Leader: David M. Gascoigne
Members: Miriam Bauman, Dave Collins, Mary Collins, Lisa Den Besten, Heather DeYoe, Helen Fowler, Steve Gyorffy, Leon Linseman, Curtiss MacDonald, Kuldip Malhotra, Melinda Metzger, Geoff Moore, Ruthann Moore, Pamela Sadler
Guests: Ellen Klein
DesJardins Canal, Dundas, ON
It was a little dull when we set out, and we had brief periods of rain, but we were not to be deterred. Conditions for photography were less than ideal; it is an old truism, however, that you can't change the weather, so we pressed on.
The target bird at this location in September is Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) and in no time at all we found a juvenile.
There were several novice birders on this outing, so this species was a "lifer" for many of them. That always adds an extra degree of satisfaction for the leader.
As might be expected, Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) were ubiquitous, but no less lovely for their familiarity.
To listen to a group of birders give directions to each other is sometimes a lesson in hilarity. "It's over there," one will say. "Where?," asks another. "In that tree." "No not that one, the one next to it." "High up in the lower brown dead stuff." "Where?" "On the branch!" One way or another we always make sure that everyone sees the bird.
Having located at least two juvenile Black-crowned Night Herons we then found an adult.
It was a morning for herons. Down in the corner, hard by Olympic Drive, we caught sight of a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias).
Today Hermes was doubtless smiling on us, for in mere moments we added Green Heron (Butorides virescens) to complete a trifecta.
Goldenrod (genus Solidago) looked splendid.
Photo credit: Dave Collins
We all heard the characteristic rattle of a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) as it flew by us at high speed, but very obligingly it perched in a convenient spot.
Photo credit: Dave Collins
Land snails in the genus Cepaea were abundant.
These are either Brown-lipped or White-lipped Snail, but I'm damned if I can ever tell the difference!
It was Tina's sharp eyes that picked up yet another Green Heron.
I think we all deserve heron patches to sew on our clothing or backpacks, and I am quite sure Lisa will be organizing this without delay!
Urquart Butterfly Gardens, Dundas, ON
The butterfly gardens were a riot of colour - sensory overload of the very best kind.
The people responsible for these gardens deserve a good deal of praise, and I am especially happy to see Fred Urquart, a true Canadian hero, memorialized in this way.
It will be a happy gang of Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) who first happen on this Guelder-Rose (Viburnum opulus) - unless American Robins (Turdus migratorius) beat them to the punch that is!
We were greeted by a tree full of Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) enjoying the sun that was now breaking through.
The marsh is adjacent to a very large cemetery and the presence of congregations of vultures always adds a sense of the macabre.
A Great Egret (Ardea alba) - our fourth heron species - seemed to be having a chat with a Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum).
Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis) were loafing peacefully as only gulls can.
Photo credit: Dave Collins
A Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis) is an exceptionally appealing little duck. Several were spotted quite far out, but this individual was close by and cooperative.
A couple of Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) preened and primped and never really gave us a great look.
A Mallard and a Green-winged Teal were happy to hang out together.
In recent years Great Egrets have become more and more common, and there were several in different parts of the marsh. No doubt a high perch confers an advantage - or so this individual seems to think!
It will not be long before Ospreys (Pandion haliaeetus) will all have departed for their winter quarters in the south, but this individual still patrolled the water searching for a meal.
A Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) remained mostly hidden but revealed itself briefly before disappearing again.
New England Asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) are just one of the reasons why Ontario is a very special place.
There were not many birds out on the water, so this Double-crested Cormorant received extra attention.
This infestation of Wooly Alder Aphid (Prociphilus tessellatus) was quite visible to the naked eye, even at some distance.
Interestingly, we spotted an Oblique Streaktail (Allograpta obliqua) right afterwards, an insect known to feed on aphids.
You don't see much of this well-hidden spider, but I believe that it is a Lattice Orbweaver (Araneus thaddeus).
I was interested to see this unit, recently installed, to encourage fisherfolk to responsibly dispose of unwanted fishing line, the scourge of birds and small mammals.
A pure white form of a Mallard that has been selectively bred by humans is very attractive. It is generally known as a Pekin Duck.
Eastern Chipmunks (Tamias striatus) were ubiquitous, always on the hunt for a human laden with peanuts or other tasty treats.
A lone male Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) was a very agreeable discovery - and another lifer for several members of the group.
And to round out the walk as we strolled back to the car, a Typical Funnel Weaver (family Agelenidae).
Paletta Park, Burlington, ON
Like other locations, the passage of migratory songbirds was virtually non-existent at Paletta, and there does seem to be a general reduction in numbers this fall. This is, of course, in line with the alarming declines of bird populations overall, a universal phenomenon.
A Double-crested Cormorant perched delightfully, in full sun, on a high branch.
A Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) was having a vigorous bath, and we all enjoyed seeing the sheer ebullience with which it went about its task.
We were greeted by a very handsome Ring-billed Gull.
The aim of our quest at Bronte was Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps gisegena) and we were royally rewarded, as an adult and a well-developed youngster put on quite a show for us.
Carolina Grasshoppers (Dissosteira carolina) were hopping all over the rocks, no doubt providing nutritious food for the gulls.
Adult grebes are known to provide feathers to their young to be swallowed as a stomach lining, to protect against penetration by sharp fish bones. We were elated to see this exchange taking place.
People install decoy owls around their boats in the harbour and they are quite useless. I think it takes the gulls an hour at most to figure out that the owl is not real and they waste no time in perching next to it.
This was our final stop on what had overall been a very fine day, with many highlights, not least of which was the sheer enjoyment of being with like-minded people.
Let's do it again soon!
I'm so impressed of all the photos you show today, David. The birds are beautiful, and the flowers are lovely. The Bittersweet Nightshade is very beautiful indeed.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
I thoroughly enjoyed your excellent photos and everything so nicely identified. Thank you for sharing it all.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Stephanie. I am unable to find your blog - please send me the link so that I may visit.
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