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.
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.
They are beautiful birds, but I still prefer interesting plants like these beautiful plants from the Trillium genus, unfortunately I don't have them in my garden. Kind regards from Croatia, Jasna
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ReplyDeleteHola, David.
ReplyDeleteConozco la salamandra común, no la de lomo rojo.
Creo que no hay pinzón morado ni mirlos alados rojos por aquí.
En Segovia tenemos una de las mayores colonias de vencejos de Europa, y de ello hablo en mi última entrada.
Un abrazo y buen día.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteA refreshing spring walk - can't be beat! YAM xx
I love to see the trilliums, David. They are one of my favorites in May. I guess it's Trillium grandiflorum in your photo, but as you say it's difficult yo know before the flower is revealed.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
These are great photos David :-D
ReplyDeleteThe lungless plethodon looks pretty scary..don't think I have ever seen a PURPLE finch. Thank you for sharing those beautiful spring scenes with us, David.
ReplyDeletePurple is probably not the best description chosen by the namers of the bird. I think it looks as though it has been dipped in red wine!
DeleteThe plants are nice as are the birds, those little crawly things are sweet and it's good to see what is about in the garden and other places.
ReplyDelete...thanks for sharing these wonderful springs of spring.
ReplyDeleteLots of wonderful flora and fauna in your 'random spring sightings' that I'm never going to see over the pond here in England David.
ReplyDeleteRegards....Pete.
Then you have to come here!
DeleteBeautiful photos as usual. I would have thought I was looking at a small snake instead of a salamander. Now I know, and not that I would EVER think of touching them but it is good to know not to for their sake.
ReplyDeleteYou'd be amazed at the number of people who's first instinct is to pick them up.
DeleteBeautiful series of photos, David.
ReplyDeleteThe Purple Finch is my favorite.
I wish you a lovely week.
All the best, Irma
I'm so taken with Eastern Red-backed Salamander. A very strange and unique creature. All of your photos today are simply stunning. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love spring because it's a magical time of nature's awakening, characterized by greenery, blooming flowers, and warmer days. I consider it the most optimistic season, bringing joy, rising temperatures, and the joyful chirping of birds. I remember Trillium grandiflorum when you featured it on your blog. It's truly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from springtime Poland:)
What a joy it is to see old friends returning in the spring or, in the case of plants, waking up from their winter sleep. Spring has truly arrived!
ReplyDeleteInteresting blog, the salamander is very cute. The ones here are forever getting run over as they seem to delight in crossing roads at snails pace! We have the fire Salamanders here, seen quite often in the garden, but thank you, I did not know they were lungless you have upped my knowledge. I hope all is well over there, bisous Diane
ReplyDeleteA very nice collection of sightings.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
It is such a beautiful time of year with wonderful sights!
ReplyDeleteIf I saw that salamander, I would assume it were snake. Either way, it would be in no danger of getting picked up by me passing by. I recently started a bit of bird-watching-- they are much easier to hear than to see.
ReplyDeleteLearning their song is a great way to identify them. Often you hear the bird before you see it.
DeleteIt's funny you mention the myrtle warbler and the purple Finch. Lately they are both showing up at my bird feeders. I occasionally would see purple finches (our state bird) but lately they have been around all the time. But I haven't seen a trillium in years. That was a great find. Have a great new week. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteAn interesting salamander! I especially like the trillium.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen a salamander before....very interesting!.....Abrazotes, Marcela
ReplyDeleteInteresting tidbit about the salamander breathing though its skin. Not that I was planning on it anyway, but I'll make sure not to pick one up.
ReplyDelete😘🌺😘˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚.🎀༘🍓🌞⋆💐🌺💐🌺
ReplyDeleteCoucou Professor, q tal! it's so sweet to lift a log and discover a tiny life. I didn't know the salamander was so fragile; it depends on our gentleness, on not intruding.
Enjoy a wonderful tuesday, my dear friend!
Gros bisous. 😘🌺😘˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚.🎀༘🍓🌞⋆💐🌺💐🌺