Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Great Blue Heron https://livinginaurora.ca Living In Aurora Ontario Canada Mon, 13 Jan 2020 19:51:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.38 McKenzie Marsh Aurora Ontario Great Blue Herons Moved In, Cormorants Moved Out? https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/mckenzie-marsh-aurora-ontario-great-blue-herons-moved-in-cormorants-moved-out/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/mckenzie-marsh-aurora-ontario-great-blue-herons-moved-in-cormorants-moved-out/#comments Sat, 11 Aug 2012 02:16:43 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=8209 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

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/mckenzie-marsh-aurora-ontario-great-blue-herons-moved-in-cormorants-moved-out/feed/ 2 Trumpeter Swans in Aurora, Visit To Harry Lumsden’s Pond https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/trumpeter-swans-in-aurora-visit-to-harry-lumsdens-pond/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/trumpeter-swans-in-aurora-visit-to-harry-lumsdens-pond/#comments Wed, 06 Jun 2012 03:32:45 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=5930 and when I looked up there was a slow flying swan above us.

What a spectacular view that was. Okay just one swan, but still – I never seen a flying swan before. A tip then – don’t ever forget to look up – you will never know what will pass above by you.

Trumpeter Swans, Harry Lumsden's Pond


Trumpeter Swans, Harry Lumsden's Pond


Perhaps I could call Harry Lumsden and ask if I can come and photograph swans at his pond. I discovered about Mr. Lumsden and his connection to Trumpeter Swan restoration program when I read about his Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement (more than 25 years).

Trumpeter Swans, Harry Lumsden's Pond


I called Mr. Lumsden in May to schedule an appointment. To my surprise he asked me ‘Can you come now?‘. A piece of advice never call for visit around dinner time – you can be surprised as I was. I paused. ‘Can you come tomorrow?‘ – he asked again. ‘Okay, I can‘ – I replied. ‘Well then come anytime tomorrow. See you. Bey.‘ – he replied. ‘Yes I will see you tomorrow‘ – we concluded our short conversation.

Trumpeter Swans, Harry Lumsden's Pond


We arrived next day. That day was a beautiful day – clear blue sky and perfect not over exposed sun light. The green dense trees behind the pond set for the green water background. Reflection was perfect – I couldn’t ask for better light, photographer’s best friend.

Trumpeter Swans, Harry Lumsden's Pond


When we arrived Mr. Lumsden let us in on the property to look around and was back shortly after his first visitor left. He gave I and Matthew a quick tour and told me to get closer to the pond and away from the nets and feeders so I can get good photos of the swans without any obstructions.

Trumpeter Swans, Harry Lumsden's Pond


Taking photos of the swans was quite an experience. We saw one on the nest and few floating around. Mr. Lumsden mentioned that one was missing, probably the one we saw in the Atkinson wetland right across the McKenzie marsh. We also saw a duck with babies, lots of Canada Geese, Blue Jays and Grey Blue Heron flying above.

Trumpeter Swans, Harry Lumsden's Pond


We were also allowed to go and explore trails around the pond. Mr. Lumsden land is like a wildlife park. I really thought that it will be quick in and out visit, but we were there a good forty five minutes.

Trumpeter Swans, Harry Lumsden's Pond


Prior to visit and even now I did some reading about Harry Lumsden’s work. It is quite amazing what he did – including telling us during our visit that he dig all three ponds himself and transform them what can I say – to a swan pond in Aurora.

In some of the reports and newsletters I also came across references to the a movie called Winged Migration, a documentary on the migratory patterns of birds shot over the course of three years on all seven continents. I shall check with our local library in Aurora if they have a copy to watch, sounds like great movie for bird watching enthusiasts.

Trumpeter Swans, Harry Lumsden's Pond


Well not just birds that day. There were also beehives. This was my first time to see and to be that close to the beehive, and see honey bees in action.

Bee Hives, Harry Lumsden's Backyard


That was an amazing adventure seeing larger population of Trumpeter swans, meeting Harry Lumsden and exploring his backyard ponds. I am planning to go back for Doors Open Aurora 2012 and may be I will be able to photograph baby swans (cygnets).]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/trumpeter-swans-in-aurora-visit-to-harry-lumsdens-pond/feed/ 2 I Am The Lorax, I Stand To Recognize This Tree, The McKenzie Marsh Truffula Tree https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/i-am-the-lorax-i-stand-to-recognize-this-tree-the-mckenzie-marsh-truffula-tree/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/i-am-the-lorax-i-stand-to-recognize-this-tree-the-mckenzie-marsh-truffula-tree/#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:24:38 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=6159 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.

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/i-am-the-lorax-i-stand-to-recognize-this-tree-the-mckenzie-marsh-truffula-tree/feed/ 4 Wildlife Camouflaged, The Best Of First Observation Deck & Deceived https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/wildlife-camouflaged-the-best-of-first-observation-deck-deceived/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/wildlife-camouflaged-the-best-of-first-observation-deck-deceived/#comments Fri, 26 Aug 2011 03:42:51 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=3241 Fast, fast the flying Great Blue Heron! Over there, look over there!‘ – she directed me.

‘Here do you see Green Heron? Come here. Can you see him?‘ – she pointed out.

The Great Blue Heron landed on the tree behind the leaves and branches. No chance to take a single photo. For love of me I couldn’t see a single hopping Green Heron in the direction she showed me.

Green Heron


Now I had her back. ‘Matthew go, go fast tell the lady we found the Green Heron‘ – I told him. She came and we both started to take photos. She was very nice, moving away and letting me take photos from her spots.

She had much smaller camera. I felt bad, so I offer her my camera on which I had telescopic 100-400mm lens. The lens I have is like binoculars, you can zoom in on objects to see them closer. ‘I show you something‘ – she said as I was trying to hand over my camera. ‘Here look in my viewfinder‘, and I did.

A viewfinder? Who uses viewfinder to view photos these days. Obviously her. I looked inside. I couldn’t believe. Her Green Heron was closer than mine. ‘Ouch how did you do that?‘ – I asked surprised. Well, she had camera with lens extender and with her current lens she ended up with telescopic zoom, probably 500mm. And who said that the bigger is the better.

Killdeer


That was deceiving. Her too – she was a pro in everything, photography and wildlife. She was also right about looking through viewfinder. During bright day light it is hard to see pictures on the LCD view panel, which she obviously did not use.

Time passed, and I was still at the first observation deck. We drove today, so that was a short walk. But we had fun when we started to see all the camouflaged wildlife in the pond, the Green Heron, Killdeer and Sandpipers especially. The pond was abundant in Mallard and Wood ducks.

Sandpiper


Oh, no I just remembered -I have not seen Canada geese today.

So we were having a great conversation. We talked about wildlife and photography, and everything else. Looked like her main thing today was the Green Heron. I never had an opportunity to shoot Sandpiper, so this was my lucky day to get nice collection of close ups. He was hovering all over and looking for food. It was definitely a juvenile Sandpiper.

The Green Herons are much smaller than the Great Blue Herons. We saw them catching frogs and fishs for lunch. It is interesting to watch them fish, especially when they stretch their necks and do not move for periods of time. A very common characteristic. When the time comes, with a split of a second the herons dive their heads for whatever they were looking for.

Also, I don’t know why the would do that, but they like to perk up and all their feathers on the head stand up in the shape of Mohawk. They also have this amazing ability to sway their body side to side vertically from head to toe, just like a fish when swims. A very graceful movement.

Now speaking of ducks. They were everywhere. Speaking of turtles. They were everywhere. At some point I saw seven turtles (Red-Eared Sliders) surrounding one duck that was sitting near by.

Mallard


Matthew was hovering around the lady. Greeting everyone passing by. Talked to all the children that showed up at the deck. At some point Matthew was hovering around lady’s lunch box on her back, and I know why?

Mallard Again


We continued to talk. It was time for the introduction. ‘Matthew meet lady Patricia‘ – I said once we introduced ourselves to each other. ‘What do you have there?‘ – Matthew asked and pointed out to her bag. ‘It is a mint-chocolate candy‘ – she replied, and hand out one each. So this is why he was hovering around her bag. What happened to my shy boy? The small and shy boy he once was.

Yes, Mallard Again, But Why Not?


It was almost lunch time, and I was still at the first observation deck. More visitors arrived. At some point it must have been 10 of us standing, at least four groups. I can see that children do really enjoy this boardwalk, and they will for many years to come.

Pond's Architecture


By the time we left, the Great Blue Heron was gone and we didn’t even notice his departure. I never made beyond the first observation deck, but we had great time conversing with Patricia, observing wildlife together, photographing and socializing. It was one fun day today.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/wildlife-camouflaged-the-best-of-first-observation-deck-deceived/feed/ 1 Town of Aurora Section Of The Nokiidaa Trail Link Is Now Completed, A Strange Encounter https://livinginaurora.ca/nature/town-of-aurora-section-of-the-nokiidaa-trail-link-is-now-completed-a-strange-encounter/ https://livinginaurora.ca/nature/town-of-aurora-section-of-the-nokiidaa-trail-link-is-now-completed-a-strange-encounter/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 03:19:46 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=1985 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.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/nature/town-of-aurora-section-of-the-nokiidaa-trail-link-is-now-completed-a-strange-encounter/feed/ 0 McKenzie Marsh is Waking Up https://livinginaurora.ca/nature/mckenzie-marsh-is-waking-up/ https://livinginaurora.ca/nature/mckenzie-marsh-is-waking-up/#comments Fri, 08 Apr 2011 04:41:53 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=960 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.
]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/nature/mckenzie-marsh-is-waking-up/feed/ 0