Kissing Bridge Trailway and Health Valley Trail

      We walk so often that it's almost inevitable that some of these posts occur far beyond the date of the activity, so you will understand that by now nature's cycles may have moved on.

 

07 May, 2024

Kissing Bridge Trailway, Elmira, ON

     We had barely set foot on the trail when we were greeted by an Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis), a fine specimen who had over-wintered well.

     While we watched the snake a Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) affirmed its name and warbled to us.

     I am not sure whether House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon) have had an especially good year, or whether we have just noticed them more, but they are prolific and we have discovered several breeding pairs.

     An Ontario forest without Trilliums (Trillium grandiflorum) would be like Marilyn Monroe without an updraft.

     Star-flowered Lily-of-the Valley (Maianthemum stellatum) is a bit of a mouthful, but the plant is very attractive.

     I remember being enchanted with Forget-me-Nots (Myosotis sylvatica) as a child, and loving them dearly, and wondering whether I would be forgotten! Believe it or not, the first acquaintance with scientific names that I can remember was finding out what sylvatica meant, and then using the words "sylvan glades" in a school essay. It's odd what one remembers, isn't it?

     Strawberries (genus Fragaria) will provide food for many organisms, from slugs to skunks, from raccoons to rabbits. 

     Smooth Yellow Violet (Viola eriocarpa) is as beautiful as Lisa's smile.

     Spotted Pink Lady Beetle (Coleomegilla maculata) is native to North America (hooray!), a seeming rarity in the Coccinellidae where many invasive species have become firmly established.

     A Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is like an old friend who never lets you down.

     And an American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) leaves you gob-smacked every time you see it.

     The appearance of Northern Azure (Celesrina lucia) is a familiar sign of spring.

     I don't think we were ever out of earshot of American Robin (Turdus migratorius) and it made us happy. It always does.

13 May, 2024

Health Valley Trail, Waterloo to St. Jacobs, ON

     "Welcome," said a Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus).

     We had not gone far before the first Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) popped up.

     No doubt a Carpet Moth (subfamily Larentiinae) would make a fine snack!

     We saw several Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus), its distinctive che-bek song usually announcing its presence before we spotted the bird.

     In Field Guide to North American Flycatchers (2023), it says, "Least emits an abrupt rising "whit" like Dusky, Willow and Grey, but it is shorter, sharper and more abrupt. Least's "whit" also has a strong harmonic, giving it a more energetic call than Dusky, Willow and Grey." If you can pick that out in the field your ears are a whole lot sharper than mine!

     A Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) perched atop a tree in regal splendour.

     A Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) by contrast portrayed serenity and delicacy.

     We seemed to be in the company of Yellow Warblers (Setophaga aestiva) the whole time.

     Here is a Least Flycatcher gathering nesting material.

   'Tis that time of year!

     This old tree is truly majestic - inspirational, awe-inspiring.

     It makes you want to wrap your arms around it.

     Warbling Vireos often warbled to us.

     An immature male Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) in first breeding plumage looked very striking.

     This is what he is aspiring to.

     Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is a polyandrous species and this was probably an assertive female.

     She was joined along the river by a couple of Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus).

     A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) cruised above our heads, seeking a favourable spot to feed.

     A female Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) perched coyly.

     Not an especially good photograph, but an Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) was scanning the river for fish.

      Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) is often found close to water where there are many insects.

     Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is not a plant we look forward to encountering and we are very careful not to come into contact with it.

     Much of this trail wends its way alongside the Grand River and it is picturesque.

     Where there is water, there are herons.

     The following picture will convey the extent to which Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) has invaded woodland ecosystems and conquered native species.

     Early settlers who brought it over to flavour their salads had no idea of the destructive legacy they were creating.

     As might be expected, we saw turtles. Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemis picta marginata).....

     ..... and Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina).

 

     Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) is an exceptionally attractive little bird, and the males were in fine voice.

     Amber Snails (family Succineidae) were present in profusion.

     Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens) is a bright, cheerful and very welcome part of my world.

     Tell me this doesn't bring a smile to your face.

     A Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) was patrolling the river searching for food and was perhaps nesting nearby. This species, uniquely amongst sandpipers, uses old songbird nests, sometimes high in the trees. It is assumed that the young leap from the nest in the manner of Wood Ducks chicks, but as far as I can tell no one seems to have witnessed this.

     I have never found an active nest.

     Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) sometimes evoke sentiments of hostility from humans, on account of their parasitic ways.

     In reality they are simply doing what they are genetically programmed to do - and succeeding very well. It seems odd to me that some humans will draw on their own sense of value and impose it on a completely different organism, as though they should mend their ways and "do what we do."

     We have more than enough deviancy in our own species, never mind casting judgement on others.

     Purple Martin (Progne subis) has suffered catastrophic declines in recent years (along with all other aerial insectivores), so it's always great to see them - even if we don't have a great picture!

     It was a very pleasant surprise to come upon an Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi).

     An Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is always delightful, and we never tire of seeing them.

     American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) breeds locally, and is usually not difficult to find.

     White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) are migrants spring and fall.

     Many Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) already have young, but this female was still incubating eggs.

     Dryad's Saddle (Ceriporus squamosus) is one of our most common fungi; perhaps the most common.

     Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) enhances the landscape and is a magnet for pollinators.

     There are many apple trees (genus Malus) - how they got there I am not sure.

     Just before we  arrived back at the car, a Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) was probing in the grass.

      A very pleasant ending to a wonderful walk.