Trumpeter Swans in Aurora, Visit To Harry Lumsden’s Pond

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 03:32:45 +0000

Sometimes I see Trumpeter Swans at the McKenzie Marsh and sometimes not. Once I was sitting with Matthew on the bench overlooking the marsh 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

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).

Beehives, You Will Not Find Them ON Town Facilities

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 05:12:09 +0000

I had to giggle. It was proposed and then defeated back in January. From the environmental perspective I think that was a very interesting proposal, that is to implement an initiative to place beehives on the roofs of municipal facilities.

Well, there is a reason for everything and there must have been one for David Tomlinson’s motion to place beehives on top of the town building.

I had to find reason for that motion, so I started to search. I searched, and searched and still am searching. The Auroran reported as well that there wasn’t a good reason for that. But we do know that honey bee population is declining, thus maybe David’s motion. I must agree that there are risks placing them on top of the building, not just the town building but any building in Aurora.

Beehives on Bayview Street, Aurora

On the other hand, I once read news released by the Toronto star about honey bee queens being blocked at the border. It was interesting to know that honey bees (queens) are being imported in Canada, especially in Alberta.

‘Alberta imports about 60,000 queens a year, at about $20 to $23 each. Queens lay between 1,500 to 2,000 eggs a day, so any delays have a “huge domino effect” … Source: Toronto Star Article

And it was interesting to know that the queens are imported to pollinate hybrid canola plant. Oh that is just slavery, especially knowing that canola oil is not good for anyone.

‘Of the 240,000 colonies in Alberta, about 60,000 are contracted out for hybrid canola seed production, he said. Renting a colony costs between $120 to $150 for a summer, he said. Once the seed is planted the wind takes care of pollination.‘ Source: Toronto Star Article

Want to know if we have beehives in Aurora? Just drive South on Bayview Street pass Wellington, on the East side. I always saw in my peripheral vision these white boxes when driving by until one day I stopped and realized they were beehives. Sooner or later I will find out more.

Community Fisheries, Just A Sign Beside The Beehives

Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » honey bees

Trumpeter Swans in Aurora, Visit To Harry Lumsden’s Pond

Beehives, You Will Not Find Them ON Town Facilities