A Day Out With Tracey and Jenny

Let's treat this planet as if we plan to stay here and not as if it is a disposable item. Mars is not ready yet and never will be.

Monte Hummel

      05 December 2020

     Two of the participants on one of my recent COVID walks were Tracey and Jenny, both of whom are very enthusiastic about nature, and were quite thrilled with the birds they saw on that walk. I promised them I would take them to the north shore of Lake Ontario for "Waterfowl 101" and I was delighted to meet up with them to spend a day's birding, and hopefully to help them to expand their knowledge of the various species that would greet us out on the lake.

DesJardins Canal, Dundas, ON

     Our usual starting point is at the DesJardins Canal, and we headed directly there.

     Sadly, the first experience of the location was marred for Tracey and Jenny by the activities of Homo ignoramus and that noteworthy subspecies Homo ignoramus deformius. Taxonomy usually has this species ranked as Homo sapiens but it hardly seems to fit the bill.

     Why would you dispose of your unwanted Christmas frippery correctly when you could just throw it out in the parking area at the canal? That's in the spirit of the season, isn't it?

     And as for those old tyres, why pay a small fee to have them disposed of in an environmentally responsible way when you can toss them on the ground?

     After all, having just bought four new tyres who can afford a couple of bucks to get rid of the old ones? They're just junk don't you know?

     And so is this.

     And this.

     And this.

     And so were the plastic lids with plastic straws Tracey was picking up. And all the other crap.

     I tell you, we humans are a sorry species.

     We moved away from the area sullied by trash to take a picture of Tracey and Jenny to memorialize the day.

     There was still an abundance of the detritus of humanity present, not quite as visible and buried in the vegetation, but there nonetheless.

     I wonder if this Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) looked down on us with disdain.

     Let me confess at this point, that I am not nearly as diligent as Miriam when it comes to taking pictures, and I have little else to offer from this stop. Later in the post, to illustrate some of the waterfowl, I have delved into the archives, but the pictures are drawn from that location, so they are not lacking in integrity.

All species: Canada Goose, Mallard, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, Red-tailed Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Carolina Wren, House Sparrow, Common Redpoll, American Goldfinch, American Tree Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal  Total: 15

Urquart Butterfly Garden, Dundas, ON

     It is an easy walk from the canal to the butterfly garden, with a great view looking back over the canal.

     It will be evident to all that there are no butterflies present in December, but the area is often quite birdy, especially for sparrows and other seed-eating species, but not today unfortunately.

     It was a good chance to get another picture of Tracey and Jenny at the information board.

     The walk back along the shore of the canal was characterized by excellent views of several Downy Woodpeckers (Dryobates pubescens), a familiar species, but always an exquisite encounter.

All species: Ring-billed Gull, American Crow  Total: 2

Grindstone Creek, Burlington, ON

     As we pulled into the parking area, a couple of Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) were feeding on berries, but they left and did not return to say hello.

     We saw our first Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) of the day, gloriously handsome birds, and a thrill to see.

     It was a very agreeable sighting for Tracey and Jenny, for they had seen Trumpeter Swans earlier in the year at Wye Marsh, near Midland, ON, where many of them breed.

     This duo actually came over to greet us, and that pleased us greatly.

     Perhaps they even wished to have a chat.

     It was at this location that Jenny saw her first Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) and was quite taken with the name! We may give it to her as a nickname, so tickled with it was she!

     The birds were too far out across the bay to get a picture, so I am including a picture of a male from our folder.

 All species: Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, Cedar Waxwing.  Total: 6

Hendrie Valley Sanctuary, Burlington, ON

     This trail leads right off from Grindstone Creek and we walked a couple of hundred metres along it before turning back.

     It was characterized by many birds of several species, with lots of Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) feeding from people's hands, with White-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) and even the odd Downy Woodpecker being brave enough to give it a try.

     One group ahead of us, having had enough of hand-feeding, dumped their seed on the ground, and a group of birds immediately took advantage of this bonanza.

     As you can see in the picture above, at one point there were six Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) enjoying the feast, and they were joined at times by Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) and House Sparrows (Passer domesticus). 

     Cardinals do have a way of stealing the show.

     Just as we were leaving I spotted a very distinctive species, a rare migrant in fact, Pulchra rufus, which arrived at our latitude from the British Isles via a circuitous route, having made landfall here after transiting through Mexico.

     Until quite recently, I had never seen this enigmatic species, but I suspect that it may not be difficult to spot again.

All species: Mallard, Ring-billed Gull, Turkey Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Northern Mockingbird, House Finch, Common Redpoll, Northern Cardinal. Total: 12

LaSalle Park and Marina, Burlington, ON

     It was lunch time when we arrived at LaSalle and it was pleasant enough, with the temperature right around zero, to sit on a bench and eat outside. 

      In no time at all, we were joined by a couple of Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis), hoping to glean a few scraps from careless or beneficent humans, but they were sorely disappointed, I am afraid.

     Tracey and Jenny both commented on the beauty of the bird, proving without a doubt what smart ladies they are!

     A male Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) swam by at a leisurely pace in the bay right in front of us.

     These are pretty special lunchtime companions.

     After lunch we took my telescope and went over to the west side of the harbour to scan the water. We could see with the naked eye that there were large numbers of ducks, most of which were new for my eager companions. A large raft of Ruddy Ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis) was especially attractive, as are all stifftails (highly recommended: Ruddy Ducks & Other Stifftails, Paul A. Johnsgard and Montserrat Carbonell [1996]).

     It is here that we saw a lone American Coot (Fulica americana); doubtless there were others somewhere hidden among the thousands of ducks bobbing up and down on the gentle swell.

     The same could be said of the only Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) of the day.

     There were many White-winged Scoters (Melanitta fusca) and I thought I saw a few Surf Scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) but they were too far out to be sure.

      As might be expected Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) were quite common, some fairly close to enable excellent viewing.

Greater Scaup ♂

Greater Scaup ♀

     We saw but one Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) in contrast to the many Trumpeter Swans present.

     As we meandered around the lake, and along the woodland trail abutting the water, we spotted Canvasback (Aythya valsineria) several times. It is a handsome, sleek duck, always quite regal to my eye.

      Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) as expected seemed to be keeping company with every other species, the males looking especially jaunty with their curly tail feathers.

     I recall seeing only one male Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) but females were quite common.

     This one seemed to be trying its hand at snorkelling!

     A single drake Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) has been present for some weeks now and seems destined to spend the winter at LaSalle. It is indeed among the very handsomest of ducks.

     The treed area of the park slopes down quite steeply to the water and erosion can seriously undermine some of the root structures of shallowly anchored trees.

     On the way back along the boardwalk, where Tracey was delighted to be able to hand-feed a White-breasted Nuthatch, we met Franc and Carol who had been to Niagara Falls and had called in at LaSalle on the way home. We all decided to go to Woodland Cemetery together to see if the Eastern Screech Owls (Megascops asio) were in an obliging mood today.

All species: Canada Goose. Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, White-winged Scoter, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Mourning Dove, American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Sparrow, Northern Cardinal.  Total: 26

Woodland Cemetery, Burlington, ON

     The owls decided that they were not going to put themselves on display for gawking humans, and we left with out success. Maybe next time.....

All species: Canada Goose, Bald Eagle, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee. Total: 4

Sioux Lookout Park, Burlington, ON

     Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis), normally a reliable species in winter on Lake Ontario had eluded us all day, so we decided to give it one last try at Sioux Lookout Park. There were huge rafts of ducks at this location, but other than for small numbers of Common Goldeneye close inshore, all were very far out. In fact, at the horizon, thousands upon thousands

of ducks were staging a fly past, but it was impossible to determine the species given the waning light and the sheer distance.

     We did, however, pick up one pair of Long-tailed Ducks in the scope. Success right at the end of the day!

Long-tailed Duck ♂

Long-tailed Duck ♀

All species: Mallard, White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye, Ring-billed Gull. Total: 5

General Comment

     A day spent away from one's immediate environs is a welcome change during this period of COVID-restricted movement, and I was fortunate to spend it birding with two charming companions, whose company I enjoyed greatly. I certainly hope we can do again!    

Tuesday Rambles with David - DesJardins Canal and North Shore of Lake Ontario

14 January 2020

     The day started oh so well.

     Judy and Mary arrived to carpool with us, and Judy produced a bag of six of her unrivalled cinnamon buns. The entire world should be permitted to taste these treats, unencumbered as they are by sticky, gooey over-sweet icing. She had brought them for us to eat at home, but in short order the combined appetites of Mary, Miriam and I, were doing justice to three of them - and still there were three remaining to leave in the house for later. I am seriously contemplating making this a condition for Judy to join our Tuesday walks. I will grovel if need be, prostrate myself - whatever it takes to have her bring more! As the world might note to its advantage, Judy has fine buns!

     Winter in Ontario has thus far been an up and down affair, with a few classic cold, snowy days, but more than a fair share of grey, sullen days with mist and fog, the temperature soaring well above freezing. Today was such a day, but we were not to be deterred. After all, we can't change the weather so the only solution is to make the best of it.

     I was fortunate to have the company of three attractive, intelligent women and the journey to our first stop in Dundas was over in no time at all. 

The DesJardins Canal

     The canal was remarkably devoid of birds. There were lots of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) and Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) and really not much of anything else.

     Miriam spotted this twig looking remarkably like a bird and we had fun debating what it most closely resembled.

     The conditions were hardly ideal for photography.

     Over time this area has been converted from a grimy industrial no man's land to an attractive urban oasis, with careful planning and excellent results. This shelter is quite new.

     We cast a farewell glance along the canal before returning to the car to leave for LaSalle Park and Marina in Burlington.

All species at DesJardins Canal: Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Downy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch. 

LaSalle Park and Marina

     I have visited LaSalle for many, many years, and it has become one of my favourite spots in southern Ontario. This is a place where it is hard to have a bad day.

      It was murky! A little sun was trying to break through but that's about as lucky as we got. 

     There were many ducks out on the bay, but the combination of distance and poor light made picture-taking a challenge.

    Mallards were very common, as is always the case, joined by a Redhead (Aythya americana) in the picture below.

     Large flocks of Canvasbacks Aythya valisineria) floated on the waves much farther out. The lake was quite choppy as you will note.

     A Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbulus) nest being tossed around in a leafless tree brought back memories of last spring and reminded us that those joys await us again soon. We visualized that flash of orange and black in our mind's eye!

     This female Mallard was extremely interesting, and quite beautiful I might add, and seems to be exhibiting a good degree of leucism.

     Some of the Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) appear to have been foraging in areas where there is a considerable level of ferrous content in the soil or mud.

     In the past many of you have voiced your disapproval of the large yellow wing tags used to identify these swans, and I share your view that they are not especially attractive, but I am assured that they are effective and do not impede the bird.

     Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) are not fitted with similar adornments.

     For the most part the birds seemed to get along well together.

     But what would a day on the lake be without a quarrel or two?

     A handsome male House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) seemed to prefer his own company.

     For as long as I can remember LaSalle Park has been a reliable location for American Black Duck (Anas rubipres) and a dozen or so were present today.

     We had a quick conference and decided that we would venture a little farther than we normally do and journey on into Toronto to Colonel Samuel Smith Park. We ate our lunches in the car and headed east along the lake shore.

All species at LaSalle Park and Marina: Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck, Canvasback, Redhead, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House Sparrow, Northern Cardinal. 

Sioux Lookout Park, Burlington, ON

     This was just a quick stop to scan the lake for Long-tailed Ducks (Clangula hyemalis) and we did see a few individuals. Once again the birds were far out and there were whitecaps on the waves. No other ducks of any kind were observed.

Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Toronto, ON

     We made good time and it was an entertaining ride, especially for Judy. She knew little of the history of the various hamlets, villages and settlements that have been amalgamated into larger municipalities and cities along Lake Ontario and I was able to give her a bit of background into all of this, which she found very interesting.
     Almost as soon as we began our walk through the park we saw evidence of recent activity by American Beaver (Castor canadensis) anywhere that suitable trees were located.

     I would imagine that their winter storage is well provisioned!
    Lake Ontario was very rough and waves crashed against the shore.

     Gadwall (Mareca strepera) are usually numerous in this corner of the lake, but I suspect that the wind and waves had driven them to more tranquil and sheltered inland ponds which is where we found them.

     A Canada Goose occupied a fine perch.

     Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) is a supremely attractive little duck but can be very difficult to photograph. It seems that no sooner are you focused on them than they dive out of sight. Miriam did well to get these images of a male and a pair.

     If you are like me you are always curious about the origin of birds' names, but a Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) tells the story at a glance.

     Long-tailed Ducks could be seen far out, but in nowhere near the numbers we have come to expect at this time of the year. A shot of this female is all that we managed.

     Red-breasted Mergansers (Mergus serrator) were also riding on the turbulent water and once again a distant shot of a female was the best we could obtain.

     Mute Swans were abundant at the marina, and judging from their response to humans walking by, I suspect that they are accustomed to people feeding them.

     It will not be long before this juvenile acquires the pristine white plumage of an adult bird.

All species at Colonel Samuel Smith Park: Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, Black-capped Chickadee

Lakeshore Promenade Park

     By the time we arrived at this location, our final stop for the day, the conditions had ameliorated somewhat, especially in terms of the light, so decent photographs became more of a possibility.
     We saw more gulls in one spot than we had observed all day.

     Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) was the most numerous species, but American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) was also present, and a lone Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) is visible in the pictures below.

     It is easy to also pick out Herring Gulls in the above picture, and Ring-bills of course, and the size ranking is quite apparent - Great Black-backed Gull is the largest (it is in fact the world's biggest gull), followed by American Herring Gull, with Ring-billed Gull being the smallest of this trio.
     But in terms of sheer numbers Ring-billed Gull won the day.

     Can anyone who takes the time to really look at this bird fail to be impressed?
     Mallards were not reticent about paying a visit to creatures on two legs, hoping for a handout I am sure.

     Redheads were closer to shore than they had been at LaSalle Park.

     And so were Greater Scaup (Aythya marila).    

     What message do we take from this day, a day filled with the enjoyment of birds, the pleasure of nature, the richness of a shared experience with good friends? Whatever the weather there is fun to be had outdoors and knowledge to be gained. Don't close your door and stay at home. The world is out there waiting to be explored and each of us has only so many days to do it.

All species at Lakefront Promenade: Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Redhead, Greater Scaup. Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull.