Local Sightings

18 April, 2025

Three Bridges Road, St. Jacobs

     There is a spot along Three Bridges Road, near the bridge over the Conestogo River, where birds are attracted to suet and seed left by incognito nature lovers.

     Sometimes the comings and goings resemble Union Station at rush hour, and for the patient photographer the opportunities are many.

     A Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) strutted daintily in all its gentle splendour.

     Cheerful, friendly Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) enlivened the scene, as they always do.

     Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is generally quick to exploit the abundance of food on hand and it is not unusual to see three or four on the same tree, or scouring the ground for spilled seed, or juicy ants or other invertebrates.

     Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) have recently returned to Southern Ontario to breed in our marshes and are a splendid addition to the avifauna of the region.

     A couple more Downy Woodpeckers -

     And a second Mourning Dove joined the throng.

     There is something uniquely appealing about nuthatches in general, and White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) never fails to widen the smile on my face.

     Song Sparrows (Melopspiza melodia) are singing from every perch, but this individual was on lunch break.

20 April, 2025

Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Waterloo, ON

     Our friend, Pam, has invested in an annual pass to the properties of the Grand River Conservation Authority, so we all went to Laurel Creek together.

     Black-capped Chickadees, knowing that two-legged mammals are probably bringing food, greeted us instantly.

     Pam was quick to oblige.

     Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) seemed content to snooze away the morning.

     A small group of Common Mergansers (Merganser merganser), all females, were more active.

     I don't think we were ever out of earshot of Song Sparrows.

     A male Red-winged Blackbird in prime condition is an impressive fellow. This individual is sure to impress the ladies.

     Here is the object of his passion, aloof, reserved - yet compliant too.

     American Robins (Turdus migratorius) charmed us with their always cheerful song.

     This is a nest from last year, that of an American Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) perhaps.

     Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) were high overhead, honking vociferously.

     A Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) poured forth his glorious melody too.

     The whole area resounded with bird song, that age old serenade of spring.

     Snail shells (class Gastropoda) seemed to be everywhere, but not a live snail in sight.

  

     I was mildly amused by this barrier erected to deter Canada Geese from invading the beach area.

     Did someone not realize that geese can fly and with a couple of flaps of the wing be over the fence?

     A male and a female Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) were perched at opposite ends of a dead stump, seemingly not quite ready to get together.

     The lake was tranquil.

     More chickadees importuned shamelessly for food.

     One can never tire of these little bundles of joy.

      Violets (genus Viola) are in bloom.

     This enchanting little plant is nestled in the Bittercresses and Toothworts (genus Cardamine).

     The "find" of the morning was our first Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) of the season, singing and searching for insects.

     He was quite an acrobat too.

     An old nest of Aerial Yellowjackets (genus Dolichovespula) evoked memories of nervous picnics as these stinging machines buzzed around.

Lakeside Park, Kitchener, ON

     Having enjoyed our morning walk through Laurel Creek so much, it seemed like a good idea to visit Lakeside Park in the afternoon.

     We spotted a female Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) quietly resting, partly camouflaged, perhaps seeking seclusion away from the attention of amorous males.

     A Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemis marginata picta) clambered out of the water to bask in the warm sunshine.

     Quite oblivious to the turtle, a Canada Goose settled down onto the nest.

     A single Pied-billed Grebe (Podylimbus podiceps) patrolled up and down; probably his partner is incubating eggs.

     A budding Box Elder (Acer negundo) is a wonderful sight.

     We wandered around, met an old friend, and were charmed by a Canada Goose as we headed back to the car.

     Isn't nature wonderful?

Lakeside Park, Kitchener, ON

24 April, 2024 

     It's always a pleasure to visit Lakeside Park where even on a "slow day" there are discoveries to be made.

     Our good friend, Mary Ann Vanden Elzen, is deeply involved with this park, so our enjoyment is enhanced merely by knowing that. I think we should mount a campaign to rename it The Vanden Elzen Reserve!

     It was quite enchanting to be greeted by extensive patches of Woodland Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica), a sprightly flower of spring that pleases always.

     It doesn't rival the woodlands of Europe with their carpets of bluebells, but it is glorious nonetheless.

     A Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) was calling loudly and vociferously, and finally we found it high atop a snag.

     In the wet and boggy areas all around the region Marsh Marigolds (Caltha palustris) are prolific, bold and beautiful.

      No bird, in my estimation, is more emblematic of a marsh than a Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) and the males were at their finest, uttering their siren songs to oft-times reluctant females, and challenging other males who might dare to invade their territory.

     It is a very familiar bird, but oh so handsome.

     And on the Handsome Index a drake Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) scores well, doesn't it?

     The first warm rays of sun bring Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata) out of the water to bask on any convenient surface.

     Humans would do well to park their cars in such an orderly fashion.

     Trout Lilies (Erythronium americanum) claimed their patch of the woodland floor.

     This group of Dryad's Saddle (Cerioporas squamosus) had an uncharacteristic appearance.

     A Common Eastern Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) seemed to be foraging in a very determined fashion in the detritus of the forest floor.

     Perhaps some form of micronutrients were found there, I am not sure, but something was capable of capturing the bee's undivided attention.

     White Twisted-stalk (Streptopus amplexifolius) will be blooming shortly.

     As sure as the proverbial death and taxes, in May, is the presence of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) with young. It seems to me that the word "cute" may have had its origin here.

     In a city park the adults seem to abandon their aggressive nature when around their young, and people are accepted without hesitation, and the young can be approached quite closely without fear of attack from an irate parent.

     It's quite possible that the presence of humans, often walking their dogs, may serve to deter other natural predators of vulnerable goslings.

     A pair of Mallards was entirely nonchalant about the goings-on.

     I don't have records to back it up, but I can't remember a year when Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) has been so common.

     Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) arrives early and is ubiquitous - and delightful too!

     Fruit trees are loaded with blossom and are incredibly beautiful. I am unable to tell you precisely which trees are featured here but they are in the group known as Plums, Cherries and Allies (genus Prunus). That will have to suffice, I'm afraid.

     I'll bet that you're gobsmacked, though!

     We had our first sighting ever of an Orange-spotted Drone Fly (Eristalis anthophorina) on the rotting cap of a fungus.

     What kind of walk in the park would it be without an American Robin (Turdus migratorius) or two - or more - lots more!

        Another Northern Flicker was present.

     A Lucerne Moth (Nomophila nearctica) was a very pleasing discovery.

     A female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) perched quietly in Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea).

     Not a great picture, but an Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) trilled its song.

     Just imagine those taxa we weren't able to photograph - and this was a slow day. Visualize what it's like when the woods are hopping and the lake has grebes, terns and gulls.

      If you're in the area be sure to let me know. I'll take you on a hike to Lakeside Park. That's a promise - and I bet I could coax Mary Ann into joining us too!