Number 573, September 2010

Red admiral butterfly photographed by Lynn Pady at Colonel Samuel Smith Park on May 18, 2010

REGULARS FEATURES

Coming Events 18 Ladies’ Tresses in 13 Extracts from Outings Reports 8 For Reading 11 Natural History Museums 12 From the Archives 17 Keeping in Touch 14 Nature Youth Summit 15 Monthly Meetings Notice 3 Remembering Boris Mather 10 Monthly Meeting Report 7 and Jerry Belan President’s Report 6 TFN Outings 4 Weather – This Time Last Year 19 TFN 573-2 Toronto Field Naturalist September 2010

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

IT’S YOUR NEWSLETTER! MEMBERSHIP FEES We welcome contributions of original writing, up to 500 $30 STUDENT, SENIOR SINGLE (65+) words, of observations on nature in and around Toronto, $40 SINGLE, SENIOR FAMILY (2 adults, 65+) $50 FAMILY (2 adults – same address, children included) reviews, poems, sketches, paintings, and photographs of TFN outings (digital or print, include date and place). No GST. Tax receipts issued for donations. Send Include your name, address and phone number so membership fees and address changes to the TFN office. submissions can be acknowledged. Send by mail or email. Please note: TFN does not give out its membership list. Deadline for submissions for October issue: Sept. 10.

Toronto Field Naturalists NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE 2 Carlton St., # 1519, Toronto M5B 1J3 Jenny Bull (co-editor), Karin Fawthrop, Nancy Fredenburg,

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

EXHIBITION OF ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY TFN MEMBERS

February 2011

A group of Nature Arts participants has volunteered to arrange a small exhibit next February at S. Walter Stewart Library in the Ridout Auditorium (lower level). Nancy Anderson, Anne Byzko, Penny Fairbairn and Gail Gregory invite other TFN artist members to join them. Exhibitors may sell their work, but it cannot be removed until the end of the show. We will need to know the size, number, and value of framed artworks to be displayed, and work will be included as space permits. The selection deadline is November 15.

If you would like to participate, please request an Exhibitors’ Information sheet from the TFN office, by e-mail, phone or by dropping into the office on a Friday morning. This will provide all instructions, including how to submit photos of your work for consideration.

We hope many TFN members will take this opportunity to share their nature artwork. Artists not participating in the month-long exhibit will be welcome to display their work on a table during the Nature Images photography event.

NATURE IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY BY TFN MEMBERS

The artwork exhibit will coincide with our annual Nature Images photography event to be held at S. Walter Stewart Library the afternoon of Saturday, February 6. We are pleased that Lynn Miller will once again run the digital projector for the showing. Details for our photographers on how to participate will be supplied in the Winter Issue of the Newsletter.

September 2010 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 573-3

TFN MEETING

Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 2:30 pm

Piping Plover Project of Southern Ontario

Stewart Nutt, Coordinator of the Project in Sauble Beach will describe interesting plover behaviours, and successes and challenges of the project to save these delicate and charming birds.

VISITORS WELCOME!

SOCIAL: 2:00 – 2:30 pm

Room 001, Emmanuel College, , 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. 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.

Note: As announced in the May President’s Report, the 2010 Annual General Meeting will be held prior to our lecture on October 3rd.

Upcoming TFN Monthly Meetings

Oct. 3 Thinking Big about Ecosystems, Evolution and Life John & Mary Theberge, wildlife ecologists

Nov. 7 From Prickly Pears to Polar Bears: A Look Behind the Scenes of the ROM’s Biodiversity Gallery Deb Metsger, Assistant Curator, Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum

Dec. 5 Spiders of Ontario Tom Mason, Curator of Invertebrates and Birds,

The bears come at dusk Their great paws scoop fat salmon Circling eagles watch

Haiku by Elisabeth Gladstone TFN 573-4 Toronto Field Naturalist September 2010

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.

Thurs TAYLOR MASSEY CREEK AND – Nature Walk Sept 2 Leader: Ed Freeman 10:00 am Meet at Victoria Park subway station. Walk will end at Broadview Ave (TTC available). Bring lunch if you wish to eat by the Don, binoculars and camera if desired. Duration: about 2½ hours.

Sat WARD’S ISLAND – Nature Arts Sept 4 Leader: Nancy Neal 9:45 am Meet at the ferry docks at the foot of Bay St in time for the 10:15 am ferry to Ward's Island. Bring money for ferry. Bring what you need to paint, draw, write or photograph during the morning. Bring lunch and anything you would like to share with the group when we get together to discuss Nature Arts adventure.

Sun AND MIDLAND PARK RAVINE – Birds, Butterflies, Sept 5 Dragonflies 10:30 am Leader: Bob Kortright Meet at the southwest corner of Chine Dr at Kingston Rd. Walk will end at Midland Ave and Kingston Rd. Bring binoculars and lunch.

Wed HUMBER ARBORETUM – Birds Sept 8 Leader: Carol Sellers 10:30 am Meet at the entrance to the Humber Arboretum behind . The College is on Humber College Blvd between Finch Ave W and Hwy 27 (closer to Hwy 27). Bring lunch and binoculars.

Sat GUILDWOOD PARK – Birds and Trees Sept 11 Leader: Joanne Doucette 10:00 am Meet at the main gate to the Guild Inn at 191 Guildwood Parkway between Morningside Ave and Kingston Rd (TTC #116 bus from Kennedy Station). Bring lunch and binoculars. Hills, some stairs.

Sun LECTURE – Piping Plover Project of Southern Ontario Sept 12 Speaker: Stewart Nutt, Coordinator of the Project in Sauble Beach 2:30 pm Emmanuel College, 75 Queen’s Park Cres E. See page 3

Thurs WIGMORE RAVINE – Nature Walk Sept 16 Leader: Kathleen Fall 10:00 am Meet at Sloane Ave public school, half a mile north of Eglinton Ave E. TTC accessible. Bring lunch and binoculars. Duration: 2 hours. A circular walk

September 2010 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 573-5

URBAN FORESTRY – Trees Sat Leader: Melanie Adamson Sept 18 Meet at the south end of Queen’s Park, at University Ave and Queen’s Park Cres. We will discuss basic 1:00 pm tree biology, implications of poor soil and tree stresses due to the urban environment, as well as discussion of the new technology being employed on Bloor Street using Silva Cells. The walk will end at the Yonge/Bloor subway station. A joint walk with Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF).

Sun TORONTO’S LANDSCAPE AT THE EQUINOX – Lost Rivers Sept 19 Leader: Ed Freeman 1:30 pm Meet at the northeast corner of Bathurst St and Eglinton Ave W. We will see a drumlin, a watershed, the valley of Castle Frank Creek, the Lake Iroquois Shore, and public art that celebrates the location and the Earth’s relationship to the sun. Walk is on sidewalks and down the Baldwin stairs and will end at Dupont subway station at Spadina Rd. Estimated duration: 2-2½ hours. A joint walk with Toronto Green Community.

Wed HUMBER BAY – Birds and Plants Sept 22 Leader: Miles Hearn 10:00 am Meet at the southwest corner of Parklawn Rd and Lakeshore Blvd W. A good walk for migratory birds and fall flowers. Bring binoculars. A circular walk, morning only

Sat G. ROSS LORD PARK – Nature Walk Sept 25 Leader: Alexander Cappell 1:30 pm Meet at the northeast corner of Dufferin St and Finch Ave W, ending on Bathurst St near Drewry Ave.

Sun KAY GARDNER BELTLINE TRAIL – Heritage Sept 26 Leader: Alan Morrow 1:30 pm Meet at Eglinton West subway station for a 2 hour walk ending at the St. Clair subway station. Learn about Toronto’s beltline railway, Deer Park and the history of Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Wed WILKET CREEK AND SUNNYBROOK PARKS – Mushrooms Sept 29 Leader: Pat Burchell, President of Mycological Society of Toronto 10:00 am Meet at TTC bus stop at the northwest corner of Leslie St and Eglinton Ave E. Morning only. Circular walk.

Thurs JIM BAILLIE NATURE RESERVE – Work Party Sept 30 Leader: Marcus Feak An opportunity to visit this TFN Nature Reserve near Uxbridge and assist with maintenance. If you would like to participate, please contact Margaret McRae by September 22 to confirm car pooling arrangements and discuss tools needed. Bring lunch, water, work gloves, rubber boots.

Notice for Walk Leaders

Some leaders like to plan their walks far in advance and are booking for 2011. If you would like to reserve a date for a particular walk next year please advise Charles Bruce-Thompson for midweek east or Margaret McRae for weekends and midweek west

TFN 573-6 Toronto Field Naturalist September 2010

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Summer is a particularly busy season at the TFN knowledge, participating in the stewardship of office, as membership renewals come pouring in. We local natural areas, and leadership training are indebted to Nancy Fredenburg who continues to highlighting nature interpretation. process these with meticulous care, and Judy Marshall After School Naturalist Club for 8–12 year olds, who has enthusiastically taken on the task of updating • with topics and themes varying according to our membership database and is doing an excellent job. season and current interest. Renewals also involve extra accounting work for Louise Dixon and Karen Walton. I would like to thank Rouge Valley Conservation Centre: There is a plan all of them for the work they have been doing while the to transform the RVCC (Pearse House) into an rest of us are out enjoying TFN summer outings. ecological interpretative centre, to be used by members of the community as an interactive learning space I would also like to thank the many members who sent before venturing into Rouge Park. This project will in donations with their renewals. It is encouraging to include the development of a video series of animal life see this evidence of how much the TFN means to you. in the park, pictures/displays of animal and plant life in Donations and bequests provide opportunities for the the park and details on the park’s cultural heritage. TFN to undertake special projects. As outlined in my TFN’s donation of $10,000 will help pay for display March report (TFN 570-5), we have recently been cases, interpretive signs, digital screens, seating, etc. giving much thought to how we can best use the funds so generously entrusted to us. Two categories have Toronto Botanical Garden’s Living Winter Program. been the focus of our attention: Education - initiatives This outdoor education program for grade 4 students to help educate ourselves and the public about nature; from high needs schools in Toronto provides a and Youth - ways to communicate to young people the curriculum-connected learning opportunity that joy of experiencing nature, and the knowledge and introduces students to the natural habitats of Edwards motivation to help preserve it. It seemed best to start Gardens and Wilket Creek in winter. TFN’s donation by partnering with other nature-related groups. I of $10,000 provides partial support for staffing, would like to thank Nancy Dengler, Barry Mitchell and supplies, transportation and administration. Margaret McRae for investigating options and presenting recommendations to the board. Toronto and Region Conservation: Since 1954, the TRCA has been delivering innovative learning Our first venture was to support Ontario Nature’s programs in their unique facilities located in and Youth Summit on Biodiversity. As you will see from around the GTA. TFN’s donation of $25,000 is ear- the feedback on page 15, this event was a great success marked to subsidize bus transportation for 100 classes and we were pleased to be part of it. of Toronto schoolchildren who would otherwise be unable to participate in these programs. After careful evaluation of other possible opportunities, the board has agreed to support the following projects We feel these projects reflect TFN’s objectives in the current year: • to disseminate knowledge of natural history High Park Nature Centre: This centre, which opened in 1999, offers year-round outdoor experience-based • to stimulate public interest in and understanding environmental education programs to park visitors of of nature and in its protection and preservation. all ages. TFN’s donation of $25,000 is to be used for • to provide facilities and leadership to children in staff salary and related costs associated with the various fields of natural science. developing and delivering three programs: The groups with which we are partnering will ensure • Wild in the City Awareness, a new evening lecture that TFN’s name appears in their publicity material so series for mature audiences focused on increasing the wider community will be aware of our interest in awareness of current environmental issues and support of nature programs. We will keep you affecting High Park. informed about the progress and success of these joint projects. • Youth Naturalist Mentorship, a program which Wendy Rothwell targets at-risk, low income and newcomer youth and focuses on gaining local naturalist skills and

September 2010 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 573-7

MONTHLY MEETING REPORT

The Appalachians and Their Margins Sunday, May 2. Peter Money, TFN member, retired geologist, nature photographer and amateur naturalist

Peter was quite correct in his introduction – his talk comparable to the Himalayas and, although still provided us with a smorgasbord of stimuli, a dim sum impressive, they have been eroding since they were of delightful glimpses of natural history. His beautiful formed. In Newfoundland, we saw rocks that were slides covered flora, fauna, and fossils as he took us once part of the African continent. Labrador has on a north to south journey along the Appalachians. Precambrian rocks that, even though they are 1.25 billion years old, are among the youngest in the We began our journey in Newfoundland and Canadian Shield! It was fascinating to hear about the Labrador; then moved on to the Magdalen Islands and earth’s mantle, normally 5 to 8 kilometres under the Prince Edward Island. Next, there was a brief stop in ocean, part of which was thrust up in western Nova Scotia and southern New Brunswick before Newfoundland where it crystallized. moving on to the Gaspé in Quebec. From here, we visited the Presidential Range in New Hampshire I learned about a former land bridge between Nova where I was delighted to hear about the arctic plant Scotia and eastern USA, which accounts for the fact species there. As the climate warms, these species are that the endangered eastern mountain avens is found migrating up Mount Washington. This brought us to only on Mount Washington and two small areas in the Great Smokey Mountains of Tennessee and North Nova Scotia. Another mountainous land bridge was Carolina. We touched on the Atlantic Coastal Plain formed when the North and South American and ended where the North and South American continents came together. This land bridge, difficult to continents joined 60 million years ago. manoeuvre, prevented most species from crossing over. One highly successful migrant is the nine- I was particularly interested in our journey across banded armadillo whose range today covers northern time as Peter described the continental collisions and Argentina to southeastern and south central USA. splits that build mountain ranges. When the continent Pangaea broke apart, about 200 million years ago, Peter promised something for everyone and he forming the Atlantic Ocean, part of the mountain delivered! Thank you, Peter and Frances, for sharing range we know as the Appalachians was left in what your travels with us. we now know as Europe; today, this range is known as the Caledonides. The Appalachians were probably Corinne McDonald

Northern gannets Nine-banded armadillo Bonaventure Is., Gaspé Southeastern Georgia

Eastern mountain avens (Geum peckii) Mount Washington, New Hampshire

Photos by Peter Money

TFN 573-8 Toronto Field Naturalist September 2010

EXTRACTS FROM OUTINGS LEADERS REPORTS

Leader Richard Aaron (Etobicoke Creek, May 4) and were really impressed with such a wonderful area in noted that flowering was at least 2 weeks ahead of the midst of the city. normal. Exploring changing urban ecology, Curran Hall, Fourth Annual Jane Jacobs Tribute, evening ramble Woburn, Tabor Hill and Hague Park, May 16. Leader: on her birthday, May 4. Leaders: Pleasance John Wilson. We learned about the historic Curran Hall Crawford and Helen Juhola. We followed the route of 1950s subdivision from the chair of the local community the proposed Spadina Expressway exploring neighbour- association. Other highlights included historic Old hoods that would have been altered dramatically or Danforth Road (now called Painted Post Rd), Woburn destroyed. In a grassy easement, we saw a pair of red Inn historic plaque, Tabor Hill Memorial Iroquoian First admiral butterflies. At Eglinton, we talked about the Nation ossuary site. Most continued to Hague Park in recently planted community orchard in Ben Nobleman Park. As we walked south on Everden Rd, a kestrel in hot pursuit of a not-much-smaller bird flew just a few meters above us. From the centre of Cedarvale Park, we noticed the rather lovely view of the CN Tower, framed by the new, grey-green foliage of mature bur oaks. As in previous years, a few in the group discovered Cedarvale Ravine for the first time and marveled that it could be so near and yet so far-removed from more urban sights and sounds. We ended the walk by thanking Jane Jacobs and all the others who worked tirelessly to stop the Spadina Expressway.

Horse nettle (Solanum carolinense) photographed by Wendy Rothwell in High Park July 29, 2010

spite of the distance and were rewarded with a lovely little-known ravine in spring glory. Notable plants included jack-in-the-pulpit and very large white pine, eastern hemlock and cottonwood. The degradation of the West Highland streambed through erosion and garbage was disappointing at this confluence of its Dorset Park and Bendale branches.

Canada anemone photographed by Anna Carr at Todmorden, TFN outing May 30

Todmorden Mills, May 8. Leader: Joanne Doucette. Kudos to the hard working volunteers who preserve habitat for native wildflowers in the face of garlic mustard, dog strangling vine and other invasives. Todmorden is a lesson in what hard work and perseverance can do to preserve native species in the city so that groups like ours can enjoy them.

Crothers Woods and Sun Valley, May 9. Leader: Margaret McRae. We circled through Crothers Woods seeing wonderful wildflowers (sarsaparilla a highlight). TFN members at garlic mustard pull, Most participants were unfamiliar with Crothers Woods Warden Woods, May 15 September 2010 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 573-9

Rowntree Mills Park, May 18. Leader: Carol Sellers. knotweed, barberry, Manitoba maple, Tartarian Best sightings were a very close Cooper’s hawk eating honeysuckle, winged and burning bush euonymus and and a male house wren bringing sticks to make his nest white mulberry. Native shrubs and trees have been in a very fancy nest box. He was singing too. planted near the Glen Manor end of the ravine.

Warden Woods, May 22. Leader: Bob Kortright. A East Don, June 19. Leader: Charles Chaffey. We blackpoll warbler was singing by Taylor Creek, soon explored Bestview Park, entering the awesome shade of followed by a deer sighting. The TFN had pulled garlic tall hemlocks, pines and beeches, with old snags mustard here the previous weekend - the site is one of showing large woodpecker holes. We looked for fruits the city's park stewardship sites. Two indigo buntings of spring wildflowers, finding only opened seed pods on were spotted singing from the topmost branches of trees bloodroots but ripening berries on blue cohosh and may- as we returned to the north end of Warden Woods. apple. Fruit was seen on only one wild ginger, with the

petals persisting from flowering time. We saw orange- Rouge Park, May 25. Leader: Orval White. We saw American toad, chipmunk and the following birds: fruited horse gentian as well as a fine display of red- turkey vulture, red-tailed hawk, belted kingfisher, downy berried elder. Moonseed was very prolific, climbing woodpecker, northern flicker, great crested flycatcher, high into the trees with many flower clusters. tree swallow, blue jay, chickadee, house wren, wood thrush, robin, catbird, cedar waxwing, warbling vireo, Exploring lost rivers and urban ecology, East Toronto, June 20. Leader: John Wilson. The route red-eyed vireo, yellow warbler, mourning warbler, highlighted geological and historical relics and heritage scarlet tanager, rose-breasted grosbeak, cardinal, song structures while tracing “lost” Tomlin Creek. A high sparrow, red-wing blackbird, cowbird, Baltimore oriole, point was observing the stand of mature red oaks in goldfinch. Norwood Park at the crest of the Lake Iroquois Goulding Estate Wetlands, May 27. Leader: Melanie Baymouth Bar. Milanich. We toured the new pond and lookout point above the old bog reading the new signage along the Brick Works, June 23. Leader: Phoebe Cleverley. way. Some successful and some unsuccessful plantings: Chimney swifts and swallows were flying about over the some cedars and spruces have died, but we were ponds, catching the insects that appear as the sun goes delighted to see dozens of blue flags in bloom that had down. There were at least two purple martins (a pair) been planted last year by the stewardship group. joining the chase. As we were leaving, the female appeared to have settled inside one of the chambers of a Rouge Park, May 29. Leader Peter Money. Many new martin house, while the male stood, alert and silent flowers normally in bloom at this time were over as a sentinel, on the perch at the entrance. because of the hot dry spring. High Park, June 30. Leader: Richard Aaron. Lots of Todmorden Mills Wildflower Preserve, May 30. wildflowers in bloom. Highlights included horse nettle Leader Paula Davies. Of interest was a Chocolate (Solanum carolinense) [present in GTA, but possibly Tube slime or pipe cleaner slime (Stemonitis splendens). first report in Toronto], swamp candles (Lysimachia It was a furry hairy chocolate brown group of smudges terrestris), whorled loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia), on a dead log. two species of tick trefoil (Desmodium spp.), and

Michigan lily (Lilium michiganense). We also had the Colonel Samuel Smith Park, June 1. Leader: Kerry opportunity to smell the crushed leaves of sassafras Adams. A great day to be at the park. We saw a (Sassafras albidum), sweet flag (Acorus calamus) and breeding pair of red-necked grebes on their nest, with a sweet fern (Comptonia peregrina). We also discussed small (8 cm diameter) painted turtle sunning him/herself how to distinguish red oak from black oak, and pondered on the side of their raft. We also saw a sun fish rushing the social histories of trees such as sassafras, white out from its nest to chase away a rather large cat fish in mulberry, and dawn redwood. Dragonflies seen: female the shallow pond at the base of the peninsula. twelve-spotted skimmer, male widow skimmer, female

Glen Stewart Ravine, June 16. Leader: Bob eastern pondhawk. As a bonus, we found two eye- Kortright. We found none of the hog peanut, catching species of slime mould – red raspberry slime compressed rush, sarsaparilla or beaked hazel mentioned mould (Tubifera ferruginosa) and Ceratiomyxa in the City’s 1995 brochure on the ravine’s nature trail – fruticulosa (no common name). but found considerable amounts of invasive Japanese TFN 573-10 Toronto Field Naturalist September 2010

REMEMBERING BORIS MATHER

The TFN was saddened by the death, on April 30th 2010, of Boris Mather who had been an active and valued member since 1989.

An avid hiker, Boris led and helped co-ordinate TFN outings. He was a social activist with an ardent concern for the natural environment. “You can’t just enjoy nature,” he said, “you’ve got to organize to protect it.” He put this conviction into practice, serving on TFN’s Environment Committee, and representing us on Friends of the Spit. He was active in the Bruce Trail Association and Citizens for a Lake- shore Greenway, and sat as a citizen representative on several city working groups including the Environmental Task Force, Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant Liaison Committee and the Tommy Thompson Park Advisory Committee. His pointed and witty letters on environmental matters often appeared in the Globe and Mail.

To the time of his death at the age of 84, Boris was frequently seen at TFN outings and lectures with his partner, Pauline Whitton. He will be greatly missed.

BORIS MATHER MEMORIAL OUTING, Ashbridge’s Bay, Friday, May 7, 2010

Rain predicted for late afternoon started around 2 pm eastward, and Leslie St. Spit. He was an effective but could not obscure the miracle of green that is spokesperson for maintaining, as much as possible, a springtime in Toronto. Are TFN members daunted by natural park, attending many meetings and leading the ever-changing weather of Toronto-by-the-Lake? interesting walks in this area. Never (well, hardly ever)! I said that nature was For the record, we saw a flight of chimney swifts, about weeping for Boris. I was joking – or being overly 25, wheeling high above, and tree swallows over the poetic – but there was no crying with this group of more bay with common terns, double-crested cormorants and than 30 friends and family who gathered to honour and numerous ring-billed gulls, as well as the usual mallards remember Boris Mather. I was so pleased that the net and geese. Many robins were taking advantage worked and we had such a good group, with more of the wet soil and red-winged blackbirds were flying or umbrellas than I’ve ever seen on a TFN hike. perched, practising their songs. Also high in the trees In spite of the chilly afternoon, there was a very warm were Baltimore orioles. Warblers were few, but at least feeling circulating as we began our walk through one yellow-rump was spotted. Also a flicker and one Woodbine Park. When the group reached Ashbridge’s persistent downy woodpecker, working a dead branch Bay Park, we were joined by several others, including where everyone had a good view. John Carley of Friends of the Spit, looking very We left the deserted beach, puddles and wet paths to distinguished in his business attire. join Boris’s family at the Boardwalk Pub in the park. There were no speeches or formalities, but several Again, members spoke to Boris’s daughters about their people spoke quietly about Boris’s devotion to the appreciation of Boris. waterfront, especially this park, the beaches spreading Phoebe Cleverley

REMEMBERING JERRY BELAN

TFN members were sorry to learn that Jerry Belan died on July 24th, at age 59, after a courageous fight against cancer. As a professional Landscape Architect and Park Planner, Jerry worked for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, conservation authorities and the City of Toronto. Jerry was a TFN member and outing leader since 1990. In his role as a Development Officer with Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation, he was the inspiration behind and the developer of the successful Discovery Walks program - an inter-nationally acclaimed series of self- guided interpretive walks that link various natural and cultural attractions, parks and neighborhoods within the City. A number of TFN members worked with him on this project. Jerry was an internationally recognized trails expert who spoke at conferences worldwide. Some of you will remember that he was the featured guest speaker at our Outings Leaders’ Workshop in March 2006. September 2010 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 573-11

FOR READING

THE BIRD DETECTIVE: INVESTIGATING THE SECRET LIVES OF BIRDS, by Bridget Stutchbury, HarperCollins, 2010. Hard cover, 247 pages. $32.99

Since publishing Silence of the Songbirds in 2007, recent exciting development is Dr. Stutchbury’s use of Bridget Stutchbury has been widely recognized as an geolocators to reveal marvels about the migration of expert on bird behaviour and an ardent advocate for purple martins and wood thrush. their conservation. As one might deduce from the title, Beyond satisfying our curiosity, what purpose does this her second book has two aspects. It reveals fascinating detective work serve? The crux of the matter is that, secrets about the lives of birds, and gives insight into over time, through natural selection, birds have learned the scientific work involved in uncovering those secrets. to make choices which promote the survival of their As we humans observe songbirds arriving each spring, species in the environment in which they lived. But staking out territories and choosing mates, building that environment is now changing rapidly. What nests, laying and tending their eggs, and working worked in the past may not work now, and birds may arduously to defend and feed their demanding chicks, not be able to adapt quickly enough to survive. Under- we may form a sentimental view of these seemingly standing bird behaviour is essential if we are to realize close-knit avian families. The secrets revealed in this the implications of destructive human activities such as book shatter any such romantic illusions! As Dr. deforestation, irresponsible fishing practices, use of Stutchbury says in her Introduction, “The lives of birds pesticides, contamination of sewage treatment plants, are driven by selfishness, conflict industrial pollution, and climate and competition.” For example, a change resulting from our use of female Acadian flycatcher will pair fossil fuels. Such understanding is socially with the male that offers also needed by naturalists in their the best territory and demonstrates efforts to rescue endangered species. the best parenting skills, and then “Trying to save birds without blatantly copulate with extra-pair understanding what makes them males that will pass on the best tick is a shot in the dark – provid- genes to her offspring. Though ing suitable habitat is essential, but songbirds appear fragile to us, that alone is not always enough. aggression is a natural aspect of Birds are highly social, and their their lives as they compete for food, social needs are at least as impor- nest sites and mates. The dawn Acadian Flycatchers, by Diana Banville tant as their physical needs.” chorus we regard as beautiful music While bringing forcefully to our attention the dreadful for our enjoyment is intended to intimidate rivals. prospect that many of the birds we love may not As for the second aspect of this book, Dr. Stutchbury survive, Dr. Stutchbury does hold out some hope. “A states, “The job of the scientist is to identify interesting green revolution is underway, sparked largely by questions and find the answers by gathering convincing awareness of global climate change and the urgent evidence.” She takes us behind the scenes to observe need for governments and consumers to live more her own work and that of her students as they sustainably. …Nature is remarkably resilient, and has endeavour to solve intriguing mysteries about bird shown that species can bounce back if given enough behaviour. Studies of particular species in many parts time and if we rein in our heavy-handed use of of the world reveal a great variety of patterns, and resources and chemicals.” address fascinating questions about their courtship, Bridget Stutchbury has a lucid and winsome writing nesting, parenting, socializing and migratory habits. style which draws us into her own family life as well as Finding the answers to these questions requires keen giving us surprising insights into bird behaviour. observation skills, an extraordinary amount of While presenting important scientific data, the material patience, and meticulous record-keeping, as well as is never dry, but always holds the reader’s attention. I strenuous toil in uncomfortable conditions, and braving was particularly moved by her heart-wrenching story the dangers of killer bees, bullet ants, venomous snakes of the wandering albatross, which perhaps best reveals and tropical diseases. It is interesting to learn how her deep concern for the plight of birds. scientific tools like DNA testing and radio tracking have been adapted for use by bird detectives. The most Wendy Rothwell TFN 573-12 Toronto Field Naturalist September 2010

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMS

One of the most absorbing books I've read in a long amateurs can make important contributions to time, Dry Store Room No.l: The Secret Life of the supplement the work of professional researchers. Natural History Museum by Richard Fortey takes the Fortey’s book makes me long to visit Britain’s Natural reader behind the scenes of one of London's great History Museum. Meantime though, the Canadian museums. Fortey, a palaeontologist retired after a long Museum of Nature recently re-opened in Ottawa, and career at the Natural History Museum, writes with in June I eagerly visited the beautifully renovated affection and humour of this amazing institution's building which dates from 1912. My favourite among fascinating history, research activities, treasured the displays was Frogs – A Chorus of Colour, a collections and the dedicated, sometimes eccentric temporary exhibition running only until September 6, people who have worked there. Perhaps because his 2010. The museum’s overall lack of botanical content focus is clearly on those people, Dry Store Room No. 1 was a major disappointment. Since the National is never dry, in fact at times I found myself laughing Herbarium of Canada comes under the organizational out loud. It is well written, abundantly illustrated and umbrella of the Canadian Museum of Nature, the hard to put down. glaring omission mystifies me. All the museum Many of the museum’s staff have continued working collections, including those of the herbarium, are long after official retirement, including an aging located elsewhere, not in the renovated building which palaeontologist who took up deep-sea diving in order houses only the public galleries. to study rocks under water. One evening after everyone I hope the Canadian Museum of Nature continues to else had left, he tried on a heavy diving suit “with evolve as has the Royal Ontario Museum’s Schad weighted boots and a bolted-on helmet with a glass Gallery of Biodiversity since its opening last year. visor”, found himself stuck in it and “was forced to Over the past few years the ROM has undergone leave the Museum to get help ... [and] to plod up tremendous changes, sometimes frustrating and Knightsbridge ... mouthing through his mask at controversial, but at this point I think there’s far more strangers until he found somebody to release him.” for visitors to see and absorb than ever before, Through all the stories, the reader learns a great deal certainly more than any of us can appreciate in a single about the work of the museum and the important roles visit. If, like me, you find the admission price high for it has played in the course of its long history, initially the length of time you can spend there in one day, you as part of the British Museum, established in 1753. might take advantage of the free hour 4:30 to 5:30 each Ongoing projects include the Millenium Seed Bank Wednesday, the half price Friday evenings, or consider and research on the terrible tropical disease the unlimited admission of a membership. schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia. The Natural An annual event I always enjoy is the ROM’s Research History Museum’s vast holdings range from those of Colloquium, free to the public. In recent years it has “Sir Hans Sloane, whose collection formed the basis of been held on a Friday in February or March and this the British Museum”, to the collections of Charles year was better publicized than previously. Throughout Darwin, to the museum’s libraries which in 1980 the day-long colloquium ROM curators and housed some 750,000 volumes and “may have doubled researchers give brief presentations about their work, again since then.” here and around the world, ranging across the fields of Today funding pressures present increasing challenges archaeology, the arts and natural history. but identifying species and understanding the unique A lot of important work goes on behind the scenes at role each plays in its environment are crucial in this natural history museums and, especially in these days rapidly changing world. Fortey foresees “the amateur of threatened biodiversity, they also play a vital role in will enjoy a renaissance ... armed with the unlimited the education of both children and adults. resources of the internet anyone talented and determined enough may carve out a place for himself Marilynn Murphy as an expert on a favoured group of organisms.” Such

Note: Dry Store Room No. 1: The Secret Life of the Natural History Museum by Richard Fortey, published in 2008 by Harper Press, is available in paperback and at the .

September 2010 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 573-13

LADIES’ TRESSES IN TORONTO

The common name “ladies’ tresses” for members of U.K. and Ireland. The common name for this species is this genus comes from the resemblance of the flower “hooded ladies’ tresses” because the upper petals and spike to a braid of hair. The generic name Spiranthes sepals overlap for most of their length to form a hood comes from the Greek speira, meaning coil or spiral over the downward-curving lip. The upper petals and and anthos, meaning flower. There are about 25 sepals commonly point upward at a small angle to the species in North America. Spiranthes species also horizontal. In contrast, the upper petals and sepals of occur in Eurasia from the U.K. eastward across Asia to “nodding ladies’ tresses” are horizontal or point Japan. slightly downwards, except for their tips which flare upwards. These petals and sepals show less overlap This genus is in the family Orchidaceae, the orchid than those of “hooded ladies’ tresses” and are family, which is one of the largest if not the largest commonly widely separated near their tips. Another family of flowering plants, with about 800 genera and distinction between the two species is that the lip of S. an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 species. The members of cernua is constricted at the middle whereas this is not the orchid family have symbiotic relationships with the case for S. romanzoffiana. soil fungi that invade their roots. The fungi assist the roots in absorbing inorganic nutrients and water, and In practice the distinguishing features are not as the plants provide energy to the fungi. This is known as obvious as one could hope as the flowers on any given a mycorrhizal relationship, from the Greek myces, plant are somewhat variable in shape and orientation. meaning fungus and rhiza, meaning roots. For S. cernua the constriction of the lip can be subtle as can the nodding nature and the upper petals and The ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers in Ontario sepals can seem hood-like over the lip. However, what describes one species, Spiranthes cernua, and notes is very helpful is that locally S. romanzoffiana that two other species, S. generally blooms from mid-July to early August romanzoffiana and S. lacera, whereas S. cernua blooms from late August to early also occur in Ontario. This is September or even up to the first frost. These blooming not an exhaustive list. The periods are confirmed in Orchids of Ontario by R.E. Orchids of Bruce and Grey Whiting and P.M. Catling which states the S. Counties, Ontario lists six romanzoffiana flowering time in Ontario is “essentially species found in that area late July and the first 3 weeks of August” although alone. Two of these species rarely into early September and that of S. cernua is were split from S. cernua. “generally the last week of August and first 3 weeks of This reference notes that this September” but exceptionally to late November. is the most difficult orchid S. cernua, genus in Ontario for species Both species have flower clusters in a dense raceme, in nodding ladies’ tresses identification, something I Toronto commonly about 8 to have wrestled with in regard 12 cm long, with whitish to two of our three local species. flowers in two to four spirals. Both have oblong to lance- The three species found in Toronto are S. cernua, S. shaped basal leaves and romanzoffiana, and S. lucida. S. cernua is a more alternate leaves on stems. The southerly species, in Ontario occurring only in the TFN’s Vascular Plants of mixed (Great Lakes-St. Lawrence) forest and lists both Carolinian forest and ranging south to Florida and as rare in Toronto. Both have Texas. The specific name cernua comes from the Latin been reported in the same cernuus, meaning facing the ground. This and the boggy areas at Taylor Creek common name “nodding ladies’ tresses” are references and damp meadows on Toronto to the nodding position of the flowers. S. Island. S. cernua is also romanzoffiana is named after Count Romanzoff, a reported in the Rouge Valley and Russian patron of the sciences, who was involved in S. romanzoffiana at East Point. exploration of the coast of Alaska. This is a widespread hooded ladies’ tresses cool-temperate to boreal forest species found across North America and in scattered disjunct sites in the continued on page 19 TFN 573-14 Toronto Field Naturalist September 2010

KEEPING IN TOUCH

At the Ontario Nature Annual Michael “Mickey” Wilson General Meeting in Sarnia, May Thank you, members, for sending comments about the 29, Jack Gingrich was honoured newsletter with your membership renewals. Here are for having attended 50 AGMs. some of them: He was given a plaque stating that a tree will be planted in his Thank you. I so much enjoy receiving the wonderful honour. newsletter particularly the beautiful photographs and art work and the bird of the month section. Photograph by Wendy Rothwell Barbara Jaeger

Thank you for all your good work. The magazine continues to be great. Hope to get out walking again In April, I was at the ponds west of the Science Centre one of these days. Doug and Jean Paton looking for ring-necked ducks. Although they were I look forward to each issue of TFN newsletter. It is so absent I did see some pied-billed grebes, and a very attractive with the colour photos and wonderful Blandings turtle which is uncommon in the Toronto reading. Thank you, Jean Collins area. I’ll be contacting the Adopt-a-Pond program at the zoo to report this sighting. Kudos! Outstanding newsletter – far more interesting Roger Powley than many other organizations produce. Lynn Pady

I want to share some fun and learning which I got out The newsletter keeps getting better every issue. Thank of a TFN outing to the Island on July 10. I saw a you very much, Ernie and Zoe Baltz brown-headed cowbird and my first red admiral …plus a donation towards mailing your excellent butterfly – we saw lots that day. I didn’t get a really newsletter. Patricia Stone good look at what our leader thought was a flycatcher. The bird seemed to go into hiding upon our Love the newsletter always. In our yard, and in others, appearance. Joanne Doucette did a really good job, in there’s more campanula than garlic mustard. What to my opinion, in leading the group and in identifying do? Helen and Robert Hansen various birds, butterflies and vegetation. But as far as I Ed.: Creep ng be -f ower, Campanula rapunculoides, s a can remember, no-one was able to identify a particular common weed n Toronto gardens. F ower ng stems shou d butterfly with black markings on it. All in all, a be removed before they go to seed. A bad nfestat on w wonderful outing. requ re d gg ng out a underground parts as we .

Whimbrel photographed by Lynn Pady at Female cardinal in High Park, Jan 8, Col. Sam Smith Park, May 29 photographed by Pam Raiken September 2010 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 573-15

TFN SUPPORTS ONTARIO NATURE’S YOUTH SUMMIT FOR BIODIVERSITY

This event, held at Camp Cedar Glen near Schomberg protection of habitats and the activities and goals of from June 4 – 6, 2010, was designed to help high the TFN, inviting any present to join us or let us know school-aged students from across Ontario to develop an if we could assist in their initiatives. Overall, I think understanding of the value of biodiversity and inspire the TFN met the goal of connecting these young people them to take action in their communities. The program with nature, particularly important because of the included: emphasis on youth leadership and initiatives on the second day. • presentations by Dr. Roberta Bondar, astronaut, neurologist, nature photographer and We were delighted to receive the following feedback environmental educator, and Matt Tod, a from attendees sponsored by the TFN.

professional facilitator and youth leadership expert We would like to thank you for the opportunity to • interactive naturalist workshops featuring reptiles attend the Youth Summit on Biodiversity. We have just and amphibians, birds of prey, photography, bird returned and loved it! We had the opportunity to hear banding, etc. Dr. Roberta Bondar speak, who encouraged us to be • leadership skills workshops led by Young Social leaders and to attain knowledge. We also went both Entrepreneurs of Canada and the Jane Goodall Saturday and Sunday mornings at 6:30 a.m. on walks Institute’s Roots and Shoots program to see the various birds in their natural habitat. We have become very interested in birds and have As mentioned in the President’s Report (page 6), the requested our mother to purchase the Peterson Field TFN board has recently been looking for opportunities Guide to Birds. Previous to the summit our focus was to communicate to young people an appreciation of more on beetles and butterflies. Our favourite nature and the importance of conserving it. We felt workshops included slime and scale and bird bandings. that Ontario Nature’s Youth Summit was just the sort Also the food was amazing. We learned a lot. Thank of project the Toronto Field Naturalists should be you very very much for the opportunity. Now we know involved in. So the board was pleased to contribute how to take action! $5,000 towards the event and to sponsor several Gabriella & Paula Banhara participants. We were happy that 6 young people accepted this offer. This year, I was fortunate to attend the Youth Summit for Biodiversity. I was able to learn a lot about the Board member Nancy Dengler represented the TFN at importance of birds of prey and interesting facts about a dinner on the Saturday evening. Here is what she them, how to recognize varieties of birds based on the had to say: noise they make, endangered species, the importance

I had a very positive impression during my two hours of biodiversity, and much more. I was also able to at the youth summit. I arrived during the free period learn about how to help the environment and take during dinner when the youth, of quite a wide age action in my community with confidence and range (13-18?), were playing volleyball, returning determination to help our wonderful world. Tessa McCarthy Barnes from hikes, etc., all in good spirits. It seemed that many of them felt isolated at their own schools because of The weekend I spent at Cedar Glen for Ontario their interests, and were very happy to find each other. Nature’s Biodiversity Summit was an incredible I sat between Garry Sault, the Mississauga elder who experience that I am so glad to have been able to led a green medicine workshop and a campfire story- enjoy! First of all, I loved the opportunity to meet new telling session, and a mother who was there as a people that have the same interest in nature as I do. It chaperone. She had gone on the birding hike that surprised me how many youth were there, and each morning with Jody Allair from Bird Studies Canada one of them was so friendly and positive! and thought he had been excellent in getting people to spot first with their eyes, then binoculars. Continued on next page

I felt ON made a real effort to recognize the TFN. I spoke for about 5 minutes about biodiversity, TFN 573-16 Toronto Field Naturalist September 2010

It was a really good environment for learning. Also the Toronto Field Naturalists sponsored me for this range of workshops available was pretty outstanding, a opportunity. lot of choice for different types of biodiversity. I was Alexandra Lundhild especially interested in the Connections to Chimpanzees workshop, and it was a lot of fun! It was The Ontario Nature Biodiversity Youth Summit was an amazing learning experience. I’d love to do it again such a great experience. I made many new friends who next year! are as interested in nature and biodiversity as I am. Allyson Banville The workshops and speakers were incredibly interesting. I learned so much, with topics ranging From walking in the woods, to being in a 2 hour from Native American medicinal uses for plants to scavenger hunt, to being a foot away from a one- where I can find different kinds of snakes in a forest. winged turkey vulture, the experience at the Ontario The experience of meeting Roberta Bondar motivated Nature Youth Summit for Biodiversity really opened my me to reach for higher goals in life. Thank you so much eyes to everything around us. I had the fortunate for sending me to such a fantastic and educational experience to hear a speech from Roberta Bondar, a weekend. I hope I can attend next year’s summit as remarkable woman who taught us how biodiversity is well. everything and everywhere and how important it is not Asia Steel to disturb the cycle of biodiversity. I was also fortunate to listen to a speech by Matt Tod. He used a We were pleased to receive this note of appreciation strange but perfect example that has changed the way I from Ontario Nature’s Gabe Camozzi: act. The example was ‘cleaning the dishes is like the Thank you once again for your wonderful support of environment/nature’. The more we leave it and expect this year’s Summit! I’m very happy that Ontario someone else to do it, the worse and worse it gets until Nature and Toronto Field Naturalists could work it is impossible. We should be taking the first steps to together to put on this great event. Judging by our improve in order to prevent a miserable future. formal and informal evaluation of the Summit, as well By the end of the summit, I was gratefully exhausted as conversations with chaperones, participants, and from our non-stop activities from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., workshop presenters, it would seem that the Summit from walking through trails so many times I could was as rewarding and exciting an experience as we teach a walk myself, to doing 5 workshops and had hoped. We had 64 participants, six of those learning things I’d never known, to meeting 20 new because of your contribution of time, funding, and friends I will never forget. It was an experience that interest – thank you! changed my life and I am very thankful that the

Photos submitted by Asia Steel (pictured with Roberta Bondar) and Gabriella and Paula Banhara

September 2010 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 573-17

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The Manitoba Maple (A most unusual tree) From TFN newsletter 429, September 1992

As an outings leader for the Toronto Field Naturalists, Like all maples, the fruit of the Manitoba maple is I have been surprised to find that many of our members contained in a samara or key; however, unlike other are not familiar with the maples, its keys are typically Manitoba maple (Acer retained by the tree well into negundo), also known as ash- the winter. The keys are leaved maple or box elder. wrinkled and somewhat V- Having lived for a number of shaped with an angle of less years in Manitoba and than 60 degrees separating attended university in the two wings. Winnipeg where it is a Even the origins of the common shade tree, perhaps I Manitoba maple in our area have tended to take its are somewhat of a mystery. identification somewhat for Many authors believe that granted. while it is native to Manitoba Maybe in retrospect I should and Northwestern Ontario, it not be so surprised. Although spread into our wooded areas it is a common tree from plantings. However, throughout the Toronto area, some think it is likely native the Manitoba maple is to floodplain forests in the somewhat of an oddity within Toronto area, the same type the Maple family of habitat it prefers in the (Aceraceae). In many ways it west. It has the abilities to does not look like a maple at grow quickly and to tolerate a all. great variety of habitats and thus it has colonized For one thing, the Manitoba Drawings by Diana Banville (top) and Joyce Cave disturbed sites throughout the maple is our only native city where few other trees maple which normally has can grow. compound leaves (3 to 7 irregular leaflets). If you place three of these leaflets together, however, they The Manitoba maple is a dominant tree in some will often form a typical maple shape. wooded areas of Toronto including the floodplain forest of the old Don River channel near Todmorden The Manitoba maple also differs from other native Mills and portions of the lower maples in having male and female flowers on separate floodplain south of Bloor Street. Once you learn to trees. The male flowers are in loose clusters while the spot its unique characteristics, it is easy to spot at any female flowers are arranged along a central stem. Both time of year. Why not look for it on your next nature are pale green in colour and open either with or just before outing? the leaves (late April or early May in Southern Ontario). Morris Sorensen

Sources: Brockman, C.Frank. Trees of North America, New York: Golden Press, 1968 Gregory, Dan & Roderick Mackenzie. Toronto’s backyard (A Guide to Selected Nature Walks), Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre Ltd., 1986 Hosie, R.C. Native Trees of Canada, 8th ed., Ottawa: Canadian Forestry Service, 1979 Macdonald, Hector. Native Manitoba Plants In Bog, Bush And Prairie, rev. ed., Winnipeg: Dept. of Agriculture, 1977 White, J.H. (revised by R.C. Hosie). The Forest Trees Of Ontario, 6th ed., Toronto: Ministry of Natural Resources, 1977 TFN 573-18 Toronto Field Naturalist September 2010

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.

Barnyard Bliss: An exhibit of animal drawings by TFN member, Gail Gregory Oct 2 – 30, during library hours, in the Ridout Auditorium at S. Walter Stewart Library, 170 Memorial Park Ave (west of Coxwell Ave, north of Mortimer Ave). Opening Reception: Sat Oct 2, 2 – 4 pm (refreshments, music and a story in progress). You and your family are invited

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 Sept 11, 8 am – noon. Fall migrants and raptors, High Park. Leader: Steven Favier. Meet in the parking lot inside the park entrance at Bloor St W and High Park Ave • Sat Sept 18, 8 am – noon. Fall migrants, shorebirds, waterfowl. Durham Waterfront, Pickering-Oshawa Second Marsh. Leader: Geoff Carpentier. Meet at Pickering GO Station – go a bit east of the main parking lot to the overflow lot to the north on Sandy Creek Rd – meet in southeast part of the lot • Sat Sept 25, 8 am – noon. Fall migrants, Lambton Woods. Leader: Don Burton. Meet at James Gardens parking lot (access from Edenbridge Dr east of Royal York Rd, north of Dundas St W) • Sun Sept 26, 8 am (all day). Fall migrants, raptors, shorebirds, . Leader: Bob Kortright. Meet at the foot of Leslie St (south of Lake Shore Blvd E)

High Park Walking Tours 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, 10:30 am – noon. Meet at the benches across the road south of Grenadier Restaurant. Donations welcomed. Information: 416-392-1748 ext. 5 or [email protected] or www.highpark.org • Sept 12. Fall Migratory Birds. Leader: Steven Favier • Sept 26. Fall Wildflowers. Leader: Ron Luft

High Park Volunteer Stewardship Program – Planting Sun Sept 26. Planting in the new High Park Restoration Site (formerly the Sculpture Garden). Meet in front of the Grenadier Restaurant at 10:30 a.m. Tools and gloves provided. Bring water and sunscreen. Information: [email protected] or visit High Park Natural Environment Committee’s new website: www.highparknature.org.

Rouge Valley Naturalists’ Guided Nature Walks Sun Sept 26, 1:30 – 3:30 pm. Meet in parking lot of Finch Meander Trail Area located east of Sewells Rd and west of Reesor Rd on Finch Ave E just before the lights at Bailey Bridge. Info.: 416-282-8265 or www.rougevalleynaturalists.com/upcoming_ events

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

Thickson’s Woods Land Trust – Birds, Beavers and Butterflies Festival Sat Sept 18, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. A day crammed with nature events enjoyed by kids and adults of all ages. See Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve at the peak of fall perfection! Information: [email protected].

Harbourfront Centre – Beyond Imaginings. Until June 2011. An outdoor display. Eight artists encounter Ontario’s Greenbelt. Free

Ian Wheal Walk • Fri Sept 10, 6:15 pm. Dufferin Jog. Geology and pre-history of this area prior to railway development in 1883. Meet at the northeast corner of Gladstone Ave and Queen St W. • Sat Sept 25, 2 pm. Centennial of Canadian Pacific Railway Lambton Yard 1910-2010. Man-made water sites. Meet at the northeast corner of Dundas St W and Runnymede Rd.

North American Native Plants Society – Prairie Tour in Northumberland County Sat Sept 25, all day. Registration required. $25.00. Information: [email protected] or 416 972 1292.

Toronto Zoo Seniors Day Mon Sept 13, 9am to 5pm. Front entrance. Seniors 65+ receive free admission and a free Zoomobile ride all day pass. Info.: www.torontozoo.com/events

September 2010 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 573-19

WEATHER (THIS TIME LAST YEAR)

September 2009

September was noteworthy for its extended sunny, dry We did get 243.5 hours of sunshine, more than 50 hours spell. We went 22 days without any rainfall, an above normal. Even here, September was not exceptional period for our part of the world. Even exceptional; in 2008 we actually had 297.5 hours! It drought periods are usually characterized by scattered was the 5th consecutive September with above-normal meager showers rather than extended periods of sunshine. absolutely no precipitation. However, rainfall in the Temperatures were slightly above normal, by about last ten days of the month brought totals up to 33.4 mm 0.5º - 1º. The mean temperature was 17.9º downtown downtown and 40.2 mm at Pearson Airport; these are and 16.9º at Pearson Airport. There were no extremes below-normal values but not exceptional. Also, (no days attained 30º and the coldest was 4.8º at September followed on the heels of a wet August, so Pearson on the 30th). there really was no drought. Gavin Miller

LADIES’ TRESSES IN TORONTO, continued from page 13

Our third Toronto species is S. lucida, the “shining mosquito season. Only you ladies’ tresses”, both the scientific and common name can decide if this is a referring to the leaves. A southern species, it ranges challenge you wish to from southern Ontario south to Virginia and Kansas. undertake! This tiny species, only about half the height of our Article and photos by other two species, is distinguished by having lips with Peter Money a yellow median stripe. I have seen it blooming in late June in Toronto. The only recorded Toronto occurrences for this locally very rare species are in the Ed. We apologize that the Rouge Valley. It is in wet areas immediately adjacent captions for Aquilegia to the Little Rouge, which is where I photographed it. brevistyla and Aquilegia coerulea were reversed on These three orchids present a challenge to orchid page 17 of the May newsletter. S. lucida enthusiasts, especially the two that bloom during shining ladies’ tresses

Learn How to Help Ontario’s Turtles

TFN is invited to send 2 representatives to a free workshop given by Adopt-a-Pond at Toronto Zoo on October 23, 10 am to 2 pm.

If you would like to learn how to identify and assist turtles, please contact TFN office (see page 2) for further details. Midland painted turtles, photographed by Margaret McRae at Don Valley Brick Works TFN 573-20 Toronto Field Naturalist September 2010

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

Nesting grebe photographed by Norah Jancik on July 31 at the foot of Bronte Creek