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Outdoors

OUTDOORS: Suit up for sunny days — and blackflies

OUTDOORS: Suit up for sunny days — and blackflies

Outdoors columnist offers good news, bad news, and tips to repel pesky fliers
COLUMN: Absence of porcupines is a bit of prickly issue

COLUMN: Absence of porcupines is a bit of prickly issue

At one time, seeing a porcupine on a woodland walk was commonplace; outdoors columnist explains why that is no longer the case in our region
COLUMN: April tests the resiliency of region's migratory birds

COLUMN: April tests the resiliency of region's migratory birds

For eons, species have been forced to push their limits of survival to discover that what doesn't kill them may just make them stronger, says columnist
COLUMN: To feed or not to feed ... that is the burning question

COLUMN: To feed or not to feed ... that is the burning question

'There is across the land some no small level of discussion as to whom shall be rightful, and to whom shall scorn be placed upon,' says columnist
COLUMN: Battle in war against Phragmites set to take a turn

COLUMN: Battle in war against Phragmites set to take a turn

While experts warn it's not a silver bullet, the introduction of bio controls could help turn the tide against invasive Phragmites, says columnist
COLUMN: Scarlet cap fungus a show-stopper in local woodlots

COLUMN: Scarlet cap fungus a show-stopper in local woodlots

The brilliant red stands out like a blast against the dull brown and blacks of old wet leaves on the forest floor in early spring, says columnist
COLUMN: Chipmunks looking for love after wintry slumber

COLUMN: Chipmunks looking for love after wintry slumber

While it is an anomaly to see a chipmunk in the winter months, they do not hibernate, often due to an 'urge to merge with a female,' says columnist
COLUMN: Arrival of purple finch leaves birdwatcher tickled pink

COLUMN: Arrival of purple finch leaves birdwatcher tickled pink

'In the wild, purple finches are masters at seed extraction from cones or from within fleshy fruits,' says outdoors columnist
COLUMN: Diseased beech part of forest's circle of life

COLUMN: Diseased beech part of forest's circle of life

Beware false prophets when it comes to the trees and wildlife of the forest and its life cycle, warns columnist
COLUMN: Hear that 'maniacal' laughter? It's a barred owl

COLUMN: Hear that 'maniacal' laughter? It's a barred owl

Columnist urges people to keep their eyes open, especially around the bird feeders that have voles and squirrels visiting, as you may well observe a unique species