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.