Many Canada Geese at Port Darlington: Early December 2020

Until the mid-1960’s we knew Canada Geese as spring and fall migrants, and thrilled to see the migrating V’s from gray October and early April skies.

Canada Geese

About that time a breeding population became established at various points in southern Ontario and, encouraged by winter feeding and gleaning from mechanically harvested corn fields and golf courses, they have wintered in ever increasing numbers.

Canada Geese

I saw and heard 100’s flying over this morning at Port Darlington Beach near Bowmanville.

Canada Geese
Canada Geese

Other birds:

Downy Woodpecker (female)
Mourning Doves
American Goldfinch fluffed up in the cold
American Goldfinch
Mallards (male)

Port Darlington has a long history as a holiday beach and marina area:

sign at beach

Some botany:

Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
White Birch (Betula papyfifera)
Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
Mullein (Verbascum thapsis)
Cat-tail (Typha)
Missouri Willow (Salix eriocephala)
Highbush-cranberry (Viburnum opulus)
Autumn-olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)

NATURE POETRY

Thus wears the month along, in checker’d moods,
Sunshine and shadows, tempests loud, and calms;
One hour dies silent o’er the sleepy woods,
The next wakes loud with unexpected storms.          – John Clare (1793–1864)

Miles Hearn


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