More Random Spring Sightings

24 April, 2026

Benjamin Park, Waterloo, ON 

     Often overlooked, Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is a sure sign of early spring, and a flower I look forward to.

     It seems that as soon as I locate Blue Cohosh, Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is not far behind.

     Lichens are not easy to identify, but they are always exciting to see. I believe those shown below are Rosette Lichens (genus Physcia).

     Violets (genus Viola) are said to inspire love and affection.

     Sometimes the affection blooms longer than the flowers!

     This trunk bears the signature of several cavity-nesting species of birds. 

     A couple of years ago a pair of Red-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta canadensis) set up home there, but I suspect the inner sections have degraded and are no longer suitable.

     An American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is as familiar as it is beloved.

     Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is more beautiful than is generally acknowleged.

     Like the American comedian, Rodney Dangerfield, it gets no respect!

TRIVIA

     I was recently asked by a bright young fellow about the scientific designations vulgare or vulgaris and officinale or officinalis, both seen quite frequently.

Vulgare or vulgaris is the Latin word for "common" or "widespread." It is frequently used as a specific epithet and does not indicate in any way that the organism is vulgar!

Officinalis or officinale, a botanical Latin term, is generally used as a specific epithet to identify plants with medicinal properties.

     I knew those four years of high school Latin would come in handy one day!

Random Spring Sightings

 18 April, 2026

SpruceHaven, St. Agatha, ON

     Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) is far-and-away the most common salamander in our region and can usually be found by lifting a log or two in the vicinity of a vernal pond, or even a moist forest floor.

     As the genus Plethodon implies it is lungless and should not be handled since it breathes through its skin. Handling can interfere with breathing and cause  surface mucus to dry out permitting the entry of harmful bacteria.

     Eastern Red-backed Salamanders can be found in most deciduous woodlands, but may also inhabit coniferous forests. They feed on insects, spiders and other terrestrial invertebrates and, in turn, become food for birds, small mammals and snakes.

22 April, 2026

Benjamin Park, Waterloo, ON

     A Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) is not a bird I see frequently, so it was very agreeable to be greeted by this male as soon as I set foot on the trail.

     I eagerly await the emergence of Trilliums (genus Trillium) and Benjamin Park is an area where they occur in profusion. 

     White Trillium or Large-flowered Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) is the most abundant species, but it is difficult to know until the flower is revealed.

     There is no doubt that the following plant is Purple Trillium (Trillium erectum).

     White Trillium has been the provincial flower of Ontario since 1937.

     Lungwort (Pulmonaria canadensis) appears early and fills the woodlands with surreal beauty.

     The first wood warbler I see is nearly always Myrtle Warbler (Setophaga coronata).

     Unlike most warblers which are obligate insectivores, Myrtle Warblers are able to switch to a diet of fruit and berries when insects are not available during periodic cold snaps.

     Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) have a loud, distinctive song familiar to all.

     It evokes a feeling of profound joy to greet early Mourning Cloaks (Nymphalis antiopa).

     There is more, but we'll save that until the next time.

Book Review - The Shark Watcher's Manual: A Guide to Species and Where to Find Them - Princeton University Press

 

     Odd though it may seem to those of us who lead more pedestrian lives, primarily landbound, there are those for whom shark watching is a regular activity, and for some a passion verging on addiction. 

     This is a book about that tribe and the sharks they watch; how to do it well, how to do it safely and where to do it. It all seems quite remarkable to me.

     Austin Gallagher is eminently qualified to lead us on this quest. He is a distinguished shark biologist as well as being a keen diver, motivated by the pursuit of scientific truth while not denying the thrill of intimate association with ancient creatures, where lethal encounters are always a possibility. Unlikely and rare, yes, but the threat is always present - and on their terms.

     Vigilance and respect are the cardinal rules of diving with sharks. What starts out as a routine dive in a familiar location can rapidly become dangerous; it is vital to know when it's time to get out of the water.

     The safety of the shark is paramount, no less than the health and well-being of the diver. You wish to go home and have dinner, not become one!

     The first sections of the book provide you with a wealth of information about the origins of these top ocean predators, their lifestyles and locations, shark photography and the ways that you need to act to ensure a safe outcome for both shark and human. The pages are gloriously illustrated and reveal scenes that most of us will never observe first hand.

      The species accounts are masterfully done, with text on the left, and a picture, identification keys, a range map, notes on distribution and hot spots on the right.

       Imagine yourself planning a shark diving adventure and having this wealth of information available to you before leaving home. 

      Were I a diver, I would find the location directory immensely useful. It is a gazetteer of diving locations around the world, organized by continent.

     Sadly, as is the case with all organisms on Earth the future is uncertain. There are success stories in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), but recovery of these ancient creatures is slow. We must cling to hope, but optimism does not deny facts, and we are changing the oceans in ways that have far-reaching and long-lasting consequences. We continue to assault the seas with staggering amounts of garbage, they are heating up, becoming more acidic and currents that regulate the temperature of the Earth are in danger of being disrupted.

     I was on the Island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas in February, and the sharks there have tested positive for drugs, including cocaine and painkillers. How are other marine organisms affected? What does this signal for humans? We are not immune from the havoc being wreaked on the oceans. Sharks are consumed by humans around the world and bioaccumulation of toxins is a real threat.

      The book illustrates magnificently the glory of ocean life, and the joy to be derived from diving with top predators. Let's hope we can come to our senses - and soon - to make sure we do not lose it.

      Or is it already too late?

The Shark Watcher's Manual: A Guide to Species and Where to Find Them - Princeton University Press

Paperback - US$32.00 - ISBN: 9780691273204

288 pages - 6 x 9.25 inches (15 x 23.125 cm) - 90 illustrations

Publication date: 14 April, 2026

Visit to RIM Park with Chinese Home School Group

23 April, 2026

      It was a long, cold winter this year and spring seemed reluctant to move in, but finally we benefitted from a day when the temperature was predicted to soar to the high teens. We all looked forward to a pleasant walk without the need for winter boots and thermal underwear!

     We got off to a great start even before setting out on the trail proper. Ospreys (Pandion haliaeetus) have returned from the south and have re-occupied their nests atop the light standards.

     I was able to set up a scope so that everyone could see the birds well. A stool helped the smaller children to reach the eyepiece and by adjusting the focus for them, each child was rewarded with their first intimate look at an Osprey.

     Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) has become increasingly more difficult to locate in recent years as more and more grassland is commandeered for urban development; habitat loss is significant for all grassland species. 

      It was immensely exciting, therefore, to witness a pair in a small field near the trailhead, showing well and permitting everyone to see and appreciate this beautiful bird.

     At times the birds were quite close; at other times distant but perched for an extended period, and we put the scope to full use.

     Several Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) also cavorted in the field and it was  satisfying to see this common, yet very striking bird, at close range.

     I think that Penny especially was impressed with this species.

     American Robin (Turdus migratorius) was also present and seldom out of sight.

     A Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) assiduously worked the river, up and down in search of fish.

     The river was swollen and filled with silt, opaque, dense, and brown, no doubt causing the bird great difficulty in locating its prey.
     As we walked along the trail we kept our eyes peeled for spring ephemerals and were soon rewarded with patches of Carolina Spring Beauty (Claytonia caroliniana).

     The sublime perfection of these delicate little flowers takes my breath away each year. 

     There is magic in the living world.

     Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) was seen in several spots, surprisingly still without a flower.

     Here is a glimpse of what is soon to come.

     I have seen Yellow Trout Lily flowering in other locations so I am not quite sure why it is behind at RIM Park.

     Amphibians are starting to emerge, so it was with particular delight that we saw our first Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) of the year.

     The larvae of Virginia Ctenucha Moth (Ctenucha virginica) overwinter and emerge in spring, feeding primarily on grass, but also other plants.

     American Beaver (Castor canadensis) has been active.

     These are the leaves of Great Mullein (Verbascum thapus).

     Considerable mirth occurred when Ingrid googled the plant and found out that it is colloquially known as Cowboy's Toilet Paper! I will say no more on this issue...or is that tissue?!

     Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa), that classic early spring butterfly, graced us with its presence.

     Surprisingly, we barely saw Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis); a single small patch if I am remembering correctly.

     On these walks I always get the sense that the children really enjoy the experience of being outdoors and exploring, having fun and learning at the same time. Recently Penny, Charlotte's mother and teacher, gave her an assignment to write about a bird walk, and here is the result.

"Bird walks are very interesting. There are two things I really like about bird walks.

 

First, when we were going on a bird walk, we had a friend named David who knows a lot about birds, animals, and nature. 

 

On the way there, I was looking around and finding all sorts of things. On the way back, I talked to David about the things he liked, and he kept pointing out things and telling me what they were. I found something furry and very smooth; I asked him about it, and he said he thought it was fur from a rabbit's belly. Then I found a walnut. I basically found everything I could find in that forest. 

 

There were birds very high up, so I couldn't see what they were called or what they looked like. David helped me by looking through the binoculars so he could see which bird it was and tell me its name. 

 

It is enjoyable talking to people who know a lot about nature because they can tell you what makes nature so wonderful. I was always sticking close to him and asking, "What is that? What is that? What is that?" 

 

Second, discovering little treasures on the way is joyful too. You can gather those little things up and put them in a drawer you like. Every time you think about nature, you can open that drawer and take the things out to look at them.

 

Bird walks are just a lot of fun."

I don't think it gets any better than this.

Another Recent Excursion

15 April, 2026 

Benjamin Park, Waterloo, ON

"In my mind, a naturalist is someone who comes to understand the biological life and ecological relationships of a particular place with some depth and seeks to use this understanding to forge an appropriate relationship with earthly life."

Lyanda Lynn Haupt

     You may remember from my last post that this location is very close to my home and we visit quite often. It's the kind of walk that can be done on the spur of the moment.

     Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is truly one of the premier delights of a stroll through an eastern woodland.

     Who could resist the charm of these beautiful flowers that only reveal their elegance for a brief period in early spring?

     Yellow Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) is present throughout wooded areas, from small urban patches to mature forests. They will soon reveal their glorious inflorescence.

     Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon) will not be far behind.

     I believe that in the Chinese calendar this is the Year of the Fire Horse, but for me it seems to be the Year of the Snake. Following our recent discover of a hibernaculum this Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis cadaverina) put on a show for me.

     Females can grow up to 90cm; as you can perhaps gauge the snake above was close to that.

     Snakes are reviled by some and feared by others, but these non-venomous species are really quite endearing.

     I hereby declare every day as "Love a Snake Day!"

     Shiny Blue Bottle Fly (Cynomya cadavarina), as the specific epithet implies, is a common visitor to cadavers and other decomposing objects. It is useful in establishing the time of death, thereby having forensic value at the scene of a crime. 

     Violets are a lovely addition to the spring profusion of blooms.

     Here is a distant view of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphrapicus varius).

     I saw and heard three or four of them, but they were never close.

     American Robins (Turdus migratorius) are early nesters and this hard-working individual was gathering mud to build its nest.

     There was no shortage of mud on the trails after several days of rain!

     A Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodius) was perhaps finding insect prey on or near the water.

     Bathing did not seem to be on its mind.

     American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis), however, were relishing the opportunity.

     What a stunning little bird this is.

     And just to remind myself that even the most common part of nature, even maligned flowers and weeds, are objects of great beauty and have my undying affection, it seemed appropriate that Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) was there to send me on my way.