Thursday, July 25, 2024

North Shore of Lake Ontario

 A definition of natural history - "A practice of attentiveness and receptivity to the more-than-human world, guided by honesty and accuracy."

                                                                    Thomas Lowe Fleischner 

13 July, 2024

     It had been a while since we had birded with Lisa, and Selwyn and Victoria, and I had promised Shannon to let her know about some birding days, so we all got together and headed for various points along the north shore of Lake Ontario. We were joined there by Shannon's daughter, Abbey, and her boyfriend, Preston.
     It was a perfect day to be down near the water, although by mid afternoon it was getting decidedly hot.

Humber Bay Park East, Toronto, ON

     Many people were out enjoying the start of the weekend, and birding - as might be expected in mid July - was a little slow.
     It didn't take us long, however, to locate a Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius), quite oblivious to the throngs strolling along the waterfront, and even the close proximity of an outdoor yoga class.


     A Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) at times seemed to be masquerading as a Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis).


     We don't focus so much on insects when we have others with us, but we couldn't resist taking a picture of this Brown-belted Bumble Bee (Bombus grisecollis).


     For many years Red-necked Grebes (Podiceps grisegenga) have bred at this location, and 2024 was no exception.



     A male Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) surveyed his domain.

Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Toronto, ON

     Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagitttaria latifolia) is a characteristic and visually appealing plant of wetlands throughout much of Ontario.


     The leaf structure is attractive enough by itself, and the flowers of this plant only add to its appeal.



     An immature male Red-winged Blackbird has survived the first rigours of independence and is making his way in life.


     Nearctic Blue Mud-dauber Wasp (Chalybion californicum) is a handsome insect with an interesting life style.


     From Wasps, Eric R. Eaton (2021) - "Wasps in the genus Chalybion notice the webs of their spider host while flying. They then land on the web and deftly pluck the snare to mimic a struggling insect. This draws the spider to its doom."
     You will note from the following picture that Preston is head and shoulders taller than the rest of us, and that proved to be a very useful attribute.


     Red-winged Blackbirds are renowned for their aggression in defence of their nest, and they zoomed in on the highest point - Preston's head. We may have to insist that he accompany us on all our outings during breeding season! At present he is not a dedicated birding fanatic and we have to work on that. As Abbey succinctly phrased it, "He doesn't especially like birds, but he likes me so he comes along." Long may that continue!
     A good-natured person had liberally strewn birdseed on a rock and a Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) wasted no time in lining up at the buffet.


     Quickly, it was joined by House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) and Red-winged Blackbirds.


     And a Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) came to claim a share, without chivvying and bullying others, contrary to popular belief.


     Several turtles were hauled out on rocks and there was lively conjecture as to their species.
     The following picture shows Red-eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans).


     And here are Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemis picta marginata).


     There was some discussion as to whether Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica) had also joined the basking beauties, and I was leaning towards that conclusion at the time, yet none of Miriam's pictures show this species.
     A family of American Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva) provided great entertainment for us; it was of course heartwarming to see such success.


     It was Claude Monet who elevated water lilies to mythical status, but he is certainly not alone in appreciating their enduring beauty. They are an avatar of calm in troubling times.


     A Spotted Sandpiper pleased us greatly with a sprightly promenade along the mud.


     Who can fail to be uplifted by a Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)?


     Creeping Bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides) is always beautiful, but exceptionally so on a hot summer's day.


     This oak (genus Quercus) was exceptionally pale and it was Lisa who identified it as suffering from a condition known as chlorosis.


     This was new information for me and I appreciated Lisa highlighting it for us.
      "A common cause of chlorosis is a deficiency of iron or manganese, both of which are present but unavailable in high pH soils (pH>7.2). Iron and manganese are needed by plants to form chlorophyll and to complete photosynthesis.  Stressors, such as temperature extremes, drought, poor drainage (which limits soil aeration) or restricted root growth, further limit nutrient uptake in plants sensitive to chlorosis." (The Morton Arboretum).
     One has to wonder whether the temperature extremes to which trees are now subjected will increase the incidence of this condition.
     A female Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) is the very model of stability.


     Margined Calligrapher (Toxomerus marginatus) has been frequently featured on my blog giving you an idea of just how common it is, but I would wager that few see it.


     Double-crested Cormorants (Nannopterum auritus) seemed to favour the small harbour where many man-made perches were available.



     If one bird dominated our day it was Red-necked Grebe.


     Once again we encountered several breeding pairs.
     Cormorants and Mallards shared the water together in harmony.




     Maybe it was just too hot to squabble!

Douglas Kennedy Headland, Mississauga, ON

     The first order of business was to have lunch and we found a sapling providing enough shade for us all to sit on the grass and enjoy our picnic. 
     The playground was full of joyful children, the splashpads resounded with squeals of delight, and Greenbottle Flies (genus Lucilia) glistened in the sun.


     Guelder-Rose (Viburnum opulus) displayed the results of a fruitful season.


     Dogbanes (genus Apocynum) were prolific.....


     ..... and Alders (genus Alnus) looked terrific.



A. E. Crookes Park, Mississauga, ON

     Mere minutes from Douglas Kennedy Headland, the park was a hive of activity, with people enjoying the beach and the water, with hardly a parking space available. With all the hubbub it was hardly surprising that birds were few, other than for a few aerial gulls.
     A friendly White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) did, however, come to see us.


Bronte Harbour, Oakville, ON


     By the time we reached Bronte Harbour the mid afternoon heat was becoming quite oppressive, and the terns we had hoped to see lined up along the breakwater had been displaced by strolling humans and their dogs.
     It was fitting that we did see several Red-necked Grebes, the bird of the day without a doubt, and this time we had clear evidence of breeding success.



     It had been a great day with wonderful friends and a slow drive home did nothing to diminish the pleasure.
     We'll do it again soon.
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

60 comments:

  1. A great day with a lot to see and photograph...
    The pictures are beautiful...the lake and his habitants also...
    Have a shinny day !
    Anna

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  2. WONDERFUL. For you - and for us. Thank you.

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  3. Hari OM
    Another wonderful collection of memories from time shared with worthy companions... all the better for wider sharing! YAM xx

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  4. ...the north shore looks great, I need to check out the south shore.

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  5. Hello David,
    A wonderful day of birding, your photos are all beautiful. Take care, have a great day!

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  6. These are beautiful series of photos David.
    The male Red-winged Blackbird and Northern Cardinal are my favorites.
    I also love the Red-necked Grebe with its reflection.
    Greetings Irma

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    1. Reflection always adds a pleasing dimension to a picture.

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  7. Hi David.

    Lots to see.

    Beautiful flowers and insects.
    Beautiful the Sandpiper.
    Very beautiful, those Red-necked Grebes.

    Greetings from Patricia,

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  8. Everyday is a good day when there are so many beautiful creatures around you. That Northern Cardinal looks majestic!

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  9. Thanks for taking us along, lovely Northern Cardinal there :)

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  10. It's so interesting how the Great Lakes are like oceans without the salt. And I see they get their share of cormorants too. Occasionally they even show up on the lake where my mother-in-law has her house, and that is not even close to a great lake. It's too bad people around here just shake their heads at them, because they are interesting. Anyhow, to get back on track, you saw some interesting creatures and looks like you had some nice walks. Enjoy your day. hugs-Erika

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    1. They are indeed inland seas. We are fortunate to live within easy distance of three of them.

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  11. I always enjoy all your photos, David. The ducks are my favorite today. The waterlilies are so beautiful too. Sometimes I wonder why the nature makes such beauty. I guess it's
    because we must stop for a moment or two and just enjoy it!
    Hugs and kisses, Marit

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    1. Too few people pause to enjoy nature, Marit, and that's perhaps why there is such indifference from many when it is destroyed. Hugs and kisses - David

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  12. You all had a wonderful day out! Your photos of thesurroundings and all the wildlife are spectacular, as always. Have a great day, take care, hugs, Valerie xxxxxxx

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  13. I like those Cormorants, which I don't see often on your blog. Perhaps, I am blind. Love those lavender Bellflowers. Very pretty.

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    1. It's not often that I am in cormorant habitat, Gigi.

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  14. today you have something from nature for everyone, birds and insects, flowers and leaves and I did non know about chlorosis. Now i know why so many of our leaves lost color, our drought was a long one. Now nature is blessing us with huge amount of rain to make up for it. AWESOME photos

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  15. Amazing photos,
    from a great day on Lake Ontario!
    Very clear photos, really impressive!!
    Keep walking David!

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  16. What a beautiful area with lots to see, enjoy and photograph. Thanks for sharing the beautiful photographs, David.

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  17. Great photos, and I love seeing the immature birds too. It means we haven't entirely messed up the ecosystem. (yet).
    However, the creeping bellflower, while pretty, is something I hope we can eradicate. It spreads via rhizome and seed and is prolific in this community. Our lawn and gardens are overrun, especially because our neighbours to both sides do nothing to rid their areas of it. Digging up the rhizomes helps to some extent but even a small piece left in the ground will continue to grow. I cut the flowers off before the seed, but I know my neighbours do not.

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    1. It is indeed a problem in some parts of North America.

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  18. A wonderful post of nature. Most I like the bumble bee and the Red Cardinal. I believe they becomes scarce...

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  19. Great photos. Always a joy to look at top photos.

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  20. Se sienten seguro, en esa Naturaleza, tan bien conservada.
    Un abrazo.

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  21. Great photos once again David. Loving the Disco Fly. And the mallards, I just love ducks so much. The Cormorant's wings are very impressive. I love getting the photos of insects and bugs. That bee is very cute. Great selection of birds too.

    I got out a short walk yesterday. I was out a lot last year and not so much this year sadly. Anyways I did a short walk along the canal with my daughter. Plenty to see and on the way back to the cafe near the car I got a cracker of a fly bite. I had to take some antihistamines and apply plenty cream. I have never needed antihistamines ever in my life. I am pretty sure it was a dreaded horsefly! It is bloody sore!! Hopefully gets better in the next few days. The funny thing was it was only 16C and breezy, guess I was just unlucky.

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  22. Oh, this was a fun post ... many birds and plants that I have seen before and some that I have not. And even the ones that I have seen, you provided names and descriptions that were helpful. The mud dobber wasp was a new one on me ... we have mud dobber bees here but they are huge and they live in nests built underground in the mud. You really have to be impressed by your wasps wily ways in attracting his pray. I love the Grebes ... every version of them. I have never seen the red-necked Grebe so this was a treat, and the youngsters are adorable :)
    So, I have missed your visits to my blog ... I hope it is because you are busy and nothing else is keeping you away. I will always enjoy what you have to offer and my shelves are stacked with books you have recommended, most of which I have read already. Be well, my friend.

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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  23. I love the details you help us see on the plants and animals when you do close-ups, Miriam. Great post, David.

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  24. I loved this outing and laughed out loud about Preston. Red-winged blackbirds and cardinals are two of my favorites. Bumble Bees are pretty low on my list since they've given me too much of their attention. Have a grand one, David.

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  25. All the pictures are wonderful. Thank you for the walks.

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  26. Hi guys, que tal! the walk seems super charming and relaxing to me, the mention of Monet, even the comic relief that makes the text even more enjoyable. But what caught my attention is the photograph of the little black bird, i think it's the Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), right? that resource that seems "supported" on the frame of the blog itself, is great! I ´ll look for something like that in painting! must remember and investigate.

    Kisses, dear friends!

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    1. It is indeed a male Red-winged Blackbird, Carolina - a very handsome bird.

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  27. Hello David,
    the "new" bird watcher will soon notice how unique nature is and will keep signing up for your tours..;-))
    Greetings Frank

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  28. Olipa taas komea kuvakavalkadi. Kiitos, kun jaoit retkenne kuvat kanssani.

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  29. The turtles are warming up. The water lily is graceful.

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  30. Hello David :=)
    It's been far too long since I paid you a visit I missed you David, and as always your posts are so pleasurable, with loads to see, beautiful photography and usually a nature lesson. I know most of the birds, but none of the attractive plants.The photo of the male Red-winged Blackbird is fantastic. I was intrigued by the birds feet appearing out of the picture frame, and wonder how it was achieved! Seeing the immature male Red-winged Blackbird for the first time made such an impact on me. He's a beauty, and it's such a splendid photo. The successful breeding of the American Yellow Warbler, and the Red-necked Grebe made your post even more enjoyable. I have loved seeing all the birds, insects and flora. Recently I have become interested in wild flowers, so it was delightful to see and admire, new species and take note of their names. Thank you David for sharing another fulfilling day of wildlife sightings.
    Hugs and kisses
    Sonjia xxxxxx

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    1. Great to hear from you again, Sonjia. I hope that you have been enjoying summer with your grandson. Hugs and kisses - David

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  31. Amazing pictures.. enjoyed them all

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  32. What a beautiful post. Beautifully illustrated with very elegant commentary. I felt as though I was along with you ..
    Love the soft lavender of the Bellflowers.For some unknown reason Chlorosis is very familiar to me.. Maybe from an old chemistry or biology course.... It is caused by nutritional deficiencies, mostly iron.... There are many reasons for these deficiencies such as being waterlogged, being root bound or some kind of bacterial infestation.
    Thank you for sharing your day.

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    1. Thanks for the confirmation, Missy. As I said in the text it was new to me. It's always good to keep learning.

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  33. I hope Abbey will "work" on Preston and he'll become as enthusiastic about birds and everything nature as she is, especially if he has such a good guide as you are. This post is full with excellent photos and I enjoyed every single one. Thank you for taking us with you, David. Hugs - Carola

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  34. That's a grand definition of natural history. Enjoy your weekend to the max.

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  35. Hello. You had a great day out. I like Red-necked Grebes.
    Take care.

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  36. The local species are wonderfully varied and interesting -- so many water birds.
    best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  37. A wonderful nature post, I always enjoy your bird photos and sightings. The turtles are a favorite along with all the lovely wildflowers. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

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  38. Hi David - lots of interesting subjects to look at - with useful notes. Thank you for the feedback from Lisa re the oak tree ... a few of ours here are looking somewhat 'ill' parts of them definitely ... so I'm not sure what's happening - ours are brown in sections, not pale as this one you've photographed. I love the floating platforms for the grebes. Preston is not small is he - cheers Hilary

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  39. Interesting post. I did not think of red winged blackbirds as aggressive so I will remember to leave them alone.

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    Replies
    1. It's only during the breeding season. I am sure you have seen them attack and drive off hawks.

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  40. Hello David, an interesting outing with your friends. This looks like a great place for birding. I like the Red-winged-Blackbird its wonderful. You know we have the Broadleaf Arrowhead plant here too what surprises me. I like this plant al lot because of the shape of the leaf and the beautitful flowers. When you see this the world seems smaller than we think.
    Warm regards,
    Roos

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  41. My goodness, he is tall! Cute comment, he doesn't especially like birds, but he likes me. LOVE the turble pictures! We've been seeing a bird in our area that we've not seen before. I don't have the ability to get a decent picture. It looks like a Cardinal (we have a good number), but it doesn't. It's red, but a different red. More speckled with brown. It seems to like our deck and hops around on the railings and even some on the furniture. There would be bugs of course in the wood, and perhaps even some on the old, starting to rust, wrought iron furniture. We have lots of flowers, bushes and trees so I find it odd it seems to like the deck. Everytime I move inside to grab my phone in hopes of a picture it moves...skittish I guess. Any thoughts what it might be?
    Sandy's Space

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  42. The wood duck is a beautiful sighting and I love the Monet photo that looks like art! Hot? It really has been miserable here this summer! Enjoy your weekend!

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  43. Beautiful photographs David.
    Enjoy these last few days of July, it will soon be August!

    All the best Jan

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  44. Hi David,
    Fantastic Post, with very nice birds, such as the male Red-winged blackbird, Northern Cardinal...beautiful flowers en insects BUT......the last two photos took my breath away!!!
    As you know, I am a great grebe lover...and I have never ever seen young Red-necked grebes!!! Stunning..Thank you David!
    Regards, Maria

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  45. You had a great walk. Thank you for your wonderful contribution.
    Your photos of the red-necked grebe in its floating nest are to die for, David.
    This year we are lucky to have an incredibly beautiful summer with wonderful rain showers, lots of sun and pleasant temperatures. Nature shows itself in its most beautiful splendor. It's so nice to be outside, you could hug the whole world.
    A hug for you and Miriam. Happy new week.

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  46. Hello, David! Thank you for your comment about Olympic Games in my blog! I enjoy watching your photos of birds.

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  47. Your photos are beautiful. It's great you were able to spend quality time with friends and enjoy the outdoors.

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  48. Hello David, the bird photos posted by you are always excellent but this time I was especially pleased to see all those beautiful, interesting and important flowers, trees and insects.
    Nuthatches are everyone's favourites. :)
    Thank you for your apposite comment yesterday. Indeed, there is more hope now.

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  49. Siempre es un placer para mí, pasar por tu blog. Abrazos.

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  50. Those grebes are wonderful. I don't see those here. (Or recognize them if I do!) I say hats off to Preston. I wouldn't want my head to be the target of a red-wing. I saw one take on Harry the Heron once. They have no fear! It looks like a wonderful day out and any time you can expose your love of nature to someone else, that's a good day, too.

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Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the land on which we are situated are the lands traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral People. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge, laws, and philosophies of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today. We are all treaty people with a responsibility to honour all our relations.

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