Staying local and a day out in Goderich, ON

 23 April, 2023

Martin Creek Road, Woolwich Township, Region of Waterloo, ON

     We have to drive up this rural road on the way to the Mill Race Trail, and sometimes it hosts a good variety of birds.

     Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) has been spotted there on several occasions.

     A pair probably nests in one of the numerous nest boxes available on the fencerows, but we have not so far been able to establish this as a fact.

     Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) tend to congregate around a small wetland adjacent to the Mennonite schoolhouse.

     Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) is as likely to be seen along the roadside as at someone's feeders.

23 April, 2023

The Mill Race Trail, St. Jacobs, ON

     No bird along the Mill Race Trail is more predictable than Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus).

     This is a species that you could see every minute of every day, and I am quite sure it would still brighten your mood, no matter how bright you thought you already were.

     A stately Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) will impress you in quite a different way.

     On a Sunday we often share the trail with Mennonites, either men or women separately, since, as is the case with fundamentalist strands of any religion, segregation of the sexes in many aspects of life is strictly enforced.

     The presence of children, often substantial numbers of children, is a clear indication that from time to time men and women do indeed get together!

     A Red-bellied Woodpecker's (Melanerpes carolinus) thoughts are preoccupied with procreation too. It happens every spring!

24 April, 2023

Goderich, ON

     The two Great Lakes that we frequently visit are Lakes Ontario and Erie, so a day out to the shore of Lake Huron seemed like a fine idea. These lakes are inland seas, vast and always interesting, often displaying the many moods found along salt water coats, from tranquility to vicious, dangerous storms.

     I was surprised at the sheer number of American Herring Gulls (Larus smithsonianus) found along the Goderich beaches.

     A dead fish makes a great lunch for a hungry gull, but not all get to share in the feast.

     Far out on the breakwater, large flocks of Double-crested Cormorants (Nannopterum auritus) found a secure resting place.

     Not to be outdone, Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis) claimed their patch of real estate too.

     Red-breasted Mergansers (Merganser serrator) were frequently seen, mostly far out on the lake, however.

     American Herring Gull really was the dominant species, especially where an easy meal could be obtained.

     Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) is a small gull that we do not see often, so we were very happy to encounter several individuals in breeding plumage.

     We sat in the car and ate the lunch we had brought from home and moved on to Bayfield, checking out Pioneer Park. The following shots give you a clear idea of the vastness of these huge inland lakes.

     We took the steps down to the shore of the lake, but were prevented from going all the way by repairs taking place.

     Herring Gulls and fish seemed to be our leitmotif of the day.

     As we left we noticed this sign with its interesting story.

     Hardly on a par with the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, but bragging rights for Bayfield.

27 April, 2023

Lakeside Park, Kitchener, ON

     It's always a good day to visit Lakeside Park, and if its bright and sunny so much the better.

     We were greeted by no less than five Hermit Thrushes (Catharus guttatus). This one looks as though it has swallowed a puffball for lunch!

     Hermit Thrushes frequently pump their rusty tails, a clue when identifying this species.

     Yellow Trout Lilies (Erythronium americanum) carpeted the wooded areas; truly, it is a beautiful flower and a perennial favourite.

     Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata) took advantage of the warmth to clamber out to bask in the sun. They parked better than most people park their cars!

     Black-capped Chickadees found food in the heads of the cattails.

     There was every indication that there had been a general arrival of Ruby-crowned Kinglets (Corthylio calendula) and they seemed to be everywhere we looked.

     It is not always easy to get a glimpse of the red crown from which this tiny bird gets its name.

     A male Red-winged Blackbird is an exceedingly handsome bird.

     A female is not without charm, but looks quite different from the male.

     Speaking of handsome, how about this dandy male House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)?

     Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) seem to have conquered the world, and show no signs of letting up.

     It appears that pet owners tiring of their goldfish have released them into the lake, and a couple of Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia) no doubt appreciated it!

     Birds were not the only organisms taking advantage of fine weather. An early Cellophane bee (genus Colletes) caught our attention.

     Isn't nature wonderful?