Lately, we have had more spring-like weather, cooler temperatures, rain and overcast skies. Next, we are expecting hot and humid weather with more rain.
This is a good time to look back on sunnier days.
The Erieau Marsh Trail runs along an old railway corridor, a narrow path bordered by trees, vines and shrubs on one side and the marsh on the other. It is usually a good place to see birds because they are confined to a relatively small area.
That being said, the trees and shrubs were in almost full leaf that afforded good cover for the birds. Spotting birds as they moved high in the canopy or deep in the underbrush was a challenge using binoculars and even more difficult through the narrow view of a telephoto lens.
There was constant birdsong along the trail. We heard and saw a variety of birds, including at least eight species of warblers. Most often, we caught only a glimpse of birds before they disappeared under cover or into the blinding sun. There were many birds we almost saw!
These photos of a Black-and-white Warbler will give you an idea of the challenges…
A few birds sat still in the open just long enough…
There were some lingering shorebirds on the mud flats – Dunlin, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Short-billed Dowitcher, Pectoral Sandpiper as well as some residents – Killdeer, Mute Swans, Great Blue Heron. Offshore, some waterfowl also lingered: Redhead, Canvasback, Gadwall, Ruddy Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Lesser Scaup,
Shorebirds in flight put on a show.
When we saw an Osprey fly over the marsh, we were told that a pair had built a nest on a nearby communication tower. We went to investigate.
One other attraction of the marsh pond is the number of species of turtles that can be found basking there. On this visit, we didn’t see Snapping or Spiny Softshell Turtles, but did find Midland Painted Turtles, Northern Map Turtles and a Blanding’s Turtle. Map turtles are a species of special concern and Blanding’s are a threatened species in Ontario.
Osprey Update – Baby photos!
On a clear morning, we captured video footage of the male Osprey delivering a large fish to the nest. Since he had not yet beheaded the fish, the female took over this duty and soon was freeing small bits of fish. It was at this point that one small, pale head emerged from the nest. So far, only one chick is visible in the nest. Since Ospreys generally lay one to four eggs, another egg that may hatch. We’ll see…
Here are screenshots from the video from June 12:
Here is a link to a 7-minute video of the delivery and feeding. The fish is a bass. At the 4-minute mark, the fish starts flapping, nearly hitting the chick.
A mixed bouquet from Wandering Bee…
…from all angles.
“Eyes” in Songs
Many songs have eyes in the title. I assembled a playlist.
- Dirty Dancing • Hungry Eyes • Eric Carmen
- Smoke gets in your eyes (1989 Always) JD Souther
- CHUCK BERRY, KEITH RICHARDS, ROBERT CRAY – Brown Eyed Handsome Man
- WestJet Boarding Sessions Performance: These Eyes
- Maestro Fresh Wes – Stick To Your Vision (Official Music Video)
- Eagles – Lyin’ Eyes (Live 1977)
- Die Campbells – Brown Eyed Girl
More Jimmy Buffett
I leave you with a wonderful tribute performance. Kenny Chesney and Mac McAnally perform “A Pirate Looks At Forty” and Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band perform “Pirates and Parrots” and “Margaritaville”.
A Pirate Looks at Forty
Mother, mother ocean, I have heard you call
Wanted to sail upon your waters since I was three feet tall
You’ve seen it all, you’ve seen it all
Watched the men who rode you, switch from sails to steam
And in your belly, you hold the treasures few have ever seen
Most of ’em dream, most of ’em dream
Yes, I am a pirate, two hundred years too late
The cannons don’t thunder, there’s nothin’ to plunder
I’m an over-forty victim of fate
Arriving too late, arriving too late
Margaritaville
Nibbling on sponge cake
Watching the sun bake
All of those tourists covered with oil
Strumming my six-string
On my front porch swing
Smell those shrimp, well, they’re beginning to boil
Oh, crawfish in New Orleans, yeah
Wasting away again in Margaritaville
Searching for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame
But I know, it’s nobody’s fault