Number 583, November 2011

Gray treefrog, Rouge Park wetland, photographed by Carol Sellers (see page 6)

REGULARS FEATURES

Coming Events 18 Extracts from Outings Reports 9 Are Ladybug Numbers 11 From the Archives 17 Diminishing? In the News 16 Fly Past 12 Keeping in Touch 8 ’s Native Lettuces 13 Monthly Meetings Notice 3 Monthly Meeting Report 7 Toronto Wildlife Centre 14 President’s Report 6 Carp at Tommy Thompson Park 15 TFN Outings 4 Weather – This Time Last Year 19 TFN 583-2 Toronto Field Naturalist November 2011

Toronto Field Naturalist is published by the Toronto Field BOARD OF DIRECTORS Naturalists, a charitable, non-profit organization, the aims of President Bob Kortright which are to stimulate public interest in natural history and Past President Wendy Rothwell to encourage the preservation of our natural heritage. Issued Vice President monthly September to December and February to May. & Outings Margaret McRae Views expressed in the Newsletter are not necessarily those Sec.-Treasurer Walter Weary of the editor or Toronto Field Naturalists. The Newsletter is Communications Alexander Cappell printed on 100% recycled paper. Membership Judy Marshall Monthly Lectures Nancy Dengler ISSN 0820-636X Monthly Lectures Corinne McDonald Webmaster Lynn Miller

IT’S YOUR NEWSLETTER! We welcome contributions of original writing, up to 500 MEMBERSHIP FEES words, of observations on nature in and around Toronto, $20 YOUTH (under 26) reviews, poems, sketches, paintings, and photographs of $30 SENIOR SINGLE (65+) TFN outings (digital or print, include date and place). $40 SINGLE, SENIOR FAMILY (2 adults, 65+) $50 FAMILY (2 adults – same address, children included) Include your name, address and phone number so submissions can be acknowledged. Send by mail or email. No HST. Tax receipts issued for donations. Send Deadline for submissions for December issue: Nov 4. membership fees and address changes to the TFN office. Please note: TFN does not give out its membership list. NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE

Jenny Bull (co-editor), Karin Fawthrop, Nancy Fredenburg,

Elisabeth Gladstone, Mary Lieberman, Judy Marshall, Ruth Toronto Field Naturalists Munson, Toshi Oikawa, Wendy Rothwell (co-editor). 2 Carlton St, # 1519, Toronto M5B 1J3

Printing and mailing: Perkins Mailing Services Tel: 416-593-2656 Web: www.torontofieldnaturalists.org Email: [email protected]

BUTTERFLIES OF TORONTO From ROM website blog.rom.on.ca/2011/10/the-butterflies-of- toronto/

To educate and foster appreciation for these much-loved colourful insects, the City of Toronto, in partnership with the ROM and Livegreen Toronto, has published a new book, Butterflies of Toronto: A Guide to their Remarkable World. With hundreds of full-colour photographs, this new publication shares the local history of butterflies and details on where they live in Toronto. It is part of a Biodiversity Series being produced by the City to commemorate the Year of Biodiversity 2010. Other booklets in the works include Spiders, Trees and Shrubs, Mammals, Fishes, and Reptiles and Amphibians. You may remember Birds of Toronto (2009) — it is hoped that it will be reprinted. Whether you are a butterfly enthusiast, a nature nut, or just interested in learning more about your city, don’t miss this book. You can pick up a free copy at your local Toronto Public Library branch while they last.

November 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 583-3

TFN MEETING

Sunday, November 6, 2011, at 2:30 pm

Ontario’s Far North

Justina Ray, Executive Director, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, on the conservation progress and challenges up north, with a focus on space-demanding species such as caribou, wolverine, lake sturgeon and lake trout

VISITORS WELCOME!

SOCIAL: 2:00 – 2:30 pm

Room 001, Emmanuel College, University of Toronto, 75 Queen’s Park Cres E

Emmanuel College is just south of the Museum subway station exit on the east side of Queen’s Park. Enter via the second door south on Queen’s Park, which is wheelchair accessible. There is an elevator inside to the right. Room 001 is one floor below street level.

For information: call 416-593-2656 up to noon on the Friday preceding the lecture.

2011-2012 Lecture Series

Dec 4 Living with the Wild: Canada’s Early Naturali sts & Their Animal Companions Sharon Kirsch, freelance editor and writer

Feb 5 Geologic Journey: Seven Months on the Road with the CBC Nick Eyles, Professor of Geology, University of Toronto Scarborough

Mar 4 Operation Migration Joe Duff, Operation Migration Co- Founder and CEO

Apr 1 Gardening is for the Birds Cynthia Brown, Stewardship Coordinator, Healthy Yards, TRCA

May 6 The Urban Coyote Lesley Sampson, Co-Founder, Coyote Watch Canada

TFN 583-4 Toronto Field Naturalist November 2011

TFN OUTINGS

• TFN events are conducted by unpaid volunteers. • The club assumes no responsibility for injuries sustained by anyone participating in our activities. • Children and visitors are welcome at all TFN events. Children must be accompanied by an adult. • If you plan to bring children in a stroller, be aware that there may be steps or other unsuitable terrain. • Please do not bring pets. • To get to outings on time, check TTC routes and schedules (www.ttc.ca or 416-393-4636). • Outings go rain or shine: check the weather by calling 416-661-0123 so you will know what to wear. • Wear appropriate footwear for walking on trails which may be muddy, steep or uneven.

Tues CENTENNIAL PARK – Birds and Insects Nov 1 Leader: Carol Sellers 10:30 am Meet at the greenhouse on Elmcrest Rd north of Rathburn Rd for a circular walk. Bring lunch and binoculars.

Sat NOOKS AND CRANNIES OF THE U OF T, PART 2 – Nature Arts Nov 5 Leader: Ann Byzko 10:30 am Meet outside the Royal Conservatory of Music on the south side of Bloor St W just east of Bedford Rd (Bedford Rd exit of the St George subway station). Bring camera, sketchbook, notebook and anything you want to share over lunch.

Sun LECTURE – ’S FAR NORTH Nov 6 Speaker: Justina Ray, Executive Director, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada 2:30 pm Emmanuel College, 75 Queen’s Park Cres E. See page 3.

Wed MOUNT PLEASANT CEMETERY – Trees and Shrubs for Beginners Nov 9 Leader: Roger Powley 11:00 am Meet at Davisville subway station. Duration: about 2 hours.

Sat A REMEMBRANCE WALK – Coronation Park to Harbourfront Nov 12 Leader: Joanne Doucette 1:00 pm Coronation Park is a memorial with 150 trees in memory of the 150 Canadian Expedition Force units in World War I. A sculptural memorial has “Peace” in 50 languages. Dress warmly, bring binoculars as we look for gulls and ducks. Meet at the Prince’s Gates to the Canadian National Exhibition. From Union Station, take the 509 Harbourfront streetcar. Walk will end approximately 4 pm. Washrooms en route.

Wed – Topography Nov 16 Leader: Alexander Cappell 1:30 pm Meet at the northwest corner of Yonge St and Bloor St W. Walk will end at a coffee shop near the St Clair W subway station.

Sat – Birds and Trees Nov 19 Leader: Bob Kortright 10:00 am Meet at the park entrance at Leslie St and Unwin Ave. Bring binoculars and lunch.

Sun TOILET TO TAP CELEBRATING WORLD TOILET DAY – Lost Rivers Walk Nov 20 Leader: Helen Mills and Friends 2:00 pm Discover the remarkable urban life support system created by R C Harris. Tour the Beach from the R C Harris Water Filtration Plant – Toronto's "Palace of Purification" – to the Ashbridge’s Bay Sewage Treatment Plant with a stop along the way for tea and talks from local experts. Meet at Queen St E and Nursewood Rd. A joint walk with the Toronto Green Community.

November 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 583-5

Wed EAST DON VALLEY AND NEWTONBROOK CREEK – Topography and Erosion Nov 23 Leader: Alexander Cappell 1:30 pm Meet at the north side of Sheppard Ave E on the east side of Buchan Ct (east of Leslie St). Walk will end at the coffee shop at Bayview and Cummer.

Sat COLONEL SAMUEL SMITH PARK – Birds Nov 26 Leader: Wendy Rothwell 10:00 am Meet at the southwest corner of Lake Shore Blvd W and Kipling Ave. Morning only. Bring binoculars.

Tues EAST – Birds Nov 29 Leader: Anne Powell 10:00 am Meet at the southeast corner of Lake Shore Blvd W and Park Lawn Rd. Morning only. Bring binoculars.

Wed – Birds and Plants Nov 30 Leader: Miles Hearn 10:00 am Meet at the southwest corner of Midland Ave and Kingston Rd for a circular walk. Morning only. Bring binoculars.

Nature Images Event

ART and PHOTO EXHIBIT by TFN members Saturday, January 7, 2012 2 to 4 p.m.

We will again be enjoying the auditorium of the S. Walter Stewart Library for an afternoon of projected images by our TFN photographers. In addition we will have the exhibit area in the room for the month of January. We will welcome framed artwork and photographic prints for the month long exhibit.

TFN members who wish to take part in the exhibit are asked to send their names and contact information, plus the title, medium and framed size of one or two works by email: or by post to My phone is and you can leave a message or question.

We are planning to hang the works on a weekday evening to be determined or on the morning of January 7 before the afternoon opening. Those participating will have time for lunch at nearby venues between delivering their works and attending the Nature Images event in the afternoon.

Those who will be bringing images to project should contact Lynn Miller at to let her know that you are bringing up to 25 images on a disc or other means.

Please look through your pictures and take part in this opportunity to show what you have been seeing at Nature Arts and other TFN walks or on your own travels. Let's put on a really good show!!

Gail Gregory for Nature Arts, TFN

TFN 583-6 Toronto Field Naturalist November 2011

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The second booklet in the Biodiversity of Toronto September led to an agreement between the City and series, Butterflies of Toronto has finally been printed Waterfront Toronto, which now has a mandate to (see page 2). I obtained some copies which I accelerate their work in that area without losing the distributed at our October meeting – our annual general plan for naturalization of the mouth of the . meeting and the wonderful lecture on Dragonflies and We will remain watchful for new threats in the area. Damselflies of Ontario. I intend to bring more copies While assisting the Friends of Glen Davis Ravine to our November meeting, but you can ask for a copy (FOGDR) in opposing a development that is proposed at your library. to encroach on the ravine, I have discovered that I would like to reiterate the thanks to departing Toronto’s ravine protection bylaw is only as strong as directors Elisabeth Gladstone and Marcus Feak that I the City chooses to make it. I plan to work with expressed at the Annual General Meeting. They have FOGDR and others to try to strengthen the bylaw in completed their terms on the TFN board, but we are future. The TFN will not be able to achieve such an fortunate that Elisabeth is continuing to serve on the objective on its own, so we hope to continue to foster Newsletter Committee as well as staff the table outside alliances with other like-minded organizations. our lecture hall at Emmanuel College, selling Inspired in part by Richard Aaron’s memorable publications and memberships and answering questions presentation on fungi at the TFN monthly meeting in at our monthly meetings. Marcus led a number of September, I have recently enjoyed a course on interesting outings and took responsibility for nature identification of gilled mushrooms and boletes reserves despite the time demands of his career and presented by Mycological Society of Toronto (MST) other interests. Past President Pat Burchell. If you too would like to I am writing this just after the provincial election was improve your ability to identify these important decided. During the campaign, I and other TFN components of our living environment, you may wish members joined the Rally for Nature organized by to contact the MST at www.myctor.org and ask to be Ontario Nature to remind the candidates of the notified of future courses. importance of protection of nature. Ontario Nature Thanks to all of you for helping to make the TFN what also campaigned for better protection of the Oak it is – especially those of you who put in hours of work Ridges Moraine – time will tell whether that has had to organize or lead outings, organize our lectures, and the desired effect. Unfortunately in Northern Ontario contribute to our wonderful newsletter, or work behind protection of the boreal forest is sometimes perceived the scenes; those who contribute donations to support as a threat to the regional economy and that is said to our mission to stimulate public interest in natural have contributed to NDP gains at the expense of history and encourage preservation of our natural government members. heritage, and also to those who simply spread the word Within Toronto, broad opposition to a plan passed by and enlarge our community. Toronto executive council for the Portlands in early Bob Kortright

On the Cover

Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) photographed by Carol Sellers in Rouge Park wetlands. Carol wrote that on the TFN outing led by Mandy Karch on July 23, tree frogs were seen on plants near a stream in the wetlands, but TFN members who returned another day found two of these frogs way up the hill near Pearse House. “So I guess they don't need to stick by the water for too long,” Carol commented. The gray treefrog is “a master at changing colour,” according to Bob Johnson in Familiar Amphibians and Reptiles of Ontario. “Those I have found active in the full sun or on warm days have been bright grey-green with dark green blotches outlined in black. When it is cold in spring and fall and when frogs are breeding in the water, darker, grey-black individuals are encountered more often. Whatever the body colour, there is always a squarish, white spot just below the eye… The skin appears rough with small bumps. Newly metamorphosed froglets have smooth skin and are emerald green.”

November 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 583-7

MONTHLY MEETING REPORT

The Dragonflies and Damselflies of Ontario Sunday, October 2. Colin Jones, Project Zoologist, National Heritage Information Centre, MNR

As a child, I thought dragonflies were rather magical. After Sunday’s fact-filled presentation, I have not changed my mind and I can understand why these insects have fascinated Colin for so long.

Dragonflies and damselflies are two sub-orders of Odonata. In addition to being smaller and thinner than dragonflies, damselflies at rest fold their wings over their backs. Dragonflies at rest hold their wings open, perpendicular to the axis of their bodies.

Water is critical to the survival of these insects, which lay their eggs in or near water. The larva of the damsel- Rapids clubtail (Gomphus quadricolor) fly has three appendages at the tip of its abdomen which to feed their young. Odonata also fall prey to which function as gills so it can breathe underwater. spiders, frogs and plants such as the sundew. Exuvia The dragonfly nymphs are fatter and have gills inside have been found with zebra mussels attached but we their bodies. They suck water in, extract the oxygen don’t yet know the effect this has on the insect. and expel the water. This squirting action can also propel them quickly away from predators. The mating behaviour of these creatures is also fascinating. The male begins by bending his abdomen Larvae are voracious, generalist feeders. The head of so that sperm is transferred from the tip to a holding the larva has a lower lip that is folded in while it sits place at the base of his abdomen. When he finds a waiting for food to go by. The lip then shoots out and female, he clasps her in the area at the back of her sharp claspers grasp the prey. The tiny larvae eat tiny head. Colin showed us drawings of the claspers of 13 insects until they almost burst out of their skins. As types of bluets, each unique to their species. When the they grow, so does the size of their prey, which can male finds a female of the same species, his claspers fit include small fish and tadpoles. In all, larvae go her grooves perfectly, like a lock and key. He then through 7 moults in a period anywhere from a few awaits her response. If she decides to proceed, she months to 4-5 years. We saw an amazing video of a dragonfly emerging from its skin. You can find the video on www.naturenorth.com.

The leftover skin or exuvia provides a useful clue in locating the adults as many of them fly very high and/or at dusk. The adult insects have two huge compound eyes made up of many little eyes, enabling them to see in virtually every direction. Their wings allow them to hover and dart as well as fly up, down, sideways and even backwards. The adults feed while flying. Their six legs can fold forward, making a basket Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) for their prey and funneling the food to their mouth. Other flies make up a large percentage of their diet. The adults, like the nymphs, also feed on each other. bends her abdomen to attach the tip of hers to the base of his, where he earlier stored his sperm. The loop they Common grackles and red-winged blackbirds are make looks mightily like a heart. How appropriate! If predators of the dragonflies and damselflies. The birds the female does not want to continue, she does not can be seen walking along the shoreline in spring, close the loop and he eventually moves on. picking up mouthfuls of newly emerged insects with Continued on page 16 TFN 583-8 Toronto Field Naturalist November 2011

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Erratum Atlantic salmon We erroneously labelled a photograph of two monarch Why is our government introducing BC salmon into butterflies as “mating monarchs” on the back cover of Ontario? I think the idea of purposely introducing last month’s issue. Thanks to Margaret McRae for anything alien into the natural environment is insanity. correcting us and sharing her photo with us. Note that I have spoken to government marine biologists about the heads are pointing in opposite directions. this and, though they unofficially agree with my perspective, their standard answer is, it is a cultural, social issue. What this means to me is that sports fishermen have a strong lobby.

This issue seems to be based on the size of the intro- duced fish. People who fish get a thrill out of catching large fish, even though they contain more toxins and only limited amounts can be eaten. Also, the extirpated Atlantic salmon requires much cleaner water. We should concentrate on cleaning up our rivers.

We have some small fish that have been introduced accidentally like alewives, rainbow trout, smelts, rudd, common carp, goldfish, four spine sticklebacks, ruffe Lynn Pady sent us these photos from the Toronto and gobies, and know the problems they have created. shoreline: killdeer at Leslie Street Spit and spotted They out-compete native fish, feed on eggs, etc. It is a sandpiper at Col. Samuel Smith Park. good thing our native double crested cormorants have been feeding on all these small alien fish.

The issue to me is: should our elected officials do the right thing for our environment or the wrong thing to get votes? I think we all know the answer to that one.

Roger Powley

Teasel and doll’s eyes (white baneberry, Actaea pachypoda).

Journal illustration by Susan Weiss Aug 31 Milne Hollow

November 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 583-9

EXTRACTS FROM OUTINGS LEADERS’ REPORTS

Wildflowers, Taylor Creek Park, Sept 1. Leader: True to form, as my walks in thunderstorms have Melanie Milanich. As we went into the ravine we took become legend, as we approached the Woodbine note of white snakeroot, white vervain, agrimony, bridge the roars and booms of thunder distracted our beggar ticks, and giant ragweed. Down the slope into attention. the ravine we saw a stunning, large orange fungus Nature Arts, Wardens Woods, Sept 3. Leader: Joe growing on a rotting log. In a boggy, marshy area we Bernaske. We tried our first “Silent Walk” (no saw nodding ladies’-tresses. We waded through a talking allowed). Some of the feedback from colorful maze of turtlehead and great lobelia being participants: restful, saw many flowers; noticed the enveloped by white and purple blossoms and green sound of the river getting louder and softer as we got foliage. In the open area where several ladies’-tresses closer and further away; heard bikes coming from were dug out and stolen last year, only two quite small behind; no fear of falling behind and having to catch nodding ladies’-tresses remain, although we were able up to the leader. to see a more impressive display a little further west, where Roger Powley spotted a marsh fern. Other Topography Walk, Yellow Creek, Sept 4. Leader: wildflowers in bloom included woodland sunflowers, Alexander Cappell. The fenced-in flower garden atop Joe pye-weed, boneset, asters (New England, flat the east end of the Rosehill Reservoir was abuzz with topped white, large-leaved, and calico), goldenrod bees, flies and a few dragonflies. We saw Japanese (gray-stemmed, blue-stemmed, grass-leaved, early and knotweed in flower and black walnut in fruit.

Canada), spotted jewelweed, wild cucumber, sow Etienne Broulé Park and James Gardens, Sept 7. thistle, chicory, water horehound, black-eyed Susan, Leader: Carol Sellers. We saw good birds along the white rattlesnake-root, toadflax, common burdock. river – kingfishers, great blue herons, and several great The Jerusalem artichokes, although over 8 feet tall, egrets fishing. We also had a nice flurry of migrating were not yet in bloom. Fringed gentians were spotted fall warblers. A couple of us came close to getting opening, but not yet in full bloom. We saw the fruit of mugged by pigeons as we had lunch. Apparently we false Solomon’s-seal, showy tick-trefoil, mountain were sitting close to where people feed them. Waving maple, cranberry viburnum, elderberry, thimbleweed, arms didn’t discourage them. Then a blue jay shrieked wild cucumber, crab apple. The invasive plants and they wheeled off immediately. Must learn how to Himalayan balsam and pale swallow-wort were make that call! aggressively expanding their range. We also saw about 30 mallards, catbird, chickadees, and a dead raccoon. Continued on next page.

Left to right: grey-stemmed goldenrod, drawn by Joyce Cane; spotted jewelweed, drawn by D. Andrew White; great lobelia, drawn by Diana Banville TFN 583-10 Toronto Field Naturalist November 2011

Getting to Know Grasses, , Sept 10. Leader: Joanne Doucette. We discussed the difference between prairie and savannah (prairie is dominated by grasses with fewer than 2.5 mature trees per hectare; savannah has less than 50% canopy cover but more than 2.5 mature trees per hectare) and some of the species that grow in them.

Many of the plants discussed in Joanne’s outing are shown in this drawing of prairie and savannah grasses and wildflowers by Steve Varga originally printed in the March 1981 newsletter:

A Lespedeza hirta, hairy bushclover G Sorghastrum nutans, Indian grass B Lechea intermedia, pinwheel H Andropogon scoparius, little bluestem C Andropogon gerardii, big bluestem / blue-joint I Helianthemum canadense, frostweed turkey foot J Lupinus perennis, wild lupine D Liatris cylindracea, cylindric blazing-star K Cyperus lupulinus, slender cyperus E Campanula rotundifolia, round-leaved bluebell F Lespedeza capitata, round-headed bush clover and at right, Panicum virgatum, switch grass

Continued on page 16

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November 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 583-11

ARE LADYBUG NUMBERS DIMINISHING?

Ladybird beetles or ladybugs are treasured both for their appearance, usually benign behaviour when handled, and value as predators of aphids, Harmonia axyridis, scale insects, mildew, etc. At this time of the multicolored Asian ladybug year, during warm sunny days, the insects take flight in search of shelter for the winter. This species is native to eastern Asia and was introduced into the USA (1960s to 1990s) to control aphids. It has Preferred sites include buildings where they since spread throughout that country and into Canada. have overwintered previously; it is thought that Many now view them as pests, partly because of their pheromones previously released at those sites tendency to overwinter indoors; the unpleasant odour and attract them to return, often over long distances. stain left by their body fluid when frightened or squashed; They prefer the sunny sides of light-coloured their tendency to bite humans and their ability to buildings where they crawl feverishly until they contaminate crops of tender fruits and grapes; for find cracks or small openings giving entry to example, grape contamination alters the taste of wine. cool, sheltered places where they hibernate. They may accidentally get inside homes. If you find them there either return them outside or ignore them; they cannot survive long inside warm houses because suitable food is not available but are adept at finding a cooler nook where they will hibernate.

There are 450 species of ladybugs in the United States. Of the 179 introduced species, many "What makes this insect a good biocontrol also makes it a deliberately brought to North America to control good invader; it has many generations per year, compared to just one for native ladybugs. It tolerates a aphids on farm crops, 27 species have settled wide range of environmental conditions and it has a permanently. At the same time, several native generalist diet – it likes aphids, but will also eat other North American species have become markedly ladybugs. In other words, it eats its own competition." less common. Suddenly scarce, for instance, are the native two-spotted ladybug (Adalia Richard Hall, Research Scientist, University bipunctata) and the nine-spotted ladybug of Georgia Odum School of Ecology (Coccinella novemnotata).

The assortment of ladybug species living in North America has shifted dramatically in the Lost Ladybug Project last 20 years. A review of 36 studies on The Lost Ladybug Project is asking citizen scientists to ladybeetles reported by Liz Osborne in Current help discover where all the ladybugs have gone so they Results found that prior to 1985, native species can try to prevent more native species from becoming so made up 95% of all ladybugs collected. Since rare. For example, to be able to help the nine-spotted then, only two-thirds of trapped ladybugs are ladybug and other ladybug species, scientists need indigenous species. An abrupt transformation of detailed information on which species are still out there ladybug populations occurred in 1987, and has and how many individuals are around. Entomologists at persisted. Most often local ladybugs are replaced Cornell University can identify the different species but by two of the exotic insects: seven-spotted lady there are too few of these scientists to sample in enough (Coccinella septempunctata) and the places so they need citizen scientists to be their legs, hands and eyes by finding and photographing local multicoloured Asian lady beetle (see sidebar). ladybugs.

There is little overall pattern in the changes How to join: The first step is to find local ladybugs. The occurring to ladybug diversity that can be website www.lostladybug.org offers tips for finding and gleaned from the research. Density of ladybugs photographing ladybugs. Images can be uploaded using in some cases dropped when introduced species a digital form or mailed. For more information, contact the became established, but in other cases ladybug project at [email protected]

Continued on next page TFN 583-12 Toronto Field Naturalist November 2011

FLY PAST

I recently caught a magical glimpse of a “V” of Canada around the man-made lake. I happened to have picked geese from my living room window, and it brought the Sunday when the geese were using the lake as a back the occasion years ago when I watched, from the stop-over point on their journey south. They were there Beaches boardwalk, the patient assembly of a flock in countless numbers. Arriving, arguing, skidding on about to go south. The honking! The lining up! The the water, getting out and browsing. They would strut calling to order! Talk about a military operation! And up to within a yard of me to inspect this alien creature there was the time when I got off at a bus stop in and, as I sat dead still (what else was I to do?), decide I Brampton to find myself in the midst of a collection of was innocuous and waddle off. geese deciding they wished to cross the road. And David Attenborough has declared birds Nature’s most cross to the other side they did, regardless of traffic. perfect creation. When one considers what humans get But the highpoint of my geese encounters was the up to, it’s hard to argue the point! wonderful afternoon I spent sitting on the bottom of the Article and drawing by Eva Davis stone steps leading to Sheridan College’s walkway

Continued from previous page It is interesting that I have noticed a diminution in ladybug numbers in my city garden but at our farm, in density actually increased. In some studies, species an agricultural area near Markdale, we are over- diversity increased, while in others, the number of whelmed by the Asian one. species in an area decreased. Nevertheless, the density Malcolm Silver of native species has declined overall by 16%, but again results among studies vary. No general References: conclusions can be made on how introduced ladybugs R. J. Hall. Eating the competition speeds up invasions. have affected native ones. Despite the lack of general Biology Letters, 2010; 7 (2): 307 trends measured, scientists suspect that introduced www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13764170 ladybugs, particularly the two most prevalent species, canada-gardens.com/ (Click on ladybugs) have precipitated huge declines of North American www.currentresults.com/Invasive-Species/Invasive- ladybugs. Land/ladybug-species-803241.php

November 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 583-13

TORONTO’S NATIVE LETTUCES

A previous article featured Liatris cylindracea, cylindric blazing star (shown in drawing on p. 10), a locally rare member of the world’s largest plant family, the Asteraceae. Toronto’s native lettuces, all uncommon here, belong to two genera within the same family. Both are in the tribe Lactuceae and are characterized by having only ray flowers, unlike Liatris which has only disk flowers.

Lactuca comes from the Greek lac, meaning milk, referring to the milky “juice” within the plant. We eat cultivars of one species of this genus, L. sativa, plants familiar to us as lettuces. Toronto’s native species are Lactuca biennis (tall blue lettuce), with pale blue inflorescences, and L. canadensis (Canada lettuce). Both species form tall plants, about one to four metres for L. biennis and three metres for Lactuca biennis, L. canadensis. tall blue lettuce

L. biennis occurs in damp meadows and thickets. The TFN’s Vascular Plants of recorded it in Morningside and High Parks. I found it in bloom in the Rouge valley in late August. In Ontario it occurs as far north as the James Bay ecoregion and in the US south to Iowa and North Carolina.

L. canadensis occurs in thickets and clearings in most of northeast North America. The image was taken in late July in a dry thicket at Taylor Creek. The TFN also listed it in High Park, the Rouge valley, and at Wilket Creek.

The second lettuce genus that occurs locally is Prenanthes, from the Lactuca canadensis, Greek prenes (drooping) and anthos (flower). Our species are P. alba Canada lettuce (white lettuce or rattlesnake-root) and P. altissima (tall white lettuce or rattlesnake-root). They are frequently 60 cm to 1.5 m tall, although the “tall” species may reach 1.8 m. P. alba has a geographic range similar to the Lactuca species. P. altissima probably only occurs from southern Ontario south. Both are essentially open woodland species although P. alba seems to prefer wetter environments than P. altissima. At Taylor Creek it occurs in or near wooded areas flanking a raised bog. Both have been reported by the TFN in High Park, the Rouge valley, and the Don River and Morningside Creek areas. Unlike the Lactucas they were also reported in the Humber area. The images, both taken in late July, are from Taylor Creek (P. alba) and the Rouge (P. Prenanthes alba, altissima). white lettuce

All four species are challenging but not impossible to find. Consider looking! Some words of caution though. TFN members, I expect, live by the naturalists’ creed of taking nothing and only leaving footprints (and as few of these as possible!). The lettuces discussed are all reported to be edible so please do not point them out to anyone that you do not know to share this creed.

Article and photos by Peter Money

Prenanthes altissima, tall white lettuce TFN 583-14 Toronto Field Naturalist November 2011

TORONTO WILDLIFE CENTRE

Underneath a pile of dried grass and leaves, four tiny seasonal staff member to work with people bringing rabbits lie sleeping together. A mother rabbit would animals into the centre and to assist Hotline staff. never leave her nest of babies alone and The staff member described many unprotected, would she? She would. positive interactions with people who Baby rabbits are scentless and the best brought in animals. But, more striking way for her to keep them safe is to feed were the conversations that started them a few times a day (usually between badly—someone angry or afraid—and dusk and dawn), cover them up and leave. ended happily with a new Predators would see her if she stayed with understanding and respect for wild them but the babies, camouflaged in their animals. She recalls a woman who had nest, escape notice. brought a squirrel to the centre, Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC) answers terrified that she may have caught a questions like this every day—about disease from the squirrel. She was able 30,000 a year. Well-meaning people, to spend time with her, calmed her thinking these babies have been down, and explained that squirrels do abandoned, call TWC’s Wildlife Hotline for help. They not carry rabies and that there was no need for concern. are told that this is perfectly normal behaviour, but ask When the woman left, her whole demeanour had them to do a test just in case. Two crossed strings are changed and she was smiling and happy. placed across the nest overnight and if the mother has This is a perfect example of how an erroneous belief come to feed them, the string will have been disturbed. could be detrimental to wild animals. Commonly If it hasn’t, then the babies may need care from a misunderstood animals like snakes are sometimes killed wildlife rehabilitator. or injured by people who are afraid Partly because of baby animals, the spring that they’re poisonous. and summer months are the busiest times With support from organizations like of year at TWC. Thousands of people call the Toronto Field Naturalists and the Wildlife Hotline and those that bring individual donations, we can build on animals to the centre often spend time in this capacity for next year and continue the education area. Unfortunately, to educate the public when they are at Hotline staff are too busy handling their most receptive and engaged. emergency calls to fully take advantage of this unique opportunity to educate the public. Julia Coey, Development Coordinator, Toronto Wildlife Centre A generous grant from Toronto Field Naturalists allowed TWC to hire a

VISIT TO TORONTO WILDLIFE CENTRE Some TFN members went to visit the Toronto Wildlife Centre for their Open House on October 2.

We were totally charmed by the baby opossums behind the two-way glass and impressed with the Toronto Wildlife Centre's rescue, rehabilitation and release programs. We especially liked the way they accommodated the specific requirements of so many different wildlife species (over 100 in a typical year). For instance, staffers know that ruby-crowned kinglets are calmer when grouped together in a cage, but that American woodcock do better when in solitary confinement with padded walls. We saw many ingenious simple tools for handling injured wildlife (especially since they avoid using sedation unnecessarily), including a plumbers helper to cover a snapping turtle's head or a perforated plexiglass shield for giving an adult beaver an antibiotic shot. Their facilities in were very well-organized and well-managed but, unfortunately, they will have to vacate them by the end of 2012 for the construction of sports facilities. Ron and Nancy Dengler

November 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 583-15

CARP AT TOMMY THOMPSON PARK

By Karen McDonald, Project Manager, TRCA

This past spring TRCA installed a fish and water level however the structure can be closed, so that the water control structure in the cofferdam between Cells 1 and level in the wetland can be controlled independently of 2 at Tommy Thompson Park/Leslie Street Spit. The the lake. Also, the structure has two fish gates, main purpose of the structure is to allow the passage of allowing biologists to monitor and sort fish that are native fish into and out of the Cell 1 created wetland, entering or exiting the wetland. It also contains a while keeping the large destructive non-native sensor that logs the passage of fish that have been common carp (Cyprinus carpio) from entering the tagged with microchips (as part of a larger study about wetland. how fish use the Toronto Harbour), so that we know when and for how long individual fish entered and Carp were intentionally introduced to Canada in the stayed in the wetland. 1800s to create a new fishery. Unfortunately, their behaviours have devastating consequences for Funding for implementation of the TTP Master Plan, wetlands – they forage by rooting around in sediments, including the Cell 1 Fish and Water Level Control uprooting plants and making the water cloudy so that Structure, has been provided by Waterfront Toronto. plants cannot photosynthesize. This removes food and habitat for other wildlife, including invertebrates, fish and waterfowl.

The structure at Cell 1 performed marvelously. Soon after it was opened in April carp began to stage at the entrance, likely attracted by the flow of water during their spawning period (see video link at www.trca.on.ca/ttp). The gate successfully prevented large carp from entering and allowed native fish access

– gizzard shad and bass were seen entering the wetland. Small carp that are able to fit through the gate typically leave the wetland in fall as temperatures drop, as they would be unable to survive the winter conditions. An interpretive sign will be installed to explain the purpose of the structure and inform anglers not to release carp (or round gobies) into the wetland. Photo courtesy TRCA The structure has a couple of other interesting features. Cell 1 was designed to function with the lake levels;

Making New Friends: TFN supports Living Winter

From Trellis magazine, Fall 2011, Toronto Botanical Garden

Imag ne be ng outs de on a br ght w nter's day fee ng a ch ckadee and on your outstretched hand or wad ng knee deep n snow to track w nter an ma s or d ssect ng ow s' pe ets to d scover what foods they're eat ng – a dur ng schoo hours. These are some of the act v t es offered through L v ng W nter, a curr cu um-based program at the Toronto Botan ca Garden that ntroduces grade 4 students from pr or ty ne ghbourhoods to natura w nter hab tats and the r den zens.

Th s nnovat ve, exper ent a program has rece ved the generous f nanc a back ng of the Toronto F e d Natura sts (TFN) a char tab e, non-prof t organ zat on that works to st mu ate pub c nterest n natura h story and encourages the preservat on of our natura her tage.

TFN's contr but on to the L v ng W nter program s the f rst to span two years of programm ng, thus ensur ng cont nu ty and effect ve y mak ng t ava ab e to a greater number of students. We thank the Toronto F e d Natura sts for the r support of our shared dream of a future generat on w th a deeper apprec at on, understand ng and respect for the natura env ronment that surrounds and susta ns us a . TFN 583-16 Toronto Field Naturalist November 2011

IN THE NEWS

Mountain Biking in Toronto’s Ravines even conduct mountain bike training in the Don Valley. On October 8, The Globe and Mail T.O. section The accompanying photographs illustrate the reported on the City’s plan to upgrade 40 km of bike compaction and erosion that result from over-use by trails in the Don River ravine for mountain biking mountain bikers. TFN members on outings may need to following “the model of .” There are watch their backs more than ever! “more than 300 km of unofficial dirt trails” in the ravines. “For years the city discouraged the mountain- We must make it known to our City representatives that biking crowd from ripping up its ravines…” but now there are citizens who value Toronto’s natural heritage the policy has changed. The article lists websites for and there are ways to appreciate what remains of it cycling associations that use the ravine, some of which without destroying it.

MONTHLY MEETING REPORT EXTRACTS FROM OUTINGS LEADERS REPORTS continued from p.10 continued from p.7

All damselflies and darners lay Leslie Street Spit, Sept 24. Leader: Bob Kortright. Flocks of blue jays their eggs by means of an heading southwest greeted us at the base of the Spit along with thousands ovipositor. Sometimes, the male of monarch butterflies – perhaps five times those of the previous weekend holds the female while she deposits – green darners, hundreds of both kinds of sulfur and cabbage white her eggs so that another male butterflies, damselflies and black saddlebag dragonflies. We saw smaller cannot come in, remove his sperm numbers of red admiral, common buckeye, summer azure, northern and mate with the female himself. crescent, viceroy and question mark butterflies and autumn meadowhawk This ‘guard’ position leaves the dragonflies. Two garter snakes sunning near the top of goldenrod was a male very vulnerable. We saw this novel sight for most of us, as was tagging monarch butterflies at the bird- clearly in a photo showing only the banding station, and seeing pine and blackpoll warblers almost side-by- abdomen of the male still clasped side. We enjoyed the asters, birds and spiders, but the butterflies stole the to the female. Females of other show. kinds of dragonfly produce a ball of Focus on fungi, Wilket Creek and Sunnybrook Parks, Sept 28. fertilized eggs at the tip of their Leader: Pat Burchell. Given the hot dry summer it was a poor year for abdomens. The female then flies fungi, but the group was enthusiastic and we found about 20 species of over a body of water, dipping her mushrooms and two slime moulds, about half of which could be identified tip in the water and washing off the to species without further study. Most were growing on wood or in woody eggs. The female can lay several mulch. hundred eggs and can mate several times in her short life.

Colin encouraged us to become observers of these beautiful creatures. Field guides can assist in this regard and Colin and his colleagues have recently produced a Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Algonquin Provincial Park and the Surrounding Area. Colin’s enthusiasm, his stunning photographs and descriptive abilities certainly left me with a better appreciation for dragonflies and damselflies. Badhamia slime mould on elm wood, Highland Creek. Drawing by D. Corinne McDonald Andrew White (identified from Golden Guide Non-Flowering Plants)

November 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 583-17

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Extracted from TFN Newsletter #150, October 1957 more specific than that, unless the bird uttered a diagnostic call note, was out of the question. This evening two or three thrushes, all olive backs*, called On the evening of September 23rd, between ten and and were identified; and they were the only ones we eleven, I had the pleasure of spending an hour on top could name exactly. of the new Imperial Oil Building with Dr. W.W.H. Gunn. This is the highest lookout in Toronto. Members Yet we had no need to identify the particular birds in of the TFNC, the FON and the Audubon Society were order to find their steady movement, sometimes several granted permission, until mid-October, to go to the birds a minute, tremendously exciting in itself. Here observation platform to observe migrating birds. Many was the proof that over the city a great nocturnal took advantage of this privilege, particularly for seeing migration was taking place. Here were the travellers hawks on favourable days. we knew of in theory, or perhaps by some scarcely heard note as we stood in some garden or field, here A special permission was given to Dr. Gunn to take they were right before our eyes. These were our sum- observers – five at a time – to the roof, which is five mer birds going south, hidden in the night from human storeys above the observation platform. Dr. Gunn has and from other more dangerous eyes, performing their been making a careful study of hawk movements, and annual long trek to their winter homes. small bird nocturnal migration from this point this fall. He has had some very interesting observations, and has To see them like this, and to realize that what we were even managed to make recordings of the night calls of seeing here could be, and most likely was, going on migrants. On this evening he was going up to make his along a front possibly hundreds of miles in length, regular evening check on what was happening. made us understand as nothing else could, that the night sky was alive with a passing multitude. Since this building is floodlit, and the lights point upwards from several storeys below the top, there is a If movement was as steady as here over the whole long field of visibility extending for 30 to 50 feet all around. front, a fantastic number of birds must be involved. Into this field of vision small birds were continuously And when we consider that this sort of movement has appearing, crossing and vanishing into the dark been happening since early August, and will continue beyond. Whenever one came into view it took on a until early November, we can see that nearly greenish-yellow look because the floodlighting is astronomical numbers of birds are concerned. Here, green. All the birds consequently looked like yellow indeed, is one of Nature's wonders that has to be seen warblers or winter tanagers. Telling what they really to be comprehended. were was, of course, quite impossible except in a very R.M. Saunders general way. We could see that a bird was probably a *another name for Swainson's thrush (Catharus ustulatus) warbler, a sparrow, a thrush or something else. To be

Swa nson s thrush s a Toronto m grant. It breeds on the Canad an sh e d, n A aska, far western Canada and the Un ted States – a huge range – but has no breed ng status n Ontar o.

Drawing by Diana Banville, based on a photo in BirdWatch (Bird Studies Canada, Fall 2002) TFN 583-18 Toronto Field Naturalist November 2011

COMING EVENTS

If you plan to attend any of these events, we recommend that you contact the organizing group beforehand to confirm time and place.

Jim Baillie Memorial Bird Walks – Toronto Ornithological Club Aimed at the intermediate birder, but beginners also welcome. Free to the public; no advance registration required. Sat Nov 26, 8:30 am – all day. West Toronto Lakeshore and beyond. Waterfowl and winter birding. Leader: Dave Milsom. Meet at the parking lot at Humber Bay Park East (off Park Lawn Rd south of Lake Shore Blvd W).

High Park Walking Tours 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, 10:30 am to noon. Meet at the benches across the road south of Grenadier Restaurant. Information: 416-392-0729 ext 4 or [email protected] or www highpark.org • Nov 6. Scavenger Hunt Walk. Discover hidden treasures of the Park. Walking Tours Committee. • Nov 20. High Park Through the Ages. Leader: Dave Berndorff.

Toronto Entomologists’ Association Sat Nov 19, 1:15 pm. Room 110, Ramsay Wright Zoological Building, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord St. First Annual Quimby F. Hess Lecture, Sentinels on the Wing, Peter Hall. Information: www.ontarioinsects.org.

Science on Sundays Royal Canadian Institute, J J R MacLeod Auditorium, Medical Sciences Bldg, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle 3 pm. Free. Information www.royalcanadianinstitute.org or 416-977-2983. • Nov 6. Smash, Bang, Boom! Fundamental Physics at LHC. Natalia Toro, PhD, Faculty, The Perimeter Institution for Theoretical Physics. • Nov 13. Throw a Million Darts: Mathematical Experiments using Monte Carlo Methods. Neal Madras, PhD, FRSC, Professor of Mathematics and Statistics, York University. • Nov 20. What does Studying Individual Differences Tell Us About the Brain? Deborah Saucier, PhD, Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). • Nov 27. Sight Unseen: An Exploration of Conscious and Unconscious Vision. Melvyn A. Goodale, PhD, FRSC, Centre for Brain and Mind, The University of Western Ontario.

Rouge Park Weekly Guided Nature Walks Explore Rouge Park’s trails with a Hike Ontario certified volunteer leader. Information: visit www.rougepark.com/hike, e-mail [email protected] or phone 905-713-3184 Monday thru Thursday.

The Market Gallery Until Feb 25, 2012. South St Lawrence Market, 2nd floor, 95 Front St E. Free. Meet Me at the Market – an exhibition of photographs, maps, art and artifacts highlighting the history of the St Lawrence Market and neighbourhood. Note: Gallery is closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays. Information: www.stlawrencemarket.com/gallery or 416-392-7604.

Lost Rivers Walks Sat Nov 13, 2 pm. Ashbridge Creek and Area Wetlands. Leader: Ian Wheal. Meet at Greenwood subway station. Walk includes brickyard areas, Hiawatha Pond and the northern edge of the Portlands.

Drawing by Diana Banville

November 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 583-19

WEATHER (THIS TIME LAST YEAR)

November 2010

November was a relatively undramatic month, aside 16.5° (on the 23rd) and -4.0° (on the 29th) from the fact that it was the sunniest on record with respectively. 133.0 hours of sunshine, breaking the previous record The month was not particularly dry, however. of 131.6 hours set in 1903: a very welcome record at Moderate to heavy rain on a few isolated days brought this time of year. The first half of the month especially precipitation totals up to near normal: in the 65-85 was almost completely sunny, while it got more mm range. Snowfall was negligible and consisted unsettled during the last ten days or so. entirely of very minor amounts in the wake of cold Temperatures averaged about a degree or slightly less fronts late in the month. There was no snow on the than a degree above normal, with higher maximums ground at any time, and no days had maxima and a relatively wide daily temperature range with remaining below freezing. reduced cloud cover. There were no extremes; the Gavin Miller warmest and coldest readings (both at Pearson) were

Mushrooms in High Park, photographed by Wendy Rothwell, October 2011 If you can identify this mushroom, please let us know. TFN 583-20 Toronto Field Naturalist November 2011

Toronto Field Naturalists Publications Mail Registration No. 40049590 2 Carlton St., #1519 Toronto, Ontario M5B 1J3

Monarch chrysalis, photo by Lynn Pady