Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Lake Ontario
Radiation survey (map with individual measurements) along the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail in Courtice (Durham Region, Ontario) by Louis Bertrand and Libby Racansky. The measurements were made with Safecast.org bGeigieZen #5004 carried at 1.35m above ground.
We note here that this was not a pleasant walk because of the huge number of gnats and black flies. Their population explosion is likely due to runoff and too few natural predators. On our walk, we noted that there could be more swallow houses (at least). Other natural control measures would help.
We also noted that the broadleaf (deciduous) trees in the wooded area at the east end of our walk were mostly dead.
Swallow house
May 2, 2024 10:55
Swallow house with occupant on the access road (Courtice Shore Drive) near cul-de-sac, looking northeast.
Swallow house
May 2, 2024 10:55
A closer look at the swallow in the house on the access road.
Nest in "kiosk"
May 2, 2024 10:58
Whose nest is this in the barn replacement structure ("kiosk")?
Barn replacement structure ("kiosk")
May 2, 2024 10:59
These "kiosk" structures are located where built-up areas have replaced farms as a substitute nesting site for barn swallows.
Waterfront trail
May 2, 2024 11:02
Looking east along the waterfront trail. Two swallow houses are visible in the distance.
Warning sign
May 2, 2024 11:03
The shoreline is actually a very steep bluff that will eventually be eroded by the lake. Signs like this warn strollers to stay well back from the drop-off.
Looking west along trail
May 2, 2024 11:05
Looking west, we see the only two swallow houses. It was an exceptionally clear day, and the skyline of Oshawa and Toronto are visible in the distance.
Swallow returning to house
May 2, 2024 11:05
The swallow house's occupant is returning (slightly to the left of the house).
The swallow house's occupant
May 2, 2024 11:05
As much of a close-up as we're going to get with a smartphone camera.
Dead broadleaf trees (1)
May 2, 2024 11:28
Further east along the trail, near the bend where it heads north to meet Crago Rd., a small wooded area shows healthy conifers but mostly dead or dying broadleaf trees, as shown in the rest of the photos on this walk.
Dead broadleaf trees (2)
May 2, 2024 11:29
Long dead and stripped of bark.
Dead broadleaf trees (3)
May 2, 2024 11:29
Overall, the conifers seem to be healthy but none of the broadleaf are showing buds.
Dead broadleaf trees (4)
May 2, 2024 11:29
Even the saplings around this old tree seem to be in trouble.
Dead broadleaf trees (5)
May 2, 2024 11:30
The maple seems to have died out recently, as evidenced by the remaining leaves. The saplings around don't show any buds.
Radiation survey along trail
May 2, 2024
Survey of background radiation (1.35m above ground) showing map of walk.