The Mill Race with Visitors from Austria, Riverside Park with Special Friends

 08 September, 2025

     Some of you are perhaps familiar with Traude's blog (see here); we were delighted receive a visit from her and her husband, Edi.

      High on their list of things to do was a visit to the Mill Race with the prospect of hand-feeding a chickadee or two.

     Before embarking on the trail proper we checked the Conestogo River to see what might be there. We were greeted by a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) nicely perched, albeit a little distant.

     If you look carefully at the following picture of the river you will see, at the left, a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) perched in a tree.

     Its perch was perhaps a little precarious and it used its wings to balance on the branch.

     There, that's better!

     The fall iteration of Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is always an exciting find.

     Eastern Chipmunks (Tamias striatus) scampered along in their normal fashion, sometimes gazing wistfully at us, but moving at lightening speed when they felt the need to do so.

     There are those who deem that cows in a field are the epitome of peacefulness. A flock of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) always does it for me. 

     The leaves of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) are almost as appealing as the flower.

     I think this handsome creature is Treagnatha versicolor).

     Nodding Beggarticks (Bidens cernua) are characteristic of stream sides in the fall, a lovely complement to the changing colour of the leaves on the trees.

     Better not to show the next picture to children. They will all want a Green Stink Bug (Chinavia hilaris) for Christmas!

     I think that Traude wanted to become an instant Canadian and placed a maple leaf on her heart.

     We saw many Hickory Tussock Moth (Lophocampa caryae) caterpillars as they searched for a sheltered spot to pupate and spend the winter.

      The hairs on this larva cause itchy rashes on some people, especially those with allergies, so it's better not to touch them.

     The hairs, correctly know as setae, have microscopic barbs that cling to the skin. If transferred to the eyes serious damage can occur.

     There are many Eastern Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) trees along the Mill Race, so it was not surprising to encounter the larva of the Walnut Caterpillar Moth (Datana integerrima). It has personality to spare, verve, panache and good looks.

     It will descend to the ground and burrow down and pupate.

      American Rubyspot (Hetaerina americana) favours swift running streams and rivers of all sizes. The Mill Race is perfect for this species, especially since the Conestogo River, rapid and pellucid, flows nearby.

     What a gorgeous insect!

     Not a great picture, but evidence that a Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) joined us for a while.

     A Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) perched expectantly nearby.

     It needed no encouragement to visit Traudi's outstretched hand containing black sunflower seeds.

     Shrews (family Soricidae) are voracious insectivores and need to eat constantly to fuel their metabolism. Perhaps this individual failed to pack enough calories into its body and succumbed.

     Grass Spiders (genus Agelenopsis) want nothing to do with us.

     An Osprey (Pandion haliaeetus) scanned the river for fish, waiting for the right opportunity to make a move.

     This is the black morph of Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).

     A Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) was mining goldenrod (genus Solidago) for pollen and nectar.

     This dragonfly is a species of Meadowhawk (genus Sympetrum), of that I am sure, but I am unable to identify it accurately to species.

     Traude and Edi rested on a bench and posed for a picture.

     Gerrini is a tribe of water striders with many genera. They have hydrophilic hairs that enable them to walk on water without sinking.

     This fly seems to have been parasitized by a fungus in the genus Entomophthora, substantially weakening it. 

     In its debilitated state it appears to have become ensnared in a spider's web, unable to extricate itself.

     Near the end of the trail a female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) came to visit.

     In addition to the pictures here, we also paused at the Eco Café for coffee and snacks, and followed up our walk with lunch at our house.

     Miriam had things to do, but in the afternoon I took our guests to Riverside Park in Cambridge for enhanced photo opportunities.

     Edi and Traude left late afternoon to return to their B&B, preparing to fly to the West Coast the following day.

     It had been a pleasure to help them enjoy a little of the nature of Waterloo Region.

01 November, 2025

Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON

     I have no pictures to share from Traude and Edi's visit to Riverside Park, but I spent a joyful couple of hours with friends to welcome November, and here are a few pictures from that visit.

A

A handsome group

Hopeful

The indomitable Sepideh

Success!

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 

Looking good

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) and Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

Patience rewarded

Making friends

Chickadee breakfast bar

WRN Outing to Long Point, Norfolk County, ON

25 October, 2025 

Leader: David Gascoigne

Participants: Miriam Bauman, Jim Bowman, Mary Ann Cassidy, Dave Collins, Mary Collins, Heather DeYoe, Art Klassen, Fraser Gibson, Trevor Lewis, Melinda Metzger, Shannon Pennington, Shelley Watters

Dave, Heather, Melinda, Shelley, Mary Ann, Shannon, David, Fraser, Mary, Art, Jim, Trevor

 

 Port Rowan Harbour    

     

     We were in a state of consternation as we looked out over the water at Port Rowan Harbour. There was hardly a bird to be seen!

     Undiscouraged, however, we made our way to the edge of the bay.

     We looked this way and that and began to see a few distant birds, but certainly nothing like we have become accustomed to over the years.

     We all heard the most delightful tinkling sounds, very musical and pleasing, and located the minstrel, a Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). Often maligned, this individual, joined by a few of his congeners, rivalled the Vienna Boys' Choir for sonority, execution and variation.

     With all eyes and ears mobilized to the task, we began to see more birds. A singular highlight was an Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) putting on a display of fishing inefficiency! It was probably a young bird still learning this essential skill before embarking on migration, but time is running out to acquire proficiency. Art was especially enervated on seeing this performance, and so were we all.

     Dave Collins, that stalwart and photographic maestro, was on point to capture the moment and was his usual generous self in sharing his images to enhance my blog.

     Several unsuccessful plunges yielded nothing at all for breakfast.

     Perhaps it's time to sit a while and go through the strategy one more time!

     An American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) perched stoically on a post. 

     Perhaps he too had not breakfasted and this gaggle of humans brought nothing to assuage his hunger.

     Port Rowan Harbour is a pretty spot.

     A large number of Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) were present, but quite far off unfortunately. Dave's long lens narrowed the distance, however, and he obtained this picture.

     This bizarre little duck is obviously a hybrid of some kind; we had as many guesses at its origins as there were people present!

Photo: Dave Collins

     Many Common Terns (Sterna hirundo) were still present; I think that some of them were flaunting their fishing prowess, with sidelong glances at the Osprey, chortling, "This is how it's done!"

     Dave achieved the following excellent shots.

     Bonaparte's Gulls (Croicocephalus philadelphia) were also having great success.

Photo: Dave Collins

Photo: Dave Collins

      Photo: Dave Collins

     That poor Osprey may have to seek counselling!

     Just before we left this fellow wheeled in with what is doubtless his pride and joy, his refurbished automobile of excellence.

     It didn't have wings, however, so we left with barely a second glance!

Birds Canada Headquarters

     The general paucity of birds continued at Birds Canada.

     The pond, usually home to several species of duck, was almost completely dry, with no sign of avian abundance, merely a few half-hearted cries of Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) escaping from the rushes.

     Jim scanned in vain.

     I had no idea at the time of the identity of this plant, but having done a little research back at home, I think it is Hoary Alyssum (Berteroa incana).

     Birds Canada has done a great job in window-proofing against bird strikes.

     Vetches (genus Vicia) were still blooming prolifically.

     An Autumn Meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum) came to rest on a bird house.

      In the following picture, taken by Dave, you will note the wooden cup at the base of the nests. These devices were originally deployed to assist Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica), but here they have been usurped by American Cliff Swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota).

     Their unique nests always remind me of my high school chemistry lab.

Lee Brown Waterfowl Management Area

     The dearth of birds continued at Lee Brown, often highly productive with a wide range of species, always being sure of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) and Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) if nothing else.

     There was NOTHING at all - nada, nicht, rien, zippo! Not a bird in sight, not a flap of wings, not a honk or a quack.

     We scanned hopefully, but more with bravado than conviction.

     You will note that people didn't even raise their binoculars.

     What have we done to deserve such avian ostracism? We have been their friends through all the years, through thick and thin. We have fought developers, resisted hunters, chivvied politicians, advocated, fulminated, orated and pontificated, admired and appreciated their beauty, welcomed them to our world. And this is the thanks we get?

     We departed shaking our heads!

Long Point Causeway

     Finally, our fortunes started to change. 

     A distant Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) caused us to pull over to the side of the road.

     Most local citizens are tolerant of birders occupying the shoulders and a metre of the road, but some honk their horns in derisive greeting, even leaning on it for extended effect.

     We all have excellent skills in honk indifference and ignore them blissfully.

     A lovely Shore Spider (Pardosa milvina) came to visit, posed for a picture and it seems to me I heard words of encouragement.

     We were once again struck by the low water level - and this location is on the shoreline of Lake Erie, not an area subject to control.

     A Great Blue Heron found the conditions suitable,  no doubt making fish and frogs easy prey, and turning up creatures like crayfish generally hidden from view.

     The prize here, however, was a group of Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis), not especially close, and not at a good angle, but Dave managed a decent shot of them feeding in the mud.

      This duck was picking up speed as it pattered across the water, but I am not quite sure what it is. It has some features I would associate with Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) but the belly seems far too pale and the feet look odd, resembling a rail more than a duck.

Photo: Dave Collins

     A female Red-winged Blackbird perched nicely.

Photo: Dave Collins

     Several Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) were working the marsh.

Photo: Dave Collins

     There were many Mute Swans and American Coots (Fulica americana), peacefully coexisting.

Photo: Dave Collins

     The swans' young of the year remain under the care of their parents until next spring when the adults lay eggs again. Then, the kids are kicked out!

Photo: Dave Collins

     This individual seems a little agitated about something.

Photo: Dave Collins

     We moved on, quite euphoric at this stage, having finally conquered the tremors we develop when birds are absent!

     A stop at Big Creek is akin to an obligation.

     The sign itself is well worth a visit.

     The viewing platform was not widely used because the water was (dare I say it?) devoid of birds.

     

     Several species of sparrow were present, some vocalizing, and Miriam was able to zero in on a Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana).

     Red-winged Blackbirds were not uncommon.

     As might be expected along the windy shores on the Great Lakes, tree damage is not unusual, sometimes producing highly photogenic opportunities.

     Looks like a challenge for Dave to clamber upon for a better view of the birds on the water. I'll be sure to point it out next time we visit, and I know Mary will add words of encouragement.

     In the meantime, he photographed a young White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), which perhaps he alone saw, with both feet firmly planted on the ground.

     We found a marshy spot to have lunch and were delighted to spot White Campion (Silene latifolia).

     A tiny Orbweaver spider (superfamily Araneoidea) came to join us.

     The whole area was awash with non-biting midges (genus Chironomus).

     Had they been of the biting type we would have been driven from there very quickly.

Bird Observatory at Old Cut

     Bird banding was still in full swing; here a bander is checking the fat level on a Myrtle Warbler (Setophaga coronata).

     Melinda was exceptionally keen to release a bird.

Photo: Heather DeYoe

     If the bird is placed on its back it will lie there for a few seconds, unfamiliar with this position, before righting itself and flying off.

Photo: Dave Collins

     Suffice it to say that Melinda was a very happy birder to have had this experience.

      There are bird feeders near the banding station; not surprisingly they are routinely invaded by Eastern Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis).

Photo: Dave Collins

     House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is very common here and Dave captured a lovely image of a female.

     Having fully checked out the activity at the banding station we set off for the observation platform overlooking the marsh.

     While standing there, huge flocks of Common Grackles (Quiscalus quiscula) were streaming overhead.

     In mere minutes thousands of birds passed by; truly a spectacle of nature.

     A Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) was vivid and beautiful against the dark green of the conifers.

     Ruby-crowned Kinglets (Corthylio calendula), those frenetically active little sprites teased us with quick glimpses here and there.

Photo: Dave Collins

     In the following picture you can even see a hint of the eponymous ruby crown from which this species derives its name.

Photo: Dave Collins

     A Guelder-Rose (Viburnum opulus) garnered many admiring glances.

     The mist nets were busy with many birds being ensnared in the service of science.

     Here is a Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)

     This appears to be a different species of Chironomus from the one shown above; very attractive, I thought.

      A Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) paid us a visit.

     Dave was able to take a couple of fine pictures of a male and female Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus).

     White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) were numerous; here are a couple caught in the mist nets.

     An Autumn Meadowhawk had an obliging turn of mind and came to rest on Miriam's hat.

     Virginia Creepers (genus Parthenocissus) sometimes produce prodigious crops of berries.

     I wondered whether this sign was to alert motorists to watch out for distracted birders or to guide us back to the parking area.

     I hope those same motorists paid close heed to turtles crossing the road, too.

 

     It had been a very slow start, but by the end of the day we had seen a variety of species and enjoyed each other's company immensely.

     Mary Ann Cassidy is not a birder, doesn't even have binoculars in fact, but she says she always enjoys coming out with us to share in our passion and enthusiasm.

     I think that just about says it all!