18-MAY-2014
Red-bellied woodpecker, male
This species is generally seen in the winter in this region, if seen at all, and sightings are limited to one or perhaps two individuals a winter (but see below). A very nice and surprising find and an excellent photo by Robert. This is the 153rd species for our Fletcher Wildlife Garden bird list!
Update: Robert tells me he had two of these woodpeckers at the FWG, sitting next to each other, but in different trees. One was skittish and flew off, not to be seen again and he didn't get a chance to see if it was a female or another male. Wouldn't it be something if this species nested at FWG! I have also just heard via Bob Cermak, that a pair has nested near Pakenham in recent years!
19-MAY-2004
Groundhog
Sandy photographed this guy and commented: "a cheeky little groundhog who has moved into that hole in the corner of the lower nursery. He was determined to get out and eat, even though Gracie and I were both close by watering the plants."
19 May 2014
Basswood tree
This small Basswood tree was rescued a dozen years ago from an area destined to become a parking lot. It was only about a foot tall when we planted it. You can also see a 15-year-old sugar maple; we buy sugar maples every year from Ferguson Forest Centre and have been planting them in the woods for that long, along with beech, ironwood, yellow birch, and whatever other appropriate species we can find. (Sandy)
19 May 2014
Fern trail
Thanks to the hard work of Lis Allison and Joan Darby and the generosity of Dan Faber, we have a nice variety of ferns in the woods. We're hoping to be able to dedicate this trail to Bill Cody, who was an enthusiastic supporter of the FWG and a good friend to many of us. Bill wrote our "fern bible," Ferns of the Ottawa District, so creating a fern trail seemed appropriate. (Sandy)
19 May 2014
Downed ash trees
And here's the reason I'm being somewhat sentimental about the woods today. The Green Ash trees that give this FWG habitat its name are being felled this year. They were attacked by Emerald Ash Borer several years ago and, as they have died back and dried, they've become a safety hazard. Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada is carrying out the work, and we are very grateful for the care they are taking. I'm trying not to notice the devastation, but instead focus on the opportunity to plant a wider variety of native trees and shrubs when the diseased trees have been removed. (Sandy)
15-MAY-2015
Snapping turtle
A very small snapping turtle crossing the trail from the ravine to the amphibian pond. This may have hatched last year, although snappers grow so slowly it may be from the year previous. The carapace was about 5 inches in length.
15-MAY-2014
Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor)
Treefrogs are at the height of their breeding season right now and are calling from perches around the amphibian pond, on trees, on shrubs, and as here, perched on old cattail stalks. Once breeding is over and done with, the adults leave the pond and head back to upland habitats. Their calls can be heard thoughout summer, though not with the frequency we hear now. Later on, the tiny brilliant green newly transformed frogs can be found on the edge of the pond and nearby.
Palm warbler
OK, this wasn't photographed at the FWG, but next door in the Arboretum. However, it is such a good photo, and we do see this species at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden when they are passing through on migration, that I thought it worthy of posting.
Song sparrow
An interesting pose of this song sparrow, sitting lengthwise along the old cattail head. Song sparrows, a very common breeding species at the FWG, are frequently found at the pond gathering nest material.
Hermit thrush
Hermit thrushes breed in the Ottawa area, but not at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden. However, they are commonly and frequently seen in many locations during migration. They have a quiet beauty, but their song is splendid. The sound of pan pipes someone once said. Here, a very good photo of one by Barry.
Hermit thrush
Another photo of the hermit thrush shown in the previous photo.