Posting for the Couchiching Conservancy During a 24-hour period June 17/18, eight teams participated in the first Carden Challenge hosted by The Couchiching Conservancy, competing to find the most species within the Carden Alvar CBC circle. A total of 138 species were documented, including 16 species of warblers (plus Brewster's Warbler), 9 sparrows, and many of the grassland and shrubland species characteristic of the Carden Plain.
The winning team, which were presented with the Carden Cup, were the GutterSnipes from Barrie - David Walsh, Alex Mills, Ian Cook, and Rob Copeland. Their total of 114 species edged out two teams with 112 - the Curlew Quartet under the leadership of Jim Woodford, and the Cardenals under Chris Ellingwood. The other big winner was the Windmill Ranch project, which will benefit from a total of just over $10,000 in pledges raised by the participating teams. Nathalie Rockhill won a pair of binoculars donated by The Bird House Nature Company for the highest individual pledges of $2405; The Conservancy Cowgirls led by Leslie Dyment took the prize for highest team pledges. Special prizes were also given to two teenagers who participated: Brennan Ackert of Orillia and Julia St. Antoine of Windsor. Renowned nature author Fred Bodsworth joined us for the day as our celebrity birder. At 86, he put his younger colleagues to shame for enthusiasm and stamina. Best birds, considering the season, included Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, a Common Loon with a chick on its back, a family of Upland Sandpipers walking down a paved road, and a Bald Eagle. The Challenge finished off with dinner at the Lake Dalrymple United Church, featuring all the homemade pies you could eat. And when asked if we should host the Carden Challenge again next year, the response was a resounding "YES". The Carden Alvar is located north of Kirkfield mid-way between Orillia and Lindsay. An introductory signboard to birding in this area is located 5 km north of Kirkfield, just off City Road 6 on MacNamee Road. Ron Reid Executive Director Couchiching Conservancy Box 704, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 6K7 705-326-1620
