Miscellany

     For the most part, we have been unable to get many pictures on our recent walks, so I am presenting a few snippets from "here and there."

29 November, 2022

The Linear Trail, Cambridge, ON

     It was a dull day and at every turn the light mitigated against us, and helped to conceal our subjects from view.

     This rock, reflected in the water made me think of the sloping head of a Canvasback (Aythya valsineria) or of the Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima) we saw so often in Atlantic Canada in the spring.

     Similarly, this pumpkin, tossed into the river after Halloween, looked like nothing so much as a celestial body, rising up over a distant horizon.

     Reflections have a way of turning mundane objects into interesting perspectives.

     Each time we visit the Linear Trail we walk by this bench, erected in memoriam, and it is always embellished by flowers or other tokens of the season. In this case a Christmas wreath has been placed there, adding to the poignancy of well-loved and missed family members.

     During a brief sunny interlude, when birds were close, we were entertained by always delightful Mallards (Anas paltyrynchos).

     A few Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) have taken up residence on the river and will probably remain for the winter.

     If there is a rock to serve as a prominent perch, as likely as not a Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) will find it.

     We took pictures of other birds; none of them worth publishing, except for the following. The image is not terrific, but a Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis) is not a species encountered every day, and warrants inclusion on that basis alone.

     We pass by a farm that has a wide menagerie of animals, including a sizeable number of free-range pigs, of various breeds and hybrids. This little porker, smaller than some dogs, reminded me that no so long ago people kept pot-bellied pigs indoors as house pets.

     I am not quite sure why anyone would want to do that - but to each his own, I say!

06 December, 2022

At Home, Waterloo, ON

     From time to time a Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) pays us a visit, generally stays for a day or two, and then decides to leave again.

     A Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) by contrast is a daily guest, virtually without exception.

10 December, 2022

At Home, Waterloo, ON

     This Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus) was furiously hammering away at the crust of ice on the bird bath to get to the water below.

     Unfortunately, the actionshots are just a blur, our basic camera unable to capture the speed of the head movement.

11 December, 2022

A drive through Waterloo Region

     We went out for a drive to see if we could locate our first Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) of the winter - without success. The morning had its highlights, nevertheless, not the least of which was a pair of Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) perched side-by-side.

     Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) were frequently observed.

     We came across a farm where horses are evidently dear to the hearts of the owners. There were several breeds in a field, totalling perhaps twenty individuals in all, with clearly the smallest horse we have ever seen. A Shetland Pony would look large by comparison.

     It seemed to seek the company of its large relatives; it would be anthropomorphic for us to say that they seemed protective of it, but that's the way it appeared to us.

     A Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is always worthy of a second look. 

     A couple of Blue Jays cavorted in the snow.

     A White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) descended a tree trunk as only nuthatches can.

12 December, 2022

At Home, Waterloo, ON

     The dorsal view of this female Downy Woodpecker clearly shows the black markings on the white outer tail feathers, one of the key identification marks for this species.

13 December, 2022

The Mill Race Trail, St. Jacobs, ON

     Miriam was otherwise occupied today, but I joined Don and Mary for a stroll along the Mill Race.

     Mary has an eye for reflection and patterns of light on the water, perhaps connected to her angelic demeanour, for certainly this vision upon the ice has connotations of the metaphysical.

     I quite expected Excalibur or some other talisman to appear, but not today I am afraid.

     Perhaps this Blue Jay, high above our heads, was similarly rivetted to the spot.

     I would surmise, however, that more pressing needs like finding food might occupy his mind.

     Beavers have been busy - and ambitious too.

     A lovely pair of Mallards came to bid us "Top of the morning."

     A stroll along the Mill Race would not seem right without feeding a few friendly Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) and they were quickly attracted to Mary's outstretched hand.

     I am afraid that my picture is a little washed out, but that's what happens when Miriam is not by my side.

     I did a little better with Don, however.

 Here he is poised and ready.

     You will all note, I am sure, the special equipment that Don is wearing. A whole new use has been found for duct tape - the repair of winter gloves. He is such an engineer, such a wizard at finding solutions to complex problems.

     And it works. He was instantly a two-chickadee man.

     He looks rosy-cheeked, cherubic almost, and well pleased with his success.

     He treated us all to coffee and scones at the Eco Café in St. Jacobs before we made our way back along the trail.

     Mary insisted that she take my picture feeding a chickadee too, so here it is.

     You don't want to mess with Mary!