Caroline's Visit Part 3 (Final)

     When we are out and about in nature we rarely take pictures of humans - we do that infrequently at the best of times - so I am including a picture of Caroline taken with her dad (moi) on a visit a couple of years ago. 

     Our final foray during her recent visit, was an afternoon at Columbia Lake, recently reopened totally, after having restricted access during the early phases of the Coronavirus. The level of the water was exceptionally low and we were literally able to walk right across the bed of the lake. 

     One of our most exceptional encounters was with four Least Sandpipers (Calidris minutilla), initially a little skittish, but as they went about their frenzied bout of feeding, more approachable.

 

     This is the world's smallest sandpiper, and while not uncommon spring and fall, there is an eternal fascination about it - about shorebirds in general in fact.

     Least Sandpipers have returned from breeding in the high Arctic, whereas Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) have been with us all summer and have bred locally.

     Birds, always the main attraction, were not the only organisms to attract our attention. Miriam got a couple of very nice shots of this light variant Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadica), nectaring on Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata).

     The joys of nature are unending!

     One would be hard pressed in June or July to visit a suitable body of water and not find a Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) family, with the hen assuming all the duties of parenthood. I thought that this family group presented a particularly charming portrait.

     A handsome American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) seemed determined to have a conversation with us, but I fear we did not understand his entreaties.

     Since large bullfrogs are prone to eat just about anything they can cram into their mouths, this Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) had better not let down its guard.

     This juicy fly, probably Lucilla coeruleiviridis or L. sericata, would make a tasty snack for either species.

  

     Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) more than lived up to its name.

   

     To rename it Abundant Whitetail would not have been unreasonable!

     Just before leaving to return home for dinner, we spotted a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) off in the corner of the little bay at the end of the lake.

     We thought it a fine bird to end the day, especially when it dove into the water and came up with a fish.

     I have spent a lifetime outdoors and have enjoyed every moment of it. At this advanced stage in my life it doesn't get much more enjoyable than to share it with Caroline and Miriam. I am sure it won't be long until we do it again.

Tuesday Rambles with David - Wye Marsh, Midland, ON

13 June 2017

     Carol and Judy could not join us for this outing but Franc, Jim, Francine, Mary, Miriam and I left home at 06:00 for the roughly two-and-a-half hour drive to Midland. This was a first visit to Wye Marsh for all of us and we were eagerly looking forward to it. The Trumpeter Swans Cygnus buccinator we love to visit at LaSalle Park and Marina in the winter have their principal breeding area at Wye Marsh and we were anxious to connect with them at this stage of their life cycle.

     The marsh itself is a large area with many interesting trails to explore. Here are a few random shots of the areas that we traversed.

     I had intended to inquire at the Visitor Centre whether the canoes could be rented, but I forgot to do so. I suspect they can be. We will check next time we visit and hire a couple for a few hours. 

     This would be an ideal way to glide through the channels to get to places that cannot be reached on foot.

       It was not long before we spotted our first Trumpeter Swan, although as it turned out we did not see many. The birds are doubtless spread out over a wide area and probably have their nests in secluded areas. We are all wondering whether we will see J23 in Burlington this winter.

   
     Some swans were spotted in flight and it is a rare treat  to see them cruising over the marsh to splash down and disappear from view.

     It was raining on and off for the early part of our visit, hence visibility was not great, and the light conditions for photographs less than desirable. A Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon teased us a little but finally perched for a picture.

     A few Mallards Anas platyrynchos were hanging around with the lone Trumpeter Swan; all males. It is very likely that females are tending young but we never came across them.

     The range of herpetofauna we encountered was pretty impressive, with American Bullfrogs Lithobates catesbeianus being especially common. Frequently we had several in view at a time and the mats of floating vegetation and the broad leaves of Yellow Pond Lilies Nuphar variegatum provided excellent resting places. This adult male shows the characteristic bright yellow throat.

     It was great to see many groups of children on field trips and to observe their spontaneous enthusiasm as they dipped their nets into the water and retrieved treasures for all to study.

     I am sure that they too were fascinated by the sound and sight of so many Bullfrogs.

     I think it was Francine who first spotted a family group of Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe and this youngster was learning to flycatch independently, although food delivered by a parent was eagerly accepted.

     Franc wandered off by himself for a while, responding only to the dictates of his quest for birds, and was able to capture delightful images of a female Wood Duck Aix sponsa with a couple of ducklings.

     Towards the end of the day we detoured by the area where he had seen them and everyone was able to get a good look.
     We came across the shells of these Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina eggs and there was a discussion among us as to whether the eggs had hatched or whether a predator such as a Raccoon Procyon lotor had unearthed them and consumed the highly nutritious contents. Given the fact that eggs are laid May to July and hatching occurs fifty to one hundred days later, it seems very unlikely that this clutch could have been successful.

     Snapping Turtles were frequently observed either seeking sites to lay their eggs or were in the process of so doing.

     Miriam got down close to the ground and was able to get some interesting pictures.

     We also discovered Midland Painted Turtles Chrysemys picta marginata but always in the water. None were encountered laying eggs.

     Wherever we found turtles we found even more bullfrogs.

     But who can resist a few more pictures? Not me...........

     And obviously not Miriam.

     This insect looks like it is placing itself in serious jeopardy.

     We saw and heard numerous Common Yellowthroats Geothlypis trichas, a true denizen of the marshes.

     Several Cedar Waxwings Bombycilla cedrorum kept us company. This is a species that never becomes ordinary - a truly beautiful creature.

     As might be expected in a wetland with so many food resources Great Blue Herons Ardea herodias were anxious to exploit the bounty.

    As we meandered along odenates were also observed including a Black Saddelbags Tramea lacerata......

       ........and Eastern Forktail Ischnura verticalis.

     Several species of fern were to be seen, including dense stands of Ostrich Fern Matteuccia struthiopteris.

     A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius was initially seen and then just as quickly disappeared. After a little searching, and a patient wait, it popped its head out of its nesting cavity in a tree.

     Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens was quite common, including this female.

     The habitat was nigh on perfect for Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus, with abundant prey, and as might be expected they were observed throughout.

     Several hirundines glided and swooped and we watched their incredible mastery of flight with a sense of awe. These birds are notoriously difficult to photograph as they are gone before the camera even has time to focus. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica was the only species captured through the lens.

     Song Sparrows Melospiza melodia were considerably easier.

     We were quite delighted to discover a couple of Swamp Sparrows Melospiza georgiana, one quite open and Franc succeeded in getting this picture.

     Miriam heard the distinctive song of Alder Flycatcher Empidonax alnorum and it too posed nicely.

     By mid afternoon we decided to head for the exit and begin our journey home, wandering through very pleasant habitat.

     It had been a great day with diversity enough to keep any naturalist happy. We know that we have barely scratched the surface of what Wye Marsh has to offer and we look forward to a return visit next year.