The Stratford Field Naturalists are inviting anyone interested to join them on a nature walk through the T.J. Dolan Natural Area on Sunday mornings during the summer, with the first walk talking place this Sunday morning.

"Learn what birds are singing and what plants are growing in this unique natural area," writes member Joan Daynard in a press release.

Walks begin at 9 a.m. and last from 90 minutes to two hours. Those wanting to join the walk should meet at the parking lot on John Street just south of the Avon River.

"As someone who travels to different areas, I would be delighted to be able to go out with a knowledgeable person in the area that I was visiting," says Daynard. "Last summer a few of us enjoyed the company of three Australian visitors to Stratford and we know they enjoyed the morning spent in the Dolan. So, this year, we thought we would let visitors know that there are local naturalists who are willing to lead a walk in our unique T.J.Dolan, so that they would have the
opportunity to see a bit of the natural side of Stratford."

Daynard says the Field Naturalists would like to have local residents join the walks as well, so that they can appreciate and learn more about what is living and growing in our midst.
"Since moving to an area overlooking the Dolan, I have come to treasure it even more," says Daynard. "Just from my bedroom window in the morning, I can hear the
wonderful sounds of robins, yellow warblers, cardinals, orioles, red winged blackbirds, great crested flycatcher, song sparrow, chickadees, cedar waxwings and goldfinch. On walking by the river and among the trees there is opportunity to see kingfisher, great blue heron, hawks, nuthatches, a variety of warblers, and of course mallards, etc.
"The wildflowers are always interesting to see and identify, and there are butterflies and other natural things to observe as well."
Ken Clarke, president of the Field Naturalists, led a Baillie Birdathon fundraiser for Bird Studies Canada last month. He said 50 species of birds were spotted in a 24-hour period in the T.J. Dolan Natural Area.

PHOTO: Joan Daynard, past president of the Stratford Field Naturalists, and Ken Clarke, current president, survey some of the fauna at the T.J. Dolan Natural Area in Stratford. This Sunday, the group begins guided walks through the area. (Jim Hagarty photo)