Number 563, April 2009

Trout lily at TFN Nature Reserve, April 2008, photographed by Barry Tocher

REGULARS FEATURES

Coming Events 19 Ideas from Outings Leaders’ 5 Extracts from Outings Reports 8 Workshop For Reading 13 TFN Environment Program 9 From the Archives 17 In the News 15 Ontario Endangered Species Event 10 Keeping in Touch 12 Bird of the Month – Red-tailed Hawk 11 Monthly Meetings Notice 3 Garlic Mustard Local Day of Action 14 Monthly Meeting Report 7 President’s Report 6 Great Black-backed Gulls and 18 TFN Outings 4 Avian Botulism Weather – This Time Last Year 18 TFN 563-2 Field Naturalist April 2009

Toronto Field Naturalist is published by the Toronto Field BOARD OF DIRECTORS Naturalists, a charitable, non-profit organization, the aims of President Wendy Rothwell 416-762-5371 which are to stimulate public interest in natural history and Past President Pinky Franklin 416-488-3226 to encourage the preservation of our natural heritage. Issued Vice President Bob Kortright 416-699-8842 monthly September to December and February to May. Sec.-Treasurer Corley Phillips 416-923-6363 Views expressed in the Newsletter are not necessarily those Nature Reserves George Bryant 416-762-6039 of the editor or Toronto Field Naturalists. The Newsletter is Communications Alexander Cappell 416-663-7738 printed on 100% recycled paper. Outings Gail Gregory 416-538-4713 Outings and Margaret McRae 416-429-7821 ISSN 0820-636X Web-master Nancy Dengler Monthly Lectures 416-488-3515 Marcus Feak 416-658-8148 Elisabeth Gladstone 416-266-6347 IT’S YOUR NEWSLETTER! Barry Mitchell 416-934-1705 We welcome contributions of original writing, up to 500 words, of observations on nature in and around Toronto, MEMBERSHIP FEES reviews, poems, sketches, paintings, and photographs of $30 STUDENT, 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 GST. Tax receipts issued for donations. Send Deadline for submissions for May issue: April 6. 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), Eva Davis, Karin Fawthrop, Nancy Toronto Field Naturalists Fredenburg, Elisabeth Gladstone, Mary Lieberman, Ruth 2 Carlton St., # 1519, Toronto M5B 1J3

Munson, Marilynn Murphy, Toshi Oikawa, Wendy Rothwell Tel: 416-593-2656 (co-editor). Web: www.torontofieldnaturalists.org Printing and mailing: Perkins Mailing Services Email: [email protected]

The Doug Tarry Young Ornithologists' Baillie Birdathon 2009 Workshop, 31 July to 9 August Want to have a lot of fun and help Applications due 30 April birds and nature at the same time? Do a Birdathon this May! During a 24-hour period in May, The Doug Tarry Bird Study Awards foster the development of participants attempt to find as ornithological interests in Canadian teenagers. Recipients many bird species as they can, attend a week-long workshop/natural history camp or a month- sponsored at a flat rate, or on a long student internship at Long Point Bird Observatory. The workshop focuses on hands-on learning and training in field per-species basis. Birders can ornithology. Participants learn how to identify, age and sex designate a favourite conserva- tion organization to receive a birds, and to study their populations and behaviour. Instructors portion of the funds they raise. All teach the secrets of bird handling and banding techniques, contributions to Birdathon are tax- how to prepare specimens for scientific study, and an array of creditable. bird censusing techniques. The Award covers all direct costs including accommodation and meals. To find out more, go to www.bsc- eoc.org/ support/ birdathon/ or For more information go to www.bsc-eoc.org or contact Yousif contact Bird Studies Canada at Attia, Long Point Bird Observatory, Box 160, Port Rowan, ON [email protected] or N0E 1M0; fax: 519-586-3532; [email protected] 1-888-448-2473. April 2009 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 563-3

TFN MEETING

Sunday, April 5, 2009, at 2:30 pm

After the ice age: The First Peoples in Ontario Peter Storck, formerly of the Royal Ontario Museum, and author of “Journey to the Ice Age: Discovering an Ancient World”

VISITORS WELCOME!

SOCIAL: 2:00 – 2:30 pm Bring your own mug for coffee or tea if you wish. Only paper cups provided. Donations are appreciated to offset the cost of refreshments.

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

Emmanuel College is just south of the Museum subway station exit (east side of Queen’s Park). Enter at south end of building, down a few steps on outside stairwell. Wheelchair entrance: Second door south on Queen’s Park (no automatic opener). 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.

Upcoming TFN Monthly Meeting

May 3 The natural treasures of Carolinian Canada Lorraine Johnson, editor of The Natural Treasures of Carolinian Canada: Discovering the Rich Natural Diversity of Ontario’s Southwestern Heartland

Green Living Show

April 24-26, 2009 Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place

Everything you need to “green” your life will be at the show. Once again the Toronto Field Naturalists will have a display, thanks to The Team at Bosley Real Estate (Elspeth Sinclair, Pat Laughren and Carolyn Marit), who have generously sponsored our exhibit booth.

Drop by to say hello if you attend. Better still, plan to stay for a few hours to help promote the TFN, in which case we’ll give you a free pass to the show. Please call the office if you’re interested in volunteering.

TFN 563-4 Toronto Field Naturalist April 2009

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 by calling 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.

Saturday, MARKET GALLERY – Nature Arts, Heritage Apr. 4 Leader: Susan Weiss 10:30 a.m. Meet outside the main front entrance to the St. Lawrence Market South (95 Front St. E.). The exhibit Lit. City: Toronto Through the Eyes of Authors and Artists will be viewed. Bring what you need for sketching, painting, photography or writing. Bring any work you want to share after lunch in the Market area.

Sunday, LECTURE – After the Ice Age: the First Peoples in Ontario Apr. 5 Speaker: Peter Storck, formerly of the Royal Ontario Museum, and author of Journey to the Ice 2:30 p.m. Age: Discovering an Ancient World Emmanuel College, 75 Queen’s Park Cres. E. See page 3.

Tuesday, – Birds Apr. 7 Leader: Doug Paton 10:00 a.m. Meet at the park entrance on the south side of Bloor St. W. at High Park Ave. Bring binoculars. Lunch stop at Grenadier Restaurant.

Saturday, – Birds Apr. 11 Leader: Bob Kortright 10:00 a.m. Meet on the south side of Kingston Rd. at Chine Dr. Bring lunch and binoculars.

Thursday, TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN TO POTTERY ROAD – Nature Walk Apr. 16 Leader: Ed Freeman 10:30 a.m. Meet at the southwest corner of Lawrence Ave. E. and Leslie St. Nature’s early spring: a walk in nature along the West Don to the Ontario Science Centre and, if desired, further south to Pottery Rd. Bring lunch, binoculars, camera. About 1-1/2 hours to lunch at the Ontario Science Centre area, plus about 1-1/2 to 2 hours further to Pottery Rd. Not a circular route.

Saturday, DENTON CREEK, GERRARD PRAIRIE AND ROSETTA McCLAIN GARDENS – Apr. 18 Lost Rivers Walk 12:30 p.m. Leader: John Wilson, Chair, Task Force to Bring Back the Don Meet in front of Victoria Park subway station. Rediscovering a long-lost tributary to Taylor Massey Creek. As part of a new effort to raise awareness about lost sections of the creek, ramble through the “Gerrard Prairie” on the Birchcliff Quarry site, visit the site of a proposed new development, see remnant forests on the Lake Iroquois shore cliff, drop in at the Bluffs Gallery of the Scarborough Arts Council, and release your cares at Rosetta McClain Gardens. A joint walk with the Toronto Green Community and the Taylor-Massey Project.

Sunday, HIGH PARK – Birds Apr. 19 Leader: Cameron Coneybeare 1:30 p.m. Meet at the park entrance on the south side of Bloor St. W. at High Park Ave. Bring binoculars.

April 2009 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 563-5

Tuesday, YORK CEMETERY – Birds Apr. 21 Leader: Carol Sellers 10:00 a.m. Meet at cemetery entrance on Beecroft Rd. at North York Blvd. Bring lunch and binoculars.

Saturday, CEDARVALE RAVINE – Earth Day Clean Up Apr. 25 Leader: Marcus Feak 10:00 a.m. Meet at Heath St. exit of St. Clair West subway station. Bring your own work gloves or sturdy rubber gloves. Bags will be provided. 3 hours. + Saturday, EAST DON TRAIL – Earth Day Clean Up Apr. 25 Leader: Barry Singh 10:30 a.m. Meet at the northwest entrance to the trail on Cummer Ave. east of Bayview Ave., west of Leslie St. (TTC Cummer Ave. bus from Finch subway station). We will be working our way northwest towards Best View Park just south of Steeles Ave. Bring your own work gloves or sturdy rubber gloves. Bags will be provided. Finish at 12:30 p.m. with a visit to the local coffee shop. 2 hours.

Sunday, TODMORDEN MILLS AND THE BRICKWORKS – Nature Walk Apr. 26 Leader: Margaret McRae 1:30 p.m. Meet at the southwest corner of Broadview Ave. and Pottery Rd. Bring binoculars. A circular trip.

Tuesday, TAYLOR CREEK PARK – Nature Walk Apr. 28 Leader: Charles Chaffey 1:30 p.m. Meet at the southwest corner of O’Connor Dr. and St. Clair Ave. E. We shall take some steeper, possibly muddy, paths off the main trail, returning to the starting point about 4 p.m. Bring binoculars.

Ideas from Leaders' Workshop, continued from March newsletter Part 2 – Communication Strategies Compiled by Ruth Munson and Gail Gregory from the Leaders’ Workshop held January 17, 2009

A. At the Welcome: • If the meeting location is noisy gather people to a quieter area. • Face people and speak loudly. • Restate the objectives from the newsletter description or, if conditions have changed, tell the people of the changes and the reasons why. • Restate details of the trail conditions, timing and difficulty. • Encourage people to share what they see – do group introductions if needed. Point out other experts in the group. Appoint a back-up person if needed for a large group. This person would walk near the rear to keep the group together and watch for stragglers especially at trail junctions.

B. On the trail: • For a large group, stop periodically to share information. • Engage the observations of others. • In some settings consider using a loudspeaker. • On a narrow trail instruct members to pass information down the line. • Provide relevant information on field guides and binoculars and how to use them.

C. At the end of the walk: • Provide a clear ending to the outing. • Provide travel instructions if it is not obvious.

Part 3 – “Challenging Situations” will appear in the May newsletter.

TFN 563-6 Toronto Field Naturalist April 2009

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

It’s a pleasure for me to announce that Nancy Dengler Lisa, who is also Director of the EYES Project which has agreed to join the TFN board, filling the vacancy promotes environmental and sustainability education created by Nick Eyles’ resignation. Nancy, who among youth, emphasized the significance of engaging recently retired from her position as a botany professor young people, because once they ‘get it’ they have the at the University of Toronto, is already making optimism and energy to take action. How can the TFN valuable contributions to the TFN. She has led two do a better job of attracting younger members? fascinating outings, sharing her knowledge of the flora Perhaps our new Facebook page is a step in this on the U of T campus and in their greenhouses. And, direction. I would like to thank Lynn Miller for as mentioned in my March report, she and Corinne making this suggestion and setting up the page for us. McDonald have assumed responsibility for arranging If you are on Facebook, search for ‘Toronto Field our monthly lecture series. We are confident that Naturalists.’ Perhaps you would like to be one of our Nancy has much to offer our organization, and thank ‘fans’. her for agreeing to serve as a director. The TFN is co-hosting an upcoming event which will On February 28th, Bob Kortright and I represented the help us to be good stewards by advocating effective TFN at the 10th Annual Stewardship Forum, organized implementation of Ontario’s 2007 Endangered Species for nature-related groups in the Toronto area by Act. See notice on page 10. I urge you to take Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation and the Toronto advantage of this opportunity. and Region Conservation Authority. The keynote speaker was Lisa Glithero, Chair of the Education The TFN will once again be represented at the Green Advisory Committee for Students on Ice, which Living Show (see page 3 for details). I would like to involves taking young people to the Arctic and thank Elspeth Sinclair, Pat Laughren and Carolyn Antarctica to study and experience the effects of global Marit of Bosley Real Estate who are generously warming. In her illustrated talk, Lisa shared with us sponsoring us for this event. the profoundly humbling impact on city youth when they encounter the awesome silence and grandeur of On this cold sunny March the arctic, and come into close contact with polar bears morning, it was a joy for me and orca whales, or penguins and albatrosses. These to watch many familiar experiences bring understanding, which leads to caring friends – cardinals, downies, and stewardship. White-breasted Nuthatches, White-throated Sparrows, Lisa challenged nature organizations to create junco and chickadee – flitting something similar in our own locality – connecting about in their popular feeding people with nature so they will care enough to become spot in High Park. The climax environmental stewards. The TFN is well-positioned was a glimpse of a Red- to do this, as we lead outings in Toronto’s parks and bellied Woodpecker. How ravines, showing people the great variety of flora fortunate we are to live in and fauna in our city and the inter-connectedness Red-bellied Woodpecker, such close proximity with the of living things. drawing by Diana Banville wonders of nature!

Wendy Rothwell

TFN BOARD NOMINATIONS INVITED

The TFN is looking for people with initiative who are willing to devote time to working as members of the Board of Directors. Please send your suggestions to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee, c/o TFN, 1519 - 2 Carlton St., Toronto, ON M5B 1J3. The Committee’s report will be published in the May newsletter.

April 2009 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 563-7

MONTHLY MEETING REPORT

Your home and native garden: Creating beautiful natural spaces in the places where we live, work and play Sunday, March 1, Paul O’Hara, Blue Oak Native Landscapes

The day was sunny and cold when Paul brought us an chips. In about 4 to 6 weeks, the turf will be dead and early spring gift – thoughts of gardens filled with the garden can be prepared for planting. native plants, illustrated with beautiful photographs.

Paul, a botanist, landscape designer and native plant gardening expert, specializes in celebrating the natural heritage of Southern Ontario. He takes his inspiration from the natural habitats that surround us: the thickets that are essential for birds but are largely ignored; the Southern Ontario meadow that makes autumn a celebration with its colours of purple, gold and white; the once great prairie habitat near Hamilton, now reduced to only half a hectare; wetlands that serve such important functions but have been too often drained; and, of course, our lovely trees.

Among the native plants Paul regularly uses are: Bee-balm (Monarda didyma), an indispensable bloomer for moist, part-sun. milkweed, wild bergamot, ninebark, Carolina rose, Solomon’s seal, woodland sunflower, cardinal flower, Paul’s gardening philosophy is a gentle, soulful one. He works with Mother Nature, allowing all living things to go their way. Slugs are not punished for existing; and dandelions and ragweed are considered hard working healers whose taproots break up the compacted soil and the hard surfaces we use to cover nature.

Common Wood Sedge (Carex blanda). One of dozens of native woodland sedges slowly making their way into the nursery trade

great blue lobelia, chokecherry, elderberry, dogwood, purple flowering raspberry, boneset, Joe-pye weed and wild plum. Paul is particularly fond of sedges. They can be difficult to locate in the nursery trade so look for them early in the season! For black-eyed Susan’s, Paul favours Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldstrum’ over the Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) and Christmas weaker native, Rudbeckia hirta. When planting bee Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) balm, he uses Monarda didyma instead of Monarda You can see more of Paul’s work on his website, along fistulosa because of the latter’s tendency to get mildew. with a webcast of his white pine presentation, “The To turn your lawn into a native plant oasis, Paul Faithful Witness,” at www.blueoak.ca. Spring is recommends that homeowners cover existing turf with getting closer. a layer of newsprint, topped with 2 to 3 inches of wood Corrine McDonald Photos by Paul G. O'Hara TFN 563-8 Toronto Field Naturalist April 2009

EXTRACTS FROM OUTING LEADERS’ REPORTS

Ashbridges Bay, February 3, leader Doug Paton Creeks” entering former Ashbridge’s Bay at this loca- In the open water in the bays and lake we saw a tion. Because the creek passes close to the first two number of ducks including several White-winged Jewish cemeteries in Toronto it is proposed to refer to Scoters. Then one participant discovered a dead, it as Mayim Creek (mayim is Hebrew for waters). A mature, male White-winged Crossbill and we all had a Red-tailed Hawk was high overhead and we looked at good chance to study it up close. crack willow, eastern red-cedar and silver maple.

Harbourfront and Music Garden, Nature Arts, Sherwood Park, February 17, leader Janice Palmer February 7, leader Nancy Anderson Frozen lumpy snow and lots of thick ice. Couldn’t At Harbourfront, close to shore, were Common observe as much as I’d like because we really couldn’t Goldeneye, Redhead, Long-tailed Ducks, scaups, look anywhere except our feet unless we stopped. Saw Mallards, gulls and Trumpeter and Mute Swans. The lots of evidence of flooding over the last few days of ice formations in the water were beautiful and changed heavy rain. The hike did not follow the planned route colours as the day went on. We were surprised at the because of dangerous conditions. We contrasted activity of birds by the shore since most of the lake was eastern hemlock with white pine and observed giant frozen over. The wise swans flew over the ice to reach red and white oaks, sugar maples and American beech. the other side at Queen’s Quay. Those not so wise, Snags were observed and explained and there was waddled across on the ice and kept slipping. Some evidence of fresh activity of Pileated Woodpeckers. participants continued on to where they saw hundreds of ducks and crashing waves. University of Toronto Greenhouses, February 21, leader Nancy Dengler High Park, February 10, leader Doug Paton Although it was -4°C outside, it was warm and humid We saw a Brown Creeper, nuthatches, Downy and inside, especially with a large group of participants. Hairy Woodpeckers, a single Pine Siskin and a single We compared xerophytic plants from seven different White-throated Sparrow. A bunch of crows harassing plant families, good examples of convergent evolution a Red-tailed Hawk flew over us. After the outing, a for features that allow survival under desert conditions. few of us drove over to Sam Smith Park where we One highlight was Hoodia, a member of the milkweed were lucky enough to see a Snowy Owl perched atop family that is a cactus look-alike and has been used by the chimney of the yacht club, then another birder Kalahari bushmen as a hunger suppressant. In the palm showed us King Eider through his scope. We also saw house we compared fan and feather-leaf palms, as well a hybrid Mallard with a white beak and yellow cheek as crop plants like coffee, dwarf banana and black spots – possibly a cross with a wigeon. pepper. In the temperate house, we saw southern

Cabbagetown, February 14, leader Bob Kortright hemisphere conifers with broad leaves, including the During the walk around St. James Cemetery many recently discovered living fossil, Wollemi pine. In the famous names on the monuments were noted along with a number of signs of spring in the form of cardinals and a chickadee singing, as a Red-tailed Hawk soared overhead. A grackle and several Red- winged blackbirds were unusual sights for this time of year in the large flock of starlings. We enjoyed views of beautiful Victorian houses and many interesting shrubs and trees on the way to Wellesley Park, the Necropolis and Riverdale Farm and the Cabbagetown Museum. The mix of history, architecture, and nature was appreciated by many. S.E. Asian pitcher plant photographed by Nancy Anderson

Lost Rivers Walk: tracking the course of lost creek “Mayim” in East Toronto, February 15, leader John tropical house, we compared epiphytes from the fern, Wilson orchid, bromeliad and aroid families and looked at The route followed the course of a lost creek that once insectivorous plants, including the southeast Asian flowed south from Carlaw and Danforth, through the pitcher-plant, Nepenthes, and some unusual ferns, Blake-Boultbee neighbourhood and Gerrard Square to including the aquatic four-leaf clover and water Leslie and Eastern. It was one of two “Leslieville spangles ferns. April 2009 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 563-9

TFN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM

At times in the 85-year history of the TFN we have had • TFN is working with Pollination Canada to an environment committee focused on documenting encourage members to start monitoring pollinators. biodiversity in our green spaces. At other times our Watch for details in the May newsletter. focus has been on political action when it was crucial There are other environmental monitoring, cleanup, in protecting green spaces in Toronto. Over the years, and habitat enhancement programs in which we can governments and agencies that regulate green space in participate individually – we hope to provide details on the city have evolved in ways that affect how we can these soon. most effectively contribute to biodiversity and sustainability in Toronto. Our volunteer base has With respect to action 4, here is a partial list of changed as well. When we started, there were few organizations that are advocates for nature and the other organizations engaged in environmental environment in Toronto: protection in Toronto. While this made progress Nature groups: difficult, it also meant there was little competition for Toronto Ornithological Club, Toronto Entomologists’ volunteers. Since the late 1960s, many other Association, Mycological Society of Toronto, Toronto environmental organizations have appeared, and many Botanical Garden, Toronto Zoo, Oak Ridges Trail of us are involved with them as well as with the TFN. Association, Todmorden Mills Wildflower Preserve, A small group of members has met a few times in the Royal Canadian Institute, Toronto Wildlife Centre. last few months to review and discuss what TFN’s Environmental groups: environment program should be. This is the first of a Evergreen, Fatal Light Awareness Project (FLAP), series of articles outlining some history, some Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests alternatives, and some proposals of what TFN (LEAF), Toronto Environmental Alliance, Toronto volunteers could be doing for the environment. We Green Community, Waterfront Regeneration Trust hope that by describing things we can do, we can (Waterfront Trail). inspire more members to get involved. Groups focusing on specific parts of Toronto: Environmental action means many things to many Citizens Concerned about the Future of the Etobicoke people. To some, it includes everything we do indivi- Waterfront, Friends of the Don East, Friends of the dually and together to protect biodiversity and make Rouge Watershed, Friends of the Spit, High Park life sustainable for all life on this planet. This includes: Citizen's Advisory Committee, Task Force to Bring 1. learning about issues and actions, Back the Don, The Taylor Massey Project. 2. taking individual action to make our own lives and our communities more sustainable, Neighbouring field naturalists: 3. educating and motivating our friends and families, South Peel, North Peel, West Humber, Richmond Hill, 4. developing relationships with other individuals and Pickering, Durham. organizations for mutual support and to increase our The TFN website provides links to websites for these effectiveness, and other organizations, as well as to Ontario Nature, 5. taking political action to push for change through which is our vehicle for influencing policies and governments and their agencies. regulations at the provincial level, and to Much of the activity of the TFN is focused on the first environmental organizations active at the provincial on the above list, through the newsletter, lectures and and national levels or outside Toronto. We also outings. participate in Ontario Nature’s Nature Network – meetings of representatives of neighbouring members With respect to the second, individual action, the of Ontario Nature where we share ideas and following opportunities are coming soon: experiences. • To mark Earth Day, TFN and other groups are holding cleanup events in various locations on and Ideas and experiences of other nature and environment around Saturday April 25 (see Outings and Coming groups can help the TFN do even better, so if you are Events); involved with other groups please let us know which • To mark International Biodiversity Day in May, TFN they are and what you think we could learn from them. and other groups are planning garlic mustard removal events (see page 14); Continued on page 10 TFN 563-10 Toronto Field Naturalist April 2009

An Opportunity to Protect Ontario’s Endangered Species

An event presented in partnership by Save Ontario’s Species (SOS) Coalition (Ontario Nature, the David Suzuki Foundation, Ecojustice, Environmental Defence, ForestEthics and CPAWS-Wildlands League) and co-hosted by Toronto Field Naturalists

Tuesday, April 14, 7 – 9 p.m.

Northern District Library, 40 Orchard View Blvd. (north of Yonge & Eglinton)

Ensure that Ontario’s highly acclaimed Endangered Species Act lives up to its potential! This is a critical time, as the Ministry of Natural Resources drafts regulations to implement the 2007 Act. This event will include a presentation entitled Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (ESA): A Safety Net with Holes by Rachel Plotkin of the David Suzuki Foundation, and a clinic on how to communicate our views to the government by contacting our MPPs and taking action on-line. Please join us. Attendees may win an Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario! Refreshments will be served.

Background: A year ago, Ontario passed its Endangered Species Act, which emphasized the protection of our most vulnerable species. Ten at-risk species were chosen to receive special habitat protection regulations under the new act by June. These species are: wood turtle, woodland caribou, American badger, Jefferson salamander, Barn Owl, eastern prairie fringed-orchid, Engelmann’s quillwort, Peregrine Falcon, few-flowered club-rush, western silvery aster.

Regulations for the rest of Ontario’s designated species at risk are to follow. But the forestry industry continues to proactively push for exemptions to these regulations. The habitat regulation now being drafted by the Ministry of Natural Resources for woodland caribou indicates that industrial development, including forestry, will continue in prime woodland caribou habitat, despite the fact that habitat loss is the major reason for the species’ decline. Ontario Nature and its partners in Save Ontario’s Species (SOS) Coalition want MPPs to implement regulations to protect Ontario’s wildlife that are based on science.

Extracted from www.ontarionature.org

Barn Owl, drawn by Eva Davis

TFN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM continued from page 9

A future article will address TFN’s interaction with and , a federal agency which has a government, principally Toronto and Region Conser- significant green space in the middle of the city. vation Authority (TRCA), City of Toronto Parks, If you would like to learn more or contribute to the Forestry and Recreation, and Waterfront Toronto, but TFN’s environment program, or if you have comments also Toronto Water (which has a significant impact on or suggestions, please contact me or the TFN office the health of our green spaces and aquatic ecosystems), (contact information on page 2). Bob Kortright

April 2009 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 563-11

BIRD OF THE MONTH – RED-TAILED HAWK

The most commonly observed hawk in Toronto is the only of the hawks' lives, but also of the people among “red-tail”, a large raptor which has adapted well to city whom the birds live, the many who watch and protect life. We can find them here any month of the year and them and the few who object to feathered squatters on are often alerted to their presence by their hoarse cry or exclusive real estate. by the calls of feisty smaller birds chasing While northern-nesting red-tails migrate to seek more them. abundant winter food sources, their southern cousins The easiest field marks are the streaky stay close to home if food supplies permit. Here we can belly band on both juveniles and adults, observe both homebodies and migrants. Toronto and the reddish tail on the adults. Their provides sufficient prey year-round to satisfy the needs usual hunting method is to sit quietly on a of resident red-tails. Hawks avoid flying over large branch or pole overlooking an open area bodies of water so in the fall hundreds of migrants and swoop down to catch prey on the pass over the city, heading westward around Lake ground. This habit makes them easy to spot Ontario. At “Hawk Hill”, behind High Park's from highways. I've often seen them from Grenadier Restaurant, observers gather VIA train windows as they glide low, away every autumn to enjoy the spectacle. from the train which had probably Official counts are recorded by experienced disturbed them. A soaring Red-tailed Red-tailed Hawk drawn hawk-watchers from the Toronto Hawk is majestic, a treat to watch, by Diana Banville Ornithological Club. Others drop by for a especially when sunlight catches the red visit when they happen to be in the park or tail. Their occasional aerial acrobatics provide further when they consider good sightings likely. While the entertainment. You can often spot them soaring as part peak migration period varies for each species, Red- of territorial or courtship displays. Like other raptors, tailed Hawks migrate over High Park mainly in October in order to travel long distances on minimal energy, and early November. If you're lucky enough to visit the especially during migration, they soar in a circular hawk-watchers on a big migration day, you'll find their pattern, rising on a thermal updraught, then glide away, enthusiasm infectious. gradually descending, and the process begins again. In the 20th century, North American hawk watches Red-tails are often seen in a “kettle” with other raptors, evolved from conservationists' efforts to stop the annual all riding the same thermal. slaughter of thousands of migrating hawks. Eventually Although many die in their first two years, the average through public education, establishment of nature life expectancy is about 20 years. A pair remains mated reserves and the enactment of protection laws, the for life and will reuse the same nest for many years. senseless destruction ended. Today, raptors' place in Red-tails start nesting in late winter. Sometimes they the natural world is more widely understood and their set up housekeeping on top of a nest built by other pest-control importance for farmers is recognized. hawks or by squirrels. The Stokes Guide to Bird While some hawk species prey mainly on small birds, Behavior warns that red-tails sometimes abandon a site about 85% of the Red-tailed Hawk's diet consists of if disturbed during the nest-building stage so when I small mammals, mainly rodents. The remainder of their first noticed one carrying a stick to a nest in Mount diet includes small birds, reptiles and even insects. Pleasant Cemetery late one February, I made In Necropolis Cemetery I once watched a juvenile red- subsequent checks on their progress brief and discreet. tail alight on a nearby branch, clutching in its talons That nest, however, very high in a white pine in the what I assumed was his or her lunch. After working at western part of the cemetery, has been used for years it with its bill for a few minutes, the bird flew away, and the pair seems tolerant of the attention they draw dropping the prize - a large pine cone! What could a from birders and passers-by. In May, observers can carnivorous bird have been doing with that? - cleaning sometimes see the heads of the baby hawks, especially its bill? checking for insects? just playing? I don't know when a parent arrives with food. In June and July, the the answer, but puzzling observations add to the fun of young can be seen learning to fly and to hunt. watching these fascinating creatures. In her very enjoyable book, Red-tails in Love, Marie Marilynn Murphy

Winn tells the true story of a pair nesting on an Note: Red Tails in Love by Marie Winn and the 3- apartment building adjacent to New York's Central volume Guide to Bird Behavior by Donald and Lillian Park. She offers the reader a fascinating picture, not Stokes can be found in the Toronto Public Library. TFN 563-12 Toronto Field Naturalist April 2009

KEEPING IN TOUCH

I photographed a male American Kestrel on the Leslie talon, on the roof of my building on occasion. By the Street Spit on Family Day. He had just captured a time the bus arrived I had been thoroughly entertained. meadow vole and began feeding as we watched. This is Of course, at German Mills I heard nothing but a a pen and ink drawing. I used a traditional steel nib and yapping dog. India ink. Marcus Feak Barry Coombs Not in my back yard?? Last week I was rather surprised to look out my back window and see a hawk eating another bird. Because of a pronounced eye stripe and the lack of red on the tail, I am guessing that it was an immature goshawk. It remained on the fence for a long time, a couple of hours, and had a nice break in the middle of its meal, while it just looked around. A squirrel came around twice to hassle it, but the hawk just flapped its wings a bit as a threat and the squirrel retreated. This event would not be unusual, as I know there are many hawks nesting in Toronto these days, but I was pleased to see one in my back yard, because I live a mere three blocks from the corner of Yonge and Bloor. Ann Atkinson

I’d like to thank Peter Money for pointing out an error in my article on the Carden Plain in the February newsletter. I implied mistakenly that Carden’s limestone was related to glacier action. In reality, its limestone is Ordovician, and hence 412 million years old, while glacier action in the area dates from the Pleistocene era, only 1.8 million years ago.

During the recent leader’s workshop, group facilitator Theresa Moore mentioned that courting Great Horned

Owls could be heard at dusk at German Mills. On February 1, I headed to my bus stop at 4:30 pm. As the bus was slow coming I glanced up idly at the adjacent high rise, in front of which a flock of pigeons was flying fast and in tight formation. Above the building I I love the latest edition of the TFN newsletter. spotted a Red-tailed Hawk, whose forays to south or Gorgeous pictures! I arrived home to find an adorable north were accompanied by veering of the flock in a little creature looking up at me from where my well-choreographed dance. Then I noticed another red- doormat would be if I had a doormat. My first thought tail perched on one of the top balconies, waiting for the was that he was a hedgehog, then a porcupine – but he pigeons to make their escape around that side of the was a muskrat! It’s amazing to see photos of so many building. After several minutes the soaring confederate birds and animals with dates and places demonstrating descended and alighted on the same balcony as its that there is a lot of wildlife out there, even in the city, partner. Moments later the partner, perhaps with even in the middle of winter. It was such an interesting instructions, took off either for a balcony on another edition that I didn’t get to bed until way later than side of the building, or to take over the sheep-dog role. usual because I kept reading “just one more article!”

I didn’t see a kill, but have seen a red-tail, pigeon-in- Amanda Taylor

April 2009 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 563-13

FOR READING

The natural Treasures of Carolinian Canada: also given hope as we read of the conservation efforts Discovering the rich natural diversity of of The Carolinian Canada Coalition. Ontario’s Southwestern heartland The Carolinian Canada Coalition This is a book one can read and re-read with pleasure – Edited by Lorraine Johnson a perfect gift for a nature-lover. Having enjoyed it so Published by James Lorimer & Company Ltd. $34.95 much, I am eagerly anticipating Lorraine Johnson’s lecture at our monthly meeting on May 3. Carolinian Canada, stretching from Toronto to Grand Bend on Lake Huron and Middle Island in Lake Erie, Wendy Rothwell is an extraordinarily rich and diverse area. Its forests, oak savannahs, tall grass prairies, alvars and wetlands Bringing Nature Home - How Native Plants contain a lush abundance and great variety of plant Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens species. They provide habitat for 50 mammal species, Douglas W. Tallamy, Professor, Department of the greatest diversity of amphibians and reptiles in Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Canada, and thousands of different kinds of insects. Delaware. Published by Timber Press, Over 180 species of birds nest in the region, and its www.timberpress.com/books. Hardcover, 288 pp, watersheds support the richest communities of fishes $31.95, available in paperback April 15. An extract and freshwater mussels in the country. Treasures from the book can be found on the publisher’s website. indeed! A long review of this book by This book is, itself, a Lorraine Johnson in the latest treasure! The Carolinian Canada Coalition descriptions are so newsletter caught my eye and evocative that I felt I was convinced me to run out and buy actually there, listening to a copy. The review suggests an the Swamp Sparrow as alternate sub-title Why Alien the sun rose over the Plants Just Don’t Cut It. Alien misty lake at Long Point, plants don’t cut it because, as the or delighting in spring author explains, the non-native ephemerals on the floor of additions to our flora do virtually a Carolinian forest. We nothing in terms of providing are told fascinating details food for insect herbivores. This about the behaviours of is good news for gardeners, but all manner of creatures. not good for insects and not good Who would have dreamt for the rest of the food chain. In a that mussels could be so chapter titled The Vital New Role interesting! The rich prose of the Suburban Garden, the and superb photographs Bloodroot at TFN Nature Reserve, author argues the absolute make one fall in love with photographed by Barry Tocher, April 2008. necessity for native plant gardens what is there to be as habitat continues to be paved discovered – towering tulip-trees, spectacular and built over. The author is passionate in his review of American lotus, rare Miami mist, southern flying habitat loss, the definitions of “native” and “alien,” the squirrels, Fowler’s toads and longear sunfish. We are value of biodiversity, and the science behind the many disturbed to read of the damage done since European ways insects interact with plants and how such settlement began – land being cleared and drained for interactions determine the diversity of animal agriculture, lumbering and urbanization. We mourn the communities. Much of the book provides practical loss of extirpated species like the Karner blue butterfly, suggestions to make it happen. Appendices include and feel concern for species that are now endangered, plant lists for different regions of North America and a such as Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, chart of host plants of butterflies and showy moths. eastern sand darter and Lake Erie watersnake. We are Jenny Bull TFN 563-14 Toronto Field Naturalist April 2009

GARLIC MUSTARD LOCAL DAY OF ACTION

To celebrate International Biodiversity Day, TFN is organizing a “Garlic Mustard Pull” on Friday, May 22, in collaboration with Ontario’s Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network (BEAN) and Toronto Parks. TFN locations planned are South Humber Park (the west side of the Humber River north of The Queensway) and Glen Stewart Park (Glen Manor Dr. north of Queen St. E.). Similar events will be held by Toronto Zoo, TRCA, and naturalist clubs throughout Ontario. Please mark the date in your calendar and participate in this concerted effort to promote native species by controlling invasive alien species. Watch for further details in the May newsletter.

Participants will receive training in the identification of production and ability to spread relatively rapidly, make garlic mustard and similar looking species (to avoid garlic mustard a strong competitor. It diverts resources damage to native species). There will be a protocol from native spring woodland ephemeral plants such as followed to ensure effective removal and disposal of hepaticas, toothworts, spring beauty, Solomon’s seal, plant parts, especially roots and seeds.

As seeds can remain Ontario’s Biodiversity Education and viable in the soil for up to five years or Awareness Network (BEAN)

more, this is a long- supports and enhances the development and term commitment by delivery of biodiversity education and TFN. As part of the awareness efforts. Members include Canadian protocol, groups that Wildlife Service, Ministry of Natural undertake to remove Resources, Ontario Nature, Royal Ontario garlic mustard must Museum and Toronto Zoo. be willing to return to the site for additional trilliums, trout lily, sweet cicely and many others. plant removal for at Because it begins growing very early in the spring, least five years, or garlic mustard has a head start on other flowering plants Garlic mustard with dandelions, until the seed bank is from TFN slide collection and tree seedlings. exhausted. Removing garlic mustard once Garlic mustard also alters soil composition and and not returning can actually increase garlic mustard structure, impacts natural associations between plants P. Hall/virtual Museum of populations in the long term. and fungi by destroying the fungi, and results in Canada cascading ecosystem impacts. Several compounds The threat of alien invasive species is listed as the isolated from garlic mustard were shown to depress second leading cause of global bio-diversity loss by the growth of grasses, herbs and tree seedlings. Garlic International Union for the Conservation of Nature mustard appears to reduce habitat quality for several (IUCN). Garlic mustard, in particular, poses a severe species of salamanders and molluscs through changes threat to native plants and animals in the forest in forest litter layer depth and composition. communities of southern and central Ontario. Garlic mustard is one of the few non-native herbs capable of Insect communities are also impacted by the presence invading and dominating both disturbed and of garlic mustard. For example, the mustard white undisturbed forest understory communities. Its (Pieris oleracea), a native woodland butterfly, utilizes tolerance of low light levels, coupled with its high seed native toothworts, which produce a chemical attractant.

This compound is also present in garlic mustard. International Biodiversity Day Because garlic mustard grows taller than the native hosts, in mixed stands the butterflies can mistakenly lay May 22 (one month after Earth Day) their eggs on garlic mustard where their larvae are unable to develop. The impacts of garlic mustard on 2009 theme: vertebrates are largely unknown. Deer do not eat it, but Biodiversity and Invasive Species encourage its spread by grazing on native competitors, disturbing the soil, and carrying seed from one location For more information see the UN website at to another. www.cbd.int/ibd/ and Environment Canada’s website at www.cbin.ec.gc.ca/jib-ibd/default.cfm? lang=eng

April 2009 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 563-15

IN THE NEWS

Songbirds fly three times faster than expected lightest genome load. The researchers sampled birds Extracted from a news release at www.yorku.ca/mediar/ caught and released at the Long Point Bird Observatory Bridget Stutchbury is author of Silence of the Songbirds on Lake Erie. Besides weighing the birds and collecting and spoke at the TFN monthly meeting in November blood samples, they measured wing span and used wing 2007. area to calculate a wing loading index. That allowed Bridget Stutchbury and her team at York University them to compare flying efficiency or strength. They have tracked the migration of songbirds by outfitting 14 found that stronger or more specialized flyers have Wood Thrushes and 20 Purple Martins with smaller genomes. Among 18 families of songbirds in miniaturized geolocators, revealing that scientists have the study, tree creepers, chickadees and kinglets had the dramatically underestimated songbirds flight smallest genomes; finches, warblers and thrushes had performance. (Songbirds are too small for conventional the largest. Smaller cells with relatively high surface satellite tracking.) Following breeding in Pennsylvania areas allow for better exchange of oxygen and carbon during 2007, the birds' fall takeoff, migration to South dioxide during all that effort. America, and journey back to North America were tracked. In summer 2008, the researchers retrieved the Scientists Confirm Mixing Between East And geolocators from five Wood Thrushes and two Purple West Populations Of Monarchs Martins and reconstructed individual migration routes The Southwestern Monarch Migration Research Project and wintering locations. Data from the geolocators (ag.arizona.edu/BTA/monarchbutterflies) is an example indicated that songbirds can fly in excess of 500 km per of citizen science, with schools and butterfly enthusiasts day. Previous studies estimated their flight performance trained to tag and release monarchs to assist with at roughly 150 km per day. The study found that migration research. They recently reported that three songbirds' overall migration rate was two to six times monarchs tagged in southern Arizona (west of the more rapid in spring than in fall. For example, one Rocky Mountains and just north of the Mexican border) Purple Martin took 43 days to reach Brazil during fall were recovered in California, but another three tagged migration, but in spring returned to its breeding colony in Arizona were found in the over-wintering colonies in in only 13 days. “We were flabbergasted by the birds' Mexico. This may disprove the theory that monarchs spring return times. To have a bird leave Brazil on April east of the Rocky Mountains in Canada and the U.S. 12 and be home by the end of the month was just migrate to Mexico for the winter, while the western astounding. We always assumed they left sometime in population goes exclusively to California. See The March,” Stutchbury said. The study also uncovered Canadian Press news release, dated Feb 23, 2009, at evidence that Wood Thrushes from a single breeding www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress population did not scatter over their tropical wintering /article/ALeqM5iP7TtIKnmwigQLKrBbFJon6gg0JA. grounds. All five Wood Thrushes wintered in a narrow band in eastern Honduras or Nicaragua. “This region is Ontario must show courage in defending clearly important for the overall conservation of Wood species at risk, urges Environmental Thrushes, a species that has declined by 30 percent Commissioner since 1966,” said Stutchbury. “Songbird populations Adapted from a press release from the Environmental have been declining around the world for 30 or 40 Commissioner’s Office, March 2, 2009, www.eco.on.ca See page 10 for upcoming TFN and SOS event. years, so there is a lot of concern about them.” A report on Ontario’s 183 species at risk was recently Birds 'Pack Light' for Flying, Study Finds released by Gord Miller, the Environmental Commis- Extracted from a news release, Dec. 22, 2008, at sioner of Ontario (ECO). The Last Line of Defence: A www.uoguelph.ca/news/2008/12/post_164 Review of Ontario’s New Protections for Species at

University of Guelph biologist Prof. Ryan Gregory Risk analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the found that when songbirds fly south for the winter, they Endangered Species Act, 2007, which came into force tend to pack light for the trip—at least when it comes to in 2008 and whose implementation continues. In the their DNA. Flying limits the amount of genetic baggage report, the ECO provides the Government of Ontario that an avian species can carry around, because flying with recommendations and key action items to ensure takes a lot of energy. Birds' cells—and the genetic the province’s most vulnerable species and their material inside them—need to remain as trim as habitats are protected and recovered. Although the new possible. The most productive fliers are those with the continued on page 16 TFN 563-16 Toronto Field Naturalist April 2009

IN THE NEWS, continued from page 15 law is a great improvement over its predecessor (for estimated 244, 169, and 141 miles. Still, they are likely example, species are listed as being at risk for scientific to be negatively impacted by the increased drought rather than political reasons), many of its protections expected in many parts of North America as global can be undermined if the law’s flexibility is misused. warming worsens. Only 10 of 26 grassland species For example, under the Act, the Ministry of Natural moved north significantly, while nine moved south. Resources (MNR) is given the authority to allow some Species such as Eastern Meadowlark, Vesper Sparrow, activities that may be destructive of habitat, even when and Burrowing Owl were likely unable to move despite that habitat is critical to endangered species. more moderate northern temperatures because essential grassland habitat areas have disappeared, Birds’ Movements Reveal Global Warming having been converted to intensive human uses such as Threat in Action row crops, pastures, and hayfields. In combination, Extracted from a news release from Audubon.org (click global warming and ongoing overuse of grasslands by on News, Press Releases), Feb. 10, 2009. humans will doom grassland birds to continued

The northward and inland movement of North population declines. Bold action is needed to overcome American birds, confirmed by thousands of citizen- threats from global warming. Americans can sign a observations, provides new and powerful evidence that petition at www.birdsandclimate.org to demand global warming is having a serious impact on natural aggressive federal policy action. Audubon anticipates systems, according to new analyses by Audubon that the new evidence will help attract attention and scientists. The findings signal the need for dramatic spark action among more than 40 million U.S. bird- policy changes to combat pervasive ecological watchers, including tens of thousands who contributed disruption. Data from the past 40 years of Audubon’s to the Christmas Bird Count data on which the studies Christmas Bird Count (CBC) reveal that 58 percent of are based. The 109-year-old census provides the the 305 widespread species that winter on the continent world’s longest uninterrupted record of bird population trends. shifted significantly north since 1968, some by hundreds of miles. Movement was detected among Ed.: Canadians can sign a petition for federal policy species of every type, including more than 70 percent of action on climate warming at Kyoto Plus (www.sierra highly adaptable forest and feeder birds. Only 38 clubaction.ca/petition. Nature Canada has a petition percent of grassland species mirrored the trend, calling for federal policy on climate change and the reflecting the constraints of their severely-depleted Arctic at www.naturecanada.ca/advocate/global_warming. habitat and suggesting that they now face a double threat from the combined stresses of habitat loss and Fight for Canada’s rivers heats up as budget climate adaptation. bill returns to House of Commons Adapted from a Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, Ottawa Audubon scientists say the ongoing trend of movement Riverkeeper press release, Feb. 26, 2009. See by some 177 species is closely correlated to long-term www.waterkeeper.ca/nwpa, www.ottawariverkeeper.ca, winter temperature increases, revealing an undeniable and www.ispeakforcanadianrivers.ca link to the changing climate. Movements across all Public opposition to environmental rollbacks buried in species averaged approximately 35 miles during the the Budget Implementation Act is growing across the period. However, it is the complete picture of country. The Act contains sweeping changes to the widespread movement, and the failure of some species Navigable Waters Protection Act, which allow the to move at all, that illustrates the potential for problems. government to undermine navigation rights on rivers Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, and Boreal Chickadee have without Parliamentary oversight or public warning. In retreated dramatically north into the Canadian boreal, February, environmentalists and organizations their ranges moving an estimated 313, 246, and 211 representing recreation and tourism appeared before the miles respectively over 40 years. Continuing warming Finance Committee. They expressed concerns about the and development are predicted to have adverse impacts rollbacks, including the elimination of science-based on the boreal forest and the species that depend on it. decision-making such as environmental assessments for Red-breasted Merganser, Ring-necked Duck, and dams, causeways and bridges. The Budget Implementa- American Black Duck, normally found in southern-tier tion Act will return to the House of Commons for more states, have all taken advantage of warmer winter debate, and the NWPA amendments are expected to be waters and have shifted their ranges north by an controversial.

April 2009 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 563-17

FROM THE ARCHIVES

From TFN NEWSLETTER #147, March 1957. By R.M. Saunders

Things to See:

Frogs tuning up in their mating “songs” upward, you will be rewarded with such a scene, As soon as the marshes and pools open up, and the etched against blue sky, as maybe you have never seen temperature of the water reaches 42 degrees, you may before, and which, once seen, you will never forget. be sure of hearing the spring peepers, leopard frogs, . wood frogs and others. To watch them puffing out The flight songs of the woodcock, upland plover and their singing sacs as well as to hear them is one of the snipe gladdest sights and sounds of spring. They may be Now is the time to start planning where and when you seen in the daytime if you are very quiet – they stop are going to see and hear these thrilling performances, performing at the slightest foreign sound – and if you among the most dramatic in our bird world. The get the angle of light correctly to show up the sacs. woodcock performs at dusk, the plover all through the But the best and surest time is at night when, with a day, and the snipe most frequently at dawn and dusk, flashlight, you should have no trouble in seeing as though during the day as well. These are territorial many as you like. Remember, they are not afraid of flights, so you must locate breeding territories if you light, but they are of noise, and of nearby vibration. wish to see these shows. No doubt there are many If they stop, just wait patiently for them to start again. such territories which you will be able to learn of And don’t lower your head too close to the chorus; through enquiring amongst fellow naturalists, but a few you’ll be deafened. of the best known areas are as follows:

Woodcock: (late March – May) the road running from No. 11 Highway downstream along the south side of Holland Marsh and ending in the marshland farms; the Soldier’s Bay road from the east joins this road about halfway along; the Brown Hill swamp area in North Gwillimbury Township. Woodcock prefer to perform in open meadows adjoining wet wooded swamps.

Upland Plover: (late April – May) The Elgin Mills side road northeast of Richmond Hill; the road west from Victoria (on No. 10 Highway) to Terra Cotta; the road west from Streetsville to the Milton road. These plover prefer wide stretches of open field, preferably Spring Peeper, drawn by Diana Banville uncultivated. from a photo by Hugh Halliday Snipe: (mid-April – May) The Holland Marsh area Soft maples in bloom near the Bradford railway station; the east end of Like the rich orange hue on the willows, and the deep Frenchman’s Bay marsh; the wet fields just north of crimson of the red osier dogwood, the intense dark Oro Lea Beach on Lake Simcoe; the Port Perry coral of the soft maple blooms is one of the loveliest marshes. Snipe usually perform over or near to cattail colours of early spring. And you don’t have to leave beds, but may do so over very wet meadows where low the city to see this wonder, for Toronto is full of soft willow scrub or other growth beside extensive pools maples. If as you are walking to work some summer give cover for nesting. morning when these trees are bursting out, you gaze

Visions of nature, brief moments captured in time, forever with you Haiku by J. Kenneth Cook TFN 563-18 Toronto Field Naturalist April 2009

WEATHER (This time last year) April 2008

April was the second-warmest on record in Toronto Snow was basically absent; Pearson had just 1 cm. after 1955 (tied at Pearson with 9.5°, 10.2° downtown Thus, the official snowfall totals for 2007-2008 are and 10.5° in 1955). The mean maximum daytime 194.0 cm at Pearson and 209.7 cm downtown. These temperature of 15.2° at Pearson and 14.8° downtown are the highest totals since 1949-50 and 1959-60 was the highest since 1941 and about 3° above normal. respectively. It was the third highest total ever for The sunshine total of 258.7 hours was the second Pearson (records going back to 1938-9). highest on record. The record was 271.7 hours, set in Vegetation, which had been held back by persistent 1900. These records were due to an exceptionally long, snow cover until the beginning of the month, had sunny, warm period from the 16th to 27th during which advanced to slightly ahead of normal (by about a week) temperatures rose almost daily into the low to mid by the end of the month. However, it was nowhere near twenties (eight days broke 20°). However, there were as advanced as in 1998. Patches of snow were still no extreme heat records exceeding or even found on the Oak Ridges Moraine as late as the 21st. approaching 30°, as happened in 2002, 1990, 1987, and 1985. Strong blocking rather than global heat Precipitation was below normal, but not by much. characterized April, with Totals were 53-55 mm across the city, while normals persistent ridging over the are in the 65-70 mm range. Fairly heavy rains fell on Great Lakes. A persistent the 11th to 12th and 28th. The last three days of the trough over western North month brought a major pattern change, as cold rain America led to record returned, followed by suburban frosts. This dissonance cold and snow from was a possible source of the reduced seed crop of California to the Dakotas. certain trees in parts of southern Ontario (e.g. oaks and shagbark hickory). Gavin Miller

Great Black-backed Gulls and Avian Botulism

If you noticed a scarcity of Great Black-backed Gulls in in 1963. Smaller-scale outbreaks followed periodically the last few years, an article by Dave Moore in the but since 2002 Lake Ontario has experienced major die- February 2009 issue of the Ontario Field Ornithologists' offs with similar patterns on Lakes Erie, Huron and OFO News sheds light on this mystery. Michigan. Across the Great Lakes, “Common Loons, Long-tailed Ducks, White-winged Scoters, gulls, The first Great Lakes nesting of this species, which Double-crested Cormorants, Red-breasted and Common breeds on the Atlantic coast and the St. Lawrence River, Mergansers, and Red-necked and Horned Grebes” are was recorded in 1954. “At approximately ten-year most commonly affected with annual mortality intervals, joint surveys of all colonial waterbirds estimated in the tens of thousands. breeding on the Great Lakes are conducted by the CWS (Canadian Wildlife Service), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Researchers are investi-gating links between the Service and their partners.” Studies show Great Black- botulism and introduced zebra mussels and round backed Gull nesting increased dramatically in the gobies as well as large-scale algal blooms. Mortality 1970s, '80s and '90s with “the greatest number of nests among Great Black- backed Gulls is dispro-portionately occurring in eastern Lake Ontario.” Since then, high. Possibly their recent arrival on the lakes has not however, they “have nearly been extirpated as a allowed them “sufficient time to co-evolve with the C. breeding species from the Great Lakes.” Similar trends botulinum bacteria” but their top level in the food chain show up in Christmas Bird Count records. also subjects them to increased toxin exposure. The problem appears to be Type-E Botulism which first Marilynn Murphy caused a large-scale die-off of Great Lakes water fowl

Great Black-backed Gull, Photographed by Margaret McRae at Sunnyside Park April 2009 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 563-19

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

Jim Baillie Memorial Bird Walks – Toronto Ornithological Club These outings are aimed at the intermediate birder but beginners are also welcome. Information: www.torontobirding.ca Sun. Apr. 26, 8 am – early pm. Early Migrants, Leslie St. Spit. Leader: Hugh Currie. Meet at foot of Leslie St. Bring lunch.

Toronto Entomologists’ Association (TEA) Room 212, Victoria College. Info: www.ontarioinsects.org Sat. Apr. 25, 1:15 pm. Insects of Southeastern Ontario: A Park Naturalist’s Perspective. David Bree

North American Native Plant Society (NANPS) Toronto Botanical Gardens, 777 Lawrence Ave. E. Members $5/non-members $10. Information: www.nanps.org, 416-631-4438 Tues. Apr. 7, 7:30 pm. Native Trees of Southern Ontario. Speaker Todd Irvine.

High Park Walking Tours Meet at the benches across the road south of Grenadier Café. Donation requested. Information: 416-392-1748 ext. 5 or [email protected] or www.highpark.org • Sun. Apr. 12. 10:30 am to 12 noon. Grenadier Pond from Winter Sleep to Spring Awakening. Christine Tu. • Thurs. Apr. 16. 7 pm. Nature Walk for families. • Sun. Apr. 26. 10:30 am Lost Waterways. Leo DeSorcy (Note: This walk may last up to 3 hours)

Colborne Lodge, High Park March 6 – May 24. As part of the City of Toronto’s 175th Anniversary Celebration – a display of John Howard’s 1834 and 1835 watercolours of some of the early City landscapes and structures.

The Market Gallery South St. Lawrence Market, 2nd floor, 95 Front St. E. Free. Note: Gallery is closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays. Until June 13, 2009: Lit. City: Toronto Through the Eyes of Authors and Artists.

The Ontario Insect Fair Sat. Apr. 18. 10 am – 4 pm. A show and sale of worldwide exotic butterflies, moths, beetles and other dried insects. Toronto Botanical Gardens, 777 Lawrence Ave. E. (at Leslie). Free. Information: www.thornesinsects.com

Lost Rivers Walks Sun. Apr. 12, 6:30 pm. Asylum Creek – evening ramble. Leader: Ian Wheal. Meet at the northeast corner of Gladstone Ave. and Queen St. W. A walk of the lost creek that ran through the grounds of the Asylum, buried in March 1882. Walk will end in Liberty Village by 8 pm. Information: www.lostrivers.ca

Ian Wheal Walks Sat. Apr. 11, 2:00 pm. St. Hildegard, Patron of Sewing Trade. A walk of Lower Spadina garment district. Meet at the southeast corner of Queen St. W. and Spadina Ave. Free. Walk will go to sites of 19th and early 20th century trade, ending at Bathurst and King Streets by 4 pm.

Earth Day Clean-ups and Plantings • Fri. Apr 24. 20-Minute Toronto Makeover. Join in at 2 p.m. and help clean litter off our streets. www.toronto.ca/litter/index • Sat. Apr 25. Mayor David Miller’s Community Clean-up Day. Pitch in and clean up your neighbourhood. • Sat. Apr 25. 10 am to 12 noon. Trees Across Toronto planting events in Lower Don, Centennial Park, , West, McCowan District Park. Information: www.toronto.ca/parks/tat/index or 416-392-LEAF. • Sun. 26 Apr. 10 am to 3 pm. Beaches Clean Ravine. Contact Jeff Good, 416-693-9419. Join your neighbours in this annual spring clean up of the Glen Stewart Ravine off Glen Manor Drive! Bring gloves and boots!

For every 5 per cent of tree cover area added to a community, storm water run-off is reduced by approximately 2 per cent. In 50 years, one tree can generate $30,000 in oxygen, recycle $35,000 of water, and eliminate pollutants that would otherwise cost $60,000 to remove from the air. From: Trees Across Toronto, www.toronto.ca/parks/tat/value.

TFN 563-20 Toronto Field Naturalist April 2009

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

TFN Clean-up in High Park, April 2008, photographed by Wendy Rothwell