31-MAR-2010
Painted turtle
Well, this unusually warm day has really hastened spring along! All sorts of things were out and about. While I was out in my favourite west end wooded area looking at beeflies, butterflies, garter snakes, and four species of frogs, Jeewanthi was at FWG seeing some really neat critters. She saw two painted turtles in the pond, so they survived another winter! She also described some calls from frogs in the pond, and managed to take a couple of shots. These turned out to be wood frogs. They are certainly calling vociferously in many other locations right now.
31-MAR-2010
Groundhog
Along with chipmunks, groundhogs have emerged in the last few weeks too!
31-MAR-2010
Meadow vole
These poor little guys have to be pretty careful as they are a favourite prey item for so many animals and birds. Owls, hawks, foxes, weasels, will all prey on these guys. This fat little field mouse (as they are also called), Jeewanthi said, was eating seeds below the feeder.
31-MAR-2010
Seven-spotted lady beetle
A gorgeous shot of this pretty beetle by Jeewanthi. An introduced species it is one of the most commonly encountered of the lady beetles, though not as frequently found as the ubiquitous Asian ladybeetles, used as an aphid control.
30-MAR-2010
Red-winged blackbird, female
Well, the females are back, so nesting will begin in earnest in a little while. The pond is a bit deep at present and the dead cattail stems in which they build their nests are largely submerged, with only about 1/4 to a 1/3 above the water. This may inhibit them from nesting or else cause their nests to be dangerously close to the water. We'll see.
30-MAR-2010
House finch with nest material
Jeewanthi found some house finches gathering nest material at the garden. All these resident birds get a head start on nesting and often have young before the first Neotropical migrants have even returned. Crows are also nesting, and house sparrows and starlings ditto, though no house sparrows at the garden.
30-MAR-2010
Juvenile Cooper's hawk
Jeewanthi photographed this juvenile which has been seen on and off all winter.
29-MAR-2010
Chipmunk
For the cuteness factor, chipmunks certainly rival red squirrels! More and more of these little ground squirrels are being seen as the weather warms up. This was in the Backyard Garden area.
29-MAR-2010
Butterfly meadow, new section
The snow has melted, and now we can see the new section of the Butterfly meadow that Diane and her volunteers started work on last year. By the end of this summer, there will probably be a substantial number of flowers planted here and a dramatic change! The rocks are for butterflies and other insects to perch on, and Diane has also created a small damp area for butterflies to "mud-puddle" on. At the moment, it looks like there is a large damp area, but that will dry up eventually.
29-MAR-2010
Downy woodpecker, female
I went to the FWG just after the rain ended today. On an old apple tree by the Butterfly Meadow there were a hairy woodpecker, and two downy woodpeckers, all on the same tree, all very noisy. I was hoping to find some new arrivals, perhaps golden-crowned kinglets, but all the birds I saw were the the usual: cardinals, chickadees, house finches etc. along with three song sparrows, whose song can be heard all over the garden now. The goldfinches now have their breeding plumage, and are singing up a storm, even though they won't even think about breeding for a long, long time yet!
29-MAR-2010
Red eating sumac
There are not many sumac cones left around the garden, but the big shrub just behind the centre still has some bedraggled ones left. This squirrel was so intent on picking them off and extracting the few seeds that he allowed me to stand and take many photos!
29-MAR-2010
Lilac buds (Syringa sp.)
Long before the FWG became the FWG, there were lilac bushes around the site, mostly in the thickets surrounding the Old Field, but also near the Butterfly Meadow. The leaf buds have been swelling for some time now, and they look ready to begin opening soon. If we get the expected heat wave (+21!), all sorts of things may happen!
27-MAR-2010
FWG exhibit at the Ottawa Wildlife Festival
This is the annual Wildlife Awareness event held at Billings Bridge mall in Ottawa. About 24 local conservation, natural history, and outdoor type groups, set up exhibits for the weekend. There are many other activities hosted by the festival, this being the biggest. This shot shows our FWG display.
26-MAR-2010
The pond with fence around bridge
The pond has a very thin skin of ice in places. I can't see much sign of recent beaver activity and wonder if the lack of food may have driven him off in the last little while. Or maybe he was upset with the constant dam breakage. I keep looking at the sumacs which I would think he'd have a go at as he did in the fall. But no recent cutting can be found. On the other hand, the downed Manitoba maple has definitely been chewed at, but whether in the last few days or the last few weeks....
26-MAR-2010
Fenced pond
Here is a look at the new fence that AAFC installed yesterday. At first, I thought that it would certainly deter people. But closer inspection showed a gap on the other (south) side and I reckoned that someone would probably try to get by it. Sure enough, later, I saw two young fellows standing on the bridge. I asked them to please move off and they did. Then I dug out my handy-dandy flagging tape which I always have in my knapsack (never know when you'll need it!), and tried to create more of a barrier.
26-MAR-2010
American robin
Sitting on the Butterfly Meadow post! There were robins all over the place just after noon when I got to the garden. Must have counted close to 20. Heard a couple of red-winged blackbirds, saw several downy woodpeckers, 3 juncos, 3 song sparrows, and the usual assortment of cardinals, chickadees, crows, house finches, and a lone white-breasted nuthatch.
26-MAR-2010
Stinkbug (Pentatomid sp.)
I saw this large stinkbug (close to 15 mm I'd say), on the wall of the interpretive centre. A few days ago in the west end, I saw a gorgeous, brilliant green Large Green Stinkbug. It was a sunny but very cold day, particularly in comparison to what we've been experiencing. It was -19 with windchill this morning, and it felt only slightly warmer standing in the wind later in the day. So I was surprised to see this guy and a bunch of cluster flies (I think, I didn't really look closely). But the wall of the building would be warm.
25-MAR-2010
Installing the fence
Around noon, Jeewanthi noticed these AAFC workers with the orange plastic fence we had hoped they'd install around the bridge. Since we can't stop people from damaging the beaver dam, and since their interference is worsening the erosion, and since the bridge could eventually become unstable, we had asked if a fence on either side of the bridge could be installed. They didn't waste time!! I'm very impressed.
25-MAR-2010
Heralds of spring
Well, maybe not really, but it is nice to see this burst of brilliant colour. This cluster is over by the semicircle where we used to have a leaf dump. All sorts of garden plants appear there, even all these years later (the leaf dump was in the mid-90's and only in place for a year or two).
25-MAR-2010
Song sparrow
This little guy was sitting near a spot where this species traditionally nests in the garden. He was trying to sing his usual full song, but not succeeding!
There were quite a few birds around today. A female kestrel hovered over the garden for a short few seconds before heading off. A raven was calling as it was chased by crows. Jeewanthi saw many red-winged blackbirds in the pond early in the morning. Robins, cardinals, house finches, white-breasted nuthatch and of course, chickadees, were very noticeable.
23-MAR-2010
Beaver dam
As you can see, the dam is getting to be quite a size. At the far (south) end, you can also see where someone has broken the dam. I found lots of debris and branches from the dam tossed into the ravine. This is really stupid. By breaking the dam at that point they are causing the water to run across the trail and it is creating erosion. If the dam was left alone it would contain the water well. I don't know if the person or persons doing it are just plain stupid, hate beaver, or think they are helping. It infuriates me when people take it upon themselves to interfere. There is a lot of that sort of thing at the FWG, and rarely is it for the best.
23-MAR-2010
Beaver dam, looking north
I pushed as much debris, sticks and branches as I could back into place to try and stop the flow. As you see, the flow has already reduced considerably. I need to bring a shove and fork to do a better job. Now if only interfering people will leave it alone.
I was so angry that I put up a handwritten notice telling people to leave the dam alone! I also spoke with a fellow who said that he saw a fellow breaking the dam in several places. His excuse was that he wanted to see if the beaver was still alive. He figured that if he broke the dam the beaver would repair it and he'd know if it was still there. The guy I spoke with said he was thrilled to see the beaver work. He commented that many people, living in the city, rarely get a chance to see this kind of thing up close. He said he comes by often just to look at it because he thinks it is so neat. And of course, he'd love to see the beaver.
23-MAR-2010
Wild turkey scat
Walking along the trail from the centre I noticed this pile of scat and thought "Hmmm, this looks suspiciously like fresh wild turkey scat". A few seconds later, I was peering over into the ravine when a great scuffling noise beneath me caught my attention. There was a large female wild turkey scrambling to run away as fast as she could!!! She ran further into the ravine and though I looked into the ravine many times over the next hour, I didn't see her again. This is not our first turkey sighting at the garden. Some years ago, Gretchen and Tony found one heading into the New Woods. I went over to look for it but all I saw was some turkey scat in the New Woods. Wild turkeys can fly strongly and fast when they want to, though they prefer to head off at a run. Wonder if she'll stick around.
What next at the garden?! Beavers, muskrats, deer, turtles of all sorts, now turkeys...
22-MAR-2010
Willow in flower
This is a welcome sight! The flowers are opening and with this action, we should be seeing Andrenid bees swarming the flowers for the pollen. However, with the colder weather coming for the rest of the week, the bees will likely stay hidden until it warms up again. They certainly don't need really warm weather and I've seen them out when there is still snow on the ground and the air temperature about +6. But freezing rain and below freezing temperatures are something else. Anyway, something to look for!
It is astonishing how fast these willows burst into bloom. I checked them out on Saturday and saw only the soft grey catkins. Jeewanthi was there today, Monday, and took this shot. What a difference a day makes!
22-MAR-2010
Ctenucha moth caterpillar
Another early emerging caterpillar is that of the Ctenucha moth. Many of these can be found at FWG in both early spring and late fall. They seem to be fairly hardy, like the Woolly bear caterpillars, able to withstand cool temperatures. This was found by Jeewanthi on Monday morning.
22-MAR-2010
Red with nest material
This is the little red squirrel with the injured nose, who was looking very sad and unwell a week or so ago. Jeewanthi found him (or her) gathering nest material, and looking much healthier. Good news!
19-MAR-2010
Fire season has begun
Unfortunately, the FWG seems to attract students who find the garden a great place to party. They light big fires, leave garbage, and one of these days, they'll surely burn down the place. It frustrates us no end. It is a problem we have had to contend with for years. We are going to try spreading manure over the site and here a load has been delivered ready for spreading. We did this last year and it seemed to work (although it was also delivered at the end of the party season, so, who knows).
19-MAR-2010
Second fire
The second fire was set along the trail through the woods. As you can see, they have broken off branches from the conifers to feed the fire.
19-MAR-2010
Mallard pair on raft
This pair was sitting on the raft in late afternoon, preening themselves and occasionally stopping to dip their bills in the water. They may attempt nesting in the pond, something mallards occasionally do, but never very successfully.
19-MAR-2010
Red-winged blackbird, male, calling
A few days ago the first red-winged blackbird for the garden was found, and now they have appeared in droves! I went to FWG in late afternoon and found 9 around the pond, while in the Arboretum there must have been 20+. They were singing up a storm in both places, the marshes ringing with their wonderful song. Robins were also singing and the combination was an aural treat.
19-MAR-2010
Comfrey
This warm weather is really hurrying things along. Today I noticed comfrey leaves poking above the ground. They always seem to be one of the first plants to appear in very early spring (not counting the bulbs, such as crocus and aconites, etc.). How nice to see something green and growing!
16-MAR-2010
Squirrel pretending to be part of the branch
This lovely red was about to run down the tree as I approached, and then thought better of it. He flattened himself along the branch and seemed to become one with it. Taken just behind the feeder in the BYG.
16-MAR-2010
Grass spider (Agelenopsis sp.)
This small spider ran across the grass but stopped long enough for a not very good photo! However, at this time of year, it is so exciting to see any signs of warmer weather, that I decided to post it anyway.
16-MAR-2010
Sharp-shinned hawk
A nice shot of this hawk.
16-MAR-2010
Eastern comma
Today was an unbelievably warm (+16) degrees and sunny. Great conditions for the overwintering butterflies to be out. I looked around FWG this morning (with Jeewa, whom I bumped into near noon), but saw none. However, after my meeting at FWG, I went into the Arboretum and saw this eastern comma. It even posed for me.
11-MAR-2010
Crow with nest material
Jeewanthi was at the FWG this morning, where she saw crows noisily gathering twigs for nest building, just as I saw yesterday. She was able to get a great shot of a crow flying off with a prize twig!
She mentioned that the pond held 3 male and 2 female mallards. You may also notice that AAFC has erected a couple of barriers by the bridge over the Amphibian Pond, due to some flooding from high water in the pond.
11-MAR-2010
Red-winged Blackbird, male
Perhaps most exciting of all today, Jeewanthi saw some male red-winged blackbirds! They're back! This is about when they have arrived in the past. The dates we have for them range, I believe (without checking my notes), between March 8 and March 18, with an average arrival of about March 11 or 12. It will be awhile yet before the females arrive. Meanwhile, in a few more weeks the males will begin staking out territory in the pond. Nice to see them back!!!
Jeewanthi also reported TWO sharp-shinned hawks, seen at the same time, at FWG. As well as goldinches, cardinals, and ... Canada Geese flying over. They too are back.
11-MAR-2010
Red squirrel with sore nose
Sadly, this poor little guy was looking even worse for wear today, according to Jeewanthi. She offered him some sunflower seeds which he ate, but then refused anymore. She said he just sat there and didn't move, much as I saw him yesterday.
11-MAR-2010
Downy Woodpecker, female
A few days ago, Jeewanthi photographed a male downy on the feeder. Today it was the turn of the female.
10-MAR-2010
Crow gathering nest material
It was a lovely, mild day again, blue skies and sun. Not a lot of activity in the garden despite that. However, I noticed a number of crows breaking of twigs and flying away with them, getting ready for nest building. It seems to be a communal affair (I say with more than a hint of anthropomorphism!). This crow was doing all the work but was being encouraged by at least 5 others who flew near or sat above, and called constantly. This one would break off various twigs, hold them up, then release them. Finally, this one, clutched in her right foot, seemed to meet the criteria and was proudly borne aloft and carried to somewhere on the other side of the canal!
10-MAR-2010
Vole runs
Each spring when the snow melts, we see extensive meadow vole runs all over the open areas of the garden. Imagine, as we wander along on top of the snow, thinking how there is so little wildlife to see, these critters are busily working away beneath our feet.
10-MAR-2010
Turtle raft re-emerges
Amidst the sludge and ice, the turtle raft could be seen again after a winter of being covered with ice and snow. It looks a bit worse for wear, but otherwise appears in good shape.
08-MAR-2010
Amphibian pond
What a day - warm, sunny, more like mid-April than early March. I was looking at photos I took on this date last year, and we were definitely in the grip of winter. Everyone keeps saying that we're sure to get a big dump of snow before spring comes to stay. Down at the pond, the half is free of ice and the rest has a thin layer. As you can see, the water is swirling across part of the path. As for the beaver, I don't know if he survived the winter or not. I see no signs of him yet, but he could well be there,
08-MAR-2010
Red with injured nose
This squirrel was sitting on a sumac branch, and seemed a bit lethargic. However, it wasn't until I got home and looked at the photos that I saw his nose was swollen and red. In the next photo you can see there has been some sort of injury to it. Poor little guy must be feeling pretty miserable.
08-MAR-2010
Red with injured nose
Here is a front view of the injured nose. There are any number of ways this could have happened, including a territorial tussle with another red.
08-MAR-2010
Chipmunk
This little fellow stuck his head up above the rocks in the BYG. I hoped he might venture further out, but when I made a slight movement he was gone and though I waited for some time, no further sign. This is the first I've seen at FWG this year, but I have already seen a couple in west end Ottawa.
08-MAR-2010
Cluster fly (Pollenia sp.)
This fly and many others were sunning on the warm sides of buildings. Yesterday, in west end Ottawa, I found a winter firefly, a spider, scores of midges, and believe it or not, a spittlebug. I had hoped to see a few more insects at FWG, but not so.
04-MAR-2010
Two male cardinals
Jeewanthi photographed these two male cardinals at FWG. They will be pairing up in awhile and if this warm spell continues, who knows whether they will be fooled into nesting earlier than usual.
03-MAR-2010
Red squirrel tunnel
There are all sorts of snow tunnels to be found out in the woods and fields these days. Around the FWG, most are made by red squirrels or meadow voles. This one was made by a red squirrel.
03-MAR-2010
The pond in late afternoon
The sun slanting across the pond in late day, shows that the ice is rapidly melting in this mild weather. Not sure what will happen if we get the forecast +10 in a couple of days!
02-MAR-2010
American goldfinch
Back at the FWG this morning, Jeewanthi found a goldfinch amongst the chickadees and finches. While there, she had an interesting experience. She says: "When I was in the backyard near the bird feeder, the same hawk (I think) suddenly swooped down to chase Chickadees. There were not many birds there but they scattered making a loud alarm calls. The Chickadee on the spruce was keeping watch and making alarm call after that." She said it all happened very fast. The hawk referred to is a sharp-shinned hawk seen on March 1 in the FWG.
02-MAR-2010
Black-capped chickadee
This is the chickadee keeping an eye on the hawk and alerting others with its alarm calls.
02-MAR-2010
Downy woodpecker, male
A very pretty shot of this male downy woodpecker taken by Jeewanthi
02-MAR-2010
House finch, male
This beautiful house finch is in full breeding plumage now. Won't be long before they are nesting.
01-MAR-2010
Northern cardinal, male
These birds are singing now, and the mild weather is really causing a flurry of singing activity in the resident songbirds including chickadees.