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Outdoors

COLUMN: Antlers, 'crime scene' tell quite a tale about deer

COLUMN: Antlers, 'crime scene' tell quite a tale about deer

Analysis determines a male dear, found dead in the woods, had been healthy and only four years old, which begs the question of what happened
COLUMN: Ruffed grouse are experts at camouflage, adapting

COLUMN: Ruffed grouse are experts at camouflage, adapting

In addition to their colouring and behaviour, these birds have a 'unique way of preparing for winter in that they grow snowshoes,' says columnist
COLUMN: Cutting down big willow tree nothing to weep about?

COLUMN: Cutting down big willow tree nothing to weep about?

Columnist says family will 'miss the sound of the wind' in their willows, but knows a new crop is not far behind
COLUMN: Bird feeders serve up unmatched outdoor education

COLUMN: Bird feeders serve up unmatched outdoor education

'No book, TV show or movie can come close' to watching flurry of activity at feeder station, says outdoors columnist
COLUMN: If ice fells a tree in a forest, is it a problem?

COLUMN: If ice fells a tree in a forest, is it a problem?

A healthy forest is one that adapts, so a tree crashing down creates an opportunity for the surrounding vegetation and retired guys, says columnist
COLUMN: Tamarack ... the oddball in the world of evergreens

COLUMN: Tamarack ... the oddball in the world of evergreens

Tamaracks offer a last gasp for fall colours, but this tree has historical importance rooted in snowshoes, canoes and healing, explains columnist
COLUMN: Forests are facing a coordinated attack of sorts

COLUMN: Forests are facing a coordinated attack of sorts

Ontario Forest Health Review conference in Orillia attracted many experts in their fields; columnist says his 'eco-anxiety has not abated' in the aftermath
COLUMN: Squirrels give 'stamp' of approval to new home

COLUMN: Squirrels give 'stamp' of approval to new home

This is the season for den finding, food storing and mate selections, notes columnist, whose home office is not immune to the charms of pesky squirrels
COLUMN: Well-orchestrated migration is like graceful ballet

COLUMN: Well-orchestrated migration is like graceful ballet

Direction change can come from anywhere within the flock and messages between birds are exchanged in mere milliseconds, says columnist
COLUMN: Fall is mushroom season ... but beware toxicity!

COLUMN: Fall is mushroom season ... but beware toxicity!

As the saying goes, 'all mushrooms can be eaten, but some only once.' What level of risk are you prepared to operate under? columnist asks