Kissing Bridge Trail - Elmira, ON

 31 August, 2025

     We inadvertently turned one road before we should have and were soon in Floradale. Since we were there anyway, we checked the reservoir and were delighted to see a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) and a Great Egret (Ardea alba).

     We proceeded on to The Kissing Bridge Trail in Elmira, our intended destination.

     You could be forgiven for concluding that insects had formed a welcoming committee, starting with this beautifully patterned Chickweed Geometer Moth (Haematopis grataria).

     This muscular-looking fly is a member of the Flesh Flies (family Sarcophagidae).

     A Thick-legged Hover Fly (Syritta pipiens) took full advantage of the copious volume of nectar and pollen.

     Flies (order Diptera) are not always easy to identify as to species.

     As might be expected, Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens) was seen frequently.

     Meadow Spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius) is less well known than its foamy deposits.

     Three Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) found this tree much to their liking, and remained there for an extended period. Only two are visible in the picture.

     I find lichens incredibly interesting and wish I knew more about them. I am pretty sure this is a type of Rosette Lichen (genus Physcia), quite common in southern Ontario.

     I don't know how many times I have been asked whether Wild Cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) is edible, and I can find no evidence to reach a conclusion one way or the other.

     I know that it was used by Native people as both an aphrodisiac and an analgesic, but I can find no record of culinary applications.

     Eastern Black Walnut (Juglands nigra) is highly prized by squirrels.

     Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is the bane of hay fever sufferers, who are no doubt relieved that pollen dispersal is over for the year.

     If I had a dollar for every Cross Orbweaver (Araneus diadematus) I have seen I would be a rich man!

      It's probably safe to say that Common Aerial Yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenaria) is not on everyone's "best friends" list, but even the most resolute wasp haters will concede that it is beautiful.

     This species constructs its nest high in trees or on awnings, a structure you are doubtless familiar with.

     Pale Green Sweat Bee (Augochlora pura) is quite common and exceptionally attractive.

     It is seen in the picture above with a species of Flesh Fly.

     Sweat bees, as the name implies, will sometimes land on human skin to lick sweat. If this should happen to you, consider it a privilege and welcome this communion with nature. Do not swat it or in any way attempt to harm the bee. They will rarely, if ever sting, and their sting is exceptionally mild in any event. 

     This is a type of small carpenter bee in the subgenus Zadontomerus.

     Juvenile American Robins (Turdus migratorius) were busy honing the skills they will need to see them through till next spring when they will become breeders for the first time.

     Fungi fascinates - and often perplexes!

     Wasps in the genus Ancistrocerus are widespread through the Holarctic, but are seen far less frequently than other species.

     A trio of Mennonite men were out for a stroll.

     Fourteen-spotted Lady Beetle (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata is distinctively marked. It was introduced in to North America for aphid control and is now resident across wide swathes of the continent. 

     I almost swoon at the beauty of the scientific name - a lesson in etymology if ever there was one. 

     Here is a land snail in the subfamily Trochulininae surrounded by Sow-thistle Aphids (Uroleucon sonchi).

 

     Riverbank Grape (Vitis riparia) is favoured by birds and people, although I don't know of anyone who currently uses it for human culinary applications.

     A Northern Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica barberi) is far more appealing than its name might suggest.

     Spotted Pink Lady Beetle (Coleomegilla maculata) is a North American species.

     It is often parasitized by a brachonid wasp that transforms it into a zombie bodyguard, one of the more macabre examples of insect lifestyles. 

     We were elated to discover this 4th instar caterpillar of Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), surely as cute as anything in nature.

     Soon it will pupate and find a space to hibernate for the winter, to emerge as a butterfly next spring.

     Small White (Pieris rapae) remains the species we see more than any other butterfly.

     Chicory (Cichorium intybus) never loses its charm.

     I believe this is a Lesser Vagabond Sod Webworm Moth (Agriphila ruricolellus).

     That name is quite a mouthful!

      Upright Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta) brightens up the green forest edges.

     Water Plantains (genus Alisma) always fascinate me.

     North American Common Water Striders (Aquarius remigis) no less.

     Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) cruised high above us; many will soon be migrating to escape the harsh winter ahead.

     Nodding Beggartick (Bidens cernua) is a common late summer flower, especially in moist areas.

     A species of North American Spur-throated Grasshopper (genus Melanoplus).

     And a Short-winged Meadow Katydid (Concephalus brevipennis).

     Common Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is an important source of high-energy nectar for hummingbirds as they add fuel for their long migration.

     It was fitting that a couple of Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) chattered in lively fashion as we reached the end of our afternoon meander. 

     I am quite sure they were saying, "Come back soon!"

      And we will.

A D D E N D U M

     My friend, Pam Sadler, sent me these images of a female Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) leaving the water to snag a passing dragonfly.

     While mergansers routinely consume dragonfly larvae, in addition to small fish, crustaceans and invertebrates, I have never seen one leave the water to capture an insect in flight.

     This bird must be a frustrated flycatcher!

     Kudos to Pam for being quick with her camera to capture the sequence and for sharing it with us.

     Quite remarkable!

Laurel Creek and The Kissing Bridge Trail

      The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) administers various parks around our area, and we always enjoy visiting them. 

     This year, Waterloo Public Library has acquired annual passes which are made available for seven days on a first-come, first-served basis and we have taken advantage of them when we have been able to.

Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Waterloo, ON

     This park is mere minutes from our home, so even if we only have an hour or two to spare it's convenient for a visit.

     The varied habitat makes it very pleasant and a good spot to observe wildlife - and admire birches.

     Ticks should not be an issue in November, but we continue to have abnormally warm weather, so who knows what might lurk in the grass?

     Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) have settled in for the winter, and we saw many of them.

     It is such a jaunty little character with personality and charm. 

     Speaking of jaunty characters it doesn't get much better than a Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus). 

     Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice) flies late into fall, but at our latitude it is surely getting to the extreme limits of its flight period.

     It must also be true of Autumn Meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum), although suffice it to say that our changing climate is affecting the distribution of many species.

          A lone Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) is obviously still able to make a living on the reservoir.

     No doubt it is competing with Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) for its fishy dinner.

     Far out on the water a couple of Ruddy Ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis) kept company with a juvenile Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) - more competition for the fish.

     Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) came in closer to shore to feed on submerged vegetation in shallow water.

     The wind is dispersing the seeds of Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), good news for Monarchs (Danaus plexippus).

     Chickadees seemed to travel alongside us, and if a snack were offered wasted no time in securing a seat at the table.

     A Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula) foraged in close proximity, but it was impossible to get a clear shot.

     Dragonboat races are probably over for the year and the craft will nestle under snow for the winter.

     We spotted the nest of a Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) and hoped that a successful brood had been raised in it.

     Another successful visit to a place close to home.

     How lucky we are.

The Kissing Bridge Trail, Elmira, ON

     We were joined by our friend, Pam, for a morning out. Our original intention was to spend the time at the Conestogo Lake Conservation Area, but we arrived only to find it closed for the season.

     Undaunted we decided on the Kissing Bridge Trail instead.

     An American Robin (Turdus migratorius) was there to greet us as we began our stroll.

     Dark-eyed Juncos, everywhere delightful, so jaunty and engaging, seemed inclined to put on show for us.

     The prominent flash of their white outer tail feathers is so difficult to capture in flight, but you can clearly see it here.

     As might be expected, Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) was very busy collecting and stashing food. 

     We are all familiar with the expression "busy as a bee" but "busy as a squirrel" would do just as well.

     In addition to the distinctive black morph shown above, the "conventional" grey form was present in abundance.

     A single American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) also put in an appearance.

     This is a feisty little creature, seeming always to be in a bad mood, treating humans only as objects to be scolded.

     We frequently heard the characteristic "chip" call of Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) and it was not long before a handsome male posed for us. 

     The "chip" call is uttered in a variety of contexts, probably most frequently as location calls. Male and female both engage in this behaviour.

     Many Black-capped Chickadees kept us company, but the birds along this trail apparently have not come to recognize humans as a mobile source of food and we were unable to coax one to our outstretched hands.

     White-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) were unusually vocal, with several appearing to be calling to each other. We glimpsed them as they flitted around and landed on the backside of a trunk or behind branches. Finally an individual perched for a portrait!

    In similar fashion Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) announced their presence and flashes of blue darted through the woods. At last, patience was rewarded and we had a direct line of sight.

     Wild Cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) was exceptionally prolific and there were dense stands at several points along the trail.

     One lone fruit was still green.

     Fungi were also ubiquitous.

     Even among the drab, denuded trees there were splashes of colour.

     Greater Burdock (Arctium lappa) is an impressive plant.

     Northern Cardinal kept us company most of the time, yet despite the vivid colour of the male, it was often hard to spot them. This individual presented a rear view only. 

     This apple tree seems to be infected with Apple Scab (Venturia inaequalis).

     Downy Woodpeckers (Dryobates pubescens) played games with us, fluttering from branch to trunk, and always perching on the back side. Patience was rewarded, however, and a female posed nicely for a picture.

     There has been a good deal of hype recently about making a country great again, whatever that implies, and presupposing earlier greatness by a generally accepted standard.

     There is never a need to make Nature great again. It is always magnificent. 

      We stopped to enjoy a coffee and a muffin. I neglected to take a picture of Miriam and Pam relishing the pleasure, but I can reach into the archives for a picture of Miriam's world class muffins.

      This is truly the essence of a good life. Hot coffee, delicious treats, the very best of company and juncos flitting around our feet.

      The simple joys really are the best. Better we all take the time to enjoy them more.