Stepping Out

 08 July, 2023

Mill Race Trail, St. Jacobs, ON

     Our feet were itchy, the weather was beautiful, and the Mill Race beckoned.

     Almost as soon as we entered the trail we spotted this nest, which I am pretty sure belongs to a vireo, although I am not sure which species.

     A couple of times it appeared that a bird flew to it, but left again almost immediately. It was impossible to get a decent look, but perhaps nestlings are being fed.

     A Bluet (genus Enallagma), as is often the case, left us wondering about the specific identification.

     A Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) looked exceptionally handsome bathed in bright sunlight.

     River Jewelwing (Calopteryx aequabilis) is right at the peak of its flight period and not difficult to locate in the right habitat.

     A Viburnum Leaf Beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni) found Miriam's forearm and hand especially attractive.

     An American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus americanus) always seems like the grand old man of the woodland trails.

     We discovered a minor invasion of Elm Leaf Gall Mite (Aceria campestricola).

     Bee-mimic Robber Flies are interesting insects and this individual is found in the complex Laphria canis (genus Laphria).

     The complexity of insect life is a source of constant wonderment. Much of what we see is too small to photograph and the diversity is incredible.

     We came across a family of Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa), perhaps a week old or so, and were left wondering where their mother was.

     As far as Miriam and I could recall we had seen but one Monarch (Danaus plexippus) this year, so it was very pleasing to see this individual.

     We were exceptionally happy to come across a fairly large gathering of Northern Rough-winged Swallows (Stelgidopteryx serripennis), including many young of the year.

     There were swarms of insects in the air and the feeding was obviously good.

     The ever-industrious Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) went about its business, seeking sweet nectar wherever it could be found.

     Day Lilies (genus Hemerocallis) are super-abundant at this time of year, and quite spectacular too.

     We spotted a female Powdered Dancer (Argia moesta) and Miriam was quick with the camera.

     Then we noticed a male just ahead of it.

     Within seconds we realized that they were all around us, living up to their reputation of often aggregating in large numbers.

     A few juvenile Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) joined the Northern Rough-winged Swallows to take advantage of the large insect swarms, doubtless perfecting their capture skills, so vital for a successful migration. These little birds have a long way to go.

     The Common European Ambersnail (Succinea putris) is seldom found far from water, as was the case with this individual.

     The mystery of the whereabouts of the female Wood Duck in charge of the family of ducklings espied earlier, was solved when we came across her, calling to her young.

     There was no response and even when she entered the water and swam up and down, calling all the while, the young failed to materialize.

     In a perverse and almost comical way we had a situation where young and adult seemed unable to stay together. Strange indeed!

     One can only hope they find each other. Those youngsters need the wisdom and the protection of their mother to see them through.

     American Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata) always brings me great joy.

     Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) was constantly scurrying around, always busy, ever on the lookout for a quick snack.

     American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) was its usual feisty self, defiantly standing its ground.

     American Robins (Turdus migratorius) were common as might be expected; many are already into second broods.

     The Common Grackle seems to have had just about enough of its begging fledgling, perfectly capable of securing its own food, but harassing its parents nevertheless.

     Just another day on the Mill Race.