Hullett Marsh is a large area of wetland under the jurisdiction of the Ontario government, and in the fall is well-used by hunters of waterfowl. I wouldn't want to be there at that time with guns popping off all around me; at least the carnage is regulated and supervised.
At this time of year, however, Hullett is a great place for birding with varied habitat for many species, including the always impressive Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum.
In addition to a nice variety of bird species dragonflies were abundant and this Black Saddlebags Tramea lacerata even alighted long enough for a picture.
There was ample evidence of a healthy American Beaver Castor canadensis population and this individual was contentedly munching on aquatic vegetation.
How this tree manages to remain standing after the beavers didn't quite finish the job is a bit of a mystery!
There were numerous nest boxes for Wood Ducks Aix sponsa and this female was perched atop one of them.
The following shots show what a paradise this area is for waterfowl when they are migrating through in the fall, and despite the fact that many fall victim to hunters, the area provides a refuge for others.
Perhaps the most interesting observation of the day was that of Tree Swallows Tachycineta bicolor nesting in a natural cavity. I have rarely ever seen this; the species is so closely identified with nest boxes now. It certainly was a very pleasing discovery.
More pictures of this beautiful wetland area:
On our final stop of the day we were very fortunate to locate Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus, with both male and female vocalizing and displaying in full view.
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| Eastern Towhee - male |
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| Eastern Towhee - male |
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| Eastern Towhee - female
On the way home, in what has become a bit of a tradition, Curtiss treated everyone to ice cream - and delicious it was too. What a great way to end an altogether delightful excursion.
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