Friday, October 07, 2022

A Visit from Caroline and Andrew

     My daughter, Caroline, and my son-in-law, Andrew, drove down from Ottawa last weekend for a visit, and a great time was had by all. 

30 September, 2022
West Perth Wetlands, Mitchell, ON

     This location is a perennial favourite of ours and at this time of the year, with migration well underway, can be very productive. As it turned out, the birds were relatively sparse, but it was a glorious fall day, with lots of other things to see and enjoy. A welcoming committee of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) is always a welcome sight.



     Guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus) looked splendid in the bright sunshine of an October morning.


     Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) was less numerous than usual, but was nevertheless the most common shorebird present.


     Were they so inclined Canada Geese would be able to admire their own reflection.


     European Craneflies (Tipula paludosa) have been noted hanging around the porch and the garage door recently, so it was good to see them in a more natural setting.


     Red-legged Grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum) is known to feed into December, so it was no surprise to encounter them in the fields and scrub surrounding the wetland.


     This species transmits parasites that mature in Wild Turkey (Melagris gallopavo), but is preyed upon by a variety of birds, amphibians and small mammals.
     The caterpillar of a Virginian Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica) will overwinter as larva.


     Common Eastern Bumblebees (Bombus impatiens) were still foraging, although one might conclude that the supply of nectar must surely be minimal by October.


     Lesser Yellowlegs is clear proof that familiarity does not breed contempt.


     Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme) is a very dramatic butterfly and they were ubiquitous that day.


     It is rare, at least for me, that Orange Sulphur outnumbers Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) but on this occasion it was certainly the case.


     We are not generally given to taking pictures of ourselves, since we are clearly the least interesting species, but a family picture to record the day seemed appropriate.

Caroline, Andrew, David

     Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) is a common breeding species at the West Perth Wetlands but we found very small numbers and no resplendent males.


     Young American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) fresh from the nest showed their proficiency at both flying and begging for food from harried parents.


     I have no doubt that we observed at least a couple of dozen Myrtle Warblers (Setophaga coronata) migrating through the area.


     We saw several Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) but most were too far off to take a picture. This one individual was a little more obliging than the others.


     The most remarkable event of the day was when we detected what we thought initially to be a lump of mud, that turned out to be a Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). Several Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata) were clambering up on to its back to use it as a basking platform, pushing each other back into the water in the process.



     This was one tolerant Snapping Turtle!


     A young Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), probably barely  independent, did not look healthy.


     It scratched almost continuously leading us to wonder if it had mange, or a similar condition.
     The is the time of year when Wooly Bear caterpillars, the larvae of the Isabella Tiger Moth (Pyrrharctica isabella), are frequently seen trundling along the ground seeking a secluded spot to overwinter.


     A Brown Stink Bug (Euchistus servus) seemed quite content to spend its time on the back of the car.


     It had been an entertaining morning and we left to go to Stratford to have lunch at Fellini's, a restaurant Miriam and I have patronized a few times over the years, generally if we have a reason to celebrate. A visit from Caroline and Andrew seemed just such an occasion.

01 October, 2022
Westmount Sports Park and Environmental Reserve, Waterloo, ON

     In 2016 I was preoccupied with the opening of this facility and Andrew had not seen "my" sign - see here, so we all went down to take a look.


     
Martin Creek Road, Woolwich Township, region of Waterloo, ON

     A large flock of very noisy American Crows (Corvus brachyrynchos) were exploiting corn spilled in the field at the time of harvesting.


The Mill Race Trail, St. Jacobs, ON

     The Mill Race Trail, as always, looked very inviting and we were happy to embark on our walk.


     It was hardly any time at all before endearing Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) came to see whether we had brought breakfast - and of course we had!


     There seems to be a trend of late for people to leave objects along paths and trails for others to admire or take home. Some are quite elaborate creations, as was this leather feather.


     We left it there for others to enjoy.
     Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) form a classic restful image along any of the waterways of the region.


     An American Black Duck (Anas rubipres) seemed content to keep them company.


     At every turn we were reminded that fall has arrived and with it the splendour of an eastern deciduous woodland preparing for winter.


     Perennial Sow Thistles (Sonchus arvensis) are set to have their seeds borne by the wind.


     American Beaver (Castor canadensis) bears the title of Nature's Architect with good reason. Their work on the Mill Race has reduced the downstream flow to a mere trickle.




Stargazing in Macton, ON

     Andrew has been a keen amateur astronomer since I first knew him as a teenager, and we were anxious to join him in an exploration of the night sky. Marj (Miriam's sister) and her husband, Dave, permitted us to set up our equipment at their farm, where the sky is unimpeded by light pollution from the city.
     It was all new and fascinating for Miriam and me, and here is what we saw.

Solar system: Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune (Likely), Uranus, Mars, and the moon.
Galaxies: The Milky Way, Andromeda (M31), Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) and Cigar Galaxy (M82)
Star: Vega
Star Clusters: Perseus Double Cluster (open), Great Globular Cluster (globular, M13) and M92 (globular).

     Some of the distances involved defy belief and are impossible to grasp, at least for me. The Cigar Galaxy is 12 million light years from Earth and the Andromeda Galaxy 2.5 million light years away. It would be a really good idea if we learned to take better care of the Earth - our only home.

02 October, 2022
St. Jacobs, ON

     One of the exquisite features of living in this part of southern Ontario is the presence of a large and vibrant Mennonite community. To witness the parade of horses and buggies going to church on Sunday mornings is an event cherished by many. It is familiar to us, but new to Andrew, so we made a point to witness the spectacle before he and Caroline left for home. 
The pictures need no further comment from me, but I invite you to conjure in your mind the sweet strains of a cappella hymns wafting from the church. Like most orthodox or fundamentalist sects of any faith, men and women are seated separately.







     We had a wonderful weekend together and we were sorry when it came time to part company. If only we lived a little closer to each other......

Trivia

     On Monday I led a walk for Waterloo Public Library with an enthusiastic group of about twenty people, and one of the participants asked me for the definition of a keystone species. It occurs to me that others may have heard the term and have only a vague understanding of what it is. A keystone species is an organism that defines an ecosystem, without which the natural environment would be different. The organism does not have to be numerically superior to be considered a keystone species. Woodpeckers, for example, might be a keystone species by providing most of the holes required by other organisms. Without their presence the community would change radically.
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

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

69 comments:

  1. Beautiful photos. Now I see your Caroline. Is Ottawa far from your home ?

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    1. It's about a six hour drive, Caroline, but a few traffic delays can rapidly turn it into a seven or eight hour journey, especially in the winter.

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  2. ...I see that Blogger finally cooperated for you, yesterday was a trying day.

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  3. Hari OM
    What a wonderful shared time - expanded by the sharing with us! There is something just that little bit special about seeing birds and bees busying themselves with preps for the falling year... (and I am glad you are back in stride on the bloggy!) YAM xx

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  4. I am sure you had a wonderful weekend together with your family, David. Beautiful photos of birds, flowers, insects and landscape in your part of the world.
    Hugs and kisses, Marit.

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  5. What a fantastic weekend for you and your family. It was nice seeing the turtles catching a ride on the Snapping Turtle. Enjoy the upcoming weekend.

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    1. It was amazing to see, Bill. Snapping Turtles are known to be short-tempered.

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  6. Wow David! This is just a magnificent post. I have gone through it 3 times getting all the information and seeing the photos. I love the turtle. Be sure to link back to me for FFO. Thanks and have a wonderful weekend.

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  7. Buenas tardes, querido amigo David, una entrada sumamente bella y más después de esa visita de hija y yerno en esa foto para la prosperidad. Seguro que pasasteis un día maravilloso tanto ellos como vosotros.
    Gracias a esta entrada he podido conocer la inauguración de ese estupendo parque que desconocía, ya que al parecer su publicación data del año 2016 y yo empecé con Blogger en el año 2015, o sea, aún no nos conocíamos. Mis felicitaciones por tan bello proyecto llevado a cabo, todo un lujo amigo mío. Es algo bonito que quedará para el disfrute de generaciones venideras y una aportación de indudable valor para vosotros.
    He disfrutado con esta entrada amigo mío y he podido comprobar que el problema de Blogger a Dios, gracias, ha sido resuelto, menos mal.
    Recibe un afectuoso abrazo de tu siempre amigo y compadre Juan.

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    1. Muchas gracias querido amigo Juan por tus amables parablas.

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  8. Grazie per queste foto meravigliose!

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  9. A family photo was very appropriate.
    Thanks for such an amazing and informative post.
    Have a very pleasant Thanksgiving.

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  10. Nothing better than being able to spent time with your family whilst doing all of those things that you obviously all enjoy and love.
    Really like those photos captured of the Mennonite girls, but the poor young fox does look as if he suffering from mange. Some foxes have been known to chew off their tails in a desperate bid to stop the incessant itching,

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  11. Glad your photos got uploaded. Wonderful photos and glad your daughter and son in law could visit.

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  12. Beautiful photos, of which those feature the Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs are my favourites. It's also lovely to see your family.
    I am from a Mennonite background (there are many varieties of Mennonites), and marvelous acapella singing in four-part harmony is something I remember from attending my grandparents' church, where men and women were seated separately. The women didn't wear the caps, though.

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    1. Miriam is from a conservative Mennonite family, but like you now lives a fully modern life.

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  13. I am so glad that the blogger glitch which prevented you downloading photos seems to have been fixed. Glad for you, and selfishly glad for me. I do love my vicarious wanders with you.

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  14. Wonderful family photo. It's great that they were able to visit. I do love those turtle pictures!

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  15. Beautiful moments spent with your daughter and son-in-law, I really enjoyed the family photos. It's not easy to have children living far away and not being able to see them more often, I completely understand because my daughter and her family live in Macau and I live in Lisbon, since 2019 we haven't seen each other, except by cell phone.
    Thanks for sharing this excellent selection of photos, nature is fantastic!
    Very interesting the pictures of the windows with the ladies of the Mennonite community, from the back.

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  16. Buen avistamiento de aves y buena muestra de la Naturaleza. Has compartido con la familia un lugar maravilloso.

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  17. You've been busy David. All the not really common to me birds are exciting to see, but those young goldfinch really stole my heart. And the turtles. How funny they crawled up on the snapping turtle, and he certainly didn't seem to care. I don't know much about astronomy either, but it would be interesting to learn more. And I am glad you included your family photo too. I can see some resemblance between you and your daughter, minus the beard of course. And very cool about the Mennonite buggies. That is something unique to see. Happy Thanksgiving weekend to you. hugs-Erika

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    1. I'll have to keep my eyes open to see if Caroline is wielding tweezers!

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  18. I'm glad you were able to get your photos posted. I loved seeing your family photo, and hearing how patient that snapping turtle was, but have to say I especially enjoyed your last photo (of the Mennonite woman in church). For some reason I found it quite moving, and visually it is artistically stunning :)

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    1. I agree absolutely, Margaret. Better than a frontal picture - which we would never take.

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  19. Wow, it's like being back in school again every time I come to visit. Mind you at this age, I love the idea of school, though, as I recall, it was not my favorite place as I grew up. I learn such neat things from you that I haven't known before (or have most certainly forgotten :(. ) Your daughter and her very tall husband are quite an attractive couple. How far away do they live? I am wishing you could have had some pictures to go with your astrological sightings. When I was young and still lived at home, we, as a family, took great interest in the sky and I used to know a great deal about the location of things ... not so anymore, sadly. I did watch an interesting science program about Jupiter recently and was totally enthralled with it all. Also watching the ISS launch last week and a new group of astronauts headed to the station to do new science experiments. I just can't seem to get enough of it even though I don't necessarily remember much of what I learn over time. I do recognize things thought when I hear about them. Our world is teetering in dangerous ways as are our politics. I would never have dreamed that things would take such a turn ... and yet, here we are :( Always a pleasure, David ...

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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    1. Hi Andrea: it's about a six hour drive with no delays and that rarely happens. I too wish we photographs to accompany the stargazing, but photographing the night sky is not easy. Maybe next time.....

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  20. I'm so impressed that you can capture dragonflies, David. I have a difficult time trying to catch them. And the photos of the turtles on the back of the snapping turtle are unusual and spectacular. It looks like you and your family had a nice visit together.

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  21. So pleased your lovely photographs uploaded ok.
    A lovely post and such a special visit from your daughter and husband.

    All the best Jan

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  22. Un precioso reportaje y muy feliz al lado de tu hija y yerno, me encantó conocerlos. Abrazos fuertes.

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  23. I'm surprised snappers could be that tolerant.

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  24. I'm happy Blogger relented and published the pictures. Amish and Mennonite always instructed pictures from behind only. I am pleased you followed.

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    1. Miriam comes from a Mennonite background and we are well aware of the picture taking protocols. We try to be respectful, as we would to any community.

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  25. You have some especially beautiful photos here, David, and I find the ones of the Mennonite people particularly striking. That and the family portrait, which I'm so very glada you shared! What a wonderful visit -- you say that birds were more sparse but I see plenty in these photos and some beautiful insects and blooms as well. I'm especially glad that Andrew could see the Mennonite buggies and have that experience. This post makes me so very, very happy. Thank you.

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  26. What beautiful pictures of the weekend with your daughter and son-in-law.
    You have really seen a lot.
    Photos 15, 16, 19, 27 and 31 are my favorite.
    Greetings Irma

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  27. I do so enjoy wandering and observing with you. I was most amazed by the patient snapping turtle! ;)

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  28. Great to see all the photos and your daughter and her husband. Went to the link enjoyed the read on both posts. Take care.

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  29. Guelder-rose … stunning photo … I just looked to see how it can be used … but under 'culture' noticed that the viburnum can be found in Ukrainian folklore – its symbolic roots can be traced back to the Slavic paganism of millennia ago.

    Still days on the river, juicy Cranefly … while that red legged Grasshopper looks a healthy meal too … beautiful birds and insects … I'm loving the Michaelmas daisies around now – the Orange Sulphur and Cabbage White stand out well.

    Andrew stands tall … but it's good to see the three of you together … and how wonderful to be able to have Andrew explain the night skies to you – that Cigar Galaxy has a good name, though I had come across it as the Messier 82.

    While the Snapping Turtle with its harem of painted turtles brilliant to see.

    However apart from the family photos – poor fox – your sign is magnificent … 'Nature as our Neighbour' … and thanks so much for linking back to your earlier post – what an excellent one – before my time here. Loved the hair coverings and Mennonite photos ...

    Long long comment – but excellent to read – cheers Hilary

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    1. Andrew is indeed tall, Hilary - 6' 4" if I am not mistaken.

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  30. What a great report! And fantastic picture of that small bird while eating seeds on the photographer's hand. Also love the pictures of turtles. I can see some leaves begin to change their colour. Great job!

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  31. Gorgeous pictures !
    You are a lucky man to be able to enjoy all those beauties...And generous to share those photos with us ! Fall is a beautiful season...
    Enjoy a lovely weekend !
    Anna

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  32. The walk was successful. The beautiful weather allowed many birds, animals and insects to bask in the sun.

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  33. Hello David,
    Great family photos. I always enjoy your nature post and photos. Beautiful shots of the birds, butterflies and insects. The trees are looking beautiful, showing off their pretty fall colors. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

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  34. Very nice photos. So nice to see the family photos. I love the water bird (Yellowlegs). It is such a cute bird. Beautiful photos, David. O and that hairy caterpillar, the young fox. Thanks for sharing them. Love to see it.

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  35. Sounds like a terrific weekend for you and your family.
    Glorious photos as always, David.

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  36. A great weekend together with family. Always something we look forward too. My ancestors were Mennonite escaping from religious persecution in Switzerland in the early 1700s when they arrived in PA. Very neat to see the photos of the community near you.
    And chickadees around here are not as trusting yet.

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  37. What a treat to read and savour the photos today David. Lovely you had such a good time with family visiting. And your pictures are stunning and brought me back to Mennonite country as Daughter lived close by so I was up there a lot. Like traversing to another century.
    XO
    WWW

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  38. Hello David. Thank you for 'introducing us to your family' - It seems that a great time was had by all.

    I had a good chuckle at the impudence of those Midland Painted Turtles!

    Your showing a Myrtle Warbler was most timely, as we have recently had two Myrtle Warblers causing quite a stir with the twitchers here in UK.

    Beavers are being re-introduced into some locations in UK in order to assist with flood control. I have yet to see one.

    Best wishes to you and Miriam - - - Richard

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  39. Fascinating to see that a snapping turtle would ignore the smaller turtles on his back! What a great photo.

    best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  40. Took me some scrolling to see where I could comment! Lovely birds photos and so glad you remembered to take photos of those you love. I also like the photos of the ladies through the window.

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  41. You packed a lot in for your short visit. Wonderful photo's as always. How nice you had such a good visit, and the weather looks like it was perfect. The fall color is amazing. I've not seen any good colors here yet. Seems some of the trees are just dropping their leaves before turning pretty colors.

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  42. What a lovely day with family, David!

    The turtles were a great find and I love the chickadee. Such brave little birds!

    The trail through the woods certainly draws one onward. That looks like a mangy fox, poor creature. We saw one recently with what looked like the beginning of mange and it too was scratching.

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  43. If I hadn't seen your snapper and turtle photos, I would never have believed it. Fantastic. Yes, looks like mange on the fox to me, also. The book I just finished said that mange was deliberately set loose on foxes out west in the US. She seemed to have cured him naturally. I'm still amazed at how cruel humans can be.

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    1. Nothing surprises me. I know that in some jurisdictions incinerating wolves in their den is permitted.

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  44. Hi David.

    Enjoyed seeing all the beauty.
    Nice that your daughter and son-in-law were there.
    How beautiful the Yellow butterfly and the Goldfinches.
    The Biting Turtle is very special.
    That young fox looks pathetic.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  45. I would love to be out stargazing again. When we lived in Tucson we had an open desert in our backyard. We packed and moved our huge telescope to corpus but as you say, city light pollution is no good. Haven't used it since 2004!!!!

    Love the chain-link perched beauties today. Of course all your photos are treasures. (These are not Lily's parents, right?)

    Thanks for linking in and commenting this week.
    ~Anni at I'd Rather B Birdin'

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    1. No, they are not Lily's parents, Anni. Caroline is my one and only child and Heather, Lily's mom is not related to me - except emotionally!

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  46. How nice to have company and get out and enjoy nature together. I love that painted feather. I would love to see a fox here but that one doesn't look good. And yesterday I saw Canada Geese for the first time in months! Enjoy the week ahead!

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  47. The picture of the turtle is for an award!...I'm glad you have a nice family time!........Abrazotes, Marcela

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  48. Fantastic, one and all! :)

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  49. Always good to visit you. Your photos and love for nature makes me smile.

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  50. Your photo of the turtles basking atop the snapping turtle is marvelous. I've certainly never seen a sight like that, but I have spotted a dragonfly taking its ease on an alligator's nose! It's always a delight to see your autumn color; our autumns are marked more by gold and purple. It's a lovely combination, too, but my midwestern years left me convinced that 'real' autumn comes with red, orange, burgundy, and yellow!

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  51. Hello David :=)
    My apologies for not visiting sooner. I actually thought I had already made a comment, and it took me a while to realize I had not. Lovely family photos, and a wide variety of nature's treasures. I love the Canada Geese photo with the lovely carpet of pink flowers, and the woodland scene with the beautiful coloured trees in all their autumn glory. which is something I never see here. The tolerant Turtle, the yellow butterfly on the purple flowers, caterpillars, and the lovely photos taken through the window of the Mennonite women wearing their gauze bonnets. It was also truly wonderful to see the long line of horses and buggies. I also want to thank you for explaining the definition of a Keystone species. I wasn't sure but you made it quite clear.
    A huge hug, and my best wishes.

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    1. Don't apologize for being late, Sonjia. It's always wonderful when you do. Hugs hugs coming back to you.

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  52. Thanks for letting us tag along on this lovely day. The turtle pics, Mennonite buggies, and all of the splendid nature photos are fabulous, but the family photo wins best picture!

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  53. What a wonderful visit from your daughter and son-in-law, especially the night sky viewing! We have a Mennonite community here but they must accept more modern things like cars because I have never seen a horse and buggy and they do set up at the market. Snapping turtles are fearsome looking creatures.

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    1. As in every religion there are offshoots and sects. Here too. We also have an Amish community which is ever more strict in its practices than Mennonites.

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  54. How wonderful that your daughter and son-in-law came to visit you and you could spend such a great time together. I can understand your sentiment at the end so well, if only you lived a little closer to each other. I often feel the same - and have to say that a six to eight hour drive doesn't sound too bad to me - but then for us it always means an eleven hour flight, so everything less than that sounds good, in particular if no flight is involved. However, it is just a bit sad if we are so far away from our loved ones. We would love to hug them a bit more often, right?

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  55. hello David
    It's always nice to have your family with you, I know that from my family too, they all live far apart, but when we meet there's a great atmosphere, just like yours
    Greetings Frank

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  56. It's a beautiful day with your family.
    Poor little fox :(
    The forest is always fun.
    Big kisses David.

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