Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Nokiidaa Trail

First Day Of Fall At Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Geometric Views

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:33:47 +0000

I tell you there is a lot of geometry at the Nokiidaa Trail link boardwalk. Yes the official name is the Nokiidaa Trail boardwalk and not McKenzie Marsh. McKenzie Marsh is the pond on the other boardwalk along the St. John’s sideroad, North side. On the South side you will find Atkinson Park Wetland.

It was first day of fall and I went out around 5 pm to take some evening shots. To my surprise I wasn’t the only one. There were few other photographers along with people going for a walk or a bike ride. Speaking of bikes people continue to ignore the sign telling them to dismount the bike.

For today just enjoy the ride. It is really getting cold and it wasn’t warm either on the first day of fall.

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Looking East

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Looking West

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Looking South

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Approaching Biker

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Almost Looking North

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, A Runner

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, A Dead Tree

No Motorized Vehicles On The Boardwalk, By Default

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 04:35:40 +0000

I usually do not complain but if I get a small evidence on camera – why not? What does it take to follow the rules? They are not trivial at all.

I think by now you may know that my biggest issue here in Aurora is the failure to obey the rules; but no worries I am not planning to move out.

We do have a sign for almost everything. ‘No Dumping‘ sign with a pile of dump is a classic. No idling cars sign must be new because I saw lady idling her car in front of the Aurora Public Library for over five minutes. Sometimes I wonder if she ever knew that she can play her music in the car and draw radio power from the battery only.

In the same area myself and Matthew once smelled a cigarette smoke. I still laugh at his innocent comment, ‘Mom who is BBQing the chicken?‘.

Walking with Bikes, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora

When Nokiidaa Trail Link boardwalk off St. John’s sideroad was first installed all kinds of things were permitted. Feeding ducks and biking were the two famous one. Then with time the ‘no feeding ducks‘ sign was placed on the railing which in a matter of small time faded due to the UV sunlight.

Walking with a Bike, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora

Recently, swinging gates were installed telling bicycle riders to dismount their bikes and walk on the boardwalk. One cannot miss the sign and yet everyone is still biking on the boardwalk. I just do not understand how can you not see a sign that is practically in front of the biker’s face?

But that one day, couple of weeks ago, I don’t know what happened. People were obeying the rules. Everyone that passed by me was pushing bicycle beside them. Now figure that out. Why suddenly such a change? I don’t know. May be because one of the gates on the north side of the boardwalk was missing.

Another explanation is that I had my DSLR camera with telephoto lens attached. A paranoia of being captured on photo is another theory.

Walking with Bikes, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora

I was happy to see that something worked and it was nice to see different age groups to follow the rules.

Until another day, this man had to ruin my hope, my excitement and my faith in the Aurora people – he decided to ride his motorcycle on the boardwalk. Or may be he is not from Aurora. Still it will not make me feel any better.

Motorized Vehicle on the Boardwalk, Nokiidaa Trail Link, Aurora

I went back to my older photographs and the sign said – oh no he is permitted to ride his motorcycle. The sign says nothing about motorized vehicles. But I think motorized vehicles are not permitted in the parks by default.

Notice to Trail Users Sign, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora

Well there are other things in Aurora that by default are not permitted. A pile of mulch or wood chips was placed on the parking lot near the Fleury Park. While watching Matthew having fun at the play-ball class Saturday morning I spotted this young boy climbing this pile of mulch.

I felt much better when I noticed that the whole action was supervised by the parent. This was quite an ironic site.

Parent Supervised Climb, Fleury Park, 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.

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.

Black Widow Spider Found In A Bag Full Of Grapes, And Free To Good Home, Dahhh

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:45:03 +0000

Few nights ago I was watching the CP24 news about the Black Widow spider that was found in a bag of grapes. This is not a first time I heard that. So they talked about this and that about the spider.

Fall Spiders, Tim Taylor Trail

In the concluding remark of this breaking news it was implied by the news anchor that the owner is looking to find a good home.

What the Wack! A home for the Black Widow spider! Give me a break. Just put them to rest as stated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency: ‘If a spider falls into the sink it is recommended that the spider be killed rather than captured.‘

I don’t care what kind of spider it is, I don’t like spiders. I like photographing them though. This Black-and-yellow argiope (Argiope aurantia) I found right across the Case Woodlot on Henderson Drive sometimes in August. That was a good size spider too. This alerts me also may be I should be more careful going into the high grass area, something I often do.

Black-and-yellow argiope, Case Woodlot, Aurora

When they are small like this one on the rusty bridge railing, they don’t bother me as much. It is the web. Few times I got my self tangled in the spider web, and it creeps me out. Have I ever been bitten? I think so. Once in the neck when we hiked in Cape Breton about 5 years ago. I got small reaction but nothing serious.

Jumping Spider, Nokiidaa Trail Link, Connecting Bridge

And this little creature below I shook off Matthew’s jacket on the Nokiidaa Trail link boardwalk back in November. Not sure what it is but hopefully was harmless.

Spider, Nokiidaa Trail Link, Boardwalk, Aurora

So winter is coming. Days are colder and getting shorter and that means less time outside for us with camera. I took lot of images this spring, summer and fall so I am sure there will be plenty stuff for me to write about living in Aurora.

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.

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.

Oh Summer Is Almost Over, Fall Accents, Town’s Chaotic Communication

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:05:21 +0000

Climatologist say that we are for a nice warm fall, and I am glad. I picked up some little accents of fall the other day walking Nokiidaa Trail boardwalk, and here they are.

Chaotic communication – what is that? Something that I think is worth writing about. Read on.

Yellow Leaves, Nokiidaa Trail Link

Fine Grass, Nokiidaa Trail Link

Ripe Berries, Nokiidaa Trail Link

I am not sure if Chickadees are fall birds. I see them through the summer but I do see more of them in the fall. I thought may be because they are so small and do not stand out that much among other birds during summer. Chickadees do stay with us for the winter.

Chickadees, Nokiidaa Trail Link

Chaotic communication. Few months ago Town of Aurora introduced social networks such Blogger, Twitter, Flickr and Facebook to further communicate with the residents of Aurora. I cannot even be nice about this idea. It wasn’t the brightest idea on the world.

Let me do some dissection here.

Blogger. To maintain blog on the regular basis requires dedication, time and resources. To date blogging (last post on May 16th, 2011) and the Blogger logo from the town’s website were phased out. I must give a credit to the writer or whoever was maintaining the blog. It was well written and professional, however, some posts were just repeats of something we know and too long. But there was some good substance there.

Town of Aurora Twitter Account

Twitter. Ouch! I have no idea why Twitter is such a success, I just don’t understand it – may be because it is so simple. Now by looking at our town’s twitter account – I see chaos. If my tax money is paying people to tweet anything and everything – I say take it down, or put some order to it. I really don’t need to get a tweet about the Earthquake on top all other media telling us the same. No substance here.

Town of Aurora Facebook Account

Facebook. I don’t know, just seems overkill. Another place to visit to find out more about Aurora events, such as Nokiidaa Trail opening in Aurora Ontario (Sept. 7, 2011) which was only for the town officials. I guess they made it happen and got it to work, they deserve the ceremony. Just an idea though, wouldn’t be nice to involve Aurora residents. After all Aurora is one big team – what happened to celebrating together?

Going back to Facebook, I am trying to understand the purpose of the Facebook, and I cannot. The information again is random.

Flickr. Someone gave up on it on June 8th, 2011. No comment.

Not to forget there is also town’s Newsletter and the website.

More thoughts …

Four social networks (one out, the Blogger; one not active, the Flickr), a newsletter and town’s website – and all feeding just random information. Do I have that much time to visit all? No. Blog is capable to accommodate all, the news, the photos, the videos and anything else that can be categorized accordingly. But blogging is hard to do, so town of Aurora chooses an easy way out – tweeting, facebooking and flickring. The big question is who is maintaining all this nuisance? The current communication scheme has no added value for the residents of Aurora. Even with that many platforms, there is still lack of communication and professionalism.

So here, just little more thoughts …

The Aurora communication department can set up a single blog on their website. Assign simple categories such news, upcoming events, notices, and other useful categories. The process must be carefully planned out to ensure effective flow of information and proper categorization of information. The information must also be in line with the information posted in the Banner and the Newsletter. Residents will benefit by accessing one source. They can easily subscribe to blog Feeds.

Reporting on activities in our town should be left to the local media such as The Auroran or The Banner. Let them do the talking and keep them in business by attracting more readers. The social networking platforms are not for the Town of Aurora, and it does not add value to our taxed dollar.

The solo opening of the Nokiidaa Trail link by the town of Aurora officials sparked all above thoughts about the whole communication scheme in the town. I would like to thank Evelyn Buck for providing informative answer (It Was Not A Grand Opening) on the comment I made on her blog with regards to the openning on September 7th, 2011.

Communication must have purpose, and if there is none then there will be chaos.

Do We Have A Name? Nokiidaa Trail Link New Boardwalk

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:55:20 +0000

Weather this past week was totally unpredictable. According to the forecast, today, tomorrow, rest of the week – no rain, just overcast. Yesterday was right on. Today, the weatherman did not get it right, and as of result we got soaked.

New Boardwalk, After Rain

New Boardwalk, View from Access Point on St. John's sideroad

There were all kinds of clouds – white, gray and dark gray. I thought that with a cooler weather and the wind the clouds will just pass. By the time we got to the McKenzie Marsh boardwalk there was no rain despite all the dark clouds passing over us. So I thought how bad can it get? Well I think one of the clouds decided to pour the bucket of water on us, and it did, as we were observing wildlife on the new boardwalk.

New Boardwalk, View from St. John's Sideroad Boardwalk

Still no name. No official plaque for the Nokiidaa Trail Link boardwalk between Aurora and Newmarket. What do we call it? Is this still part of the McKenzie Marsh?

Nokiidaa, Walking Together Sign

Its been a while since I visited the new boardwalk. It was too hot to get out and to walk all the way from home. Today was a prefect day, sunny, windy, comfortable temperatures, and bucket of water as a bonus.

Canada Geese, ducks and turtles seem to be the main occupants on this site. Great Blue Herons were somewhere. There were other small birds flying around, but unless you have a set of binoculars then you will be able to identify them. They all sometimes blend and look like one species.

Do We Have A Name?

It is nice to see that the boardwalk is being used. I see lot of parents and grandparents with their children and grandchildren trying to show them wildlife. Turtles seems to be the main attraction. Not many young birders yet. Not to mention, always plenty of photographers.

Red-Eared Slider

After all it was a nice relaxing walk. The landscape of the marsh is beautiful and definitely very green despite of the hot humid days. The rolling dark clouds with a bonus rain made this little trip of ours somehow adventurous. On the closing note, I noticed that we have now a new bench on one of the observation decks. Not sure about the second one, never made it that far.

Nokiidaa Trail Link, How Do You Know That You Are At The Newmarket Trail?

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:50:46 +0000

As far as I can notice, people are really enjoying the new Nokiidaa Trail Link in Aurora accessible from St. John’s sideroad. The wildlife is sprouting and so does the population of us Aurorans and Newmarket-oans. Every age group so far.

Female Red-Wing Black Bird Who Just Swallowed Her Dinner

Now, you have entered the trail linke, walked curvy gravel road, then reached the boardwalk, then ended up again on the curvy road and finally reached the bridge. The bridge is actually the border between the Aurora and Newmarket. But, but how would you know that?

Newmarket Light Post

Well, when you have crossed the bridge, suddenly you stepped on the paved trail and when you looked up you saw the typical Newmarket blue light post. What a difference? It almost feels like here in Aurora we don’t have any money. I felt like that for few seconds, but then I looked back. The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence. The statement is so true.

Even paved trail and lights do not compare of what we have on our side. The wooden boardwalk is a treasure. The wetland, the water reservoir are more to add. The dead trees that add so much character. Last to mention the wildlife around us – animals, birds and insects.

Juvenile Cedar Waxwing Calling Out

On our last visit I could not believe the population of birds, especially the Cedar Waxwings. Lot of juveniles flying around. They must be, because they seemed to be more curious around people. They perch close and look.

Canada Geese with the young ones, but not so young ones anymore is another high population bird. The nesting killdeers that nests just on the side of the trail, don’t seem to care. They do if you get closer to their nest, so please if you hear them making lot of noise, just keep going. Note I have a long lens so I was able to take photo of the nesting killdeer, otherwise, I would not entered their territory.

Nesting Killdeer

Like every bird they are protective of their nests. I have experienced that with Canada Geese and Red-Wing Black Birds because they built their nests closer to the walking path. As long you respect their territory, they will respect yours.

Giant Foot Prints Near Water Reservoir

I started with criticism of our side of the boardwalk, but now I have questions for Newmarket side. Why would you want to put extra lights around the bridge on the Newmarket side?

Firstly, when it is dark, I would never entered the property. Especially when you see big foot prints on the ground. I just hope that someone owns a really big dog and have him on the leash. Lights encourage more people to hang out in those areas at night. For some it is even good to sneak out to create graffitis. Then lastly I hope that the Newmarket lights are LED lights, otherwise, waste of electricity use.

Note that all above images were taken around 8 pm that day.