Tuesday Rambles with David Resume

02 August 2021

Hillside Park, Waterloo, ON

After a COVID-imposed hiatus of almost a year, we finally were able to enjoy a Tuesday walk. Mary, Judy and Franc were unable to join us, for one reason or another, but Jim, Francine and Carol met Miriam and me for a pleasant stroll through Hillside Park in uptown Waterloo.

The breeding season is complete for many species and it was encouraging to see this recently independent Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) exploring its world.

To the extent that we were able to judge, it was doing well.

Berry-bearing shrubs and trees seem to have had a bountiful year, and Guelder-Rose (Viburnum opulus) was laden with fruit.

These berries are mildly toxic to humans and are capable of inducing vomiting and diarrhea, but birds such as Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) and American Robin (Turdus migratorius) eat them with impunity.

A male Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) was catching the sun, highlighting the iridescence in its plumage.

A female House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) was drab by comparison. She seemed to be taking full advantage of the prolific berry crop of Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis).

Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) are ubiquitous and very pleasing, akin to an old friend you never tire of seeing.

A Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) teased us a little, coming into view for a second or two, then disappearing behind the trunk of the tree on which it was foraging.

It was never in good light and seemed to have perfected its timing - disappear the moment the camera begins to focus!

We had commented to each other that we had not seen a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) all year at Hillside Park, a location generally reliable for an overwintering male, when we spotted this individual perched above the creek.