Friday, August 19, 2022

A Fine August Day on the Mill Race Trail

 What is ever more important to us is our closer awareness and our richer understanding of nature, of the flight of birds, the changes in the sky, the pattern of the stars. These wonders, contemplated from day to day, will bring us the peace from which we have been too long estranged.
Calvin Rutstrum

16 August, 2022
The Mill Race Trail, St. Jacobs

     One of the great satisfactions about going for a walk along the Mill Race is that we know, even before leaving home, we will have a wonderful excursion and return in a state of tranquility. 
     Today was a classic Mill Race experience with interesting and exciting aspects of nature at every turn.
     What could be better than a friendly, inquisitive Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) to welcome us to its world?


     Anywhere that branches overhung the water to provide shade there were hundreds of Common Water Striders (Aquarius remigis) zipping across the surface.


     It's not the season where we customarily take seed with us to feed Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) - and we had none today. The birds, however, seem to have developed an affinity with humans and in a couple of spots we were surrounded by chickadees displaying no hesitation to perch on my hand.


     There are critics and naysayers who might assert that we have encouraged an unhealthy tendency for birds to associate humans with food, but I cherish this intimate contact with a wild creature, and see only benefit for both species. If we can encourage children to become involved with nature through this connection to a friendly bird it is all to the good.
     The nomenclature Common Flesh Flies (Genus Sarcophaga) always seems a little macabre to me, but I have no idea why I feel that way since most humans are devoted consumers of flesh.


     Green Stink Bug (Chinavia hilaris) is such a handsome insect it seems a shame it doesn't have a more distinguished name!


     Hover Flies are not always easy to identify as to species, but I believe this individual is Thick-legged Hover Fly (Syritta pipiens). Indeed part of the satisfaction of taking the picture is to return home and invest the time necessary to identifying the species, along the way learning a great deal I might add.


     Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) is perhaps at the peak of its flight; I doubt that at any point there were less than two or three in view.


     I know very little about fishes, and the best I can offer for these little beauties is that they are True Minnows (Leuciscidae).


     There is a robust population of American Beavers (Castor canadensis) along the Mill Race and they have obviously been busy.


     We continued to be fascinated by Water Striders, whose legs are covered in tiny hairs that trap air and increase the buoyancy of the insect. At the point where their legs make contact with the water it appears as if tiny glow lights are present.


     Miriam and I were standing looking at something that had caught our attention when this chickadee perched no more than 15 cm from my face and stayed there for several minutes, at times looking as though it was winking at me. 


     Moments like this are hard to beat.
     Dryad's Saddle (Cerioporus squamosus) is one of the most common fungi in the forest.


     The Mill Race Trail provides an abundance of suitable cavities for breeding Great Crested Flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus) and it is a reliable location to see this handsome species.
     A family was feeding on the ground (uncharacteristically) and we were elated to see evidence of breeding success.



     Unfortunately the birds were in deep shade and the pictures are not what we might have hoped for.
     Even when the birds dispersed into the trees they stubbornly resisted giving us a good line of sight for a picture.


     A fellow had made the eminently sensible decision to take his book down to the river to read, and his dog peered wistfully over the bench.


     I suspect that it longed to go and chase some chipmunks.


     Seen below is a Honeysuckle Moth (Ypsolopha dentella). If I have seen this species before, I don't recall it.


     A type of Giant Mayfly (Hexagenia) landed on my trousers, prompting us to remember how long it is since we have seen a mayfly of any description.


     I recently read a report on the status of mayflies in Britain where it was found that even modest pollution in English rivers is enough to kill 80% of their eggs, increasing concerns over insects which are vital to all ecosystems. They are a key part of the food chain, supporting fish, birds and mammals.


     I have little doubt that this scenario is replicated here.
     We were happy to see a couple of Two-banded Petrophila (Petrophila bifascialis), a lovely moth.


     While many people have an irrational fear of wasps it is probably best not to irritate a Dark Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus), or you may come to regret it!


     Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) are content to go about their business.



     Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) no less so.


     This is an example of the degree of damage that can be inflicted on a leaf by insect larvae.


     The Honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) is well-represented along the Mill Race.


     It appears that children have been motivated to  install bird houses along the trail. This one is too small to be of use as a nest box, but someone has put seed inside (it looks to be shelled sunflower) and chickadees have been quick to exploit it.


     Stream Bluets (Enallagma exsulans) patrolled up and down the water as befits their name.


     Carolina Grasshoppers (Dissosteira carolina) vaulted from beneath our feet.


     A couple of youngsters from a nearby farm had been fishing and one of them had caught an impressive Northern Pike (Exos lucius).


     We were delighted to see him return it to the water.
     Oscar Martin was a renowned presence on the trail for many years, always with a friendly greeting to everyone who crossed his path. When he passed away a bench was installed in his memory. Unfortunately, in the way of humans, it was tarnished and desecrated, and the plaque obliterated. A new bench has replaced the old one and we can only hope that a little more civility and respect will be shown this time.



     Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is a favoured food source of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilocus colubris) at this time of year as they enter hyperphagia and accumulate fat reserves for their long and arduous migration to southern Mexico and Central America.


     A Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) pursued a zig-zag path through the woodland, obstinately refusing to face us for a picture.


     The insect below is a parasitic wasp in the genus Cratichneumon. I doubt that I will be able to refine the ID beyond that.


     We were almost back to the parking area before we saw our first woodpecker, when a male Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) posed coyly behind a branch.


     Three Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) demonstrated to all the world that they are truly handsome birds.



     A Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) coming in to drink, joined them at the water's edge.


     What a fine morning we had!
     I recently re-read William Fiennes' poignant and moving book, The Snow Geese, an account of despair and hope, of nostalgia and home, of homecoming and a sense of place - no less for fragile humans than for geese.


     It is delicately written with style, skill and descriptive flair. I recommend it to anyone who has not read it - and even if you have.
     I was struck by a conversation Fiennes had with an 82-year old man on the northern plains, a plain-spoken, ordinary fellow, without advanced degrees and mostly lacking in sophistication, who made a pellucid statement that really says it all, "I try to share my love of the beauties of wildlife, how wildlife is part of us, because they demand the same things we do, and if they can't make it, we sure as hell can't either."
     If only we would listen.



David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

74 comments:

  1. ...a fabulous collection, the Water Strider is my favorite.

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  2. As always very beautiful photos! The little chipmunks is very sweet. Hugs and kisses, Marit

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  3. We humans have decimated insects. I can remember not all that long ago that taking a road trip meant cleaning your windshield every time you stopped for gas. Now doesn't matter if it's highway or back road there are no insects covering the windshield. That bodes ill for us in the long run I think. We have paper wasps galore out here. I just let them be but my husband got stung last week on his finger and before it got better his whole hand swelled up. I've been stung a time or two when I blundered into a nest under a leaf but never had a reaction like that. And the year before the dog came we had a killdeer lay eggs in the gravel of the shop yard. My son-in-law erected a little flag by it so that no one would run over it. She hatched four babies. So cute, born able to run as soon as they dry out.

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    1. There is no question that some people react very badly to wasp stings and they are not to be trifled with. I have had a few. It hurts, but other than that I have no ill effects.

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  4. Absolutely stunning photos. That leaf destroyed by insect larvae is amazing. Is there anywhere in the world the Canadian Geese aren't at home. I know they have taken over two of our parks here and refuse to leave.

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  5. Hari OM
    Yes, that first image of the striders on an abstract watery background is delicious to this photographer's eyes... but that doesn't lessen the appeal of all the other glorious shots here!!! YAM xx

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  6. What a wonderful walk you had! I love that you notice - and photograph - all the tiny insects we tend to overlook. I did not know what the water strider is called before I read your post, but this is the perfect name. We always admire them when we see them. Thank you for telling us about The Snow Geese, this sounds like a book I would truly enjoy, especially since the subject of "home" is a familiar one for me that I often reflect on. I have never tried feeding birds by hand, but I remember when I once was sitting outside in our garden reading, a sparrow landed on my leg. He was sitting there for a while just looking at me. It was a deeply touching moment. I get why you like doing this - it is a rare and very special connection to the natural world.

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    1. If you can get your hands on a copy, Carola, I have no doubt you would find some personal resonance in it.

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  7. That's so true... "If only we would listen."
    Passing by today and looking at all those fabulous pictures and captions gave me a sense of serenity. : )

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    1. I am happy to learn that you experienced a sense of serenity, Catarina.

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  8. Insects that walk on water are inspired.The pike is beautiful, even if it is growing.

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  9. That last quote is so true, we are really standing on the edge of a crumbling cliff. Love all the beautiful birds and insects you found. I haven't seen a mayfly since my childhood, back then they were on every stream and pond.. Those water runners are fascinating. Thanks for sharing so many beautiful photos. I would so like to walk with you! BIG hugs, Valerie

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  10. I am so impressed with all of the faces that nature has for us. So many that people don't get a chance to see. You are a master as taking these photos. Thank you for sharing them with Friday Face Off.

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  11. Oh so much to learn and see here. Some species I don't believe I have seen before and others are so familiar. How I love the little Chickadees. They are so cute and sweet and seem to help bridge the gap between man and nature. I have seen many water striders but failed to pay much attention as I was probably looking at a duck or goose or even some kind of fish and basically ignored how very interesting and handsome they are. Thank you for opening my eyes and I will pay closer attention next time ... maybe even take some pictures as you did to remind me that even the smallest of lives are important. I have not read the The Snow Geese, but have just ordered it on Amazon. So far you are batting 100% on the books you have recommended. It feels good to know you are out there caring about nature the way I do and the way my mother taught me to. Nature is within my deepest being and is what makes me smile every morning when I face another day. Thank you again, David ...

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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    1. Your detailed, thoughtful comments are an inspiration, Andrea. I appreciate them very much, especially knowing your commitment to and involvement with wildlife. With my very best wishes - David

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  12. Such wonderful photographs, as always, David. Thanks for recommending "The Snow Geese." I think I would enjoy it. Have a good weekend!

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  13. Beaucoup d'animaux observés, des oiseaux mais aussi les insectes et mammifères.
    Le petit chien devait s'ennuyer :D, ma chienne aurait été intenable à vouloir courir après les écureuils! Bon weekend

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  14. Una bella, hermosa y nutrida entrada, con un poco de todo lo maravilloso que nos muestra la naturaleza y lo poco apreciada por algunos. ¡Ojalá! Esta vez respeten ese banco. Hay cosas que son incomprensibles que lleguen a ocurrir. ¿Cómo pretender que se porten bien y lleguen a amar la naturaleza si no respetan un banco colocado en memoria de una persona querida?
    Un fuerte abrazo estimado, amigo y compadre David.

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  15. Thank you both so much. I needed this calm and this beauty today. And the reminder just how much we depend on those who share this planet with us.

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  16. Buena serie de imágenes de una naturaleza, que se ve muy viva, con una gran serie de animales que vive en ella.
    Feliz fin de semana.

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  17. I love how you said you always know when you start that it will be a great excursion and you'll come back refreshed and peaceful. Every single one of these photos show just how lovely that is! Love the shipmunks and of course the chickadees. But then, I love it all!

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  18. Those chickadees are softening you up for fall and winter.

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  19. What a pleasant walk with so many wonderful companies from the nature! The chickadee looks so gorgeous.

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  20. Nice selection of photos, love that Northern Cardinal, think it's the colour. The beavers sure have been busy.

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  21. What a lovely walk. I desperately miss that at the moment because I've yet to recover full strength since my back injury which means the distance I can walk is very limited. It's all the more enjoyable to enjoy nature vicariously with your wonderful photos and commentary.

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  22. This post was a vertible feast for both the eyes and the soul.
    I shall definitely look out for William Fiennes's book.
    Last summer we visited Broughton Castle, a beautiful moated, fairytale of a property, near Oxford, where William grew up.
    Your mention of the status of English Mayflies has now inspired me to repeat a post that I did many years ago regarding the only time that I have seen Mayflies emerging from a river in Scotland for their last and final dance.

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    1. I will look forward to your Mayfly post, Rosemary.

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  23. What great photos of your walk.
    It seems wonderful to me that a wild bird comes to sit on your hand.
    I think the squirrel is so cute.
    Someone died here this week from a wasp sting, really very intense.
    Greetings Irma

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    1. Wasp stings are certainly unpleasant but death from it is exceptional.

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  24. Hi David - lots of thoughts come out here ... we've had some rain and the overflow has brought sewage out ... so you are so right about we are killing our rivers (and beaches). There's a film I saw recently ... River (2021) ... by an Australian organisation - fascinating watch - it's on Youtube I see.

    The Snow Geese - he's got an interesting biography ... I've just read a book on his distant relative Celia Fiennes ( 1662–1741) who wrote a travelogue, as she journeyed side-saddle around England in the very early 18th century.

    Thank you - so much here ... about critters that I know so little about ... fascinating to read ... and I'd love to have a walk with you both - cheers Hilary

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  25. Nature Pure relaxation... I go to "my" forest and have the feeling of entering a cathedral... every time... it's THE life for me, out in nature and it doesn't matter where on the world I find myself.
    Thanks for your walk, thanks for your words and the photos are exceptional as always. Thank you David and many warm regards to you and Miriam.

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    1. The cathedral analogy is very appropriate, Viola, and nature's cathedral is real, not someone's metaphysical interpretation.

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  26. Hello David,
    It looks like a great place for a walk and for seeing nature. I have a few favorites, the Chickadees and chipmunks are so cute, love the cute dog peering over the bench. The Killdeers are always a favorite. Great captures of the insects and the birds. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend. Thank you for leaving me a comment.

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  27. Hi David.

    You show a lot of beautiful nature.
    I enjoyed it.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  28. Hello. Great sightings about animals, insects and birds. Thank you for sharing.

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  29. What a delightful day you had. I love how you see the details, the most inconspicuous creatures are so easy to overlook. The birds song and calls alone make a walk interesting but having them up close like the chickadee is special. Nature can nurture us if give it space in our lives.

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    1. It's when Miriam and I are out alone that we see so much. Sometimes it takes us a half hour to walk twenty metres. I enjoy being out with others, and lead many walks as you know, but it's impossible to see as much under such conditions.

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  30. This looks like a lovely walk. I am especially struck by all your insect photos. I learned to appreciate them when I took entomology in college. The professor was this meticulously made up woman, complete with her red fingernails, but boy did she know her insects. Good and bad, but insects are hard to photograph.You snapped some beauties. The older I get the more I appreciate most of them. Now if I could only find a better way to keep ants out of the house-smile. (No insect spray for me because of the bees and how it harms all the dragonflies and other insects.) Have a great weekend David. Hugs-Erika

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    1. Good for you for not using chemicals, Erika. We get a few ants in the house, as does everyone, I think, but not to the point where it's a problem. Maybe I need to buy a chameleon and let it roam free!

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  31. Beautiful photos David, I like the chipmunks. I am very busy at the moment with some family matters

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  32. Thank you for re-aquainting us with the delights of the Mill Race Trail, David, and in such a splendid fashion. The variety of wildlife you encountered is marvellous, and makes me wish we had somewhere of this calibre close to home. Congratulations (to Miriam?) on capturing that bluet in flight! I've photographed a few dragons in flight in my time but I don't recall ever having achieved any shots of a damselfly in flight - it's hard enogh trying to focus on something as large as a dragonfly, and a damselfly, to my mind, is damned near impossible!

    Best wishes to you both - - - - Richard

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    1. I will pass on the compliment, Richard. She will be happy to bask in the praise.

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  33. I'll see if my library has this book...I know I would love it. The quote you started your post with is perfect for me too. AND...you found some red berries too! Thanks for sharing your sightings. I love chipmunks!

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  34. I loved being on your walk with you. The green stink bug is a nymph. The adult is just plain . . . green. :-) The dog over the back of the bench? Smiles here. I have so many thoughts and memories of when I managed to photograph so many of these animals: the cabbage white, birds . . . thank you so much.

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  35. Always amazed to see the assortment of photos of our living world taken on your walks.

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  36. Beautiful pictures as always. I feel like I am right there on the trail with you.

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  37. always love to see Chipmunk and the Black-capped Chickadees :) You did a great job catching the fish. I find that very hard to do.

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  38. That’s a great haul from the trail. The Green stink bug is a beauty.

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  39. From the book review to the insects and lovely birds...your photos are stellar this week!!
    I dropped by once again to give my thanks for sharing and linking in at I'd Rather B Birdin'.

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  40. What great sightings! A wonderful way to spend time.

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  41. Chipmunks are adorable...lovely birds and images David...Best wishes from Spain

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  42. Geweldig mooi david z.on serie van de prachtige natuur het is alsof ik met je oploopt de hele dag. super

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    1. You would be very welcome to come out with my any time, Bas.

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  43. Thank you for this wonderful nature walk, which started with the welcome by the beautiful and curious Eastern Chipmunk.
    The photos are fantastic and we almost feel like we are there.
    Very interesting the Green Stink Bug, I've never seen that insect around here.

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  44. What a lovely post, I so much enjoyed the photos and the commentary. I am familiar with the Mill Race. Daughter lived in Waterloo for years (she's now out here on The Rock). Beautiful country. If you're on FB you might enjoy the Newfoundland Birdwatchers Group. Some extraordinary photography of rare species.
    XO
    WWW

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    1. Interesting that you are familiar with the Mill Race. Newfoundland, to my eternal shame is the only province I have not visited. One of these days......

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  45. It seems that walking in those trails is relaxing and peaceful.....what a wonderful book you have read!!.....Abrazotes, Marcela

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  46. Great post. I think we have taught flies to associate humans with food too. ;-)

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  47. A fascinating walk with so many interesting sightings.
    Fantastic photos, David.

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  48. What a lovely account of your fulfilling walk on the Mill Race Trail.

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  49. Hi David,
    a big compliment for Miriam's close-up pictures of very tiny insects as the mayflies (I never saw these so detailed) and the Water Striders. You're probably not surprised that the Dutch name for the latter ones is Ice Skater.

    Best regards, Corrie

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  50. Enjoyed your post especially the insects. It is difficult to photograph these tiny creatures and you did a swell job. I think I like the water striders pixs best, the first one looked like abstract art and the second one was amazing with those pseudo lights! All I can say to the Flesh Flies is "your eyes are blood shot, have you been drinking?"

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  51. hello David
    I also have my own routes that I like to walk, even if you have known the path and the area for a long time, it is still always different and beautiful
    Great report
    Greetings Frank

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  52. Yes, if only we would listen, dear David... sigh.
    Just the way you describe your walk along the Mill Race Trail shows how happy and content being in nature can make. You experience silence, with the right behavior even the closeness and trust of wild animals, some plants and animals are always a feast for the eyes, some you have never seen before and learn something new. There is no better way to spend a day. I've now seen a lot of beautiful things with you, and I'm still amazed at the Giant Mayfly - what a special insect that I didn't know. The Eastern Chipmunk is very cute, so is the dog - I'm not sure if it's a dog who likes to hunt, he looks so harmless like a sofa wolf :-)
    Happy week and all the best,
    Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2022/08/mallorca-reisebericht-teil-5-tag-9-bis.html

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    1. A sofa wolf indeed, Traude. I am inclined to think it would be a pretty inefficient hunter!

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  53. A very productiving, with many beings that abound in your images, especially insects and flowering plants, something we still have a month to see in full here. I very much agree with the close relationship between humans and birds is beneficial for both, although there may be some drawbacks. On the other hand, I am familiar with the yellow-flowered asteraceae, it's very similar to Solidago chilensis. Is it cultivated there or is it a similar species?

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    1. I am not familiar with Solidago chilensis. The two common forms here are Solidago canadensis and Solidago altissima.

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  54. I love blue streams, they fly over my little pond, and look busy. I hate those green stink bugs, David. When I pick berries, they often get into my hands and leave a bad smell.

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  55. She Who Seeks dropped a link. I'm happy that i followed it.

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  56. Otro gran reportaje querido amigo David Un abrazo fuerte.

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  57. Your pictures are always beautiful, but these are even more so!

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