Spring is very slowly unfolding. The daytime temperature generally remains in the single digits with below freezing temperatures at night. It snows from time to time, but the snow disappears quickly. No doubt, there will be more snow…
Depite the weather, we are witnessing the arrival of more and more early spring migrants. These past two weeks have seen the return of Turkey Vultures, Red-winged Blackbirds, Kildeer, Common Grackles, European Starlings, and many American Robins. We are watching eagerly for the arrival of the Ospreys that nest at Labatt Park across the river from us. Any day now!
The Tundra Swans have arrived in great numbers at the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area. The area attracts the migrating swans because of the large ponds and the banquet of corn that is regularly spread along the bank. There were over 1,000 swans in the pond when we visited on Wednesday, down from the over 2,000 birds that were there last week.
As the tractor approaches to spread the corn, the swans move away.
Once the tractor disappears, the swans slowly return to devour the spread.
Resident songbirds and lingering Dark-eyed Juncos visited the feeders and attempted (unsuccessfullly) to sample the corn.
Northern Cardinal (male), one of several Slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco foraging on the ground, a Black-capped Chickadee attempting to penetrate a kernal of corn, Americal Robin
We surveyed the back ponds at the wildlife management area.
Several species of migrating ducks had been reported there. On Wednesday, there was only a small flock of American Widgeons and a few Ring-necked Ducks in addition to the Canada Geese and Mallards.
Floral Preview!
Last week when we didn’t send out a post, we took ourselves to Hamilton, Ontario. One of the things we did there was to take in the Floral Showcase at the Royal Botanical Gardens. It featured 25,000 blooms, including spring flowers and many orchids. Here are some of the photos. Some much-needed colour!
Josh Turner Guitar
I found dozens of his videos worth sharing. Here are the first few.
