The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

8 NORTH LEEDS LANTERN MARCH 1991 [V P L y n RIDEAU VALLEY FIELD NATURALISTS The Rideau Valley field Naturalists‘ first outing of 1991 was held on Saturday, 19 January, and proved to be an immense success. Approximately thirtyâ€" five people enjoyed a most informative and educational few hours in the company of Mr. Barry McQuay, Resident Manager of the Foley Mountain Conservation area. This conservation area, consisting of approximately 800 acres of mixed forest and varied terrain, is located on the north shore of the Upper Rideau Lake, adjacent to the Village of Westport. As an integral part of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, the Foley Mountain area provides an ideal habitat for a diverse collection of flora and fauna. Perhaps the highlight of our morning on Foley Mountain was the sighting of lynx tracks in recently fallen snow. The lynx, known to inhabit most northern areas of North America, Europe and parts of Asia, is a rarity in this area, seldom being found in southern Ontario. Since positive identification was made in midâ€"January, new tracks have been seen on several occasions. Indications are that this large, shortâ€"tailed member of the cat family may have taken up temporary residence, possibly within the Conservation Area. Guest speaker at our February 3 meeting was Kim Taylor, District Ecologist with the Carleton Place MNR. Ms. Taylor provided an interesting talk and slide show on alvars. These rather rare geological areas are found in a few locations in eastern Ontario. SOVIET VISIT TD RIDEAU DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL A delegation of 23 teachers, parents and students from Donetsk in the Ukraine will be visiting They consist of wide open spaces where very shallow soil covers a limestone bedrock. Certain types of plants and number of insect species appear to thrive in this special environment. on Saturday, 16 February, twentyâ€"three people joined in on what may well become an annual event. This year's outing to Amherst Island was once again highly successful. Arriving at ll a.m., the caravan of eager birders set out to circle the island in search of snovy owls. Of the nineteen species observed, only two snowy owls were seen. Rough legged hawks were most abundant, although redtailed hawks, harriers and kestrels were also quite plentiful. Mourning Doves were seen in large flocks, and Common Goldenâ€" Eye were the most abundant ,of the waterfowl. Most participants departed the island on the 4 p.m. ferry, satisfied that a cool but bright and sunny day, along with plenty of birding activity, had resulted in a most enjoyable outing. Our next regular meeting will be held on Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. in the Perth Public Library. Mike Cadman will be speaking on the Ontario Rare Breeding Bird Program. Francis Cook, Curator of Herpetology, Museum of Natural Science, will be the guest speaker at our April meeting. Our meetings and outings are open to everyone. Information on any aspect of club activity may be obtained by calling 273â€" 3105 or 268â€"2052. Sightings of new or unusual species or enquiries on identification on flora or fauna may be directed to 283â€"1173 or 283â€"0172. George Carlyle R.D.H.S. between Hag IO and 24. Donations to help defer costs are welcome- Contact Dwight Purdlj at R.D.H.S. (359-5391) ‘Photoo FramingoStudio Elgin, Ont.359-6023 nkpqnwkhmqmmymu ‘ I ' ryr,‘CuIImr and Cwu'mmlrdlfnni ml'! ' ' S. n m- Come and celebrate March Break with the Rideau Lakes Union Public Library! You can enjoy some “Good ciean llun‘I with IS“ at the Seeley's Bay Fire Hall, Sealey'a Bay, on Monday, 11 March at 10 am. Admission is $1. SOU‘HENN SEHVICE _ .. ONTARIO DESBIDUOlHEOUES LIBRARY DE L'ONl/inlo SEHVKZE SUD ll REHOWARD PAINTI NG AND WALLPAPERIMG