Another Pot-pourri

24 June, 2022

RIM Park, Waterloo, ON

     Heather and Lily were able to join us today and it was great to see them again.

     We always make a point to glance over to the large parking lot next to the building complex, where for several years a couple of pairs of Western Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) have occupied nests and raised young.

     There are chicks in the nest and once in a while a head would pop up, but we were never quite quick enough with the camera to catch it.

     A Serviceberry (Genus Amelanchier) was loaded with berries and Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) were happy to take advantage of this bounty.

     Some early nesters will soon be seeking such fruiting plants to feed hungry mouths back at the nest.

     Lily could never quite figure out whether she wanted to stay in her stroller or get out and walk.

     Of course, if some willing adult was willing to carry her for a while that only added to her pleasure.

     An Essex Skipper (Thymelicus lineola) would be wise to stay well concealed from birds and other predators looking to make a meal of it.

     Heather has been conducting bird surveys as part of her job recently, so her always keen recognition of bird song was finely tuned, and she alerted us to an Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) in the vicinity. It did not take us too long to find it.

     A Red-spotted Admiral (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) landed with wings spread as they often do - an unusually cooperative butterfly!

     A Monarch (Danaus plexippus) was a little more circumspect.

     The trail through the park, known as the Walter Bean Grand River Trail, is shared with golf carts, rollers bladers, cyclists and others, so we were very happy to see that signs have been installed urging people to take care.

     Let's hope that everyone pays heed.

     Yellow-collared Scape Moth (Cisseps fulvicollis), a diurnal species, was seen quite frequently.

     Lily's dog (well Heather's, really), Clementine, is a perfect companion, affectionate and obedient, and a huge fan of water.

     White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virgianus) are probably not happy to see dogs at any time.

      Here's a final shot of Lily in her jaunty pose!

     She gets ten out of ten on the adorability scale.

28 June, 2002

RIM Park, Waterloo, ON

     Our regular Tuesday group decided that a visit to RIM Park was on the agenda, so for the second time in four days we birded in this familiar location.

     Before even getting out of the car, Miriam heard an Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) and it was barely minutes later that we spotted the bird high atop a conifer.

      This is a species whose grassland habitat has been under serious threat for decades and its population has declined dramatically, so it is always a great pleasure to see it.

     A Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) is equally welcome.

     An Indigo Bunting was located in the same area where we had seen it earlier with Heather and Lily.

     Still present in late June, Eastern Wood Pewee (Contopus virens) is doubtless breeding locally.

     There are many nesting cavities in snags that remain standing and this hole has been occupied by Northern Flickers (Colaptes auratus).

     It seemed that Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) was vocalizing all along the route, but was frustratingly difficult to see. Finally one moved to a clear perch and we were able to take a picture.

      Butterflies, like this Eyed Brown (Lethe eurydice), utter no song to announce their presence, and hope to avoid the attention of birds with young demanding food.

     The same may be said of Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis).

     Who can fail to be charmed by a Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris)?

     This male Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) was evidently ferrying food to the nest.

     The Grand River looked exceptionally languid and appealing on a classic summer's day.

     It was Mary's keen eyes that picked up a Green Heron (Butorides virens) feeding in shallow water on the opposite shore.

     A solitary American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) seem content to float on the gentle current, intermittently snapping its bill on a passing dragonfly or other large insect.

     The heat was building and we were making our way back to our vehicles when Carol spotted a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilocus colubris), defending its territory against all intruders, big or small.

     Whenever I see this tiny bird I am reminded of the astounding migration that it undertakes to and from Central America - a remarkable journey.

     An Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata) on the other hand, rarely strays more than a short distance from where it was born, living its short life without touring the world.

     Nature is wonderful isn't it? If only we could learn to cherish and protect it........