Columbia Lake, Waterloo, ON

20 May, 2025

     On a beautiful sunny afternoon I decided that a visit to Columbia Lake was just what I needed, not having been there for several weeks.  It is a mere five or six minutes from home, so an ideal spot for an unplanned excursion. 

     At this time of year one of the predictable sights anywhere around water is proud Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) parents shepherding their young and teaching them how to be a Canada Goose.

     I encountered many families.

     When the goslings are very young they need to exercise great caution in the vicinity of a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias), for whom a gosling or two would make a tasty snack. In fact, most of these young geese will not live to see adulthood and breed themselves.

     Plant growth is everywhere prolific.

Virginian Rose (Rosa virginiana)

Grey Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)

     The Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has been unfairly maligned ever since gardeners decided they were unwelcome in their manicured, rectilinear creations, but I am very fond of their bright, bold face.

Guelder-Rose (Viburnum opulus)

Mulberries (genus Morus)

     A pair of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) dabbled in the shallows.

     An Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) worked the lake, initiating several plunge dives, only to pull up short before entering the water.

     Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is a hardy, aggressive, non-native plant, well established and problematic in some areas.

     Most American Robins (Turdus migratorius) are now feeding young; some even incubating a second clutch of eggs.

     It gave me a good deal of pleasure to discover a small group of Least Sandpipers (Calidris minutilla). By advancing slowly I was able to approach quite close.

     These tiny birds, the world's smallest sandpiper, undertake epic migrations.

     What I believe to be a plant in the Purslane family (Portulacaceae) was all over the sandy stretch of the shore.

     The distinctive call of the Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) was frequently heard and the birds were not at all shy.

     I have been unable to identify this type of weed.

     A Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) was the very model of elegance strolling along the shore.

     Since my last visit to Columbia Lake nesting facilities have been erected for Purple Martins (Progne subis).

     So far, there have been no takers, but sometimes it is a couple of years before the birds find their vacant accommodation.

     There is no indication of who installed these artificial gourds but the property is owned by the University of Waterloo, so I suspect they are responsible.

     Bat boxes have also been located around the property.

     It is very encouraging to see these positive measures to help nature.

     Goldenrods (genus Solidago) are growing all over; this is probably Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis).

     A Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) took advantage of the martin houses as a suitable perch, perhaps even considering one of the gourds as a suitable residence.

     These freshwater algae are found in the family Zygnemataceae but it is impossible to identify them down the species level without microscopy.

     I believe this tree is Interior Sandbar Willow (Salix interior) - Trees in Canada, John Laird Farrar (1995).

     Broadleaf Cattail (Tyta latifolia) is thrusting upwards.

     Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), that ebullient denizen of the marshes, kept me company the whole time, and let me know in no uncertain terms not to approach too closely to his consort incubating on a nest.

     I was delighted to see my first Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) of the spring.

     Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), an introduced species that has reached plague-like proportions in some places, was all too easy to find.

     A Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) scoured unceasingly for insect prey.

     An Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) assumes an interesting shape.

     In addition to the Purple Martin and bat houses, many nest boxes have been erected for Tree Swallows and Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis).

     An Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) resolutely kept its back towards me, but the distinctive white terminal band on the tail of this species is clearly visible.

     A Spotted Sandpiper seemed to be walking alongside me.

     We were joined by a Killdeer, while a Mallard was more concerned with the important business of finding food.

     I was pleased to see lots of Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) growing prolifically, a good augury for Monarchs (Danaus plexippus).

     Dogwoods (genus Cornus) seem to be doing well, too.

     Many families of Canada Geese had been present throughout my walk and it seemed quite fitting, therefore, that the largest group of all should cruise alongside me as I covered the final 100 metres, or so, to my car.

     I felt I had an honour guard. Far better than any 21-gun salute.