A Stroll Along the Mill Race

 07 May, 2026

"Those who practice natural history are less likely to be myopic and less inclined to believe in the myth of human dominance." 

Thomas Lowe Fleischner

     The Mill Race is a mere ten to twelve minutes from my home. On the way, in a field containing meltwater in a depression, a Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) was bathing energetically.

     Just before setting foot on the trail a handsome Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) paraded in front  of me.

     Eastern Chipmunks (Tamias striatus) were busy,  scurrying around looking for morsels of food.

     Many humans scatter sunflower seeds and cracked corn so an opportunistic rodent can be well fed without intensive searching.

     American Robins (Turdus migratorius) are already incubating eggs or feeding young in early May - a busy time.

     Many pairs will go on to produce a second brood.

     Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) are known to breed throughout the year if conditions are favourable.

     Several White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) were present. Some will breed locally, others will move farther north.

     This fly is, I think, in the genus Scathophaga, resting on a Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).

     It is a predatory fly so it is probably searching for living prey.

American Robin

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)

Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)

     A young Elder (genus Sambucus) is doing well.

     Chipmunks are endearing little creatures and can be readily induced to feed from your hand if you are so inclined.

     Is there anyone who does not love a Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia)?

     Box Elder (Acer negundo), despite its common name is a species of maple, as the genus clearly indicates.

     Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is a plant we would prefer not to see, but I'm afraid it is  here to stay.

     

      American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is undeniably appealing, but it is a quarrelsome, argumentative little rodent. 

     Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) was introduced by early European settlers for culinary purposes, but has become highly invasive.    

      Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) is equally an invasive nuisance. It is undoubtedly attractive but it threatens native biodiversity by forming dense stands that suppress native plants and tree seedlings.

     Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris), by contrast, is a native plant, gloriously prolific in its damp habitat, a flower I eagerly anticipate every year.

      Buttercups (genus Ranunculus) are springing up.

     North American Water Striders (Aquarius remigis) fascinate me.

Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius)

Star-flowered Lily-of-the Valley (Maianthemum stellatum)

     Warmer weather is bringing out the Hoverflies (family Syrphidae).

     Throughout my walk I saw several Pink-spotted Lady Beetles (Coleomegilla maculata), always on dandelions.

     Smooth Yellow Violet (Viola eriocarpa) is hugely appealing.

     I was surprised to see a drake Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) by himself.

     Is there anything quite as enchanting as a group of Large White Trilliums (Trillium grandiflorum)?

Box Elder (Acer negundo)

     I have been unable to identify this beetle (order Coleoptera), but I was nevertheless happy to see it.

     Smooth Yellow Violet (Viola ericarpa) is one of the joys of spring.

     Common Grackles are often found at the water's edge, where I have seen them pick off minnows close to the surface.

     I thought this plant (kingdom Plantae) looked very interesting, but as is the case with the beetle above, I have been unable to identify it.

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

     Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) are bright, colourful and noisy, but at times can be surprisingly difficult to spot. This individual is perched in deep shade so his colours don't pop as they would in bright sunlight.

     Northern Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva) has returned to southern Ontario, and I was pleased to spot several males.

     At one point I seemed to happen on a gathering place of Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis). There were at least a half dozen present, possibly more, and all males save one female who put in a brief appearance.

     The blossom on this crabapple tree (genus Malus) was a feast for the eyes.

Horsetails (genus Equisetum)

     I know so little about ants and always wish I knew more. 

Wood, Mound and Field Ants (genus Formica)

     Woodland Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) flowers are very lovely, and the fruit will be delicious, eagerly consumed by a variety of wildlife.

     Mining Bees (genus Andrena) are already active.

     Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is well distributed throughout its woodland habitat.

     It was a couple of hours well spent.