradition”

And if you like our website, you’ll probably love the magazine! You can subscribe to get Escarpment Views at your door.

Conservation Halton needs your help! The Mountsberg Raptor Centre has a young male American Kestrel that needs a name, and they want your suggestions.
     American Kestrels are North America’s smallest falcon - they’re active, agile predators that can snatch a sparrow right out of the air. They also feed on large insects and small rodents. American Kestrels have black “malar” stripes under their eyes to protect them from the glare of the sun, just like football players.

This little kestrel is blind in his left eye due to impact trauma sustained in an accident when young. He’s very interested in his surroundings and, despite his disability, he’s learning to fly in the Mountsberg Raptor Centre shows and is doing quite well. The Mountsberg Raptor Centre team is very proud of this little fellow, and can’t wait to have an official name for him.

How to enter

Entries are open to people of all ages and are not restricted in any way. You may submit multiple entries. Please submit your chosen name along with a short description (200 words or less) of why you’ve suggested it. Deadline is Thursday, June 3rd at midnight, EST. Winners will be announced on Friday, June 4th, and contacted to arrange their tours.

1. Facebook – Click on the ‘discussion’ tab of the Mountsberg Raptor Centre Facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/mountsbergraptorcentre), and add your suggestion to the ‘Name the Kestrel’ discussion thread. You can also post your suggestion directly to the Wall.
2. Email – Send an email to raptorcentre@gmail.com with your suggested name and a description of why you’ve chosen it.
3. In Person – Are you at the park? Drop by the Raptor Centre and give your suggestion in person. Staff will take your information, telephone number and/or an email address where they can reach you if your suggestion is chosen.
4. Ballot – Guests attending the Conservation Halton Awards Night on June 3rd will be able to submit an entry by ballot that evening.

Prizes
Aside from choosing the winning name, the successful entrant will have the opportunity for a unique behind-the-scenes tour of the Mountsberg Raptor Centre, and a photo of themselves holding the newly-named American Kestrel on their gloved hand. Three runners-up will also be chosen for a Raptor Centre tour and photos with the birds.

About the Mountsberg Raptor Centre

Tucked within Mountsberg Conservation Area, the Mountsberg Raptor Centre is currently home to 14 different species of native birds of prey. Many of the Raptor Centre’s resident birds of prey have permanent injuries that have left them incapable of surviving on their own in the wild. In many cases, these injuries were caused by human activity. With the help of these feathered ambassadors, the Mountsberg Raptor Centre teaches the community about the native birds of prey that share our environment and how to reduce the negative impact we can have on them.

     Mountsberg Conservation Area is located on Milburough Line, 5 km west of Campbellville, ON, between Hwy 6 south and the Guelph Line. For more information, visit www.conservationhalton.ca/mountsbergraptorcentre.

     We’re on standby here, waiting for the printer’s call to say that the first copies of the summer issue are ready. We’re updating our mailing list, and this reminds me to explain again why you would bother to subscribe if you can get a copy for free from our advertisers.

     We value the support of our subscribers and we make sure you are among the very first to get each issue in your mail. You don’t have to leave your home because you’ll get Escarpment Views at your door!

     As a plus, if you provide your email address, we’ll notify you about free tickets and other offers that we occasionally make available through this website. The value of what you could receive can be far more than the cost of your subscription.

     Right now there’s another reason to subscribe before July 1 and that is to beat the HST! Subscriptions for four great keeper issues are $21 before July 1 and $22 after. You can save even more by subscribing for two years at $36.75! After July 1 it will cost $39.50.

     First crack at each issue. No need to leave your home for it. Free online giveaways. Saving money. Four good reasons to get four great issues a year!

A crocodilian species reptile has been observed and photographed in a pond off Van Wagner’s Beach Road in Confederation Park, Hamilton. A local birder, Tom Badeau, discovered the reptile when he was taking pictures of birds along the shoreline of the pond. He took pictures of the animal and sent them to the Hamilton Conservation Authority on Monday.

     HCA staff contacted the Canadian Wildlife Service because the stranded reptile might be a rare or threatened crocodilian species. As a result, HCA staff has contacted reptile rescue expert Bry Loyst, from the Indian River Reptile Zoo. HCA staff members met Monday afternoon at the pond with Loyst and Badeau. The animal was spotted shortly afterwards, but exact species identification has not been determined.

     HCA is concerned about the well-being of the abandoned reptile as well as the safety of the Hamilton community. It is important that the reptile is rescued from the pond as quickly and as safely as possible.

     The reptile is likely a pet that has been abandoned at the pond. The species requires a specific temperature range to survive. The water in the pond is too cold for the reptile, which means that it is not feeding at this time. It also means it will be less mobile than normal to conserve energy and heat.  As a result, the expert and staff ecologists believe it is unlikely the animal poses any danger to the public, if left undisturbed.

     HCA staff will be working with Loyst and his employees to retrieve the animal from the pond and transport it to the Indian River Reptile Zoo, a research and education centre that provides sanctuary, breeding facilities and detailed study of reptile species.

     HCA reminds the public that abandoning pets in conservation areas or parks poses not only a risk to the pet, but also to members of the public and the ecology of the natural area. If you would like to surrender a pet, please contact Animal Control or other appropriate agencies.

Amphibians are rapidly disappearing around the planet, and a worldwide effort is underway today to save them. The 2^nd Annual Save The Frogs Day, taking place today, is the largest day of amphibian education and conservation action in the planet’s history. Over 80 Save The Frogs Day events are being held in 20 countries, including the United States, Canada, Ireland, Madagascar, India, South Africa, and Australia. The events are being coordinated by SAVE THE FROGS!, America’s first and only public charity dedicated to amphibian conservation.

    Amphibian populations worldwide have been declining at unprecedented rates, and nearly one-third of the world’s amphibian species are threatened with extinction. Up to 200 species have already completely disappeared in recent years. “Habitat destruction and an infectious disease called chytridiomycosis are decimating frog populations worldwide” says Dr. Kerry Kriger, Founder & Executive Director of SAVE THE FROGS. To make matters worse, pollution and pesticides are weakening frogs’ immune defenses and in some cases even turning male frogs into females. There are 18,000 registered pesticides in the United States.

    Dr. Kriger hopes that Save The Frogs Day will dramatically increase frog awareness on a global scale. “This is one of the most significant environmental issues of the 21^st century. Save The Frogs Day is all about people stepping up, getting involved, and taking action in their own community, and that’s exactly what is happening”, says Dr. Kriger.

    Save The Frogs Day events include presentations by scientists worldwide; a moonlit frog walk in Seattle’s Discovery Park; a Frog Leap-a-Thon in Toronto, and a frog art contest in Brazil. The Miss Earth South Africa ladies will join in the action by teaching children in the villages about frogs. The first protests in defense of frog populations in the planet’s history will take place at restaurants in VA, MD and TX. The restaurant chain refuses to remove the frog legs from their menus. Over 100 million frogs are taken out of the wild for food each year. SAVE THE FROGS recently succeeded in getting San Francisco’s Restaurant Gary Danko to remove wild-caught Pig Frogs from their menu.

    Save The Frogs Day has been legally recognized by Governor Tim Kaine of Virginia; Mayor Gregor Robertson of Vancouver, British Columbia; and Mayor Mike Rotkin of Santa Cruz, California. Mayor Rotkin will join Dr. Kriger for his morning talk on frogs at an elementary school. Afterwards, Dr. Kriger will give an interview on Martha Stewart Radio and then he will present a free online webinar on amphibian conservation. In the evening he will give a lecture on The Wild World of Frogs and lead a frog walk through the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve.

    What’s next? Dr. Kriger says SAVE THE FROGS will be organizing an International Day of Pesticide Action, planned for October 24^th. “We aim to get Atrazine federally banned by the 3^rd Annual Save The Frogs Day”. Atrazine is one of the most commonly detected pesticides in American groundwater, tapwater and rainfall, and there is abundant scientific evidence documenting its negative impacts on an array of wildlife. Eighty million pounds of Atrazine are used in America each year.

    You can learn more about Save The Frogs Day at www.savethefrogs.com/day

     Escarpment Views is pleased to offer two pairs of free tickets to the Joseph-Henderson concert, one pair for their Acton appearance, and one pair for their Orangeville performance! Information about the performers is below.   

     To enter our draw for these free tickets, email us with either “I want to see them in Acton” or “I want to see them in Orangeville” in the Subject line. Please give your full Canada Post mailing address in your email message. Enter the draw by May 6 for the Acton show, and May 11 for the Orangeville show. We’ll inform the winner by email and send you the tickets.

     Welsh singer-songwriter Martyn Joseph will start his “Because We Can” tour with long-time songwriting partner Stewart Henderson. This will be the first time they’ve both toured together in Canada. The 11-city Canadian tour begins on May 6 in Cobourg and will offer a variety of poetry and music.

     Martyn Joseph is a performer like no other. Shades of Springsteen, Knopfler and Dave Matthews there may be, but he stands in his own right, built on a reputation for giving what thousands have described as the best live music experience of their lives. 

     Stewart Henderson is a poet, songwriter and broadcaster. For the past 20 years he has enjoyed a fruitful songwriting partnership with Martyn Joseph contributing lyrics to some of Martyn’s standards. Stewart has also fulfilled poetic commissions for various relief agencies, travelling to the Philippines and Thailand to write about the plight of children in servitude.

     In addition to the concert, Joseph will show his support for World Vision Canada’s work in Democratic Republic of Congo by encouraging his fans to sponsor a child there. Concert goers will not only enjoy a night of great music, they’ll have the unique opportunity to hear how they can make a difference in the life of a child who is living in poverty.

     Here’s information about attending the concerts.