A Return Visit to Riverside Park

30 January 2018

     What constitutes a perfect winter's day is probably a subjective judgement, but it seemed to me that this one fit the bill. The temperature was around minus 13, there was bright sunshine, fresh snow and a light breeze. Add to that the agreeable company of Judy and Miriam and the day was complete.

      We set out on our walk.

     This park is well used by bird lovers, many of whom bring seed and the birds know this. Judy sprinkled a few sunflowers seeds on the snow and within seconds birds were descending on them, including several Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata).

     It is not too far along the trail before one arrives at a boardwalk with bush on either side providing good cover for numerous species, but as soon as a little seed is placed on the rail birds appear as though from nowhere, including as many as four male and four female Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) at the same time, and barely beyond arm's length.

     Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) was not shy either.

     The park was tranquil with few people walking the trails (at least initially).

    There were a couple of White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) interspersed with the ubiquitous American Tree Sparrows (Spizelloides arborea) and this is a very handsome species indeed.

     A Swamp Sparrow (Melopsiza georgiana) is not often encountered in the winter so it was especially pleasing to encounter this individual feeding with the other species on the seed we had laid out for them.

     Once again, the birds displayed a complete lack of temerity in approaching close, having become quite habituated to humans bearing treats.

     Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) is one of the signature species of an Ontario winter landscape and we are always happy to have the company of this jaunty little bird.

     American Tree Sparrow was not at all reluctant to feast on the proffered seed, but this individual was content to feed on the seeds of bullrush.

     A male House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) provided a stunning splash of colour.

     The Speed River mimicked its name as it flowed rapidly.

     From our vantage point on a bridge we could see both Common Mergansers (Mergus merganser) and Common Goldneye (Bucephala clangula), but too far away to permit photogrpahy. Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) and Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) stayed close to the shore, however, and bathed and splashed in water that would kill us in minutes.

     On the return leg of our walk several Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) put in an appearance, most content to roost in the trees, but a couple did come down to gather up seed. It was a contrast in feeding styles as every other species opened up the hull to get to the kernel inside, whereas the Mourning Doves ate the seeds whole, to be processed by their gizzard before entering the alimentary tract.

     When we first visited Riverside Park, Francine and Jim had told us about a Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii) that seemed to hang out in the same area, but we failed to see it. Today, it graced us with its presence, heralded by the fact that all the passerines suddenly disappeared and there was total silence.

     This outing was a regular Tuesday Ramble with David, but Franc and Carol are in Arizona, Jim and Francine had other plans, Mary was initially supposed to come but declined at the last moment, so it was just the three of us. 

     

     It was a lovely walk with great birds - and lots of them. Afterwards we all stopped in for a coffee together and enjoyed an extra half hour of each other's company. It is times like this when I really realize what truly good and interesting friends we have.

     I can hardly wait until next Tuesday when we'll do it all again.

     On a totally different note here is a staggering indictment of poverty in the United States. I urge you to read the full report.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/15/extreme-poverty-america-un-special-monitor-report