A Morning with a Chinese Home School Group along The Mill Race

      Before setting off on the trail we walked down to the Conestogo River to check what might be present there.

     Two Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) were spotted, quite distant but visible even without binoculars.

      The Mill Race Trail extends a little beyond the main entrance on Three Bridges Road, on the other side of the road, and we decided to walk up to the waterfall, never having done so together.

     Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) were screeching pretty much the whole time, and occasionally we caught a glimpse of one.

     Crossing back over the road we embarked on the trail proper.

     Recently the trail had been closed for five days for maintenance, primarily to clear the path of downed trees, the result of strong winds in the area, but it seems to have been an opportunity to grade the surface too, and it was hard packed and in great condition.

     It didn't take long for a group of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) to come to visit us. 

     I really must remember to bring some cracked corn to reward them for their friendliness!

     The fall colours have not been as vibrant this year as they usually are, due to stress caused by drought early in the growing season. This Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) was almost as fiery as the leaf on the flag, however.

     It didn't take long for the children to make their first attempt at feeding Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus).

     As we progress deeper into fall and cooler weather, these birds are far more willing to look to humans for food. We invest in nutritious, high energy sunflower seeds to make sure that what we give them is beneficial.

     The children are always ecstatic to be out in the fresh air, and the birds are a delightful bonus for them.

     Such happy faces!

Becky, Phoebe, Charlotte

Luke

     In a couple of spots the chickadees were quick to surround us to take advantage of outstretched hands bearing seed.

     At the half way point of our excursion we have made it a tradition to stop at the Eco Café for a coffee and a snack, and access to washrooms.

     This visit was made more exceptional than usual by the presence of a young lady painting en plein air. In years past one saw this activity quite often, especially along the banks of a river or in a forest clearing, but not any more. It was so pleasing to see it taking place on the sidewalk, to record the life on the street.

     We chatted briefly and she gave me permission to take her picture and post it on my blog. Her  name is Mariia Kiiasko and here is a link to some of her work: https://www.instagram.com/m_way_paints?vrfl=aXJ6azVmZ3hjcmNq&utm_source=qr 

     On the way back one of the children spotted this perfectly formed woodpecker hole.

     Shortly afterwards we came upon a male Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens), perhaps the architect himself!

     Familiar fungi caught everyone's attention.

     St. Jacobs is a quaint little village, very popular with tourists and a tourist train runs from Waterloo to St. Jacobs and back during summer and fall.

    These young explorers are nothing if not adventuresome, with parents who know that kids need to be challenged and allowed to exercise their curiosity and resolve.

     Here is Theodore, the quintessential child for whom no challenge should go unanswered. It's not for nothing we have dubbed him Theodore the Explorer!

     Here is his big brother, Joshua.

     Joseph, Daniel, Rachel and Joshua discovered an Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis). It looks to be a pretty good size, too.

     As the chill of autumn supplants the warmth of summer they will be seeking underground hibernacula to pass the winter below ground, where the temperature remains above freezing. 

     Amelia was especially keen to hand feed a chipmunk; her infinite patience was rewarded.

     She did it more than once, too.

     Luke and Phoebe were anxious to show off treasures they had found.

     Becky was equally keen but she kept her fingers clenched on the little shells she had found.

     We spent a great morning together, as we always do. In all my years of leading groups I have never bonded with any of them as intensely as I have done with "my" Chinese Home School group. It really is quite remarkable.

     Thanks to Steven for videos and pictures, and Ingrid, Penny and Theo for their pictures.

     We'll do it again next month.