Lockdown Is Not Quite The Stranglehold It Was.

      I think that like most Ontarians we are happy that restrictions are being lifted very gradually, but based on past experience wonder whether (and when) the hammer will come down again. The politicians are all anxious to restore conditions to near normal, and take the credit for it of course, but many of the medical experts are cautioning that by being too ambitious we may jeopardize the progress we have made to this point.

     For the moment let's enjoy what expanded freedoms we have and look to the future with optimism.  In the meantime nature does not change, and we continue to find solace and pleasure in ways that are so much part of who we are.

24 May 2021

Berlett's Road, Wilmot Township, Waterloo, ON

     I spotted a Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) as I was driving and pulled over to take a picture.

     It looks as though it is asking me what I am doing!

     In the same field were several horses, wonderful creatures, so sturdy and strong.

     They were attracted to the reeds around a pond; I assume that the forage is sweet and tender there.

     These horses give every impression that they are well cared for.

SpruceHaven, St. Agatha, ON

     I heard a Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) and after a while located it.

     You may bestow upon yourself the Eagle Eye Award if you can find it on the left side of the tree!

     The ponds in Teen Hollow are filling as they should, and all is proceeding in a fashion that assures that within a couple of years we will have a functioning wetland. 

     American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus americanus) have laid their eggs in the water and there are now thousands of tadpoles.

     It is a transformational experience in human terms to witness the natural transformation of the landscape, and I cannot overstate that it is the wisdom of Dave, Jamie and Sandy that grants us this opportunity.

26 May 2021

Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Waterloo, ON

     A very commendable programme has been launched by our public library, to encourage outdoor education, and to enable people to participate in the opportunities to explore nature offered in the conservation areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Grand River Conservation Authority.

     For a period of a week a free pass to all the properties is offered and covers up to six people entering at the same time. In this way a family of six - grandparents, parents and children perhaps - can  enjoy a period of outdoor recreation together. At the same time, interest in the conservation areas is rekindled after a long period of closure due to COVID regulations.

     In addition to the complimentary pass a kit is provided, containing a pair of binoculars, three field guides dealing with caterpillars, wildflowers and butterflies, and a map showing the locations that may be visited, all contained in a pouch any naturalist would be happy to own.

     This is a terrific scheme to get people involved in conservation and natural history; taxpayers' money being spent wisely!

     Laurel Creek is mere minutes from our house and that is where Miriam and I chose for our first visit.

     When our grandchildren were younger we used to buy an annual pass, but had not visited for a couple of years, so it was a pleasure to return.

     A male Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) was ardently cajoling females to join him to perpetuate the species.

     There appears to be a tick above his eye, which we hope will drop off once it has gorged and is satiated.

     Eastern Kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus) were seen flycatching at will.

     If one were to nominate a species to take a prize for avian fecundity, Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) might be a unanimous choice. It seemed that families were everywhere and there is no denying that goslings are cute!

     In an area where we have observed Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) in the past, a nesting area has been constructed, and we hope that eggs are incubating below the surface of that sand.

     Miriam thought she heard an Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) singing but could not be sure; it was extremely windy and the sound was carried away. Validation was provided on our way out of the park when she heard another and spotted it almost right away.

27 May 2021

Glen Allen, Wellington County, ON

     This is an area that we visit quite often, but generally in the winter when we are on a mission to find Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) so you can imagine our delight, and surprise too I must say, when we discovered two colonies of American Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)under two different bridges.

     When we first stopped the car many were gathering mud and a couple of males were scrapping for mating rights with a female, but the moment we opened the car every one of them exploded into the air. Even the promise of sex couldn't convince them to wait a minute or two!

Conostogo Lake Conservation Area, near Glen Allen, Wellington County, ON

     Armed with our pass we visited another GRCA property.

     This lake was created when Miriam was a young child and lived not far from the dam that was built to contain the water.

     As a sure indication that COVID-19 has seriously impacted the activities in the park, the picnic benches are stacked and out of commission, at a time when they should be occupied by people enjoying an outdoor picnic.

     We sat on a section of a dock that had been hauled out of the lake to enjoy our coffee and cookies, and a male Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) arrived to keep us company.

     Several Eastern Kingbirds were flycatching, and you can see one perched in typical fashion, waiting for aerial insects to pass by.

     The campgrounds are closed at present so we were able to drive through areas where we would not be permitted unless camping there, and noted that campsites are both pleasant and spacious.

     There is an upper and lower component to the conservation area and we decided to explore both. 

This is the lower section looking back at the dam.

     The view along the riverbank is quite lovely.

     American Black Currant (Ribes americanum) has gained a foothold in the area, a native species among so many invasives.

     I have been unable to identify this caterpillar specifically, but I am confident that it is of a Tiger Moth (subfamily Arctiinae).

     Bitter Wintercress was abundant (Barbarea vulgaris), with an unidentified beetle on the flower.

     It is without question that Tatarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) is a very attractive plant, visually that is, but its appeal stops there.

     It is considered by many to be a noxious weed. It is highly invasive, with seeds dispersed by mammals and birds, and spreads rapidly, leading to a dense understory thicket. Native plant growth is inhibited and biodiversity is reduced as a consequence.

     This is another case of human folly in introducing species that do not belong, with serious ecological disturbance being the result.

     Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) presents no such dire issues, and is equally beautiful to my eye.

     We watched an American Robin (Turdus migratorius) deliver food to its young and then settle down on the nest to regulate their temperature no doubt.

     A male Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) looked down on us from on high as we left to head for home.

     We have very much enjoyed the two visits facilitated by the entry pass and look forward to a few more before we have to return the pass to the library. More to come in the next post I hope. 

Nature During COVID Lockdown

      As the seemingly interminable restrictions on free movement continue, we find ways to enjoy nature, and content ourselves with what we can do rather than bemoaning what we can't. 

     

13 May 2021

Our backyard, Waterloo, ON

     There is habitat, food, water and shelter in our yard and the variety of birds that visit us is adequate testament to this fact.

      White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) generally put in an appearance spring and fall and this year has been no exception.

     Its kissing cousin, White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) can also be counted on to entertain us, and recently there have been as many as five individuals at a time feeding on the ground.

13 May 2021

Lakeside Park, Kitchener, ON

     This location has become a bit of a favourite for us. It is close by and on a good day when there is an extensive parade of migrants it is a great place to see birds.

     And the variety of plants should not be ignored either. 

     American Black Currant (Ribes americanum) is quite beautiful and is in the full flush of its inflorescence.

     Bitter Wintercress (Barbarea vulgaris) is in the same family (Brassicaceae) as the watercress one buys at the greengrocer, but as far as I know is not widely consumed in the same way, its leaves having a bitter taste.

     Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a plant that can cause the mildest of people to curse, swear, hiss and spit! It was introduced by early European settlers and is highly invasive. It often dominates the understory of native forests, seriously reducing biodiversity.

     Attempts to eradicate it have all failed; the best one can hope for is to keep it at bay.

     Birds are not the only animals with breeding on their agenda and we found this family of Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) beyond delightful.

     Soon these youngsters will acquire independence from their parents and will be causing mayhem and mischief in the forest as only squirrels can.

    Eastern Kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus) find exposed perches from which to scan for passing insects.....

     ..... and sally forth to snag each morsel that comes in range.

     A small party of Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) moved through and many cameras were aimed in their direction as this photogenic favourite posed obligingly.

     The black bib on a male House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is prima facie evidence of fitness, so it would be a reasonable conclusion that this bachelor should have no difficulty attracting female companions.

     A male Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) .....

     ..... is quite different from the female of the species.

     We always derive great pleasure from seeing a Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) and this was Miriam's fist sighting this spring.

14 May 2021

Mill Race Trail, St. Jacobs, ON

     A male Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) seemed to be finding juicy grubs of one kind or another on this stump.

     American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is a diminutive rodent that punches far above its weight, not hesitating to rout the considerably larger American Grey Squirrel if they are disputing over food resources.

     In fact, one could be forgiven for concluding that they just don't like each other, for rarely do their paths cross for even a minute or two before a chase breaks out.

     It is difficult to tell from this picture, but the Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata) in the picture below was quite tiny, barely attaining 10 cm I would estimate.

     Does one ever tire of a male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)? 

     I think not!

     Wet swamps and marshes are glowing with Marsh Marigolds (Caltha palustris).

     It evokes memories from childhood when I would pick them and put them in a jam jar of water on the window sill. And in those same wetlands I would catch newts (Family: Salamandridae) which I used to keep in an old ceramic baby bath, into which I had added mud and swamp water, with a few plants from the pond too. That was a long time ago!

     White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) is Ontario's floral emblem and I confess to being a huge fan of this flower, which blooms for such a short period each spring.

     Part way along the trail we began to hear the persistent (and loud) noise made by amorous American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus americanus) and it was not long before we came upon the orgy that was underway.

     Males fought vigorously for the chance to mount a female and hang on at all costs. The rites of spring were the driving biological force;  nothing else mattered, the urge to mate and perpetuate the species trumped all else.

     American Toads come in a variety of colours and every variation seemed to be on display.

     Soon it will be quiet again and the toads will have returned to dry land. The brief interlude of unrestrained lust will be over for another year.

15 May 2021

Two Storm-water Management Ponds, Waterloo, ON

     I could hear the liquid notes of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) piercing the morning air, as this ardent male sang from a lofty perch.

     To claim that a Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) possesses a song would be to stretch the limits of how one defines song. This male quietly probed the banks of the pond.

     There will be more local news in the next post. A couple of observations yesterday were quite exciting and I will look forward to bringing those to you. Lockdown continues for humans, but for nature the world proceeds as it should. I hope to share it with you.