A Walk along the Mill Race

 25 November, 2024

     For one reason or another we had not seen Lisa for a while, so we were happy to get together for an afternoon stroll along the Mill Race.

     It was not long before Downy Woodpeckers (Dryobates pubescens) were seen climbing trunks and spiralling around branches. A female probed the base of a tree looking for food in every crevice.

          White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) forms the second part of a trio of birds we often encounter together; we heard them - and voilà, there they were.

     Lisa spared no effort to lure them onto her hand.

     Often people walking along the trail bring food for the birds and it is not unusual to find a stump laden with seed. A female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) took full advantage of the buffet.

     A male Downy Woodpecker displayed his vibrant red crown.

     Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) have been here for several weeks now, having arrived from their northerly breeding area, and they enlivened our walk in a very pleasing manner.

     This really was the day of the woodpecker. In the shot below you can see the nictitating membrane drawn across the eye to serve as protection against flying wood chips.

     Lisa and I were ready with food for any diner that deigned to visit.

     In no time at all we were surrounded by Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus), the third member of the trio I mentioned earlier. Our patience was rewarded.

     This stump was favoured by several species; no doubt seed had lodged in every seam and crevice.

     White-breasted Nuthatch was almost as ubiquitous as Downy Woodpecker; they approached closely and you could be forgiven for concluding that they were talking to us.

     Jaunty chickadees were all around.

     As long as there is open water Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) are habitual residents. They too have become accustomed to humans delivering food and swam to us in anticipation of a snack. 

     Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is an aggressive invasive plant and it would be better if it were not established, yet it is undeniably attractive.

     The impressive beaver dam has so far remained intact. Perhaps the township has developed a more tolerant attitude towards wild nature. We can only hope!

     We came across a homeless man, straining to pull his worldy possessions behind him, making his way along the trail.

     It is a sad commentary on modern society that billions are invested in weapons designed to kill more efficiently, and in space exploration, bribes are offered to buy votes, thirty percent of the food we buy is wasted, yet we are unable (or unwilling) to find a solution to this terrible scourge that afflicts all advanced western democracies.

     This tree was afflicted by a form of blight, but what it precisely is I don't know.

     A Wooly Bear Caterpillar, the larva of Isabella Tiger Moth (Pyrrharctia isabella) was seeking a protected niche in which to spend the winter.

     I don't know how often I have made the observation that a drake Mallard is exceptionally handsome, lacking appreciation due to familiarity, yet it warrants a second look every time.

     Lichens, comprised of a mycobiont (fungal partner) and a photobiont (photosynthesizing partner) fascinate me. Recently I acquired an excellent field guide to the macrolichens of the Great Lakes Region, and I was happy to be able to identify Hooded Sunburst Lichen (Xanthomendoza fallax).

     Someone had made a bird feeder and installed it - and I assume is replenishing the seed. 

     These small acts of kindness, caring and generosity in a world where war, death, destruction and callous indifference are the staple fare of the daily news, are very welcome.

     At the end of our walk Miriam walked down to the river for a final picture, and discovered the bedding- down place of the homeless fellow.

     The river was tranquil. 

     We hoped that his night would be too.

F.W.R. Dickson Wildlife Area, Riverside Park

 04 February, 2024

F.W.R. Dickson Wildlife Area, Ayr, ON

     Miriam and I decided to pay a visit to this often productive location - and many others had decided it was an equally good plan. There were more people present than we might have liked, but we are unable to control that and we focussed on nature. There were those who felt that a running commentary was necessary and at times it was intrusive. Nothing to be done, however.

     In recent years, we have found American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) to be less common than in times past and no doubt this is still true overall. At Dickson Wilderness Area by contrast they were numerous; at one time we had seven in view at the same time and many more were all around us.

     It is such a tough little winter warrior, delicately attired in rust, beige and white, with accents of black, in every way a picture of loveliness.

     Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is bold and striking by contrast.

     It is a common complaint that this bird is poorly named and that may be true, but above you can see the red smudge on the belly that gives the bird its name. 

     Mosses (phyllum Bryophyta) are a widespread and distinctive aspect of a moist forest.

     Eastern Teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens) was abundantly distributed on the forest floor.

     In the picture below of a male Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) you can see the nictitating membrane which moistens and protects the eye.

     Here is the same bird with a "normal" eye.

     Another delightful American Tree Sparrow.

     No less than mosses, lichens are prolific . This species is probably a type of Greenshield Lichen (genus Flavoparmelia), although my knowledge of lichens is rudimentary at best.

     Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) were perhaps slightly outnumbered by American Tree Sparrows - and I can't recall when I have ever experienced that!

05 April, 2024

Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON

     Time spent with Lisa is always to be cherished and she picked us up to travel down to Riverside Park.

     Almost immediately on starting our walk we heard the slightly nasal zweet of Pine Siskins (Spinus pinus) and it didn't take long to locate them intermingled in a large flock of American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis). 

     Even though winter has barely been worthy of its name this year, here and there a little winter magic enlivened the landscape.

     American Tree Sparrows were not quite as numerous as they had been at F.W.R. Dickson Wildlife Area, but there were many of them, and they were not reticent about feeding close at hand.

     The goldfinches dropped down from the trees to feed on seed along the rail; their cousins the Pine Siskins did not follow them, however.

     Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) were common and opportunistic, not passing up a chance to take advantage of food left by friendly humans.

      We saw several American Robins (Turdus migratorius), none positioned well for photographs, however, and this is the best we could do.

     I am quite sure that were I to see a Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) every minute of every day, I would still not fail to be impressed by its beauty.

     It was very satisfying to discover Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) in their element, diving for food in the turgid waters of the Speed River.

     This drake Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) seemed inordinately proud of his orange legs and feet!

     Flocks of majestic Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) were observed throughout the park - a wonderful and stirring sight.

     There were several Common Goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula) on the water, all males as best I recall. Here is one swimming with a couple of female Hooded Mergansers closer to the shore.

     It is such an agreeable little duck, its golden eye beaming out to the world.

     Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) was also frequently seen, both male and female.

     This individual seemed proud to display her white belly and clap her wings in greeting.

     In the time it takes for a Mallard to quack she was joined by a friend.

     Four Mourning Doves were resting on the floor of the woodlot; but try as we might we could only encompass three in one photograph. All our cajoling and pleading were unproductive and we were unable to coax the fourth one into the picture. 

     Even Lisa, who is the sweetest sweet talker of all had no luck. 

     This Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus) was seen quite well, but never did position itself for a clear picture either.

     Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis), jaunty and perky, kept us company most of the time.

     Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) were both bold.....

     ..... and beautiful.

     I am quite sure that a convention of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) was taking place, perhaps to discuss the housing crisis and to seek solutions, and we happened upon them at lunch time.

     A male House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) looked exceptionally splendid, I thought, dapper and well groomed, ready for the first female that happens along.

     It's impossible for me to resist showing you another American Tree Sparrow.

     Perhaps we should form a club with the catchy and altogether original name, The Tree Sparrows. We'll have to compose a constitution with by-laws and voting requirements, of course. We'll need emblems and badges, perhaps even tee shirts, sweaters and baseball hats with a logo yet to be designed.

     I am hereby placing Lisa on special notice that I have summarily appointed her to take charge of this, and I will await her initial proposals by the end of the month. I am secure in the firm conviction that all will proceed in a speedy fashion; Lisa never lets anyone down.

     Upon due consideration we could grant this Red-bellied Woodpecker honorary membership.

     It's a fitting tribute to a distinguished bird don't you think?

     I don't know about you, but I'm excited. Lots to look forward to!