WRN Outing to North Shore of Lake Ontario

23 September, 2023 

     I have been running this outing for Waterloo Region Nature for about eleven years now, in different seasons, and it has not lost one scintilla of its appeal.

Leader: David M. Gascoigne

Members:  Miriam Bauman, Betty Brechun, Lisa Den Besten, Sharon Dillon-Martin, Victoria Ho, Greg Michalenko, Crystal Rose, Roger Suffling, Selwyn Tomkun, Min Min Tong

Guests: Amanda Armstrong, Thomas Charky, Harry Cheng, Jane Park, Angela Rooke, Chris Rooke, David Rooke, Zach Summerhayes, Brooke Wade

Back Row - Lisa, Harry, Thomas, Brooke, Zach, Roger, Greg, Chris

Front Row- Jane, Victoria, Selwyn, Amanda, David G., Min Min, Crystal, Angela, David R.

Kneeling - Sharon, Betty

     There were several novices or near-novices on this outing, so a power line filled with Rock Doves (Columba livia) was a great opportunity to explain a little about introduced species, and the dire consequences that can result from good intentions.

     Ironically, the very next species we observed was another example of an introduced bird that has thrived and now poses problems for our native avifauna. A female House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is shown on goldenrod (genus Solidago), while the male is taking full advantage of seed left by a doting resident of the area.

     Spiders' webs are eternally attractive, and form critical nest-building material for some birds too. 

     From time to time a domestic Mallard (Anas platyrynchos domesticus) escapes from a farmyard or ornamental pond and joins a flock of wild birds, but it was very unusual to see a little flotilla like this.

     They seemed to be keeping to themselves too, and we didn't see them join forces with their wild congeners.

     Mouse-eared Hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum) looked quite splendid in the morning light.

     A snail in the genus Cepaea was content to use Wild Carrot (Daucus carota) as a convenient pathway.

     When this old industrial area was razed to the ground and rehabilitated as a little nature preserve, this chimney was left standing to provide habitat for Chimney Swifts (Chaetura pelagica) - and success has finally been achieved.

     Foresight, sound planning, and following the advice of knowledgeable people is a good thing!

     Evergreens in general seem to have had a fine year, at least in southern Ontario, and Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) attests to this fact.

     We wandered through the goldenrod.....

     ..... and rimmed the observation deck to scan for birds.

     The sun was in our eyes, but a Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritus) took advantage of it to dry its wings.

     One of the highlights of the day was to see a Merlin (Falco columbarius) plucking and consuming freshly caught prey.

     Would that we had been witness to the chase and the capture!

Urquhart Butterfly Garden, Dundas, ON

     The Urquhart Butterfly Garden is really an extension of the canal walk, and is in spectacular early fall bloom. I swear that the goldenrods and asters have never been so vibrant as this year.

New England Aster

     A Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) flew up and down a couple of times and then perched very conveniently.

     Guelder-Rose (Viburnum opulus) has produced a fine crop of berries.

Grindstone Creek, Hamilton, ON

     As soon as we arrived at the water, a Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) graced us with its presence.

     For a few minutes it was alongside a Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), facilitating a close comparison of the two species.

     Mute Swans are not entirely mute, but rarely are they heard, and even then a mild hiss. Legends abound about Mute Swans only singing before they die - the first song also being the last. Orlando Gibbons' set of Madrigals & Motets of 5 Parts (1612), captures it perfectly.

The Silver Swan, who living had no note,

When death approached unlocked her silent throat,

Leaning her breast against the reedy shore,

Thus sung her first and last, and sung no more,

Farewell all joys, O death come close mine eyes,

More Geese than Swans now live, more fools than wise.

     A keen group, binoculars at the ready were scanning around the marsh.

     A couple of Great Egrets (Ardea alba) were present.

     Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) stubbornly remained at the far side of the wetland, so it's a little hard to see their distinguishing characteristics.

     A gorgeous Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) was a lovely image to take with us as we headed for our cars.

LaSalle Park and Marina, Burlington, ON

     Even as we parked, a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) soared over our heads, an image of avian majesty if ever I saw one.

     A Double-crested Cormorant posed nicely, and then obligingly went into the water too.

     It remained close by as we enjoyed our lunch sitting on the retaining wall of a short spit, basking in glorious sunshine, savouring the moment.

Before we sat down!

     A group of Mallards seemed to be taking life easy.....

     ..... as did a fairly large contingent of Double-crested Cormorants.

     An American Black Duck (Anas rubipres) posed very nicely, showing off its speculum.

     A female Belted Kingfisher had been flying up and down the water, announcing its presence by its distinctive rattle, and finally perched briefly where it could be photographed. 

     This House Sparrow did not appear well. 

     It was very lethargic and tolerated a close approach. Perhaps it was suffering from an overload of parasites or a debilitating (or lethal) pathogen. Given the overall concern for avian flu we left it alone to await its fate.

     Mute Swans sailed along like the royalty they are.

     A fall walk in an Ontario woodland would not be complete without an Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) or two.

     I would think it is a rare juxtaposition of species when a Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) and a couple of Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) are caught in the same frame.

Paletta Lakefront Park, Burlington, ON

     We gathered in the parking lot, waiting for the last car to arrive.

     With everyone accounted for, we set out on our walk.

     It was not long before we spotted this Pure Green Sweat Bee (Augochloropsis viridula), matchlessly beautiful I am sure you will agree.

     The Mallard in the picture below is an excellent example of a male coming out of eclipse plumage and regaining his splendour.

     A Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens) is not as spectacular as a sweat bee, but is a vital pollinator, well deserving our admiration and protection.

     In some respects, it was the Day of the Snail - they seemed to be everywhere.

     This Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) puzzled us all a little. It entered a hole, disappearing completely, only to come out again, perch at the rim and repeat the whole performance - to what end I am not sure.

      Common (Spotted) Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is one of my favourite plants of all time, and it was abundantly present at Paletta Park.

     Miriam's picture above is about as perfect as it gets, in my opinion. Were I an artist my brush would already be in my hand.

     I could be forgiven for concluding that American Winter Ant (Prenolepis imparis) shares my enthusiasm for jewelweed.

     Pannicled Aster (Symphyotrichum lanceolatum) was common.

     A Green Cone-headed Planthopper (Acanalonia conica) did me the rare honour of landing on my shirt.

     Did I mention that we had snails?

     A couple of Red-bellied Woodpeckers (Melanerpes carolinus) charmed us with their antics.

     The indomitable Greg was breaking in a new knee, and decided to hang back on this segment of the walk, until we rejoined him on the return circuit. He sets a new paradigm for relaxing in style!

     Many chose to call it a day at this stop, but a few of us soldiered on for one more kick at the proverbial can.

Bronte Harbour, Oakville, ON

      There was not much to see here, other than a multitude of Double-crested Cormorants, but we enjoyed a walk around the harbour and along the breakwater.

     A Silver Maple (Acer saccharium) was captivating.

     What a wonderful day it had been. Good friends, keen naturalists, experienced teachers, novices, young and old. It really doesn't get any better.