Outing for Waterloo Region Nature to Linear Trail and Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON

The latest in the series of outings conducted for Waterloo Region Nature saw us visit two local birding hotspots in Cambridge, ON

10 November 2021

Linear Trail, Cambridge, ON

Leader: David M. Gascoigne

Members: Miriam Bauman, Lynn Conway, Lisa DenBesten, Bob Fraser, Karl Malhotra, Curtiss MacDonald

Lynn, Miriam, Bob, Curtiss, Lisa, Karl

 

 

     A couple of last minute cancellations occurred - additions to those registrants seen above. The midweek sessions are run primarily for people who have retired, so the average age of the participants is higher, with increased chance of nagging medical issues precluding the walk.

     One of the first sights to greet us was this dazzling spider's web - nature's jewelry of the highest order.

     If I could weave like that I would be off to buy a loom!

     From the moment we entered the trail there seemed to be woodpeckers everywhere, principally Red-bellied Woodpeckers (Melanerpes carolinus), that most handsome of species.

     As might be expected Downy Woodpeckers (Dryobates pubescens) joined the party too.

     Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), a highly invasive species, seems to be making inroads into southern Ontario.

     Such is the way with invasive species, and once established it becomes almost impossible to eradicate them.

     Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) has gone from being a rarity in Ontario, to a fairly common species, and it is no longer a great surprise to find them in Waterloo Region. It was no less delightful, however, to discover two of them singing joyfully as we continued with our walk.

     Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is a hardy species and persists as long as open water remains.

     I doubt that this individual took time from looking for lunch to admire its reflection.

     The Speed River looked tranquil on a fine fall day.

     We were quite distressed to find a Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) dead at the side of the trail.

     It had none of the earmarks of a fight with a congener or another species and its pelage was glossy. It appeared to have been a healthy animal and it aroused our suspicions that it might have been poisoned. Bald Eagles (Pandion haliaeetus) are quite common here and any opportunistic bird feeding on the carcass would ingest the poison. The authorities  were notified and we were left hoping that the body would be removed quickly. 

     This mushroom, fruiting quite high on a deciduous tree is, I believe, Hypsizgus tessulatus.

      The confluence of the Grand and Speed Rivers looked appealing in the bright sun of mid morning, but hosted few birds.

     A Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) perched nearby was a model of delicacy.

     I have been trying of late to improve my tree identification skills, especially deciduous trees when the leaves have been shed, and one is left to deal with the bark.

     The rough ridges of an impressive Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) make it less of a challenge than some others.

10 November 2021

Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON

     Old or young, healthy or not, dedicated birder or casual observer, there is no joy quite like hand feeding a Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus).

     We wasted no time in joining the fun!

     House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is nowhere as common as it used to be, but at Riverside Park, secure in the knowledge that humans will bring food, there are substantial flocks.

     Don't think for a moment that Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) aren't quick to find chance a fine thing!

     It seems to me that November is late to be seeing Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata), but see them we did.

     High overhead skeins of migratory Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) were winging their way south, a sight that stirs me as much today as the first time I ever saw it. 

     I am always given to wondering how many hatch-year birds are undertaking their first migration, and how much they have to learn from the adults that have made the journey before. May they fly high, well outside the range of the battery of guns that await them at every stage of their odyssey.

     Tell me that you don't say "Aah" when you look at the next picture!

     If there were awards for rodent couture, Eastern Chipmunks (Tamias striatus) would win, hands down.

     Nature is always available at no cost, but if there were a charge it would be worth every penny to see White-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) up close.

     There are silly Americans who figure that White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) sings a chorus of "Old Tom Peabody", but we know that it sings "Sweet Canada, Canada, Canada", especially on a northern bog where it raises its young.

     A Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a handsome bird any way you approach it, male or female, take your pick.

     Even from the rear the lady looks good!

     As a fitting end to our outing several Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) cavorted and played for us, swam, dived, postured, captured fish. They know how to be the centre of attention. 

     And rightly so!

     As we all parted company after another ramble through the woods, along field and stream, through tangles, brambles, ferns and forbs, I was moved to think that it is indeed a fine thing to be blessed with such companions. I love them all.

13 November 2021

Linear Trail Cambridge

Leader: David M. Gascoigne

Members: Miriam Bauman, Raffaele Camasta, Victoria Ho, Lisa Horn, Sandye Moores, Jen Okum, Janet Ozaruk, Tracey Rainer, Selwyn Tomkun, Mary Ann Vanden Elzen

Very special guest: Barbara Geernaert

Barbara, Sandye, Jen, Tracey, David, Lisa, Raffaele, Victoria, Selwyn (front row)

Queens of the castle at the rear: Mary Ann, Janet     

     We were joined on today's outing by Barbara Geernaert of Cambridge Today, an online news organization. We were delighted that Barbara wished to write an article on Waterloo Region Nature (simply the best nature club in the universe) and we were happy to to provide her with more than a little inspiration! 

     I would be remiss if I did not add that Barbara was scintillating company and added greatly to our enjoyment of the day.

     The Linear Trail was quiet and still, in total contrast to just a few days earlier when it had been hopping.

     Such are the vagaries of birding!

     The lack of birds provided an opportunity to expound a little on breeding biology, nomenclature and other such esoteric topics, and enjoy each other's company on a sunny, crisp morning.

     A Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) simply went about its business.

     A dense stand of Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) revealed the subtle beauty at our feet.

     But this was a birding expedition after all, so we decided to head back to our vehicles and move over to Riverside Park where action is guaranteed!

     We picked up their distinctive sound and a couple of Belted Kingfishers (Megaceryle alcyon) clattered by us.

     Perhaps they came to apologize for the absence of feathered creatures, but I suspect they really wished to say hello to Barbara.

13 November 2021

Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON

     Selwyn made the astute observation when our feet had barely touched the ground, and birds flitted, zipped, dived, perched, walked, hopped and fed, that we had already seen more birds than during all the time spent along the Linear Trail.

     A male and a female Northern Cardinal were mere metres away in a tree.

     

     I don't think I can count as high as the number of White-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) I have seen in my life, but their delicate beauty never fails to register the impression that I am confronted with one of nature's marvels.

     If one had received a dollar per chickadee seen today, a fine dinner would be in the offing.

     Indeed, to know that these confiding little creatures will alight on your hand, is one of the reasons that a visit to Riverside Park is always special. 

    For Barbara this was her first time to experience this particular brand of otherworldly pleasure. Do you think she is enjoying the moment?

     Sandye was a great cheerleader for her.

     Tracey is a pure child of the earth, a woman for whom all of nature is a continuing source of joy, an ongoing marvel. Judge her reaction to communing with a chickadee.

     Janet, our laconic President, she of the bons mots and droll humour, has done it all before, but she is paying serious attention to that bird on her hand.

     We are a bit of a motley group, don't you think?

     I'm not sure we would readily be granted admission to the marquis tent at a hoity-toity garden party!

     We'd rather be surrounded by snags anyway.

     And keep company with Downy Woodpeckers (Dryobates pubescens).

     If you can throw a Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) into the mix, so much the better.

     We ambled along the river, where a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) patiently waited for a snack to pass within striking range.

     As if on cue, a huge number of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) surged up from a nearby playing field and flew right over our heads.

     It was wise not to look up, and especially not to open one's mouth.

     Our quest along the river was to find Hooded Mergansers, surely among the most appealing ducks in all the world. We were not disappointed.

Hooded Merganser (♂)

Hooded Merganser (♀)

      Several Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis), those darling birds of winter, kept us company on our way back to the parking area.

     Janet was occupied for a while providing Barbara with information for her article, and you see that she (Janet) takes it seriously. Her face is a study in concentration, no doubt esoteric thoughts rattling around in her head.

 

      Now take a look at those funky shoes. That's the kind of president I want to have!

     We spent a very enjoyable morning together and I am very grateful to all the fine naturalists - observant, curious, anxious to learn and supporting each other - who come out on my walks. It adds greatly to my life to be associated with them.

     Miriam is always there with her camera to help me record the event for posterity, and along the way shares her knowledge, finesse and enthusiasm with everyone.

     Most of all, on this outing, I am deeply appreciative of Barbara's involvement in helping to spread the message that we need to take care of the Earth, despite the diluted commitment at COP26. 

     I know that I speak on behalf of everyone when I say that I hope she will join us again - if for no other reason that to renew her acquaintance with a chickadee.

     You don't need more motivation than that!