News from Home and a Couple of Walks

 At home, Waterloo, ON

10 May, 2023

     A House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) was singing incessantly in our backyard and we hoped that he would check out the fine selection of nest boxes available for him; clearly they did not meet his expectations, however.

     I have heard him singing a couple of times since, but the accommodation remains unoccupied. Maybe next year.....

27 May, 2023

     Without a doubt, American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is the most common visitor to our yard, often two individuals together and sometimes three.

     In years past they have nested in our bushes, but there is no sign of such activity this year.

28 May, 2023

     Last year several pupae of Black Swallowtails (Papilio polyxenes) we raised indoors entered diapause and overwintered in our garage. 

     Today, the first butterfly emerged, much to our delight - such a gorgeous insect.

    And there are more to come. Three more to be exact.

     You cannot imagine our happiness!

     On the same day, we were greeted at the front door by a Masked Hunter (Reduvius personatus), dust clinging to the viscous hairs on its body - very welcome, but hardly in the same class as the swallowtail!

21 May, 2023

Lakeside Park, Kitchener, ON

     A female Ring-necked Duck (Aytha collaris) seems to have been left behind as her congeners have moved out of this area.

     Perhaps she'll move north and find love!

     Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) is a lovely plant, especially at this time of year.

     This spring, Miriam and I were initially hard-pressed to find a Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), but once we located our first one they seemed to pop up everywhere.

     A Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) played hide and seek with us, with emphasis on hide!

     Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) are rarely so obstructionist.

     Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) is both common and endearing.

     Myrtle Warbler (Setophaga coronata) is generally the first warbler to arrive in the spring and and lingers long after other species have departed in the fall.

     Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus), on the other hand, is a year-round resident.

22 May, 2023

RIM Park, Waterloo, ON

     It would be a rare occasion when we don't spot a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) stealthily stalking its prey.

     It is a patient and skillful hunter with an eclectic diet. It will take anything it can subdue and swallow. And what it can swallow has the capacity to make you gasp with astonishment!

     Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) is the commonest shorebird in our area and even non-birders become familiar with its call.

     This Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) has young to feed and is carrying fresh protein back to the nest.

     Here is an epic demonstration of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) doing what Canada Geese do so well, much to the chagrin of pedestrians and golfers.

     Grey Catbird is a proficient mimic of the songs of many other bird species and and most birders have been fooled by them at one time or another.

     A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) is a very striking bird.

      American Redstarts (Setophaga ruticilla) sang almost constantly as we walked along the trails, and every so often a beautiful male would pause long enough for a picture.

     American Yellow Warblers (Setophaga aestiva) were no less prolific.

     Wild Geraniums (Geranium maculatum) are delicate and beautiful, yet hardy, and are a captivating component of the woodland.

     Northern Azures (Celastrina lucia) flit from plant to plant, and once in a while even land permitting a picture to be taken. Better not waste too much time though!

     A female Rose-breasted Grosbeak, seen here gathering nesting material, is subdued in colouration, as befits her extended tour of duty on the nest to incubate her eggs.  Muted hues assist in camouflaging her from would-be predators.

     We observed this individual for several minutes, watching her return to a dense bush, the apparent site of the nest. The male, was never far away, and copulated with the female to cement the pair bond, while she did all the work gathering dried grass and building the nest.

     The division of labour in nature is not always fair by anthropogenic standards, but the male will perform yeoman duty when the eggs hatch and he delivers food to the female and the newly emerged young.

     There are other walks to report on, but I'll leave that for another time. Until then be sure to enjoy nature and take good care of it. We have done a very poor job so far.