The Mill Race, St. Jacobs, ON

 23 November, 2023

     The beavers have done a masterful job blocking the flow of water on the Mill Race.

     Unfortunately, this probably will cause the Township, reflecting its normal lack of sensitivity and wisdom, to send men and machines to wreak havoc on the life and home of these industrious creatures. Even if the water were to overflow the banks a little, it would run off down the steep incline on the opposite side of the path. Logic was never the strong suit of bureaucracy, however.

     A Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) will be unaffected by the outcome whatever it might be.

     The following picture is not crystal clear, but given the time of year, I believe this is a Bruce Spanworm Moth (Operophtera bruceata).

     There is never a doubt as to the identity of an Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).

     During the warmer months of the year, various benches along the trail are often occupied by people taking a rest from their walk, or those simply enjoying the view, surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of nature. 

     This seat would be a great choice to read Walden Pond or Sand County Almanac, and ponder the ways to connect with nature.

     Fungi is an essential component of a healthy forest ecosystem, and the fruiting bodies are beautiful - and often prolific!

     A female Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) navigated the Conestogo River, where I suspect that fish were plentiful and she had little difficulty staying well fed.

     Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) are unfailingly charming.

     It is alleged that there are trolls along the Mill Race.

     Better be well-behaved and remain on their good side, otherwise they may eat you and you will never be seen again.

     Fallen leaves furnish an image of beauty and tranquility, eternal in its appeal.

     The bracket fungi on this trunk seemed to be forming a stairway - onwards and upwards!

25 December, 2023

     Christmas Day in Ontario - you'd think there would be snow. Not a chance this winter.

     It didn't take long for a friendly Black-capped Chickadee to come and say hello. 

     The promise of food will do it every time. 

     At least without snow cover, these very attractive lichens were visible.

     If there was no snow, it's a safe bet that equally there was no ice.

     The one constant from year to year, season to season, is the presence of chickadees.

     They are such a joy.

     Mallards benefitted from open water and were seen frequently.

      A couple of male Common Mergansers were spending time on the Conestogo River.

     Sometimes they would permit themselves to be swept along at high speed by the current and it was hard not to conclude that they were enjoying it. It was reminiscent of children on a toboggan run.

     There were many kinds of lichens, leaving me to wish that I had greater proficiency at identifying them.

     I have no more success with mosses.

     An American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) appeared to have captured a fish, a fine meal to be sure.

     I will look forward to the bloom of Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) in the spring; for now I will have to be content with green leaves.

     One might expect that Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) would have icicles dripping from its berries, but this year we have to accept that water droplets are all that we will get.

     Lovely nevertheless - nature's jewels indeed.