More Local Highlights

16 May 2021

Lakeside Park, Kitchener, ON

     We heard a tremendous racket from a group of American Crows (Corvus brachyrynchos) and searched to see whether they were perhaps routing a Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus). 

     At one point there were about twenty individuals occupying two or three trees, but we never did ascertain the reason for their noisy performance. They departed as quickly as they had arrived, shrieking and yelling all the while.

     A Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) was far more restrained and serenaded us delightfully.

     It was interesting to see the channels created by a kind of wood-boring insect in this log.

     It is both sobering and distressing to contemplate the varieties of trees that are now endangered by invasive pests, often introduced from outside North America in shipments of fruit, or via wooden pallets that are already heavily infested.

     One is never out of earshot of Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) at Lakeside Park, and we spotted a female busily constructing a nest.

     An American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) seems to have found a meal sufficient for lunch and dinner!

Benjamin Park Trail, Waterloo, ON

     May-apple (Podophyllum peltatum) is carpeting woodlands everywhere, and there was much of it to be seen on the Benjamin Park Trail.

     Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon) is a widespread invasive, often originating in gardens; quite beautiful, but quickly swamping native species.

     Bristly Buttercup (Ranunculus hispidus) is appearing everywhere.

     There is no shortage of yellow flowers!

     Taxonomy is ever fluid it seems, and the genus Celastrina is the subject of much discussion and review. At least for now, the following species is Northern Spring Azure, also known as Lucia Azure (Celastrina lucia).

     Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) is probably no more abundant than in previous years, but I have been running into them frequently.

     It is an impressive species and it is always a great pleasure to share a few moments with them.

19 May 2021

Our Backyard, Waterloo, ON

     Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilocus colubris) has been a regular visitor to our backyard for as long as we have lived here, but this year visits have been few and far between.

     We were happy, therefore, when we looked out the window and saw a female at the feeder.

     The pictures are not fantastic but they were taken through the glass and are the best we could do. Perhaps even from these less-than-perfect images you will sense our joy at seeing the bird. 

RIM Park, Waterloo, ON

     There is a field opposite the parking area that has harboured Eastern Meadowlarks (Sturnella magna) over the past few years, and it didn't take us long to find one singing from the grass.

     Shortly a second bird was spotted on a cable and the two joined forces and flew off together.

     I suspect that starting a family was top of mind for them.

     The spruces (Genus Picea) seem to universally sport a good cone crop already this year. No doubt squirrels are gleeful!

     There are numerous little wet channels at RIM Park, all looking especially bucolic and tranquil in spring.

     A male Baltimore Oriole is very handsome, especially when highlighted by bright sunshine.

     A good part of the day is spent capturing food and soon there will be additional mouths to feed.

     This is a species that adds a bright splash of colour to a spring landscape, and unlike warblers and other tiny birds is quite easily seen.

     It so delights the average walker in the park that it is the single most pointed-out species, by people who see our binoculars. 

      "Did you see the oriole?" is a commonly posed question.

     For part of the trail the Grey Silo Golf course runs alongside it, and I am sure that the owners are anxiously awaiting the lifting of COVID restrictions, so that greens can reverberate with the cheerful chatters of golfers and the thwacking of balls.

      We are quite happy that we don't have to keep a watchful eye for the golf carts occupying their half of the trail.

      Wild Geraniums (Geranium maculatum) are starting to bloom, a delightful addition to any walk.

     Ground Ivy (Glechoma hereracea) is probably considered a pest in the wrong location, but for a peripatetic naturalist it gives great pleasure.

     One of the dominant features of RIM Park, the most dominant in fact, is the Grand River.

     It meanders alongside for a good part of the way, and supports a variety of birds - ospreys, eagles, terns, gulls, swallows, shorebirds - and not a few mammals. American Beavers (Castor canadensis) make their presence known and White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) come down to river to drink.

     We enjoyed great views of a male American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) and when it remained still for a few seconds, Miriam obtained a couple of pictures.

     We watched transfixed as it sang to us!

     Having had several terrific looks at a male Baltimore Oriole, additional pleasure was gained by observing a female in the early stages of nest construction.

     We see more American Yellow Warblers (Setophaga aestiva) at RIM Park than at any other location where we bird regularly.

     A Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) was a very agreeable addition to our birds for the day, but it played hide-and-seek with us.

     We spotted a Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) and heard its distinctive call.

     And within moments we watched a flurry of activity and discovered out first ever nest under construction for this species.

     For many I am sure this would not be a big deal, but for anyone involved with birds, it is a moment of high excitement.

     For a moment we thought we had come across a mixed species flock, until we realized that a Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) was mimicking the songs of several other birds.

     A pair of Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) is an ominous sight for many small songbirds whose nests are targets for brood parasitism.

     Cheery Song Sparrows (Melopspiza melodia) never fail to delight us.

     In several spots we heard the familiar wichety-wichety call of Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) but seldom saw the chorister, and managed but one picture of indifferent quality.

     There is one small, swampy area that we pass each time we visit RIM Park that we always think should harbour birds, amphibians and who knows what else. But it never does.

     It is perfect habitat for a pair of Northern Waterthrushes (Parkesia noveboracensis) and I remain hopeful that one day they will be there.

     There are glimmers of hope that the Province of Ontario may be on the road to loosening some of the COVID restrictions that have dominated our lives for so long. It can't come soon enough for us and perhaps before too long we can bring you reports of visits farther afield.

Tuesday Rambles with David - rare Charitable Research Reserve, Cambridge, ON

25 July 2017

     It was as fine a summer's morning as anyone could devise when all eight members of our regular group met at 08:30 in the parking lot near the slit barn at rare for our weekly outing. 

     It was the kind of day when it was simply good to be outside; it mattered little what one might see, the sheer exuberance of rambling in bright sunshine with warm breezes was enough. But, there were many things to be observed. And (modestly, I might say) the fact of being part of the finest gang of eight ever assembled did nothing to dilute the pleasure.

       This is the time of year when butterflies abound. Common Woodnymph (Cercyonis pegala) was exactly that - common.

     It seems to have been a relatively good year for Monarch (Danaus plexippus) compared with recent years, when this species has been scarce indeed, and we can only hope that their numbers are rebounding.

     The population here in southern Ontario is part of the cohort that makes a legendary migration to Michoacan in Central Mexico, a journey and a destination discovered by Canadian entomologist, Fred Urquhart. The butterflies generally arrive on schedule each year on El dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. Fittingly, la mariposa monarca is believed by the residents of the area to harbour the souls of departed loved ones returning for their annual visit.

     A Northern Crescent  (Phyciodes coctya) seems pedestrian by comparison; it bears no responsibility for taking lost souls back home.

     A Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae) is the fourth butterfly that we were able to photograph, although other species were seen.

     Perhaps Francine is on a quest for them here.

     Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) were quite common, with many juveniles in evidence.

     Many were seen flycatching across the Grand River, but equally they were involved in gathering the plentiful berries that ensure that in July in Ontario, the living is easy!

     The plight of pollinators across the world is well know to everyone, so it is always reassuring to see them, such as this bee on a teasel, at work.

     Japanese Beetles (Popilla japonica), beautiful they may be, are not quite as welcome; these alien invaders represent a serious threat to native vegetation.

     Judy heard the sneezy fitz-bew song of the Willow Flycatcher and Franc took this lovely photograph.

     We observed a couple of male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilocus colubris) defending their territories.

     This one zoomed out at some perceived threat.

     These tiny creatures are fearless in defence of what they believe is theirs and will attack without hesitation, no matter the size of the intruder.
     This male House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) looked especially fit and handsome; no doubt it has fathered a brood this season.

     Or perhaps its nest was parasitized by a Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) such as this female seen here.

     The undoubted star of the morning was a family of Western Osprey (Pandion haliaetus).
This pair has successfully raised three young which are on the verge of fledging. This bears testament not only to the diligence of the parents, but also to the biomass of fish in the Grand River watershed, supporting not only Ospreys but a variety of other fish-eating birds, and mammals, to say nothing of fishers of the Homo sapiens persuasion.

     Everyone was either taking pictures or was focused on the enchanting spectacle in front of us.

     I think the rest of these pictures speak for themselves.

     I would imagine that these young birds are mere days away from fledging, when their parents will teach them how to fish for themselves, before beginning the long and dangerous migration south. Many of them will not make it, but those that do have an excellent chance to return here to raise their own families.
     Every Tuesday ramble has its own charm and rewards. Today was no exception. And we planned a bonus walk for the following day. You can read about that soon, so be sure to check in over the next few days. Thanks for visiting!

All bird species: Mallard, Turkey Vulture, Western Osprey, Ring-billed Gull, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Barn Swallow, American Robin, Grey Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Finch. Total: 27 species.