Lakeside Park, Kitchener, ON

24 April, 2024 

     It's always a pleasure to visit Lakeside Park where even on a "slow day" there are discoveries to be made.

     Our good friend, Mary Ann Vanden Elzen, is deeply involved with this park, so our enjoyment is enhanced merely by knowing that. I think we should mount a campaign to rename it The Vanden Elzen Reserve!

     It was quite enchanting to be greeted by extensive patches of Woodland Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica), a sprightly flower of spring that pleases always.

     It doesn't rival the woodlands of Europe with their carpets of bluebells, but it is glorious nonetheless.

     A Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) was calling loudly and vociferously, and finally we found it high atop a snag.

     In the wet and boggy areas all around the region Marsh Marigolds (Caltha palustris) are prolific, bold and beautiful.

      No bird, in my estimation, is more emblematic of a marsh than a Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) and the males were at their finest, uttering their siren songs to oft-times reluctant females, and challenging other males who might dare to invade their territory.

     It is a very familiar bird, but oh so handsome.

     And on the Handsome Index a drake Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) scores well, doesn't it?

     The first warm rays of sun bring Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata) out of the water to bask on any convenient surface.

     Humans would do well to park their cars in such an orderly fashion.

     Trout Lilies (Erythronium americanum) claimed their patch of the woodland floor.

     This group of Dryad's Saddle (Cerioporas squamosus) had an uncharacteristic appearance.

     A Common Eastern Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) seemed to be foraging in a very determined fashion in the detritus of the forest floor.

     Perhaps some form of micronutrients were found there, I am not sure, but something was capable of capturing the bee's undivided attention.

     White Twisted-stalk (Streptopus amplexifolius) will be blooming shortly.

     As sure as the proverbial death and taxes, in May, is the presence of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) with young. It seems to me that the word "cute" may have had its origin here.

     In a city park the adults seem to abandon their aggressive nature when around their young, and people are accepted without hesitation, and the young can be approached quite closely without fear of attack from an irate parent.

     It's quite possible that the presence of humans, often walking their dogs, may serve to deter other natural predators of vulnerable goslings.

     A pair of Mallards was entirely nonchalant about the goings-on.

     I don't have records to back it up, but I can't remember a year when Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) has been so common.

     Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) arrives early and is ubiquitous - and delightful too!

     Fruit trees are loaded with blossom and are incredibly beautiful. I am unable to tell you precisely which trees are featured here but they are in the group known as Plums, Cherries and Allies (genus Prunus). That will have to suffice, I'm afraid.

     I'll bet that you're gobsmacked, though!

     We had our first sighting ever of an Orange-spotted Drone Fly (Eristalis anthophorina) on the rotting cap of a fungus.

     What kind of walk in the park would it be without an American Robin (Turdus migratorius) or two - or more - lots more!

        Another Northern Flicker was present.

     A Lucerne Moth (Nomophila nearctica) was a very pleasing discovery.

     A female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) perched quietly in Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea).

     Not a great picture, but an Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) trilled its song.

     Just imagine those taxa we weren't able to photograph - and this was a slow day. Visualize what it's like when the woods are hopping and the lake has grebes, terns and gulls.

      If you're in the area be sure to let me know. I'll take you on a hike to Lakeside Park. That's a promise - and I bet I could coax Mary Ann into joining us too!