Rob and his special boxes

nature article Earl Plato

“Want to go bird boxing?” Those weren’t quite the words of Rob Eberly on that Saturday morning. His intentions were clear. He had at least eight bird boxes to place in various places. These were not usual boxes. They were Prothonatory warbler nest boxes. Prothonatory? That’s right! One of our rarest warblers to nest in Ontario. Rob said “Only ten nesting pairs last year in the province! I built these boxes with raised bottoms.” He opened a side of the box to show the raised inside just to accommodate the little warbler. On this cold but bright January Saturday we drove to Bob Chambers place. Then we three Bert Miller Nature Club cohorts headed for Willoughby Marsh. We turned onto Sauer Road and approached the marsh area. A van was parked on the roadside. “Hunters” I suggested. Rob loaded up with hammer and galvanized nails a box while Bob and I each had one. A foot or so had fallen. It was cool and crisp, There were human tracks that lead the way back into Willoughby Marsh. I have many memories of the marsh, all in the warmer weather. The track of a coyote crossed our path. We had to duck snow laden branches and part those that blocked our way. Wild rose bushes clutched at us but we continued on until we headed west. A small frozen pond was to our left. Rob descended the low ridge and Bob followed. Safe? Both had asked me and my gimpy foot at times, “You O.K. Earl?” My heel hurt or did it? I was so glad to be along that I had become oblivious to the pain. You know what I mean.
The ice was safe so I followed the two. Our first box was put up. Rob and Bob fastened it securely to an ash tree, I believe. We moved on - duck down - climb over a log - part the branches. The log - I didn’t make it and fell into the snow covering. They didn’t see me fall.You okay, Earl?” I was up quickly and nonchalantly answered “Yeah.”
We reached the larger pond area. If you have been back here you know where I mean. Two more boxes to be put up. The ice was solid as we walked across it looking for two good sites. We found one and as Rob was hammering the nails and the sound of his work reverberated across the open area. It hit the woods and echoed loudly back at us. Just then a shotgun went off. Just as we thought hunters.
We put up the third one and took some photos of Rob’s work. The hunters dressed in the orange vests met us. We exchanged a few words. “No rabbits, this time but we had some exercise.”
Prothonatory warblers nest in Ontario on the north shore of Lake Erie. Point Pelee, Rondeau Park, Long Point - what’s next? That’s right - Point Abino. That’s where we headed next to Marcy’s Woods. We dropped Bob off for he had an appointment at the Friendship Trail in Ridgeway. His unique pedal - propelled trail vehicle was to be photographed on our new trail.
Rob and I headed for Matthews Road on the east side of Marcy’s Woods. Someone had been cross-country skiing. Later we found that it was Rick Stockton of our nature club. We walked on the surface of the well frozen drainage ditch westwards. There were two frozen pond areas to the south. Rob put up three boxes in the area. This might be our best location. Nearby was a large Wood duck box. As we walked over to it there were track marks deep into the fluffy snow. “Squirrel” said Rob. I knelt over and yes, they were squirrel’s footprints. Cold out. Then I remembered my sore foot.
“One more place - Six Mile Creek,” Rob was still enthused. Six down - two to go.
Down Thunder Bay Road to Six Mile Creek. Watch the edges - frozen? Rob made his way down and then onto the wide frozen surface. With a nest box in hand I stumbled down the side - fell once - twice - got up. There was Rob around the bend to the south. Number seven. I had number eight. There in an alcove were two home made hockey nets. No one was around. Where are our hockey youths on this great day? A little farther down Rob nailed the last one. This may be a good location. Lake Erie was not far away. Rob helped me up the bank. Thanks Rob for your great interest in song birds. Prothonatories you’re welcome!
Despite Rob’s efforts - no Prothonatories come spring,