��Ƿ���Do B���������S�ٲ�����W��������in��Winter?��

Hairy Woodpecker

Living in Canada, where our winters bring snowstorms and sub-zero temperatures, it only seems logical that birds would fly south to avoid these harsh conditions. But while some species migrate for the winter, others stay year-round, never leaving their home. These resident birds have developed special adaptations and tactics to survive the cold.

To endure our winters, birds need to solve two problems: maintaining body temperature and finding food, which is greatly reduced in winter. Feathers not only help birds fly, they also make superb insulation. Down forms a thick layer under the outer feathers, acting as a heat trap. Birds also retain heat by fluffing their feathers, thus expanding the insulation around their bodies. This fluffy barrier traps air close to their body, retaining up to 90% of their core heat. The secret to maintaining these layers of air lies in having clean, dry, and flexible feathers. This is why the cleaning and oiling process, known as preening, is so critical to keeping feathers warm and water resistant.

Chickadee

If b���������maintained��the temperature of their feet to the same degree��as their body, they would rapidly lose heat and quickly deplete��calories.��Thus,��b���������use a specialized blood circulation system called��counter current heat��exchange.��Arteries carrying warm blood to the feet pass right next to the veins bringing the cold blood back. This effectively warms the blood before it returns to the core and helps��maintain��a higher body temperature.��Birds further conserve heat by tucking their feet close to their body while perching or sitting.����

Many winter birds travel in groups, using each other as a heat source. They often huddle together in shrubs, evergreen trees, and on branches to share their warmth. They form tight lines and jostle for position throughout the night, as those on the outermost edges lose more heat than those in the middle.

Cavity nesters, such as nuthatches, chickadees, and woodpeckers, may also seek shelter in tree holes, crevices, and nesting boxes at night to provide protection in poor weather. Woodland birds will move deeper into the interior to escape the cold winds.

Horned Lark

Large birds such as quails and ruffed grouse are known to burrow under fluffy snow, to insulate from the cold. However, smaller birds do not benefit from snow-burrowing. Although there is potential benefit from insulation, there is a potential cost. During sunny winter days, the top layer of snow melts, which then refreezes into a solid crust at night. Smaller birds may not be able to break through the icy crust the next day and could be trapped in the snow.�� ����

During the winter, birds truly live from day to day. When night falls and the temperature drops, they burn up most of their fat reserves and these reserves must be replenished the next day to survive the following night. This requires them eating a continuous supply of fatty and high protein food as fuel to keep warm. Sharp-billed birds dig into tree bark for various spiders and insects. Others switch their diets from fruit in the summer to winter seeds and nuts. Many birds also cache food during the warmer months, to ensure a supply of winter food.

Even with the extreme cold temperatures we have experienced this winter, our resident birds know how to maintain their body temperature and find food by adapting to their environment.

Brenda Gallagher��

2025 Fish Monitoring Results Tell Story of Resilience

Taryn Smit and Rachel Saunders collecting aquatic monitoring data

In 2025, our aquatic biology team visited 74 locations across the Upper Thames River watershed to check on the fish that call our creeks and rivers home. These locations ranged from farm crossings to city parks, familiar bridges in neighbourhoods, and school routes. Together, they give us a good picture of how the watershed is functioning and how well it continues to support aquatic life.

2025 results show a system that is holding its own. The fish community remains varied and widespread, and many of the species we rely on as indicators of stream health were found again in strong numbers.

Fish Community

We recorded 47 species in 2025 and counted 7,891 individual fish across our surveys. Familiar species such as White Sucker, Central Stoneroller, Creek Chub, and several types of darters were seen at many sites. These species thrive when the water is moving, the streambed is stable, and the gravel is not covered with sediment. Their presence throughout the watershed suggests that many stream sections still offer these important features.

Top to bottom: Johnny Darter, Greenside Darter, Rainbow Darter, Fantail Darter

Darters in particular tell us a lot about the state of local streams. They live right on the bottom and rely on clear, well‑oxygenated riffles. The fact that we encountered several darter species in 2025 suggests that many riffles are still in good condition. These small fish are a favourite for kids as well, since their colours and quick movements make them fun to spot.

Biodiversity

Some areas stood out for the number of species they supported. Medway Creek had the highest species richness in 2025. The Plover Mills Corridor was close behind, while Cedar Creek, the Avon River, and the Middle Thames also showed strong diversity. These places tend to have a mix of shade, flowing water, cool pockets from groundwater, and patches of natural streambed. These features give fish more places to feed, spawn, and find refuge.

We also focused a fair amount of work in Cedar Creek, Medway Creek, the Middle Thames, River Bend, and the Plover Mills Corridor. Monitoring these areas year after year helps us understand long‑term trends and supports restoration and stewardship efforts with good information.

Want to know where these watercourses are? Check out the Watershed Report Card maps!

Sensitive Species

Northern Sunfish

Two Species at Risk appeared again in 2025. Each one helps us understand where healthy habitat still exists or has recovered.

Northern Sunfish were found mostly in Cedar Creek and the Avon River, with smaller numbers in Medway Creek and the Plover Mills Corridor. These fish like calm, plant‑rich waters, so their presence suggests that these areas offer quieter, vegetated habitats. We counted 23 Northern Sunfish in total.

Black Redhorse were most common in the Plover Mills Corridor and Medway Creek, with one record in the Middle Thames. These fish need clean gravel and steady flows, so their continued presence is an encouraging sign that some riffles remain relatively free of silt. We recorded 16 Black Redhorse this season.

We did not record any Silver Shiner in 2025. We will continue to keep watch for this species in the coming years.

2025 Results and Watershed Health

Taken together, these results show that many sections of the Upper Thames River watershed still provide the conditions fish need to survive. Streams that had shaded banks or well‑established vegetation tended to support more kinds of fish. Short stretches of good habitat, even when surrounded by more modified sections, work like stepping stones that help fish move through the system.

We recorded watercress at 32 of our sampling sites. This aquatic plant often grows where groundwater enters the stream, which creates cooler pockets of water during hot weather. These small, natural cool spots help fish manage warm summer conditions.

Even though there are always challenges such as summer heat or eroding banks, the overall story from 2025 is one of resilience. The fish communities we observed are holding together in many parts of the watershed, and the areas that are doing well help support the ones that are under more pressure.

Stewardship of the Thames

Good conditions in the water start with small, everyday choices along the land. Simple steps like keeping roots in the ground near creek edges, maintaining shrubs or trees where possible, and paying attention to areas of exposed soil help keep streams stable and clear. Clean gravel and shaded sections give fish places to thrive, and these features can exist in both rural and urban settings.

Students exploring the water with nets, families enjoying a neighbourhood trail, and landowners caring for a strip of vegetation all contribute to the health of our local streams. When these small efforts add up along the length of a creek, the whole river community benefits.

Tree Power Returns this Spring

Mark your calendars for our returning Tree Power programs! We have four running this spring including London, Stratford, West Perth and Thames Centre. Tree Power provides affordable native trees to residents thanks to partnerships with sponsors and municipalities. Tree species will include: American Sycamore, Paper Birch, Tulip Tree, White Spruce, and more!

London Hydro Tree Power:

• Sales open��on Monday, March 2��
• Tree��pick��up��is on��Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11
• Shop site:

West Perth Tree Power:

• Sales open on Monday, March 9��
• Tree pick up is on Saturday, April 25��
• Shop site:

One Month Left to Apply for Phosphorus Reduction Funding��

Year 2 of the����is coming to a close this month. Farmers who have kept their soil covered this winter by using cover crops or reduced tillage practices are encouraged to��submit��their application before the deadline (February 28, 2026).��

The application process is quick and straightforward, and funding is still available!��

The program supports on-farm practices that reduce phosphorus losses to local waterways. Eligible practices include cover crops, reduced tillage, 4R nutrient stewardship, manure management improvements, and cost-shared funding for a range of additional best management practices.��

There are many practical ways to reduce phosphorus losses, and producers can choose the practices that best fit their operation. Planting cover crops and using reduced tillage help protect soil from erosion and keep soil-bound phosphorus in place. Following 4R nutrient stewardship practices ensure fertilizer is applied at the right rate, source, time, and place, reducing excess phosphorus and runoff risk. Applying manure to fields with lower soil phosphorus levels can further reduce losses. Projects such as windbreaks, riparian buffers, and wetlands also help slow runoff, hold water on the landscape, and naturally filter out nutrients before they reach waterways.

The UTRCA is happy to be working with local landowners to support practical, farm-driven solutions that protect soil health and improve water quality across the watershed.

Farmers interested in participating are encouraged to apply, before the end of the month, to take advantage of available funding.��

Visit the Phosphorus Reduction Program page for more information, or contact��Chris Van Esbroeck, UTRCA Agricultural Stewardship Specialist.

��

Source Water Protection – Protecting drinking water before there's a problem

When you turn on your tap, you��probably don't��think much about where that water came from��or everything that happened to keep it clean along the way.��That's��a good thing. Drinking water should feel reliable.��

What many people don't realize is that a lot of work goes into protecting drinking water long before it reaches a treatment plant. This work is called Source Water Protection��and chances are, you've already benefited from it without even knowing.

What is Source Water Protection?��

Source Water Protection focuses on protecting the��sources��of drinking water, including lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers, before contamination occurs. Instead of reacting to��contamination after it enters the water, Source Water Protection��prevents��risks��in the first place.��

This includes identifying where drinking water comes from, understanding what activities could pose a contamination risk, and putting plans and policies in place to reduce those risks.��

Why Prevention Matters

Cleaning contaminated water is difficult, expensive, and not always fully effective. Preventing pollution at the source:��

• Keeps drinking water safer,
• Reduces treatment costs,
• Protects water supplies for the long term, and
• Helps avoid emergency situations.

Protection That Happens Behind the Scenes��

Source Water Protection��doesn't��usually make headlines — and��that's��by design.��Its success is reflected through proactive measures such as:��

• Strategic land-use planning near wells and intakes,
• Policies for storing fuels, chemicals, and waste,
• Spill prevention and emergency planning, and
• Best practices for businesses, farms, and municipalities.

We know these measures are working well, when we don't have any incidents.

Everyday Activities Still Matter��

Even with strong protection plans in place, everyday actions still play a role in keeping drinking water clean, including:

• Properly disposing of household chemicals,
• Maintaining septic systems,
• Preventing fuel and oil leaks from vehicles,
• Being mindful of what goes down drains and onto the ground, and
• Applying less road salt.

Small actions, when multiplied across a community, make��a big difference.��

A Shared Responsibility��

Source Water Protection is a team effort involving municipalities, conservation authorities, businesses, farmers, and residents.��It's��not about restricting daily��life;��it's��about making informed choices that protect a shared resource.��

The fact that most people never notice this work means it's doing exactly what it is supposed to do.��Clean, safe drinking water��doesn't��happen by accident.��It's��the result of planning, cooperation, and prevention,��much of it happening quietly in the background.��

By understanding and supporting Source Water Protection, we help ensure that safe drinking water��remains��something we can all count on, today and in the future.��

GREEN Leaders Program Underway and Seeking Panelists for Student Summit

This year’s UTRCA GREEN Leaders program is well underway, with 16 Grade 7/8 classes from across the watershed participating. Student teams have now selected the environmental issues they want to tackle, with topics ranging from microplastics and fish species at risk, to declining bat populations, “forever chemicals”, aquatic invasive species, and overall Lake Erie health.

Classes are currently in the policy and practice research stage, where students are reaching out to local partners and community experts to learn more about their environmental issue, explore what’s already being done to help, and identify gaps and opportunities for action. From there, each class will work toward designing and implementing a realistic, meaningful project that they can accomplish within the school year—one that helps create positive change for the Thames River watershed and beyond.��

To wrap up the year, all the participating classes will come together at the GREEN Student Summit to share their projects, celebrate their efforts, and reflect on what they learned through the process, from research and collaboration to taking real-world environmental action.��

If you’ve been involved in a GREEN Leaders project in the past—or if you’re interested in supporting student-led environmental action—we’ll soon be looking for community partners to participate in the Student Summit as panelists. Panelists will have the opportunity to listen to student presentations, offer constructive feedback, and share next steps, ideas, and inspiration as students continue their journeys as GREEN Leaders. If you’re interested in being involved, please reach out to learn more about the event and panelist roles.��

Contact: Karlee Flear, Community Education Coordinator

Snow Surveys in the UTRCA Watershed

With all the snow the Upper Thames River watershed has received this winter, residents may be wondering if major flooding is in the forecast. The ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) has been manually surveying accumulated snow across the watershed since 1957, as part of the flood forecasting and warning services it provides to watershed municipalities to inform residents and businesses of impending dangers. To assist us in forecasting floods – and managing our flood control reservoirs – we operate:

• stream gauges,
• snow survey sites, and
• precipitation and temperature measuring stations.

Snow measurements help quantify the amount of water available to melt during the winter or early spring. The data is collected as part of the provincial Snow Survey Program, which is a collaboration between Conservation Authorities, Ontario Power Generation, and the Ministry of Natural Resources, and follows the Ministry’s Snow Surveying Manual (1985).

Snow Sampling Program

The UTRCA established eight snow survey locations in the 1950s. Over time, some sites were added and others were discontinued as property access changed. Currently, the UTRCA samples snow at 14 locations across the watershed, including seven locations that are at or very near to the original eight sites. We also use data provided by the Grand River and Maitland Valley CAs from nearby sites.

Considerations when selecting a site include access, vegetation, topography, and exposure to wind. The best sampling sites are relatively flat, well-drained, grassy areas that are protected from the wind and located on public property.

Measurements are made twice a month during the winter, as near to the 1st and 15th of each month as possible, as well as at other times if melting is imminent. UTRCA staff collect and record snow depth and snow-water equivalent data at each site:

• Snow depth is measured with a calibrated snow core tube that has a scale along the outside of the tube. Staff measure the snow depth at 10 locations across a site and calculate an average snow depth for that site.
• Snow-water equivalent is calculated to determine the amount of water in the snow pack. At each depth measurement location, staff collect a snow core within the tube then empty it into a common bucket to be weighed at the end of the 10 measurements. The snow tube is calibrated so that 1o grams of snow equals 10 millimetres of water. Dividing the total weight of the 10 snow cores by 10 produces the average snow weight in grams for that site. That number is then converted to mm and represents the snow-water equivalent.

Other observations collected at each site include date, time, weather conditions, temperature, snow drift information, coverage, and ground conditions.

Current Snow Conditions

The UTRCA snow survey taken on February 2 reported an average of about 75 mm of water equivalent in the watershed, with an average depth of about 30 mm. Compared to the long-term historical record for February 2, this snowpack water equivalent is nearly 200% of normal, and 60% of the maximum measured in the period of record (since 1957 for most sites).

The UTRCA’s water resources engineers determine the snow density by dividing the water content by the depth and multiplying by 100. This calculation tells us that the snowpack is approximately 25% water and 75% air.

Predicting the Snowmelt

As snow absorbs rainwater, or melts and is compacted by warmer temperatures, it gets denser. When snow density is more than 35-40% water, the runoff process begins.

Snowmelt models help UTRCA staff estimate when the snowmelt will begin and how quickly the runoff process will occur once it starts. Air temperature and rain are the main factors. Degree days of melting are determined by the average above 0°C daily temperature. For example:

• a day where the temperature does not go above 0°C yields no degree days of melting;
• a day with a 10°C high and an overnight low of -1°C yields five degree days; and
• a day with 10°C high and a low of 5°C yields (10 + 5)/2 = 7.5 degree days.

Snowmelt begins when there are 15 to 20 consecutive accumulated degree days. Rain on top of snow speeds this process up, adding more water to the snowpack and some additional warming. Most of the largest floods on record in the Upper Thames River watershed have been generated by a combination of rain on top of melting snow.

An ideal snowmelt happens when daily maximum temperatures stay below 10 °C, overnight temperatures drop below freezing to slow the thaw process down, and there is little to no rain. This combination results in a long, slow melt period, usually with only minor flooding.

February Outlook

SOARR Marks 2025 Achievements and Launches Its 33rd Year

Our modern world often results in most of us being inundated with a constant barrage of information, responsibilities, and pressures, so it is often hard to stay focused on a single thing. Sometimes that means that we lose sight of the threats to our environment, and the wildlife within it. This is why groups and organizations that focus on wildlife conservation must stay consistent in their approach, frequently communicate their findings, and be creative in their strategies. Very few wildlife protection programs are able to last over the long-term, though the Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (SOARR) program has endured. ��

After 32+ years, we are proud to be one of the longest running and most successful reptile research and recovery programs in Canada. Our research studies include some of the largest remaining at-risk reptile populations in North America. Similarly, we incubate and release more endangered freshwater turtles than any other program of its kind in North America. Pretty good for a grassroots, local effort to study and protect reptiles!��

Spiny Softshell Turtle

Reptiles have many obstacles to overcome,��though��we can see some light at the end of the tunnel. Our reptile recovery efforts ensure increasingly successful��results for��a number of��species, especially the endangered Spiny Softshell Turtle. For the first time in��likely the��past 100 years,��or more, the��Spiny Softshell��Turtle population��along��the Thames River is starting to increase, after many decades of decline. The formerly aging population of adults has now been revitalized��due to our��efforts,��with all age classes of softshell turtles��now swimming these waters��again, some of which are nesting for the first time��as young adults.����

Additionally, we are positively impacting a number of other species, as well as influencing our local communities. We work and partner with many dedicated and caring organizations and individuals that not only increase our reach, but increase our impact. Our dedicated team makes a difference on the ground, but many others assist through donations, citizen science, volunteering, contacting elected officials, creating habitat on their properties, and so much more.����

We have had a large impact, but the scale of threats facing these animals is immense and the difficulty in finding funding is a constant battle. We will continue to recruit passionate staff and volunteers, think outside of the box, and be a voice for reptiles in southern Ontario. SOARR begins its 33rd year in 2026, but we wanted to have a look back at our tremendous success in 2025. ��

2025  SOARR Results Overview

• A total of 13,170 hatchling turtles and snakes emerged in our lab, from hundreds of nests, of six different turtle species and one snake species.  Of those 13,170 hatchlings, over 5,000 were endangered Spiny Softshell Turtles from the Thames River.��
• We also conducted research at multiple sites, and assessed, measured, weighed, and/or marked over 1,000 at-risk turtles and snakes in the wild, including Spiny Softshell Turtle (Endangered), Spotted Turtle (Endangered), Blanding’s Turtle (Endangered/Threatened), Northern Map Turtle (Special Concern), Snapping Turtle, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Threatened), Queensnake (Endangered), and others. ��
• We created or rehabilitated 26 turtle nesting sites, put in wildlife exclusion fencing to keep animals safe from roads, removed invasive plants, planted native plants, removed garbage from sensitive sites, created brush piles, and installed various types of other habitat features throughout the watershed.��
• Our partners included Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Thames Talbot Land Trust, Dorchester Mill Pond Committee members (especially Ruth John, Mike John, and Stephanie Stevenson-Walker), Conservation Authorities: SCRCA, KCCA, ABCA, CCCA, multiple community champions (especially Lynda McCallum, Andrea McCallum, and Susan Padick), and so many other folks from near and far. ��
• Funding was graciously provided by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species At Risk and their Priority Place Program, the City of London Ecology Department (also a thank you to city staff who assisted in some of our field work), AISIN Canada (who have been dedicated to our efforts for years through both funding and providing staff for fieldwork), the ever generous Karen and Eric Auzins, London Community Foundation, ZooCheck Canada, Canada Summer Jobs program, Bear and Fox Apparel, Huron Stewardship Council, multiple small businesses, schools and so many concerned Canadians that have donated from across the country. We could not do this work without everyone involved.��

A special thanks goes out to countless UTRCA staff and Board members for making this work possible, especially when turtles are hatching in the lab. Your interest, passion, and selflessness made such a big difference and we can’t thank you enough.

An extra special thank you goes out to Karlee, Aliena, Matthew, and the Education Team; Cole, Hailey and the ESA Team; and Amy Bumbacco and Tracy Annett for going above and beyond to assist with or highlight our efforts. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes caring staff to care for over 13,000 hatchling turtles!��

Scott Gillingwater

P.A. Day Fun with the UTRCA and Stratford Perth Museum

On Friday, January 30, the UTRCA partnered with the Stratford Perth Museum once again to provide a jam-packed day of outdoor activities and museum exploration for 20 day camp participants. This unique session brought together children ages 6–10 for an entire day of fun, making full use of the museum's indoor spaces as well as the forest and meadow trails on the property.

Participants took to the trails for snowshoeing and gathered around the campfire flames to learn practical skills through campfire cooking, marshmallow roasting, and bannock making. Beyond the outdoor play, the campers dove into the past with fossil identification and spent time learning about Stratford's deep connection to trains and railways within the museum's exhibits. By blending outdoor exploration with educational museum highlights, the P.A. Day Camp series continues to support the UTRCA's mission of partnering with local organizations to promote appreciation for a healthy environment and watershed.��

We look forward to seeing even more friendly faces at our future P.A. Day collaborations!

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