Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Canada Goose

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

Wacky Weather TALK, I Am Leaving Its Too Cold Here

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:18:38 +0000

We have decided to take a small trip to the Nokiidaa Trail boardwalk on the St. John’s sideroad today. We couldn’t believe how cold and windy it was. When we sat on one of the benches, I think I felt the boardwalk moving. Our fingers almost froze, and we both wore gloves.

What a change from last week’s temperatures? Not spring but hot summer like temperatures. My almost four year old Matthew had a blast, but for love of me I couldn’t make him wear shorts. He told me: ‘Mommy they are too short and other children will laugh at me‘.

So today on the boardwalk during this cold windy day he was happy to wear his winter jacket, a scarf and the gloves, and sitting on the bench we overheard the Canada Goose talking.

‘I told you it was too early too come to Aurora‘ – one goose yelling on the other one.

‘How I am supposed to know that, beside stop yelling at me my head is frozen‘ – the partner goose replied.

‘And what are you looking at. You are not helping shooting at us‘ – the yelling goose looked in our direction.

‘I think you are darn funny yelling‘ – I replied.

‘Oh I had it enough. I am leaving. Coming back to Florida with me my darling?‘ – yelling goose took off.

‘Yes, yes, but we have to be back in Aurora next year. There is always a lot going on here and we shouldn’t be missing it.‘ – the partner goose replied.

Town of Aurora Section Of The Nokiidaa Trail Link Is Now Completed, A Strange Encounter

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 03:19:46 +0000

The fence is down and access is finally granted after many months of a hard work. Without any notice, last weekend the boardwalk trail link was opened to public. The Nokiidaa Trail link is semi-officially now linking the St. John’s Sideroad boardwalk to the Tim Taylor Newmarket trail, and of course completes the Town of Aurora section of the Nokiidaa Trail.

Did I miss the ribbon cutting ceremony? There are probably small details still on the go for the boardwalk to be complete, so may be the ceremony is still coming in the near future. I requested the grand opening information from the Town of Aurora blog, but I have not received any response yet. It is awfully quiet there, and I mean it.

Boardwalk Observation Deck

I have decided to investigate on Monday, and it was worth going there despite a long walk and heat from the sun. Once on the boardwalk, I noticed how nice it was to be away from the road – it was quite. The road noise on the McKenzie Marsh boardwalk on the St. John’s sideroad is unbelievable, especially around the lunch time. Not just for my benefit, but for the environment sake, I think people should start bringing lunches to work.

Fallen Trees

The boardwalk is also very close to the water. I didn’t notice if there was any passage under, but there must be. However, if we get heavy rainfall, I wonder how will that affect the area and the boardwalk. From what I understand there was some kind of environmental study done on the construction of this trail link, thus the reason for current design of the boardwalk. I am sure that nothing got overlooked.

Feather Art

I am not sure what to call it – a wetland, swamp or pond. However, some interesting things to notice – a lot of dead and fallen trees. In addition, the water is fully covered with Duckweed, making the sight seeing very green. Kind of spooky with all the dead trees sticking out. However, dead trees are good for birds to perch on and good for us photographers, at least we can see them.

Canada Goose, Bath Time

Despite of all the construction activity going on in the past few months, the life around the boardwalk seems well adapted, especially the Canada Geese and Great Blue Herons. The Canada Geese participated in the construction of the boardwalk from the minute the first posts went into the water, and now they are enjoying taking a bath. Great Blue Herons enjoy perching on the dead trees and they probably like it a lot because they are closer to the water so they can fish.

Great Blue Heron, Almost Cameoflaged

That day I think I did more socializing than taking pictures. I met nice gentleman who also is into photography, similar equipment and much better than mine. We talked a lot about birding and different places to spot new species. Well, now I know that I don’t have to go far to find new birds. Our conversation was slightly interrupted by lady who fell off the bike few meters away from us. She gave us a hand sign of being okay.

More Boardwalk

Now, you think that our adventure stopped here. No, not yet. At some point a lady biked by us and commented – ‘It is like in the Louisiana‘. I don’t know why, never been there so cannot confirm. I continued to take pictures when a man passed by us. He was wearing hood on his head. It was almost mid day and it was hot – so I guess any head protection helped. Matthew waved at him and said Hi. The man looked down at him and kindly nodded his head. He was going towards St. John’s sideroad. The Louisiana lady was biking back. She stopped and this is when I started to grow goose bumps on my body.

A Strange Encounter

‘If I were you, I watch out for this man.’ – she said.
‘Yes, he is kind of strange looking.’ – I replied.
‘Take a picture of him.’ – she said noticing my equipment in the wagon.
‘May be stay closer to the road, where people are.’ – she continued.

We both looked in his direction. He stopped at the St. John’s sideroad and turned around. We kept looking at him for few seconds. We both stayed silent and my heart started to pound. I looked around, there is no single soul when you needed, just me, my Matthew and her, and of course the man was now heading in our direction.

My imagination went wild. ‘May be …’ – I started to tell her what I was going to do just in case, but nah. I kept thinking, this is my opportunity to use some of my martial art moves, a kick, a punch, the famous flying spinning kick I could never do. My head was full of crazy maneuvers, may be its time to use dragon style. Or not, I liked snake. Or why not monkey, anyone can do monkey. I was getting ready, I was indestructible. I was a champion. Bruce Lee will be proud, proud, proud of me.

‘Are you okay?‘ – she interrupted my moment.
‘Yes, I think so.’ – I said.
‘Do you want me to walk you to the end of boardwalk?‘ – she asked.
‘How nice of you to offer.’ – I acknowledged.
‘No I will be okay.’ – I replied.
‘And which way you going.’ – I asked.
‘Towards Newmarket.’ – she replied.
‘Okay then, I think I will be okay.’ – I said it, and she biked away.

The man passed by us again right after the lady left. Matthew greeted him again, he smiled again and we moved on. There was nothing to be scared of at all, but it really does take two people to blow things out of proportion. I did not get to use my moves, but that is completely fine, because I have not practiced for many years. I don’t even know if I can kick or punch at all.

The gentleman who talked about birds came back, and I shot some more pictures of birds, this time a Killdeer. No, no body kill the deer. The name is related to the call of the bird – I couldn’t hear it, but if you listen I think their call is kill deer. They are very friendly, just like sea gulls, and very interesting to watch.

Killdeer

I wish everyone enjoyable time on the newly constructed Nokiidaa Trail Link and don’t let your imagination to run wild as mine did otherwise you will never get to the other side. I will be back to see the rest.

Road Kill? Not This Time Turtle

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 28 May 2011 20:39:33 +0000

Last Friday we walked to the McKenzie Marsh. It was late in the afternoon, but still sunny and bright. When we got closer to the boardwalk we spotted a turtle heading for the road. This is a second time I am seeing a turtle trying to cross the road, or St. John’s sideroad.

It was a red-eared slider. There are many of them in our pond and sometimes when you look over the railing down on the tree roots you can see a line of them basking on the sun.

Red-Eared Slider, McKenzie Marsh, Town of Aurora

Well, I wasn’t ready too see casualty that night, so I picked him up and carried over back to the pond. If he was on the mission, his mission ended back home. ‘Too bad turtle, may be you hate your parents or your pond, but I tell you it is better than being a road kill‘. The very first turtle I saved was a baby snapping turtle.

Since I used to have the red-slider turtle as a pet, I thought I save you a trip to the wiki and list few interesting facts about him.

Facts About Red-Eared Slider Turtle

A meaningful name. Red-eared sliders get their name from the distinctive red mark around their ears. The “slider” part of their name comes from their ability to slide off rocks and logs and into the water quickly.

Aha. Contrary to the popular misconception, red-eared sliders do not have saliva. They, like most aquatic turtles, have fixed tongues, so they must eat their food in water.

Something I did not know. Reptiles do not hibernate, but actually brumate, becoming less active, but occasionally rising for food or water. Brumation can occur in varying degrees. Red-eared sliders brumate over the winter at the bottom of ponds or shallow lakes; they become inactive, generally, in October, when temperatures fall below 10 °C (50 °F).

So that is why he always moved around. Red-eared sliders kept captive indoors should not brumate.

Nature is wonderful. A new hatchling turtles breaks open its eggs with its egg-tooth, which falls out about an hour after hatching. This egg tooth never grows back.

A pet. The red-eared slider, often sold cheaply, is the most common type of water turtle kept as pets. As with other turtles, tortoises and box turtles, individuals that survive their first year or two can be expected to live almost as long as their owners. Individuals of this species have lived at least 35 years in captivity.

We used to have this turtle as a pet as I mentioned. I remember how we lost him for few days on the yard. He wondered away. We thought we will never see him again. Three days later my mother heard children yelling ‘Look a turtle, a turtle‘, with excitement on her face (stuck in my face forever) she ran out and grabbed him and said ‘He is ours‘.

On the side note if you decide to lean over to look for the basking turtles on your next trip to the pond you may want to be cautious. There are many Canada geese nesting very close to the boardwalk. The male is very protective and it will hiss if you get too close. They like to stand on the railing.

Hissing Canada Goose, McKenzie Marsh, Town of Aurora

McKenzie Marsh is Waking Up

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 04:41:53 +0000

It was two hour trip back and forth to the McKenzie Marsh boardwalk. The spring is finally here. The pond was filled with all kinds of animals and birds. In this single trip I noted arrival of the Great Blue Heron. The Canada Geese been here for a while, as well as the Red Wing Black Birds. Hawks were hovering above. I guess it was warm enough, and the heat always helps for them to glide in the air better. The seagulls were flying back and forth. I have not seen Killdeer today, but they are definitely here. I also photographed new duck in town. It is kind of hard to identify from the photo I took (wasn’t that good), but I think it is Ring-Necked Duck. This will be a new addition to my birding collection this week. Two new species in one month spotted – the year is starting to look promising.

In terms of activities in the marsh. For the new boardwalk the work is in progress. On the existing boardwalk, Canada Geese are starting to preoccupy it. I have a feeling that this year again, second year in the row, we will have lot of Canada Geese here. I recommend that drivers are careful in this area, as there will be lot of geese crossing. If you happen to be in the area, you will also note nests everywhere, and they are very protective of the nesting areas too. As you can see on the photo, muskrat was just passing by, but the goose was already telling him to go away.

Canada Goose and Muskrat, McKenzie Marsh

Muskrats are such a nice little creatures, and the way they manipulate food in their hands is always amazing to observe. For some reason, they always remind me a raccoon.

It was warm enough that even insects were out – flies and spiders. Not the best combination for them to be together.

Matthew is such a little trooper, he was walking with me all this time. He always finds himself preoccupied. Usually he collects branches and stones to throw into the water. At some point he collected so much, that I had to carry them too.

Aurora Waking Up To Singing Birds

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 04:55:05 +0000

It was kind of moody Monday spring morning, yet the second I came out from the house, I heard them. Birds didn’t care about the moody day, they were signing away. It reminded me bird park in Singapore which I visited few years ago. The temperature there and here is a different story. The birds are definitely back despite little cold temperatures.

We walked to the little nature spot or bird sanctuary I call, behind the Pinnacle Trail adjacent to the St. Andrew’s Golf Course. I am not sure to whom this piece of semi wetland belongs to (probably to golf course), but it is definitely abundant in many birds and has small water reservoir for nesting. When we (myself and my three year old son) got there, we saw Canada Geese flying back and forth over the St. Andrew’s Golf Course. A couple of geese were already sitting in the pond hovering around the nest which was probably built last year or a year before. I have a feeling that they may be pests this year too. I remember last year, they invaded the McKenzie Marsh boardwalk as I refrained from visiting because of that; and there was no poop scooping there.

Canada Goose Flying Towards the St. Andrew's Golf Course

The Red Wing Black Birds definitely telling us they are here. Chickadees and Junco’s are still hanging around – they are usually seen during the winter time. Starlings actively searching for food in the dead grass around the wet land. The Red Cardinal is singing away. Second time in the row I am seeing up in the sky a crow attacking hawk (see home page photo). The seagulls very high in the sky flying back and forth between ponds. Not to mention the Morning Doves blending with the ground and trees. In this time of the year they blend perfectly with the spring’s earthly shades. If you enjoy nature, you will definitely enjoy observing new arrivals and listening to those amazing sounds.

We arrived to photograph birds, but not having good light and birds being far away, I was enjoying looking at them with my naked eye, and some times I used my lens as one ‘eye piece binocular’. But at some point something sparked the geese to take off from the pond. They were screaming at each other very loud. I guess we are not the only species that argue. While they were flying away I shot some photos, but everything happened so fast, the light wasn’t good and I was moving my lens with the birds – I wasn’t expecting anything good. When I reviewed these photos, to my surprise they ended up looking very artistic and worth showing off. Sometimes things don’t work out the way we want them too, but but much better.