Still staying local.....

27 October, 2022

Quest to find Sandy Hills Regional Forest

     Someone had mentioned to us recently that we should check out Sandy Hills Regional Forest as a place to go birding. We had heard of the reserve and knew its general location, but not its specific position.

     Following a Mennonite's horse and buggy probably wouldn't take us there, but it was heading in the right direction!

     When we did find it, it was very agreeable, and certainly a new opportunity to explore nature.

     Not having the time that day, we left to return home, spotting a Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) en route.

30 October, 2022

RIM Park, Waterloo, ON

     It would not be unheard of to be greeted by snow in early November, but stimulated by the ongoing summerlike conditions, a Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) bid us a cheery welcome,

     American Beavers (Castor canadensis) have been busy preparing for winter and evidence of their industriousness is not hard to find.

     Miriam, as always, was scanning the bushes for movement.

     Several Golden-crowned Kinglets (Regulus satrapa) were buzzing and flitting, here for a mere second and then gone again, committed to driving a photographer crazy I am sure.

     Perseverance pays off, however.

     Tamarack (Larix laricina), a coniferous tree that turns to gold in the autumn and sheds its needles, looked magnificent in the bright sunshine of the day.

     The keys of Boxelder (Acer negundo) appeared ready to be borne away by the wind.

     A Wooly Bear Caterpillar, the larva of the Isabella Tiger Moth (Pyrrharctia isabella), trundled along the path seeking out a safe place to spend the winter.

     Much maligned, and largely unloved, Rock Doves (Columba livia) perched atop the silo of a nearby farm.

     Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) started to return from the north a couple of weeks ago and now may be found everywhere in suitable habitat.

At Home, Waterloo, ON

     An Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) cavorted in the backyard, picking errant seed from beneath the bird feeders.

31 October, 2022

At Home, Waterloo, ON

     Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is a very common visitor at our feeders.

     The once ubiquitous House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is nowhere near as common as it used to be, and based on recent reports of population declines around the world, our observation is far from unique.

     We were glad when this pair bestowed a visit on us.

     White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) is a common visitor.....

     ..... and this year is frequently joined by Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) too.

     Recently I saw an individual of each species on opposite sides of the feeder but I didn't have my camera at hand unfortunately.

     Dark-eyed Juncos are invariably the first species to arrive in the morning, generally being present before first light.

01 November, 2022

At Home, Waterloo, ON

     American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is a regular patron of the bird feeders and sometimes flocks of fifteen or twenty visit our backyard.

     The black morph of Eastern Grey Squirrel scours the ground for spilled seed, tossing leaves aside in its quest for morsels.

     Dark-eyed Juncos often get there first.

02 November, 2022

At Home, Waterloo, ON

     Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) find our backyard suits their needs very well and they are among our most regular visitors.

     It's amazing what a different perspective will do.

01 November, 2022

Pioneer Park, Kitchener, ON

     Recently, I led a nature walk for Kitchener Public Library at this location and we decided to make a return visit.

     We were happy to have Mary and Judy join us.

     Several American Robins (Turdus migratorius) were seen, and I am inclined to the view that these birds find safe haven in this park and overwinter with us.

     The creek running through the park made for some picturesque scenes.

     The trail is a loop of about 6 km in total, part of which goes through historic Doon Village where there are many heritage homes.

     There are extensive boardwalks traversing wetlands, with many side trails to be explored on other occasions.

     Wild Cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) has completed its cycle for the year and will remain dormant through the cold winter ahead.

     A Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) was ensconced on a lofty perch.

     We were delighted to see several teachers taking children for a walk into nature, all displaying that rare exuberance of youth. Oh to have such energy!

02 November, 2022

Three Bridges Road, St. Jacobs, ON

     There is a spot on this rural road (unpaved) where I could almost guarantee you a Downy Woodpecker within five minutes of arrival.

     The same claim might be made for Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus). 

     Even viewed from the back it is a lovely little bird.

     Belted Kingfishers (Megaceryle alcyon) still inhabit our waterways, but this individual was perched quite far down the river.

     A flock of sheep in a field is both bucolic and soothing.

     A Mennonite famaily perhaps no less so.

     I am not sure whether there was a promotional event taking place, or whether people had perhaps won a hot air ballon ride in a competition, but they hovered over our heads.

     I wonder what a Red-tailed Hawk would make of these strange objects in the sky.

04 November, 2022

Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Waterloo, ON

     The water levels in the reservoir are controlled by the Grand River Conservation Authority and they have been drawn down for the winter.

     I am not sure what the rationale for this action is, but it is done every year so I assume there is sound reasoning behind it. The levels will be raised again in the spring.

     A distant Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) will soon have to look elsewhere to sate his hunger.

     A Ring-billed Gull probably found much within easy capture in the shallow pools left by the receding lake.

04 November, 2022

Lakeside Park, Kitchener, ON

     Much good work is going on at Lakeside Park and I am grateful to count among my friends both staff and volunteers who do so much to preserve and enhance this urban gem.

     A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) appears to have become totally habituated to humans, showing not the slightest inclination to flee our presence. We took far too many pictures, but such is the way when one has a digital camera.

     A slight breeze was sufficient to ruffle feathers.

     Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) were the only ducks we saw on the lake.

     This maple leaf with some kind of blight or fungus seemed to be staring at us, reminding us of the Halloween just past.

     Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is an exceedingly handsome bird and we are always captivated by it.

     On the way back to the car Miriam spotted an ichneumon wasp barely fluttering above the ground.

We are pretty sure it is in the genus Therion but are unable to get the ID down to species level.

     We quickly took a few pictures and left the wasp alone. It seemed to be trying to get under the leaves and since these insects are known to seek sheltered locations - under bark, for example - to overwinter, it was perhaps bent on taking refuge beneath the leaf litter. Far be it from us to thwart its quest for survival.

      There is so much to see, so much to do, so much to learn right around our home in Waterloo. In ten lifetimes we would never be able to scratch the surface of all that is to be discovered, but we sure aim to try!