Two Visits to SpruceHaven by Chinese Home School Group

 "It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement, the greatest source of visual beauty, the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living."

Sir David Attenborough

14 May, 2026

     We are, as always, deeply appreciative of the opportunity to explore the wonders of SpruceHaven, and this marked the first visit of the Chinese home school group to this centre of environmental stewardship. 

     Our tour began in the barn where I was able to explain how the whole SpruceHaven adventure started; the nests bore witness to the longstanding activity with the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) colony there.

     The sharp-eyed observer will note that experimentation with different nest types is still being conducted, for both Barn Swallows and American Cliff Swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota).

     I should point out that all the pictures on this day were taken by Ingrid and Penny. I had taken my camera without a memory card!

     So far this year swallow numbers are down substantially, but a few birds were flying around in the barn.

     I knew that a pair of European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) had occupied one of our owl nest boxes and was feeding young. Since this species is deemed invasive (even after more than century of residence in North America) it is not protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and thus was ideal to expose the children to young birds. Let me add that the single nestling I retrieved from the nest was treated with care and respect, and nothing was done to harm it.

     I first of all showed the children how to cup the bird in the hand, preventing it from squirming loose, and keeping it warm.

     Everyone gathered round to see the bird.

     A love affair between child and baby starling was developing.

     Look at the wonderment on Becky's face.

     Luke stroked it ever so gently.

     The bird was carefully placed in other hands.

     Here I am pointing out the emerging flight feathers.

     In a mere ten days, or so, this young bird will be fully feathered, capable of flight and will leave the nest forever. 

     I placed the bird back in the nest where it quickly settled in with its siblings, none the worse for its first foray into the world.

     These are adventuresome children with with parents who understand that adventure and exploration are a vital part of growing up. Several climbed the ladder to peer inside the nest box.

     Many American Robins (Turdus migratorius) maintained a steady chorus as we devoted our attention to the starling.

     A large earthworm (phylum Annelida) received its fair share of attention.

     It would have made a substantial meal for the whole family of starlings!

     We went into the woodlot so that everyone could see an Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus).

     It did not take us long to find one.

     We also located this fine slug. I am not sure of its identity but I think it is in the genus Arion.

     On the way back towards the house, Yoninah's sharp eyes spotted a male Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula).

     It was at this stage of the morning that the greatest highlight of all occurred for me.

     Yoninah's youngest child, Aurora, will be two years old any day now, but is always keen to leave her stroller to walk and play with the other children. It is amazing how she keeps going on those little legs, and she always is of good cheer, and happy.

     I think that she knows instinctively that wrinkled old hands are predestined to hold the hand of a child, and I felt a surge of great happiness when I felt her little hand grip mine.

     It was really quite amazing.

     I can hardly wait to see her again.

28 May, 2026

     We began our adventures in the barn where the Barn Swallows were somewhat more numerous than our previous visit, with many flying around and chattering noisily.

     There appears to be some interest in the nests and we hope to be able to confirm egg-laying and incubation over the next few days.

     Some were perched on the wires outside, while others hawked for insects over the pond.

     There was much to see and learn, and these happy faces reveal the wonder and excitement engendered by interaction with nature.

     Theo, for whom adventure is a genetic inheritance, climbed the ladder to check whether the starlings had laid a second clutch.

     The nest was empty, but, fittingly, you will see a Barn Swallow soaring overhead. 

     We saw a couple of recently fledged American Robins, setting out on their journey into adulthood, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.

     The human children, too, are being prepared by exceptional, caring parents for "life in the fast lane!"

     We set off to begin our walk.

     It was still a little chilly for the time of year and everyone was protected from the cool breeze. The morning warmed up, however, and soon the temperature was very comfortable.

     Penny proved that a phone camera is capable of  wonderful pictures.

     Male Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) were frequently seen, and even more frequently heard, as they defended their territories against all-comers.

     My knowledge of ants is miniscule, but they interest me greatly. I think it was Theo who found this colony and I was very pleased when he showed it to me. A little research reveals this species to be Odorous House Ant (Tapinoma sessile). They were busy!

     One of the main subjects of our quest today was Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), surely as beautiful and dramatic a bird as one might see.

     When the sun catches that dazzling blue back at just the right angle, set off by a pristine white belly, there is no more beautiful bird. Furthermore, to watch it wheel and dive in flight, catching insects in mid air, or capturing a feather floating on the wind, is to experience true wonder.

     The children were happy, enjoying the open landscape, exploring and discovering myriad creatures and wildflowers in the field, taking care of each other, bigger children always helping the little ones, and bringing me an endless stream of objects to identify.

     There was a lot of walking for little Aurora, and she had to run with the older children, of course, so once in a while she was entitled to ride in her stroller.

     Here is a Tree Swallow poking its head out of a nest box.

     Meet Phoebe, everyone.

     I have seen many Eastern Phoebes (Sayornis phoebe) this year, but so far have been unable to find one when she is with me. Hopefully, that will change on our next outing. It's only right that she should meet the bird with whom she shares her name.

     Rachel is admiring Lilacs (genus Syringa).

     Larch (genus Larix) was looking splendid.

     Small White (Pieris rapae) is a very common early butterfly, and this individual perched nicely for us.

     An Eastern Black Walnut (Juglands nigra) is primed to produce a copious volume of fruit later in the year.

     Spittlebugs (infraorder Cicadomorpha) utilize a protective coating of spittle to cover the nymphs; colloquially know as cuckoo or snake spit.

     On the left is a larva which may be Willow Spittlebug (Aphrophora salicina), but don't bet the family fortune on this assessment! For the non-specialist ID is not easy.

      We all had a wonderful day together.

      Let me leave you with one more Tree Swallow.

     It seems like the right thing to do.