WRN Outing to Mike Schout Wetlands Preserve, New Hamburg, ON

15 October, 2023

     This outing was originally scheduled for 14 October when in excess of thirty enthusiastic naturalists had signed up for the event, but rain cancelled our plans, and the walk was shunted to the next day. Inevitably, that didn't work for some, but a good group joined me anyway.

Leader: David M. Gascoigne

Members: Miriam Bauman, Linda Bree, Sharon Dillon-Martin, Mike Duchene, Beth Hobson, Roddie Hornby, Vashti Latchman, Curtiss MacDonald, Anne Morgan, Audrey Nichols,  Tracey Rayner, Andrea Smith, Sophie Wilson, Kathy Waybrand  

Guests: Carolyn Hay, Felix Lawson, Calvin Mills

Tracey, Andrea, Sophie, Beth, Calvin, Sharon, Felix, David, Anne, Mike, Kathy, Curtiss, Linda, Carolyn, Reya, Roddie, Vashti

     We are at that time of the year when most of the migrants have departed and many of the winter species have not yet arrived, or have barely put in their first appearance, so the birding, while satisfying, was not terrific. The visit was always intended, however, for people to become acquainted with the wetland, and that goal was certainly accomplished.

     Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) were the only ducks on the water.

     It is undeniable that Common Water Hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) is uncommonly beautiful, with lavender to pink flowers in season, but it is aggressive and invasive, and the people who manage the wetland will have to be vigilant to ensure that it does not take over.

     Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) were present in substantial numbers, forming large flocks and preparing for migration. 

     I don't think we need to be reminded that this is an exceedingly handsome bird, (familiarity does not breed contempt), and we are very lucky to share our world with blackbirds.

     An adult Bald Eagle (Haliaetus leucocephalus), high overhead, pleased everyone - eagles have a way of doing that!

     I am not especially tall, but this gives you a good idea of the height that Late Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) can attain.

     Enjoying each other's company, we ambled slowly along the boardwalk, stopping to talk about anything that captured our interest.

     A snoozing female Mallard very kindly showed us her iridescent purple-blue speculum, boldly bordered in white.

     Even on a mostly dull fall day, a wetland pond is both interesting and possessed of its own beauty.

     Curtiss looks quite pensive; contemplating the meaning of life perhaps.

     I am sure he will let us know if he comes up with an answer!

     Myrtle Warbler (Steophaga cononata) was seen quite frequently, but rarely well.

     This is the hardiest of all the warblers and the one that lingers with us after most others have departed.

     On the odd occasion when the clouds parted to permit the sun to shine through, the colours of fall seemed quite splendid.

     An American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) probed at the water's edge for seeds.

     A little farther on, a Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) was no less industrious.

     The work of the Goldenrod Gall Fly (Eurosta solidaginis) was on display for all to see.

     As a fall adornment on a trunk, Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is exceptionally pleasing to the eye.

     Several times we saw migrating raptors overhead, all very high, however, and beyond the range of our cameras. This Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) was the lone exception.

     American Robins (Turdus migratorius) were either migrating, or checking for a sheltered winter territory. These days, it's hard to tell.

     We proceeded onwards, nearing the end of the wetlands (the trail is a loop).

     It was just as well, as the clouds were beginning to look quite ominous.

     These pods of Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) have still not burst open to disperse their seeds; no doubt it will happen soon.

     A few late-blooming Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) still radiated colour in a predominantly dun landscape; who could not feel a sense of joy in the presence of such enduring beauty?

     And a single Wild Carrot (Daucus carota) stood proud and tall, the very last of its kind to bloom this year (at least that we saw). 

     Its alternative common name is Queen Anne's Lace, and perhaps it's more fitting to refer to it by that name on a day like today. To have been bid farewell by Queen Anne's Lace seems altogether grand to me. Perhaps it does to you too!