Winter Retreat

   Ice fishing is one of the more popular winter sports in Ontario, and may be done during any time of the day, with the most active times during dusk and dawn.

   As conditions permit, the ice shacks are dragged or trailed onto the lakes behind an ATV,  snowmobile or SUV.  They are usually constructed of wood or metal and have runners on the bottom for transporting.  Inside, and depending on the size, the ice shacks may be as basic as having only a bench over the holes or may be equipped with a stove, beds, and heaters.

   In addition to the maps and surveys of lakes to assist in placing the ice shack on the ice, ice fishermen may now use sonar  to show the shape and content of the lake bottom as well as indicating at what depth the fish are, and how to set the number and type of lines.

   Ice fishing generates significant revenue to Ontario and local economies, from ice fishing package  offers of numerous resorts, lodges and inns to the local bait and tackle shops.  In most winters, ice shacks are on the lakes in early January, however, with the winter experience in Ontario thus far, the ice conditions in a number of locations is of poor quality or non-existent.  With debate ongoing with respect to climate change, there is discussion that in the future, many areas of southern Ontario may no longer have ice fishing available as a winter sport and will be reduced elsewhere around the province.

   The Mourning Dove is one of the most abundant bird species found in North America.  They are named for their soft and drawn out call, which sounds like laments.  Their range includes all of southern Canada, the entire continental United States and the northern areas of Mexico.  With their large numbers, believed to be 475 million individual birds, this species is also the leading game bird in North America, both for sport and meat.  The ability to sustain the populations under this pressure is due to the prolific breeding of this bird:  in warmer areas, a breeding couple may raise up to six broods per year, with a brood usually containing two eggs.

   Adult Mourning Doves are usually up to twelve inches in length, with a plump body and relatively small head.  The colouring of the sexes are similar, with a light grey and brown colour, which is generally muted.  Their long pointed tails are unique to Northern American doves.  The bird is a strong flier, often attaining speeds of up to 88km/h. with fast and powerful wingbeats.  The wings make a characteristic and unusual sharp whistling sound on takeoff and landings.

   Mourning Doves feed almost exclusively on seeds, and will often swallow grit such as sand or gravel to aid in digestion.  They are usually ground foragers, eating what is readily visible.  The species occupy a wide range of habitats including urban areas, farms, grassland and lightly wooded areas, but do avoid swamps and thick forests.