22 May 2017
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
A small clump of Virginia Bluebells is blooming in the Old Woodlot. We're hoping these plants, which were donated by Phil Reilly, will spread out and make a carpet of blue in a couple of years.(SG)
22 May 2017
Spring ephemerals
Trilliums and Bloodroot flowering has ended, but now May Apple (Podophyllum peltatum), Starry False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum stellatum), Red Baneberry (Actaea rubra), violets are blooming in the Old Woodlot.(SG)
22 May 2017
Cedar-apple Rust (Gymnosporangium juniperivirginianae)
Today's rain seems to have brought out masses of this rust. Gelatinous brown "leaflets" are all over this Eastern Red-cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Google the latin name to see the variety of forms this organism can take. (SG)
22 May 2017
Pollinator beds
The FWG has partnered with Friends of the Earth to build pollinator beds at the FWG and at 3 Ottawa Community Housing sites. We opted for raised beds to make it easier to keep Dog-strangling Vine out. The vertical structures at the end of two boxes are intended to hold educational material, such as plant lists and information about various types of bees, as well as some bee boxes.(SG)
02-MAY-2017
White-throated sparrow
As most of you probably know, this species has been moving through our area for some time. On May 2nd at the garden there were numerous individuals in just about every area of the site. While they don't nest at FWG, they do nest in the region.
02-MAY-2017
Magnolia blossom
There are two magnolias at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, both planted long before we came along. Their blossoms are so showy and so pretty and more than that, they attract a variety of insects. Here, a small fly is sheltering from the showers. I could not get close enough to see details, but it is possible it is a dance fly (Rhamphomyia)though really, I don't know. (CH)
02-MAY-2017
Eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)
This was planted by the pond, it didn't occur naturally. There are only a couple of locations around the Ottawa district where this species is known to occur in 'the wild'.
3 May 2017
Red Trillium
Red Trilliums (Trillium erectum), usually one of the first spring ephemerals after bloodroots, are blooming in our Old Woodlot.
3 May 2017
White Trillium
The more showy White Trilliums (Trillium grandiflorum) are also in bloom.
02-MAY-2017
Red squirrel
Not too happy with the rain, I'm sure, which was on and off all afternoon. This squirrel is sitting by the very well used roosting box which successive generations of squirrels have used. One year, sharing it with a colony of honey bees.