A walk at Reid CA this morning revealed some early signs of spring. Wildflowers and other plants are popping up through the leaf litter. Although quite cool, I was lucky to have the sun out during my walk.
Notably, Harbinger of Spring is already out! It was early April last year that I first saw these delicate plants.
They are in a couple of locations at Reid. This plant is found mainly in rich upland woodlands and is on the endangered list and is considered imperiled.
Trout Lilly is starting to peak through, and some Virginia Springbeauty is about to bloom.
Wild Leek, a member of the onion family, is coming up now as well.
Along the way, I noted some members of the fungi family. This one is quite pretty, similar to turkey tail. It is known by its scientific name, Stereum lobatum.
I find quite a bit of splitgill mushroom at Reid. This specimen is one of the more attractive ones I have found.
Another fungus, this one may be hypoxylon canker, not too common it seems.
With rain overnight, the vernal ponds in the woods are doing well.
There are always some interesting things to see within Reid CA. This large maple tree split in half at its base a few years ago.
This tree grew with quite a twist back in the day!
A ramble at Reid is not complete without seeing a mussel or two.
Mapleleaf
A few days ago, I checked out some spots locally and found some Tree Swallows. Probably some of the earliest arrivals I have ever seen. These were both at Mitchell's Bay and Peers Wetland.
Just over a week ago, a pair of Black-billed Magpies was found at the east end of Rondeau Bay. Later, they were seen (assumed to be the same birds) on Fargo Road north of Shrewsbury. No doubt they are attempting to nest there, as they have been observed gathering nesting material!
I stopped by a couple of days ago and took a quick photo of the pair under gloomy skies.
One has to wonder what is going on with these creatures! Last year, there were multiple sightings in SW Ontario, especially in Elgin County towards St. Thomas. Were a bunch of birds released?
There has been incursions from the west in the past (eg. 1973), but the pattern does not fully fit the criteria.
Black-billed Magpies have been known to be kept in captivity with some either escaping or being released. Perhaps some were let go the last year or two.
There are legitimate wild birds up in the Rainy River District which I have seen on visits there. Once in a while one may be seen in southern Ontario. Back on May 15, 1999, I found one at Rondeau Park. It was later seen the next day by several birders, but this one clearly had a band on one leg. Easy to discount that as a wild bird!
Later, I also took some time in Rondeau Park. Eastern Phoebes have started to trickle in already Two or three were seen that morning.
Yesterday, I needed a change in scenery and went down to Hillman Marsh. I did the long walk around the dike. Lots of ducks to look at! I always scrutinize them for European imports, namely Eurasian Wigeon or Eurasian Green-winged Teal (Common Teal). One year, I found both! However no dice this visit.
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| Wood Ducks |
A Northern Shrike has been wintering in the area there, and was still present. Soon, it will head north.
It is the time of year one must be on the lookout for Loggerhead Shrike. Occasionally one shows up in our area, like the one north of Erieau last year.
Some cool weather the next few days, but more spring arrivals will be in our midsts!
During my down time, I do a lot of reading. Currently, I am checking out books written by Adam Shoalts. He is a survivalist and adventurer that has done many extended canoe trips throughout Canada. He lived at St. Williams, near Long Point at one time. Adam is a very popular speaker and his talks sell out quite quickly. A couple of years ago he was guest speaker for the Sydenham Field Naturalists annual spring banquet.
The book I am currently reading is the trip from Long Point to the Arctic in northern Labrador. A 3400 km journey!
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