It was only a matter of time before we would return to Lynde Shores Conservation Area. And we went on a beautiful day, aiming to beat our previous score of 41 species recorded!
We arrived just as a flock of male Red-winged Blackbirds were basking in the morning rays [picture #1]. They were not alone in taking advantage of the sunshine. Over a meadow, a “kettle” of Broad-winged Hawks [picture #2] began their aerial ascent. These raptors and their kin rank collectively among the master soarers of the bird world; whereas the majority of birds get around by sustained flapping flight, birds-of-prey can cover long distances with scarcely a wing-beat. They possess an innate ability to detect and ride thermals—invisible columns of warm air rising from the sun-soaked landscape—effortlessly spiralling upward until the birds are specks against the blue expanse. No wonder the writers of Scripture employed this kind of eagle imagery. The sight of rising birds-of-prey reminded them of the unseen omnipotent hand of God lifting His chosen ones above the storms and obstacles they encounter. It is a biblical illustration drawing from fallen and limited creation, redeemed by the Author of Scripture through the pens of fallen and limited but divinely inspired nature observers, to powerfully point to eternal and inerrant truths. As for earthly eagles, thermals do wane at day’s end, forcing most raptors to come home to roost while other birds fly on into the coolness of night. To keep pace, birds-of-prey such as those Broad-winged Hawks we saw, resort to early manoeuvres to catch the first thermals.
Above Cranberry Marsh, we spotted three raptors with very different lifestyles. A Turkey Vulture circled silently, dark silhouette waiting to detect and descend upon a ripe animal carcass. A female Northern Harrier [picture #3] glided by several times, occasionally so low that her wingtips almost clipped the treetops. Also known as the Marsh Hawk, the Harrier manages to stay airborne low over terrain, relying on stealth and speed to suddenly burst upon an unsuspecting small mammal or bird. Did you know Scripture also mentions swooping eagles, but with reference to judgment? Look up Deut 28:49 or Jer 4:13. You get the idea. Harriers sometimes occur alongside the Osprey [picture #4], an expert in literally pouncing on fish. Upon spotting prey close to the water surface, a hungry Osprey hovers in wait [picture #5] for its quarry to stray up into the shallows. Then, locking onto its target, the big bird descends like a helicopter and plunges into the water feet-first with a great splash. If the attack is successful, the Osprey will air-lift its meal in its spiky talons, pivoting the fish headfirst for optimal aerodynamics. We watched two of these distinctive raptors perform their feat several times, apparently without success. Fishing is hard work, even for skilful Osprey!
We managed to break our record at 42 species, just one more than last time. But with fall migration already underway, our list looked very different. Conspicuously absent were the swallows, who departed as soon as their broods had fledged and insect numbers begun to dwindle. Replacing the swallows were plenty of delightful little Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fueling up for migration from the abundance of
Impatiens flowers. A flotilla of Mute Swans paddled Lake Ontario as we enjoyed a beachside lunch. At the marsh, we were treated to a pair of Pied-billed Grebes, a family of Trumpeters, a female Wood Duck, and three noisy Belted Kingfishers. Last but not least, we were visited by Black-capped Chickadees [picture #6], having managed to salvage a bird seed offering for them!
More photos from this trip:
Posted October 18, 2014 by Blazing B.
