What happened to the Canada Geese? I have noticed that around the McKenzie Wetland, the Atkinson Wetland and the Nokiidaa Trail Link boardwalk on St. John’s Sideroad, just East of Yonge Street, views have been almost “goose free.” I am not complaining. There are many other hard to spot species at the wetlands to observe, but when they all decide to hide, ducks will never disappoint you.
So you know there are two duck species in those areas. At least the species I have been seeing all the time are Mallard and Wood Duck. Mallards are always around, they have been around Town of Aurora before I arrived. It is the Wood Duck that I only spotted about 3 or 4 years ago, based on my records. But then maybe they were always around, just hanging around away from the observer’s view.
Mallard Duck’s Grooming Time
Replaced signs mounted on the rail are now shining again and telling visitors DO NOT FEED THE WATERFOWL. I have another message, DO NOT LITTER. During our walk the other day I saw a chocolate milk container with a straw still inside laying in the marsh. I would need long arms to pick it up. I would need rubber boots to go and get it. So it will be swallowed by the marsh water once the water levels raise. The action speaks for itself. It can’t be fair to the wild life, but what do they know. I am disappointed. However, to leave this post on a good note, I see ducks do not come up to people. A sign that they are not being fed.
“In the countryside, litter doesn’t have a friend. It doesn’t have anybody who’s saying, ‘Wait a minute, this is really starting to get out of control.'” ~ Bill Bryson
Anna Lozyk Romeo
Aurora, ON
