WRN Outing to The Mill Race , St. Jacobs, ON

 27 March, 2024

Leader: David M. Gascoigne

Members: Joan Astley, Miriam Bauman, Beverly Church, Lynn Conway, Pauline Copleston, Lisa Den Besten, Mike Duchene, Karen Earle, Lynne Elliot, Lorne Harding, Beth Hobson, Marion Kelterborn, Curtiss MacDonald, David Matthews, Nancy Matthews, Elisabeth Parsons, Penny Douglas, Crystal Rose, Mary Ann Vanden Elzen, Kathy Waybrant, Sophie Wilson

Guests: Pi Bhor, Sandra Ford, Steve Gyorffy, Marilyn Newman, Angela Pellegrino, Vince Pellegrino, Barbara Ringham 

     As you may see, it was a large, enthusiastic group - and not everyone is in the picture!

     Even before getting on the trail a few birds paid a visit, and everyone enjoyed closeup views.

     A White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) never fails to entertain as it marches rapidly down a trunk head first.

     Where there are nuthatches it's a safe bet that woodpeckers will be in the vicinity, and this female Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) proved the point.

     A Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) was quite sedate as it strutted along the ground.

     A couple of Common Grackles (Quiscalus quiscula) rounded out the parade.

     The trail was mostly dry, with a few muddy spots after the recent rains, but we soldiered on.

     We had not gone far when a beautiful female Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) came to check out this gang of two-legged creatures.

     A hormone-fuelled male no doubt considered her as attractive as we did and he was not far behind.

     I had brought lots of sunflower seeds and everyone was anxious to get a handful to feed Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus), waiting expectantly.

     They showed great alacrity in landing on an outstretched hand.

     This entire party was made up of adults, some with advanced degrees, and grandchildren, but the allure of intimate contact with a wild creature is eternal, and the pleasure never diminishes. Age, sophistication and experience have little to do with primal satisfaction.

     I have to say that on this morning the birds were primarily quiet, and absent too, and we were less than overwhelmed, but this kind of walk is also about renewing acquaintances and enjoying the company of fellow naturalists. 

     We heard more Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) than we saw, but one actually perched, grudgingly perhaps, and permitted a picture.

     The sound of American Crow (Corvus brachyrynchos) was constant, but most birds were far beyond camera range.

     Two in amongst the corn stubble were the exception.

     We stopped often to feed chickadees, but even they were not as obliging as they usually are.

     As best I recall we never did succeed in inveigling a nuthatch to anyone's hand.

     Every so often, with patience and luck, a Downy Woodpecker will take its turn at the human buffet - but not today!

     Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) is announcing its presence and on later walks will enliven the landscape with its beautiful yellow flowers.

     The trees bore evidence of last year's breeding season, with this old nest of a pair of Baltimore Orioles (Icterus galbula).....

     ..... and quite close by was the nest of a vireo (Vireo sp.).

     A distinct highlight on this outing is a visit to the Eco Café at the half way point, where a hot coffee and a scone or a muffin is much enjoyed.

     I had actually emailed ahead to let them know that a large group would be descending on them, to suggest that they have extra goodies, and they responded in fine style, and even reserved the back room for us.

     What better than a warm greeting made up of coffee beans?

     Some people had left early and others had brought their own coffee, but the rest of us left the café to return to the parking lot at the other end of the trail.

     In a couple of spots we were surrounded by chickadees and helpful hands offered food for the taking.

     Sharp-eyed Mike spotted a Brown Creeper (Certhia americana); by consensus "the bird of the day."

     It had been a great morning, despite the relative paucity of birds, but that's one thing we can't control.

     I am sure we will do it again soon.