Hello Spring! March 2025
A slow month for photography, but a busy one for nature and news.
MARCH IN REVIEW
Howdy, everyone. I hope you have all been doing well.
March has been another slow month for me in terms of photography, but it's a busy time of year with the start of spring!
Spring is my favourite season. We go from a dreary brown stick season into a beautiful return to life, with a few subtle signs at first, like buds on the trees, the return of Red-winged Blackbirds, and hearing the song of the Spring Peepers. I say subtly, as the weather in Ontario can be quite unpredictable this time of year, making it seem like spring is still a far-away thought.
This month, I investigated what seemed to be a rise in bird flu cases and spoke with Dr. Brian Stevens, a veterinary pathologist from the University of Guelph, who confirmed the suspicion. I asked what spring may look like for Ontario, and Dr. Stevens stated, “Last year, the spring migration period did not lead to as many cases as we saw in 2022 and 2023, but with how busy our winter has been this year, I'm unsure what this spring will bring us.”
I also visited the Outdoor Adventure Show, where it was clear that patriotism was on the rise even then. Products had lots of made-in-Canada or Ontario labels. I also met the folks at Land’escapes as I had been researching campsites in the area to explore the story of the reintroduction of elk to Ontario. Hopefully more on that story coming after this summer!
There were also some surprises at the 2025 Halton PhotoArt Exhibition, which you can read about!
Until the next one!
-Greg
RANDOM PHOTO ADVENTURE CHRONICLES
FIELD NOTES & PERSPECTIVES
Canadian Brands Stand Tall at the Outdoor Adventure Show
On Sunday, February 23, 2025, I had the opportunity to check out the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. The moment I stepped inside, I was hit by the sound of conversations and the clatter of gear demonstrations. The show featured outdoor produc…
The Pressures of Social Media in Photography
When I first started Random Photo Adventure, and began posting on Instagram, I can remember watching a video on Youtube. In the video, it discussed the pitfalls of photography and social media, but one idea stood out: “shooting for social media.” The video explained how they often adjusted their compositions in the field to m…
What's in My Bag for 2025?
Each year, I like to take stock of the gear I carry, and since I usually get a few questions about what I use, I make it a habit to share a yearly update. Over time, my kit has evolved based on my needs in the field and the lessons I’ve learned along the way so here’s what I’m working with in 2025.
The 2025 HaltonPhoto Art Exhibition
From March 3 to March 30, 2025, the Halton Hills Cultural Centre and Library hosted the annual HaltonPhoto Art juried photography sale and exhibition, open to both amateur and professional photographers. I entered the show for the first time in 2024, with five of my photos selected for display, although I did not …
CONSERVATION & WILDLIFE NEWS
Bird Flu Cases on the Rise in Ontario
Avian influenza cases are rising across Ontario this winter, sparking concerns about how the virus will spread during the upcoming spring migration. With over 1.1 million domestic birds already affected, experts are closely monitoring the impact on both farmed and wild bird populations.
IN OTHER NEWS
In the "In Other News" section, I'll share interesting updates and discoveries from the past month. Expect highlights on photography, nature, wildlife, conservation, and environmental topics.
City of Burlington Closes Road for Endangered Salamander
Published on: 05/MAR/2025
Each year, the endangered Jefferson Salamander migrates back to its breeding grounds in the spring, but roads pose a significant risk to this species migration. Click here to read more
The Bruce Trail Conservancy has Advice on Muddy Hiking
Published on: 08/FEB/2024
With spring comes mud, and the Bruce Trail has some great tips for your spring hikes. Click here to read more
Spring Hawk Migration "Hawk Watch"
Published on: 26/MAR/2025
Volunteers with the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch have spotted a return of Hawks and Vultures to Ontario! Click here to read more
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