My grandfather often took me to Lynde Shores which, in those days, was named Levay’s Woods after the Levay family who owned a cottage on Lake Ontario in the area.

At times, he would bring his University of Toronto graduate students here to study the courting and nesting of birds. From my early age he taught me the names of the plants and trees as well as how to recognize the songs of the birds who frequent here in spring.

Over time, the area has become a haven for birders.

Generally it is difficult to get close to Blue Jays but not here as generations have become used to feeding from the many feeders which are constantly stocked by visitors.

Other birds:

Squirrels:

MAILBOX

Hi Miles, isn’t this amazing?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/10/wild-bison-to-return-to-uk-kent

NATURE POETRY

The holly! the holly! oh, twine it with bay—
Come give the holly a song;
For it helps to drive stern winter away,
With his garment so sombre and long.         – Eliza Cook (1818–89)

Miles Hearn