Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Wildlife

McKenzie Marsh Aurora Ontario Great Blue Herons Moved In, Cormorants Moved Out?

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 02:16:43 +0000

For some time now I have stopped walking to the McKenzie Marsh boardwalk on the St. John’s sideroad. We never make it as Matthew prefers the community Arboretum, entrance on the intersection of Industrial Parkway and St. John’s. I don’t blame him – on the way home we visit three playgrounds – at the Optimist Park, Northern Lights Public School and Thompson Park.

However, that one day when we did go to McKenzie Marsh we encountered many Great Blue Herons. Firstly, they were flying around as something was about to happen. It was close to the lunch – so may be it was their hunger flight. They were setting themselves up, at least five of them.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora

One heron flew very close to the boardwalk and stood on the dead tree roots, usually where the red-ear slider turtles are found. I took many pictures of the heron and he didn’t mind. I am assuming that with so many photographers now visiting the boardwalk and even the constant traffic noise from the road, herons are adapting.

Many other birds flew over the body of water, but that day the herons were definitely dominating the McKenzie Marsh. And I was glad. Sometimes it is nice to have one species around so I can observe them closely.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora

In the past, we used to have an interesting crowd of the cormorants, but looks like the population of them declined over the years. They mainly occupied the landmark tree on the East side of the boardwalk. They are still around. I saw two on the tree the other day, but this is nothing compare to seeing about fifteen of them.

The cormorants are interesting birds, not to mention they are also invasive. I am sure that now with less of them hanging around the Great Blue Herons are having a blast. They can now hang out on the landmark tree.

However, on this side of the McKenzie Marsh I have never seen a cluster of them. Herons always like to sit by themselves scattered in all directions. One somewhere on the back of the marsh, one sitting on the landmark tree, the other one on the stump, then one hiding on the willow tree across and of course this one on the pictures fishing very near to the boardwalk.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora

Beside Great Blue Herons as always there were Canada Geese and ducks. Seagulls were flying over. Mind you I miss the Caspian Terns. They usually fish on the South side of the St. John’s (Atkinson Wetland). They can be mistaken for seagulls. Look for the distinct red beak and interesting fishing technique.

Great Blue Heron, McKenzie Marsh, Aurora

Coyote Sighting, Hamilton Park Near Playground On Pinnacle Trail

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:15:15 +0000

It was kind of ironic that just yesterday for some reason I was thinking about the coyotes. It warmed up and we decided to go for a long walk. We walked from home all the way to the Arboretum entrance on Industrial Parkway.

Industrial Parkway, Community Arboretum

We walked the trail and walked out on the Somerton Ct and then headed for the playground at the Thompson Park. We usually walk all the way to the Optimist Park, but then thinking about the coyote made me cut our trail walk short.

Did coyote hear me?

Perhaps.

Today around eleven we were walking on the Pinnacle Trail. It was us, a caregiver with three children and other couple walking. Matthew with other little boy was running ahead of us.

At some point when we were calling them to get back to us – this dog came out from the Hamilton Park (soccer field) right onto Pinnacle Trail and headed West towards St. Andrew’s Golf Course. He was at least five houses away from us. When I walked up to the playground he was already gone.

Coyote Came Out From Here

At first I thought, oh no not another dog off the leash. But then it did not look like a dog. It did not walk like a dog. It was on the mission. It was definitely a coyote, and a good size coyote too – tall and slender. He crossed the road and walked on the sidewalk, definitely passed by the playground unnoticed.

Playground at the Hamilton Park, Pinnacle Trail

Later walking on the Rush Road we found garbage mess. We thought may be he was looking for the food – they always do. I think these sightings will be more common especially with all all the loose rabbits and chipmunks hanging out in our subdivision on our front and back yards.

Now message to all the parents – don’t loose sight of your child on the playground. The play structure can block your view. Stay with your child all the time especially in the areas where there is a lot of open park land and trees.

This was my second sighting of the coyote in the Hamilton Park. First time I was actually at the soccer field when I saw one snooping around on the other side. I don’t know how much we can do about the wildlife around us, but do keep your eyes open around you and watch your small children.

Sorry no picture – I wasn’t fast enough. It is usually the shock of the unexpected slows me down getting my camera. Not to mention safety is always first and we had two children ahead of us.

I Am The Lorax, I Stand To Recognize This Tree, The McKenzie Marsh Truffula Tree

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:24:38 +0000

I strongly recommend reading The Lorax book by Dr. Seuss (guaranteed that it will take you about ten minutes to read) or even better seeing a movie recently released that I saw. It was that one day when I read Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss that I decided to read ALL of Seuss’s books.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, July 2007

It was few months ago that I coincidentally found a copy of The Lorax book in our local Aurora Public Library. I was amazed and very supportive of Dr. Seuss’s environmental literary piece which he published in 1971. Now, I am also a proud owner of the book. Okay, okay, Matthew is..

McKenzie Marsh Tree, July 2007

I also read last week’s Weekly Notice Board and under the Public Notice I read the Have Your Say! Tree Protection Bylaw. They asked and here is my Say! And may be little out of context, but I want to speak for the trees, dead or alive.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, July 2007

Trees clean the air. Trees give us free cooling, that is shade. Trees enhance our neighborhood look. Trees provide food, yes apples grow on trees. Trees provide habitat for wildlife and attract nature’s best flying creatures, the birds. Okay, I am getting carried away; however, that must be enough reasons to stand by the trees.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, July 2007

So I read the TOWN OF AURORA GENERAL COMMITTEE Approval of Tree Protection By-law dated January 17, 2012 (watch out the link is for PDF file).

I itched and itched to comment on few paragraphs.

‘The online survey was completed by 100 respondents. This could be considered a relatively low participation rate and not indicative of community-wide public opinion, given Aurora’s gross population of over 52,000; however, staff was advised by our Communication Department, who assisted in the survey, that this survey was among the highest in participation of any previously conducted survey.‘

I did not participated in the survey. A one hundred people responded to surveys – a good enough number, I think. Other, over 51,100, did not participated because: many don’t have trees, many of them are children, and some just don’t bother.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, April 2011

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Great Blue Heron, August 2006

‘The current by-law provides for an exemption to golf courses. In reviewing the public survey results and other municipal trees by-laws, the By-law Review Committee sees a need to regulate the cutting of trees on golf course properties; however, the Committee also believes that golf course owners need a level of flexibility to be able to manage their business needs.‘

Oh that clause to exempt the golf courses bothers me. ‘… a level of flexibility to be able to manage their business needs‘ – why not be then in the forestry business.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Great Blue Heron, July 2007

‘Under the current by-law there are no applicable minimum/maximum fines for a first offence. The revised by-law now provides for a minimum fine of $500.00 on a first offence and a maximum fine for any offence of $100,000.00.‘

Yes, the town by-law enforcement officer (I don’t even know if we have one?) has difficulty to charge a dog owner for having a dog off the leash or for not picking up after the dog; do you really think that they will charge someone for cutting a tree. Or may be they will?

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Green Heron, July 2007

“Mister!” he said with a sawdusty sneeze, “I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. – The Lorax, Dr. Seuss.

So what really I wanted to talk about is the McKenzie Marsh landmark tree. No doubt it is dead but it has been indirectly alive and a great perching place for many marsh birds as you can see on all the photographs here taken over many years. I took many pictures over the years and yet found that every year I got a new surprise perching on this tree.

Once heavily preoccupied by Cormorants, the Gray Blue Herons stepped back. Since 2006 the cormorant population slowly declined in the pond and the tree space is often equally shared with herons, osprey and all other smaller bird species.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Osprey, May 2011

And yet I think we know very little about the tree. What kind of tree? How old is the tree? When did it die? Well today I stand to recognize the McKenzie Marsh landmark tree of which I/we know a very little about.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Trumpeter Swan & Mallards, August 2007

I will not be surprised that there is someone who knows a lot more about the tree, that is today still standing, strong and on duty protected by the marsh water.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Northern Flicker, June 2007

Yes, and the real point? The point is that we just need more trees in addition to what we have. We need to protect the trees, by-law or no by-law. As mentioned above they are good in many ways. They are good when cut, but better when alive.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Red Wing Black Bird Females, August 2007

Trees are not only cut at the golf courses, they are cut when new subdivisions are being build. Mature and healthy trees can live for a long time, yet we shred them to nothing. Best example, South East corner of Bayview and St. John’s sideroad. I was so used to this treed corner that since their removal I keep missing the intersection.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Cormorants, August 2007

Having said all that, did you know that you can get great deal of experience and a tree deal for participating in Backyard Tree Planing Program?

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Cormorants, May 2011

‘The Backyard Tree Planting Program is a partnership involving Aurora, York Region and LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests).

Through a full-service Backyard Tree Planting Program, a LEAF arborist meets with the participant in their backyard to select the best species and location. They teach the homeowner proper tree care and the benefits of trees. LEAF staff will return to plant the trees in spring or fall. The cost of this program ranges from $150-200 per tree (and this amount includes the consultation, tree, and planting service).

The Do-It-Yourself Program, participants complete an online workshop (education portion) and receive email advice on species selection from a LEAF arborist, picks up their tree in the spring or fall from a community event, and then plants the tree themselves. The cost for this program ranges from $25-$35 for small trees (for pick up) to $100-$150 for large trees (for delivery)‘.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Cormorants, October 2006

And regardless of the price you can participate in the Commemorative Tree Program in the Arboretum.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, July 2007

Even better, try not to cut the tree.

Wildlife Park In Aurora, Yes, Yes, We Must Have One

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:46:55 +0000

I was behind with my newspaper reading this week. It was last night that I finally took the Thursday The Banner/The Era roll of papers from February 2nd and started to look through.

After scanning and finally reading something interesting ‘Town seeks plan for wildlife park‘ by Jeremy Grimaldi, I thought what a wonderful great amazing thoughtful idea and we are one step closer after council approved spending over $200,000 to create the master plan for the wildlife site.

Downy Woodpecker, Nokiidaa Trail Boardwalk

A wildlife park site in Aurora. Just another reason for me not to move, however, I never had any intentions to move in the first place and what would just happened to my blog – so no.

Praying Mantis, Nokiidaa Trail Boardwalk

Provided the location of the proposed wildlife site, north of Wellington Street, between Bayview Avenue and Leslie Street, I looked up the Google map to see where would the block of 100 acres be. It is a stretch of land that looking from the top view it has a nice mix of wetlands, woodlands and grasslands. According to David Tomlinson this combination is a great mix to create an urban nature reserve.

Grass Species, Nokiidaa Trail Boardwalk

The Google map is probably outdated by now (it was at the time Longo’s plaza was constructed) so I must one day see the site for myself. The trees are probably much bigger and probably more overgrown.

While reading, I am also impressed with Mr. Tomlinson’s work in that area – logging the species. Witnessing 150 bird species at the site, and 75 nesting. However, I recall him writing before in the Auroran that we have 100 bird species in Aurora. Well they come and go, like that Pelican that flew over Aurora many moons ago.

My birding list would really improve if I was able to witness this number too. My list is over 110 bird species, but I cheated a bid because I added many birds in captivity I saw at the Jurong Bird Park in Singapore. Someone told me that it doesn’t count and this someone is probably right.

Mushrooms or Fungi, Case Woodlot

So what is in the master plan that excite me? ‘The master plan will include a proposal for bird watching towers, an educational centre (aha may be Petch house?) and trails through parts of the site.’ – The Banner reported.

Can we ask for more here in Aurora? I don’t think so, but may be few more wildlife parks after that. We just have to get one going.

Coyotes Back In Aurora, February Start Of The Mating Season, Happy Valentines

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:56:00 +0000

I have been deliberating – got no pictures of coyotes, have seen couple and no body is emphasizing that coyote mating season starts in February. I doubt they are looking for a dog companion perhaps more like food for Valentine’s dinner.

Yes I have been deliberating if I should write few things that I have on my mind about coyotes – everyone else did it including politicians.

So I have seen two coyotes.

St. Andrew's Golf Course

Not this year. But last year I saw one crossing Vandorf (common in that area).

Then few months later the second coyote I saw was in the Hamilton Park soccer field (near St. John’s sideroad). That day on the opposite side of the field I spotted unleashed dog sniffing around.

I don’t trust unleashed dogs, so myself and Matthew decided to head home. I know I turned few times behind me and there was no sign of any dog owner, just that one dog. He looked like Husky from far away. It hit me later.

Just Husky Dog In The Dog Leash Free Park, Industrial Parkway

My neighbour once told me (3-4 years ago) that five or six coyotes have been killed in that same area, Hamilton Park soccer field. There was no publicity for that event. The same neightbour told me that she many times heard howling at night, but then it went away. I guess her killing story was correct.

Few weeks ago, my other neighbour couple of times saw coyotes coming out the St. Andrew’s Golf Course. I guess no body is golfing now so they have place for themselves to hunt. That one time the coyotes face was all bloody – she told me.

I understand that food chain is important, but I prefer vegetarian animals over the meat eating coyotes. Oh just the image of the poor rabbit being eaten. Oh, on other note my backyard rabbit is also missing.

Community Arboretum, Coyotes On The Map

My thoughts.

What can we do? Do not kill and do not relocate, and do not feed. Stay alert and educate yourself. The bottom line is that coyotes always will be in our area and there is nothing we can do beside to be alert and to be cautious.

Do I like it? No, not one bit, but this is not any different than having a giant dog off the leash running around the neighbourhood. So may be this is a wake up call for dog owners to keep dogs on the leash at all times.

Now that we have all this attention going on in our town about coyotes I thought that we may need a map of coyotes sightings. That will be a very useful page that can be added to any of the Town of Aurora printed materials released to the public.

Sunday Break, Are You My Shadow? Aurora Skies

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 06:00:08 +0000

Sunday photo showcase. All posts titled Sunday Break are photo(s) only and a quote. Posted photos may not be necessary the most current one and as always it is all about Town of Aurora. Enjoy!

Hawk & Crow, Aurora Skies

‘We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.’ ~ Buddha (Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.)

White Breasted Nuthatch, Found At The Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:20:44 +0000

I saw this tiny White Breasted Nuthatch [Sitta carolinensis] for the first time many years ago, probably 5 years ago at the Roger’s Reservoir. The photo wasn’t the best as I was shooting across the river, but it made my birding list.

White-Breasted Nuthatch, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

While wondering at the Sheppard’s Bush couple of days ago I spotted couple of them at the entrance flying from tree to tree and then diving for few seeds. The nuthatch photo success is thanks to someone who spread seeds at the both information booths at the entrance to the Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area.

There were chickadees and morning doves as well, but I already have complete photo collection of them. Chickadees were flying unusually fast and by the time I adjusted my camera I was taking pictures of seeds only. That was probably the squirrel effect.

The interesting part about the Nuthatch bird species was that they were actually climbing or bird walking on the side of the tree trunks, similar to the woodpeckers.

I am glad that I was able to get a very good close up photo this time. Small birds are so adorable.

Black Squirrels, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

Where there are seeds there will be squirrels. I know from experience having my own bird feeder on the back. The squirrels kept the birds away most of the time. Note on the photo how furry the squirrels are during the winter. They definitely need that kind of fur for cold winter days – and I could use some too.

Pileated Woodpecker, Wow Still Around

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 04:11:39 +0000

It must have been five years since I saw the Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) in the area where the bridge is connecting the Aurora Nokiidaa trail link with Newmarket.

This is exactly in the same area when I photographed a glimpse of him that many years ago. Then I had to venture out to the deep grass and bushes and to only snap a very blurred photo. This time I had little more luck.

I am not sure if it is the same woodpecker from that time but same species for sure. The Pileated Woodpecker is double or even tripple the size compared to the Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), a more common woodpecker species around.

Pileated Woodpecker, Nokiidaa Trail Link

Now that we have a bridge on the Nokiidaa Trail link it is much easier to spot them, especially during fall, as there are no leaves to hide them.

According to the bird book my photo shows female Pileated Woodpecker. For the bird enthusiasts I found him on my right side of the bridge facing North. To see the woodpecker binoculars will help. I shot this photo at 400 mm focal length and it still seems like far away.

Yellow Rumped Warbler, Dived For Shelter, Oops

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:11:56 +0000

We were having our breakfast when a bird flew into my garden. I wanted to see what kind it was. It was a small bird, and definitely it was not a chickadee. I got up and started to move towards the patio door to investigate further, but then suddenly – BANG.

The same bird flew out from the tree and bang to the glass in the patio door. I jumped with the bang. Okay I screamed too.

The bird landed just in front of the door and looked dead. I for sure thought he did not survive the collision. But then the spread-out wings started to fold under. He was moving. Oh thank God he was alive. Definitely he was shocked.

Yellow-Rumped Warbler

I observed for a while. He was sitting on his little feet but he was very motionless. Eyes closed. I started to have doubts. As later I identified, it was the Yellow-Rumped Warbler and definitely juvenile. I couldn’t tell if he was injured or not.

I waited few more minutes.

I really don’t like to bring wildlife to the house and have as a pet. The reality is wildlife has its own way of survival and we have our own issues. I like to keep them separated.

I prepared a small warm container with some tissue just in case. I was going to place him there and put him somewhere in the backyard, invisible from other predators. I gently poked him before placing him in the box just to ensure he was not injured.

To my disbelief he flew to the tree. I was relieved. The warbler was all good.

Later as I continued with my breakfast I heard him singing. I was even more relieved.

Yellow-Rumped Warbler

I also heard crows. This made me investigate further. I went outside I walked to the tree to see what did the warbler see in my patio door. He was still there, sitting quietly on the branch hiding.

Collecting all my information I came out with this.

The crows are known to eat baby birds. The Yellow-Rumped Warbler was a definitely a juvenile seeking shelter from crows. The fact that I heard them proves this theory.

When I looked at my patio door I saw reflection of the trees. I also saw my fridge handle that strongly resembled a hole in the tree. So when the warbler landed on the real tree he thought he saw a tree hole in my patio door and dive to hide. Unfortunately, it wasn’t so he banged and got shaken up.

It was his lucky day though, he escaped from crows and survived the collision.

Where Did All The Turtles Go? Autumn, Nature’s Accents & Abstract

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:45:35 +0000

Last week I read a story about the 30 lb turtle that was saved in Aurora by the Hadley Grange residents and the police. I never thought that our pond would have something that big.

I saved one may be that was less than 8 ounces. Having ponds near by roads it always will be an issue with animal crossings. I am glad that story had a happy ending after all.

So where were all the turtles today, the usual Red-Eared Sliders? We have not seen even one on the Nokiidaa Trail link boardwalk today. Day care children were looking for them, and could not find them. An older woman mentioned the turtles. No sight of them. We looked for them too on the way in and on the way back and there were none.

Children Looking for Red-Eared Slider Turtles

So where are the turtles, I am asking again? It was a nice sunny and warm day today. Usually they sit on the dead wood logs in the pond, but this time there were none. Well, I don’t have the answer. May be they are getting ready to hibernate.

What a beautiful day turned out to be after all despite the missing turtles. I am sure turtles will be back.

We got to observe other things. There were lot of birds, however, there are still substantial amount of leaves on the trees thus hard to spot them. Ducks were very loud and flying over the boardwalk.

The sky was perfect blue and the occasional clouds thus the occasional overcast created prefect environment for some good photography.

I don’t always have good days, but today was exceptional.

I like autumn photography the most just because of a broad spectrum of colors and earthy tones. I love the winding down and aging aspect of the nature. Very calming.

On the other note, remember it is also a flu season. Getting out on the sun, moderate fresh air and drinking lot of fluids is our way to deal with colds and flues.

A Sneeze

I mentioned my successful photographic adventure and it would be a shame not to share it. Have fun with the titles and imagination. Click on the image to proceed. Enjoy.