Odds and Ends

      Winter has been a strange affair so far, with snow and relatively cold temperatures one day, followed by above freezing conditions day after day thereafter, with precipitation in the form of rain. The regular species  have been active at the feeders, including a very welcome Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus). 

     More often than not a male has graced us with his presence, so we were especially happy to see this female.

23 November 2021

Grande Allée - Ancient Woods, Cambridge, ON

     On a fine snowy day, a classic of a southern Ontario winter, we spent a couple of hours at this property owned by the rare Charitable Research Reserve.

     It was lovely, off in the distance, to hear and then to see a flock of Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis), a species that has made itself at home in Waterloo Region in recent years.

     No sooner had the Sandhill Cranes thrilled us than we were charmed by a couple of male Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis).

     We trudged along, happy to live in a northern climate. Grande Allée leads directly into an old forest formerly known as Indian Woods, now renamed Ancient Woods in deference to contemporary sensibilities.

     Bruce Spanworm (Operophtera bruceata) is a late-occurring moth, and for a few days each year, in the waning days of fall, it may be commonly seen - an enchanting sight as it alights on snow.

     Bauman Creek flows through Ancient Woods and how could we resist according pride of ownership to Miriam!

     Strange creatures inhabit those waters; what this might be is anyone's guess!

     Several moths darted and flitted as we made our way out of the woods. 

     "Until next year", they seemed to say.

30 November 2021

Grand Trunk Trail, Cambridge, ON

     It was back to rare for a walk along the Grand Trunk Trail. 

     The old slit barn looked like an impenetrable fortress on a winter's day.

     The trail was an inviting place to walk, but bird activity was relatively sparse.

 Perhaps the presence of a Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) had something to do with it.

     Bracket fungi always make for a pleasing sight.

09 December 2021

The Mill Race Trail, St. Jacobs, ON

     We met Heather and Lily for a walk along the Mill Race. It was snowy and delightful.

     The beavers have laid in an adequate stock of food to see them through the winter.

     Judging by the way Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) along the Mill Race immediately approach humans as soon as they appear, one would conclude that they are used to people bringing food. I will try to remember to take some cracked corn with me next time we take Lily to see them.

     Lily is filled with excitement every time they come close.

     Her hands were snug and warm inside the pouch that forms the end of her snowsuit, so we placed our hands close to her, with seed for the Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus).

     They were all around and Lily was keeping a keen eye on a couple in order to follow their path to my hand. 

     A Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) perched nearby too, but we could not attract it. I will have to remember to buy some peanuts in the shell, which they seem incapable of resisting, and they will swoop down to pluck a peanut from outstretched fingers.

     I can only imagine Lily's expression if and when that happens!

     She was thrilled to see a White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), a very handsome bird.

     Lily decided that she wanted to walk for a while, but equally quickly it seemed she wanted back in her stroller.

     I am sure that the chickadees were happy to see her.

     We spotted several Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) and were astounded to hear Lily say "Muskrat" perfectly. She is getting the hang of more and more words, but this was the clearest I have heard.

     How many children her age do you know who can say "Muskrat" and know what they are talking about? 

     She is our little naturalist in training!

     A White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) is a bird she has seen and heard many times.

     Lily chatted to us all the way back to the car, bundled up, and toasty and warm. 

     She knew what she was saying and we kept up a lively back and forth!

     As always, it's eventually time to say goodbye.

     See you again soon, Lily.