After the rain from Hurricane Beryl came much more rain. There has been widespread flooding across London and beyond. The Thames overflowed its banks.
Before the river flooded, warm rocks were available for basking turtles. From left to right, the first two turtles are Northern Map turtles (so called because there are lines on the shell that resemble contour lines on a map). Map turtles are a species at risk with the status of “special concern”. The turtle in the third photo is a Red-eared Slider. These are non-native turtles that are considered invasive, likely introduced as released pets that have grown beyond a manageable size. There is concern that sliders carry diseases that can be transmitted to native turtles.
Below are Spiny Softshell turtles. These turtles are endangered due to extensive habitat loss and predation. Their range is limited to Quebec and Southwestern Ontario, mainly in the Thames and Sydenham rivers and at two sites in Lake Erie. There are local conservation efforts to protect and increase the population of these turtles. The second photo shows the size difference between the male (22 cm) and female (54 cm) softshells.
A Great Blue Heron was fishing in the shallows of the river before it took off with a loud squawk.
Common Grackles also foraged along the river.
Mallard ducks, once breeding is completed, undergo a complete moult. Males shed their breeding plumage, as the one below has started to do. When they lose their flight feathers, the birds become flightless for 30 to 45 days.
Other birds and animals along the way:
Native plants can more often be found growing in neighbourhood and community gardens. These plants support insects that are essential as pollinators and are an integral part of the ecosystem.
Some native and non-native species seen in passing:
The latest from Wandering Bee
Osprey Update
In the past week, the young Osprey has been flapping its wings but not getting any lift yet. The male has been able to provide enough fish while the female remains on or close to the nest.
A recent short video: https://youtu.be/e09nvr6r7Os?si=j6gPuGM1m6kjZvfU
Joyful Music
Let’s try secular music that makes us feel good! These songs have been recorded so many times, I hard a hard time choosing my favourite versions. When available, I prefer live or live-in-studio versions.
I would love to hear your suggestions for songs that lift your spirits.
To finish, a heart-warming beer commercial. This reminded me of a sentimental Tim Hortons commercial.