A Morning with a Chinese Home School Group at the Health Valley Trail, St. Jacobs, ON

 20 March, 2026

     I should have been a little more observant when I took this picture. Theodore is barely visible on the back row (see his orange hat). Next time we'll have him move forward a little.

     Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) were oblivious to our presence.

     The ranks of the stay-at-home winter birds have been swelled by migrants passing through on their way farther north and it was rare that we did not hear their familiar honking call.

     This was our first time together at this location, so I arrived early and stood by the road so that people would know where to park. A couple of Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) went about their business on a nearby fence.

     An American Robin (Turdus migratorius) perched in a tree, serenading us from time to time. 

     What could be better than to go exploring in the woods?

     You will notice that the children are carrying their water bottles. You will never see plastic with these environmentally conscientious youngsters, all with responsible parents.

     Male Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) were in full voice in their quest to attract a female.

     A tree is a magnet for curious, adventuresome children, and many gathered to enjoy the moment.

     Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) were singing incessantly, as males recently arrived from the south, guarded their newly established territory in anticipation of females returning at any time.

     The children learn a good deal on these excursions and many of them ask probing questions. Even the smallest among them find things that stimulate their curiosity and bring them to me to identify. Rarely are they content with mere identification, but ask questions about what they have found or observed.

     As much as acquiring knowledge, however, it is important that the kids have fun.

     And they always do. The bigger children are always there to help the littler ones, and it is a joy to see them interact. 

     On the way back to the parking lots we passed a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) patiently working a shallow pond, secluded from the rapid flow of the river, swollen by snow melt.

     What a handsome fellow he is, resplendent in full nuptial attire.

     It was a fitting end to a very pleasant morning.

     And we'll do it all again!

Visit to The Bahamas - Part 6

18 February, 2026 

Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina - High Rock

     Miriam had a tidying up session, so this is a good time to show a little of the interior of our "home" for the week.

     We were very comfortable there, and again we express our appreciation to Braden for moving out of his house so that we could use it.

     I was outside just after 06h:00 and walked along the wall to see what I could discover.

     Predictably, a Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) was the first bird I saw.

     Morning Glory (genus Ipomoea) is always delightful wherever it is found.

     Egg came to join me, perhaps to make sure I didn't get lost.

     I am quite sure that her tail was stiff from wagging it!

     Miriam emerged after a while and saw a Yellow-throated Warbler (Setophaga dominica).

     In the distance, out on the open ocean, boats were sailing by.

     Frangipani Trees (genus Plumeria) are beautiful.

     Like many species of Plumeria, however, the branches and trunk contain a milky, latex sap. Contact with this substance causes irritation to the eyes and skin.

     White Peacock (Amartia jatrophae) was far and away the most common butterfly we saw. This individual has ragged, abraded wings, perhaps due to attempted predation or simple wear and tear on these fragile structures.

     Just along the way, this one was in pristine condition.

     I waited for a while to see if something would enter or leave this hole, but nothing did, so I still have no idea who the occupant is.

     After breakfast Miriam and I explored along the road in front of the house.

     It was encouraging to see this attempt at environmental responsibility.

     To what extent the messages are heeded and put into practice is another matter entirely!

     We often saw Domestic Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), sometimes in unlikely places.

     It appears that a feral or semi-feral population has become established. They are exceedingly handsome birds.

     Nothing says "tropical" quite like a Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera).

      Back in the mangroves, the Willets (Tringa semipalmata) congregated in the usual places.

     A Brown Anole (genus Anolis) scampered up and down and round and round a tree.

     Predictably, a Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) was never far away.

     In late afternoon we went to the Island School to see Holly and some of her pupils. Classes were over for the day and she was supervising the children whose parents had not yet collected them.

     It was a delight to get to meet the students, have a chat and get a glimpse of what the future holds. 

     They were well spoken, polite and not at all shy.

     Not everyone wanted to do a jigsaw puzzle.

     And some just came to observe. 

     We took advantage of the opportunity to look at the classrooms.

     Don't you want to be six or seven years old again?

     A Northern Mockingbird looked in on us.

     As soon as Holly was free to leave we drove over to High Rock, a well known headland for adventurous folk to dive from a height into the pellucid water of the blue ocean.

     Many were braver than I!

     As you may see, bravado trumped style!

     A kind lady lounging on the deck offered to take a group picture of us.

     We left the Island School to go over to the nearby Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, where we had enjoyed dinner on Will's birthday.

     Fishing is a major activity at this location and the catch is cleaned at the water's edge, with inedible portions thrown into the sea. Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) have become habituated to the easy pickings and are often seen.

     There were no fisherfolk present when we visited, but by simply throwing a few pebbles into the water, a shark was lured in.

     It was an impressive animal, imbued with grace and power. We were privileged and excited to see it.

     We returned home well satisfied.

     Tonight we had planned a barbecue with all manner of food to be grilled. The first order of the day was to get the fire going, and burned down to generate heat.

     As soon as the embers were glowing Will took over as chef supreme.

     There was food aplenty, with a salad and potatoes brought from the house. Everyone ate to their heart's content. I even had my first hot dog in years!

     Will and Andrew, the fire starters and grill masters celebrated as befits a father and son team, with a beer and a Cuban cigar. 

     Now there's a Bahama memory for the ages!

     It was a balmy night enjoyed by all.

     I am sure that we all slept well!