Thursday, September 09, 2021

An Outing for Waterloo Region Nature with COVID at bay!

      It is with a great deal of pleasure that we are finally able to offer outings to our members again, now that we are permitted to have gatherings of people outdoors, with limits that will never be exceeded by our groups. The Delta variant is cause for concern, but we can only hope that more people will get vaccinated and its threat fades into the background.
     I always consider 1 September as the first day of fall, so an outing was a great way to get right into migration.
     Here are the details of our field trip.

Leader: David Gascoigne

Participants: Carol Anderson, Ross Getsinger, Denise Leschak, Karl Malhotra, Sandye Moores, Angélique Mori, Colleen Reilly, Adrienne Zoe

Angélique, Colleen, Denise, Sandye, Karl, Adrienne, Carol, Ross

     It was a picture perfect day for an outing, with modest temperatures, bright sunshine and light breezes.
     Usually on these outings Miriam accompanies me and she takes photographs while I am busy trying to find birds, identify them and provide some background information to the participants. On this day she had other plans and I am indebted to Adrienne and Colleen for permitting me to use their high quality images. Not only are they fine photographers they are very gracious people.
     Before getting into the details of the day's activities let me say a few words about Colleen and her group, The Pipits.



     This group is made up of in excess of a hundred keen naturalists with a variety of skill levels.


     They do field trips based on a range of organisms from birds to plants, amphibians, mammals, insects - anything related to natural history in fact.
     Recently, on one of their outings, Colleen crossed paths with our president, Janet Ozaruk, and we are going to explore opportunities for joint cooperation.
     Based on the few hours I spent in the field with Colleen I can only say that it will be a pleasure to be involved together.

DesJardins Canal, Dundas, ON

     This location is a remarkable spot for birding, with significant attractions at different times of the year.
     I have been coming here for at least thirty years, and in September have never failed to locate Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax). Moreover, adults and juveniles are always present and it is instructive to see them together. For some of the enthusiastic naturalists on this trip, it was a first sighting of this species.

Black-crowned Night Heron (adult)

Black-crowned Night Heron (juvenile)

     Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) were also present, mainly keeping to cover at the edge of the water, but occasionally venturing forth to display their unrivalled beauty.



     The males are just emerging from eclipse plumage and are regaining their finery.
     It is always a pleasure to see Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps).



Urquhart Butterfly Garden, Dundas, ON

     At the end of the DesJardins Canal one finds the Urquhart Butterfly Garden (https://urquhartbutterfly.com/about/frederick-urquhart-a-short-biography/) where a riot of colours awaits the visitor at this time of the year. Some of the many plants found there, planted with pollinators in mind are:

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

Tithonia

Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia)


Zinnia

     House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) found both food and cover. 



Grindstone Creek, Hamilton, ON

     The absolute stars of the show at this location were a couple of Green Herons (Butorides virescens) located close to shore and seemingly indifferent to to the cameras pointed at them.


     A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was stalking for food on the opposite side of the water.


     Several Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) demonstrated why they are considered by many to be the aristocracy of the avian world.


     Western Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) will soon be moving south, but an individual still here put on a great display for us.



LaSalle Park and Marina, Burlington, ON

     By the time we arrived at LaSalle it was time for lunch, which we were able to enjoy en plain air, entertained by a Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) swimming and diving in front of us, joined by a couple of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) and a Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) or two.
     Cormorants were perched at several locations throughout the marina.


     Their number does not begin to approach the large flocks present just a couple of years ago as Ontario goes about the unrestricted slaughter of this gentle species, based on prejudice and hearsay, conspiracy theory and lack of science, stupidity and bloodlust, and fisherfolks' greed.  We continue to display an amazing proclivity to elect idiots as leaders so we can probably anticipate more of the same.
     Adrienne caught this dramatic flight of one of the lucky ones, who escaped the guns of those brave and noble folks who fire away at them, leaving injured birds to die a lingering, painful death, and young birds to starve in the nest waiting for parents who will never return with food.


     There was a movement of migratory warblers and other passerines that was the stuff of birders' dreams. 
Here are just some of the species that were passing through; these are the ones we managed to capture on camera.

Eastern Wood Pewee (Contopus virens)

Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca)

Northern Parula (Setophaga americana)

Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia)


Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus)


     Adrienne had told me that she was very keen to get a shot of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilocus colubris) feeding on Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) and you will no doubt agree that she succeeded spectacularly.


     A female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) wanted in on the act.


     Adrienne captured a male American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla).....


     ..... and Colleen was able to contribute a female.


     A couple of Red-eyed Vireos (Vireo olivaceus) joined the throng of migrants forging their way south.


     LaSalle provided all the excitement one could wish for. Colleen and Angélique opted to go to Paletta park in the hope of another warbler movement. The rest of us decided to move on to Bronte Harbour in Oakville.

Burlington, ON

     Along the way, through Burlington, at Joseph Brant Hospital our passage was slowed considerably, and we were witness to a disgusting display by anti-vaccination fanatics, bent on disrupting traffic, impeding the flow of ambulances carrying sick patients, screaming obscenities, deriding the doctors and nurses who dedicate their lives to helping others, and spouting nonsense, and carrying signs promoting every conspiracy theory in circulation.

Picture from the internet

     It is sad that legitimate protest has descended to this.

Bronte Harbour, Oakville, ON

     We had a very pleasant stroll around the harbour but bird life was sparse. 
     Red-necked Grebes (Podiceps grisegena) have for several years been the main attraction for birders, spring through fall, and breeding has taken place consistently. This year we saw only two birds, quite far out, and no sign of young.
     We were unable to get a picture of the birds present, so I am adding a couple from my files, taken at the same location in years past.



     When we parted company to return home we all agreed that it had been a fine day's birding, enhanced by the pleasure of each other's company.
     I plan to run this same excursion again on 25 September and look forward to another fine outing.
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

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

96 comments:

  1. So many beautiful birds, David. I'm so happy that you can get together again on new adventues. Here the Covid spreads more than ever.

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  2. Hi David.

    It's great that you were able to do some activities with others again.
    You show a lot of beauty.
    Beautiful ducks and flowers and birds.
    Very special the Night Heron and the Green Heron.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  3. You know, of course, that I too showed Impatiens capensis, which grows abundantly alongside our local canal, but if only there had been a tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding from it, my joy would have been complete.

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    1. There are some things I just can't help you with, Rosemary!

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  4. This post from you, David, took me through a gamut of emotions, starting with total joy that you are once more able to lead groups to dicover birds and other wonders of nature, appreciation of the beauty of the birds (and the photographs) then near tears as you talk about the situation with cormorants, and total disgust at the stupidity of those anti-vaccination cretins. It was a real roller-coaster of a ride!

    Best wishes - - - Richard

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  5. I am beyond happy for your group - and wish that those particular protesters were under permanent restrictions.
    And thank you (so much) for showing my lockeddown self the wonders of nature in your area.

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  6. Wow so glad that you can go out in groups again. It seems this was a very worthwhile day. We have just returned from a 4 day visit to La Rochelle. Lots of photos, but I need the time to go through them and ID the various birds some of which are not normally local it seems, very hard to work out what they are or where they may be from! I will catch up one day. Cheers Diane

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  7. Beautiful photos, David, so many lovely birds, but some people are so stupid I can hardly believe it. We have the same here, fanatics who demonstrate, insult and cause chaos, attack police and firefighters, and damage property and think they are right. Glad your bird group is up and running again, that's good news. Have a great day, hugs, Valerie

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  8. And I love those punky ducks in the last pic!

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  9. The herons must be my favourites.


    These anti vaxxers. Their ignorance makes my blood boil.

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  10. C'est super ces sorties!Je trouve le héron vert très joli.
    J'ai eu mon premier vaccin covid ce matin.
    Bonne journée

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  11. Hari OM
    I echo all preceding commenters... it is a joy to have you out and about with this group again - and to be able to hang on by the ethertails!!! YAM xx

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  12. I need to find a group such as yours so that I can see some birds I wouldn't normally come across in my daily travels. I've never seen wood ducks or either of the grebes before. Your friends shared some lovely photos. And as for the anti-maskers, I don't get it. They are obviously selfish because wearing masks helps everyone to be protected. I feel bad for all the medical personnel who have been going non-stop for a long time. Thanks for sharing that photo. I thought i was only certain people in the US who were doing that.

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  13. Nice to be out and about again, isn't it!

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  14. No Green Herons on the island but they are striking in appearance. I’ve never seen Grebes either. They are here though.

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  15. It looks like a great day was had by you all, I think it would be good to join one of your outings, there's always so much to see! A bleak picture though of the poor Cormorants, they aren't liked by fishermen here and I believe you can apply for licences to cull them. As for the anti-vaxxers well there are no (polite) words.......

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  16. Thank you for this wonderful post David and am happy to hear that you were all able to get together for such a fine birding experience. As for the fanatics of the world, protesting is one thing but this abhorrent behavior is inexcusable.

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  17. I had no idea Canada had anti vaxers demonstrating their ignorance. I thought it was only here! It’s wonderful your birding trips are back on. I think the birds were glad to show off their finery again as well!

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  18. Isn't it wonderful to be out and about again with a group of like-minded people? I'm glad you didn't allow that group of mindless people to spoil it. Wonderful pictures, as always. I particularly like the Green Heron, always a favorite of mine. A painting of one hangs over my bed.

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  19. I like the sound of the Pipits; there are far too many list-tickers around these days rather than people with a genuine interest in expanding their knowledge. Our Cormorants are similarly controversial though it seems to me that they've only increased in numbers because so many inland waters are being artificially stocked with fish for the benefit of anglers. The cormorants are rather better at catching fish than their human competitors!

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  20. It is good to know that you can meet again, but what a contrast you show today with beautiful birds and flowers in peaceful nature vs screaming and ignorant humans in a city.

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    1. No one wishes to quash legitimate and democratic protest, but when it starts turning violent and innocent doctors and nurses are targets for their abuse, a line has clearly been crossed.

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  21. Maravillosa salida con muy buenos avistamientos y excelentes capturas amigo David.
    Seguro que fue todo un gran día y tus queridos amigos se fueron bien satisfechos.
    Un fuerte abrazo de tu siempre amigo y compadre Juan.

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  22. What a nice outing, except for the idiots in the street, with beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing this day.

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    1. They look more than a little demented, don't they?

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  23. The Great Blue Heron is stunning!

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  24. Marvelous to spend time with like-minded enthusiatic people. :)

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  25. Hi David! :) I think your hummingbird qualifies! ☺ I love that you do outtings and that you CAN again! I'm still very wary of getting sick, so I still wear a mask even though I've been vaccinated now. So nice to see happy faces! I love The Pipits logo btw. The Tithonia flower is so pretty, I have plans for a butterfly garden in the next few years, have to get my plans together! Those anti-vaxxers are idiots, covidiots (I stole that word from Valerie! :)), plain and simple. And so are the people who slaughter the Cormorants, I'm very sad to read that. The ladies took some beautiful photos!!!

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  26. I think your outings sound especially fun. Maybe sometime we'll end up in Canada for more than passing through and I would really enjoy visiting some of those spots -- or any of them. I love the idea of the butterfly garden! And that green heron photo is fabulous!

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    1. Hi Jeanie: It would be a great pleasure for Miriam and me to show you and/or Rick any of the places you would care to see, take you for a tour of Mennonite country, eat dinner together.......you name it, we're up for it.

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  27. Yay the group outings and yay the herons.

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  28. How splendid that you could all get together again. It seems a long long time since you were able to do that. Long may it continue!
    Your cormorant story reminds me of the harrier hawks here, which were hunted almost to extinction because farmers believed they killed lambs (they seldom attack healthy lambs but will always take carrion). Hunters also managed to decimate populations of our native falcon and bittern, believing they were shooting hawks. Now strict laws control who can shoot hawks and under what circumstances, so populations are increasing again. I hope your cormorants manage to survive this onslaught they are currently facing.

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  29. Your two friends took some amazing photos, you are lucky to have such talented people in your group. The lady in the second photo, is that Colleen? She's so beautiful! Loved the Great Blue Heron and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. It's always a thrill to see birds we don't have here. As for those protestors - no, I'm not going there, it's too late in the day to get all fired up.

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    1. I will be sure to draw her attention to your comment, Pauline. She will be very pleased.

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  30. Such a lovely display of photos, except one. I doubt I need to mention which one...

    1st of September, of course, is the first day of spring down this way in the wonderful Land Down Under.

    Take care. :)

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  31. It is wonderful to be able to have group outings again with people having the same interest and passion. Here, he number of cases is still high even as more people are being vaccinated. Meanwhile, restrictions in travelling and businesses are slowly being relaxed in stages.

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  32. A happy gathering of people in the first photo and always pleasant on a beautiful day and ever so pleasing that more people can gather to do what they love.
    The photos are lovely.
    The protesters, well what silly people they are but of course they think they are right.

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    1. If they were just silly it would be fine, Margaret. They have every right to be so. But when they begin blocking ambulances, restricting pedestrian and vehicular traffic, screaming at doctors and nurses, and more recently throwing rocks at politicians with whom they disagree, they have taken their protests to a whole new level, verging on anarchy in fact.

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  33. Delta... how long will this go on?!
    And now here I sit wondering how you pronounce "PIPITS".
    As German I´d say "peepits" and that would make me want to know where the next loo / toilet is. Is it "piepis", that would make me hungry. Pie, anyone?

    Those white swans can get really mean. They bit a cousin of mine (she was 4 years old, had no idea it´s their territory - they bit a kid!)....

    The Northern Cardinal looks very cute.

    Sounds like (mostly) a fun time :-)

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  34. I'm sorry your journey was disrupted by the protesters. Why people fall prey to these ridiculous conspiracy theories I don't know and to attack medical staff who have been working so hard during this pandemic is reprehensible. Sadly these idiots are found all over the world. I was shocked to hear that cormorants are being targeted. They are fascinating birds and it's always a delight to see them with their wings outstretched at various rocky places along the coastline.

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    1. I saw something on the news last night about people convinced that they are being tracked by the government - all using cell phones, by the way!

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  35. ...fabulous flora and fauna.

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  36. It is really great to read about your outing! What a fantastic way to celebrate the coming autumn.

    The outstanding photographs have served to whet my already anxious appetite for fall migrants. A few early birds are beginning to show up here and, being the greedy sort, I can't wait for more.

    It was quite a shock to see your information about hunting cormorants. It sent me on a quick perusal of pros and cons about the subject. The pros appear unbelievably ignorant. Using their logic, we should eradicate any species that is not an "approved game" species!

    I grew up fishing along Florida's Gulf Coast (and still do occasionally). Thousands of cormorants never affected the supply of fish. The same holds true for our inland lakes.

    Nature achieves balance just fine without the heavy destructive hand of humans.

    Time to go birding!

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  37. Hi David, nice you can make again a birding excursion with a group. You saw a lot of beautiful birds. I like the great blue heron and the night heron juvenille.

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  38. Well, back in the saddle again :) What a wonderfully successful outing ... your bird pictures are wonderful (I was privy to a sighting of the Black Crowned Nigh Heron along a small riverway recently) I probably took 20 pictures with my friends phone camera because I had forgotten to bring my own (I know, an old poop brain fart). She has sent me the pictures and they are truly amazing birds. When we lived on the lake we used to get an occasional Pied billed Grebe passing through ... they are one of my favorite birds probably because they look like little wind-up toys. I was sad to hear what is happening to the cormorants. I have always enjoyed watching them dive and chuckle at their awkwardness when out of water. Man has become a scourge on nature in so many ways ... so sad.
    That said, the rest of your pictures are wonderful ... so many birds, some that I have never seen in our area. Perhaps I don't know the right places to look, but I am always happy to come over here to see what you have seen and to learn (I can only hope that my "old poop" brain will retain some of the wonderful information you share).
    I am in 100% agreement with your comments on the demonstration. The Trump era has messed with the minds of mankind and converted them to Stupid ... I will never, as long as I live, understand the way those people think ( or rather don't think). It makes no sense that a species with a brain as capable as mans could listen to or believe the ridiculous conspiracy theories that are flying around out there ... It is a sickness as bad as the Covid, but it doesn't dispose of the stupids. Sorry, I get carried away ... Anyway, I really enjoyed this post, David. Looking forward to more, but do be careful, the Delta Variant is scary.

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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  39. Dear friend David, do not worry about the comments and enjoy those well-deserved vacations.
    A big hug friend.

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  40. Estimado amigo David, no te preocupes de los comentarios y disfruta de esas merecidas vacaciones.
    Un gran abrazo amigo.

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  41. That looks like a great outing. I am sure it must have been thoroughly enjoyable considering that for a long time such trips weren't allowed. Lovely birds and cool greenery.

    Here in India, there's no organized anti-vaccination campaigns. Even a few people I knew were reluctant to take the jab, have finally taken it. The initial hiccups are behind, and now vaccination is going on at a hectic pace in this vast nation with a huge number of people.

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  42. What a joy you must have to be able to go out again in a group to observe birds and nature. The photos are beautiful as always, I enjoy the entertaining story and the images of the flora and fauna as always. Although I am a little away from blogging with so many tasks, work and my new passion for video editing; but I will always give a fly by your publications. A big hug

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    1. Thanks, Hernán. I have seen several of your You Tube videos. You do a fine job.

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  43. What a rich and diverse post. I'm thrilled that you're getting out, making new connections, and find so many treasures to share with us. This past week, I've been kept company at work by a green heron that enjoys fishing from the boat's mooring lines. Occasionally, he'll come up and perch right on the boat, not six feet away, and just watch. I've had an impulse to take my camera one day for a little photo shoot, but I know better. I've lost too many tools, transistor radios, and such overboard to even think of taking an irreplaceable camera!

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    1. You work on a boat? Sounds lovely. What do you do?

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  44. Hello David,
    What a fantastic outing, awesome sightings. Gorgeous photos! I love the herons, wood ducks and both of the cute Grebes and all the beautiful warblers. A wonderful field trip! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend. PS, thanks for the visit and comment on my blog.

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  45. Your collection of photos really covers a huge range of creatures, from the most beautiful to the most despicable (that is, humans protesting humane care for others of their species).

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  46. You really did get to see so much variety. I love the American Redstart and all of the little Warblers you saw. We don't have as many birds around right now but that will change soon. And we are still hiking by ourselves for the time being. It's crazy out there!

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  47. Muchos pájaros bellos, como Curruca y otros, también el colibrí tan difícil de fotografiar y los elegantes cisnes ¡qué buen paseo!
    Muchos abrazos.

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  48. How nice to be able to go out on a walk and look at birds and nature. Just being with a good group of people would be great. Here in Nashville the Delta variant is rampant, up 30+ %. My daughter (a neurologist) said that her hospital floor has been taken over for Covid patients, and they are full. I’m sorry you saw an anti-vaccination mob during your walk – I thought that was a southern US species only.

    I liked the pictures. Talking about ducks, did you hear the Australian musk duck who talks? I did not realize you could teach a duck to talk. (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/video/2021/sep/07/talking-duck-in-australia-can-say-you-bloody-fool-after-learning-to-imitate-human-speech-video.)

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  49. I actually met Ripper believe it or not, but I had no idea then that he could talk, nor did anyone else as far as I know.

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  50. So pleased that your group can once again meet up.

    All the best Jan

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  51. Great shots. I hope your vaccination rates are high enough to defeat Delta. We have way too many anti-vaxxers here in Virginia, people who claim they are not afraid of the virus yet they are afraid of a little needle.

    Sad about the cormorants. I see one here occasionally and would welcome more if you can send them this way.

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  52. David - so pleased for you and the entire group that you have been able to resume your outings. The picture of the cormorant in flight, with the spectacular colors of the water in the background, has to be my favorite of this collection. But then, the selection of "yellow" birds had me gasping in delight. I give up - they are all fabulous!

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  53. hello David
    who wouldn't enjoy such an excursion? Spending a day with like-minded and happy people, talking shop and great observations .. a successful day with great photos, I am thrilled
    Greetings Frank

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  54. Love to see that Ruby-throated Hummingbird in action.
    Yes anti vaccine people are really pulling every one's life behind.

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  55. Hi David,
    Obviously you had a succesful birding trip, with the green heron as the absolute star of the show. The variety of birds must have satisfied every participant.
    In many countries there are people protesting against covid safety rules and against vaccinations. Is it a lack of common sense or simply a lack of knowledge? Anyway, they forget that without vaccinations the safetyrules last longer than necessary. They also forget that the medical care is having a very hard time. What will be the best way to treat a not vaccinated patient suffering from severe covid symptoms?
    Greetings, Kees

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  56. Dear David, I could not be happier for you that at long last you can get outdoors and join a group of like minded people. I like the Name "THE PIPITS" and the two girls in the group, took beautiful photos. I especially loved the warblers, the Humming bird the Green Heron, and the American Redstart. You saw so many beautiful birds, all of which deserve to be mentioned. It's very sad that in Canada the Cormorants are killed. There are no such restrictions here in Portugal. The fishermen in my country actually feed them when in port with large pieces of unwanted fish, not just tiny scraps, as one would imagine.

    The photo of the idiotic anti virus crowds of demonstrators was an ugly sight. These crazy groups are surely demented and cruel to target the very people who are working so hard to save the lives of thousands of sick people. It's incomprehensible!

    I don't want to leave on a sour note, but want to thank you for your descriptive account of your lovely day out, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.

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  57. Being able to return to some normalcy is good to read about these days. Your excursion was fruitful. And, thanks for adding the extra grebes from another time...
    Visiting here with you and finding what feathered friends you see is always a great experience! Thanks for linking in with us at I'd Rather B Birdin'!

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  58. You are an excellent excursion organizer David. It can be seen that your friends enjoyed the walk. I liked the photos of flowers from the Urquhart Butterfly Garden and photos of small birds like Blackburnian warbler. Now we have many flocks of such small birds migrating to the south and often visit my garden to eat the berries of sea buckthorn, chokeberry and rowan.

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  59. What a spectacular outing! If only I lived close enough to join! The green heron is magnificent; in sharp contrast, the anti-vacs rally turned my stomach.

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  60. Zawsze, jak oglądam i czytam Twoje posty, uśmiecham się. Na widok ciekawych lub trafnych spostrzeżeń.Fotografie Adrienne są doskonałe. Gratuluję obserwacji i cieszę się, że wiele ptaków, które uwielbiam, możecie również obserwować u siebie (ślepowron, perkozy rdzawoszyje,kormorany, perkozki, rybołowy).
    Piękny ogród dla motyli. ja również mam w swoim mnóstwo kwiatów. To jedzenie dla owadów i piękny widok dla moich oczu.

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  61. many nice birds. We only have one hron in Sweden. The grey heron. It losk pretty much as your Blue heron. And are probably related.
    The grebes popped a memory. When I was younger I had a kayak and was paddling the lake. There was grebes. I moved very slowely just drifting to not disturb them. And often was able to get rather close. Even when they had young ones. A dear memory. :)

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  62. Your day out sounds and looks great. A pity about the demonstration - the internet and social media have led a lot of people astray...

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  63. Hi David,
    It was certainly a amazing outing. So many beautiful birds. I especially loved the photo of the hummingbird, it's fantastic, greet shot.

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  64. Great assortment of photos. And I'm glad you were allowed to have a group outing. It's interesting how some birds ignore humans taking photographs (and thus allow for fantastic snapshots of them), while others are skittish and fly off even if one isn't very close to them.

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  65. I'm delighted that your group is up and running again.

    That Great Blue Heron is gorgeous.

    Happy Tuesday, David.

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  66. Hello David,
    You are so fortunate in gettinmg out as a group an being able to enjoy each others company, something we are all missing.This at the moment is not possible in the Uk wit both cases and desths on the increase, in our area its really rampant with over double the cases than in the rest of te UK.
    But its good to see yiour group out and enjoying nature, some super images, the Blue Heron is areal beauty. Good luck to both you and the group, look forwardv to more outings.
    Bestv wishes to you both,
    John

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  67. A reply to your comment. David, I used some of my canned white potatoes the other day. I rinsed them, dried them off with a paper towel, seasoned them fried them in a bit of grapeseed oil, or any oil of your choice. I will do a post about caning potatoes. They are sooooo good.

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  68. Estoy feliz de ver tan lindas fotografías de aves y flores, no, con esas personas en contra de las vacunas. Abrazos.

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  69. Wonderful pictures of the birds, David. What a beautiful day of bird watching. I miss my bird watching walks which we start by 7am before the sun gets too hot and the birds hide in the trees. The wood duck plumage looks quite attractive, it must be a real traffic stopper when the full plumage appears. The back of the green heron looks like it has scales, all that colour on one bird is unfair! I have seen a similar warbler here (an iora?) but its wing markings of black and white are more distinct. Redstart looks like our red whiskered bubul with that majestic Mohican hair or is it feather style top.

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  70. Querido David me alegra ver que nuevamente podéis disfrutar de tan maravillosos paseos, las fotos son espectaculares, aves y plantas increíbles. Me encanta. Aquí estamos bastante avanzados con las vacunas y ya estamos vacunados con las dos pautas casi el 90% y las cosas van bastante mejor, esperemos seguir así. Un fuerte abrazo para ti y para Miriam.

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  71. A wonderful collection of images from this long anticipated walk. Hopefully your plans for PEI are going to be enacted soon.

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    1. We were on PEI last week, Helen. We are now in Nova Scotia.

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  72. It was nice to read and see that groups can get together for outside nature activities, David. That green heron was my favorite in this group, the least favorite were those protestors, really unfortunate display of ignorance just my opinion and maybe others as well.

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    1. Ignorance I can live with Beatrice. Hostility and abuse to other, not so much.

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  73. Hi David, Beautiful collection of nature and bird photos. I enjoyed "walk" with you although I participated from far distance :)

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  74. Parece que podemos ir haciendo más cosas, aunque hay que seguir con cuidado. Reunirse con amigos para pasar un buen día es lo mejor. Triste ver que hay bastante gente que sigue negándose a las vacunas. Gran reportaje amigo.
    Buen jueves David.
    Un abrazo.

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  75. Glad you are able to get together with your group again. Enjoyed all the photos especially the hummingbird one. Wow, what a great photo! Sorry though for the anti-vaxxer nonsense. I afree it does get old. Hope you are having a great weekend!

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  76. Hi David - gosh sounds like a wonderful outing ... so many delightful photos by you and your friends. Amazing organisations you've available in your area ... the tie up sounds interesting and useful to many ... thanks I loved the walk through with you ... while the Green Heron is gorgeous to look at. Thanks so much - Hilary

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  77. Your outing sounds interesting. I don't understand the warped attitudes toward the Cormorants -- really tragic. I find the protestors actions you describe quite appalling.

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  78. David,
    you have a fantastic group. I am delighted with wonderful birds and photos.
    Hugs and greetings.

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