31-MAY-2011
Male crab spider, possibly Bassaniana sp.)
While cutting back DSV, I was keeping an eye out for insects. Many small spiders, for example, jumping spiders, seem to like sitting on DSV, and others make little silken cases on them. I found this very small crab spider, but haven't identified it other than probably a crab spider in the genus Bassaniana, but it is certainly a male, as you can see from the clubbed palps.
31-MAY-2011
Clearing the DSV
Tuesday mornings at the garden are for clearing invasive species. Under the auspices of Barry, a new group has been formed to try and control invasive species, particularly DSV (dog-strangling vine). It was a hot and humid day, but nonetheless, five people turned out to spend the morning working. This large patch of DSV was cleared by Barry, using a scythe.
30-MAY-2011
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)
I was very happy to discover that the mayapple flowers were at their peak. Usually I miss them. I see them when still in bud, or I find them when they've shed their petals. For once, I hit it right! They are not immediately obvious as you have to bend down and look under the huge green leaves to find them. They are a native plant, though usually found just a bit further south of us, and they prefer shady conditions. Another name for it is "mandrake" as the roots resemble those of the mandrake plant (Mandragora officinarum). I can't help thinking of John Donne's lines: "Go and catch a falling star, Get with child a mandrake root"!
25-MAY-2011
Baskettail sp.
I saw only one species of dragonfly, and only one individual, this baskettail. However, I couldn't see the back of this odonate and am not sure which Baskettail species it is.
25-MAY-2011
Tree swallow in nest box
Many birds are nesting now. Tree swallows have chosen their nest boxes, as have some chickadees. Song sparrows and yellow warblers are also nesting or building nests at present, so... caution, please!
25-MAY-2011
Red-winged blackbird nest
Although you cannot see her, there is a female in the nest, busy building. It was quite something to watch her weave the long fibres into the walls of the nest. Every so often she'd settle into the nest and wiggle back and forth, shaping the nest to her body. Then back up and pulling and placing strands of grass and other fibres. This nest was unusual in that it had quite a lot of some sort of "fluff" in it. I shot a short video of her working, and it is better than this photo but still from a distance as I didn't want to disturb her by getting closer.
Sadly, the nest that was shown earlier in this blog, a strong and intricately constructed one, has completely vanished. I have no idea where it has gone, but the dried cattails that held it are also gone. The nest was close to shore and VERY visible from above. I don't know if someone removed it, or whether the muskrat ate the cattail roots, thus causing the stems and the nest to fall into the water. Very sad, however. There are two nests at present in the pond, this one in the photo, and another. Our pond, I am very sorry to say, is in a dismal state. There are so few cattails that any nest the birds make is going to be unprotected. Furthermore, there is little shade on the water, almost no protective cover for frogs and herons and other birds, and no mats of dried cattails for turtles to sit on.
25-MAY-2011
Snapping turtle contending with baseball
It was, as you can see, very difficult to get a clear photo of this large snapping turtle in the pond. He had partially surfaced near a baseball, one of several in the pond (we should try to get them out, along with the big plastic bag that is in there). So now we know that at least the large snapper survived the winter in our pond, as did one of the painted turtles, which I also saw today.
25-MAY-2011
Tulip tree leaf (Liriodendron tulipifera)
The very distinctive leaf of the tulip tree, a Carolinian species that shouldn't really grow around Ottawa. However, there is a large one in the Arboretum (there used to be two), and last fall I found this little sapling at the FWG. How it got there is a mystery, but that it survived the winter is encouraging. Though, if we get a long cold winter, it may not make it.
25-MAY-2011
Dog-strangling Vine/Pale Swallowwort
This is one of the worst invasives at the FWG, or anywhere in our area. Not in the same league as the Kudzu Vine, but in the opinion of many, close! It is just starting to flower, which means soon the seed pods will follow. There is now a Tuesday morning group at FWG, under the guidance of Barry, working exclusively on invasive species, which include this one of course, but also the next one, Garlic Mustard.
25-MAY-2011
Garlic mustard (Alliaria officinalis)
This is another serious invasive, usually found in wooded areas, having a significant impact on the ability of tree seedlings to establish and grow, as well as crowding out native understorey plants. These seedlings are growing in an area which I cleared entirely of large plants a week ago. I saw that there were hundreds of seedlings in that area, and today I checked on their growth. And yes, they are growing! In another week or two they'll be big enough for pulling without leaving the root in the ground.
17-MAY-2011
Green frog (Rana clamitans) in BYG poond
There were two green frogs, one on a stone looking at this one in the water, sitting by a fallen marsh marigold flower.
17-MAY-2011
Green Heron
This heron has been around for about 10 days at least, seen occasionally in the pond, but is easily spooked because of lack of protective cover.
17-MAY-2011
Nomada bee on crabapple
These tiny bees are quite wasp-like and have unusual antennae (notice how thick they are?) This was one of the very few insects I saw at FWG today, in the cool gray weather.
17-MAY-2011
Wild plum thicket (Prunus)
Have we got many wild plums at FWG? Yes! This thicket has been growing and growing and there are many scattered trees around the garden, as well. They are native and attract insects.
17-MAY-2011
Chipmunk
Here is the same little chipmunk with the cropped tail, still around for a second year.
15-MAY-2011
Wild plum (Prunus)
We have quite a few of these trees at the FWG, all are in flower at the moment and beautiful. The rest of the year they are rather nondescript and in fact, can be mistaken for the invasive buckthorn in winter.
15-MAY-2011
Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Last fall I discovered, to my astonishment, a very small tulip tree sapling. This spring I checked to see if it was still alive. It was, very much so. One small branch had died, but the rest were full of buds, and today a few tiny perfect leaves were unfolding. How this tree came here is a mystery. Tulip trees are at the edge of their range in Ottawa, indeed, beyond their range. The Arboretum does have one (used to have two) of these beauties, but I have not seen it flower. The leaves and the flowers are spectacular, very exotic. Wouldn't it be something if our tree grows and flourishes?
15-MAY-2011
Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
You can just about see the 'jack' in his 'pulpit'! I had a hard time finding the right position to show the jack.
15-MAY-2011
Woodland walk section of the Backyard Garden area
This has always been my favourite area in the BYG. It is flourishing now and well worth a visit to see all the plants that are blooming or about to bloom.
15-MAY-2011
Rototilling the Butterfly Meadow
Work is commencing at the start of a new season in the Butterfly Meadow. Diane and a couple of volunteers were busy today getting a site ready to plant a Monarch Waystation.
15-MAY-2011
Garlic mustard (Alliaria officinalis)
A non-native very aggressive invader of woodlands and woodland edges, as well as gardens, laneways, etc. It is interesting to see that in 1978, Gillett and White listed this plant as "uncommon, chiefly Ottawa" in their checklist of plants for this region. Times have changed!
15-MAY-2011
Red-winged blackbird nest
There is very little suitable nesting habitat in the pond at present, for red-winged blackbirds (we can only hope the cattails will grow, as they are important in many respects and not just for these birds). However, the female was busily building this nest in a very poor location. She has done an amazing job. See how intricately and carefully the strands of grass and other vegetation are woven around the dead cattail stems.
15-MAY-2011
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
The gorgeous yellow blossoms of this native species, can be found in most local streams and edges of wetlands. They are showy and beautiful and we have them growing at FWG! Thanks to some volunteers who planted them for us awhile back.
15-MAY-2011
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
Another view of this beautiful plant of wetland areas.
15-MAY-2011
Crabapple (Malus) with a queen bumblebee
This large queen Bombus was visiting the flowers of this pretty crabapple tree. On a warmer, sunnier day, there would be more insect visitors, doing the important work of pollination.
15-MAY-2011
Barren ground strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides)
A really lovely native plant that is excellent for forming a low ground cover. Growing in the Backyard Garden.
15-MAY-2011
Iris lacustre
These are native species a bit further south of us. They are tiny and delicate and absolutely beautiful, and they come up year after year in the Backyard Garden. Worth taking a look at!
12-MAY-2011
American toad eggs (Bufo americanus)
Ropes of toad eggs. The females lay these eggs as they are mating.
12-MAY-2011
American toads (Bufo americanus) mating
Had 20 minutes late in the day at FWG, and heard the toads trilling as soon as I stepped out of the car. At the same time there were yellow warblers singing from the vicinity of the ravine. A very happy combination of sound! There must have been about 50+ toads calling, mating, leaping on anything that moved, in the pond.
09-MAY-2011
White trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)
White trilliums are out in force now all over the region. Ontario's provincial flower!
09-MAY-2011
Great blue heron
Jeewa took this photo in the Arboretum, but we have had this species in the pond several times this year.
09-MAY-2011
Red-winged blackbird, female
The female blackbirds are back now and so nesting can commence, though where they are going to nest remains a mystery, given that most of the cattails in the pond have vanished. There are a few clumps here and there that may, just may, suffice. They nest in the dead cattails and usually there are plenty but not this year.
09-MAY-2011
Black-and-white warbler
A lovely shot of this familiar little warbler taken by Jeewa in the Ash Woods.
09-MAY-2011
Painted turtle
At last, the turtles in our pond are emerging! Jeewa said she saw two Painteds and photographed this one.
09-MAY-2011
Green frog
Green frogs are now more frequently seen around the pond. Previously this season, the only ones I saw were those caught by crows, so it was nice to see this photo by Jeewa of a happy, live frog!
06-MAY-2011
Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)
Jeewa got a nice shot of this native plant, showing the soft green, rather hairy leaves, and the small burgundy flower nestled at the base, often hard to see.
06-MAY-2011
Snapping turtle
Photographed by Jeewa in the Arboretum, but a reminder that we have (or had) two in our pond last year and the year before. Have not seen them yet, but hopefully they are there. Or perhaps this is one of "ours" seeking greener pastures.
06-MAY-2011
Spring azure
Our first butterfly photo of the season at FWG comes courtesy of Jeewa who saw this pretty little azure. Although you can't tell when the wings are close, it gets its name from the brilliant blue of the wings when open. Seeing these butterflies flitting along is like seeing flashes of blue appearing and disappearing in front of your eyes. Silvery blues, summer azures and eastern tailed blues are the other two very similar "blues" in this area.
06-MAY-2011
Trout lilies (Erythronium americanum)
One of our most familiar and most abundant spring ephemerals in the region. Jeewa photographed this at the FWG, near the Interpretive Centre.
06-MAY-2011
Turkey vulture
Jeewa noted that there were two vultures over the garden, and one landed on the barn, as you can see here. However, the next photo shows why the bird didn't stay long!
06-MAY-2011
Turkey vulture harassed by crows
The crows dislike any big bird, and even though vultures are scavengers, carrion eaters, the crows probably don't realize that they won't predate upon their young and so they are doing their best to chase this guy away, and succeeded.
06-MAY-2011
Yellow-rumped warbler
Jeewa found this bird in the Arboretum. However, I've put it in here because they are all over the FWG at present, calling, flitting from tree to tree, often at eye level. They are an exceptionally pretty little bird!
06-MAY-2011
White-crowned sparrow
These sparrows are moving through the area in numbers right now. While they don't nest at FWG, they certainly nest within the Ottawa area.
06-MAY-2011
Daffodils
There are several clumps of golden daffodils in the garden, and if you stop and look, you will find a number of insects come to nectar on them.
06-MAY-2011
Tree swallows
Jeewa found this pair getting ready to set up home. You can see that the one entering the box has some nesting material. Tree swallow nests are usually very cosy, made mostly of grass but thickly lined with feathers.
06-MAY-2011
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Not so long ago I was commenting that the bloodroot seemed quite late as it was just beginning to appear, the flowers still in tight buds. Today many of the plants have finished flowering! However, there is still time to get out and enjoy them, but I wouldn't leave it too long.
06-MAY-2011
Andrena dunningi bee
At noon today it was sunny and warm and these bees became increasingly common as the afternoon wore on, even when the clouds covered the sun and the wind turned cooler. Claudia and I watched them for a long time as they hovered over the bare soil and occasionally entered the nest sites that are scattered across a wide area where the soil is bare. Naturally, along with these Andrenids, we saw some Nomada bees, which are parasitic in the nests of the former.
04-MAY-2011
Dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)
There is a nice clump of this native wildflower along the Woodland Walk in the Backyard Garden. It is very similar to Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis), but this is the species I find most often out in the woods.
04-MAY-2011
Prairie smoke (Geum triflorum)
The prairie smoke is flowering nicely now, as are some other plants in the Backyard Garden section of the FWG.
04-MAY-2011
Chipping sparrow
It was a cold, windy, rainy day at the garden. Not a lot of bird activity. No sign of tree swallows, not surprisingly. However, there were flickers, cardinals, chickadees, juncos (fewer than a week ago), white-breasted nuthatch, goldfinches, robins, red-winged blackbirds (the females are back, so they can begin nesting soon), and lots of these guys. Down in the canal, on a rock near shore, was a greater yellowlegs.
04-MAY-2011
Magnolia
FWG has two lovely magnolia trees, planted long before we took over the site.
04-MAY-2011
Another downed tree
This ash was uprooted by the windstorm of last week. Several trees were damaged by it as it fell, so this little corner of the Ash woods, is looking a bit bare at the moment.
04-MAY-2011
Red trilium (Trillium erectum)
The red trilliums were just beginning to bloom a week ago and are mostly all out now. The white trilliums are just starting to bloom. Bloodroot is up in good numbers, but most of the flowers were closed in this unseasonably cool weather. Bellwort, false solomon's seal, Virginia waterleaf, are amongst other plants in the Ash woods beginning to appear.
04-MAY-2011
Chipmunk
After the fierce windstorm of last week, when winds gusted up to nearly 100kmh, I wondered what damage had been done at FWG. I was unable to get to the garden until today, and discovered it was not that badly hit, but yes, we did lose a few trees, including this spruce. The chipmunk was exploring the trunk when I came along.
