#Canadian Raptor Conservancy

[kaelula-sungwis]

Great Horned Owl by Dave Wong

[stevienickswelshwitch]

Eastern Screech Owl

[mutant-distraction]

Touchdown. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at the [Canadian Raptor Conservancy](https://www.facebook.com/BirdnerdCRC?__tn__=-]K*F), Ontario.

[happyzenmonk]

Bald Eagle at the Canadian Raptor Conservancy 

Photo by Steve Biro

source:

We love David Attenborough

[porterdavis]

A remarkable symmetrical reflection of this beautiful Bald Eagle at the Canadian Raptor Conservancy.

More details/photos: https://bit.ly/3ZMo2lz

[📹 Steve Biro]

[msdenvs3000f24]

Unit 10

Describe your personal ethic as you develop as a nature interpreter. What beliefs do you bring? What responsibilities do you have? What approaches are most suitable for you as an individual?

Through writing this blog, I’ve been pushed to develop a more concrete sense of my personal beliefs and ethics within nature interpretation. I’ve found that at the core, I feel nature interpretation is most powerful in its ability to create lasting connections with people and the natural world, rather than simply an avenue for education or entertainment. These were thoughts I brought with me before starting this blog but were immediately reaffirmed in Chapter 1, where Beck et al. (2018) explain how good interpretation expands awareness and understanding, leading to enriched experiences. As such, I continue to view interpretation as a vehicle for connecting diverse audiences with equally diverse aspects of nature, from towering mountains to molehills.

Nested closely with my core beliefs is my personal history, where, as a new Canadian (having only lived here since 2022) I deeply value conversations which highlight the diverse cultural perspectives on nature. From a purely personal standpoint, moving continents meant a VERY steep learning curve in terms of the species I now share spaces with; allowing (aka forcing) me to take things way back to basics and appreciate natural spaces in a way I had certainly taken for granted. For example, even after more than two years, an up-close interaction with a black-capped chickadee in the UofG Arboretum or cautiously passing the neighbourhood skunk on the way back from my mailbox never fail to make me smile, despite being some of the most overlooked species. In a way, I feel this is what makes them most exciting! While settling here has encouraged me to reorient myself to Canadian species and landscapes, it has also encouraged me to explore differing cultural attitudes towards wildlife and conservation. I distinctly remember being saddened but not surprised to learn that the Woodland Caribou (mentioned in an earlier post), which hold great ecological and cultural significance to many Indigenous people, face dire threats of habitat destruction by humans: despite the continued efforts towards their protection by Indigenous communities (Viswanathan, 2023).

Knowing that humans are so frequently directly responsible for the loss of wildlife and subsequently indigenous culture around the world has led me to reflect on my biases. As an interpreter, it is my responsibility to share knowledge in an accessible and captivating way, but also to ensure my delivery and practices are equitable and inclusive. The concept of the “invisible backpack” mentioned in Unit 03 reminds me to consider the varying privileges and barriers people face when accessing natural spaces (McIntosh, 1989). For example, as someone navigating new cultural norms in Canada, I’ve noticed how environmental experiences often reflect dominant cultural values, sometimes overlooking other traditions of engaging with nature. Recognizing this informs my efforts to craft experiences that resonate with diverse audiences and honour multiple ways of knowing; which have led me to realise the power of nature interpretation as a tool for change.

A photo of Buzz, a non-releasable Turkey Vulture at Mountsberg Raptor Centre. Here, he’s ‘sunning’, a common behaviour among vultures where they save energy by using the heat of the sun to maintain homeostatic body temperature.

I am especially drawn to advocating for species that are often misunderstood, like Turkey Vultures. Their scavenging lifestyle means they are commonly associated with death and decay, meaning that many people think they are unpleasant or even ugly! But this species and other scavengers around the world play a vital ecological role; they are nature’s clean-up crew. By consuming and digesting carrion using stomach acid that has a pH slightly above zero, they prevent the spread of disease and help to recycle nutrients back into the environment (Greaney, 2017). By sharing remarkable adaptations like this, I hope to shift perceptions and inspire admiration for a species often dismissed. Advocacy for such misunderstood creatures aligns with my goal of broadening people’s appreciation for all forms of life, even those that might not immediately captivate their attention.

In Unit 2, I learned that I am an auditory learner. As an auditory learner, I can bring a unique perspective to nature interpretation by embracing sound and storytelling as powerful tools to connect people with the natural world. Storytelling through sounds allows me to craft vivid narratives that bring ecosystems and wildlife to life, weaving tales of resilience and interconnection, and lends itself to my particular interest in birds. The bird-nerd phase started young and never left, thanks to these wonderful species. Take a listen!

I love the idea incorporating the sounds of nature into my interpretation, whether it's guiding audiences to pause and listen for a chickadee’s cheerful call or playing recordings of natural phenomena to deepen understanding. I also find the absence of sound to be incredibly moving, for instance in a dense woodland. It’s moments like this where I personally feel most able to connect to nature, and the peace that comes along with it, and I hope to one-day share that with people. Experiences so far have showed me that my strength in active listening helps me engage with audiences, valuing their insights and tailoring my delivery to species or phenomena they can relate to; encouraging dialogue that fosters a collaborative experience. My aim is that using these approaches allows me to share my passion for nature in a way that reflects some of my personality, while also resonating with others and leaving lasting impressions.

Ultimately, my personal ethic as a nature interpreter is rooted in curiosity—sparking a sense of wonder in others while encouraging them to explore the natural world with open minds. My experiences as a new Canadian, my fascination with misunderstood species like turkey vultures, and my dedication to inclusive storytelling inspire me to approach this work with my own curiosity and wonder. Whatever the medium, I strive to create experiences that ignite curiosity and invite audiences to ask questions, make connections, and see nature in new ways. I am lucky to have already gained experience in this field, but as I continue to grow, I hope to refine this ethic by keeping my passion fuelled by learning of others’ perspectives and new experiences.

---References---

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World. Sagamore Publishing.

Greaney, D. (2017). Vultures have the pH for public health. Record Searchlight. Retrieved 14 November 2024, from https://www.redding.com/story/life/2017/07/26/vultures-have-ph-public-health/504630001/

McIntosh, P. (1989). White privilege: Unpacking the invisible knapsack. Peace and Freedom Magazine, 10–12.

My Birding Year (Director). (2021, January 29). UK Garden Bird Identification Guide—Bird Names and Songs [Video recording]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfLIYOh8qEU

Viswanathan, L. (2023, May 15). Indigenous-led Conservation of Caribou. Indigenous Climate Hub. https://indigenousclimatehub.ca/2023/05/indigenous-led-conservation-of-caribou/

[scienceacumen]

A remarkable symmetrical reflection of this beautiful Bald Eagle at the Canadian Raptor Conservancy 🦅

📷: Steve Biro

[artevents1]

Raptors Inspiration

I am a big basketball fan. It's not as entertaining as it used to be, but a fan nonetheless. I used to like the designs from the 90s since they were kind of gawdy but endearing. I was researching how uniforms used to be made and came across how the Raptors jerseys from the 90s were created.

Tom O Grady was the NBA's creative director. He was hired in 1995 and was appointed to redo the Bulls jerseys. They didn't go with the designs because the league felt that their jersey designs were iconic, plus they were on a dynasty run at the time. It was a good call because The Chicago Bulls jerseys have the best simplistic design. The font on the jersey says authority along with the red black and white color scheme.

As a creative director, he was in charge of giving jerseys for two expansion teams: The Toronto Raptors, and The Vancouver Grizzlies. Since the Bulls' jerseys were still conservative, he was able to have creative control with the Raptor jerseys. He could have went with the Canadian flag colors but decided to use a loud purple and red color scheme. Along with that, he had incorporated scratch marks and a decorative design for the jersey. At first, people had slammed the design but over time people grew to love the design. It helps that a dunk champion, Vince Carter also was there to wear these iconic jersies.

I had found inspiration with these jerseys for a cereal project. As I was in the middle of a typography project I was looking into great typography and these jerseys were the first thing that popped into my mind. The designs were loud and I think that people that remember these jerseys growing up loved them. I thought the design would translate well into a children's cereal. I had made the design thinking of what the commercials and marketing for the cereal would look like. The jerseys were a big inspiration and I thank Tom O Grady for making a bold choice with these jerseys in the 90s.

[laresearchette]

Saturday, November 02, 2024 Canadian TV Listings (Times Eastern)

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES?: OUR HOLIDAY STORY (W Network) 8:00pm INVINCIBLE FIGHT GIRL (adult swim) 12:00am/12:30am

WHAT IS NOT PREMIERING IN CANADA TONIGHT? UNITED WAY BENEFIT FOR HURRICANE RELIEF (CBS Feed)

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

CRAVE TV BLIPPI WONDERS (Season 3 premiere) MAYA THE BEE (Season premiere)

DISNEY + STAR BLEACH: THOUSAND-YEAR BLOOD WAR (Bleach Sennen Kessen-Hen) (Season 3, new episode)

NHL HOCKEY (SN1) 12:00pm: Stars vs. Panthers (SN) 1:00pm: Bruins vs. Flyers (SN) 4:00pm: Chicago vs. Kings (CBC/SN) 7:00pm: Leafs vs. Blues (CityTV/SNEast) 7:00pm: Habs vs. Penguins (SN1) 7:00pm: Kraken vs. Sens (CBC/SN) 10:00pm: Canucks vs. Sharks

HORSE RACING (SN1) 4:00pm: Breeders' Cup Classic - Day 2

CFL FOOTBALL (TSN/TSN4) 4:00pm: Redblacks vs. Argos (TSN/TSN3) 7:00pm: Lions vs. Roughriders

NBA BASKETBALL (SN Now) 8:00pm: Cavaliers vs. Bulls (TSN4/TSN5) 8:30pm: Kings vs. Raptors

AURORA TEAGARDEN MYSTERIES: DEATH AT THE DINER (CTV Life) 8:00pm: When the owner of the diner where Aurora Teagarden works is suddenly killed, her new boyfriend becomes the primary suspect.

CROWDSOURCE MURDER (Lifetime Canada) 8:00pm: A friend encourages Monica to start a crowdsource fund to pay for her daughter's hospital bills. However, when an attractive and seemingly generous man donates more and more money, she begins to question his motives.

THE TOMORROW WAR (Crave) 9:00pm: Soldiers and civilians travel to the year 2051 to join a global war against a deadly alien species.

MLS SOCCER (TSN2) 10:00pm: Minnesota vs. Real Salt Lake

HIGH HOLIDAY (CTV Life) 10:00pm: In order to lighten up her uptight family, the free-spirited daughter of a conservative politician brings weed-infused salad dressing to their Christmas Eve dinner. Chaos ensues when everyone gets unknowingly high.

JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS PART ONE (adult swim) 10:00pm: The Anti-Monitor (the Monitor's evil counterpart) is released into the DC Multiverse and begins to destroy the different Earths that compose it. The Monitor attempts to recruit heroes from across the Multiverse to fight back.

SQUEALER (Crave) 11:20pm: When young women start disappearing in a small town, a police officer and a street-smart social worker follow clues to a remote pig farm. As their investigation continues, they encounter a local butcher who's been bringing his work home with him.

THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS (CTV) 12:30am: If Mr. Anderson, aka Neo, has learned anything, it's that choice, while an illusion, is the only way out of -- or into -- the Matrix. Neo knows what he has to do, but what he doesn't yet know is that the Matrix is now stronger and far more dangerous.

[stuffaboutontario]

Bald Eagle by Steve Biro

[kaelula-sungwis]

Merlin by Dave Wong

[sudden-stops-kill]

bruce

[amagi2000]

Steve Biro snapped the image of the bald eagle at the Canadian Raptor Conservancy in Ontario. "He's squared up perfectly, both wings are touching the water, ...That [photograph] was the one that struck me as a little more special than the others. But I still didn't even know how it would resonate with people."

[canadians-4-liberty-blog]

If CPC 'leader' Andrew Scheer supports criminals who stab Trump in the back, imagine what damage he will do to Canada! Only 1 way to stop this- vote Maxime Bernier  & PPC on October 21, 2019 to liberate Canada!

[kkdas]

A remarkably symmetrical reflection of this beautiful Bald Eagle at the Canadian Raptor Conservancy

Credit: Steve Biro

[laresearchette]

Sunday, October 13, 2024 Canadian TV Listings (Times Eastern)

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES?: 2024 FANGORIA CHAINSAW AWARDS (Shudder)

WHAT IS NOT PREMIERING IN CANADA TONIGHT?: TRACKER (Premiering on October 14 on CTV at 7:00pm)

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

CRAVE TV STARDUST STARMAN

NFL FOOTBALL (TSN/TSN3/TSN4) 1:00pm: Cardinals vs. Packers (TSN/TSN3/TSN4) 4:00pm: Chargers vs. Broncos (TSN/TSN3/TSN4/TSN5) 8:20pm: Bengals vs. Giants

WNBA BASKETBALL (SN) 3:00pm: Lynx vs. Liberty - Game 2

NWSL SOCCER (TSN2) 5:00pm: Utah Royals vs. Seattle Reign

NBA BASKETBALL (SN Now) 6:00pm: Timberwolves vs. Knicks (SN360) 7:00pm: Raptors vs. Celtics (SN Now) 8:30pm: Pistons vs. Warriors

NHL HOCKEY (TSN3) 6:00pm: Wild vs. Jets (SN) 8:00pm: Flames vs. Oilers

MLS SOCCER (TSN2) 7:00pm: Portland vs. Dallas

HEARTLAND (CBC) 7:00pm: Caleb returns to help Amy with a mysterious Icelandic horse; weather conditions force Lou to build a firebreak with the enemy..OH NO! NOT HORSIES!

NORTHWOODS SURVIVAL (APTN) 7:00pm: Spring: Spring has arrived in the North and the Northwood survival homesteaders emerge from their winter cocoons to tackle a new set of seasonal challenges.

MLB BASEBALL (SN1) 7:30pm: Mets vs. Dodgers - Game 1

THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW (CBC) 8:00pm: Nine bakers attempt to wow the judges with flavour-packed, bite-sized treats as they enter Cookie Week.

HAUNTED MANSION (2023) (CTV2) 8:01pm: A woman and her son enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.

STARDUST (Starz Canada) 9:00pm: Singer David Bowie reinvents himself as Ziggy Stardust while touring America to promote his new album "The Man Who Sold the World."

EXPEDITION AMAZON (Nat Geo Canada) 10:00pm (SERIES PREMIERE): Exploring and investigating the Amazon's diverse ecosystems and species, from mangrove forests to pink dolphins and Andean bears, revealing urgent challenges and hopeful solutions for conserving this vital freshwater resource.

ROCK SOLID BUILDS (HGTV Canada) 10:00pm: A mermaid-theme fishing stage is ready for a tricky install just as a major snowstorm moves in; a delivery delay threatens to bring a major renovation in Brigus to a standstill.

SUCH BRAVE GIRLS (Crave) 10:00pm/10:30pm (SERIES PREMIERE): Single mother Deb and her two daughters, Josie and Billie, attempt to piece their lives back together after their narcissistic father and husband finally leaves them. Deb invites her new boyfriend, Dev, home to meet her daughters, Billie and Josie, while also hiding how troubled they are; Billie tries to win back Nicky, the reluctant love of her life. In Episode Two, Deb is determined to bond with Dev and finally gets to see his massive house; Billie plays hard to get with Nicky; Josie remembers she has a boyfriend.