flowers we called Marsh Marigolds. Mats of dark green wild mint grew in drier areas, which islets of watercress floated in shallow water pockets close to the shore. The circular, flat leaves of lily pads, along with their beautiful white flower cups, covered the surface of deeper, quiet-water areas. Each Spring the tiny frogs called Spring Peepers furnished a background chorus for the songs of returning birds. Green Leopard Frogs and big Bullfrogs were also plentiful, and Bear Creek’s waters swarmed with tadpoles in late spring and early summer. Box or Painted Turtles would sun themselves on partially submerged logs. Big Snapping Turtles with their formidable beak-like mouths were always treated with great respect. Being so close to its source, Bear Creek at this point was home only to smaller fish such as the silvery fish we called “Shiners”, sunfish, chub and suckers. Crayfish, a small lobster-like shellfish, were also plentiful, and the circular clay “chimneys” that formed the entrances to their burrows were seen everywhere along the creek banks. Big, beautiful Dragonflies zoomed through the air, their iridescent wings flashing in the sunlight, while Water-Striders, using their legs, thrust themselves over the water’s surface. Their long thin bodies are so light they don’t break the surface tension of the water. Mosquitos of course were always present but birds, especially Swallows, kept them under control. A few Mallard ducks nested in the reeds along the shore, and Red-wing Blackbirds perched and swung gracefully on the tips of taller reeds. During the morning and the evening hours, Great Blue Herons could be seen standing motionless in deeper water, waiting for an unwary fish or frog to come within
striking range of their long, spear-like bills. Smaller Green Herons would also be fishing for their meals. Herons always give each other a wide berth, never intruding on each other’s fishing space. Bitterns also known locally as “Mudhens” used to be found in dense growth areas. They are extremely wary and almost impossible to see. Standing motionless among the reeds, their streaked plumage blends perfectly with the browns and greens of the surrounding foliage. Making it even more difficult to discern their outline, they stand with their long beaks pointed upwards to match the vertical reed stems. Whenever the voice of a male Bittern drifted up from the creek, you had to stop and listen. It is a truly unique sound, not at all birdlike. Many bird books describe it as “booming”. Oldtimers compared it to a sound made by the wooden pumps that used to be on every farm well, and it does sound more mechanical than birdlike. In addition, there is a break in the middle of the call like that produced by the up-and-down action of a pump handle. One must actually hear the call to truly appreciate its unique quality. Bear Creek was, and still is, a wonderful place for people of all ages to visit and enjoy and start to learn to appreciate the intricate interconnections of all forms of life in a natural setting.
C runiCan O rChards FresH Local Apples b PUMPKINS b SQUASH b SEASONAL PRODUCE Maple Syrup b Apple Cider b APPLE CIDER Vinegar Honey b Jams b Peanuts b JERRY RADER PIES & MORE C runiCan O rChards FresH Local Apples b PUMPKINS b SQUASH b SEASONAL PRODUCE Maple Syrup b Apple Cider b APPLE CIDER Vinegar Honey b Jams b Peanuts b JERRY RADER PIES & MORE runiCan Apples b PUMPKINS b SQUASH b SEASONAL PRODUCE Maple Syrup b Apple Cider b APPLE CIDER Vinegar Honey b Jams b Peanuts b JERRY RADER PIES & MORE C runiCan O rChards FresH Local Apples b PUMPKINS b SQUASH b SEASONAL PRODUCE Maple Syrup b Apple Cider b APPLE CIDER Vinegar Honey b Jams b Peanuts b JERRY RADER PIES & MORE John Caverhill is the younger son of the late Ernest Caverhill and Susie Boyd of Lobo Township. John’s writings often reflect his experiences and observations of growing up on the family farm, attending the one room school, S. S. No. 7 Lobo (Bear Creek School), and Vanneck United Church. John’s sense of humour and story-telling skills are legendary. His keen observation skills have augmented his repertoire .
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