I don't visit the Brickworks often anymore what with the cash grab for parking, so many off-leash dogs, and new asphalt paving going on to make paths down from the top. The ponds are filling in with cat tails/rushes and all in all the 'urban wild' isn't so wild anymore. Having said that, I went in today to look for a particular wildflower I see in there each summer, and there were some unexpected and welcome sightings in that beautiful big space. Firstly, either 1, 2 or 3 Monarchs...........perhaps it was all the same one! For sure one was a fresh female. Lots for them to eat. A Black-crowned Night Heron was sitting on a tree above one pond and then flew down and perched on a log. The GBH was there skulking around for Blue Gills that are there in abundance along with Bass. A huge Snapping Turtle lurked beside the walkway seemingly very curious about everyone passing by. Lots of Painted Turtles too - in varying sizes. The Purple Martin house was a hive of activity with young being fed by busy parents..........what a song they have. A Common Yellow-throat was deep in the rushes and a House Wren was on the W bank close to the water. The biggest surprise with a bright male Rose-breasted Grosbeak that flew across to land in a tree on the bank.
An update from The Spit yesterday: Trumpeter family - only 5 cygnets now, growing fast.
1 Monarch female
