Saturday, August 24, 2024

Waterloo Region Nature Outing to West Perth Wetlands, Mitchell, ON, 17 August, 2024

     As far as I know, this was the first ever WRN outing to this location and there was great enthusiasm for it.

 


Leader: David M. Gascoigne

Members: Miriam Bauman, Jim Bowman, Alice Buehrle, David Collins, Mary Collins, Pauline Copleston, Lisa Den Besten, Helen Fowler, Bob Fraser,  Steve Gyorffy, Victoria Ho, Curtiss MacDonald, Kuldip Malhotra, Geoff Moore, Ruthann Moore, Audrey Nicols, Shannon Pennington, Tracey Rainer, Anita Smith, Selwyn Tomkun

Guests: Katie Fowler, Brenda Gyorffy


     The weather forecast had varied from a threat of substantial rain to potential dangerous thunderstorms and five people cancelled, two had health issues, and there were two no-shows.
     As best we could tell, bad weather was predicted for later in the morning/early afternoon so we headed off to Mitchell like the intrepid birders we are.
     We did have one monumental deluge, but we were mostly under shelter. It lasted for about twenty minutes, and after that it was bright and sunny, as pleasant as Miriam's morning smile, for the rest of our stay.
     A few people had elected to drive directly there, some having other business in the vicinity, and they were waiting for us upon arrival - the rest of us carpooled from St. Agatha.


     The little shelter you see was where we all took cover when a celestial can opener unzippered the clouds, and mostly we stayed dry.


   
 Bob Fraser, that model of civility and old world graciousness, went to his car to retrieve Audrey's raingear. 


     Who knew the old curmudgeon had such couth?
     The birding was actually pretty good and we saw several interesting species, but mostly they were a little ways off, and frequently hidden or partly hidden by reeds and other vegetation. The quality of the photographs reflects this.
     This was a typical view.


     Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) breed at West Perth Wetlands and in mid to late August are recovering their brilliant plumage, having survived the dangers of remigial moult; soon they will resemble the "Beau Brummel among birds," to borrow from Arthur Cleveland Bent's colourful description.
     

     In the picture above are also seen Greater (Tringa melanoleuca) and Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes).


     Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) was common too.
     Several Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata) probing in the mud with their long bills, searched for worms.


     Lesser Yellowlegs and Killdeer associated together.


     There was food for everyone, and Lesser Yellowlegs, Killdeer and Wilson's Snipe all secured prey, feeding with different techniques thereby all getting their share of the resources of the rich wetland ecosystem.


     A raft of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos), oblivious to the downpour, kept each other company.


     In no time at all the weather began to improve and our spirits were buoyed.


     Anita's sunny yellow jacket reflected our mood, and we set off to walk around the ponds.


     The weather seemed to improve by the minute.


     West Perth Wetland was originally part of a sewage lagoon complex and one pond is still fenced off; perhaps it is still active in some way, or the sediment is toxic. I am not sure.
     We lined up along the fence to peer through at the birds present there.


     Those of us with telescopes were happy to share with others to make sure everyone got a good look at the birds.


     An American Coot (Fulica americana) delighted us all, but it was difficult to get a good picture when focussing through the mesh.


     The Knapweeds (genus Centaurea) were nothing short of spectacular.



     A pair of House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) played hide-and-seek with us, and never did give us a clear shot. The male was coyer than the female.


     Goldenrod (genus Solidago) bloomed prolifically, providing copious volumes of nectar and pollen for pollinators of every ilk.


     Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) struggled to establish a presence amid the tangle of Knapweed and Goldenrod, but succeeded here and there.



     Small Whites (Pieris rapae) flitted gaily from one bloom to the next.


     And Mallards continued to do not much of anything!


     Droneflies are sometimes deceptive and challenge the identification skills of budding entomologists. Common Dronefly (Eristalis tenax) proves the point.


     How about this Long-nosed Swamp Fly (Eurimyia stipata)?


     Eastern Forktail (Ischnura verticalis) is a familiar damselfly, well-known to many.


     We were very happy to see a couple of Least Skippers (Ancyloxypha humitor).


     Two species of land snail in the genus Cepaea abound in Ontario, Brown-lipped (C. nemoralis) and White-lipped (C. hortensis) and I am singularly incapable of differentiating one from the other.




     Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is a true magnet for pollinators, dispensing copious quantities of nectar.
     Here it is being patronized by an Orange-tipped Wood-Digger (Anthophora terminalis), a species that visits a wide variety of plants, but appears to have a preference for those with long corolla tubes.


     As you can see it collects pollen in exchange for the sweet liquid it takes from the flower, often disappearing right into the corolla.


     The wetland was serene and beautiful for insect and human visitor alike.

Photo credit - Brenda Gyorffy

     As is usually the case, Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) was the most common bee, vigorously collecting nectar and dispersing pollen.

Photo credit - Brenda Gyorffy

     This non-native bee was introduced several hundred years ago, with populations originating in many areas throughout the Eastern Hemisphere.

Photo credit - Brenda Gyorffy

     It is now widespread through eastern North America, especially in rural areas.



     A scintillating male Bluet (genus Enallagma) obligingly came to rest directly in front of us.


     A couple of Common Carpet Moths (Epirrhoe alternata) flitted from flower to flower, perhaps only as a reaction to being disturbed by us.


     An Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis), upon realizing that it had been spotted, slithered off quickly into the grasses and wildflowers.


     It was the keen eyes of Pauline Copleston that noticed a Green Heron (Butorides virescens) fly onto a perch on the far side of the lagoon.


     A female Familiar Bluet (Enallagma civile) sailed in to entrance us all.


     There are those naturalists who favour camouflage clothing and it always strikes me they could do no better than bedeck themselves in the garb of a Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens).


     A turtle of unknown identity popped up its head as we were nearing the end of our trek, as though to bid us farewell and commend us for not permitting a less than favorable weather forecast to deter us.


      It had indeed been a fine day.

Photo - Brenda Gyorffy

      Thanks to everyone for coming out to share in the fellowship of like-minded naturalists. 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.

51 comments:

  1. Thanks for great trip pictures especially the insects. It must have dried up quickly for butterflies to be active, very encouraging.

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  2. ...you travel with a huge gang! Some gorgeous sights here.

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  3. Lots of damsel flies and even a heron. Lovely day.

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  4. Buddies, birds, bugs (for the sake of alliteration) and blooms. What a totally delightful outing - for you and for us.

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  5. Such a nice group of friendly faces and marvelous captures. Enjoyed every photo as always. Thank you David!

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  6. Some great photos of this outing! Admire all your guys' passion for birding and nature. Have a great Sunday, David.

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  7. The photos are lovely, the insects so clear.

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  8. Hello. You had a wonderful nature trip, even though the weather was bad at first. Nice photos of different species.

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  9. What a great series of photos David.
    Really beautiful the flowers with the insects.
    Photo 24, 33 and 34 are my favorite this time.
    I wish you a beautiful Sunday.
    Greetings Irma

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  10. Friends passionate for nature in a beautiful park...What a fun !
    Great pictures David ! As always...
    Have a shinny day !
    Anna

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  11. The photos are all very beautiful, David. I must be wonderful to be out in the nature and see all the birds, the flowers, the insects and the landscape. Hugs and kisses, Marit

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  12. Hari OM
    That was an excellent crop of finds/captures from what could have proven to be a squib of a day! YAM xx

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    1. Yes, the weather cooperated, and that turned out to be the key.

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  13. Glad you had such a great day even in a downpour :-) I love the knapweed. And Long-nosed Swamp Fly is such a great name.

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  14. Wonderful outing and beautiful nature photos. Awesome variety of bird sightings.
    The flowers are beautiful. Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week!

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  15. Buen grupo de excursioniestas, todos van muy bien preparados con la cámara de fotos o con los prismáticos.
    Que tengas motivos de felicidad, en la semana que comienza.

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  16. You did have some rain. And luck with that shelter being there. It looks like a great walk and your group had some super bee shots too. The one inside the flower was excellent. And thanks for the crow/raven book recommendations. I recently picked up the Mind of the Raven which is now sitting in the book pile. I think I read a book by Hienrich called Winter Winter several years ago. I'd have to check my "library", well my bookshelf really, but I like to pretend it's a library. Have a super rest of the weekend and start of the new week.

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    1. It's called "Winter World." He also wrote a book called, "Summer World." I borrowed that from a friend but I have yet to acquire my own copy. I have just about everything else Heinrich ever wrote; I admire him greatly. As for the Marzluff/Angell books I would recommend "Gifts of the Crow," and "In the Company of Crows and Ravens." Both are superb. We feed crows daily and never cease to be amazed at their intelligence.

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  17. I would say your birders are indeed Intrepid with a capital I.. The photos are all gorgeous, to many favorites to name them all. I am glad you used my favorite from your prior post for a header... glad it was a short rain and the sun came out, love the sight of all of you peering through the fence. made me smile.

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  18. The rain doesn't stop the wildlife and doesn't stop the bird watchers. :) Great outing, David and some very nice photos to enjoy.

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  19. water birds just don't interest me all that much but I loved the flowers and especially the photos with the bees and other wildlife.

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  20. Thanks for the walk and especially thanks to the photographers for the wonderful pictures.

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  21. What a great selection of photos from your outing. I am glad to see so many people out enjoying nature. Loving seeing all the bees and insects. We have lots of Coots over here in Scotland and a family at my local pond have had 3 babies that I have seen this week. I went up most days this week to feed them apart from Saturday and today as I was working nightshift and exhausted! I will pop up to see them when I can tomorrow and the rest of the week. Baby Coots are just so very cute with their colourful heads!

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  22. I wouldn't venture out in that weather, but there is always something nice to see in nature.

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    1. BTW, I love your new header. Pretty yellow bird!

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  23. Such a great outing with your group of like minds! The close-up photos are amazing. How lovely to enjoy nature in this beautiful wetland.

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  24. Hi Miriam & David!
    it was a spectacular trip, despite the weather forecast, it just got better and better... what a nice group you made! rain can´t stop me nowww ♪♪ jaja despite the weather adversities, you capture memorable moments. Ah, the frontispiece is a shock of beauty and energy, i ♥ it.
    I wish you both a good start to the week.
    Bisous

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  25. Hi David.

    Despite the bad weather, you were still able to see a lot.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  26. Looks like you enjoyed your nature observation walk and even if it wasn't sunny, nature works in all kinds of weather!! Your photos David are so wonderfully clear!!
    I enjoyed them all with such beautiful creatures of nature!
    Thank you very much!!

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  27. "Beau Brummel among birds" 😅
    Dear David,
    how lucky that there was shelter during the can-opening downpour. You were a great (and not so small) group and actually deserve praise because you didn't let the not so favorable weather forecast put you off. In the end, however, you were also rewarded with beautiful and interesting animal (and flower) sightings. I just hope that where the fence is, it is not unhealthy for the water birds...
    All the best, Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2024/08/weltreise-2024-abschied-von-neuseeland.html

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  28. A wonderful gathering of friends and many fine photos of the day. I grew up spotting and listening to killdeer in Nevada when Walker Lake still had marshlands north and south of town. We always loved spotting them near the beaches when we went on a family picnic.

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  29. It seems to me that the bad weather has given way to your optimism and determination, David. Great photos, the finches are cute, but I consider goldenrod a weed and pull it out of the garden.

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    1. We, on the other hand, consider it a first class pollinator plant, and grow it the garden.

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    2. Hello David :)
      I have just lost my comment, no idea how it happened but from memory I will try to recreate my lost words. I started by admiring your new Header. I gasped with pleasure when I saw the colourful bird with the cute hair do, :) and the beautiful flowers in the picture. I'm so glad the weather improved so that you and your group of nature lovers could continue on your way sharing the joyous experience together, and what a fantastic day it turned out to be. The macro photographs of the bees are wonderful, and the damselflies and butterflies, moths and birds, are fine images.The flowers, and water scenes are lovely and the capture of the spotted frog delightful. Yes! you must do it again, and I'm sure you will. Thank you David, it has been such a pleasure.
      Hugs and kisses
      Sonjia.

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    3. There is nothing for it, Sonjia, than for you to make a trip to southern Ontario and accompany us on one of these walks!

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  30. What fun to have such a large group enjoying the day together! And in a place with so much to see and enjoy.

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  31. thank you for taking us along on this birdwalk.

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  32. I think we got your monumental deluge around 5 am today! I'm so glad you found some shelter for a bit -- the sightings after are lovely!

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  33. That was a beautiful outing with a large group. Beautiful photos. I like your header but I liked the photo of you and Miriam too. Greetings Caroline

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  34. Even with the rain, another wondrous outing.I loved the comment about Miriam's smile.

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  35. What a great walk, with what seems to be a wonderful group of people. Even with the rain it looks like a good outing with some great pics!

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  36. Such a wonderful outing with much to see.
    Your bird photos are always great but this time the flowers and the insects are the stars.
    Thank you for your latest comment. I wasn't surprised to read that you have seen a red-flanked bluetail. :) Its breeding range is indeed expanding in Finland, one piece of good news among the bad ones.

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  37. Your group is a hardy bunch. I’m glad your efforts were rewarded.

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  38. A mí también me habría encantado pasear con vosotros, aun con lluvia. Besos.

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  39. Hi David,
    Nice Blog postagain! Full of variety...How beautiful nature is.
    Regards, Maria
    By the way....the new header is a stunning yellow bird, But I miss the photo of you and Miriam together on the bridge....

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  40. I would like to get a deluge like you had at the beginning of your bird walk, David, we desperately need one. But I guess we have to wait another couple of months, at least.
    What a beautiful walk though! And great photos as well. I have seen a Wilson's Snipe only once in my life, here at our lake, and then never again. The goldenrod is stunning - mine just starts to bloom and it's nowhere close as gorgeous as the one in your photo. But the picture inspires me to plant more of them (the California one). Wonderful photo of the Green Heron (someone has really good eyes) and of the Eastern Garter Snake. Are these snakes light colored with black stripes or vice versa? I'm asking because the garter snakes I saw here are black with light colored stripes and some even have red coloring on the sides. They're beautiful snakes, but hurry to get away quickly. Thank you for sharing this birdwalk with us. I'm sending you big hugs - Carola

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    1. You do ask the interesting questions, Carola. I don’t know, but I will find out and let you know!

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