Staying Local is Not So Bad After All

      We continue to explore the riches of our local area, bound as we are by COVID restrictions, but life is far from dull.

10 May 2021

Waterloo, ON

     At least some of you will recall that I told of a Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) that made its nest in a busy commercial plaza.

     I am happy to report that the outcome was successful.

     People had obviously warmed to this goose and some well-intentioned person left a tray of fresh vegetables, keen to ensure the goose ate a balanced diet, I suppose!

     One gosling did not even make it out of the nest, but death in young birds is a reality and if the others made it to safety this family did well.

Martin Creek Road, Woolwich Township, Waterloo, ON

     I have never quite understood how the Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) became so universally despised. The flower is beautiful, requires no care, and the leaves make a tasty salad.

     Perhaps the next time you are ready to foam at the mouth over dandelions, keep the following image in mind.

     It is nature's beauty writ large.

St. Jacobs, ON

     A male Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) waited for us in the graveyard of a church where we often see this species.

     We noticed a Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) foolishly (or so it seemed to us), tangling with a couple of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).

     It was impossible to get all three birds in the same frame, but here are the two eagles.

     The red-tail had a couple of gaps in its primary feathers so its maneuverability was compromised perhaps, and wisely it broke away from the tussle.

     

14 May 2021

The Mill Race Trail, St. Jacobs, ON

     I was attempting to calculate how many times we have walked this trail and I came up with an estimate in the order of four hundred times. But it still holds secrets that we have not uncovered, and we stand little chance of knowing more than a small fraction of the wonders of nature occurring there in every season. 

     It remains one of our favourite spots.

     A Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is predictable and it is rare that we do not see at least one individual and most frequently several. This male is probing for insects and their larvae in the dead wood and hollows of this rotting trunk.

     It was Miriam who first spotted a large concentration of what we initially assumed were Water Striders (Gerridae) but a closer examination revealed a mass of Whirligig Beetles (Gyrinidae), in the genus Dineutus if I am not mistaken.

     Whirligig Beetles are interesting from many angles, not the least of which is that their swimming legs have been modified into unidirectional paddles. These beetles are actually in the water, not on it.

     We were excited to find them.

     Three male Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) were perched high above us. 

     Not for them the rigours of parenting. Their sole purpose in life is to provide sperm for the female; once that deed is done, the warm, balmy breezes of summer are to be enjoyed. One might be inclined to recall George Gershwin's immortal words, "Summertime and the livin is easy"!

     A female Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) will never rival the male for ostentation, but she is certainly lovely.

     I am quite sure that you will agree.

      Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) surely ranks as of one of nature's great troubadours, clad in finery to match his golden voice.

     It is a not uncommon bird in spring and summer, but it is a joyous event whenever one is seen.

     And it could sing to me without end and I would still find it enjoyable.

     Two-leaved Toothwort (Cardamine diphylla) has attracted its share of insects.

     A species of maple (Acer) is about to burst into full leaf, but at this stage I am not sure of the species.

     Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) can still be found fluttering through the woodlands, often alighting with wings outspread.

     Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma) was equally cooperative.

     We saw a couple of Palm Warblers (Setophaga palmarum), but never in the open, and difficult to photograph.

15 May 2021

Grass Lake and Area, Cambridge, ON

     Much of the wetland component of the area known as Grass Lake, ancestrally known as the Paris Cranberry Bog, has been invaded by Common Reed Grass (Phragmites australis) and is unfortunately slowly filling in. 

     Nonetheless, it remains a spot to see species not easily viewed elsewhere in the region.

     Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) is guaranteed to be there, with males seeking fenceposts and bushes as vantage points to sing in proclamation of territory, and to lure females to join in a tryst to assure the survival of the species.

     Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) is a classic grassland species, and the expanse of uncut meadow provides perfect habitat for this visitor from the pampas of South America.

     Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) is an easy species to find in winter, but far more difficult once breeding is initiated. It is a safe bet that this individual gathering grit from the road, is a member of a breeding pair.

     Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) still nest in natural cavities when they can find them, but most breeding now takes places in nest boxes provided by humans.

     Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is an interesting plant, thriving in cold, wet meadows and swamps.

     Heat generated by Skunk Cabbage can melt  surrounding snow and may help to release the foul smell of decaying flesh that helps it to attract pollinators.

     If you would like some to plant in a wet spot in your garden, be sure to let me know and I will ship it immediately!

     Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) are  majestic  birds, and have been reintroduced to Ontario, (with great difficulty I might add), having been extirpated many years ago. And their population is expanding.

     Last year we found a pair nesting locally and were ecstatic to find them in the same spot again this year.

     Pure euphoria overcame us when we saw them.

     Yet it was about to get better.

     Miriam was busy photographing the swans, having scampered across a busy road I might add, when I saw a pair of Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis) with a chick, on the far shore of the wetland.

     It's hard to jump for joy strapped into a car seat at the side of a busy road, but mentally that's what I was doing.

     It was so encouraging to see this, to say nothing of inspirational, and gob-smackingly entrancing.

     The combination of the swan sitting on eggs, with a pair of Sandhill Cranes with a young baby, is probably going to remain the highlight of the year.

      It's hard to beat exultation like this. To hell with COVID, I say. Pandemic or not, scenes such as this are eternal.

     There is more, but I think we will save that for the next post. Until then stay safe, and be thankful for nature in your life. Nothing beats it!

Bird Banding at SpruceHaven, St. Agatha, ON

05/06 May 2018

05 May 2018

     It was with a great deal of pleasure that we opened up our nets for the third consecutive year to begin our bird banding operations at SpruceHaven. 

     My alarm clock failed to go off so I was a few minutes late arriving and Kevin and Josh had already captured the first few birds and were busy banding when I showed up. As might be expected American Robin (Turdus migratorius) was common and a few individuals found their way into the nets

     Interestingly the following two birds were retraps from last year.

                         

                            Band No.137277401 Originally banded 19 August 2017
                            Band No.137277402 Originally banded 19 August 2017   
  

     We believe that these are migrants birds which have returned to SpruceHaven, but given the proclivity of American Robins to spend the winter here in recent years, it is hard to be sure. However, no robins were observed at SpruceHaven during the winter so the possibility that they are returnees is high.
     A female Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) banded last year was also recaptured.   
                                
                             Band No. 86112844 Originally banded 29 April 2017

     It was not long before Heather arrived, without Daina unfortunately who is feeling a little under the weather and wasn't up to it. Heather was quickly engaged with Josh and Kevin.

      A second round of the nets resulted in the first White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) captured this year, followed by a male Red-winged Blackbird.

     Heather was kept busy, all the while giving Kevin the odd sidelong glance as he engaged in his usual mischief!

     The male Red-winged Blackbird was followed in short order by a beautifully marked female.

     Several people showed up to help and/or observe including our good friend, Joe Karger, who helped us so much at the second farm where we will monitor Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) again this year. Here is Joe checking his camera as Josh and Rebecca look on.

     Joe is keenly interested in birds and is anxious to know more about them. He is an avid fisherman, especially in Ontario's northern lakes, and he was first turned onto birds by seeing warblers in their breeding habitat.

     Jim and Francine came out too, and Jim, helpful as always, installed a total of twenty-four nest cups in the two barns, to see whether our Barn Swallows will rapidly adopt these structures as a base for their nests, and whether we can increase the number of nesting pairs by providing them.

     A dozen resident American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) found their way into our nets including this male.

     Male Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) seemed to be singing from every suitable perch and a couple were banded.

     I had not seen a Grey Catbird (Dumatella carolinensis) at all this spring, so this individual was my first of the season.

    Since the end of last year's fall banding, Heather has gotten engaged to be married and she was happy to display her ring.

      It will be a lucky young man indeed who claims Heather as his bride.

     We captured both Ruby-crowned (Regulus calendula) and Golden-crowned Kinglets (Regulus satrapa) in our nets.

     Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is familiar to all, but we only caught this singleton.

      Neotropical migrants are now returning in good numbers and we have already seen several species of wood warbler, but a lone male American Yellow Warbler (Setopahaga aestiva) was our only capture of a representative of this family.

      I was a little surprised to locate this Woolly Bear Caterpillar, forerunner of the Isabella Tiger Moth (Pyrrharctia isabella), which I am more accustomed to seeing in the fall. I obviously need to do a little more research into this species.

     Towards the end Kevin's wife, Grace, showed up (and very kindly brought me a coffee) with her daughter, Nicole, and granddaughter, Emmie.

     Emmie was delighted to see both the birds and Grandpa Kevin, the birds, however, evoking more squeals of excitement!

All species banded 05 May: Black-capped Chickadee (1), Golden-crowned Kinglet (1), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1), Grey Catbird (1), American Robin (3), American Goldfinch (12), Yellow Warbler (1), Red-winged Blackbird (8), Song Sparrow (2), White-crowned Sparrow (1).  Total: 10 species, 31 birds.

06 May 2018

     We started dark and early in an attempt to net a few Barn Swallows to try to ascertain the rate of returning birds. Kevin was there first and actually opened a net positioned for the purpose in the dark.

     Barn Swallows are a wily species and quickly learned to avoid the net but we did determine that the following birds are "homers." 

                                         Band No  259188136 Originally banded 13 August 2016

                                         Band No. 259188170 Originally banded 28 May 2017

                                         Band No. 259188161 Originally banded 28 May 2017

     The following Song Sparrow was also a bird we banded at SpruceHaven in 2016.

                                         Band No. 258187820  Originally banded 20 August 2016

     Bird banders view the capture of a Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) as a bit of a mixed blessing. If it its able to sink its bill into you it is painful! This female was quite placid and everyone emerged unscathed.

     We trapped this White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) and Kevin noticed a tick attached near the corner of its eye.

     There are those purists who would say that nature should be left to take its course, but we had no hesitation in removing it. Kevin performed the operation with the skill and finesse of a surgeon!

     We were happy to release the bird sans parasite.

     A male Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is a handsome species and this one was not reluctant to let Heather know she would have to pay a price for handling him.

     The full flush of warbler migration is now underway and we were happy to capture our first Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) of the season.

     A male Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) was also the first individual of this species.

     Part way through the morning Rebecca made a return visit, this time accompanied by her daughter, Eden, who was so delighted to visit us at the nets last year, and she seems set for another season of enthusiasm and learning about birds.

     We had been wondering whether we would trap a Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) but were even more delighted when our first member of this family was a Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius).

     This was a moment of redemption for Heather who had the misfortune to let the only member of this species that we caught last year slip through her fingers before we processed it.

     A female Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) enabled Eden to examine the zygodactyl configuration of four-toed woodpecker species and the stiffened retrices used as props when foraging.

     The bill of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) is a formidable weapon indeed.......

     .......and both Josh and Heather experienced the pain it can cause when it sinks its bill into you and works away at your flesh as though trying to crack open a nut.

     They will survive, albeit a little bruised.

     Kevin and Heather are a fine team at the banding table and they process the birds swiftly, Heather learning all the time from Kevin the finer points of sexing and aging, with her knowledge growing exponentially from week to week.

     Our final new bird for the year was a handsomely plumaged Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis).

     Our opening weekend of the third year of bird banding at SpruceHaven was a successful venture with good weather to facilitate the operation. Let us hope that next weekend brings more of the same.

All species banded 06 May: Downy Woodpecker (1), Blue-headed Vireo (1), Black-capped Chickadee (1), Barn Swallow (3), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (12), American Robin (3), American Goldfinch (4), Common Yellowthroat (1), Palm Warbler (1), Red-winged Blackbird (6), Common Grackle (2), Song Sparrow (2), White-throated Sparrow (1), Savannah Sparrow (1), Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal (1). Total: 16 species, 41 birds.