Baldwin’s Birds

Grub's Up!

What a super change to the weather, giving us a lot brighter view of our lives and those of our avian friends. Their colours are now showing to the full and are a delight to behold,-when they let you! I say that because despite their bright plumages they are still surprisingly difficult to spot in the now green trees. A male Cardinal just seems to disappear as soon as he hits the trees, as do others like the Bluebirds and Goldfinches, but I must say that the latter can also give us a stunning view of themselves should they happen to perch on the branch of an evergreen pine tree, at a lower level or even at the very top. Their contrasting brilliant yellow against the deep green pines make picture taking of them a sheer delight!

With all their added colour, many of the birds have also found their voices, as many of you who sleep with a window open will have discovered for yourselves! How many of you are woken to the sound of a House Wren or a Mourning

(sounds like morning) Dove, who are giving their voices a really good airing from 6.00 - 7.00 am until late into the evenings? The first time we had the Wrens visit, it was a novelty, but that was a few years ago, and since then the novelty has passed us by, but they have at least moved to a nesting box a little further from the house or they just yielded the one they had to the Bluebirds who are a lot quieter neighbours to have!

Talking of quiet neighbours, we have been getting the occasional visit in the back garden from a lovely "fly catching" bird normally found by water where the "Mozzies" tend to congregate. This is a Kingbird, of course, and it will come and perch fairly high up on a tree branch and will then swoop down on any flying insects trying to pass by! We have a water feature in the garden where the bugs can gather so there is usually something of interest to keep the bird returning. The other day, I was sitting on our deck by our swimming pool, trying to get Wren and Bluebird pictures when I was startled to hear a very loud "plop" right by me in the water, and there was a Kingbird just flapping its wings on the water, having just pounced on a bug on the top of the pool water. I was lucky enough to witness it flying over the pool a couple of times, but it didn't get to repeat its performance, seeing as one of our "human type" pools isn't really the right environment for an avid "fly catcher", is it!?

Having been slightly distracted from what I was doing by the Kingbird, I was still able to observe the comings and goings of the Bluebirds, as they went about their parental tasks of either feeding or cleaning up after their messy kids! I also continued watching the Wren, who is still trying to woo a young lady into one of the nesting boxes. This seems to take a load of singing and coaxing, but he never seems to tire from the task; he deserves a reward for all the enthusiasm he puts into it! Good luck "Little Guy!"

Stay safe and well, Cheers,

John Baldwin

Courtesy crosswalks and other useless things

function require people to have… well… courtesy, but they also have the potential to lull pedestrians into a false – and dangerous – sense of security.

by Brandon Mayer

If there ever comes to be a television show called “Pointless Things”, North Grenville residents must phone in an episode suggestion. The topic? Courtesy crosswalks. Strictly speaking, courtesy crosswalks are probably as useful as a submarine with screen doors. Not only does their

Last week, a resident complained on social media about the difficulty of crossing Prescott St due to vehicles not stopping. It was Councillor Kristin Strackerjan who chimed in online to point out that courtesy crosswalks really are governed by nothing but courtesy. Councillor Strackerjan made it very clear that she opposes the idea of courtesy crosswalks, and is pushing for mandatory designated crosswalks to be put in place instead.

While it is true that some drivers will stop out of an abundance of kindness and decency, many (or perhaps most) drivers tend not to stop. In nearby Winchester, three designated crosswalks in town that are used by school children are still often the subject of complaints when motorists ignore them. One of these crosswalks has a full green-amber-red traffic light system, and the other two have full signage and button-activated warning lights. It is mandatory to stop at these crosswalks, but drivers ignore them anyway, probably thinking that “it will only take a few seconds to get through, and then the pedestrian can cross”, or “the car behind me will stop”. If motorists aren’t stopping at designated crosswalks where they risk fines, thinking that courtesy crosswalks are useful is a fallacy.

While we wait (hopefully not long) for a better crosswalk system in downtown Kemptville, pedestrians are reminded to take precautions when crossing the street. Never assume that vehicles are going to stop, and always proceed with an abundance of caution.

Alanna Sterling is back at the Kemptville Street Piano on June 10

submitted by Lisa Poushinsky

Alanna’s back, and we can’t wait! The Street Piano Concert series is honoured to present again rising star Alanna Sterling, aka Twitch streamer “MermaidUnicorn”, aka Merms, a genderfluid singer-songwriter and mental illness advocate. If you were at last year’s Pride Parade Afterparty, you’ll know why we’re so excited to have such an extraordinarily talented and engaging performer join us for another afternoon of fun at the Street Piano.

The concert begins after the North Grenville Public Library's Pride Storytime Hour, with special guest drag queen Jordana Myles. Come early (1pm) for stories and dancing in the library, then head on out to the terrace and keep on dancing for Alanna’s show!

What? The Kemptville Street Piano Concert Series presents

Who? Alanna Sterling

When? Saturday June 10, 2pm

Where? North Grenville Public Library terrace https://www.alannasterling.ca/

How much? Free! (Cash donations welcome, or see the featured section on our FB page for the link to our GoFundMe campaign.)

What is a Street Piano?

It’s a piano placed in a public area that encourages passersby to stop and play.

Why a Street Piano?

Who is it for? Street Pianos draw pedestrians, turning any location into a concert venue/cultural hub. By giving residents an instrument to play together, this project encourages locals to share their knowledge, initiate their own ‘play’, and create relationships, setting a precedent for positive experiences in Kemptville’s public spaces and inviting foot traffic to downtown businesses. Learn more about street pianos at http://www. streetpianos.com/.

When and where are the concerts taking place? This year, the concert series takes place on Saturday afternoons at 2pm from June to the end of August at the North Grenville Public Library. Check the Kemptville Street Piano Facebook page for regular updates on all things Street Piano, including indoor locations in case of rain, concert details, and access to the Street Piano calendar. https://www.facebook.com/ KemptvilleStreetPiano

The Kemptville Street Piano Concert Series is presented by Lisa Poushinsky and the Municipality of North Grenville. Contact kemptville.street.piano@ gmail.com.

For Sale

Harmonica Phe 64 Chromonica, 4 Octaves, professional model, M Hohner, Germany. Contact 613-567-8533

Mandolin, Veritona, 6 string, made in London England. Contact 613567-8533

Free AKC Reg Male & female yorkies puppies Need a good home and great companion if interested contact : jacbow2023@gmail. com

Spring and Summer

Potted Canna Lilies 18-20" tall. Ready to be planted outside after last frost. 1/$4.75, 2/$8.50, 3/$11.25, 4/$15.50. Contact Carman 613-824-5252

Cedar posts and rails for sale. Jon 613-2273650.

4X4 round bales of hay and straw for sale. Jon 613-227-3650.

Cedars for hedging, 2' tp 10', Tamarac & Spruce. Call Jim after 6pm 613-258-3561

Dry firewood for sale $110 a cord plus delivery fee. Call or text Jon 613-2273650

MISCELLANEOUS

HISTORIC HALL AVAILABLE FOR RENTALS in Beautiful Burritts Rapids! Start a book club in time for cooler weather in a hamlet near walking trails and parkettes. Our hall is well equipped for any gathering or celebration, and we offer very competitive rates. http://burrittsrapids. com

Wanted

Looking to harvest cedar trees for hedges off acreages from landowners. Please call Joanne 613-799-0958

Experienced+local farming family looking to buy a farm. Min. 10ac tillable with a liveable house. Open to creative solutions. davidrbailie@gmail.com.

Looking to rent farmland for cash crops.

CASUAL

Crossword

Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204.

For Rent

FOR RENT 2 bed/2 bath apartment in senior’s building in the heart of Kemptville. Newer build, walk to amenities. $2250 plus utilities. Available July 1st. Call 613-978-4700

Property for rent for spring & fall deer & turkey hunting. Call Jim after 6pm 613-258-3561

CLEANING SERVICES

MOVING IN OR OUT CLEANING OR

SUPER CLEANING Jackie 613-821-6161

CEDAR

Rob: 613.795.1845

Community

Recurring Event

PROBUS: Fellowship, Fun and inFormed presenters are part of the PROBUS gathering on the third Wednesday of each month at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall at 9:30AM. For more information contact at n.g.probus97@gmail.com

BREAKFAST, Kemptville Legion! Every 3rd Saturday from 8-10am - $8 for adults, $6 for children 10 and under. Euchre will be held following breakfast, registration starts at 11:30 am.

Kemptville Legion: Now Open Fridays 1-7. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome BINGO, Kemptville Legion, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, doors open at noon

NG Duplicate Bridge Club Bridge, Masonic Lodge

311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155

EUCHRE on Tuesday, June 13, 27, July 11, 25, August 8, 22, September 5 and 19 at Pierce's Corners also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m. and play starts at 7:00 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com.

BID EUCHRE on Tuesday, June 20, July 4, 18, August 1, 15, 29, September 12 and 26 at Pierce's Corners also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m. and play starts at 7:00 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com.