FENELON FALLS, ON – The Kawartha Field Naturalists (KFN) have released their latest newsletter, "Heron's Watch Issue #107," a profound 48-page issue that balances heartfelt remembrance with a forward-looking commitment to natural history education. The June 2025 edition serves primarily as a moving tribute to the late Brian Barbour, a cornerstone of the club, while also shining a spotlight on a vital new resource for naturalists: the "Ontario Moths 3b" photographic guide.
The newsletter opens with an extensive and heartfelt dedication to Brian Barbour (1947-2025), a former KFN President and steadfast board member for over two decades. Through a collection of memories from fellow members, the issue paints a vivid portrait of a man whose influence was foundational to the club’s success and spirit. Brian is remembered for his diligent leadership, but more so for his character. With a "light-hearted demeanour but always responsible," he navigated the club through his journey with strength and positivity.
President Eric Davis reflected on his leadership, stating, "When Brian was president of our club, he was able to take everything in stride and never made a crisis out of something. The rest of the board knew that the club was in good hands." His pragmatic approach, born from his engineering background, led him to encourage the board to follow the "KISS system: Keep it Simple Sally," a philosophy that ensured the club remained effective and focused on its mission.
Beyond his official duties, it was Brian's personal touches that cemented the KFN as a true community. Multiple members, including Dale and Lewis Jackson, fondly recalled his generosity during the ambitious 'Flora of Kawartha Lakes' project. After long mornings of mounting dried plants, volunteers would be treated to Brian’s "delicious soup and his famous zucchini casserole," acts of kindness that transformed work sessions into gatherings of friends. Dale Leadbeater shared a detailed account of Brian’s indispensable role in the flora project, where he served as the "calming logic behind the committee," building beautiful, engraved plant presses and sharpening soil augers. "Believe me, to a botanist it is awesome!!!" she wrote. Brian was a problem-solver, a storyteller, a generous host on birding trips to Texas and Portugal, and above all, a good man and a cherished friend whose "gentle ways, kindness and sense of humour will be missed."
In a poignant transition, the newsletter moves from remembrance to the themes of resilience and community—qualities Brian himself embodied. The publication documents the aftermath of a "historic ice storm" in late March, featuring photos of the significant damage to the region's landscape. Yet, as Editor John Bick notes, the storm also brought out "many stories of neighbours and friends generously helping one another with the massive cleanups," proving the strength of the community bonds that leaders like Brian helped to forge.
The bulk of "Heron's Watch" serves as a vibrant chronicle of a club deeply engaged with the natural world. The "Nature Notes" sections offer a collage of member sightings from across the Kawarthas, capturing the seasonal rhythm of the region without disclosing sensitive locations. These personal accounts range from the discovery of intricate porcupine tracks in the snow to thrilling encounters with Barred Owls and the joyful return of spring migrants like Ospreys and warblers, illustrating a community that is always observing and sharing its passion.
This passion for discovery and education is the driving force behind the newsletter's second major focus: the promotion of a significant new publication. The KFN proudly announces its support for "Ontario Moths 3b: A Photographic Guide," from Hawk Owl Publishing. Authored by David Beadle, Michael King, and Phillip Holder, this guide is hailed as "an essential guide for all naturalists with an interest in moths."
The newsletter details the book’s origins, which began with camaraderie and a shared fascination for insects during mothing nights at the Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve. This collaborative spirit resulted in a top-quality, comprehensive reference for all Ontario moths, specifically covering the Notodontidae to Erebidae families. With over 490 exceptional photographs of 322 species, the guide provides an invaluable tool for both seasoned experts and budding naturalists. Each species is represented by a photo of the live insect, accompanied by text detailing its range, size, flight period, and food plants.
The publication of this guide aligns perfectly with the KFN's core mission of fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of local biodiversity. The club's support for the project, alongside the Matt Holder Environmental Research Fund, underscores its commitment to advancing citizen science and providing the community with high-quality educational resources.
For nature lovers, entomologists, and anyone curious about the hidden world of moths, this new guide is an indispensable addition to their library. The Kawartha Field Naturalists encourage the public to support this important work.
To purchase a copy of "Ontario Moths 3b: A Photographic Guide," please visit the publisher's website at hawkowlpublishing.ca. The book is available for $35.00 plus shipping and taxes.
In its entirety, "Heron's Watch Issue #107" is a powerful reflection of a community in motion—one that honors its past and its heroes while actively investing in a future of continued learning and discovery. It is a fitting tribute to Brian Barbour, whose legacy lives on in the club's enduring spirit of friendship, curiosity, and shared love for the natural world.
About the Kawartha Field Naturalists:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN4S7REnu2k
Founded in 1984, the Kawartha Field Naturalists (KFN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study, appreciation, and conservation of nature in the Kawartha Lakes region.
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For more information about Kawartha Field Naturalists, contact the company here:
Kawartha Field Naturalists
Eric Davis
contactus@kawarthafieldnaturalists.org
PO Box 133
Coboconk, ON K0M 1K0
