Catching up.....Episode 2

02 March, 2024

Mike Schout Wetland Reserve, New Hamburg, ON

     This is a great location for a walk even if the wildlife is not prolific, as is generally the case in early March.

     American Robins (Turdus migratorius), recently returned from their winter sojourn farther south, were there to greet us.

     I have no doubt that Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) occupied the wetland as soon as there was open water.

      Running Crab Spiders (genus Philodromus) do not build webs and hunt their prey in foliage and on tree bark.

     Male Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), fresh from the south, were already defending territories.

     A Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) always brings great pleasure.

     As we left a Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) perched on the roof of a house.....

     ..... and a Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) came to bid us farewell.

11 March, 2024

Country Drive, Region of Waterloo

     The Conestogo River is a prominent natural feature in our area, and it's always pleasant to be alongside it.

     We often see Common Mergansers (Mergus merganser).

     Canada Goose is even more frequently observed.

     It's always a delight to spot a Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris).

     Eastern Bluebird (Sialis sialia) numbers have rebounded in recent years, aided by human intervention, and it is no longer unusual to come across them.

12 March, 2024

Benjamin Park - Waterloo, ON

     The early settlers had no idea the grief they would cause when they introduced Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) into Ontario.

     It dominates woodlands everywhere, sometimes to the complete exclusion of native species, and is virtually impossible to eradicate once established.

     Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon), sometimes referred to as Yellow Dead-nettle, was introduced into North America and is considered invasive in many regions, sometimes classed as a noxious weed.

      Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) on the other hand will be delightful when it blooms.

     Pussy Willows (Salix discolor) were "bustin' out all over", as Oscar Hammerstein, II might have said.

     American Robin, too, is equally a sign of spring.

     Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is both beautiful and prolific.

     It often has blue and pink flowers on the same plant, prompting some to refer to it as the boy-and-girl flower.

     A Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) has the ability to stop people in their tracks and cause them to issue rhapsodic phrases unused before!

     Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is undeniably pretty but does not elicit the same reaction.

     Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) are usually quite sedate, and bear an aura of quiet dignity.

     A Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) by contrast is feisty and argumentative by nature.

     This pair seemed quite serene - for the moment, at least!

     A carpet of Pachysandra (genus Pachysandra) was doing well, with the potential to do even better.

     There's more catching up to do but I think that's enough for this time.