WILDLIFE VIEWING GUIDE

NORTHERN LIGHTS NATURE TRAILS TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 2 ………. About The Guide! Page 3 ………. Wildlife Viewing Tips! !!! Etiquette! Page 4 ………. Photography Tips! Page 5 ………. Trail Map! Page 6 ………. Trail Legend! !!! Mountain Biking! Page 7 ………. Bear Safety! Page 8 .……… Mammals! Page 9 ……….. The Beaver! Page 10………. ! Page 11 ……… What To Look For (Birds)! Page 12 ……… Other Attractions! Page 13 ……… Winter! !

1 About The Guide!

Located at the entrance to the Northern Lights Community in Muskoka, ON, the Northern Lights Nature Trails are a hidden gem nestled in the splendour of the unspoiled woodlands of Echo Valley.! This guide will help you discover the beauty that awaits you along the trails in the nature park. There are sections covering both and birds, and where to find them. A detailed guide to the mountain bike trails, and information on Bear safety, wildlife viewing etiquette and tips for the photographer. The trails have been constructed to allow easy access by mountain bikes. All the stairs along the trails are built in such a way that bicycles may easily ascend and descend them and so a trail map has been provided along with a trail legend indicating the degree of difficulty for each loop. Hiking the main trunk line should take approximately 30-45 minutes but there are also a number of secondary trail loops which may be hiked should you desire a longer excursion. There is a viewing platform overlooking the protected land, which is ringed by the trunk line trail. This is an ideal spot for the birding community to catch a glimpse of the many birds which make their home here in Muskoka.! Whether you are looking for wildlife, planning a short hike or a fast paced mountain bike trail ride, it is our hope you will find everything you are looking for right here in the Northern Lights Nature Reserve.

2 Wildlife Viewing Tips: How To Look. ! The appreciation of wildlife while maintaining ecological integrity are two of the main goals of wildlife viewing. The best way to see wildlife and to truly appreciate it, is to view it in its natural habitat. It is best to take your time, be quiet and have patience. Make frequent stops and look for movement. Animals will go into hiding when they hear you coming and will often reappear when all is quiet. Wildlife tends to be more active at dawn and dusk so an early start or an after dinner walk are a good idea. The use of spotting scopes, binoculars or a telephoto lens allows you to view the animals up close without scaring them off or endangering yourself.! Etiquette.! Please keep your pets on a leash. This is a courtesy for fellow hikers and animals alike. Remember that you are also sharing the trails with mountain bikers and for their safety and the safety of your pet, please keep your pets under control. Never pick up what appears to be an “orphaned” or . The parents are most likely in hiding nearby, waiting for you to move on so they may return to retrieve their young ones. Never harass the wildlife. This is their world and you are merely a visitor. Show them the respect they deserve. Please do not feed the animals or birds. They require a natural food diet to remain healthy and there is an abundance of food available to them in the wild. Please avoid disturbing any nesting areas. Large dead trees, grassy areas and nests in trees are all possible nesting sites for birds so please take care when you hike and bike the trails. Stay on the marked trails to minimize your impact on the habitat.! Make every effort to leave the site exactly as you found it. Take only your photographs, memories and your trash with you.Please report any illegal trapping, hunting and polluting to authorities.

"This is what you should do; love the Earth and sun and the animals.” - Walt Whitman

3 PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS!

These tips are by no means meant to be used as a photography tutorial, but rather are meant to help the beginner photographer become more comfortable with the process and perhaps improve the quality of their photos.! Before heading out, become familiar with your camera. Read the manual and have a basic knowledge of the functions before you begin. Check the weather. Knowing what the weather forecast is for the day will allow you to select the appropriate clothing which will make for a more comfortable excursion. Bring a tripod. No one wants a blurry photo. Make sure your camera battery is charged and you have a memory card in the camera. Be patient. Wildlife is not always cooperative and it may be awhile before that perfect shot shows up. Take snacks just in case. Change up the perspective of your shots. Get down to eye level with some of your subjects. Use the “rule of thirds”. Imagine lines running through the frame both vertically and horizontally that divide the photo into nine sections. Positioning your point or points of interest on them makes them more pleasing to the human eye. The points where these lines meet make "sweet spots" for positioning your subject. The light at sunrise and sunset has a more golden hue and can add warmth to any shot. Bright midday sun can wash out the colours. Colour saturation comes alive on overcast days. Winter photography has some inherent challenges but can produce some of the most stunning photos. Here are a few tips: The white of the snow needs to be compensated for by over-exposing the shot by one or two stops; Placing a heat pack next to the camera can prolong the life of your battery; To avoid condensation on the camera (which could freeze when you return outside), place the camera in a plastic bag, squeeze the air out and seal it before bringing your camera indoors. Then wait for it to acclimatize before removing it. ! Practice, then practice some more. Like anything else you do, your photos will only improve over time and with repetition. Wildlife photography has no shortage of inspiration and opportunity to keep your interest. Relax, enjoy and be patient. Photography has much to offer to those willing to put the time in to improve their technique.! 4 TRAIL MAP

5 Mountain Biking In Northern Lights

There are a total of over 3.5 km of classified as “hard” (5). The the trail map before you head out. trails in the Northern Lights remaining seven trails vary in their Take plenty of water, a cell phone Reserve, consisting of the main degree of difficulty from and a small trunk line and 14 smaller loops. two through four. The bicycle tool All of the the trails are multi use legend above indicates kit. Please and the stairs are constructed in the degree of difficulty try to such a way as to allow mountain and approximate length minimize bikes full access. ! in metres of each trail.! your impact on the The main trunk line trail begins in Not all the loops trails. the parking lot on Echo Valley branch off from the Road, loops into the nature reserve main trunk line. On the and ends just a little further down trail map on the the same road. A trail map and previous page, one can interpretive signage are located at see that there are trails the entrance to the trails. There are which begin and end on four loops which are classified as secondary loops. It “easy” (1) in their degree of would be a good idea to difficulty and four loops which are familiarize yourself with

6 ! ! BEAR SAFETY ! Black bears rarely attack people! ! While they can be dangerous, they are actually very timid animals. Since the early 1900s there have been fewer than 70 deaths in North American as a result of black bears.! ! What to do if you encounter a bear:!

Knowing what to do if you encounter a bear is being Bear Wise. But some encounters may be more dangerous !than others, so it's important to recognize the signs, and know what you can do to protect yourself.! ! Know the language of black bears:! ! If you by chance encounter a black bear it may:! ! • Stand on its hind legs to get a better look at you! • Salivate excessively, exhale loudly, and make huffing, moaning, clacking and popping sounds with its mouth, teeth and jaws! • Lower its head with its ears drawn back while facing you! • Charge forward, and/or swat the ground with its paws. This is also known as a bluff charge! (Generally, the noisier the bear is, the less dangerous it is provided you don't approach the bear. These are all warning signals bears give to let you know you are too close. When bears are caught off guard, they are stressed, and usually just want to flee.)! ! What to do – Surprise and Close Encounters:! ! • Remain calm. Do not run. Stand still and talk to the bear in a calm voice! • Arm your pepper spray! • Do not try to get closer to the bear! • If the bear does not get closer to you, slowly back away, talking to the bear in a quiet, monotone voice. Do not scream, turn your back on the bear, run, kneel down or make direct eye contact! • Watch the bear and wait for it to leave! • If the bear does not leave or approaches you, yell and wave your arms to make yourself look bigger. Throw objects, blow a whistle or an air horn. The idea is to persuade the bear to leave! • If you are with others, stay together and act as a group. Make sure the bear has a clear escape route! • If the bear keeps advancing, and is getting close, stand your ground. Use your bear pepper spray (if the bear is within seven metres) or anything else you can find or use to threaten or distract the bear! • Do not run or climb a tree • Use your pepper spray! • Fight back with everything you have! • Do not play dead except in the rare instance when you are sure a mother bear is attacking you in defence of her cubs!

7 A rich array of wildlife grace the woodlands of Ontario and many of them leave their tracks in the Northern Lights Nature Reserve

Mammals of the Northern usually rest during the day, only seen popping it’s head out of it’s Lights ! coming out to feed at dusk. Shrews burrow in the open grassy areas of are found in abundance but are the park.! The most simple definition of a rarely seen. An interesting fact The distinctive howl of the a mammal is an animal that begins about the Short-Tailed Shrew is Eastern Wolf is one of the most life by deriving it’s primary that it has a poisonous saliva recognizable sounds of the nutrients from it’s mother’s milk. which subdues or even kills it’s northern forest. This experience Only the mammal’s mother can prey such as the larger mice that can be enjoyed during the annual provide this milk and that is what the shrew regularly eats. Bats are public wolf howls held during makes a mammal, a mammal.! also a common sight, particularly August in Algonquin Park. The It is not uncommon, in May the Little Brown Bat. They feed on weasel family is well represented and June, to see a a Moose in a insects which they catch in flight here also. The American Marten, stand of spruce or Balsam Fir and and can be seen collecting their which is close to the size of a just metres away, a white tailed prey just before dark. Contrary to domestic cat, has a friendly and deer hiding in a stand of broad popular belief, the Little Brown Bat inquisitive expression. leafed trees. Raccoons are a does not drink blood The Fisher, closer to common sight at night as they are and will do anything the size of a small dog, nocturnal prowlers. Your best to avoid human has a head shape chance of seeing any of the contact. The most resembling that of a mammals that inhabit the common squirrel in bear, and the River NorthernLights Reserve is just the park is the Otter which sports a before dawn or at dusk. Knowing American Red muzzle of whiskers your animal tracks will also aid Squirrel. It loves to that gives it a walrus- you in your pursuit. Bringing scold intruders with like appearance. The along a good animal tracks field long, chattering Black Bear is the guide so you can make sense of the lectures. The cones of largest mammal to be tracks you find, will help you in coniferous trees are found in this region. your search. It will also add what make up most Caution should be another enjoyable dimension to of this squirrels observed when this your hike. ! winter horde. ! resident is present. Please take the Common sightings will Woodchucks spend the winter time to read the section on bear include: Mice, moles, rabbits and in burrows located under the cover safety. Painted Turtles, Green hares, squirrels, woodchucks, of trees. Their body temperature Frogs, American Toads, Garter chipmunks, raccoons and falls to within a few degrees of Snakes and Hog Nosed Snakes all porcupines. Like many of the freezing and their heartbeat slows call the Park home. Thankfully, animals in the reserve, hares to four or five beats per minute. there are no poisonous snakes in Once summer arrives it can be this region.! 8 A Closer Look at the Beaver

Robin Tapley

The Beaver! ! ! ! ! ! The playful yet hardworking The female beaver is smaller submerged for up to 15 minutes. Beaver or Castor canadensis, than the male and carries her We all know the beaver as the may be found near rivers, unborn kits for three months official emblem of , streams, ponds, small lakes and before giving birth. Beavers have which became official in 1974, marshes. They build lodges of a set of transparent eyelids but the first time it appeared on sticks and mud on islands, on which function as goggles when a Canadian coat of arms was in pond banks or on the they swim, and they can remain ! 1621.! shores of lakes. Beaver dams are domed- shaped and some can be as high as ten feet tall. ! Their lodges have one large central chamber and one or two entrances. The floor of the chamber is slightly above the water line and is usually covered in wood chips to absorb moisture. ! A vent in the lodge lets in fresh air. ! Not all beavers build lodges some beavers will build shelters that are more commonly known as bank dens. ! The Beaver must constantly gnaw, for its teeth never cease to grow, and it may live Robin Tapley for up to twelve years.!

9 Common Birds of Muskoka & Their Habitat

Northern Lights lies in a warblers may be found in Pine and may be heard in open, grassy or transition zone between the Hemlock stands and also in gravelly ground. ! southern, broad-leaved hardwood marshy areas.! While the spring forests and the northern coniferous Flocks of finches migration is an forests. This transition zone allows may be seen excellent time for for northern species such as the gathering during the birding in Muskoka, Spruce Grouse and Boreal winter months along the summer is also a Chickadee to be found along with Highway 60. They too wonderful time to the Scarlet Tanager and Wood will be picking up experience the sights Thrush of the south.! sand and salt. They and sounds of parents Early in the morning, grouse are also attracted to caring for their may be found picking up grit from the seeds of the White hungry young. Winter trails and roads. Walk slowly and and Red Pine, White birding has its own stop frequently for if the grouse Spruce, Tamarack and Eastern charm, notwithstanding the senses that it has been detected, Hemlock. There are over 20 species potential for cold temperatures. this could cause it to move. of warbler to be found in the area Purple , Evening Chickadees are difficult to spot during the spring. They will and American Goldfinch may be while they search for food within generally be found close to found in this winter wonderland, dense trees. A variety of wetlands. The cry of the Killdeer foraging for any remaining food.

10 What To Look For (Birds)

Common Birds Time of Year Sighting Spruce Grouse Jan-Dec Occasionally Ruffed Grouse Jan-Dec Daily Northern Flicker Apr-Oct Daily Downy Woodpecker Jan-Dec Daily Hairy Woodpecker Jan-Dec Daily American Goldfinch May-Nov Daily Blue Jay Jan-Dec Daily Common Raven Jan-Dec Daily Boreal Chickadee Jan-Dec Occasionally Black Capped Chickadee Jan-Dec Daily Yellow-rumped Warbler April-Oct Daily Canada Warbler May-Sept Daily Common Yellowthroat May-Oct Daily Barred Owl Jan-Dec Daily Northern Saw-Whet Owl Mar-Oct Occasionally American Woodcock April-Oct Daily Red-Tailed Hawk Mar-Nov Occasionally Broad-Winged Hawk April-Sept Daily Alder Flycatcher May-Aug Daily Blue Headed Vireo April-Oct Daily Song Sparrow April-Oct Daily White-Throated Sparrow April-Oct Daily

11 The Oxtongue River and Algonquin Park are both just minutes away from Northern Lights

Explore the spectacular Thirty Some of the local waterfalls Other Attractions Thousand Island region of the include: Ragged Falls, located on Georgian Bay aboard Canada's the Oxtongue River; the Oxtongue In The Area ! largest sightseeing cruise ship, the Rapids; and Stubbs Falls, which Northern Lights is minutes Island Queen, departing from the can be found in Arrowhead away from some of the finest Parry Sound Town Dock.Parry Provincial Park.! attractions in the Muskoka region. Sound itself, comes alive with There are many farmer’s Paddling and portaging in music each summer during the markets in Muskoka. Take some Algonquin Park has become a Festival of the Sound, with time to stroll through and right of passage for many outdoor captivating chamber, classical and purchase some of the delicious enthusiasts. The fall colours along contemporary jazz music.! local produce. Here is a short list of the Highway 60 corridor are hard Santa’s summer home is the area markets: Bala’s Summer to match.! located in Bracebridge; Feel like a Market - Mondays, Baysville - Nearby Huntsville is home to kid again at Santa’s Village or Fridays, Bracebridge - Saturdays, a number of exquisite parks, many Stargaze at the only dark sky Gravenhurst - Wednesdays, of which are located on the water reserve in Ontario, the Torrance Huntsville -Thursdays & or have access to a beach. Theatre Barrens.! Saturdays, Port Carling - Thursdays, Rosseau - Fridays. lovers should not miss the There are a number of Unwind with a tour of one of the professional music shows and museums in Muskoka such as The local Wineries or Breweries. These theatre performances at the Muskoka Heritage Place Village include Algonquin Theatre on Main St East and Museum in Huntsville, The the in downtown Huntsville. This Muskoka Lakes Museum in Port Muskoka picturesque town boasts some of Carling, The Bethune Memorial Brewery, the best dining choices in the area House in Gravenhurst, The Lake of and is the perfect spot for stocking Muskoka Boat and Heritage Bays up on supplies or finding that Centre in Gravenhurst, and The Brewing unique memento of your Muskoka Muskoka Rails Museum in Co., and trip. ! Gravenhurst. The Dorset Lookout the Cruise the Muskoka Lakes on Tower, built in 1967 on the site of Muskoka the Lady Muskoka or the R.M.S. the original Ranger fire tower, has Lakes Segwun, a masterfully restored a beautiful trail that begins at the Winery.! 19th-century steam ship.! Dorset Heritage Museum. At 100ft tall, the view from the top is spectacular.

12 Winter on the Trails

The fun on the trails does not easy to spend hours in the for birding that summer and fall stop when the snow begins to woods picking out the different cannot. With the lack of leaves to fall; winter can be one of the tracks and trying to identify hide them, it is much easier to most enjoyable times to get them. A good animal tracks see the birds on the branch. Birds outside. First and foremost, you guidebook is key to determining also tend to congregate in larger need to be sure that you are what tracks you have found. It is flocks in the winter which also dressed appropriately. A warm surprising to discover how much aids in spotting them. You may hat and gloves are essential. information may be gleaned also want to consider Dress in layers that can be from animal tracks in the winter; participating in an organized removed as needed depending such as: species, direction, speed bird count such as the annual on climate conditions. Make sure and how long the track has been Christmas Bird Count in you have boots that are both there. ! Muskoka. You can contact the Muskoka Field Naturalists for waterproof and insulated. Be sure to bring along your more information. A link to their Nothing can spoil a winter camera and follow some of the site is on the links page at the excursion more than being cold.! tips for winter photography back of the guide. Whatever you Snowshoes are probably your which can be found in the choose to do, you will not be best choice for navigating the photography section of this disappointed. Winter on the Northern Lights trails once the guide. The juxtaposition of an trails is fun! snow begins to accumulate. animal or bird against a Modern snowshoes, with their background lightweight aluminum frames of brilliant and synthetic footbeds, are easy white snow to use and there are many can be brands available to choose from. absolutely Pair them with a set of trekking stunning.! poles and you can go just about Once the anywhere. ! leaves have One of the delights of hiking in fallen, winter the snow is seeing the vast also offers us number of animal tracks which an Robin Tapley appear after a fresh snowfall. It is opportunity

13 References! ! ! !Government)of)Ontario:)Ministry)of)Natural)Resources:)Bear%wise%(N.D.))Retrieved)) !from)http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@mnr/ ! @bearwise/documents/document/mnr_e000060.pdf) ! !Government)of)Ontario:)Ontario)Travel.)Algonquin%park,%almaguin%highlands,%% ! muskoka%and%parry%sound)(N.D.).)Retrieved)from)%% !(http://in.ontariotravel.net/regions/12Imuskoka.aspx ! !Muskoka:)Discover)Muskoka;)Points%of%interest%in%muskoka)(2013).)Retrieved)from)) !http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/directories.html?pid=160&sid=281) ! !Muskoka)Tourism:)Things%to%do%in)muskoka%(2013).)Retrieved)from)) !http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/thingsItoIdoIsee.html ! !Rutter,)R.,)Strickland,)D.,)Coneybeare.,)H.)Mammals)of)Algonquin)Provincial)Park)) th !(2002).)The)Friends)of)Algonquin)Park.)7 )Revised)Edition) ! !Tapley)Nature)Trails)(2014))http://www.tapleynaturetrails.ca) ! Tozer,)R.)Checklist)and)Seasonal)Status)of)the)Birds)of)Algonquin)Provincial))! !Park)(2011).)The)Friends)of)Algonquin)Park.)Algonquin)Park)Technical)) Bulletin)No.)9) Notes

Robin Tapley! Robin is a longtime resident of Muskoka and is the designer of the Northern Lights reserve. Driven by curiosity and a passion for adventure, Robin seeks to explore the diversity of the natural world and create unique ways to share this with others. An expedition leader to Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands, Nature Trails creator, teacher and driving force, Robin has tried to meld his experiences with the many opportunities for adventure found right in our backyard.! ! Keith Ford! Keith is a member of the inaugural class of the Adventure Expeditions and Interpretive Leadership (AEIL) program at Fanshawe College, Chris Pierce John N. Allan campus in Simcoe, Ontario. The AEIL program was designed and developed by its chief instructor, Robin Tapley. Keith is a musician, photographer, nature lover and outdoor enthusiast with a keen eye and a gentle soul. Keith has a passion for all that is natural and good in this world and a desire to share that with others.!

This guide was written and designed by Keith Ford. All photographs were taken by Keith Ford, except where indicated. Follow Keith on Twitter @biospheria. Links

! http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca) ! http://www.algonquintheatre.ca) ! http://discovergravenhurst.ca) ! http://www.dorsetcanada.com) ! http://www.dorsetheritagemuseum.ca) Robin Tapley ! http://www.gravenhurstoperahouse.com) !

!http://www.islandqueencruise.com http://www.muskokaheritage.org) ! http://www.muskokaheritageplace.org) ! http://northernlightsmuskoka.com) ! http://www.portcarling.com) ! http://www.tapleynaturetrails.ca) ! Robin Tapley !http://www.tourismbracebridge.com ! Echo Road, Muskoka ON