An outing to the Linear Trail and Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON

      As I continue to be afforded the great pleasure of leading outings for Waterloo Region Nature, I am offering two options for local destinations, a mid-week choice for those who are retired or are otherwise able to attend on a work day, and at the weekend for those poor souls who still toil for a living. The number of participants, and the range of skill levels, make it a great pleasure to take part in these activities. I can do no better than to quote the words of Betty Brechun in response to the first leg of these latest forays, "It's so nice to pick up identification pointers and learn some interesting bird facts on the outings you lead. And pleasant company all around...." I think Betty said it all!

02 March 2022

The Linear Trail, Cambridge, ON

Leader: David M. Gascoigne

Members: Christine Alexander, Miriam Bauman, Shirely Bauman, Betty Brechun, Pauline Copleston, Lisa Den Besten, Angie Koch, Curtiss MacDonald, Geoff Moore, Alan Morgan, Anne Morgan, Pauline Richards, Kathy Waybrant (13)

Anne, Alan, David, Kathy, Angie, Curtiss, Pauline C., Christine, Betty, Geoff, Pauline R., Shirley

     Lisa was a little late arriving and I didn't think to ask Miriam to take another group picture, so she will not be recorded for posterity! Not in the group picture anyway.

     The footing was a little precarious on the trail, which has been subjected to a constant freeze/thaw cycle in recent days, and was little more than a sheet of ice. Skates might have been a better choice of footwear. A couple of eminently sensible people had cleats attached to their boots and marched along with confidence; the rest of us slithered, teetered and balanced as best we could!

     It was not long before we saw a female Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) and as befits the esoteric make-up of this group, a discussion ensued as to the etymology of the name. The specific epithet gave us no trouble, but as for the genus, Anne pointed out that "Melan" hints at black. In order not to jeopardize my reputation as a stickler for scientific precision (do I hear Lisa muttering "fanatic" under her breath?), I embarked on a search for the answer!

     In Woodpeckers of the World, Gerard Gorman  (2014) it is stated: "Melanerpes includes some of the most colourful, conspicuous and vocal woodpeckers on the planet." No doubt you would agree that this hardly smacks of black. But we would be wrong and the laurel wreath will adorn Anne's head. Melanerpes combines the ancient Greek melas meaning "black" with herpes meaning "creeper."

     This female was paying close attention to a hole, and I am not sure whether her behaviour has anything to do with the rapidly approaching breeding season or not.

     At the same time as we saw the woodpecker, a Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) was plying its trade, encircling branches and trunks prying for insects and other juicy morsels. We were never able to get a picture, however.

     Kathy, ever vigilant with her camera, and adept at using it, caught a Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) juggling a peanut.

     There was an abundance of open water, as milder temperatures have started to become more frequent of late.....

 .    .....and Alan took the opportunity to prove to all and sundry that our familiar Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) is as dashing as any duck in the world.

     How about this amazing shot that Kathy took of a "two-headed" goose?

     Our group was peering and probing, looking for all that nature has to offer.

     Pauline, sporting a brand new pair of binoculars that have effectively given her a new set of eyes, was delighted to point birds out to us.

     We heard, and then saw, our first Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) of the spring, a joyful sight and sound if ever there was one. Naturally the bird was perched far away and I am using the following image only to authenticate its presence.

     Here is a picture from the archives taken at approximately the same location a little later in the season a couple of years ago.

     Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) will soon be seeking a suitable cavity in a tree to start a family.

     There was an abundance of Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) with the males in such a frenzy to impress a female one thought they might break their necks as they tossed them back with such vigour.

     The first two shots below are Alan's and the last two are Miriam's.

     As befits the season, American Red Squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) were gambolling too, and Alan captured a wonderful image of an individual taking stock of his surroundings.

     The path only got icier as we moved farther along and it is a testament to our balance and navigational proficiency that we did not return with a couple of broken bones!

     In fact no one even left their feet. Ah, the risks we take to enjoy the wonder of birds.

     This immature Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) looked headless perched in a willow tree.

     It did us the great favour, however, of taking flight and soaring effortlessly above our heads, a spectacle so magnificent as to take your breath away.

     I think that humans are hard-wired to be enchanted by deer, so we were especially delighted to see this White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) at the water's edge.

     There was a time when the sighting of an American Robin (Turdus migratoriius) in March was an acknowledged sign that spring had arrived. Given that many of them now remain with us throughout the winter, it is impossible to know whether this individual was a migrant or a resident bird.

     Either way, it was a welcome companion on our walk.

     Just before making our way back to our vehicles, a female Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) put in an appearance and obligingly cruised along the river beside us.

Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON

     A few people decided to call it a day after the trek along the icy Linear Trail, but most of us formed a cavalcade and moved over to nearby Riverside Park.

     We met a woman who showed us a picture she had taken of a Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) shortly before we arrived, and perhaps that accounted for the fact that birds were not nearly as abundant as they usually are at Riverside Park.

     American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) ever delicate and delightful, did not disappoint us, however.

      Perhaps the immediate threat from the Sharp-shin had passed for Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) appeared not be especially wary.

     As was the case at the Linear Trail the Speed River was largely free of ice and a female Hooded Merganser seemed to enjoy being swept along on the current, until finding a sheltered cove with smooth water where it dove for fish.

     A male Common Goldeneye was not too far away, with a male Hooded Merganser behind him

     An American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) was having its share of success in capturing fish that came too close to the surface of the water.

     As far as I recall we saw our only male Common Merganser at this location.

     Perhaps not having great success with the ladies, a couple of bachelor male goldeneyes were keeping each other company.

     As we threaded our way back along the boardwalk we spotted our first Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) of the season, conveniently perched for us.

     A closer inspection revealed a Red-winged Blackbird located below it.

     Take heart; spring is here!

05 March 2022

Linear Trail, Cambridge, ON

Leader: David M. Gascoigne

Members: Miriam Bauman, Ross Getsinger, Lucas Lieu, Jennifer MacAuley, Bev McBride, Bill Mitchell, Clare Mitchell, Shelley Watters (8)

Guests: Annie Li, James Burns, Kathy Burns (3)

Shelley, Bev, Kathy, James, David, Jennifer, Ross, Clare, Bill, Annie, Lucas

     It appears that ambitious House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) have taken up residence in the dryer vent of a house adjacent to the parking area.

     The cover is missing and the owners of the house might want to rectify that before they become hosts to non-paying tenants with children!

     The expected range of species was seen along the first part of the trail, with little different from Wednesday's excursion. 

     I really like this image of a White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) going upwards on a trunk rather than in the downward pose we are more accustomed to seeing.

    The trail had received a light coating of fresh snow to coat the ice and make the footing much more secure. Bill and Clare had excellent cleats on their boots and I am resolved to invest in them for Miriam and me before next winter.

     We saw our first Common Goldeneyes soon after having the Speed River in view, and everyone was keen to get a better look.

     You are never sure whether there will be more farther along the river.

     There were scores of Mallards, all seemingly paired off, and a couple of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) thought them fine company on a mild, late winter's day.

     Mourning Doves, emblematic of peace, caused at least some of us to reflect on the heartbreaking carnage being inflicted on Ukraine and its people by a Russian madman.

     Common Goldeneye males, driven by hormonal frenzy, tossed their heads back repeatedly, gripped by the ecstasy of uncontrollable ardour.

     Two female Hooded Mergansers were perhaps happy to avoid the attentions of persistent males.

     An American Mink (Mustela vison) provided great entertainment for us as it skirted the edge of the ice, at one point rolling around in the snow like an exuberant child on a snow day from school.

Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON

     James and Kathy decided not to accompany us to Riverside Park, but everyone else made the short trip, and in mere minutes Jennifer was delighting in a Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) feeding from her hand.

     I can say with certainty that you can do this a thousand times and the thrill is as intense as the first time you ever had the pleasure.

     Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) sent out a welcoming committee.

      It didn't take long for Bev to get focussed.

     The boardwalk was characterized by the usual cast of characters, but it was noteworthy that even since Wednesday a general arrival of Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles had occurred, and trees were bedecked with them.

     On the Speed River a male Hooded Merganser had succeeded in securing a mid-morning snack.

     A fellow was walking along the boardwalk leaving a trail of birdseed on the rail for its entire length.  

     Lots for everyone!

     Blue Jays are considered by some to be pushy and aggressive (unwarranted anthropomorphic terms I might add), but this individual was a model of good manners.

     Common Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds and House Sparrows shared in the feast with never a squabble among them. A surfeit of food will do that every time.

     You don't need me to tell you that a Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a handsome bird.

     Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) have also returned from their winter quarters and joined in the feast.

     Here are a male and female cardinal in all their splendour.

     "There is strength in numbers," say the House Sparrows.

     American Red Squirrel is a feisty, bad-tempered little creature that rarely backs down from a challenge.

     A Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) approached very closely.....

          .....and then came to join at touching distance, touching in both senses of the word.

     Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) are not nearly so numerous as they were even a week ago, but all have not yet moved out.

     A Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza gerogiana) was frustratingly difficult to follow and we could only manage this dorsal shot.

     Lucas Liu has become a fine young birder, and it was he who first located this bird.

     American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) was much easier to see.

     I have no doubt this red squirrel, feeding at the end of the rail, came to bid us goodbye in no uncertain terms; I am sure I heard the squirrel equivalent of "Good riddance."

     Thanks to everyone who came to enjoy these outings with me, especially to those for whom it was a first bird walk with WRN. I am delighted to know you all. And thanks to Miriam who deals with my obsession every day, and has camera in hand to record it. It wouldn't be the same without her.

     Finally, please take a moment to spare a thought for the beleaguered people of Ukraine, who no longer have the option of a morning spent birding. Their emigration is forced, their homes are being destroyed by a dictatorial, fascist lunatic, their entire civilization is in jeopardy of being eradicated, and the sorrow of the world lies heavy on us all.