Visit to RIM Park with Chinese Home School Group

23 April, 2026

      It was a long, cold winter this year and spring seemed reluctant to move in, but finally we benefitted from a day when the temperature was predicted to soar to the high teens. We all looked forward to a pleasant walk without the need for winter boots and thermal underwear!

     We got off to a great start even before setting out on the trail proper. Ospreys (Pandion haliaeetus) have returned from the south and have re-occupied their nests atop the light standards.

     I was able to set up a scope so that everyone could see the birds well. A stool helped the smaller children to reach the eyepiece and by adjusting the focus for them, each child was rewarded with their first intimate look at an Osprey.

     Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) has become increasingly more difficult to locate in recent years as more and more grassland is commandeered for urban development; habitat loss is significant for all grassland species. 

      It was immensely exciting, therefore, to witness a pair in a small field near the trailhead, showing well and permitting everyone to see and appreciate this beautiful bird.

     At times the birds were quite close; at other times distant but perched for an extended period, and we put the scope to full use.

     Several Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) also cavorted in the field and it was  satisfying to see this common, yet very striking bird, at close range.

     I think that Penny especially was impressed with this species.

     American Robin (Turdus migratorius) was also present and seldom out of sight.

     A Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) assiduously worked the river, up and down in search of fish.

     The river was swollen and filled with silt, opaque, dense, and brown, no doubt causing the bird great difficulty in locating its prey.
     As we walked along the trail we kept our eyes peeled for spring ephemerals and were soon rewarded with patches of Carolina Spring Beauty (Claytonia caroliniana).

     The sublime perfection of these delicate little flowers takes my breath away each year. 

     There is magic in the living world.

     Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) was seen in several spots, surprisingly still without a flower.

     Here is a glimpse of what is soon to come.

     I have seen Yellow Trout Lily flowering in other locations so I am not quite sure why it is behind at RIM Park.

     Amphibians are starting to emerge, so it was with particular delight that we saw our first Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) of the year.

     The larvae of Virginia Ctenucha Moth (Ctenucha virginica) overwinter and emerge in spring, feeding primarily on grass, but also other plants.

     American Beaver (Castor canadensis) has been active.

     These are the leaves of Great Mullein (Verbascum thapus).

     Considerable mirth occurred when Ingrid googled the plant and found out that it is colloquially known as Cowboy's Toilet Paper! I will say no more on this issue...or is that tissue?!

     Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa), that classic early spring butterfly, graced us with its presence.

     Surprisingly, we barely saw Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis); a single small patch if I am remembering correctly.

     On these walks I always get the sense that the children really enjoy the experience of being outdoors and exploring, having fun and learning at the same time. Recently Penny, Charlotte's mother and teacher, gave her an assignment to write about a bird walk, and here is the result.

"Bird walks are very interesting. There are two things I really like about bird walks.

 

First, when we were going on a bird walk, we had a friend named David who knows a lot about birds, animals, and nature. 

 

On the way there, I was looking around and finding all sorts of things. On the way back, I talked to David about the things he liked, and he kept pointing out things and telling me what they were. I found something furry and very smooth; I asked him about it, and he said he thought it was fur from a rabbit's belly. Then I found a walnut. I basically found everything I could find in that forest. 

 

There were birds very high up, so I couldn't see what they were called or what they looked like. David helped me by looking through the binoculars so he could see which bird it was and tell me its name. 

 

It is enjoyable talking to people who know a lot about nature because they can tell you what makes nature so wonderful. I was always sticking close to him and asking, "What is that? What is that? What is that?" 

 

Second, discovering little treasures on the way is joyful too. You can gather those little things up and put them in a drawer you like. Every time you think about nature, you can open that drawer and take the things out to look at them.

 

Bird walks are just a lot of fun."

I don't think it gets any better than this.

Another Recent Excursion

15 April, 2026 

Benjamin Park, Waterloo, ON

"In my mind, a naturalist is someone who comes to understand the biological life and ecological relationships of a particular place with some depth and seeks to use this understanding to forge an appropriate relationship with earthly life."

Lyanda Lynn Haupt

     You may remember from my last post that this location is very close to my home and we visit quite often. It's the kind of walk that can be done on the spur of the moment.

     Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is truly one of the premier delights of a stroll through an eastern woodland.

     Who could resist the charm of these beautiful flowers that only reveal their elegance for a brief period in early spring?

     Yellow Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) is present throughout wooded areas, from small urban patches to mature forests. They will soon reveal their glorious inflorescence.

     Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon) will not be far behind.

     I believe that in the Chinese calendar this is the Year of the Fire Horse, but for me it seems to be the Year of the Snake. Following our recent discover of a hibernaculum this Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis cadaverina) put on a show for me.

     Females can grow up to 90cm; as you can perhaps gauge the snake above was close to that.

     Snakes are reviled by some and feared by others, but these non-venomous species are really quite endearing.

     I hereby declare every day as "Love a Snake Day!"

     Shiny Blue Bottle Fly (Cynomya cadavarina), as the specific epithet implies, is a common visitor to cadavers and other decomposing objects. It is useful in establishing the time of death, thereby having forensic value at the scene of a crime. 

     Violets are a lovely addition to the spring profusion of blooms.

     Here is a distant view of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphrapicus varius).

     I saw and heard three or four of them, but they were never close.

     American Robins (Turdus migratorius) are early nesters and this hard-working individual was gathering mud to build its nest.

     There was no shortage of mud on the trails after several days of rain!

     A Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodius) was perhaps finding insect prey on or near the water.

     Bathing did not seem to be on its mind.

     American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis), however, were relishing the opportunity.

     What a stunning little bird this is.

     And just to remind myself that even the most common part of nature, even maligned flowers and weeds, are objects of great beauty and have my undying affection, it seemed appropriate that Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) was there to send me on my way.

Benjamin Park, Waterloo, ON

31 March, 2026

     Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) is usually the first butterfly of the spring, and this year was no exception.

     It is often seen feeding on sap flows or decaying matter. 

     We are always overjoyed when the first one crosses our path.

     Brown Creepers (Certhia americana) seemed to have staged a general arrival, and we saw several of them.

     As might be expected American Robins (Turdus migratorius) were ubiquitous.

     This Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) was working hard to penetrate the shell of a seed to get to the nutritious core.

     Colt's-foot (Tussilago farfara) is a bright punctuation mark in a sea of brown and beige.

     Fungi (class Agaricomycetes) in all their glorious diversity enhance the forest in ways both functional and aesthetic.

     In a touch of whimsy, children seem to be having fun erecting little bird houses and feeders, nearly all completely non-functional, but indicative of a creative spirit.

08 April, 2026

     Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon) was popping up everywhere.

     Wide Leek (Allium tricoccum) is often sought after by alleged gourmets, but we prefer to leave it in the forest where it belongs.

     So often, people who forage for wild food have no idea how to harvest it sustainably and destroy the plant with their butchery.

     A Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) hitched its way up a trunk.

     Brown Creepers were still active, this one uncharacteristically stationary on a fallen log.

     Not surprisingly, American Robins were seen throughout our walk.

     Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) is known for its frenetic activity as it gleans for insects; this individual rested at the side of a concreted watercourse for a moment or two.

     A male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is an extraordinarily handsome bird.

14 April, 2026

     This plant is a species of Bittercresses and Toothworts (genus Cardamine).

     Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica) is invasive, well-established and beautiful. 

     Despite its name it is not native to Siberia.

     Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is yet another invasive plant. Originally introduced as ground cover in home gardens it has become established in woodlands and forests, where it has the potential to swamp the native plants of the forest floor.

     Sharp-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba) is one of the earliest plants to flower in spring.

     Common Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) will grow just about anywhere.

      Here is Japanese Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis).

     The following plant was new to me, but I have discovered that it is Fortune's Spindle (Euonymus fortunei).

     It is native to east Asia and is highly invasive. In the United States it has caused the death of trees and forests in urban areas. Perhaps it is a recent colonizer in Ontario, and hardly welcome it would appear. 

     I find Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) exceptionally attractive.

     It is always an early splash of spring colour.

     Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) is coming along nicely.

    I don't think I was ever out of earshot of American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) but they can be frustratingly hard to see in the emerging foliage.

     Perky, lively, vocal Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) are much easier.

     Daffodils (genus Narcissus) are found throughout the park and it remains a bit of a mystery how they all got there, sometimes being found in deep recesses of the woodland, far from houses.

     I am always reminded of William Wordsworth's immortal poem:

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

     Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum) is very common.

     Yet another American Robin.

     Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula) is a difficult bird to photograph, especially when trying to capture its eponymous ruby crown.

    Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) are moving out of our area and soon all will be gone. In the meantime we get to enjoy those that remain.

     Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is "bustin' out all over.”

     Several Downy Woodpeckers (Dryobates pubescens) enlivened the scene.

     Yet another Brown Creeper.

      I saw my first female Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) of the season, the males having been present for a couple of weeks.

    A half dozen or so Myrtle Warblers (Setophaga coronata) were feeding on insects.

     This is usually our earliest warbler due to its ability to switch to berries as food to ride out a cold snap.

     Bathing was the order of the day for chickadees and robins.

     Due to the incessant rains of late the trail was muddy and waterlogged in spots, and there was a lot of standing water, perfect for a Mallard (Anas platyrynchos).

    A Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus) was a very agreeable sendoff as I made my way home.

     I consider myself fortunate to be able to enjoy this park any time I wish. It is a mere five minute walk from my front door.