Book Review - Remnants of Ancient Life - Princeton University Press

      There is perhaps in all of us a subliminal desire to be a paleontologist, or a member of an affiliated discipline, whose daily challenge is to uncover hitherto unknown secrets from the past. Now paleobiologists, armed with an arsenal of ever more sophisticated equipment, and computer algorithms that organize and interpret reams of complicated evidence in mere minutes, experience excitement and anticipation at a level higher than ever before. At times it seems that discovery and new evidence arrives almost faster than it can be processed, and novel inter-disciplinary science with focused specialization proliferates. 

      It was once an accepted article of faith that fossils were composed of rocks and minerals, with not even a hint of molecular evidence. Clearly, this definition is inadequate in 2022, and in a touch of whimsy the author states, "I prefer the definition provided by Britannica Kids: 'Fossils are the remnants or traces of plants and animals that lived long ago." The discovery of biomolecues in deep time illustrates the need for a more inclusive definition of what constitues a fossil.

     Greenwalt has shown himself to be one of an increasing cadre of scientists who espouse the value of communicating complex science to the general public and has mastered that rare skill of making a scientific text easily readable, without losing any of its integrity. 

     As might be imagined, fast-moving science of this nature accentuates the historical rivalries between scientists, academics and their institutions, and internecine quarrels can become vicious, and at times even hinder progress. Reputations are made, at times broken and easily besmirched. Greenwalt does not shy away from this sordid by-product of cutting edge research.

     In addition to the eternal quest for the past and answers to the questions about our own origins, biomolecular research has important implications for progress in climate regulation, medical innovation and a host of other aspects of modern life - "..... the potential for ancient biomolecules to inform us about the phylogeny, physiology, pigmentation, and behaviour of deep time organisms has been a primary and eye-opening theme." Even Martian rovers are hunting for biomolecules in the surface soil, in an attempt to reveal clues as to the presence of life, past or extant, on the Red Planet.

     The book provides a fascinating journey through the very latest in research into the origins of life on Earth, and the ways in which ancient organisms coped with climate fluctuation, catastrophic weather events and other disasters that befell them - all relevant to the warming planet that we occupy today. No one should be intimidated by this highly readable work, and you will advance your knowledge exponentially.

     What better way to start a New Year?

Remnants of Ancient Life - Princeton University Press

Dale E. Greenwalt

Hardcover - US$27.95 - ISBN 9780691221144

288 pages - 5.5 x 8.125 inches (13.75 x 21.25 cm) - 28 black-and-white illustrations - 1 table

Publication date: 17 January 2023

Birds in Winter

      Winter has shown the worst of itself over the past week, so there is not much to report from any one location.This post is a collection of unrelated sightings from a couple of outings, and activities in the backyard where the feeders are well stocked, no matter how deep the drifts or how fierce the wind.

20 December, 2022

Hillside Park, Waterloo, ON

     We enjoyed a pleasant walk with Judy, but photographic opportunities were not great, due at least in part to the wind adding considerably to the frigid conditions and Miriam was reluctant to expose her fingers.

     A Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) is a tiny little bird, weighing from 4 - 7.8 grams, (barely more than a quarter of an ounce at best), yet it survives our winters here - a remarkable feat. For a comprehensive account of its survival strategies see Bernd Heinrich's excellent book Winter World.

     Our only decent shot is a dorsal view unfortunately, but it does show you the crown from which the bird gets its name.

     These birds are not easy to photograph under any conditions; they are constantly in motion and usually partly hidden behind leaves.

     American Crow (Corvus brachyrynchos) has little difficulty dealing with winter conditions and exploits every opportunity for food and shelter.

     They come into the city at night to exploit its island heat effect and it is a great spectacle to see them streaming in by the hundreds. By the time they have all settled in for the night it is estimated that around 10,000 birds are nestled in the trees.

21 December, 2002

A Drive Through the Hinterland

     We set off to see whether we could find our first Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) of the winter, but failed to do so. In fact, we saw few signs of life at all in the cold and snowy landscape that is southern Ontario.

     A Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) was conveniently perched on a building not far from the road, and showed no intention of moving.

     It had perhaps recently eaten and was was digesting its meal.

     The wildlife may have been absent but the sparkling magic of the winter landscape was there to bring us joy.

23 December, 2022

At Home, Waterloo, ON

     The wind was fierce and we stayed inside where we were snug and warm. There was no such luxury for a Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus), buffeted by the winds, but feeding determinedly on the suet feeder, at times swinging to and fro but tenaciously holding on.

     Who cannot but admire the perseverance and fortitude of birds in winter? 

     Again, let me give a shout out to Bernd Heinrich - "Heinrich is a scientist and naturalist of the first rank, champion ultramarathoner, woodsman of skills, seldom seen in modern times...and a nature writer of uncommon talent," (E.O. Wilson).If you have not read Ravens in Winter you owe it to yourself to do so. 

24 November, 2022

At Home, Waterloo, ON

     In a behaviour for which I have no ready explanation, a White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) - and possibly two - has been showing an inordinate amount of attention to one of the nest boxes in the backyard. It enters at will, sometimes stays in for a while, exits, and frequently re-enters. We obviously don't watch it all day long, but even based on our observations, there seems to be no discernible pattern to the activity. 

     Perhaps the bird is simply seeking shelter from the wind. This nest box, by the way, was used by Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) during the last breeding season, and they successfully fledged four young from it.

     You will forgive that our pictures are not as clear as we might like, but they are taken through a window often coated with patches of snow.

     Here is an extreme case.

     And here is what it looks like when the visibility is a little better.

     More normal behaviour for a nuthatch is to stash seeds for later retrieval, a hedge against hard times when food is concealed beneath snow and ice.

     Perhaps it says, "Thank goodness for bird feeders and kind humans."

     I suspect it does!

     Every day a dozen or more Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) spend much of their time in our backyard. They are generally the first birds to arrive as the darkness yields to the first glimmer of daybreak.

     I strew cracked corn for the Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) but the juncos seem to relish this too.

     Numerically, American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is  the most abundant species.

     Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is also a daily guest; today when topping up the feeders three individuals were present.

     You too can enjoy birds in your backyard, and by simple observation learn a great deal about their lifestyle and adaptations to survival in a Canadian winter.

     Other species visit too, but we were unsuccessful in getting pictures. Perhaps we'll have those for next time.

Merry Christmas

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Happy Hanukkah

 

Happy Hanukkah

Chag urim sameach

     It was especially wonderful to see the giant menorah erected in Kiev; it moved me to tears.

     You may temporarily have the upper hand Mr. Putin, but you will not succeed in repressing freedom and democracy. We will prevail.

Happy Hanukkah to all.

Another Day along the Lake Ontario Shore

14 December, 2022

     We have a birding trip to Cuba planned for February for a group of eight including Miriam and me, and we thought it would be great to spend a day together enjoying the winter residents of the inshore waters of Lake Ontario and the adjacent terrestrial habitat. 

     Tina lives too far away to take part in a day trip and Selwyn and Victoria were otherwise occupied, but Miriam and I were joined by Lisa, Jim and Barb, and we spent a very enjoyable and productive day along the lake.

     Even before leaving home the sky put on a show to bid us welcome to the day.

Humber Bay Park West, Toronto, ON

     A Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) was busy getting breakfast.

     Buffleheads (Bucephala clangula) were pleasingly common and often at close quarters.

Photo courtesy of Jim Bowman

     The thermometer registered minus 6.5 degrees and the benches and picnic tables were unoccupied.

     Two Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) were incredibly cooperative and this one perched no more than a metre from my head.

     A couple of police cars were present, blocking a car and apparently waiting for the driver to return. It's hard to believe, I know, but they showed not one bit of interest in these birds. Catching criminals was on their mind I suppose. Birding is much more fun.

     Ample berries provided the mockingbirds with their early morning sustenance.

     It was such a memorable encounter with a bird that is still far from common here. I would imagine it was the highlight of the day for everyone.

     I am sure that had Victoria been with us she would have danced a Bollywood routine in a frisson of delight, and Selwyn would have been working on the scientific name.

     White-winged Scoter (Melanitta deglandi) is usually seen far out from shore, so this lone male no more than twenty metres away was a special delight for all of us.

Photo courtesy of Jim Bowman

Humber Bay Park East, Toronto, ON

     The parking enforcement officials at this location are like zealous worker bees in enforcing fines, so we all made sure to pay for parking and display the receipt on our dashboards.

     Now to the important stuff - birding!

     A Porter Airways plane flew overhead, no doubt to remind us that for all our technical wizardry, we have still not been able to emulate the skill and manoeuvrability of a bird.

     Buffleheads were once again common and the following picture gives a good idea of just how small this diving duck is, with a Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) behind to show the contrast.

     All around us were Rock Doves (Columba livia).....

     ..... and House Sparrows (Passer domesticus).....

     These are two species that we have deliberately introduced into North America, yet now routinely disdain.  I find them charming, however, and I suspect that most of the population does too. It is only people "in the know" about birds that resent House Sparrows evicting native species from nesting sites, and probably think the only good thing about Rock Doves (aka pigeons) is that they provide food for urban Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus).

     But how many times have you seen people dining outdoors tossing crumbs to the perky little sparrows under their table, and relishing this brief inter-species intimacy. They are enjoying the sparrows. Before it was decided that pigeons and public monuments in Trafalgar Square in London didn't go together, an adoring public flocked there to feed the birds, and many a photo album is filled with pictures of children bedecked with pigeons on their heads and outstretched arms.

    So, embrace them, I say. I know I do.

    Everybody loves a Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus).

Photo courtesy of Jim Bowman

     A group of waterfowl gathered together, each species feeding in its own fashion, is the source of great contentment for a bird lover.

     All seems well with the world to see such an aggregation.

     Compare the size of a female Bufflehead with a Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) - such a difference!

     Don't ever undervalue the subtle beauty of a female Mallard. Not for her the gaudy green sheen on the head, nor a perky curled-up tail, but she is outfitted with elegance aplenty.

      Several Common Mergansers (Mergus merganser) were present. Here is a parade of males.

     The sightings of Redhead (Aythya americana) are still spotty, but more will arrive soon.

     A Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) declined to show the bill from which it derives its name.

     Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) were quite common. 

     This is a species that despite a long association with people does not seem to have abandoned its wariness. 

     Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) needs no further comment from me. 

     If only I were an artist!

     Downtown Toronto loomed large in the background. Many people there work underground in a labyrinth of shops and businesses, like ants in a formicarium. Oh horror!

     Like Redheads, Common Goldeneyes (Bucephala albeola) have not yet arrived in their usual numbers, but Jim managed this fine picture of a male.

Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Toronto, ON

     I haven't been able to find out much about Colonel Samuel Smith, other than that these lands were part of his property in the 1800s. I'd vote for a name change to reflect its importance as a natural site and an important spring stopover site for Hudsonian Whimbrels (Numenius hudsonicus). Harry Lumsden Park has a nice ring to it, or Murray Speirs Nature Reserve perhaps. I suspect this is not going to happen!

     American Robins (Turdus migratorius) and Common Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were flocking together and were drawn to to Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina), feeding on its fruit.

     American Wigeon (Mareca americana) is a lovely little duck and we were enchanted by its presence.

     A Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) bobbed up and down on the water.

     It is not often that a Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) gives you a good look, and today's bird followed the rules to a tee!

     Gadwalls (Mareca strepera) were congregated exactly where we expected them to be.

     It was picturesque indeed to see them massing at the shore with wigeons. Such a beautiful sight!

Lakefront Promenade, Mississauga, ON

     The harbour was deserted at the this time of the year, as boats have been hauled out of the water.

     There was not much of a breeze and the flag was flapping limpidly.

     We didn't see many birds at this location, so I will not break the areas down into their different pods.

     A Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) was pecking away at what seemed to be pita bread, although how it found its way into the tree is unknown.

     A Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) was foraging in a more conventional fashion.

     This American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) appeared to be stepping out on the town.

     And a Ring-billed Gull surveyed the world from its favourite perch.

Lakeshore Boulevard, Oakville, ON

     This Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) had become a casualty of the carnage inflicted on wildlife by vehicular traffic. Distressing to see.

LaSalle Park and Marina, Burlington, ON

     This, our final stop of the day, was as agreeable as it always is.

     A Bufflehead showed its colours, only seen in the right light.

     At least a dozen American Coots (Fulica americana) plied the water, diving frequently to secure food.

Picture courtesy of Jim Bowman

     Mallards were both common and appealing.

     LaSalle Park is the best place I know to find American Black Duck (Anas rubipres).

     There were many Canvasbacks (Aythya valsineria) present, mostly far out, but a few close enough for a decent picture.

     I am sure there was no less than a hundred Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) at the park and it makes me happy to see how successful their recovery has been.

     The pure white domestic Mallard we saw last week is still present, charming people with its beauty.

     Back on shore it was time for a stretch.

Photo courtesy of Jim Bowman

     Several Red-breasted Mergansers (Mergus serrator) were observed.

Red-breasted Merganser ♀

Red-breasted Merganser ♂

     Common Goldeneye was a little more common than at earlier locations but still in nowhere near the numbers that might be expected as the winter advances.

Common Goldeneye ♂

Common Goldeneye ♀

     Wherever we walked Black-capped Chickadees followed us, often little groups of a half dozen or more, accustomed to people bringing food. Alas, we had none with us.

     White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) often travels with chickadees; uncharacteristically this individual was on the ground.

     The light was fading and Jim, Barb and Lisa had already left and we made our way back to the car.

     A Canada Goose swam towards us as if to declare, "See you again soon."

     It was a fitting end to a splendid day.