Grass Lake and F.W.R. Dickson Wilderness Area

08 June, 2025

Grass Lake, Cambridge, ON

     We were delighted to have Victoria join us for a pleasant excursion to search for some of the signature birds of the area.

     Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) is almost guaranteed given the abundance of suitable habitat.

     It is an enchanting little bird and an enthusiastic chorister.

     Bobolink (Dolichonxy oryzivorus) is suffering from serious loss of habitat throughout its range and is barely hanging on in some locations. Fortunately Grass Lake remains a stronghold for this species.

     We heard the "clarion bir-rrrrrrt calls of the adults," (Johnsgard 1981), frustratingly distant, however, but finally a single Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) glided over a distant copse of trees.

      A while later we watched a single crane land in a bare field (we assume it was the same bird) and it paraded around for a while much to our delight.

F.W.R. Dickson Wilderness Area, Cambridge, ON

     Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) is an invasive species, yet undeniably beautiful

     This ghostly insect has me baffled. It is is the order Lepidoptera but I am unable to tell you more than that.

     A Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens) was well concealed.

     Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) was very common, never shy about approaching a two-legged creature that might have food.

     Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) were their usual elegant selves.

     An Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens) announced its presence with song before we spotted it.

     The fearsome insect shown below is a member of the Common Flesh Flies (genus Sarcophaga).

     A Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) joyfully announced its presence with its characteristic emphatic "weep" call, but it was a few minutes before we spotted it, not well posed for a picture unfortunately.

     Several Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) were spotted, including two posturing males.

     Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is keen to befriend humans and it came as no surprise that several kept us company, and were quick to gather up their share of the sunflower seeds we distributed along the rail.

     Contemplative humans.

     Guelder-Rose (Viburnum opulus) was at its floral best.

     Muscoid Flies (superfamily Muscoidea) were in profusion.

     So many birds perched on snags, silhouetted against a wan sky, making it difficult to get good definition on the photographs, as seen here in this image of a Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula).

      Sassafras (genus Sassafras) is beautiful.

     Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is sometimes seen in very odd plumages as evidenced by this individual.

     Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) were their normal energetic selves.

     Many of the birds were quite far off, this Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) being no exception.

     Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata), on the other hand, did not stray far from the boardwalk where the possibility of food provided by humans was a lure.

     A female Eastern Forktail (Ischnura verticalis) is a splendid insect.

     Horsetails (genus Equisetum) are a bane to the gardener, but very attractive in their native habitat.

     When one sees an Eastern Phantom Crane Fly (Bittacomorpha clavipes) it's sometimes difficult to figure out how all the parts go together!

     F.W.R. Dickson Reserve has become a reliable location to find Tufted Titmouse (Baelophus bicolor), a species which I am convinced is undergoing a range expansion, and is almost certainly now breeding locally.

     A Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) posed briefly.

     A male Ruby-throated Humingbird (Archilocus colubris) guarded his territory from a high perch and chased away all intruders.

       A Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) kept returning to the same spot on a distant snag.

     It was far too slender for a potential nest site, so I assume that plentiful insect larvae were there for the taking.

     A carpenter ant (genus Campanotus) patrolled up and down the wooden rail, wandering aimlessly as far as we could tell, with no sign of nestmates.

     I had the great pleasure recently of meeting the great dipterist, Stephen A. Marshall, and chatting for a while. Would that he had been with me to identify this fly (order Diptera) who seemed to take a liking to my hand.

     A Short-horned Click Beetle (Danosoma brevicorne) stopped by the car as we left for home.

     In fact, if my memory serves me well, s/he rode along with us. Perhaps s/he was looking for a vacation in Waterloo - and after all, who can turn down a free ride? Sometimes a change of scenery is just what you need!

HAPPY CANADA DAY

 OUR TRUE NORTH STRONG AND FREE 

VIVE LE CANADA

Book Review - Beepedia: A Brief Compendium of Bee Curiosities - Princeton University Press

 

     Much has been written in the popular press of late about the decline of bees and the implications for humans and our food supply. Yes, much has been written, but little has been done, so the publication of Beepedia is timely in so many ways.

     Laurence Packer is a distinguished Canadian bee expert and needs no introduction as a melittologist of note. As always, let me also give a nod to the illustrator, (Ann Sanderson in this instance), whose excellent drawings enhance the text in a very pleasing way.

     The standard format for this series is followed, with entries from A to Z. Everything from pure science to the role of bees in popular culture, folklore and religious observance is included. Many of the "pedia" books are infused with a good deal of wry humour, sometimes comical enough to elicit a laugh and more than a few wry smiles. Packer does not overwhelm us with whimsy and satire, but the solid science is more than adequate compensation.

     For the novice a complete understanding of bees, both wild and domesticated, can be gained from this little book. You will understand what makes a bee a bee, what threats they are facing, ways in which you might help, and you will become familiar with the practice of "beewashing."  More hives are not always - in fact hardly ever - the solution to bees' problems. That warm and fuzzy feeling you get when your city touts its environmental ethic by announcing more rooftop hives is usually misplaced. Western Honey Bees (Apis mellifera), in hives containing thousands of individuals, can quickly outstrip food availability, excluding native species in the process. 

     Many interesting facts may be gleaned from this book. Who knew that Napoleon Bonaparte chose the bee as his emblem? Or that one Brazilian woman described over 330 bee species. Lucky the person who walked by her office door at the time she was trying to come up with a name for a new species. She named taxa in this manner and ordinary citizens were immortalized in science forever!

     It's a great little book with a mountain of information from an impeccable scientist. Read, enjoy, learn - and help the bees in your area. If we all do it we can make a difference.

Beepedia: A Brief Compendium of Bee Curiosities - Princeton University Press

Laurence Packer

Illustrated by Ann Sanderson

Hardcover - US$17.95 - ISBN: 9780691262383

176 pages - 4.5 x 6.75 inches (11.25 x 16.875 cm)

51 black-and-white illustrations

Publication date: 17 June, 2025

Grass Lake and F.W.R. Dickson Wilderness Area

I am a fundamentally curious person, and it's never hard finding subjects of interest; the challenge lies in narrowing them down.

Thor Hanson

01 June, 2025

Grass Lake, Cambridge, ON

     In spring the Grass Lake area is awash with wildflowers and this year the bounty seemed especially prolific.

     This is a species of flax (genus Linum) I believe.

     Bird's-Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is non-native, but extraordinarily appealing.

     Mouse-ear Hawkweeds (genus Pilosella) are tenacious and tolerate the vicissitudes of our climate extremely well.

     Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is equally hardy and thrives in a wide range of soil, even in abandoned areas.

     This fly is in the genus Delia; individual species are very difficult to identify for the non-specialist.

     One of the farms was hosting an equestrian show  and there was a constant stream of riders (almost all women) going up and down the road.

     Some of the steeds appeared to be a breed of draught horse - exceptionally appealing I found. 

     The equine parade added an element of charm to the morning, and almost without exception the riders greeted us with a cheery wave and words of greeting.

     One always wishes when visiting Grass Lake to catch a glimpse of Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis). For many years they have bred in the area, but they can be an elusive quarry and a chance encounter remains a special treat.

     We were very fortunate to see a pair with two colts. 

     They were far off and our pictures are not the best, but the sighting of a family group was memorable indeed.

     I have no doubt that this Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) was signalling his approval!

     Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) is a common bird, but they seem to have a special zest for life at Grass Lake and are often seen trilling as though to celebrate the day.

Beke Road, Cambridge, ON

     On the way over to FWR Dickson Wilderness Area we passed many Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemis picta marginata) hauled out on suitable resting places, enjoying the warm rays of the sun.

     Someone left a comment on a recent post indicating that turtles are not present where they live, and that seemed quite sad, somehow.

FWR Wilderness Area, Cambridge, ON

     Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) is ubiquitous.

     The glowing countenance of Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) seems the very invitation to children's games.

      I think this is a wood-boring beetle in the genus Anthaxia.

     These insects seem to be primarily European in distribution, but given the ease with which alien species are introduced into North America, it appears to have become established here. I have posted images to iNaturalist but so far my ID has been neither confirmed nor refuted.

     Northern Azure (Celastrina lucia) is a piece of cake by comparison.

      Common Ringlet (Coenonympha tullia) has a "hairy" look to it, perhaps suited to its original northern distribution.

      Here is a gorgeous female Dot-tailed Whiteface (Leucorrhinia intacta), a fairly common dragonfly.

     Eucosma is a very large genus of moths.

Bitter Wintercress (Barbarea vulgaris)

Common Mouse-ear Chickweed (Cerastium fontanum)

Bot Flies, Blow Flies, and Allies (superfamily Oestroidea)

     A Bronze Jumping Spider (Eris militaris) is a handsome species, extremely beneficial to farmers as it consumes many insects harmful to crops.

     Sadly our obsession with pesticides, ever more noxious, as one product after another is rendered ineffective, has a detrimental affect on these organisms, depriving agriculture of the benefits nature provides - at no charge, too.

     A Western Honeybee (Apis mellifera) plied its trade.

     Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) was wearing its elegant spring coat - the same one as last year, but always in fashion. 

     Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) is a real show-stopper.

     As expected, Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) were checking whether we had brought seed, and followed us as we ambled along the boardwalk.

     F.W.R. Dickson Wilderness Area is THE place in our area to find Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor), a delightful little bird, not at all reticent about associating with humans.

     A handsome male Red-winged Blackbird (Ageleius phoeniceus) might well have been dressed by a bespoke tailor of distinction!

     Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) holds the promise of a full crop of berries later in the year.

     I was delighted to find Common Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) growing quite prolifically where conditions were suitable.

Bannister Lake, Cambridge, ON

     We made a very brief stop at Bannister Lake on the way home, merely pulling off to the side of the road to scan the water.

      Water-lilies (family Nymphaeaceae) were abundant and covered a good portion of the lake.

     They are probably Yellow Pond-lilies (Nuphar variegata), but we weren't close enough to be sure.

     Whatever the species, they were very beautiful.

     A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) sailed across the water on giant wings and set about the serious business of finding food.

     A Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) was content to probe along the interface of grass and the shoulder of the road.

     It had been a great day!