Miscellaneous Recent Sightings

      I am out and about most days, and Nature never fails to deliver exciting and satisfying experiences. 

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)

     There is magic in the air when a kingfisher utters its loud rattling call and zooms over the water.  Sometimes they even perch for a picture!

Spotted Spreadwing (Lestes Spreadwing)

     So called because of its habit of perching with its wings spread at about a 45 degree angle from its body, this is a late flying species that I often see well into October.

Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)

     This very attractive and widespread frog is a master of camouflage, enabling it to prey effectively on the insects that comprise the bulk of its diet, while simultaneously providing cover from would-be predators.

Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) on New England Aster (Symphotrichum nova-angliae)

     Western Honey Bee has colonized most regions of the world, often to the detriment of native species .

Narrow-headed Marsh Fly (Helophilus fasciatus)

     This is often the first flower fly I see in the spring, and well into the fall. They are associated with wet areas, but they are commonly found on flowers, from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen.

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

     Much beloved by everyone, Northern Cardinal is always a welcome sight.

Common Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)

     The species name autumnale refers to the flowering period of this plant. it is called sneezeweed since its powdered leaves were used to induce sneezing, believed to rid the body of evil spirits.

Milbert's Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)

     A very handsome butterfly, Milbert's Tortoiseshell is a fierce, pugnacious defender of its territory.

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

     Red Admiral is instantly recognizable, even to people with no particular interest in butterflies. It is common and nectars on a variety of plants. It is sometimes seen in prolonged territorial disputes with Milbert's Tortoiseshell.

Northern Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus)

     Generally not aggressive away from its nest, it is nevertheless wise to treat this species with respect and not annoy it. It has an intense, painful sting.

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

     I will leave you with a Canada Goose standing on guard for all of us in these troubled times.

     Until the next time.....

Book Review - The Grassland Queen: An Avian Love Story in the American Plains - Island Press Imprint, Princeton University Press

      Through the intermediary of her 'Zen' bird, the enigmatic Long-billed Curlew, Priyanka Kumar sheds light on the precarious state of the American grasslands necessary for the bird's breeding success (hence survival). Ironically, although its numbers have plummeted in recent years, according to the IUCN Red List it is currently classified as "Least Concern.'

     Virgin prairie was the traditional stronghold for the bird to breed, with vast colonies of  prairie dogs, enclaves of Burrowing Owls, a full suite of raptors such as Prairie Falcon and Swainson's Hawk, Mountain Plovers, longspurs, Lark Buntings, meadowlarks and others. Native vegetation supported this vast array of life. With the exception of a few remnant patches this habitat has been lost, given over to human encroachment, expanding cities, conversion to agricultural land, pollution, garbage, destructive recreational uses, and, latterly, temperatures that exceed the ability of some species to survive. The grasshopper population, essential food for developing young curlews, has crashed. 

     Kumar rightly and righteously decries these developments and hopes against hope for the restoration of conditions to permit her beloved curlews to survive. Ironically - and catastrophically - as we pursue the development of artificial intelligence, potentially sowing the seeds of our own destruction, huge swathes of remaining habitat are now being swallowed up to build data centres, which will expropriate already insufficient water supplies, further compromising the ability of nature to flourish, and prairie grasslands to survive.

     The book is illustrated by Kumar herself, a mistake in my opinion given her lack of prowess as an artist.

     The pictures are what one might expect from a grade school child, and while they maybe considered cute or endearing by some, I don't find them so.

     A few well placed colour photographs would have served better, especially views of the grassland that is the centrepiece of the book - and which we never see. 

     At the bottom of page 204, one reads, "....two thousand ring-necked and California gulls moved about." There is, of course, no such bird as a Ring-necked Gull. I assume she means Ring-billed Gull, (or perhaps a Ring-necked Duck?), but I should not be left to guess what she intended. Editorial responsibility of factual content is surely borne by the author and there is no excuse for mistakes of this nature.

     In point of fact, I reviewed Conversations with Birds in 2022, one of Kumar's earlier books, and there were egregious errors of fact in that book, too. 

     Once was already more than enough, twice is inexcusable.

     The book bears an important message. Habitat loss is the prime cause of the headlong path to extinction of species on which we are now embarked. Given our history, however, I doubt that we will make the changes necessary to restore the exquisite beauty of unspoiled nature.

     Thank you for bringing it to our attention,   Priyanka, and trying to make a difference.

The Grassland Queen: An Avian Love Story in the American Plains - Island Press Imprint, Princeton University Press

Priyanka Kumar

Hardcover $US$29.95 - ISBN 9781642834550

240 pages - 6.125 x 9.25 inches (15.31 x 23.125 cm)

12 black-and-white illustrations

Publication date: 03 November, 2026

Outing to the Health Valley Trail, St. Jacobs, ON with Sahaja Yoga Group

26 September, 2026 

     I had the distinct pleasure of leading a walk for a Sahaja Yoga group, as fine a group of people as you could wish to encounter. Sahaja Yoga is a simple form of meditation founded by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in 1970. It focuses on awakening the inner energy known as Kundalini, which is said to rise spontaneously through the subtle energy system and help bring balance, peace and inner awareness. The practice is free and can be learned by anyone. It includes meditation and simple techniques to help maintain inner balance in everyday life

     Our principal focus was intended to be birds, but birds were very sparse that morning and a good deal of our time was spent with many of the plants of the area.

     At the very beginning, however, a cooperative Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) preened, pranced, walked, fed and posed for us, giving everyone a chance to see this delightful little plover. 

     Soon it will be migrating out of our area to spend the winter in warmer climes. It returns early in spring, however, often making an appearance in local fields by early March. It is always uplifting to hear its familiar call as it flies overhead.

     Small numbers of American Herring Gulls (Larus smithsonianus) are starting to arrive from their breeding territories in northern Ontario; two were on the river upstream from where we observed the Killdeer. 

     Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) was blooming prolifically, as one might expect, and the seed pods are now in their explosive phase, causing a few laughs as people were startled by them.

     Some of the flowers still contained copious volumes of sweet nectar and Common Eastern Bumbles Bees (Bombus impatiens) were quick to exploit this resource.

     New England Aster (Symphiotrichum novae-angliae) remains always and forever one of my favourite flowers. 

     Chicory (Cichorium intybus) thrills me equally.

     It was very satisfying for me to be able to share these wonders of nature with a very receptive group of people, whose lifestyle is permeated with sensitivity and the embrace of the living world.

Photo: Gita Pattison

     What a pleasure it is to see happy faces.

Photo: Gita Pattison

     We heard the familiar refrain of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) announcing their presence overhead as a small skein flew towards the river.

     It is always for me a stirring sound, emblematically Canadian. These are OUR birds - and they have conquered the world!

     Goldenrod (genus Solidago) is glorious. How could one not be enchanted by this scintillating bloom?

      It is a fine thing to encounter goldenrod on a beautiful fall day.

     One might imagine sitting amongst it with a glass of wine, listening to one of the late string quartets by Beethoven. How sublime that would be.

     Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) are starting to migrate and we caught a glimpse of a couple as they rode the thermals with consummate grace.

     These enigmatic birds, nature's sanitation engineers, have greatly expanded their presence in recent years; they are very welcome in my world.

     This is but a brief encapsulation of our outing together. There was much more, not the least of which was laughter, friendship and learning, and the chance to get to know each other.

     I feel confident in saying that a fine time was enjoyed by all. And we already have plans to do it again!

 

     

Waterloo Region Nature Outing to the North Shore of Lake Ontario

 19 September, 2026

     A few last minute cancellations meant that we had a small group this year, but in fact it was very pleasant.

Leader - David M. Gascoigne

Participants - Miriam Bauman, Jim Bowman, Dave Collins, Mary Collins, Lisa Den Besten, Heather DeVoe, Sonam Iama, Art Klassen.

DesJardins Canal, Dundas, ON     

     I have been making this trip for at least thirty-five years and September has never failed to yield Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), both adult and juvenile.

     I assume that some measure of post-breeding dispersal occurs and that the canal provides food to fuel up for the migratory journey ahead.

     I am not sure how many birds were present this year, because they move around and sometimes are well concealed by foliage. 

Photo: Dave Collins

     I would estimate at least six birds and quite possibly more. Most of the time we had one or two in view.

Photo: Dave Collins

     Sonam had never seen a night heron before and they put on quite a show for him.

     A lanky Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) functioned as a perfect foil for the diminutive (by comparison) night heron. 

Photo: Jim Bowman

     Here they may be seen together.

     Whenever one tries to photograph a grebe it seems that they dive just as you click the button to take a picture. A very cooperative Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) was the exception to the rule and posed very nicely for us.

     What an elegant little bird!

     We heard the clatter of Belted Kingfishers (Megaceryle alcyon) and three of them were noisily cruising up and down the canal.

     Unusually, the female of this species is more colourful than the male.

Photo: Dave Collins

     Here is the male for comparison.

 Photo: Dave Collins

     Dave managed excellent flight shots, too.

     The vivid beauty of New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is an eternal source of delight, often blooming into November and surviving mild frost.

Photo: Jim Bowman

     

     A couple of Green Herons (Butorides virescens) played peek-a-boo with us, but from time to time showed enough of themselves for a picture.

     An adult and a juvenile Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritus) were very obliging.

     Miriam is usually occupied taking pictures but Dave made sure that she made the hit parade too!

     Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba) was still blooming in profusion. How delightful!

     I am a great fan of gulls and regret that they are sometimes disliked, or even despised, by humans who assign malicious intent to some of their behaviours. 

     As you see, Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) is extraordinarily handsome.

     We made a visit to the butterfly garden, reminding ourselves that we need to make a return visit in the summer. Many flowers are past their prime by the second half of September, yet there is sublime beauty still.

     It was time to head for our cars to move on to our next set of thrills!

Photo: Dave Collins

Grindstone Creek, Hamilton, ON

     A family of Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) came to greet us.

     How sweet is that!

     There were Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) on the marsh, too.

     A Double-crested Cormorant permitted us to see those huge feet that enable it to propel itself through the water at great speed in pursuit of prey.

     Based on the lack of success I have witnessed with human fisherfolk, they might be more successful if they grew big feet!

     On a regular basis we can expect to see four species of heron in Ontario and we had seen three of them at the DesJardins Canal, so it was terrific to see the fourth, a Great Egret (Ardea alba) searching for prey.

Photo: Jim Bowman

     A Green Heron was daintily picking its way among the lily pads.

     Sonam was quick to point his camera in its direction as we watched it catch a fish.

Picture: Sonam Iama

      Evening Primrose (genus Oenothera) radiates good cheer.

     A Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) was parked on the far side of one of the ponds and declined to come any closer.

     This Ring-billed Gull had obviously been trapped by a research term and was outfitted with a variety of human bling.

     Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) is the world's largest tern, being slightly bigger than a Ring-billed Gull, and is immediately distinguished by its vivid red carrot-like bill.

Photo: Dave Collins

     I had initially thought that late September was past this species' usual migration date, but on further checking it appears that sightings into late October are not uncommon.

     A Great Blue Heron mostly hid from view, occasionally emerging from the shadows.

Photo: Dave Collins

     I always take great pleasure in a Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), swimming free, filling its role in a wetland ecosystem.

Photo: Dave Collins

     Muskrats are still hunted, but at nowhere near the insane levels of the past, thank goodness. To my surprise I  discovered that they are considered good eating by some. 

     I think I will pass on the pleasure!

LaSalle Park and Marina, Burlington, ON

     LaSalle Park is normally where we find most species on this outing, but on this occasion it was remarkably quiet.

     We saw several Common Mergansers (Mergus merganser), all females, and all cooperative from a photographic standpoint.

     A family of Mute Swans contained youngsters of different ages.

     Pure American Black Ducks (Anas rubipres) are sometimes hard to find these days since they interbreed with Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) so frequently, but LaSalle Park is one location where they may be expected.

Photo: Dave Collins

     Shorebirds elicit an elevated level of pleasure and awe, and this Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) was no exception.

     By the end of September most of them will be gone from Ontario.

     Chicken-of-the-Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) glows like a beacon in the woodland.

     You will not be surprised when you learn that this edible mushroom is alleged to taste like chicken! Some people do not seem to tolerate it well and it is recommended that fresh young brackets only should make their way to your stomach, and in small quantities.

     A Belted Kingfisher was present; in truth it had been a kingfisher day.

     At one point I noticed Dave slinking off and was immediately suspicious that he was headed for the sushi bar.

     It looks like a cormorant got there first.

Photo: Dave Collins

Photo: Dave Collins

      

     Remarkable pictures don't you think?

     A few Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) circled on the thermals high overhead.

     At this time of year perhaps they were migrating - just as we were about to migrate to our next destination, Paletta Park.

Paletta Lakefront Park, Burlington, ON

     There was a stiff breeze and the waves were crashing onshore.

     There seemed to be a little party of Song Sparrows (Melopsiza melodia), perhaps gathering for migration.

     Better to get one's feathers in prime condition for the journey.

     Lots of Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) was in bloom, heavily patronized by Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilocus colubris) preparing for migration, a journey that will take them across Lake ONTARIO to skirt the shore of the Gulf of MEXICO, en route to their destination in Central America.

     Similarly, groups of Northern Flickers (Colaptes auratus) sought each other's company as they headed south.

Photo: Dave Collins

     A couple of Ruby-crowned Kinglets (Corthylio calendula) chased tiny insects in their normal frenetic way, but Dave succeeded in getting a picture.

Photo: Dave Collins

     A Spotted Sandpiper made its way along the creek.

Photo: Dave Collins

     Heather spotted a Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) but it had disappeared before we could get a picture. There was a nice movement of warblers, however, including this Myrtle Warbler (Setophaga coronata).

Photo: Dave Collins

     They were mostly quite difficult to see as they darted around in the treetops, partially, or at times completely, concealed by the foliage, but this Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) showed itself well.

     Even in subdued fall plumage it is an enchanting little bird.

     A White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) entertained us, as they always do.

Photo: Sonam Iama

     No human highwire act ever attained this level of activity!

     Several Brown Creepers (Certhia americana) were present.

Photo: Dave Collins

     Most will migrate but some will spend the winter with us.

     The same is true of White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis).

Photo: Dave Collins

     Much goldenrod (genus Solidago) has ceased blooming, but there are still plants delivering nectar to industrious Common Eastern Bumble Bees (Bombus impatiens).

     Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is a confirmed year-round resident.

Photo: Dave Collins

     A flycatcher (genus Empidonax) - possibly Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris) had been busy - and successful.

Photo: Dave Collins

     An Eastern Wood Pewee (Cotopus virens) posed for Sonam.

     Bay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea) may well have been the most common warbler of the day; certainly we saw several of them.

Photo: Dave Collins

     Several warblers foraged on the ground from time to time, including this supremely handsome Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia). 

Photo: Dave Collins

     What a great day it had been!