Wetland Secrets! 

Wetlands provide the food, shelter and space for numerous species, which are adapted to hiding within wetlands. They also improve water quality, soak up water to offset the affects of flooding, and provide recreational opportunities such as nature appreciation and fishing.

Soras are secretive birds so it was a treat to find two walking around together at the Forest Lagoons! We tend to hear their descending whinnying call more often than laying eyes on the bird. Their thick, stubby, bright yellow bill is fun to see when one does come into view.

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

Soras play an important role in controlling insect populations in wetlands. They walk slowly through shallow wetlands, a bit like a chicken that has had too much coffee, nervously flicking its tail and exposing the white feathers below. They rake floating vegetation with their long toes (see photo) in search of sedges, bulrushes, grass, rice and smartweed seeds. They also peck at the water's surface for seeds and aquatic insects such as dragonflies, flies, beetles, and even snails.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sora/lifehistory

A Canada Goose pair were getting ready for parenthood. Mom was preparing the nest, and Dad was standing guard. The female makes a brood patch by plucking her feathers. The feathers are used in the nest construction and the brood patch allows the eggs to be warmed directly against her skin during incubation.

Lots of Muskrats were visible at the Forest Lagoons. According to Hinterland Who's Who, a muskrat is basically a large field mouse that has adapted to life in and around water. They have large hind feet that act like paddles when swimming. Specially evolved teeth protrude in front of the cheeks and lips, allowing the lips to close behind the teeth This feature allows muskrats to chew on stems and roots when under water, while keeping their mouths closed!

https://www.hww.ca/wildlife/mammals/muskrat/

A pair of Tree Swallows were staking claim to a nesting box. These Swallows get their name from their habit of nesting in tree cavities (and nesting boxes.)

Forest Lagoons

Canvasbacks are often called the "aristocrat of ducks" with the long sloping forehead giving it a distinguished look. Males stand out with a rusty head and neck and a gleaming whitish body. Females are pale brown overall, but the Canvasback head shape is diagnostic.

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

Midland Painted Turtle, resting above the water level.

Lines on the carapace (shell) and skin resemble contour lines on a map, giving the Northern Map Turtle its name. They can be found in rivers and marshy areas of lakes, preferring shallow water with moderate flows and good basking habitat such as logs, rocks, and exposed banks.

https://www.sydenhamriver.on.ca/sydenham-sar/turtles/northern-map-turtle/

The Spotted Turtle is one of Ontario's smallest turtles with a shell that is rarely more than 13 cm long. (This individual was between 10-13 cm, so is definitely large for the species.) It is easily recognized by its smooth black shell which is speckled with bright yellow-orange spots, resembling confetti. They eat aquatic insects, crustaceans and worms. The most significant threats are habitat destruction and illegal collection for the pet trade. Activities altering the water table during winter hibernation, such as digging a ditch along a road can wipe out an entire population. Nest predation, pollution, and road mortality have also contributed to its decline. Since this turtle is slow to reach sexual maturity (up to 15 years), population recovery is slow.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/spotted-turtle

Flowing creek at Dumphries Conservation Area, Cambridge: Although not visible at a quick glance, hundreds of invertebrates can live in fast moving water, clinging to rocks, hiding in the mud, or swimming freely. Invertebrates make up most of the biomass in a stream and are important sources of food for fish, tadpoles, etc.

https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2022.716573#KC1

A type of invertebrate with a hard shell and more than 10 legs. Crustaceans include crabs, lobsters, crayfish, and roly-They make up most of the biomass

The total weight of all the organisms in a particular area, including all the plants and animals that live there.

All the different kinds of life found in a particular area, including all the animals, plants, and 

Shade's Mills Conservation Area.

While walking in a Conservation Area in Cambridge, we spotted a Great Horned Owl across the creek! Luckily it landed in the open and I was able to find a window through the tree branches to take a photo!