The City of Devon (AL), in session with Devon Nature Membership, determined to construct a stormwater pond in our industrial space about 5 years in the past. That is the primary “moist” stormwater pond (that’s, one which holds water on a regular basis) constructed by the city. We famous final yr {that a} pair of eared grebes, also called black-necked grebes, has moved in.
Eared Grebe. Picture: Darlene Landino
They don’t appear to be bothered by the folks and machines close by. In 2024, they reared three chicks, and we hope they’ll have the ability to do the identical this yr (as I write this weblog, the feminine is incubating eggs). Fairly a number of articles on them say they nest in colonies, however we now have solely seen one pair right here to this point. Once we are working close by planting timber, they arrive near verify us out. They eat insect larvae and different small crustaceans like shrimp within the water. I don’t imagine there are any fish within the pond. The pond degree stays about the identical on a regular basis.
Eared grebe household of 2024 on the Devon stormwater pond. Picture: Allan Macaulay
These grebes constructed a floating nest that’s hooked up to secure vegetation. After I was a boy, I might see grebes’ nests floating within the water, and the eggs gave the impression to be touching water too. I used to be at all times amazed that they might incubate them efficiently when touching the water like that. The younger usually experience on the backs of the dad and mom within the early phases. Each dad and mom are concerned in rearing the younger. I imagine all grebes are related in that regard. The males of many different geese solely fertilize the eggs after which depart the household to develop with out them.
Populations of Canada’s most endangered species have declined by greater than 50 p.c over the past 50 years. Add your voice for nature now by sending a private letter to the Prime Minister, Atmosphere Minister, Oceans Minister, and your native MP. Assist shield birds and different wildlife!
We additionally see a number of pairs of redwing blackbirds across the pond, and since my grandson and I put up about 12 birdhouses, we now have a number of pairs of tree swallows transferring in. There was a barn swallow flying over the water the opposite day, however I’m undecided the place he’s nesting.
A pair of Canada geese have tried to arrange, however one thing should have gotten their eggs. The gander was alone for some time however now they’re collectively once more — not a superb signal. The identical factor occurred final yr. There are numerous off-leash canines round, in addition to wildlife like crows and coyotes, so that would clarify what occurred to the eggs. The crows have a nest within the poplars that we see from the pond.
I did see a muskrat a number of days in the past and mallards stopped by too. There’s a creek close by utilized by a wide range of creatures, and naturally the wooden frogs have moved into the pond.
Due to Devon Parks for placing in posts for fowl homes and marking a buffer across the pond to mark a no-spray and no-mowing zone. The longer vegetation might be nice for ground-nesting birds and different creatures. Parks can be speaking about working with us to place up a martin home and a nesting island within the pond.
Volunteers from the Devon Nature Membership planted and watered forty timber and shrubs across the stormwater pond. Seen are also the birdhouse posts put in by the city of Devon. (Picture: Allan Macaulay)
Among the native timber and shrubs we now have planted to this point embrace white spruce, aspen and balsam poplar, pink osier dogwood, native willows (two species), paper birch, alder, wild rose, raspberries, and saskatoon berries. Most of those timber and shrubs have seeded naturally in my backyard and had been nurtured to be planted in our inexperienced areas. Our lead hand for the City of Devon, Parks’ Shawn O’Neil, has been very supportive of this mission and provided among the supplies and safety for the realm. We hope to have this space included within the safety of our inexperienced areas with the brand new Devon Parks and Open Areas bylaw presently being finalized by the city.
Once we work collectively, we will accomplish a lot.
Wish to assist Canadian species just like the eared grebe and extra? Keep tuned with the newest in Canadian nature by subscribing for electronic mail updates. You’ll obtain common updates about what we’re doing to guard Canadian nature and how one can assist.