Tuesday Rambles with David - West Perth Wetlands, Mitchell, ON

23 July 2019

     We all convened at 08h:30 at the West Perth Wetlands in Mitchell, ON, primarily to catch the first flush of southbound shorebird migration, but also to see what else we could find in what has become a first rate birding location in recent years.

     Judy and Mary were unable to join us, but along with Franc and Carol, and Jim and Francine, we spent a very agreeable three hours immersed in nature.

     The level of the ponds is regulated and the depth of the water was a tad high for shorebirds generally, but not so deep as to exclude them altogether.

     Small sandbars and tiny islands provided habitat, and the shore at the edge of the ponds was graduated, permitting birds to forage in shallow water.

     There were many Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) present, and as a species that breeds locally, it was apparent that a productive breeding season had been enjoyed.

     Families of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos), with young in every stage of development were frequently seen.

     Surely one of the very agreeable features of a walk through the meadows of southern Ontario in spring and summer, is the sheer familiarity one gains with Song Sparrows (Melopspiza melodia). Males can be easily spotted perched atop saplings or other elevated lookouts.

     Most of their song is concerned with the serious business of territorial defence and mate selection, but you would swear that at times they sing for the pure exhilaration of doing so. 

     And very pleasant it is too, to amble along in warm sunshine, being serenaded by a Song Sparrow.

     West Perth Wetlands is a premium location to find Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) and this enchanting species breeds there each year. 

     Since males play a minimal role, or no role at all,  in raising the young, we did not see any, and in fact they may be undergoing moult when their flight feathers are all lost at the same time, and it is prudent to remain concealed in the vegetation.

     Many young were observed, however, from ducklings a mere day or two old, through robust juveniles as big as their parents.

     Of course, in addition to birds there are many other natural attractions, and Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) navigating the crosswinds are always a delight to see.

     Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a very common resident of wetlands, with handsome, robust males tending a harem of females. This one seemed content to peek out from behind a leaf.

     Where there is water in Ontario there are Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) and we always take great pleasure in seeing them, especially when we consider the extent to which they were mercilessly hunted and trapped for their pelts in times past.

     The population has fortunately rebounded and all can delight in their industrious comings and goings.

     As mentioned earlier there were many Wood Ducks with young.

     There are certain hatchling birds that elicit "aahs" from all who see them. Young Killdeer would be high on that list.

     There were quite a few Least Sandpipers (Calidris minutilla) feeding along the water's edge. This is the world's smallest sandpiper and the Killdeer in the foreground give a good size comparison.

     Here is a Least Sandpiper with a Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius), the latter being a species that breeds locally, as contrasted with the Least Sandpiper that has recently arrived from its breeding grounds in the Arctic.

     And, a picture of a Least Sandpiper by itself.

     Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) was clearly the most common shorebird, as it usually is, and many were wading belly deep in the water, snagging insects from the surface.

     Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) was also present, but in much smaller numbers and always beyond the range of photography.
     In mid summer wildflowers are rampant with a stunning, and very pleasing variety of shapes, colours and sizes, from ground-hugging miniatures to giants standing almost a metre tall. 
     These beauties are a species of Bindweed, genus Convolvulaceae.

   Various flowers attract beetles and I believe that the following creature is one of the large number of similar beetles in the family Cantharidae, although I am the first to confess that the order Coleoptera is almost as much of a mystery to me as Egyptian hieroglyphics!

     There are many tall plants with large spreading inflorescence but I am  confident this is Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota).

     A Western Honeybee (Apis mellifera) was nectaring on Knapweed, in the genus Centaurea.

     Here is another look at Knapweed which was prolific and attracted a wide range of insects.

     Various species of Burdock (Genus Arctium) are widespread and highly invasive.

     Jewelweeds (Genus Impatiens), on the other hand, are native species, and all quite lovely, eagerly sought out by Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilocus colubris) as a rich and abundant source of nectar.

     Chicory (Cichorium intybus) could be found throughout, nodding in the wind like a princess perched atop a steed.

      A female Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) reminded us that we were there primarily to see birds.

     But I make no apologies for being sidetracked by the beauty around us, the wonders of nature before our eyes, with secrets waiting to be discovered. 
     In fact, if this narrative seems a little disjointed, I do apologize for that, but it is following the sequence of Miriam's pictures which trace our footsteps as we meandered around the wetland.
     The family of Damselflies know as Bluets (Genera Coenagrion and Enallagma) are extremely difficult to identify without having the species in the hand, so we will have to be content to simply call them Bluets!

     The following flower is a total mystery to me, but I will continue to see whether I can identify it and if I succeed I will add the name to this account.

     A Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) was much easier, although the picture is not the best ever of this species.

     This Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) seemed content to hunker down in the foliage. In the fall this species does acquire a yellowish tinge to the belly, but I think reflected light magnified the hue somewhat in this picture.

     Odonates were out in force and this Slender Spreadwing (Lestes rectangularis) kindly consented to have a picture taken.

     A Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libella pulchella) was no less obliging, living up to its French common name La Gracieuse!

     I think one could spend a lifetime studying flies and barely scratch the surface, so for a duffer like me, my acquaintance with them is scant and often times ephemeral. But I can tell you that this is a Greenbottle Fly in the genus Lucilia.

     A female Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) gave me no difficulty at all!

     Towards the end of our circumnavigation of the wetland there were stands of Daylilies (Genus Hemerocallis), invasive species that have been introduced by way of people's gardens, but dazzling and beautiful nonetheless.

     As always, I am grateful for Miriam for her patience with the camera, and for capturing such a wide range of organisms.
     And when we all got back to the parking lot Carol had yet another treasure for us. She had baked rhubarb muffins and had one for each hungry naturalist. If you can think of a better way to end a walk, then you are one up on me! Thank you, Carol!