10-APR-2012
Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
The most common horsetail found in the area, and at the FWG. This is the fertile stem which will soon disappear, and in its place you will see the green sterile stems. Horsetails (also called scouring rushes)are an ancient plant group, and according to the Peterson field guide to the ferns, "they are considered one of the oldest of the Pteridophytes (fern families), being closely allied to the prehistoric Calamitales,large and abundant treelike plants that flourished 300 million years ago." So think of that next time you look at these plants! It is not hard to imagine them in a prehistoric setting, particularly when you look at huge swathes of the bigger ones such as Equisetum hyemale.
10-APR-2012
European Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
A close-up of the thorns on the one barberry that is growing at the FWG. We don't know if this was planted back in the day when the FWG site was planted with many exotic species including lilacs, magnolias, and many varieties of crabapple. The shrub is huge and looks like it has been around for quite a long time but it was not noticed until a few years ago as it is more or less hidden behind other trees. In autumn, the pendulous fruit of this shrub turns bright red. It is planted as an ornamental and can escape cultivation. In some areas it is a problem because it invades natural areas, but around here does not (yet) appear to be a big issue.
10-APR-2012
Daffodil
We have several clumps of daffodils growing in the Backyard Garden, and though not native plants, they bloom early and attract many insects seeking otherwise scarce nectar.
02-APR-2012
Willow catkins
They are at their prettiest right now, yellow and rich with pollen, attracting many insects.
03-APR-2012
Manitoba maple flowers
A tree much maligned by many, but one that is native to the prairies (hence its name), just as are some of the much-loved wildflowers planted in gardens, such as coneflowers (Echinacea). Often chewed by red squirrels in very early spring to get at the sap, the flow of the sweet sugary stuff then attracts early flying insects such as eastern commas and mourning cloaks, bees and flies. The seeds feed a wide variety of wildlife.
03-APR-2012
Andrenid bee on willow
Always one of the earliest bee species to be found in the region, along with Colletes. I have also seen a few sweat bees, a big female bumblebee, and honey bees. The Andrenid bees gather willow pollen in great quantities, and take back to their nests on warm, south facing slopes.
02-APR-2012
Crocuses
Gorgeous golden glow of these flowers on a sunny day.
02-APR-2012
Song sparrow
One of many song sparrows singing around the garden today.
02-APR-2012
Mating mallards
Several pairs of mallards and a few black ducks landed on the pond while I was looking at other things, and suddenly there was a great splashing and squawking. When I turned around there was the male on top of the female, quite vigorously pushing her under the water and seeming to hold her down. After a few seconds it was all over and they both shook their ruffled feathers and went back to feeding.
02-APR-2012
Black-capped chickadee
After some excavation, the pair flew away and I have a sneaking suspicion that they decided the snag was not quite appropriate for them, and I have to agree. It was in a poor location and is so rotten it might fall soon. The snag is only about 6 feet tall, too, so no danger to anyone, except the chickadees if they nest in it. You can see the sawdust from the strenuous explorations on this chickadee.
02-APR-2012
Black-capped chickadee
A pair of chickadees were very busy exploring a possible nest site.
02-APR-2012
Beefly (Bombylius sp.)
Beeflies were fairly common on willow catkins, which are laden with pollen. Although it was not that warm - the +10 temperature was tempered by a cool breeze - these flies were out, along with Colletes bees.