The Mill Race, St. Jacobs, ON

14 April, 2023

The Mill Race, St. Jacobs, ON

     There are many local parks and other agreeable areas quite close to our home, but one of our enduring favourites is The Mill Race and we go there quite often.

     In mid April the trail is waking up from its winter rest and the trees are sending forth buds and leaves.

     Spring means that Eastern Chipmunks (Tamias striatus) emerge from hibernation and demonstrate anew that they are among the most captivating of rodents.

     A lingering American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) will not tarry much longer, but will head north to the Arctic, where it will construct its nest among willows and birches.

     I doubt that Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus varius) are present in greater than usual numbers, but we have been inordinately fortunate in seeing them quite frequently. It is a stirring experience to see a bird fly in like this.....

     ..... to land on a tree and go about its business.

     A Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is a year-round resident, and contrary to popular wisdom, familiarity builds only increased affection.

     Tits and Chickadees (family Parulidae) are loved by all, and we feel quite smitten by our friendly Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), our constant and reliable cheery companion, from backyard to trail, to woodlot and forest.

     White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) occupies a similar position in our affection.

     Lichens are (at least for me) extremely difficult to identify, but I am fairly confident that this brilliant patch is a Sunburst Lichen (genus Xanthoria).

     

     The Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is a fearsome looking beast, little changed since the dinosaurs ruled the Earth. This individual was out of the water enjoying the unusually warm temperatures of an April day.

     Snapping Turtles lay their eggs in May and soon the roads will be a hazard zone for them as they try to find a suitable substrate to deposit their clutch. As much as possible we help them across if we spot them, but caution is necessary to avoid losing a finger!

     Northern Leopard Frogs (Lithobates pipiens) pose no threat at all to human digits!

     Our friend, the Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), swims in leisurely fashion up and down the waterways, doing what Muskrats do.

     Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is one of the earliest spring ephemerals in the woods and glades of southern Ontario, and appears to be experiencing spectacular growth this year.

     We were delighted to see another Common Snapping Turtle sunning on a log; two in one day is unusual.

     If anything, this individual was even bigger than the earlier one we saw.

     These three holes appear to have been made by a Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus).

     If we check back later, I expect they will have been fused into a single large cavity.

     Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is commonly encountered along the Mill Race Trail.

     The world of beetles (Coleoptera) is both fascinating and mysterious, with a dazzling array of organisms varying in size, shape, form and function. A Six-spotted Tiger Beetle (Cicindela sexguttata) is an exquisite example.

     I mentioned earlier that we have had good fortune with sapsuckers this spring and were delighted when another bird put on a display for us.

     A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) in full breeding regalia is an impressive sight.

     A Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) was screaming loudly.

     We had witnessed on our last walk starlings vying with Red-bellied Woodpeckers (Melanerpes carolinus) for that most prized possession, a nest site, so perhaps this behaviour was a continuation of that battle. Miriam and I both hope that the woodpeckers will be victorious.

     How fortunate we are to have this incredible diversity right on our doorstep, so to speak. I have no doubt that we will bringing you reports from the Mill Race for many years to come - and when you come and explore the wonders of southern Ontario we'll take you there.

     That's a promise!