Outing for Waterloo Region Nature to Linear Trail and Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON

The latest in the series of outings conducted for Waterloo Region Nature saw us visit two local birding hotspots in Cambridge, ON

10 November 2021

Linear Trail, Cambridge, ON

Leader: David M. Gascoigne

Members: Miriam Bauman, Lynn Conway, Lisa DenBesten, Bob Fraser, Karl Malhotra, Curtiss MacDonald

Lynn, Miriam, Bob, Curtiss, Lisa, Karl

 

 

Lockdown Rules Eased and a Day Out!

17 February 2021

     Having been confined close to home for so long, Miriam and I were like two excited children, going on an outing to the beach! It seemed so long since we had packed a lunch for a day in the field, and made a thermos of coffee for elevenses, (accompanied naturally by blueberry muffins), that there was an air of palpable excitement as we made preparations to leave home.

DesJardins Canal, Dundas, ON

     Our ultimate destination was the north shore of Lake Ontario, and as has been our practice for many years, we detoured first to the DesJardins Canal in Dundas.

     The target bird there in the winter is Hooded Merganser (Lophotdytes cucullatus) and this female presented herself almost right away.

     Sedate and beautiful though she is we held out for a male too.

     Two Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) sailed towards us like elegant barques on a glassy sea.

      There was deep snow all around, but a recent dusting, or perhaps fine snow blown from the trees that line the bank, gave the impression of icing sugar on the backs of these Canada Geese (Branta canadensis), hunkered down against the cold, heads tucked under their wings for warmth.

     It did not take us long to spot a male Hooded Merganser, a matinée idol of a bird if ever there was one.

     A single female Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) was the only member of her kind that we saw.

     A walk west along the canal leads to the Urquhart Butterfly Garden.

     Obviously there are no butterflies flitting hither and yon in the dead of winter, but it has a beauty all its own, and provides cover for small birds.

     House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) were chattering to each other and sheltering in the bushes; other than that we neither saw nor heard another songbird.

     Several times, as we walked around, a dozen or two Canada Geese lifted up off the canal, and with resounding protestations took to the air, flying directly over our heads and out of view.

     What caused some to leave and others to remain is a question to which we have no answer.

     When we arrived  back at our car, we sat inside to enjoy our coffee and muffin, and a male Hooded Merganser arrived to swim among the Canada Geese directly in front of us. Doubtless, he had come for a final portrait and Miriam hopped out of the car to ensure that he received suitable attention.

     I could say that he showed us his best side - but he only has best sides!

     As I am sure you will understand, it was a very agreeable way to end our visit.

Woodland Cemetery, Burlington, ON

     For many years, Eastern Screech Owls (Megascops asio) have resided in the cemetery, and we are familiar with a tree where a couple have made their home for years.

     On a sunny day, they sometimes delight birders by sitting at the edge of their hole, oblivious to the goings on beneath them, and are greeted with elation by all who see them.

     Today was our lucky day; a red morph individual was snoozing at the entrance.

     We were the only people present. The regular flow of activity at the cemetery has been very much reduced of late, as COVID has imposed restrictions on the number of participants at a funeral, only two graveside visitors are permitted, and others who might have business with the departed are urged to exercise restraint.

Grindstone Creek, Hamilton, ON

     We were quite sure that the water would be frozen, but headed over to Grindstone Creek, where numerous passerines find shelter and food in the bushes and trees that line the shore.

     The undoubted highlight was a wonderfully obliging Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus).

     This species, formerly rare here, has dramatically expanded its range over the past thirty years or so, and at this time of the year is the most familiar wren. It is not common, but in the right place, with a little effort, it can be found. It is non migratory and has evidently adapted to our winters.

     In the last Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario covering the years 2001-2005, it is stated: "Between atlases (the previous atlas dealt with 1981-1985), the species expanded considerably, with a significant, more than five-fold increase in its probability of observation......"

     Atlassing begins again this year so we will soon know whether populations have increased even more.

Hendrie Valley Sanctuary, Burlington, ON

     Grindstone Creek and Hendrie Valley Sanctuary come together at the county line demarcating Hamilton and Halton, so it is a given that when we visit one we visit the other.

     We did not walk too far along the trails which were deep with snow, and it was hard slogging.

     Predictable winter species were easy to find, however, and what a cheery air they lent to bright sunlight and immaculate snow.

     A Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) was one of the first birds we saw.

     A Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is blessed with prodigious beauty, but it is never more gob-smacking than in winter.

     It is an immutable part of the annual rhythm of nature, that when the days are lengthening in the second half of February, males will begin to sing. And so they did, which filled us with profound joy. The first cardinal heard in late winter is very special.

     I can assure you that a cardinal of Rome, not even were he to try for a thousand years, could thrill me as much.

     A Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) was finding morsels to eat on the snow.

      American Tree Sparrows (Spizelloides arborea) who only favour us with their company during the winter, were in their element.

      Opportunistic House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) furnished evidence of the tough, enterprising birds they are.

     And what would a winter stroll be without a Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)?

La Salle Park and Marina, Burlington, ON

     The premier attraction is without doubt the large number of Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) that spend the winter at the park.

     What glorious birds they are!

     For a couple of weeks now we have all become familiar with the term Polar Vortex as a period of intense cold has gripped much of the continent.

The bay was frozen from shore to shore so the anticipated concentrations of a variety of waterfowl were absent.

     The Trumpeter Swans are able to survive without having access to inshore feeding by supplemental rations of corn.

     A Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) surveyed his domain, concluding perhaps that continuous ice might be an advantage in capturing an unwary or injured Mallard (Anas platyrynchos).

     I am always fascinated by the huge, webbed feet of Trumpeter Swans, resembling fine leather it seems to me.

     Many young birds furnished evidence that it had been a successful year for breeding pairs.

     The wind was cold coming across the ice on the bay, and a head tucked into a wing was a plan adopted by many.

Lake Ontario at Stoney Creek, ON

     I knew that there would be open water on the wide body of Lake Ontario (in effect an inland sea) so we travelled down to Stoney Creek.

     Even here, as you may see, there was considerable ice buildup along the shore, stretching out for quite a distance into the lake.

     Usually the water here is teeming with huge numbers of bay ducks of several species, but we found few birds, with only two species approaching good numbers, and others totally absent. Where they might have gone, I have no idea.

     Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) is always a joy to see, but they were all quite far out, obviously beyond the ice.

Long-tailed Duck ♂

Long-tailed Duck ♀

     Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) was present in small rafts; some already engaged in courtship behaviour, posturing and head-tossing with verve and enthusiasm.

Common Goldeneye ♂

Common Goldeneye ♀

     Our drive home was uneventful and we were both well-satisfied with a wonderful day. It felt good to be exploring along the lake again.   

 

 

Tuesday Rambles with David - A Full Day Out

      The pandemic has kept us pretty close to home since it first started to dominate our lives in March, and we were itching to revisit some of our favourite spots a little farther afield, and decided to head down towards the north shore of Lake Ontario.

     

DesJardins Canal/Urquart Butterfly Garden, Dundas, ON

     For many years we have started our day's outing at this location, with reliable expectations of seeing certain species, depending on the time of year. 

     Moments before the above picture was taken about a half dozen Hooded Mergansers (Lophotdytes cucullatus) were present. Obviously they did not realize we had come to see them, for they took to the wing before we had a chance to take their portrait.

     Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) is a species that has evolved from extreme rarity to expected, over the last thirty years or so, and we were happy to hear the loud, rollicking song of this species, seemingly disproportionate to its size.

     Two individuals were flitting about, generally in dense cover, but every so often, one would perch in the open, albeit briefly, for all to enjoy.

     A handsome White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) contentedly fed on the ground.

     The seed pods of Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) seemed to be exploding all around us, scattered hither and thither by even the gentlest of breezes.

     A couple of Downy Woodpeckers (Dryobates pubescens) were finding food on a range of seed-bearing plants.

     House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) were numerous, and aggressive, and made sure that they harvested their fair share of high-energy seeds.

     A Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) alerted us to its presence by its distinctive rattle, and perched often, but never close.

All species: Canada Goose, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Rock Dove, Ring-billed Gull, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Carolina Wren, Common Starling, Cedar Waxwing, House Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal

Woodland Cemetery, Burlington, ON

     For many years, a pair of Eastern Screech Owls (Megascops asio) has occupied a cavity in a tree, and sometimes obligingly sits on the rim of the hole. Today was not one of those days, unfortunately!

      We had to be content with a Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) maintaining vigil over us.

All species: Ring-billed Gull, Cooper's Hawk, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee

Grindstone Creek, Burlington, ON

     Grindstone Creek is one of those spots that often delivers the exceptional, and always delivers the interesting.

     Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) were ubiquitous, feeding on the copious quantities of berries, especially at this location on Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii).

     They single-mindedly went about their business, totally indifferent to human observers.

     In similar fashion, groups of Golden-crowned Kinglets (Regulus satrapa) busily fed in their characteristic frenetic way, yet all the while permitting photographs. I think that Miriam captured some enchanting images of this captivating tiny bird.

     How could you ever tire of their antics?

     Jim Huffman has the habit of zeroing in on a bird and doggedly staying with it, no matter the distance or the impossibility of identifying it initially, and in this manner we saw our only Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis) of the day, lost among the Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) to everyone but Jim.

     And, as though to make up for the inconsiderate behaviour of their cousins at the canal in Dundas, a flotilla of Hooded Mergansers paraded before us.

     A pair of Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) seemed to be paying close attention to the critical task of  maintaining their feathers in prime condition.

     It is sickening, but predictable, to see human junk at the water's edge, as we continue to engage in that never-ending pursuit of sullying and destroying the very environment that sustains us. After all why dispose of garbage responsibly when you can simply toss it in the lake? If dangerous chemicals leach out and threaten the wildlife, who cares?

     This attractive seed, is a member of the Asteridae if I am not mistaken.

     How beautiful it is in its simplicity; how effective its design.

     Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is a native species (hooray!) and was dotted here and there.

     Gulls, I think it is safe to say, are ignored by many people, even by birders, but they are uncommonly interesting and handsome, as is evident in this Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis).

     Most Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), those that have escaped the obscene and unjustified slaughter of these magnificent denizens of our waterways, have migrated out of our area, but a few remain and make a living even during the winter.

All species: Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, House Sparrow, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal.

Hendrie Valley Sanctuary, Burlington, ON

     In some respects Grindstone Creek and Hendrie Valley are different segments of the same complex, but both have their individual attractions.

     Not far along the trail it was closed so we were unable to explore to any extent.

     White-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) were our constant companions most of the way.

     

     A Merlin (Falco columbarius) put on a fabulous aerial display for us as it twisted and jinked through the air in pursuit of prey.

     This Ring-billed Gull appears to have a deformed bill, but it seems not to have affected its ability to survive.

     And this individual posed as though an emblem on the gates of a grand mansion.

     Just don't stand behind it for too long!

All species: Mallard, Common Merganser, Greater Yellowlegs, Red-tailed Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Merlin, White-breasted Nuthatch.

LaSalle Park and Marina, Burlington, ON

     

     Ironically, the first thing to attract our attention was a plant! Common Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) still retained its form and colour and was a pleasure to see.

      The weather was pleasant, and quite warm for the time of year, and we were able to sit outside and enjoy our lunch. As might be expected a couple of gulls came to see what they could mooch from us, but we were glad to see them.
     A Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator), the signature bird of this location was not long in greeting us.

     A large contingent of Ruddy Ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis) was far out on the lake, with few coming close enough for a decent picture.

     Buffleheads (Bucephala albeola) have begun to arrive to take up winter residency and their number will increase as we move further into winter.

Bufflehead - male

Bufflehead - female

     American Herring Gulls (Larus smithsonianus) are common winter residents on Lake Ontario.

     This is a large gull as may be gauged from the picture below where the size of the gull may be contrasted with a Mallard.

     It was good to see young Trumpeter Swans, still under the watchful guardianship of their parents.

     Woe betide any other braggart foolish enough to mess with them!

     Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) are recent arrivals on Lake Ontario, and they will soon be abundant. Virtually all that we saw today were females.

     As expected, the woodland trail was home to many Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) and White-breasted Nuthatches, none of whom were reluctant to alight on an outstretched hand offering seeds.

     And here is a look at the two-legged wildlife!

     Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) was spotted several times (see the female below), but Red-breasted Mergansers (Mergus serrator) have still to arrive.

     Waterfowl the world over are noted for their exquisite plumage and while one may debate the merits of various species, I think that none is more elegant than Northern Pintail (Anas acuta). If it were human it would have been a patron of the finest bespoke tailor one might conclude.

     Francine told me that Jim had expressed the wish to find a pintail today, so perhaps this was his reward for showing us the Green-winged Teal.

     The berries of Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) were prolific, but we saw no birds taking advantage of them. This species is highly invasive and has the potential to outgrow and kill native species.

     Perhaps for birds it is a food of last resort.

     Mute Swan is an agreeable inhabitant of LaSalle Park, and when viewed purely from an aesthetic standpoint, is perhaps more appealing than the Trumpeter Swan. It is certainly the stereotypical swan most people would bring to mind.

     It is not always easy to find pure American Black Ducks (Anas rubipres) and LaSalle Park is one spot where you stand a very good chance of doing so.

All species: Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Greater Scaup, White-winged Scoter, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Ruddy Duck, American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Common Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Black-capped Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-breasted Nuthatch

     It was a very agreeable day's birding. I will be leading three outings for Waterloo Region Nature to this area in early December, and as the numbers and species of winter ducks move in there will be commensurate opportunities for even greater success. I will look forward to introducing others to this wonderful world of winter waterfowl and other delights.