This morning, I was reading The Banner and found a little article that bears are back in Aurora around Bathurst Street and Henderson Drive. Okay, that is still far from the area where I live, but a couple of years ago, they were found around Wellington Street. Today, I went out for our daily trip with a little fear on my back.
After tonight’s news on CP24 about the bear sightings (not just one, but two), and additional news from the Town of Aurora website, ‘Bear sightings in Aurora: Town cautions residents’, and news from York Region Aurora issues bear warning, I may have to learn more about bears. It would be nice to photograph them, but no thanks.
Upon request, we walked the Aurora Community Arboretum path from St. John’s Sideroad and Industrial Parkway. I say upon request because my three-year-old knows that the trail leads to the playground.
It was a beautiful day today, not just for us, but for all the birds. I saw at least 10 species of birds and no bears (phew). Afternoon bright light is not the best for photographing birds, and sometimes I hate to adjust settings because, let’s face it, birds like to fly. However, if you don’t chase them, they will come to you. No real close-up shots, but these photos should show you where each species likes to hang out.
Eastern kingbird are definitely back. They can be easily mistaken for the Tree Swallow, but once you see them perching, they are definitely a nice bird to observe. They also like to perch on the wire fences.
I think this year, there are exceptionally many more Red-Winged Blackbirds. I have so many photos of them, but this one was definitely calling for attention.
Oh, these were always my favourite little birds – the Tree swallow. They were flying everywhere, and I had to follow their flight path to find where they landed. Later on the walk, I found one Tree swallow going into a small corner of a house. It looked like a nest, but when I zoomed in, it was a destroyed nest. What a terrible act to do! Well, some people don’t like the nests, I guess. Growing up on a small farm many moons ago, we all knew that destroying the nest of a swallow was bad luck. We also knew that when the swallow flew close to the ground, rain was in the forecast.
The bright yellow American goldfinch are never hard to spot.
The photo of the Cedar waxwing didn’t really come out, but I guess I caught him during his lunch. They like to eat berries.
It turned out to be a nice trip through the Aurora CommunityArboretum. Our trip was not so little because it lasted us 2.5 hours. Good news – no bears. Good news – no coyotes, since they have been in the news a couple of months ago. Good news – no foxes. My friend emailed me about her recent fox encounter in Aurora. While gardening, her husband discovered two dead squirrels. Later they discovered it was a fox. My mother-in-law has a fox in her backyard too. It was more evident during the winter because of the footprints we found close to the patio door.
Sometimes it makes me wonder about the wildlife in Aurora. The population of Aurora is growing, more residential areas are being added – and still, I feel like there are more wild animals and birds in the area I am walking most of the time. What’s happening? I really don’t have the answer to that, but maybe birds moved to the Arboretum or McKenzie Marsh areas because of all the new subdivisions; or they are simply adapting to us.
COMMENTS
kaslkaos said: May 10, 2011 at 10:06
“You always have such gorgeous photography. I love all the songbirds. Now I’ll have to visit that arboretum some day. As for the bear, you can relax. Mostly, they are very peaceful and nothing to worry about, as long as it’s not a grizzly or a polar bear (now that would be something!)”
Anna Lozyk Romeo said: May 10, 2011 at 15:13
“Arboretum is a very nice walk, I would highly suggest it. Just note that you must look and listen. There are a lot of walkers around, and it is such a shame they carry MP3 players with them. Thanks again for your comment, and it is always nice to see you.”
Mike said: July 5, 2011 at 02:03
“Hi, Great shots. What camera and lens are you using to get these shots? Thanks, Mike”
Anna Lozyk Romeo said: July 5, 2011 at 02:10
“Hi Mike, Thank you for commenting. Currently I have Canon 7D and Canon Lens 100-400mm.”
