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 warbler 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.
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.
Beautiful 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.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful series of photos, David.
ReplyDeleteThe Purple Finch is my favorite.
I wish you a lovely week.
All the best, Irma