At Home and Columbia Lake

 08 November, 2022

At home, Waterloo, ON

     An appropriately named Fall Cankerworm Moth (Alsophila pometaria) was resting on our garage door when I arrived home from a shopping expedition. Miriam quickly grabbed her camera to take a picture.

10 November, 2022

Columbia Lake, Waterloo, ON

     On a tranquil November afternoon, with the temperature nudging an amazing 20 degrees, we decided to spend an hour or two at Columbia Lake.

     Many Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) had similarly decided it was a good idea.

     There are several races of Canada Goose and some of the birds present were decidedly smaller than others, representing a diminutive subspecies. I checked carefully to see whether there were Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii) among them but I was unable to find any.

     A small contingent of Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis) was content to idle away the time at the water's edge.

     They were joined by a lone American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus).

     A juvenile Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) was getting ready for its first migration, a hazardous time in the life of any young bird.

     The reeds have turned to brown, yet still retain their charm.

     Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) exploited every area where feeding might be good, and this male seems to have paired off with a domestic type female.

     I retain a great fondness for Mallards and the fact of seeing them with such regularity does not diminish my appreciation in any way.

     They foraged together with Canada Geese quite peaceably, a condition probably facilitated by an abundance of food.

      The first Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis) we saw was a female.

     So delicate! So tiny!

     It was not long before we saw a male.

     So delicate! So handsome!

     What a gorgeous pair they make.

     There were Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus), all female, equally captivating and just as small as the teal. You can gauge the size yourself in the following picture where the Hooded Merganser is dwarfed by both Canada Geese and Mallards.

     Perhaps splashing furiously makes one feel bigger and more threatening, or perhaps its just to ensure clean feathers.

     The mergansers were diving continuously in search of food, and sometimes presented a very low profile as they swam along the surface of the lake.

     This individual, resting out of the water, erected its crest.

     We scanned the lake for about forty-five minutes, but other than for a single Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritus) far away near the opposite shore, we could find nothing different from what you see here.   

     Our parting shot shows you what exceptionally fine weather has blanketed Ontario for the first third of November.

     I doubt that it can last but we'll take it while we may.

12 November, 2022

At home, Waterloo, ON

"An apparently simple decision - such as going out into the garden to better hear the exquisite song of a bird - can lead to a glimpse of eternity"

Graeme Gibson

 

      November is finally looking like November, with our first snowfall of the season. 

     It didn't amount to much but it was sufficient to carpet the ground.

     Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) are hardy little birds and wintry weather does nothing to deter them. This individual turned its back on me.

     A Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) was on the bird feeder when I first looked out, but had moved to the fence by the time I got my camera.

     I'll try to be diligent in keeping the feeders topped up now. It's very satisying to be able to give the birds a helping hand and in return they put on nature's finest show for us.

13 November, 2022

At home, Waterloo, ON

     The snow continued on and off all day, heavy wet deposits too, so it seemed best to stay at home. Having filled my feeders, we both busied ourselves with indoor pursuits.

     From time to time, I glanced out the window, and even garnered a few pictures of indifferent quality.

     A female Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) assiduously worked the feeders, initially eating a couple of seeds, and then leaving to add to her winter storage.

     She departed in different directions so I assume she is caching seeds in various locations - including the birch tree in the garden. I have watched her several times since and her routine is maintained without exception. 

     Dark-eyed Juncos landed on branches, poised to begin feeding.

     Some dropped down a short distance onto the feeders.....

     ..... while others gleaned the spillage on the ground.

     American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) sometimes arrive a dozen or more at a time and immediately set about exploiting the feeders, distributing to those below in the process.

     A patient Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) always gets at least its fair share - and generally a little more.

      After all, they have to make a living too. 

14 November, 2022

At home, Waterloo, ON

     For a reason unknown to us, Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) seem to favour perching on the side of the bird bath.

     Sometimes they drink, but are rarely seen to bathe. In the summer they often stand in the water with their belly immersed.

15 November, 2022

Columbia Lake, Waterloo, ON

     It was a cold and blustery day. The febrile winds of November skirled and juddered and the snow dotted our binoculars like the white spot on a coot. Nevertheless we soldiered on, indomnitable and impassioned birders that we are, like shoppers surging forward for free samples at Costco.

     The birds had more sense than their human pursuers and had taken shelter somewhere. Canada Geese preferred to nibble on grass on a sports field.

     We made our way to the water where a small flock of Mallards made us welcome.

     As we scanned the lake many more were spotted hunkering against the leeward shore for protection.

     The creek meandered along, undeterred by inclement conditions.

     Many tree species have been infected by insect and fungal blights and pre-emptive removal has become standard practice. With chestnuts gone, elm eliminated, ash endangered, beech infected - and so on - one may rightly ask what species will remain a few years hence.

     Some wag had taken the trouble to take his chain saw and carve out a chair; a whimsical touch in a sea of sadness.

     A lady walked by, accompanied by her husband and her dog, and we jokingly suggested that she take a seat and pose for a picture. Without a moment's hesitation, she did!

     Now that's our kind of person!

     The dog seized the opportunity to be petted by everyone and we went our separate ways.

     It was not the best of days, but we were joined by Judy and Mary and made the most of it.

     The coffee tasted extra good when we returned home.

      Next week we'll do it again.