Tuesday, April 28, 2020

A Covid-19 Walk in the Park

     Yesterday it really felt like spring. The sun shone, the wind was light and the temperature flirted with sixteen degrees. What better to do than go for a walk?
     As Miriam and I debated where we would go, RIM Park popped up in the conversation. We were not sure whether the parking area would be open, although we were confident that the park itself would be. It's not far to go to check so that's what we did and were delighted to see that we could park as usual, and that others had already decided it was an equally fine day for fresh air and exercise.



     There were many people out to take in the sunshine, roller bladers, cyclists, families - all manner of people. I think we were the only birders!
     One young boy had a butterfly net and we had seen Cabbage White (Pieris rapae), Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) and Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma) and we hoped that he would be successful in snaring something in his net. His enthusiasm was a joy to see.


Eastern Comma


     It was impossible not to ponder whether Covid-19 will have lasting consequences for the behaviour of children. It is the natural inclination of youngsters to get together and play; one kid with a ball is an open invitation for others to join in a game, a rope invites friends to skip, a snack is to be shared, and a butterfly in a net is a prize to be shown to everyone. Now children are admonished to keep their distance and not get together with others. This seems to fly in the face of the very notion of childhood. Will kids ever be able to get together and tussle again, play tag, exchange high fives in the dugout, act together in the school play? I hope so!

     One of the loveliest names for a flower it always seems to me is Spring Beauty (Clatonia caroliniana). 




     It is a member of that group of flowers we refer to as Spring Ephemerals, here but briefly as the snow and cold recede, and every copse and woodland bursts with bloom. The joy it brings is sublime.


     Another sure indicator that spring has arrived is the emergence of Eastern Garter Snakes  (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) from their hiberncula, and we were very happy to see this good-sized individual.




     These gentle snakes do no harm to anyone, yet are still persecuted, unfortunately, by people with an irrational and unfounded fear of them.
     An American Robin (Turdus migratorius) elicits exactly the opposite reaction; it is a bird much loved by all.


     Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is not native to North America and is a serious competitor to cavity nesting birds vying for holes in trees that are already in short supply.


     There were quite a few Tree Swallows (Tchycineta bicolor) flying around and a couple perched high in a tree permitting a photograph or two, albeit not of sterling quality.


     Two pairs of Common Mergansers (Mergus merganser) sallied to and fro along the Grand River.


       A thoughtless individual with a dog threw a stick into the water for the dog to retrieve, causing the birds to leave in a hurry.


     A couple of White-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) were busy and seemed to be displaying signs of nesting, although we never did spot the cavity.


     Western Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is pleasingly common in our area and there are many breeding pairs in the Grand River watershed. Miriam first spotted this individual perched on a high vantage point from which to scan the river.


     Shortly after we first saw it, it moved out over the water, hovered for an instant and dived, but came up without a fish. It then flew downstream right in front of us, no more than about two metres above our heads. With the right kind of equipment we could have had some amazing shots!
     On its next attempt, however it was successful and landed in a nearby tree with a fish flopping in its talons.





     It seemed to be quite a chore to subdue its prey.





      Finally, having taken a few bites from the choice area around the head, the bird flew off with the fish. Perhaps it has a mate on a nest to whom it needs to deliver food.
     There is a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest in Conestogo, not far from RIM Park and we decided to check it out before heading home. The female was clearly visible on the nest, but getting a clear angle for a photograph is just about impossible.




       For the past four years this pair has raised two young from this nest and we have every expectation that they will be similarly successful this year.
     We returned home well satisfied with our afternoon excursion, and thankful that we are not subject to the draconian regulations in other areas where one is barely permitted beyond the front door. In many areas seriously affected by Covid-19 there seems to be a glimmer of light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, thankfully.
     May the world soon return to something like normal for all of us.
     

     
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

53 comments:

  1. The sun brings joy in walks. Nature follows its course.

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  2. Hello, looks like a wonderful outing, great report. I love the Osprey and the Spring Beauty! I miss the Mergansers, we've been seeing Cormorants in their place. Great collection of photos. Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead!

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  3. Such a great variety of interesting creatures! Thank you for sharing.

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  4. Hello you two
    you have to inquire here beforehand where and what is allowed, but you can go into nature or the forest here, I'm mostly alone with little Lilly because I don't need to keep my distance ;-))
    someday it will get better, I like your post very much, the eagle is my favorite
    stay healthy
    Regards Frank

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  5. The butterflies and the springflowers are so beautiful, David. I hate snakes, and we have a similar snake her who is also harmless. I still hate it, but they go through my yard in peace. Just like the frogs and the birds :)

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  6. What a fine spring day to be out enjoying the creatures also out enjoying a fine spring day!

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  7. Walking in nature, you're never sure what you will see. You saw lots of creatures just living their day with no restrictions. How nice is that! Thanks for sharing, David.

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  8. Amigos míos un día primaveral, precioso, despejado y perfecto para esa pequeña excursión y que tan bien se dio con ese bello y fabuloso reportaje. Me han encantado todas las aves que diversidad y tan cerca. La planta de las fotos es preciosa tengo mis dudas pero al colocar tu su nombre creo recordar la conocía aquí en España por Claytonia aunque tengo dudas y no sé si se trata de la misma planta.
    Para ser un día más de los horribles días del COVID-19 no os podéis quejar, ese paseo aún no se puede realizar en mi país.
    El problema como bien dices amigo son los niños, como esta situación se prolongue mucho no sé si terminará pasando factura a las criaturas.
    Recibir un fuerte abrazo de vuestros amigos y compadres Carmen y Juan.

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  9. Not a fan of snakes but I certainly wouldn't hurt it. I met a Copperhead once and just waited for it to finish crossing my path. I love the pix of the tussle of osprey and fish, maybe he wasn't very old and not too experienced. Never seen a Bald Eagle.

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  10. I'm so pleased you were able to get out and about and enjoy the weather.
    You've shared a wonderful variety of photographs, all a joy to see.

    I always find being outside lifts the spirit, needed in these strange times.

    All the best Jan

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  11. Magnifiques photos du balbuzard! J'aime aussi beaucoup le merle.
    Il vaut mieux des couleuvres que des vipères, c'est moins dangereux.
    Bonne soirée, prenez soin de vous!

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  12. So pleased to hear that you are still getting out and about David, and finding such wonderful birds too. Technically we are permitted to go out for exercise for up to an hour each day, but people of our age are advised to stay at home. Lindsay wishes us both to abide by this advice, snd I have no problem in following her wishes. In time, things will probably change and we'll venture out, and I eargerly look forward to that time.

    Take great care, and stay safe and well - - - Richard

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  13. While our seasons are different our temperatures are very similar at the moment. Sadly while we can go outside for a walk, run, bike ride we are encouraged not to drive. I was very grateful to be taken with you and Miriam. It is just after dawn here, the the cockatoos, the corellas and the currawongs are bursting into song. And, confusingly, we have some spring flowers (anenomes and paper white jonquils) in bloom.

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  14. Hi David, glad you were able to get out into the park. You saw lots of beautiful birds, and how wonderful to see an eagle. I love the flowers, too. I don't like snakes, but I look after the snakes and reptiles of a neighbour when she goes on holiday - scary! The osprey is also a beautiful bird. It's bed time here, so I'll say goodnight! Hugs, Valerie

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  15. Kids and birds are hardly aware of what we adult humans are going through, so no lasting harm done to them, unless covid-19 is here for another couple of months or more...
    Anyway, the starling, the swallows, the osprey - made my day too. Thanks.

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  16. I really enjoyed the series of the osprey! Glorious photos. I've wondered how this will effect the younger generation too...it's crossed my mind. So glad your park was open and we were able to come with you two. (Except for the snake...I fear snakes- harmless or not!)

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  17. It must be such a great joy for you and Miriam to now have Spring underway, once Mother Nature starts blooming there is no stopping her.
    Great action shots of the Western Osprey wrestling with the fish.

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  18. Hari OM
    What a wonderful lifter of spirits even just to read of this walk - and I love the idea of 'spring ephemerals'! YAM xx

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  19. It was delightful to see the Spring Beauty. I belong to both the Texas and Arkansas native plant societies, and the newsletter of the Arkansas group is called the Claytonia. The ospreys are wonderful, although I've found myself wishing they'd eat their fish elsewhere than the top of the mast of the boat I'm working on. One year, it was the chosen spot of a very handsome bird, which was fine -- except I had to clean fish entrails and other mysterious fish parts off the boat deck when I arrived at work!

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    Replies
    1. A small price to pay for the pleasure of their company!

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  20. Great series of shots of the Osprey!

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  21. Querido David que suerte poder disfrutar de tan hermosos seres, son unas fotos maravillosas. En cuanto al covid-19 nos deja mucho dolor, pero por fin se ve un poco de luz. Mi tierra no es de las más castigadas, incluso en nuestra zona no hay ni un solo caso. Aún así nos está dejando mucho dolor y tristeza. Esperemos poder terminar pronto con él y volver a la vida normal. Un enorme abrazo y os deseo muy buena salud y que hay no cause ningún daño.

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  22. Sounds like you and Miriam had a great outing David. I really enjoyed Miriams photos, especially the Osprey sequence.
    Franc and I drove to St. Jacob's on Saturday to walk the Mill Race Trail only to discover it is closed. So, we too drove to
    Conestogo to see the Eagles. One was in the nest and the other in a tree close by. It was a beautiful day and we were happy to get out and enjoy it.

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    1. I have noticed that The Mill Race Trail is closed, but a couple of people today simply walked around the sign. Go figure!

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  23. It looks like a perfect day, David, with the most impressive of sightings, both avian and otherwise.

    I worry about the children too. I don't know how one even teaches the little ones distancing -- and what is lost in their lives by not being able to be close.

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  24. Thanks for the well documented walk. Even the garter snake.

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  25. What a lovely walk and wonderful photos - thank you for sharing.

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  26. Hola David, buenas noches!
    What a beautiful ride you have taken! Spring, children, butterflies, birds and flowers, oh, it seems like a wonderful dream. Truly the most beautiful things are free, friend of mine. Spring Beauty, as its name suggests, is quite a beauty. But the snake, uuhhhhh absolute y completo terror jajaja
    Saludos, querido amigo
    So is. and hopefully normality will come soon. after all these long months clouded by the rare disease.

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  27. We are fortunate that we can go out. However, I'm not able to organize my birdwatchers. so I'm challenging them to go out and report sightings on our facebook page.

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  28. Hi David - brilliant photos from Miriam ... she is an excellent photographer. Love the little Claytonia Caroliniana .. just so delicate and beautiful. Gorgeous ... the rest of them just show your early Spring. I agree we are fortunate we can get out and about and are not cramped up in a town centre, or city scape. All the best - Hilary

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  29. Hi David.

    You can see a lot of beautiful things.
    Beautiful the Eagle and the Butterfly.

    Greeting from Patricia.

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  30. A lovely walk, I have only ever once seen an Osprey and that was at a distance, this is a great series of photos!

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  31. I enjoyed your nature walk vicariously, so thank you for sharing your photos. I'm in the Connecticut Lock Down, where now face masks are mandatory. A few weeks ago, some towns here already cancelled their July Fourth fireworks. So even if we "come out of the Lock Down" some rules might still be in place.

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  32. We have been for walk arounds, but have not seen as much wildlife as you and Miriam did on yiurs. That was a great osprey sequence. Too bad about the ducks being scared off by the stick thrower.

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  33. Hello David!

    A beautiful spring post With sunshine and happiness :))I love the springflowers.Here we Call them "Hvitveis" and when they are around there is no Winther coming..I also love Your birds..Never seen that American Common Robin but we have alots alots of those Starlings(I think they now stay overwinther)They eat everything!Also is fascinating to see those bigger birds wow!!

    I hope you will be careful !I know everything is opening up a bit..But stay safe and use Your common sense Dont stay With too many people

    Wish you and Miriam a lovely day!

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  34. Well a lovely time out seeing the birds and nature for you.
    Children like adults find it hard to be distant during this time.
    You are lucky to could go and park then go for a walk. Our parks are closed but we are doing ok.
    Take care.

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  35. I enjoyed tagging along on your outing. It's all good, but I am quite taken with the wildflower, Spring Beauty.

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    1. I am sure you can find it where you live, but be quick. It doesn't last long!

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  36. Hello David, glad to see that Spring is in full swing in your part of the world as well. Great birds, butterflies fantastic. But for me the Osprey and the Bald Eagle are my favorite and than Ospreys on number one. Great photos and moment you could see with this bird catching a fish.
    Regards, and stay well,
    Roos

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  37. What a fun run! It's so good getting outdoors. Lovely photos. We seem to have the snakes suddenly out. They are everywhere. I love them. A great sign of spring.

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  38. This looks like a great outing. I love your bird photos...always, but not a fan of snakes! lol

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  39. Children will look back on this time as adults and seniors and realize they were part of an epic story in humankind’s history. There might be some positive impacts on how we treat one another and the environment after this chapter is over. Right now, we are all a little trapped like butterflies caught in a net.

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  40. What a fascinating nature ramble :)
    New Zealand has no snakes so I have only ever seen two - a rattlesnake (thankfully asleep) and a little grass snake that decided to stalk me (a weird experience).
    No doubt one day our world will return to some semblance of normality. Take care, Mxx

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  41. A wonderful ramble with so much ‘loot’ to take home. It is good that you can still do this. We are allowed out for a single walk (or run, or cycle) a day. I am fortunate that I live right in the midst of wonderful countryside.

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  42. David - so happy that you are able to get out for a walk, and with so much wildlife about. Our glacier lilies are out, but no sign of Spring Beauty yet. New birds are arriving here every few days. Yesterday I saw a Black-necked Stilt, a very uncommon migrant in these parts!

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  43. Ha David, Heerlijk het lente gevoel. Mooie serie heb je ons voorgezet.
    Groet kees.

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  44. A beautiful meander through nature.

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  45. Hi David,
    Not so far away in this crazy period of Covid-19.. Breatiful flowers, a great snake and amazing encounters with the Osprey and the Bald eagle... It is not boring at all!
    Happy weekend ahead and take care.
    Regards,Maria

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  46. Fue un hermoso paseo que yo habría disfrutado, mis favoritos flores, aves, mariposas ( que no me gusta que las cacen ). El sábado nos dejarán pasear una hora a un kilómetro de distancia, así todo los días, si todo va bien se irá ampliando. Un abrazo.

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  47. What a fabulous array of lovely creatures! Your photos are always awesome to see of the interesting and unusual (at least, to me!) birds!

    Thanks for taking part at 'My Corner of the World' this week! It's good to see you.

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  48. Ooops I am not doing a very good job of keeping up with comments!! Love this post and I think that shot of the Garter snake is superb, but then I am quite fond of snakes. Cheers Diane

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  49. Another very beautiful sunny walk.
    The snake and bird photos are fantastic.
    Hugs and greetings.
    Lucja

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