BUYING OR SELLING A HOME? CALL:
February 2021
Washago postmaster retires. . . . . . 3 jeanpaullogiacco@rogers.com
Seniors staying active. . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Severn’s new look. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9 Join the challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Help keep Trumpeter swans safe and bask in their beauty When Susan Best isn’t working on genealogy projects, doing jigsaws or riding her indoor bike during these lockdown times, she is at Washago Centennial Park doing what she loves most – checking on the beloved Trumpeter swans. She visits almost every afternoon. For many years, Susan has been involved in and has been a key volunteer with the Ontario Swan Restoration Program. Among other responsibilities, Susan assists with tagging and tracking and identifying injured or fatally wounded swans. Susan is also involved with the winter swan count that takes place every two years in Washago. Because the tagging and banding involves two people needing to be in close contact, the count may be delayed this year. In the summer, Trumpeter swans move to quiet nesting places. Some stay in nearby wetlands while others can be found as far north as Rouyn-Noranda or at Mitchell Lake in Kirkfield. To ensure the safety of the nests, exact nesting areas are not disclosed. Based on Susan’s extensive knowledge and experience, she has advice for anyone visiting the Trumpeter swans. Leave your dog at home: A township bylaw states dogs must be leashed on township property. Also, under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, it is a
What the heck? Is this some silly new township by-law? criminal offence to harass the swans. Allowing your dog to go in the water terrifies the swans. Also, the water is frigid and there is a strong current. NOTE: In the 3rd week of January, an off leash dog went into the water after the swans. The owner then jumped into the water to rescue his dog. This could have ended tragically. Look and don’t touch: In spite of their size, Trumpeter swans are rarely aggressive unless defending a nest. Keep your distance and please allow them to live in peace with their family. Aggressive human or canine behaviour alarms the entire flock. Talk to them. Look at them. Take pictures. They aren’t really hungry but…: Trumpeter swans are in Washago because there is shallow open water at the dock. They easily forage on an abundance of
nutritious food from the bottom of the lake. If you feel compelled to feed them, please give them only untreated whole feed corn available as close as Home Hardware in Washago. Toss the corn in the water, not on the ground. Corn tossed on the ground/ snow might mix with feces and become contaminated. One last note about helping to keep the swans safe – lead shot is now illegal for use over water although there are thousands still at the bottom of most lakes and rivers. Lead sinkers and lures are illegal everywhere. A Trumpeter swan, or a loon, has only to ingest one sinker or one lead shot to develop fatal lead poisoning. Check your equipment and ensure your supplier is selling non-lead based tackle.
Supply and Demand
Paul Cleary B.B.A.
The current supply of real estate inventory is low but demand is very high due to several factors.
705-327-6002
If you’re considering a move, I can help you make an informed decision. Call me today.
BROKER
paul@paulcleary.com