19-APR-2010
Ostrich ferns
The ferns are already well on their way! Jeewanthi captured this lovely shot with the sunlight angling down on the unfurling ferns.
19-APR-2010
Large-flowered bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora)
One of the many plants flowering now in the Ash woods.
19-APR-2010
Nomada bee on forget-me-not
The forget-me-nots were also abuzz with bees!
19-APR-2010
Bloodroot seedhead(Sanguinaria canadensis)
Already the bloodroot flowers are losing their petals, and all that is left are the big leaves and the seedhead. Soon, they too will have vanished. Spring is such an ephemeral time of year here in Ontario, and the spring wildflowers are also ephemeral. A few days delay means having to wait for next spring to enjoy them! The red trilliums are out in full flower, while the white trilliums are still in bud. The false solomon's seal is coming up quickly, and the large-flowered bellwort is also in bud.
19-APR-2010
Nomada bee on daffoldil
There are two large stands of daffodils, one in the Butterfly Meadow and one in the BYG. Both have swarms of bees around them. I think the smaller ones are one of the Halictid bees, but there are also many of these yellow and red Nomada bees around too.
19-APR-2010
Green frog (Rana clamitans)
This is one of two green frogs in the little pond in the Backyard Garden, that I saw today. We have had as many as 9 (or more) in that pond.
15-APR-2010
Northern Flicker, male
These large woodpeckers are now back in good numbers, and can be heard all over the place, including the FWG. They typically feed on ants and so are frequently found on the ground, as in this photo.
15-APR-2010
Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)
This native plant is another of the early spring flowers to emerge in woodland settings. The tiny intriguing flowers lie close to the ground, usually hidden by leaf litter.
14-APR-2010
Red trillium (Trillium erectum)
This is a nice shot by Jeewanthi of the red trillium which also grows in a woodland setting.
13-APR-2010
Tree swallows
According to both Chris Bruce and Jeewanthi, the last few days at FWG have been quite exceptional for seeing all sorts of neat things, particularly spring migrants and flowering plants. Chris was photographing the Amphibian Pond when this tree swallow landed on a nearby box. They have been checking out boxes for the last week or so but are not close to nesting yet.
Chris said: "Other bird notes: a Fox Sparrow was singing in the trees between the pond and butterfly meadow and there were many singing goldfinches all around the garden. The goldfinches were very vociferous today. In the ash woodlot there were a number of Ruby-throated Kinglets working the trees."
13-APR-2010
Amphibian Pond
Chris took this nice wide-angle view of the Amphibian Pond today. In addition to the swallows noted here, Chris also saw a Milbert's tortoiseshell butterfly! Chris saw a spring azure and mourning cloak near the Ash Woods today, as well.
13-APR-2010
Forsythia
A nice shot of the forsythia blooming just below the Woodland Walk section of the Backyard Garden.
