Sunday, January 15, 2023

WRN Outing to the Mill Race, St. Jacobs, ON

     I was happy to organize an outing for Waterloo Region Nature to the Mill Race Trail in St. Jacobs, a well-loved spot. As has been my custom for the past few years I run the event twice - once on a weekday and again on Saturday, so that people who still must earn their daily bread have a chance to participate.

11 January, 2023

Leader: David M. Gascoigne

Members: Miriam Bauman, Lisa Den Besten, Barry Earle, Karen Earle, Lynne Elliot, Bob Fraser, Curtiss MacDonald, Marianne McIntosh, Elaine Mowbray

Guests: Joanne Makulski, Paul Makulski, Crystal Rose.


Barry, Karen, Joanne, Paul, Lynne, Curtiss, David, Elaine, Marianne, Bob, Crystal, Lisa

     It was a pleasant day by Ontario winter standards, a mere minus two, not as sunny as we might have hoped, but pleasant nonetheless. Everyone was delighted to be out to explore the wonderful world of nature in the company of like-minded individuals.
     Miriam took a picture of the Conestogo River before we set off on the trail.


     Usually by this date in January it would be frozen, but winters have been mild of late and the river flows freely.
     Errant spray forms scintillating structures.



     The nest of a Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) seems to have been little damaged by recent strong winds, and hung as a reminder to all of us that spring is on the way.



     Everyone, young or old, is anxious to feed a chickadee, and we wasted no time stretching out our hands with seed aplenty. 
     Crystal had high hopes.


     Success was not long in coming.


     A Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) remained aloof from the feeding frenzy, content to gather seeds upon the ground.


     A little farther down the trail everyone replenished their seed to give it another try.


     The ubiquitous Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) have quickly associated people with food and swam to greet us.


     Had I my wits about me before leaving home I could have brought cracked corn for them; unfortunately we had nothing to share, except our deep appreciation of their beauty, and the pleasure they bring to our lives.



     American Beavers (Castor canadensis) have constructed formidable dams this year, and I suppose that the tr
ail was in danger of flooding, so the structures were broken up to allow the water to flow downstream.


     It really is a shame that this had to happen. Even industrious beavers are no match for humans and their heavy equipment. 
     Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) must surely take one of the top spots of Ontario's most beautiful birds and we are indebted to Lisa for finding a small flock for us.


     Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) has expanded its range greatly over the past thirty years or so and is frequently the most common picid on our walks.



     Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) accompanied us pretty much the whole way.


     White-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) are a familiar sight along the Mill Race, always delightful to see, especially when they come within arm's length.


     Even better when they land on your hand.


     Marianne had to be content with a chickadee.


     Many Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) skittered along the path, and burst into flight showing their white outer tail feathers like a beacon.


    The ice formations are at times nothing short of magical.


     And Miriam has an eye for them and captures them for all to see.


     A couple of female Common Mergansers (Mergus merganser) plied their way along the Conestogo River.


     We all visited the Eco Café in St, Jacobs where we enjoyed warmth, hot coffee and muffins or tea biscuits, and access to washrooms - for which the ladies are especially grateful.
     On the way we spotted a female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) perched grandly in a tree.


    Several House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) disported nearby, including this very handsome male.


     American Red Squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) were their normal feisty selves, letting us know exactly what they thought of us!


     It had been a delightful walk, enjoyed by everyone. We'll do it again on Saturday morning!

14 January, 2023

Leader: David M. Gascoigne

Members: Miriam Bauman, Janet Ozaruk, Tracey Rayner, Mary Ann Vanden Elzen

Tracey, David, Janet, Mary Ann

     We were a cozy little group as we set off together to enjoy a winter walk. The temperaure was minus twelve degrees and it was gloriously sunny.
     Quite a bit of ice had formed on the Conestogo River and it sparkled in the pellucid light of early morning.


     A pair of Mallards handled the conditions with equanimity.


     I had not met up with Tracey for quite a while and it was great to see her again. Recent good intentions had been thwarted by inclement weather or family commitments.


     She is a true child of nature, enchanted with everything that dwells upon this Earth, animate or inanimate. There is no greater pleasure for her than to get out in nature alone, to experience the joy of interconnectedness with all that surrounds her. On a recent solo expedition through the forest she cogently noted that "the only scary part of being alone was when she encountered other humans."
     I am reminded of the words of the great ecotheologian, Thomas Berry, "We must say of the universe that it is a communion of subjects, not a collection of objects." Tracey embodies that spirit.
     The Mill Race was frozen over in stark contrast to just a few days earlier.


     The refracted light of the sun danced before our eyes and starbursts exploded on the trees.


     Everyone was keen to share the morning with a chickadee of course and it was time to share some birdseed.     


     Success was not long in coming.




     A Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) watched the goings-on from high atop a tree.


     As always, numerous White-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) kept us company along the trail, often serenading us as they perched alongside us, ever anxious to obtain a little food.


     We were intrigued by these holes in the bark of a trunk, but never reached a conclusion as to who or what made them.


     Snow creates its own brand of magic,




     The brilliant red berries of Japanese Barberry (Barberis thunbergii) were nothing short of uplifting.


     There are so many nuances to a winter wonderland - a hackneyed phrase perhaps but nonetheless true.


     The reflection on the ice only added to the allure of a sparkling day.


     While stopping to scan along the river, we espied three Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus), apparently feeding on vegetation just below the surface of the water.


     Here are two of them brought in a little closer.


     Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) were quite common, taking advantage of seed piles left by caring humans.


     Janet scanned for interesting things.


     It was a day for Muskrats, this time on the Mill Race side.


     White-breasted Nuthatches have fed from my hand many times, but none for as long as this individual.


     It stayed there for close to a minute I would guess, feeding on one seed after another, finally flying off to cache provisions for future consumption.
     While I was feeing the nuthatch, a Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) roamed through the cedars close at hand, never remaining still for a moment, and difficult to photograph.


     We spent a wonderful morning with much stimulating conversation, and coffee taken together at the Eco Café. We must do it again soon! 

David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

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

58 comments:

  1. I always love to see the birds but I was absolutely intrigued by the ice formations!! Have never seen anything like some of them. :)

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  2. Como siempre maravilloso el paseo y en buena compañía. Gracias por tan preciosas fotos. Abrazos.

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  3. ...I love the ice circles on the stems. Japanese Barberry fruit may be uplifting, but the plant is an invasive mess.

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    1. Unfortunately it is, Tom. One of many invasive plants, often deliberately introduced.

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  4. Looks like a nice time and some great photos.

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  5. A great double outing. I liked the pictures of the muskrats.

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  6. Hari Om
    Winter does hold its own particular beauty, does it not? And to share it with so many feathered friends - as well as human company - is surely a privilege. YAM xx

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  7. Your bird photos are wonderful as always, but I must say the ice photos are really amazing. With the lack of snow so far this year, the ice has been really fascinating to watch. Happy new week. hugs-Erika

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  8. Absolute magic - and seeing those beautiful ice formations made me feel a little cooler. A big thank you to you and Miriam.

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  9. As always, very beautiful photos, David. Miriam has really got an eye for it! The ice formations are wonderful. The Dark-eyed Juncos have become a new favorite of mine
    Hugs and kisses, Marit

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  10. I think it would be great to go out with a group.
    You were able to take beautiful pictures, great that the tits come to eat on your hand, we can only do that here with birds in captivity, in the wild that really never works.
    Greetings Irma

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    1. Come on over, Irma and you wilk be our guest of honour.

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  11. I'm happy to see that I'm not the only one who is fascinated by ice patterns and stops to photograph them. For some reason the idea of feeding wild birds from the hand has never caught on over here, though the occasional eccentric is seen doing so in some of our parks so it is possible.

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  12. Hello David,
    Great outings and reports. Beautiful birds and photos, as always. I wish the birds here were so cooperative, I would love to hand feed a chickadee or nuthatch. The ice formations are pretty, like tiny sculptures. Minus two, that is just too cold for me. Take care, have a great new week!

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  13. We’ve seen a Red-bellied Woodpecker along the boardwalk the last month or so. These are not common on PEI and neither are the White-breasted Nuthatches that some are seeing there. We haven’t seen them yet.

    These outings look and sound wonderful. Love the photos too!

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  14. Hi David.

    How wonderful that you can still organize those walks.
    There is always so much beauty to see.
    Beautiful ice structures.
    So much fun feeding the chickadees.
    The Woodpeckers are gorgeous.
    That Cardinal so beautiful.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  15. Looking awfully cold on that trail, David, but I can tell from the big smiles on everyone's face that this doesn't matter a bit! Love the chickadees on hands (my one day dream) and that photo of those ice circlets are astounding. I've never seen anything like that before.

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    1. If ever you make it up here, Jeanie, I could as near as damn it guarantee you a chickadee on your hand.

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  16. The ice formations are beautiful, great photos David! I'm always amazed that you get various birds to eat from your hands.

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  17. Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures, especially the Cedar Waxwing. We used to have Cedar Waxwings visit our yard every winter but it's been at least of couple of years since I've seen any here. Perhaps they are stopping farther north since the winters are now so much warmer there.

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    1. I will see if I can encourage a few of them to come and see you, Dorothy!

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  18. Por ser la primera fotografía. Te comento la buena fruto del grupo. Están todos contentos deseando de participar de una buena experiencia.
    Buen reportaje.

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  19. The sun makes winter more acceptable.

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  20. Not seen any waxwings in our garden this winter - Bombycilla garrulus, but I have to admit that your waxwings are prettier than ours with their attractive lemon coloured undercarriage.

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    1. Bombycilla garrulus is quite rare this far south, Rosemary, but when I lived in the Kawarthas they were regular visitors on my property.

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  21. Those ice discs on the stems are wonderful. I'm sure your outings were delightful but you would have a hard time getting me out there in those temps!

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  22. The ice formations are beautiful, I' ve never seen anything like it. Having the birds eat from your hands must feel fantastic, the are so small but very trusting.

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  23. Dear David,
    WOW, you really don't let the cold hold you back, but do like the Mallards and handle the conditions with equanimity - and a keen eye for wonderful photo opportunities.
    These frozen spray mist trinkets look mesmerizing! And the ice formations on the ground are also wonderful to look at, good that Miriam is preserving them "forever".
    And the cedar waxwing is a beauty indeed!
    I really have to try to get close to tits with grains... I'm thrilled that even nuthatches come to eat on hand! And it's great that you share these experiences with several very sympathetic like-minded people!
    All the best from Austria 👋, Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/01/costa-rica-3-kapitel-was-sollte-man.html

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  24. It sounds like a wonderful adventure!....I love the patterns that are created by the ice....However, I have to admit that I don't miss the snow and the cold days.....beautiful pictures!!.... Abrazotes, Marcela

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    1. As for me I would not like to live without them. Summer I can do without - spring, fall and winter are my seasons.

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  25. What a lovely adventure. I love watching muskrats. In such cold water!

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  26. Terrific shots. That ice pattern particularly.

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  27. Your bird photos are amazing as always.
    I especially love the ice photos.

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  28. Wow! So much beauty! The ice formation on the grasses looks like a piece of art. What a fun time feeding the birds and observing them. The little nuthatches are so lovely, and remind me that I must pick up a suet block for them.

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    1. I am happy to hear that you are caring for our feathered friends.

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  29. Hi David - I love the trails you take us on ... I always love the nuthatches, chickadees who live happily upside down as they hang on to the trunks and branches before they get on with life, or deign to accept the offering of a few seeds from human hands, or the stores left by said humans ... Tracey looks such fun - I hope you can all meet up again soon ... so glad it's not quite so cold here! Cheers Hilary

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  30. I always enjoy your photos and commentary, but this time I want to commend you for something else: scheduling. I can't tell you how many times I've missed a field trip I was interested in because it was scheduled during the week, when I have to be at work. You can be sure that if I were in your area I'd be there for one of your Saturday trips, with the proverbial bells on!

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    1. If ever you make it up here, Linda, you will be our guest of honour, and I will give the chickadees and nuthatches stern instructions to pay special attention to you!

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    2. Gracias! Perhaps it will happen one day.

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    3. Con mucho gusto, señora (señorita?).

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  31. David, magnificent report of the excursions made these days, not as cold as previous years and in which you have found beautiful birds.
    Lots of hugs and kisses.

    David, magnifico reportaje de las excursiones hechas en estos días, no tan fríos como años anteriores y en las que habeís encontrado aves bellas.
    Muchos besos y abrazos.

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  32. All this is wonderfully peaceful David.
    Come on, now the nuthatch is coming to eat out of the hands too!!!
    All the birds are wonderful.
    The beavers are going to have to rebuild everything, what a bummer. Isn't this dangerous for them at this time?
    Kisses my friend

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    1. I don't think it's dangerous for them, Nathalie, but it must be frustrating.

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  33. Your walks continue to deliver heart-warming results, David, that we can all enjoy from the comfort of our homes. However, I'd rather be there in person - even on a cold day!

    I've enjoyed Miriam's artistic non-avian images as much as the bird photos in this post. Please thank her from me.

    Things are now improving here, and I hope to be able to be able to leave Lindsay unattended soon and get out into the countryside for an hour or two - it's been too long.

    Best wishes to you both - - - Richard

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    1. It's a good thing her toques are stretchy, Richard, to accommodate her expanding head!

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  34. While I always enjoy the bird images, I was really taken by the snow and ice formations this time. Winter is such a glorious season (in some aspects...) and the beauty of it is something I surely miss. I remember how much I loved cold and sunny winter days in Germany and when I had the time, took a walk and then had hot cocoa bach home afterwards. - When I went on my walk this morning I ended up in our rural cemetery and enjoyed seeing so many birds. It has been the first sunny day after we had been inundated with heavy rain for weeks. Everybody seemed to be in good spirits.

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    1. We often time our walk so that we arrive back home around lunchtime to a bowl of hot, steaming homemade soup, and sometimes homemade bread to go with it. That rivals the finest meal in the fanciest restaurant you ever had.

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  35. As so many others have commented, David, the bird photos are always captivating especially the bird in hand ones (sorry that was an awful pun). And, I agree that ice formations are quite interesting and thanks to Miriam for her captures to share.

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  36. What a wonderful outing.
    The photographs were all so lovely to see, I especially enjoyed the ice formations.

    All the best Jan

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  37. David - what a blessing you are to your cadre of birders, arranging these outings which give everyone the benefit of being outdoors and experiencing the glory of nature. I adore the picture of the Cedar Waxwing - just look at that vibrant yellow, and it was a delight to see the muskrats as well. Thanks for sharing all this beauty!

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    1. I have wonderful kindred spirits with whom I share my life, Angie. The best one of all lives with me.

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  38. Nature is fantastic, I really enjoy walking through these beautiful places through your incredible photos. How many spectacular birds did you find, my favorite was the Cedar Waxwings, what a lovely bird.
    What a good feeling it must be, to be able to appreciate the birds coming to eat from our hand.

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  39. Wonderful photo's as always, I especially liked the water pictures and your ice formations. It's good of you to do the outing twice for both the wkend folks and those available during the week. Stay warm. Perhaps you got some new cold weather gear for Christmas.
    <a href="https://4ccccs.blogspot.com/2023/01/starts-and-finishes-with-knitting-and.html<Sandy's Space<a/>

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  40. Great report about such snowy natural environ! Also nice the pictures of the White-breasted Nuthatches.

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  41. I have never seen a Cedar Waxwing in my neck of the woods. That would certainly be a treat! The ice formations are stunning!

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  42. Hello David, What a wonderful walk you had with so much birds that came for the seeds on your hands. I wish I could have been there as well.
    Warm regards,
    Roos

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  43. Fantastycznie jest pokazać innym jak cudowny jest świat ptaków i zwierząt.

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We acknowledge that the land on which we are situated are the lands traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral People. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge, laws, and philosophies of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today. We are all treaty people with a responsibility to honour all our relations.

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