Grass Lake and F.W.R. Dickson Wilderness Area

I am a fundamentally curious person, and it's never hard finding subjects of interest; the challenge lies in narrowing them down.

Thor Hanson

01 June, 2025

Grass Lake, Cambridge, ON

     In spring the Grass Lake area is awash with wildflowers and this year the bounty seemed especially prolific.

     This is a species of flax (genus Linum) I believe.

     Bird's-Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is non-native, but extraordinarily appealing.

     Mouse-ear Hawkweeds (genus Pilosella) are tenacious and tolerate the vicissitudes of our climate extremely well.

     Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is equally hardy and thrives in a wide range of soil, even in abandoned areas.

     This fly is in the genus Delia; individual species are very difficult to identify for the non-specialist.

     One of the farms was hosting an equestrian show  and there was a constant stream of riders (almost all women) going up and down the road.

     Some of the steeds appeared to be a breed of draught horse - exceptionally appealing I found. 

     The equine parade added an element of charm to the morning, and almost without exception the riders greeted us with a cheery wave and words of greeting.

     One always wishes when visiting Grass Lake to catch a glimpse of Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis). For many years they have bred in the area, but they can be an elusive quarry and a chance encounter remains a special treat.

     We were very fortunate to see a pair with two colts. 

     They were far off and our pictures are not the best, but the sighting of a family group was memorable indeed.

     I have no doubt that this Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) was signalling his approval!

     Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) is a common bird, but they seem to have a special zest for life at Grass Lake and are often seen trilling as though to celebrate the day.

Beke Road, Cambridge, ON

     On the way over to FWR Dickson Wilderness Area we passed many Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemis picta marginata) hauled out on suitable resting places, enjoying the warm rays of the sun.

     Someone left a comment on a recent post indicating that turtles are not present where they live, and that seemed quite sad, somehow.

FWR Wilderness Area, Cambridge, ON

     Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) is ubiquitous.

     The glowing countenance of Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) seems the very invitation to children's games.

      I think this is a wood-boring beetle in the genus Anthaxia.

     These insects seem to be primarily European in distribution, but given the ease with which alien species are introduced into North America, it appears to have become established here. I have posted images to iNaturalist but so far my ID has been neither confirmed nor refuted.

     Northern Azure (Celastrina lucia) is a piece of cake by comparison.

      Common Ringlet (Coenonympha tullia) has a "hairy" look to it, perhaps suited to its original northern distribution.

      Here is a gorgeous female Dot-tailed Whiteface (Leucorrhinia intacta), a fairly common dragonfly.

     Eucosma is a very large genus of moths.

Bitter Wintercress (Barbarea vulgaris)

Common Mouse-ear Chickweed (Cerastium fontanum)

Bot Flies, Blow Flies, and Allies (superfamily Oestroidea)

     A Bronze Jumping Spider (Eris militaris) is a handsome species, extremely beneficial to farmers as it consumes many insects harmful to crops.

     Sadly our obsession with pesticides, ever more noxious, as one product after another is rendered ineffective, has a detrimental affect on these organisms, depriving agriculture of the benefits nature provides - at no charge, too.

     A Western Honeybee (Apis mellifera) plied its trade.

     Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) was wearing its elegant spring coat - the same one as last year, but always in fashion. 

     Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) is a real show-stopper.

     As expected, Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) were checking whether we had brought seed, and followed us as we ambled along the boardwalk.

     F.W.R. Dickson Wilderness Area is THE place in our area to find Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor), a delightful little bird, not at all reticent about associating with humans.

     A handsome male Red-winged Blackbird (Ageleius phoeniceus) might well have been dressed by a bespoke tailor of distinction!

     Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) holds the promise of a full crop of berries later in the year.

     I was delighted to find Common Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) growing quite prolifically where conditions were suitable.

Bannister Lake, Cambridge, ON

     We made a very brief stop at Bannister Lake on the way home, merely pulling off to the side of the road to scan the water.

      Water-lilies (family Nymphaeaceae) were abundant and covered a good portion of the lake.

     They are probably Yellow Pond-lilies (Nuphar variegata), but we weren't close enough to be sure.

     Whatever the species, they were very beautiful.

     A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) sailed across the water on giant wings and set about the serious business of finding food.

     A Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) was content to probe along the interface of grass and the shoulder of the road.

     It had been a great day!