Nature Walk at the Komoka Ponds by Susan Berry On Thursday, April 4, 2024, Kathleen Holland led 16 Nature London members on an early spring hike in Komoka Provincial Park at The Ponds. This was one of several walks offered throughout the year to Nature London members at parks and other environmentally significant areas in London and beyond. Walks are led by Nature London members who are knowledgeable about the plants, birds, animals, and other natural features observed. The details of each walk are reported in Nature London’s publication, The Cardinal . Whisk together eggs and milk until they are foamy, and then mix with flour and salt. Do not overmix. Allow the batter to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add about a teaspoon of fat to each cup of a muffin tin. Place the tin in the oven to heat for five to seven minutes. Fill each cup of the muffin tin to about half full, and return the tin to the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the puddings are crisp and golden brown. Serve immediately, drizzled with remaining melted butter as desired. Recipe yields 12 Komoka Provincial Park at the Ponds provides habitat for several bird and animal species whose populations are in serious decline. Eastern Meadowlarks, a threatened species in Ontario, nest in the lower grassland between the berm and the ponds. Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows raise their young in the nest boxes in these fields. Reptiles and amphibians rely on the ponds to complete their life cycles. To protect the wildlife, it is essential that dogs remain on leash and that hikers keep to the official trails and avoid entering the sensitive breeding bird areas in the park. Kathleen and her group went to the park equipped with spotting scopes, and telescopes that would enable them to view birds in the fields and ponds from the trail on the berm some distance away. From there they spotted a male Eastern Meadowlark singing from the top of a tree and a female Eastern Bluebird hovering around one of the nest boxes. They noticed Red-winged Blackbirds and Song Sparrows singing continuously from close to the ponds. For some, it was the first time this year that they had seen newly arrived Tree Swallows and Northern Flickers. WHILE QUANTITIES LAST: The Wortley Villager is delivered to thousands of addresses in Old South London with extras set out at local venues. Miss out? You can read the complete lineup of Villager community magazines at villagerpublications.com Velofix mobile bike repair is now servicing London & surrounding areas. London Seniors (55+) Games 55+ canlearn more and sign up at OSGA55plus.ca Save Time – Ride More with Vélofix Mobile Bike Repair The Old South Village Pub’s house-made Yorkshire Pudding is topped with thinly sliced roasted beef, horseradish mayo and served with beef au jus. www.oldsouthpub.com Warm Beef Yorkies from the Old South Village Pub Directions Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
With the aid of the spotting scopes, the group was able to identify the various waterfowl scattered over the ponds. These included Mute Swans, Ring-necked Ducks, Buffleheads, Common Mergansers, Mallards, Canada Geese and American Wigeons. Leopard Frogs were croaking from the pond. Kathleen pointed out that frogs mate in the water where males fertilize the egg masses laid by the females. After the fertilized eggs hatch into tadpoles, the metamorphosis into adult frogs takes place over several weeks. Kathleen also noted coyote scat on the trails, explaining that this scat is distinguishable from dog scat due to the presence of fur and sometimes the small bones of prey. She explained to the group that the collection and dissection of coyote scat can help biologists identify the presence of small prey species that are otherwise not often seen. Kathleen concluded that had been a great morning for a hike and that the Ponds turned out to be a new favourite spot for the hikers. For more information about Nature London’s activities and how to become a member visit: www.naturelondon.com Photo of Komoka Provincial Park courtesy of Susan Berry. Thanks to Kathleen Holland for her hike report.
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