At the end of August, I joined other Vankleek Hill and District Nature Society (VKHDNS) Members at Le Chenail Park in Hawkesbury to socialize and do some amazing birdwatching. Our Vice-President, Christine Trudeau, always brings her bird scope to these events. Everyone can enjoy clear, crisp close-ups of species such as Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and Red-Tailed Hawks, to name a few. During the period from May to August, if you have a good pair of binoculars, you can easily view a well-established nesting pair of Ospreys on a light fixture above the baseball diamond, near the Hawkesbury Dog Park.
Armed with my digital camera, I captured some close-up shots myself. It was very exciting! So, I got to thinking that others should know about the Nature Society and experience these wonderful moments too.
I would like to share a brief history of the VKHDNS:
- In 1977, a group of hunters who were interested in birds, their habitat, and life established the Vankleek Hill and District Nature Society.
- Bill Radix, a prominent Vankleek Hill birder who lived to be 90, was one of the Founding Members.
- The VKHDNS’s main goals are to protect the environment, operate as a non-profit and voluntary organization, promote the protection of nature in general, and educate members of the public.
The VKHDNS of today organizes many exciting events annually, including five Meetings (General and AGM) with interesting and informative Guest Speakers at the Vankleek Hill and Collegiate Institute (VCI) Library. What a great opportunity to meet other Nature Enthusiasts!
Our President, Carol Tisdall, is a bird lover with years of observation and knowledge. Christine Trudeau, our Vice-President and an invaluable asset to our Society, coordinates the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas for the Hawkesbury-Cornwall regions. She also oversees the Christmas Bird Count and compiles the results. In fact, the entire executive team is devoted, tireless, and dedicated, and it makes me proud to be a member of the VKHDNS.
I invite you to visit https://www.vkhnature.ca/ to explore our website, follow us on Facebook, and consider joining our wonderful Society.
Sylvie Fortin, Member
Vankleek Hill and District Nature Society
