26 October, 2024
Leader: David M. Gascoigne
Members: Miriam Bauman, Y-T Chen, Beverly Church, Bob Fraser, Brenda Gyorffy, Steve Gyorffy, Lorne Harding, Beth Hobson, Dale Ingrey, Nina Ingrey, Alice Lee, John Lee, Leon Linseman, Sandy Linseman, Curtiss MacDonald, Pam Sadler, Andrea Smith, Don Voisin
Guests: Mary Ann Cassidy, Dave McCaughan, Ruth McCaughan
Following an extended period of unseasonably warm weather, we had a typical late October morning to enjoy a stroll along the Mill Race
Lest it escape my attention later, let me thank Bob Fraser for picking up Mary Ann Cassidy. I appreciated his kindness very much, and I know she did too.
Almost as soon as we set foot on the trail a Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) was chipping, and even though it remained close we did not see it.
An Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) by contrast was anxious to let us know his whereabouts, in the hope of cadging a little food.
Of all the rodents in the world this little creature must surely rank very highly on the cuteness index.
Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) and White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) were quick to visit. Unusually, it was a nuthatch who first descended to a friendly hand bearing food.
They were calling to us constantly, in that wonderful nasal way they have - instantly recognizable and very appealing.
Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) were heard more than seen, and none came really close.
Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) was ubiquitous, as might be expected, and even though they can push our limits of tolerance when around bird feeders, they are in fact quite adorable, and a welcome part of the ecosystem.
The melanistic phase, found only in the northern part of its range, is common here but extremely rare or not present farther south.
Along certain sections of the trail the trees were filled with American Robins (Turdus migratorius). They were vocal, and gathered in feeding parties on invasive buckthorn berries.
In years past it would have been a safe bet to conclude that we witnessed a migratory flock, fattening up for the journey ahead, but so many American Robins now overwinter with us that's no longer a certainty.
Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) were equally vocal and seemed to be travelling with the robins.
Bob harangued me to find him a male, but I was unable to oblige! Don't you know a good looking female is hard to beat, Bob?
Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) seems to find the Mill Race exactly to its liking and we were delighted to see one.
Nuthatches were first to feed from the hand, but Black-capped Chickadees wasted no time in catching up!
I am always happy to see the various components of a healthy woodland ecosystem fulfilling their roles as nature intended. Decay and decomposition are essential.
An Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) was doubtless seeking a sheltered spot to spend the winter.
This invasive insect has adapted so well to our environment that it is the most common lady beetle in Ontario. It is rapidly displacing native species.
Human folly is on display once again.
Beavers have been dining on corn dragged in from adjacent fields, and Mallards (Anas paltyrynchos) are no doubt greatly appreciative of the smorgasbord delivered to them.
A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was having great success securing mid morning snacks along the Conestogo River - all of the fishy variety!
One of the great attractions of a walk along the Mill Race is to drop into the Eco Café at the half way point, for coffee, scones, muffins - whatever takes your fancy - and warm, clean washrooms.
Looks like they are ready for Halloween.
I learned that this was Andrea's last outing with us, as she prepares to move to St. Thomas. We will miss her and hope that our paths may cross again.
As always, I am very grateful to all who came out to enjoy this outing and bestow upon me the pleasure of their company.
You may rest assured we'll do it again soon.
...Japanese barberry among a number of other plants are scourge on the environment.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos David. Looks like a great adventure for everyone. I love the 2 photos of the birds feeding out your hands. Amazing. Your Nuthatch looks a bit different for ours. And I just love the Mallards! Love the raindrops of the leaf too, nature is my favourite artist. Yes fall sure is grand :-D And good luck to your friend Andrea :-D
ReplyDeleteOur Red-breasted Nuthatch looks somewhat more similar to your, Ananka.
DeleteYou show so many beautiful birds and plants, David. Eastern Chipmunk is very cute indeed. Yes, the maples are very gorgeous. I love the yellow color.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
Wonderful pictures with lots of autumn color. The barberry may be invasive but one can't deny its beauty. But my favorite picture is (of course) the Great Blue Heron, one of my best loved birds of the wetlands.
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteYou share these outings with us here in Blogland and this are accompanied by many more in spirit! Thank you. YAM xx
Your outings are a pleasure to follow along with; like a family gathering. I've always found muskrats a difficult creature to spot swimming along the banks of a river, and it would make my day when I did discover one.
ReplyDeleteGreat friends ! Great pictures !
ReplyDeleteLovely birds and others cute creatures !
Fall is definitely there...
Have an interesting week !
Anna
Yet another wonderful outing. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Sue.
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