The Tunnel at Niagara Falls!

We made a trip to the new Tunnel at the Niagara Parks Power Station. When we emerged from the tunnel, we were at the base of Niagara Falls.

I probably wouldn't have seen this Song Sparrow at the river's edge if it hadn't broken out into song!

Many gulls fished at the base of the falls. The only ones that I could see were all Ring-billed Gulls.

Several Double-crested Cormorants bobbed around in the surf below the falls.

We took an elevator 180 feet down to reach the start of the tunnel.

For over a century, the tunnel served as an exit point for the water used in generating hydropower. We walked along the same path travelled by the water which led us to the point where the water emptied into the Niagara River. The tunnel distance for walking was just under 1 km each way.

Interpretive signs provided detailed historical information but also let us know where we were standing in relation to the activities above us at ground level. 

Looking up towards the road above.

 Springy Things and Baby Wings!

I am still finding a few Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in the area. This male was having an argument with another male.

We found a piece of bark that had fallen off a tree. The holes were created by a Sapsucker when the tree was still alive. The rows almost look like a power drill was used to make them.

Northern Flickers have been pairing up and choosing nesting territories in Canatara.

An American Robin has found a very stable platform for the nest!

And it even has a roof! Smart birds!

While many species are still preparing their nests, Canada Goose goslings have started to hatch. These ones are having a hard time keeping up with Mom!

 A Prothonotary and other Canatara Birds on April 25th

A Prothonotary Warbler popped up near me on the east side of Lake Chipican this morning. I also snapped a few distant shots of it looking at its reflection before it dove into the underbrush.

I observed a pair of Blue Jays making a nest. Right after the top photo was taken, the male passed a glob of mud and grasses to the female for accentuating the inside of the nest!

Female Bluebird backlit in the morning sun.

Female Brown-headed Cowbird checking out a nest from last year: I wonder if she is thinking about laying eggs already or just planning for the future! Cowbirds do not build nests. Instead females put all their energy into producing eggs, sometimes more than 3 dozen in a summer. The eggs are laid in the nests of other birds, usually at the expense of at least some of the host's own chicks  https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown-headed_Cowbird/overview

White-throated Sparrows tend to stay near the ground, scratching through leaves in search of food. They can be seen in low bushes, in spring when they eat fresh buds. It was kind of this one to pose for me!

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-throated_Sparrow/id

 Marsh Birds - Strathroy Lagoons

The Eared Grebe was our main target species at the Strathroy Lagoons where it provided some nice looks! It was a "life bird" for me! Some researches suggest they are the "whales" of the bird world because they use their flesh tongue (much like baleen whales) to crush prey against the palate and squeeze out the water.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eared_Grebe/overview

A stealthy Common Gallinule peaked out from the cattails to give us a brief look at its brilliant red bill. We heard it squawk and whinny from its hiding place in the thick cover.   https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Gallinule/overview

Despite being difficult to find, the Sora is the most abundant and widespread rail in North America. They might not look like they can fly long distances with their stubby wings and chubby bodies, but they fly hundreds of miles each spring and fall to wetlands in Central and South America.   https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sora/overview

A Sandhill Crane circled overhead but did not land while we watched.

No marsh would be complete without the resident Canada Geese!

Red-winged Blackbirds are readily found in most wetlands.

We found 5 American Coots! They are plump, chickenlike birds with rounded heads and sloping bills. Their tiny tail, short wings, and large feet are visible when in flight.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Coot/id

 Point Pelee, Part II:

We continued to enjoy Tree Swallows at the Marsh Boardwalk. As we worked our way north from the tip, the wind continued to be strong and this little guy sought shelter in the cattails.

View of Boardwalk from Boardwalk Tower

Blue-winged Teal enjoyed protection provided in the marshy area.

A Northern Harrier cruised the Marsh lands while we walked along the boardwalk. They hunt mostly small mammals and small birds, but they are capable of taking bigger prey like rabbits and ducks. They sometimes subdue larger animals by drowning them.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Harrier/overview

As we approached the boardwalk, we found a few Hermit Thrushes. They sometimes forage by "foot quivering" where they shake bits of grass with their feet to get insects.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hermit_Thrush/overview

Point Pelee hosted the highest density of Dutchman's Breeches that I have ever seen. They covered the forest floor.

 Point Pelee, April 18, 2023

A cold and blustery morning greeted us at the tip of Point Pelee. Several Tree Swallows huddled together on branches on the first tree sheltered from the wind.

The view at the point.

I was disappointed that the new viewing tower was closed but it was probably wiser to stay at ground level considering the wind and weather conditions.

A Red-headed Woodpecker flew among the trees searching for food right at the tip.

A Red-shouldered Hawk passed us twice as it cruised along the shore line.

More Tree Swallows staying out of the wind.

  Aquatic Critters; Vernal Pools!

On one of the beautiful spring days last week, we walked some trails near the Ausable River. The Eastern Newt, or Red-spotted Newt has 2 rows of dark-ringed, orangey/red spots. Adults are aquatic. During the larvae stage, they are terrestrial.

https://ontarionature.org/programs/community-science/reptile-amphibian-atlas/red-spotted-newt/

Vernal pools are seasonal wetlands that are usually found in forests during the spring and late fall. Most dry up in the summer, but the one in the above picture probably has standing water throughout the summer months. A lot of life could be seen swimming in the waters.

We sat by the large vernal pool for a lunch break. As I scoured the area, I noticed a mating pair of Spring Peepers! 

A Red Flat Bark Beetle decided to join me for lunch! They look like they have been pressed down and smashed. Little is known about their life history, but they are believed to eat other insects found in and under tree bark.

https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification=Red-Flat-Bark-Beetle

Yellow-spotted Salamanders live in dense forests where the soil is moist and covered with dry leaves, bushy shrubs, etc. They take shelter in deserted burrows of other animals, crevices, or under logs and large rocks.

https://www.animalspot.net/spotted-salamander.html

 Wings at Mystery Falls!

We had an enjoyable walk at Mystery Falls today. It is the first time we have walked the 4.5 km loop.

We found 30 bird species but very few birds cooperated for a picture. The little Winter Wren sang a beautiful song for us as he scooted along the forest floor.

Finding a sleepy Eastern Screech Owl was a pleasant surprise!

Northern Spring Azure resting on a Trout Lily. This was one of 7 Azures that we saw.

Eastern Comma soaking up the sun.

A well-camouflaged Red Admiral!

Mystery Falls