Catching up.....Episode 3

 31 March, 2023

A Drive through the Countryside

     Eastern Bluebird (Sialis sialia) is a success story, in stark contrast to so many declines in bird populations; it  verges on common in certain areas.

     This bird is banded and was probably monitored as a nestling. It would be interesting to be able to read the band and know where the bird originated.

     It was a very agreeable circumstance to come upon a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), an unusual sighting to be sure.

     Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is a much under-appreciated bird in my opinion, especially when the sunlight hits it and its plumage shimmers.

     A Groundhog (Marmota momax) was reluctant to venture out into the open.

     A pair of humans at an Easter Parade, decked out in their finery, would have a hard time looking better than these Mallards (Anas platyrynchos).

     Bald Eagle (Haliaetus leucocephalus) is another avian success story (isn't it amazing what happens when persecution ceases?), and nesting pairs are no longer uncommon.

     An eagle's nest is an impressive structure.

07 April, 2024

Hillside Park, Waterloo, ON

     The creek was full of fish, minnows of one kind or another it seems, but I don't have enough familiarity with them to attempt identification.

     A drake Mallard was content to rest awhile.

     Willows (genus Salix) were displaying the exuberance of spring.

     Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna) imparted a real splash of colour to a landscape still dun from winter.

     We saw (and heard) several Northern Flickers (Colaptes auratus) but this was the only one in camera range - and even it was quite distant.

     Someone had deposited bird seed onto a stump and it attracted the attention of many species.

     A female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) was quick to take advantage of this afternoon snack.

     And seemed quite willing to share with a Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus).

     A Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) was next in line.....

     ..... followed by a White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis).

     A Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) was quite content to watch the world go by.

Bechtel Park, Waterloo, ON

     Wild Leeks (Allium tricoccum) were abundant.

     I have never used them in my culinary adventures, preferring to leave them in the forest, but I know people who have cooked with them and speak highly of the flavour.

     Early Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum giganteum) was emerging here and there.

     Several Mourning Cloaks (Nymphalis antiopa) enjoyed a fine spring afternoon and put on a show for us.

Columbia Lake, Waterloo, ON

     It was barely out of the way to drop by Columbia Lake on the way home - so we did!

     A colourful male Northern Cardinal was there to greet us.

     There were many Common Mergansers (Mergus merganser) on the lake.

     Strangely, these females were all lined up along the far bank.

     We were delighted to see a pair of Gadwall (Mareca strepara), a species not often observed at this location.

     A Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) was on its way to its northerly breeding grounds.

     Several Song Sparrows were probing for food.

     And an American Robin seemed to salute us as we arrived back at the car.

     There's more to come, but that will wait for next time.