Naturally, Hamilton! A Guide To the Green Spaces of Hamilton and Area

Naturally, Hamilton!

Naturally Hamilton: Our Home, Our Future Red Hill Valley Biological Diversity: What is it? Does it exist in Hamilton? Wildlife Hotspots Vistas and Waterfalls Hiking Trails Site List of Wildlife Hotspots, Vistas and Waterfalls Site Map of Wildlife Hotspots, Vistas and Waterfalls Local Environmental Organizations

Wildlife Hotspots

Birds

The Hamilton area is especially well endowed with bird species. Indeed, diversity of habitat in the region supports 377 bird species, one of the highest numbers for a local checklist in all of Ontario. The highest numbers of individuals and species can be seen during April and May (spring migration) and late August and September (fall migration). However, you can listen and look for breeding birds in their peak nesting season during June. Binoculars are a must for birding, and a spotting scope is recommended — especially for watching waterbirds. The best birding is in the morning although birds may be seen throughout the day and early evening especially during migration periods. For a recorded message on where to see rare and interesting birds in the Hamilton area, call the BIRD HOTLINE: (905) 381-0329, which is sponsored by the Hamilton Naturalists' Club. You may also visit the Bird Hotline On-Line.

Wood Duck (Photo: Barry Cherriere)

Butterflies

Butterflies are rewarding to study because they are easy to see close-up. They are numerous in many of southern Ontario's natural areas, especially in open fields containing blooming wildflowers. They are pleasant to pursue because the best times to see them are also among the most pleasant times to be out of doors. Most species are active between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on warm sunny days.

Black Swallowtail (Photo: Barry Cherriere)

The emergence of most adult butterflies in our area peaks in July though each month from spring to fall brings its own suite of species. When we see butterflies on flowers they are sipping nectar as their food. Each butterfly lays its eggs on specific plants which will be the food for the caterpillar when it hatches from the egg. Once the caterpillar has grown large enough, it will produce a hard shell known as a chrysalis, and will live and develop there into an adult butterfly. It will emerge from the chrysalis and search out a mate. In some cases, butterflies only live a few days during which they mate and lay eggs.

Binoculars are useful for studying butterflies without disturbing them. Handling butterflies with your hands can cause injury to them because the wings and body are fragile. Furthermore, they do not make good pets because they have very specialized diets which are difficult to satisfy in captivity.

Amphibians and Reptiles (Herpetofauna)

In contrast to birds and butterflies, amphibians are best seen at night. Amphibians prefer to breed under the cover of darkness to avoid predators. Peak times to hear frogs and toads calling for mates in wetlands are on warm, humid nights from April through to the end of June. Calls can often be heard for a long distance.

Red-spotted Newt (Photo: Barry Cherriere)

Salamanders and newts may be found breeding in ponds at night during the early spring (April) or by turning over logs in moist woods at other times of year. Always be sure to replace any flipped logs so that the habitat will remain. Frogs, toads and salamanders may be seen crossing roads in great numbers on warm rainy nights.

Reptiles are often seen basking at midday. Also, don't be surprised if you see turtles crossing roads or digging holes and laying eggs beside the road or in sandy banks near water in early June. They like to lay eggs where it is warm and sunny so that the eggs will develop quickly. Be sure to keep an eye out for them while you are driving so that you do not run them over. Snakes and turtles are most often seen basking on rocks or logs in ponds on warm sunny days.

"Herping" at night is best done with a flashlight, and boots are recommended as amphibian habitat can be quite muddy. It is illegal to collect any amphibian or reptile in Ontario.

Fish

Migratory runs of fish in the rivers and streams which flow into Hamilton Harbour provide excellent seasonal viewing opportunities. Rainbow Trout and White Suckers can be observed during the spring months while Chinook Salmon and Brown Trout are commonly seen during the fall. Large numbers of carp frequent the area below the Cootes Paradise fishway in late spring.

Northern Pike (Photo: Mark Giovanetti)

These highly visible movements of fish are associated with spawning activity. Most species move into the watercourses from Hamilton Harbour to spawn in suitable habitats and then return to the harbour. However, Chinook Salmon, a stocked species native to Canada's Pacific Coast, die after spawning.

Fish can be readily observed by walking along streambank trails when the flows are low and clear. During high water, fish are often actively moving and are best seen when they must leap to overcome obstacles which block their passage. Hidden Valley Park, just south of Highway 403, is a popular viewing site where trout and salmon must surmount a shale ledge before continuing the journey to their upstream spawning grounds in Grindstone Creek. Other sites include Red Hill Creek at Queenston Road and King Street where Rainbow Trout and White Suckers can be viewed in the spring, and Chinook Salmon in the fall. A good location for seeing the same species in Spencer Creek in at Governors Road and Ogilvie Street in the town of Dundas.