Podcasts about chatham kent

If you take Keil Drive for your morning commute, you might want to consider an alternate route on Wednesday morning. The new federal budget includes major investments in infrastructure, productivity and competitiveness, defence and security, and housing. Chatham-Kent has plans to meet with York1 regarding the proposed Dresden landfill. A Tilbury woman, charged with first-degree murder, has been released on bail. The union that represents full-time support staff at Ontario's public colleges says its members ratified a new three-year agreement.

A man charged in connection with a deadly crash near Tilbury will be back in court next month. The federal government is refunding almost all the money Chatham-Kent spent to build 50 transitional cabins. Chatham-Kent's mayor is hoping more funding for affordable housing will be included in the next federal budget. Chatham-Kent Council has postponed allocating a surplus of Hydro One funds. William Nylander had two goals and an assist as the Toronto Maple Leafs rallied for a 4-3 victory over Pittsburgh. Over 18.5 million Canadians, nearly 45 per cent of the country, watched some or all of Game 7 of the World Series between the Blue Jays and Dodgers. 

The federal government is refunding almost all the money spent to construct 50 transitional cabins in Chatham. Chatham-Kent police arrested a woman in connection with an assault that happened on Halloween. A Chatham man is facing serious charges after police say he made multiple attempts to hurt another man. Registration is now open for one of Ontario's major winter Ag Conferences. The provincial government has announced a $26.7M investment in support of survivors of gender-based violence. A Chatham-Kent resident is $100,000 richer thanks to a scratch ticket.

The way ward funds are allocated in Chatham-Kent could be changing next term because of a trimmed-down composition of Council. Registration is now open for the Southwest Ag Conference. For the third year in a row, the St. Clair Catholic District School Board has reported an increase in enrollment. Mark Carney's government will table its first budget on Tuesday as Canada struggles with the fallout of the trade war with the United States. A Chatham retiree has 100,000 reasons to celebrate after winning at Instant Bingo.

With three fewer councillors on the next Chatham-Kent council, $75,000 in annual surplus funds from the Hydro One Councillor Ward Funding Program could be redirected into a reserve. Thamesville is honouring its veterans with a nightly video-projection tribute. One person is dead after a school bus carrying 42 people rolled over on Highway 401 in London. The Chatham Maroons beat Strathroy 6-3 for their sixth straight win. 

It's a rainy day in Birderland. It's October 30, 2025 and I am writing this on night before Halloween.  I won't claim that this is going to be a spooky episode, but there are one or two scary birding stories from our guest Liam Ragan.  Liam broke the record for a Vancouver Island, British Columbia Big Year, but beyond that, he does a lot of fine conservation work out west, for the Rocky Point Bird Observatory.  His job gave him the freedom to travel around the island while also allowing him to go after his Vancouver Island Big Year record. But enough about Liam.  Time to get back to me. As you may have ascertained, I just love talking about birds and myself, not necessarily in that order.  If I didn't cut out all of my personal stories, these podcasts would be twice as long, and nobody wants that.  That being said, and the reason for a two month gap between episodes, is that I have been on the road birding nearly every day since the end of August.  On August 29, I finally got my first Wilson's Warbler of the year at Long Point and later that afternoon a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at in the sod fields of Brant County.  A week later I was back at the Long Point Field Staton for a very rare Townsend's Warbler. That same afternoon I rushed to Staynor, Ontario for a Ruff. All the while I was planning my trip out west to see the Whooping Crane migration for the first time, in Saskatchewan.  That had been a dream trip of mine since beginning birding in 2012.  I had seen Whooping Cranes where they winter in Texas, in Wood Buffalo National Park, where they breed in Northern Alberta and in between, a couple of others in Florida and Michigan.   Finally, on September 30, 2025, after a four day drive, I saw my first flock of migrating Whooping Cranes in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, just north of Saskatoon.  I met up with my friend Gavin McKinnon and his birding group and we all got to enjoy these marvelous, but endangered birds.  I then headed down to Grasslands National Park, but made a stop in Swift Current for a Broad-billed Hummingbird that had been visiting feeders and Josie's back yard.  This bird went north instead of south and was enjoying the cool autumn weather of southern Saskatchewan.  Alas, it's fate is unknown, as it likely never found its way back to the southern United States.  The next morning I got to Grasslands National Park as the sun was coming up and after an hour found what might have been the last remaining Burrowing Owl in the park.  The rest had headed south for the winter.  Back in Ontario, I've been seeing fall specialties like Red Phalarope and Nelson's Sparrow and chasing rarities like Purple Gallinule, Western Cattle-Egret and Little Blue Heron.     With those birds I surpassed my best Ontario species count ever.  We also had two super rare birds, a Graces Warbler, which I was a day late for in Algonquin Provincial Park and a Gray Kingbird in Chatham-Kent.  I wasted no time with that one and raced down the highway to see it.  A new Lifer for both my Ontario,(386) and Canada,(496) lists.   I am exhausted from all the driving, chasing and even just recounting of these stories, not to mention editing this very podcast.  So, it's time to relax, clear your mind of birds and chases and lists and such and listen to Liam Ragan's story of his Vancouver Island Big Year, where he will recount his stories of birds and chases and lists and such on this very podcast.  He even has a few scary tales from the west coast of Canada, as is fitting for a Halloween episode.  So, Happy Halloween, happy birding, and may the Ravens and crows stay away from your eyeballs, while you enjoy yet another episode of The Big Year Podcast. Links: https://friendsofmidway.org/explore/wildlife-plants/birds/albatrosses/laysan-albatross/wisdom-the-albatross/ https://www.birdability.org https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/06/21/that-time-the-us-almost-went-to-war-with-canada-218881/

The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit is warning of an increase in drug overdoses over the past few weeks. They suspect the cause is fentanyl mixed with Xylazine, commonly referred to as "tranq." Environment Canada says there is a chance of showers this morning, but it will clear up before kids head out to trick-or-treat tonight. Chatham-Kent police and O.P.P. are reminding everyone to stay safe this Halloween. Lucas Raymond scored in the shootout as the Detroit Red Wings beat L.A. 4-3, and game 6 of the World Series is tonight in Toronto. 

Will the Jays wrap it up  Friday night, or will the World Series go to Game 7? The LKDSB Board of Trustees is sending a letter to Ontario's Minister of Education about issues with the Dresden Landfill. Chatham-Kent police have arrested a pair of alleged mischief makers through the use of CCTV footage. A ceremony was held by Chatham's Legion on Friday to kick off the annual Poppy campaign. The first meeting between the Canadian and Chinese leaders since 2017 was pragmatic and constructive. Another U.S. tariff is set to come into effect on Saturday.

Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff says he spoke to the CEO of Enbridge Gas, and the company is not leaving Chatham-Kent anytime soon. The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is celebrating the addition of a new fluoroscopy and X-ray machine. The U.S. Senate passed legislation yesterday nullifying American tariffs on Canada. The Toronto Blue Jays are just one win away from winning the World Series after beating the L.A. Dodgers 6-1, to take a 3-2 series lead. 

A major political rift has developed in Chatham-Kent as the sitting mayor is accusing a mayoral opponent of spreading misinformation about the CK Hub. Operation Cover Up looks a little different this year in Chatham-Kent. The Toronto Blue Jays shook off their epic 18-inning loss to beat the L.A. Dodgers 6-2, and even the World Series at two. Chatham-Kent's Travis Konecny scored his 200th career goal as Philadelphia beat Pittsburgh 3-2 in a shootout.

Two separate family disputes in Chatham-Kent have resulted in arrests. The dream of a barrier-free baseball diamond in Chatham has hit a snag. The Dresden Library will be closed for a few days for renovations. Canada Post and the union representing thousands of postal workers are headed back to the bargaining table. The province is lowering costs for first-time homebuyers. The lobby group representing the Detroit Big 3 thinks Ottawa is making a mistake by charging tariffs on some vehicle imports. Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaica on Tuesday.

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada has decided not to assess what could happen if the proposed Dresden landfill project moves forward. A defence lawyer in Chatham-Kent says the new federal bail reform package needs more careful thought. CK police have charged a 39-year-old woman following a single-vehicle crash in Tilbury. A Thamesville man is facing multiple impaired driving charges after his vehicle ended up in a ditch over the weekend. Canada's Prime Minister says trade talks were going well with the U.S. until Ontario's anti-tariff ads started running. Financial experts believe the Bank of Canada will lower the interest rate on Wednesday.

The historical advisor for the blockbuster film 1917 is coming to Chatham-Kent next week. Local filmmakers were celebrated at the Chatham-Kent International Film Festival. Nobody is backing down from the Government of Ontario Ad that has irked the U.S. President. The Chatham Maroons won their fifth straight game, doubling up LaSalle 6-3.

The province has organized a contractor to investigate the presence of gas at a property in Wheatley. Chatham-Kent's mayor is fighting to keep Enbridge Gas in the area. U.S. President Trump says he's ending trade talks with Canada because of Ontario's anti-tariff ads. Prime Minister Mark Carney is headed to Asia in an effort to build stronger trade and diplomatic ties. Chocolate may look a bit different this Halloween as manufacturers look to cut costs.

Tensions flared at the last Chatham-Kent council meeting as councillors continued to debate the Community Hub project. A planned class-action lawsuit stemming from the explosion in downtown Wheatley in 2021 has been dismissed by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Opposition parties are pushing Premier Doug Ford to release the contract the province signed with General Motors. The Toronto Raptors opened their NBA season with a win, while the Detroit Pistons lost. 

There's a special weather statement in effect for some strong winds lasting into this evening. Chatham-Kent council has more plans for affordable housing. CK police have kept nearly $35,000 of cocaine from hitting the streets. The seventh annual Chatham-Kent Film Festival will take over the Kiwanis Theatre in Chatham this weekend. Inflation was 2.4% in September, up from 1.9% in August. Two new studies shed light on how much Canadians feel climate change is impacting their mental health.

Chatham-Kent council has voted to move ahead with the CK Community Hub. 14-year-old Landen Willimot of Chatham won gold at the Golden Gloves Provincial Championship to qualify for nationals. Snowbirds spending more than a month in the U.S. will have to provide their fingerprints at the border. The Toronto Blue Jays are going to the World Series after beating the Seattle Mariners 4-3 in Game 7 of the A.L.C.S.

A Chatham mother has been reunited with her son's ashes, thanks to social media. It's back to Queen's Park today for Members of Provincial Parliament. The Children's Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent is looking for teams for their upcoming Boccia tournament. The Toronto Blue Jays are headed to game 7 in the A.L.C.S., and the Chatham Maroons downed Sarnia in GOHL action. 

Now is your chance to share your knowledge and opinion of public sharps disposal bins. Chatham-Kent Police have arrested four people following a break and enter that saw a truck crash through a storefront window. Canada Border Agents and the RCMP have kept a large amount of Ketamine from hitting Ontario streets. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has received another payment from the OLG Corporation for hosting Cascades Casino in Chatham. PAWR has a number of events and fundraisers planned to keep animals out of the cold this fall.

The local health unit is looking for your input on how to keep our communities clean of drug paraphernalia. Chatham-Kent will get almost $462K as its second-quarter payment for hosting Cascades Casino Chatham. Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on the Prime Minister to re-establish tariffs on the U.S. if a trade deal isn't reached soon. The federal government will outline plans to strengthen border security on Friday. As autumn sets in, Chatham-Kent's Pet and Wildlife Rescue has multiple events and fundraisers planned to keep local animals out of the cold.

Chatham-Kent is pushing back against claims made by York1 about the proposed Dresden landfill. The OPP has cleared an officer to return to duty after reviewing his conduct in a deadly shooting on the 401 back in 2021. Chatham-Kent police helped the OPP's Child Sexual Exploitation Unit arrest and charge a Petrolia resident with possession of child pornography. A weekend fire at Buxton Speedway is under investigation. The Toronto Blue Jays hit five home runs to rout the Mariners 13-4, and cut Seattle's lead in the A.L.C.S. down to 2-1. 

Chatham-Kent's council meets next week with the opportunity to officially approve the community hub project. The Municipality is reopening municipal service desks in several rural communities. Let us know if you support CK's fight against the Dresden Landfill. It was a deadly long weekend on OPP patrolled roads. Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a new bail reform bill aimed at cracking down on violent and repeat offenders. Canada's health ministers are meeting in Calgary for the next two days. Eight people across Chatham-Kent will soon be inducted into the local Cultural Hall of Fame. Wallaceburg has a new millionaire.

The CK Community Hub project is up for what's expected to be its final vote. Chatham-Kent is reopening municipal service desks in Bothwell, Thamesville, and Wheatley. A 29-year-old Chatham man is facing multiple charges after a vehicle crashed into a parked car. Canada's health ministers are meeting in Calgary for the next two days. Canada housing starts jumped 14% last month. The Chatham-Kent Arts Council is set to induct its latest nominees into the Cultural Hall of Fame. A $1-million Lotto Max ticket was purchased at a Wallaceburg Circle K.

A frost advisory is in effect overnight. The future of the Buxton Speedway is in question following a recent fire. More information has been released regarding the Special Investigations Unit's ongoing investigation in Wallaceburg. The SIU has three other active investigations in Chatham-Kent, two of which involve sexual assault. An inquest into the death of a local man started on Wednesday. An unnamed company is said to be seriously considering taking over the Diageo plant in Amherstburg. The World Meteorological Organization says carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have jumped to the highest level ever recorded.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent says bylaw officers are now on the job, patrolling encampments and enforcing rules. CK police have charged a 40-year-old Blenheim man after he was allegedly caught driving a stolen motorcycle. Provincial police will be out on the roads this long weekend, ensuring area highways are safe. A new survey has been launched at the Chatham-Kent Public Library. Nordic Flame fire pits sold at Giant Tiger have been recalled. Stats Canada says crime in Canada is closing the gap with the U.S. A longstanding Thanksgiving weekend tradition returns to Brigden for a 175th year.

The municipality has contracted by-law officers to patrol encampments in Chatham-Kent. Provincial police will be holding an annual traffic safety blitz this long weekend called "Operation Impact." The Chatham-Kent Public Library is inviting the public to participate in a new survey. The provincial government is increasing its funding for programs that keep students fed. The union representing Canada Post employees says it will switch from a countrywide strike to rotating strikes starting Saturday morning. Canada's unemployment rate held steady at 7.1% last month. "Home Grown, Home Made, Farm Fresh" is the theme of the 175th Brigden Fall Fair.

Firefighters from across Chatham-Kent will be out all month for CHiRP Day in CK. A 46-year-old woman is facing an assault charge after an argument got out of hand. The Sisters Strain are shining a light on Chatham-Kent's housing and homelessness crisis. The union representing striking Canada Post employees plans to meet with Procurement Minister Joel Lightbound to ask for a rollback of recent changes. Prime Minister Mark Carney has reportedly pitched the revival of the Keystone XL pipeline in exchange for American support of Canadian steel and aluminum.

There is a frost advisory in effect for the area. The housing and homelessness crisis in Chatham-Kent will be in the spotlight thanks to a new film. Three companies are reportedly interested in buying the Diageo bottling plant in Amherstburg. Canada's Prime Minister is on his way home from Washington with no new deals. The union representing striking Canada Post employees plans to meet with Procurement Minister Joel Lightbound following his announcement about impending changes to the Crown corporation. Let us know if you plan to spend less this Christmas in our daily poll.

The bid for the proposed Chatham-Kent Community Hub project has come in $4 million under budget. Chatham-Kent council voted down two motions that would have allowed roughly 30 wind turbines to be built near Ridgetown. The U.S. government announced that it will impose a duty on large trucks manufactured outside the country, including those made in Canada.

A fallen piece of furniture is being blamed for a fatal collision in Chatham-Kent. CK police have arrested a 28-year-old man after a pregnant woman was injured in Wallaceburg. In a break from tradition, Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal government now plans to table the federal budget in the fall instead of spring. The day before his sit-down with U.S. President Donald Trump, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre had some scathing words for Canada's Prime Minister. Nobel Prize week has opened with the announcement of shared winners for the prize in medicine.

Chatham-Kent councillors will contemplate some long-term energy investments during Monday's meeting. MPs will be looking for answers today, as Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is set to appear at a parliamentary committee about Canada's budget. Let us know if you think Mark Carney will come back from Washington with a tariff-ending deal. A Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers' Leadership Summit in Quebec City is wrapping up. Ontario and Ottawa have signed a bilateral agreement to improve French instruction from preschool to post-secondary school. France's new prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, has resigned after less than a month on the job.

A solar developer is asking Chatham-Kent council to lease two pieces of municipally owned industrial land. Two wind developers will also be seeking council support tonight to build large wind farms near Ridgetown. Get ready to pay more for your morning coffee at Tim Horton's, and the Toronto Blue Jays are just one win away from advancing to the American League Championship Series after beating the Yankees 13-7. 

Listen to the Noon News for Chatham-Kent for Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Listen to Chatham-Kent morning news for Saturday, October 4, 2025

Highway 40 has reopened between Chatham and Wallaceburg following a serious two-vehicle crash. Repairs are complete at the Chatham Water Treatment Plant, and all water restrictions have now been lifted. The Chatham-Kent and Lambton Children's Water Festival wraps up today. The grand prize winner of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation's summer 50/50 draw is Wallaceburg's Sandra Denomey. The Detroit Tigers are headed to game 3 in their A.L. Wild Card Series. 

Provincial police continue to investigate a serious two-vehicle collision on St. Clair Road. Chatham-Kent police have arrested a Wallaceburg man after an altercation allegedly led to assault. A 23-year-old Wallaceburg man was arrested at the Bluewater Bridge after reportedly breaching court conditions for months. Ontario's auditor general says the office of the provincial labour minister has not been using a fair or transparent process to dole out money for the Skills Development Fund. Another report from the auditor general says that the province has failed to meet its targets for lowering childcare fees, creating childcare spots, and hiring enough qualified childcare workers to comply with the National $10-a-day Childcare Program. The grand prize winner of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation's summer 50/50 draw is Wallaceburg's Sandra Denomey.

Walpole Island First Nation and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent are teaming up to honour and listen to the stories of Residential School survivors for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Ontario's government wants to make sure what happened at Residential Schools isn't forgotten. CK police continue to investigate the break-and-enter of a Chatham business. We now know more about the inquest into a local man's death. The federal Jobs Minister is urging Canada Post to quickly table a new offer to the union of striking postal workers. Chatham's Ethan Jordan recently broke the record for most career receptions by an OUA football player.

The latest round of job cuts at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance may not be the last. Chatham-Kent police and Essex County OPP have been granted $1.6M from the province to support local policing initiatives. Five people have been arrested and charged following a drug bust in Chatham. A Windsor man was arrested after Canada Border Services seized 48 firearms during a cross-border gun smuggling investigation. Minimum wage workers will soon see their paycheques increase. The federal and provincial governments have announced some major financial assistance to an Ontario-based company hit hard by U.S. tariffs.

A Chatham-Kent police officer saves a two-week old infant and tender awarded to tear down the old Leamington District Secondary School. These stories and more are in your noon news on the go.

Wednesday's intense rainfall has prompted the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority to issue a Flood Outlook. A Chatham-Kent police officer is being praised for saving a newborn's life, and mayors and municipal leaders from across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region have unveiled a 10-year economic plan.

Workers at a Tilbury retirement home are demanding better pay. The East Kent Hot Rods for Hospice raised just under $35,000 this year. Canada Post is going to reduce the frequency of door-to-door mail delivery. A Chatham-Kent kickboxer is starting his amateur career on the right foot. Four Chatham-Kent Barnstormers have been named to the 2025 All-IBL teams. The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League is dropping the "J" from its name.

Chatham-Kent police are investigating a pair of fatal crashes. Police are also looking into two accidents involving dirt bikes. A mediator will try to get the two sides in the labour dispute at Ontario's colleges back to the bargaining table, and travel to the U.S. fell for the seventh straight month in July.

Chatham-Kent police responded to a pair of fatal crashes over the last week. Chatham-Kent council unanimously passed a motion to create a pilot encampment advisory committee. An open house at the John D. Bradley Centre is being held regarding the new Parks and Recreation Master Plan. A local man, who usually volunteers behind the scenes, recently stepped into the spotlight to receive a provincial award. Chatham Maroons forward Trevor Zanutto has been named the Western Conference Performer of the Week.

One CK Councillor thinks more voices need to be heard about issues presented by homeless encampments. Chatham-Kent police have charged a 19-year-old for some alleged dangerous driving. CK police are asking the public for help after $30K worth of property was stolen from a Chatham home. The Children's Hospital at LHSC in London is observing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The federal government is launching public consultations on CUSMA ahead of next year's planned review. While Canadians might be skipping vacations to the U.S. corporate travel is still strong.

Chatham-Kent police are asking the public for help after 30 thousand dollars worth of property was stolen from a Chatham home. The London Health Sciences Centre Children's Hospital is trying to raise awareness and advocate for funding to fight childhood cancer. Will you be getting the latest flu and COVID-19 vaccines when they are available to you this fall? A walk-in clinic in the Toronto area is under fire for using unsterile needles over a six year period. An author writing about forgotten athletes is coming to Chatham-Kent to discuss a local hockey player.

All of the residents of the housing complex at 99 McNaughton in Chatham should be back home by November 1st, and Chatham-Kent has joined the Southwest Ontario Data Consortium and now has access to economic and workforce data from across the region.

Chatham-Kent police have charged a 33-year-old woman after she was found inside a Chatham home that wasn't hers. The St. Clair Catholic District School Board has donated multiple loads of furniture and books to underfunded schools around the world. The provincial government and the Ontario Medical Association have reached an agreement to protect provincial health care. A new study shows that living standards for the average Canadian fell from 2020 to 2024, despite growth in the overall economy. A Blenheim senior will be skydiving this weekend to raise funds for a good cause.

Welcome all to The Big Year Podcast.  I'm Robert Baumander and you're, well, you.  It's the end of July, 2025, and you know what that means?  Certainly an all new episode of the Big Year podcast, naturally, but mostly, we're smack-dab in the heat of the summer and the lack-of-birds blues.  In July and August, it's more about the butterflies and bees than the birds in the trees.   It's hot, humid, and clammy.  You get soaked with sweat and barely see or hear any birds.  Nothing makes you look forward to fall migration more than the heat of July and the dog days of August.  However, butterflies, bees, fireflies, and dragonflies abound.  So slow down, look down, and you'll see there are many tiny creatures all around. And before you can learn what all of them are, it will be time for the shorebirds and warblers to return, fall migration will be in full swing and you can't forget all about those sting-y, bite-y bother-y bugs. Now, that is not to say I didn't seen any new birds in July.  The first week or so was pretty good, as I finally got to see that Brown Pelican.  Last month I was grousing about the fact that I had missed it in Niagara-on-the Lake.  But, wouldn't you know it, a week later it showed up on the shores of Lake Erie.  I raced down there the next morning, and within an hour, I finally got to see, photograph and enjoy my first Brown Pelican in Canada. A rarity indeed. That same day in Chatham Kent, I got to see a Lark Bunting.  Not unheard of in Ontario, but still pretty rare in any given year.  A few days later, I went to see a Short-billed Dowitcher and a Stilt Sandpiper in London, Ontario.  But since July 11th, no new birds have shown up and I can now just sit, wait and hope for those fall migrants, including that dastardly, fancy yellow warbler with the black cap called the Wilson's Warbler.  Maybe it should be called the Black-capped Warbler, or the How-the-heck-did-I-not-see-that-Warbler in the Spring Warbler. Anyway. Enough griping. This month's episode has been a long time coming and it is dedicated to my birding pal, Andrew Keaveny.  Oh, Andrew, Andrew, Andrew.  Why the lament?  Because according to my iMessage history, Andrew and I actually recorded this episode back in late February, or early March of 2023.  Sometime afterward, as I was going through podcast recordings to edit, I couldn't find that specific recording.  So I went on to other projects, recorded new ones,(didn't lose any of those), and occasionally searched my hard drives, iPads, iPhones, and sound recorder apps, looking for the original recording. After a while, I just forgot all about it, as you do.  Sorry, Andrew.  Then, late last year, someone asked me about Andrew's episode that was already over a year overdue, and I went back to searching, thinking that it had to be somewhere, right?  Once again, I was searching old iPhones, hard drives, my sock drawer, and under the bed where I found only fluff and dust, which, I'm told, my brain is mostly filled with. Again, no original recordings.  Again, sorry, Andrew.  Oh, and who is this Andrew Keaveny, you ask?  Most Ontario birders will have heard of him, but you haven't had the pleasure, Andrew is a long time Ontario birder, world traveler and guide, one of the most knowledgeable birders I know, an all-round swell guy, and a good birding friend of mine, whom I met way back in 2012. I was doing my ABA Big Year, and Andrew was doing his Ontario big year.  The first time we met, I learned that he knew Sue from when he was just knee high to a Canada Goose, birding with his parents at Colonel Samuel Smith Park in Toronto.  Well, maybe he wasn't that young.  Since then, we have run into each other often while out birding or at rare bird sightings all over Ontario.  As well as at Colonel Samuel Smith Park in Toronto, where we always try to show up for new park species to add to our coveted Sam Smith Park list.  Not that anyone's counting, but Andrew sits second all time with 256 species for the park and I am just behind him in forth place with 242.  Okay, yes, we're all counting. So back to the long and winding road to this episode.  In February of this year, I messaged Andrew, tail firmly between my legs, microphone in hand, to ask him to please, please rerecord the episode.  Unfortunately, he was under the weather at the time, and I never did get back to him about my podcast Mulligan.  Again, fluff and dust for brains.  I'd be right at home at a teddy bear's picnic, if you get my meaning. But, I digress.  Fast forward to July of 2025.  Well, actually May, when out of the blue, he, Andrew himself, messaged me asking for a donation to his Bird-a-Thon.  I said I was happy to do it, but in exchange, we had to finally complete what we had started over two years earlier.  Andrew was game, and this episode is the result.  It's certainly more timely and up to date than if I had just found and presented the nearly two and a half year old recording to y'all.  Anyway, I think the episode turned out much better than the original, as parts of it were going stale.  Not that the original was a stinker, by any means, but I certainly enjoyed catching up with Andrew and reliving some fun memories from the past and talking about birding in the present.  So as they say in the south, y'all just kick back, grab yourself a Long Island iced tea, sit a spell, take your shoes off, and enjoy The Big Year Podcast with me and Andrew Keaveny.    

Welcome back to RealAg Radio for the Farmer Rapid Fire presented by Pioneer Seeds Canada! Today’s host, Lyndsey Smith, is joined by: Billy Beaudry of Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.; Mark Huston of Chatham-Kent, Ont.; Jim Hale of Lancer, Sask.; Rob Sommerville of Special Areas, Alta.; and, Pioneer Agronomist Derwyn Hammond, based at Man., to talk about assessing... Read More

Welcome back to RealAg Radio for the Farmer Rapid Fire presented by Pioneer Seeds Canada! Today’s host, Lyndsey Smith, is joined by: Billy Beaudry of Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.; Mark Huston of Chatham-Kent, Ont.; Jim Hale of Lancer, Sask.; Rob Sommerville of Special Areas, Alta.; and, Pioneer Agronomist Derwyn Hammond, based at Man., to talk about assessing... Read More