12 June, 2024
Mike Schout Wetlands Preserve, New Hamburg, ON
Our friends, Trish and Lynn, had expressed an interest in visiting this location, and they were happy when it came to fruition.
Our walk started off with a bit of a puzzle.
Lance-leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lineolatus) is a very attractive flower and it was dotted throughout the wetland.
Early on we posed for a picture.
David, Trish, Lynn
We both heard and saw Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) quite frequently and I suspect that it is nesting somewhere close.
In the process of developing this wetland preserve nest boxes were strategically located in hopes of attracting Eastern Bluebird (Sialis sialia) and Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), but House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) seemed to have claimed most, if not all of them this year.
The whole area was awash with Hawksbeards (genus Crepis) and it looked beautiful.
Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) sang cheerily to us as we passed by. I am sure I heard one say, "Welcome Trish and Lynn."
What would a Southern Ontario wetland be without Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemis picta marginata)?
A female Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) was taking good care of her brood.
These adorable little creatures will face hazards as they grow to adulthood but with each passing day their chances to survive will increase. Staying close to mom is a wise strategy.
It was no surprise that Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) was ubiquitous.
Among the several Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) present a couple put on an act to lure us away, providing a pretty good indication that they are breeding in the area.
Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) were still gathering mud to build their nests.
Robust "gunk" calls announced the presence of Green Frogs (Lithobates clamitans) and it didn't take us long to find them.
Trish was ready to climb over the rail to kiss one and get a prince, but we held her back!
Eastern Forktail (Ischnura verticalis) was quite common and often landed just ahead of us.
Meadow Anemone (Anemonastrum canadense) is delicate and pretty.
A close study of grasses reveals surprising beauty, as shown by Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea).
Common Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) was not hard to find.
Nor was Common Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius).
This section of the trail is especially tranquil it seemed to all of us.
Just as we approached the end of the boardwalk our only Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) of the morning paid us a visit.
Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense) is very attractive and will soon be providing seeds for nesting goldfinches.
It had been a very pleasant morning and we headed off to a local pub for lunch. Not a bad finale if you ask me!
