Activities of Late

30 March, 2023

Benjamin Park, Waterloo, ON

     Recently arrived from their wintering grounds, American Robins (Turdus migratorius) were ubiquitous.

02 April, 2023

Three Bridges Road, St. Jacobs, ON

     A combination of snowmelt and heavy rain caused the Conestogo River to overflow resulting in road closure.

09 April, 2023

Mill Race Trail, St. Jacobs, ON

     It is not far from home to the Mill Race Trail, and on our customary route we saw our first Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) of the spring.

     Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) are seen in reduced numbers each day, and soon all will have departed for their breeding grounds to the north.

     I will miss them. They are such perky little winter warriors.

     Brown Creepers (Certhia americana) have arrived in large numbers, although a few hardy individuals spend the winter with us.

     Northern Flickers (Colaptes aurata) wasted no time in exploring breeding opportunities.

     It always gives me special pleasure to see Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) along our waterways, knowing that they are no longer mercilessly persecuted for their fur.

     One of the classic signs of spring is to hear a male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) serenading from high atop a tree, and pairs are soon formed in anticipation of raising a family.

     This Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) seemed intent on winkling out insect larvae from hidden crevices and declined to bestow even a passing look at us.

     Water Striders (family Gerridae) have evolved bodies that enable them to walk on water, and they were out in force enjoying unusually warm weather.

10 April, 2023

Columbia Lake, Waterloo, ON

     Pussy Willows (Salix sp.) are always amongst the first trees to burst into bud.

     Some Golden-crowned Kinglets (Regulus satrapa) remain here during the winter, but their numbers are swelled by migrants at this time of the year.

13 April, 2023

Lakeside Park, Kitchener, ON

     It has been unusually hot for the first half of April.

     Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is always one of the first flowers to appear in spring, barely waiting for the snow to melt.

     The uncharacteristic heat has brought out Small Carpenter Bees (genus Ceratina) to kickstart the process of pollination.

     The lake looked tranquil.

     As you might expect, Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) and Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) are the waterfowl most commonly seen, and here they are together.

     Box Elder (Acer negundo), also known as Manitoba Maple, has been planted in towns and cities across North America.

     It is a handsome species, fast growing and providing shade in urban areas, but should be replaced with native species whenever possible.

     Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) is a common migrant in early spring.

     A Mallard drake is a stunning bird when examined closely.

     Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) were assiduously foraging on cattails, appearing to find an abundance of choice morsels there.

     The song of ardent male Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) is a familiar refrain.

     Lakeside Park is well used by walkers, cyclists, roller-bladers, and others and Canada Geese have become so habituated to humans they rarely pay you any attention.

     There were two Pied-billed Grebes (Podilymbus podiceps) on the water and given the presence of suitable habitat I expect that they will breed there.

     New migrants are arriving every day. More to report in the next post.