Lockdown Rules Eased and a Day Out!

17 February 2021

     Having been confined close to home for so long, Miriam and I were like two excited children, going on an outing to the beach! It seemed so long since we had packed a lunch for a day in the field, and made a thermos of coffee for elevenses, (accompanied naturally by blueberry muffins), that there was an air of palpable excitement as we made preparations to leave home.

DesJardins Canal, Dundas, ON

     Our ultimate destination was the north shore of Lake Ontario, and as has been our practice for many years, we detoured first to the DesJardins Canal in Dundas.

     The target bird there in the winter is Hooded Merganser (Lophotdytes cucullatus) and this female presented herself almost right away.

     Sedate and beautiful though she is we held out for a male too.

     Two Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) sailed towards us like elegant barques on a glassy sea.

      There was deep snow all around, but a recent dusting, or perhaps fine snow blown from the trees that line the bank, gave the impression of icing sugar on the backs of these Canada Geese (Branta canadensis), hunkered down against the cold, heads tucked under their wings for warmth.

     It did not take us long to spot a male Hooded Merganser, a matinée idol of a bird if ever there was one.

     A single female Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) was the only member of her kind that we saw.

     A walk west along the canal leads to the Urquhart Butterfly Garden.

     Obviously there are no butterflies flitting hither and yon in the dead of winter, but it has a beauty all its own, and provides cover for small birds.

     House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) were chattering to each other and sheltering in the bushes; other than that we neither saw nor heard another songbird.

     Several times, as we walked around, a dozen or two Canada Geese lifted up off the canal, and with resounding protestations took to the air, flying directly over our heads and out of view.

     What caused some to leave and others to remain is a question to which we have no answer.

     When we arrived  back at our car, we sat inside to enjoy our coffee and muffin, and a male Hooded Merganser arrived to swim among the Canada Geese directly in front of us. Doubtless, he had come for a final portrait and Miriam hopped out of the car to ensure that he received suitable attention.

     I could say that he showed us his best side - but he only has best sides!

     As I am sure you will understand, it was a very agreeable way to end our visit.

Woodland Cemetery, Burlington, ON

     For many years, Eastern Screech Owls (Megascops asio) have resided in the cemetery, and we are familiar with a tree where a couple have made their home for years.

     On a sunny day, they sometimes delight birders by sitting at the edge of their hole, oblivious to the goings on beneath them, and are greeted with elation by all who see them.

     Today was our lucky day; a red morph individual was snoozing at the entrance.

     We were the only people present. The regular flow of activity at the cemetery has been very much reduced of late, as COVID has imposed restrictions on the number of participants at a funeral, only two graveside visitors are permitted, and others who might have business with the departed are urged to exercise restraint.

Grindstone Creek, Hamilton, ON

     We were quite sure that the water would be frozen, but headed over to Grindstone Creek, where numerous passerines find shelter and food in the bushes and trees that line the shore.

     The undoubted highlight was a wonderfully obliging Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus).

     This species, formerly rare here, has dramatically expanded its range over the past thirty years or so, and at this time of the year is the most familiar wren. It is not common, but in the right place, with a little effort, it can be found. It is non migratory and has evidently adapted to our winters.

     In the last Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario covering the years 2001-2005, it is stated: "Between atlases (the previous atlas dealt with 1981-1985), the species expanded considerably, with a significant, more than five-fold increase in its probability of observation......"

     Atlassing begins again this year so we will soon know whether populations have increased even more.

Hendrie Valley Sanctuary, Burlington, ON

     Grindstone Creek and Hendrie Valley Sanctuary come together at the county line demarcating Hamilton and Halton, so it is a given that when we visit one we visit the other.

     We did not walk too far along the trails which were deep with snow, and it was hard slogging.

     Predictable winter species were easy to find, however, and what a cheery air they lent to bright sunlight and immaculate snow.

     A Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) was one of the first birds we saw.

     A Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is blessed with prodigious beauty, but it is never more gob-smacking than in winter.

     It is an immutable part of the annual rhythm of nature, that when the days are lengthening in the second half of February, males will begin to sing. And so they did, which filled us with profound joy. The first cardinal heard in late winter is very special.

     I can assure you that a cardinal of Rome, not even were he to try for a thousand years, could thrill me as much.

     A Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) was finding morsels to eat on the snow.

      American Tree Sparrows (Spizelloides arborea) who only favour us with their company during the winter, were in their element.

      Opportunistic House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) furnished evidence of the tough, enterprising birds they are.

     And what would a winter stroll be without a Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)?

La Salle Park and Marina, Burlington, ON

     The premier attraction is without doubt the large number of Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) that spend the winter at the park.

     What glorious birds they are!

     For a couple of weeks now we have all become familiar with the term Polar Vortex as a period of intense cold has gripped much of the continent.

The bay was frozen from shore to shore so the anticipated concentrations of a variety of waterfowl were absent.

     The Trumpeter Swans are able to survive without having access to inshore feeding by supplemental rations of corn.

     A Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) surveyed his domain, concluding perhaps that continuous ice might be an advantage in capturing an unwary or injured Mallard (Anas platyrynchos).

     I am always fascinated by the huge, webbed feet of Trumpeter Swans, resembling fine leather it seems to me.

     Many young birds furnished evidence that it had been a successful year for breeding pairs.

     The wind was cold coming across the ice on the bay, and a head tucked into a wing was a plan adopted by many.

Lake Ontario at Stoney Creek, ON

     I knew that there would be open water on the wide body of Lake Ontario (in effect an inland sea) so we travelled down to Stoney Creek.

     Even here, as you may see, there was considerable ice buildup along the shore, stretching out for quite a distance into the lake.

     Usually the water here is teeming with huge numbers of bay ducks of several species, but we found few birds, with only two species approaching good numbers, and others totally absent. Where they might have gone, I have no idea.

     Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) is always a joy to see, but they were all quite far out, obviously beyond the ice.

Long-tailed Duck ♂

Long-tailed Duck ♀

     Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) was present in small rafts; some already engaged in courtship behaviour, posturing and head-tossing with verve and enthusiasm.

Common Goldeneye ♂

Common Goldeneye ♀

     Our drive home was uneventful and we were both well-satisfied with a wonderful day. It felt good to be exploring along the lake again.