Waterloo Region Nature Outing to the Mill Race, St. Jacobs, ON

 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.

     It is a stunningly handsome bird, and even partly hidden is a show-stopper.

     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.

     A female Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) was the source of universal admiration.

     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!

     Nuthatches were never far away, however.

     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.

     Beavers are not referred to as nature's engineers for nothing, and their dam is impressive.

     Nature's jewelry is nowhere more apparent than raindrops on fallen leaves.

     Is it not gorgeous?

     

     Winged Euonymus or Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) is yet another invasive species, originally native to N. China, Japan and Korea. 

     A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was having great success securing mid morning snacks along the Conestogo River - all of the fishy variety!

     Isn't fall grand?

     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. In the meantime, please take care of Nature.