Number 582, October 2011

Painted turtle, Rouge Park , July 2011, photo: Yoshie Nagata

REGULARS FEATURES

Coming Events 22 Extracts from Outings Reports 8 Financial Statements 11 For Reading 12 Nature Pix Tips 15 From the Archives 21 In the News 20 TFN Publications 14 Keeping in Touch 18 ’s Native Lobelias 16 Monthly Meetings Notice 3 Monthly Meeting Report 7 Urban Forest 10 President’s Report 6 TFN Outings 4 Weather – This Time Last Year 23 TFN 582-2 Toronto Field Naturalist October 2011

Toronto Field Naturalist is published by the Toronto Field BOARD OF DIRECTORS Naturalists, a charitable, non-profit organization, the aims of President Bob Kortright which are to stimulate public interest in natural history and Past President Wendy Rothwell to encourage the preservation of our natural heritage. Issued Vice President monthly September to December and February to May. & Outings Margaret McRae Views expressed in the Newsletter are not necessarily those Sec.-Treasurer Walter Weary of the editor or Toronto Field Naturalists. The Newsletter is Communications Alexander Cappell printed on 100% recycled paper. Monthly Lectures Nancy Dengler Monthly Lectures Corinne McDonald ISSN 0820-636X Nature Reserves Marcus Feak Webmaster Lynn Miller Elisabeth Gladstone IT’S YOUR NEWSLETTER! We welcome contributions of original writing, up to 500 MEMBERSHIP FEES words, of observations on nature in and around Toronto, $20 YOUTH (under 26) reviews, poems, sketches, paintings, and photographs of $30 SENIOR SINGLE (65+) TFN outings (digital or print, include date and place). $40 SINGLE, SENIOR FAMILY (2 adults, 65+) $50 FAMILY (2 adults – same address, children included) Include your name, address and phone number so submissions can be acknowledged. Send by mail or email. No HST. Tax receipts issued for donations. Send Deadline for submissions for November issue: Oct 7 membership fees and address changes to the TFN office. Please note: TFN does not give out its membership list. NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE

Jenny Bull (co-editor), Karin Fawthrop, Nancy Fredenburg, Toronto Field Naturalists Elisabeth Gladstone, Mary Lieberman, Judy Marshall, Ruth 2 Carlton St, # 1519, Toronto M5B 1J3 Munson, Toshi Oikawa, Wendy Rothwell (co-editor). Tel: 416-593-2656 Printing and mailing: Perkins Mailing Services Web: www.torontofieldnaturalists.org

Email: [email protected]

NEW from the City! Birding in Toronto pamphlet

To complement the City’s bird friendly initiatives such as “Lights Out Toronto,” Bird-friendly Development Guidelines, and the booklet Birds of Toronto (part of the City’s Biodiversity Series), a new pamphlet Birding in Toronto has recently been released.

This 12-panel pamphlet highlights stops along Toronto’s “Bird Flyway,” key sites where ecological enhancements have been made to improve the quality and availability of suitable avian , while offering visitors improved educational and recreational experiences related to bird life.

The pamphlet is colourfully illustrated and includes lists of birds to look for at each flyway site. Available from public libraries.

October 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 582-3

TFN MEETING

Sunday, October 2, 2011, at 2:30 pm

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Colin Jones, project biologist, Natural Heritage Information Centre, MNR will provide an illustrated guided tour to the identification, , behaviour and conservation of this fascinating group of insects.

VISITORS WELCOME!

SOCIAL: 2:00 – 2:30 pm

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: 2:30 – 2:45 pm

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

Emmanuel College is just south of the Museum subway station exit (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.

2011-2012 Lecture Series

Nov 6 ’s Far North Justina Ray, Executive Director, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada

Dec 4 What Species of Creatures: Animal Relations from the New World Sharon Kirsch, freelance editor and writer

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

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

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

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

TFN 582-4 Toronto Field Naturalist October 2011

TFN OUTINGS

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

Sat E.T. SETON PARK – Nature Arts Oct 1 Leader: Susan Weiss 10:30 am Meet at TTC bus stop, northeast corner of Don Mills Rd and Eglinton Ave E. Explore an unspoiled area with wildflowers, fruit trees and mud footpaths; also a swamp in the valley behind the Ontario Science Centre. Bring what you need for artwork, photography or writing, and for show and tell over lunch (picnic or fast food place in Loblaws). Optional: Following walk, pay admission to the Science Centre.

Sun ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND LECTURE - Dragonflies and Damselflies Oct. 2 Speaker: Colin Jones 2:30 pm Emmanuel College, 75 Queen’s Park Cres E. See page 3.

Tue HUMBER RIVER – Nature and Heritage Oct 4 Leader: Madeleine McDowell 10:00 am Meet at the Old Mill subway station. We will stop at Lambton House for lunch. Can drop out there or continue back to starting point. The salmon should be running. Bring lunch.

Sat – THE FALL RAPTOR MIGRATION Oct 8 Leader : Joanne Doucette 9:00 am Bring your binoculars and bird book and join us as we watch for migrating hawks and eagles at Hawk Hill. Meet at the main entrance to High Park at Bloor St W and High Park Ave. Bring lunch.

Mon GERMAN MILLS CREEK – Nature Walk Oct 10 Leader: Theresa Moore 10:00 am Meet at the northeast corner of Leslie St and Steeles Ave E for a loop walk. Morning only.

Tues MOUNT PLEASANT CEMETERY – Nature and Heritage Oct 11 Leader: Pleasance Crawford 1:30 pm Meet at the cemetery's main gates, east side of Yonge St two blocks north of St Clair subway station for a circular walk about 1½ to 2 hours. Bring binoculars.

Sat GUILD INN – Birds, Insects, Plants and Fungi Oct 15 Leader: Bob Kortright 10:00 am Meet at the entrance to the Guild Inn at 191 Guildwood Parkway (Morningside 116 bus from Kennedy subway station). Bring lunch and binoculars. Circular walk.

Sun SALMON RUN ON HIGHLAND CREEK – Lost Rivers Oct 16 Leaders: John Wilson, Bill Snodgrass and Keri McMahon 1:00 pm Meet at the East Scarborough Storefront, 4040 Lawrence Ave E near Overture Rd just west of Galloway Rd for a circular walk. You will see creek and fish habitat restoration work, and hear of new stewardship programs to help green the Highland. Similar to last year’s popular event when we saw many salmon, we will take a pleasant fall walk along a new route on the West Highland. A joint walk with the Toronto Green Community.

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Wed. HUMBER BAY PARK EAST – Birds and Plants Oct.19 Leader: Miles Hearn 10:00 am Meet at the southwest corner of Lake Shore Blvd W and Park Lawn Rd for a circular walk. Bring binoculars. A good location for asters and migrating birds. Morning only.

Sat BIRKDALE PARK AND THOMPSON MEMORIAL PARK – Nature and History Oct 22 Leader: Orval White 1:30 pm Meet at Birkdale Community Centre, 1299 Ellesmere Rd, 1 block west of Brimley Rd for a 2-hr loop walk on mostly paved trails and a visit to the Scarborough Historical Museum (voluntary donations accepted).

Sun HAPPY VALLEY FOREST (TAYLOR PROPERTY) – Ecology Oct 23 Leader: Todd Farrell, Conservation Biologist, Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) 11:00 am An opportunity to see this valuable property being protected by the NCC with the help of TFN’s recent donation. For details, see text box below. Carpooling to be arranged to arrive around noon. To register, contact Margaret McRae at or by Oct 15. Bring lunch and binoculars. No washrooms available.

Wed PINE HILLS CEMETERY – Trees and Nature Oct 26 Leader: Jack Radecki 10:00 am Meet at the pedestrian entrance on the northeast corner of St Clair Ave E and Birchmount Rd just inside the gates. Parking at the visitation centre if desired (Birchmount Rd entrance). Morning only - will end at the visitation centre for refreshments and a question and answer period.

Sat MORNINGSIDE PARK – Trees and Fungi Oct 29 Leader: David Andrew White 10:00 am Meet at the first parking lot down the hill from the entrance on Morningside Ave south of Ellesmere Rd. Lunch optional.

Sun QUEENS PARK – Trees and Architecture – Part 2 Oct 30 Leader: Richard Partington 1:30 pm Meet at the eastern entrance of Museum subway station. We will proceed south through Victoria University and St. Michael's to the north facades of the Legislature, wind our way back through the park and up Philosophers' Walk to Bloor, ending at Museum subway station. We will consider points of interest and wonder, both architectural and arboreal. Bring binoculars.

OUTING TO HAPPY VALLEY FOREST Sunday, October 23 led by Todd Farrell, Conservation Biologist, Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC)

The Happy Valley Forest Natural Area is an 1154 ha (2851 acres) complex of rolling upland mixed and deciduous forest on the about 35 km north of downtown Toronto. One of the largest intact blocks of deciduous forest on the Moraine, it has been identified as a Natural Core Area on the Oak Ridges Moraine and a provincial Area of Natural and Scientific Interest. As part of the Oak Ridges Moraine Forests and Kettle and Oak Ridges Headwater Streams, Happy Valley has also been identified as a key biodiversity area within the Great Lakes. NCC started protecting conservation lands in the Happy Valley Forest Natural Area in 2001 and has worked with partners to secure a total of 221 ha (547 acres) of significant forest and wildlife habitat.

TFN recently donated $100,000 to the NCC to help secure the 70 acre Taylor property, an expansive, rolling property with high habitat diversity in the heart of the Happy Valley Forest and contiguous with other NCC properties. The property was poised for development and our donation (along with others) made it possible to preserve this part of the forest, especially as matching government funds were still available. This outing will be the first opportunity for TFN members to tour the property and assess its potential for establishing a nature trail in recognition of TFN's donation. Todd Farrell will show us some of the ecological features and historical aspects that make the Happy Valley Forest unique.

Contact Margaret McRae at or by Oct 15 re transportation. Car pooling will be arranged to arrive at Happy Valley around noon. Bring lunch, water, binoculars. TFN 582-6 Toronto Field Naturalist October 2011

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

I am writing this just before the first fall lecture, so if variety has still been good. Hundreds of people who we have not been on an outing together, I am unlikely are keen enough about nature to come to the festivals to have seen you since the last lecture in the spring. stopped by our tent and learned about the TFN, and Since then a federal election took place, and a many came on walks where we learned about the lives provincial election campaign has begun, which will of birds and butterflies and the plants they depend on. conclude with the election in the first week of October, shortly after you receive this. As a registered charity At the municipal level, unfortunately, there are the TFN may not be partisan, but I urge you in this challenges – many groups are opposing moves to Ontario election to consider which of the candidates in replace the excellent plan approved just last year for your riding will best protect nature in Toronto, and let naturalization of the mouth of the Don River (see In them know that our shared environment is important to the News page 20). I am involved in a challenge at the you. Because the biosphere is interconnected, this is Ontario Municipal Board to a development on the Glen not simply a matter of protecting the green space we Davis Ravine that encroaches on land supposedly have in Toronto and addressing the quality of local air protected under Toronto’s ravine protection bylaw. and water, but also measures to increase energy The City’s contract for Community Animation efficiency and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and Services that have assisted people and community other measures to protect nature around the world from groups with green initiatives is ending November 30. the climate crisis and the crisis of ocean acidification, It is feared too that other environmental initiatives are both caused mainly by fossil fuel consumption. The or will be on the chopping block as Toronto attempts to Ontario government cannot solve the climate crisis, but reduce its deficit. In my opinion, the best way to it can help nature in Ontario to adapt by fostering influence municipal decisions is to write to your greenways as proposed by Ontario Nature, and councilor and express your views – most major reducing other stresses on our animals and ecosystems. decisions are made by council. If the decision is to go Check out www.ontarionature.org, especially through a committee on the way to council, it is good ‘Campaigns’ under the ‘Protect’ tab, to get ideas for to also copy members of that committee (often Parks questions to ask your candidates. and Environment Committee re issues that matter to us). For more mundane municipal issues such as I enjoyed many wonderful outings this summer, unnecessary tree removal, city trucks misbehaving in bookended by the Bird Festival on the Leslie St Spit in parks (e.g. driving on wet ground), excess salt on mid-May and the Butterfly Festival in the same place walkways…. I suggest you phone 311 or email at the end of August. Due to a forecast of non-stop [email protected]. rain, fewer came to the bird festival than hoped – those who didn’t come missed the best day for birds in years, I regret that we are losing the good counsel of Marcus with only drizzle and a bit of light rain to keep the Feak and Elisabeth Gladstone as they come to the end birds from flying north. The monarch butterflies this of their terms on the board. No nominations have been year faced drought in Texas on the way north, a cool received since the Nominating Committee report was wet June after they arrived here, and a very dry July, so published in the May newsletter. We have 3 vacancies this year we have not seen them covering trees as they on the board, and would appreciate your help in did last fall. Shorter distance migrants and resident finding suitable members willing to help guide the butterflies faced some of the same weather challenges, TFN as board members. so numbers of these too were lower than last year, but Bob Kortright

Drawing by Diana Banville from a photo by Helena Wilcox October 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 582-7

MONTHLY MEETING REPORT

From Earthstars to Destroying Angels: We learned that rain hitting some fungi helps to Charismatic Mycoflora of the GTA disperse spores. Of special note is the bird’s nest Sunday, September 11 fungus, aka splash cup fungus. Its peridioles are Richard Aaron, naturalist and TFN member attached to a curled up string (funiculus) on the end of which is a sticky bit (hapteron). When the sticky bit Well, Richard certainly increased my appreciation for hits vegetation, the string wraps itself around and Toronto’s characteristic fungi with his entertaining awaits a hungry herbivore. Thus, this fungus disperses presentation! I was equally delighted with the pictures itself farther and wider than might otherwise occur and and by his use of common names to identify them. in a rich growing medium as well.

There were puffballs and collared earthstars whose Our president was taken by the bioluminescence of the arms prop up the globe. We saw beautifully coloured bitter oyster. These cute brown caps grow in a stacked mushrooms such as the violet cort, the green parrot formation. In the dark, once your eyes have adjusted, mushroom and the orange-red cinnabar chanterelle. they give off a dull green glow. There were pictures of fungi whose common names aptly described their appearance such as shaggy mane, The ubiquitous artist conk grows on stumps and logs. aka lawyer’s wig in England, with its upswept curls; Images can be scratched on the underside, providing a false morel or ‘brain on a stem’; destroying angel unique medium for artists. However, the image may or whose pure white angel-like appearance belies its may not fade over time, making it a poor choice for highly toxic nature; the saddle-shaped false morel; the your masterpiece. black and shaggy old man of the woods; and orange peel fungus that looks like a dried peel lying on the Apparently, we are the envy of the Americans because earth. Some beautiful little mushrooms are so tiny, you we have had four mushroom stamps issued while they need a lens to see them. In this category is the eyelash have had not one. Who knew!? cup with erect black hairs surrounding its orange body as well as yellow fairy cups used by who else but the Richard’s presentation certainly succeeded in fairies. establishing the charismatic nature of mushrooms.

Corinne McDonald

Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus). Photo by George Barron (left)

Bird's Nest Fungus (Cyathus stercoreus) (above)

TFN 582-8 Toronto Field Naturalist October 2011

EXTRACTS FROM OUTINGS LEADERS’ REPORTS

Koffler Scientific Reserve, July 30. Leaders: Dr. Robin Marushia, Margaret McCrae. We saw 10 kinds of butterfly, 7 kinds of dragonfly and painted turtle. Birds included osprey, ruby-throated hummingbird and indigo bunting.

Eastern Beaches, Aug 3. Leader: Bob Kortright. The many ash trees here are expected to be killed by emerald ash borer within the next few years - they will need to be replaced. Highlights were the pair of trumpeter swans (no wing tags, so relatively young birds) and mallard families on one of the stormwater ponds.

From top: East Point Park outing, Aug 13; Nature Arts outing, Cherry Beech, Aug 6. Photo: cicada; Yoshie Nagata black swallowtail; Crothers Woods and Sun Valley, Aug 7. Leader: cup-plant. Margaret McRae. The group was interested in the bat box on a tree. We saw a snowy tree cricket on teasel. Photos: D A Roger Powley was helpful in identifying trees and we White. had a good comparison of hop hornbeam and American hornbeam (both called ironwoods) both with fruit.

Nordheimer Ravine. Aug 10. Leader: Rachel Gottesman. We were happy to see that previous years' tree and shrub plantings by TRCA and volunteers, intended to restore the wetlands and stabilize the hillside, were succeeding well, despite recurrence of burdock (since suspension of park wardens program), which seemed however to be attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Highlights were Peck's skipper butterfly, jumpseed (not on TFN’s plant list), and healthy, maturing butternut trees (first noted 3 years ago). Too bad that many dog-owners permitted their pets to run off-leash, even though there is a designated off-leash area in the park.

October 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 582-9

Dusk Walk, , Aug 13. Leader: Don Valley at Joanne Doucette. We walked slowly from Hanlan’s Beechwood, Aug 17. Point to Centre, gradually allowing our eyes to adjust to Leader: Miles Hearn. We the dark. Because there was a full moon, no flashlights saw a 4 inch long cecropia Cecropia moth were required. We saw bats (probably big brown bats) moth caterpillar. Birds caterpillar crossing We listened for night sounds and heard catbirds calling, included 11 wood ducks. the road. Photo: Jenny Bull song sparrows singing, the yipping of a coyote, and the gabbling of ducks on Long Pond. Unfortunately, the Milliken Park, Aug 21. music of cruise boats was omnipresent. Adaptations we Leader: John Wilson. discussed included large, mobile ears (e.g. deer, For about 45 minutes we rabbits); the tapetum in the eye that causes eyeshine remained in Milliken Park (e.g. dogs, cats); a long damp nose for a strong sense of Community Centre to smell (eg. fox, coyote, deer); and eyes that are adapted avoid lightning and heavy rain. We used this time to to the dark with many more rods than cones. I imitated exchange observations with local residents about the the calls of great horned, barred and screech owls and changes in the community from farming to suburban we looked for them on our walk but unfortunately saw over the course of less than 25 years. Milliken Pond was none. The Perseid meteor shower could not be seen reported by a resident to have largemouth bass. These because of the full moon and light pollution. Still the would have to be stocked, if true, as water is piped to sky was very beautiful. Far off across Lake Ontario we and from the pond for quite a distance. could see an isolated thunder storm cell and the flashes We were particularly looking for salamanders after the of lightning in the clouds. Participants were asked to rain in the forest leaf litter but found none. Several write down two words on paper to describe their forest spiders and segmented worms took advantage of feelings or experience of this night on Toronto Island. conditions after the rainstorm to forage. We did see a Then I put the words in order as they were written to woodchuck. In Milliken Forest we identified common create this poem. native trees (sugar, silver, and red maple, beech, white

pine and red oak) and non-native trees (innocuous Night Poem European larch and aggressively invasive Norway maple). No garlic mustard, but plenty of swallow-wort Crickets lightning magical (dog-strangling vine) at the borders of the forest. Many Spiritual moonset bat fruiting mushrooms were observed on felled logs, Moon campfire although we weren't able to identify the species with Calmness storm on horizon certainty. New plantings around the forest appeared to Magical enchanting reminiscing have healthy trembling aspen (or another poplar) and Night air elderberry. Other common flowering plants (wild carrot, asters, goldenrod, etc) were abundant.

G Ross Lord Park, Aug 27. Leader: Alexander Cottonwood Flats, Aug 16. Leader: Scott Laver. Cappell. The vegetation was tall and lush. Old One American toad next to Don River. Birds included footpaths were overgrown. There were lots of black ruby-throated hummingbird, chimney swift, indigo walnut fruits hanging from the trees and lying on the bunting, catbird, phoebe, chipping sparrow. And a ground. Purple loosestrife is making a comeback in G cottontail rabbit. Ross Lord Park. We found a patch of turtlehead (in flower).

“Intense discussion,” TFN outing Aug 20, leader Alexander Cappell. Photo: Barry Singh TFN 582-10 Toronto Field Naturalist October 2011

THE URBAN FOREST

2011 is the International Year of the Forest. Ten or fifteen years ago, we would have thought this was recognition only of the In the City of Toronto, 10.2 million trees world’s large forests such as the Boreal Forest or the Tropical occupy 20% of the city’s land area: Rain Forest. But now, in both large and small centres, we also think of the Urban Forest. • 600,000 city street trees • 3.5 million trees in parks and natural Here in Ontario, this is in no small part due to Dr Andy Kenney areas of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto, who gave the TFN monthly lecture in February 2010. For his work for urban • 6.1 million trees on private property forests, the Ontario Professional Foresters Association (OPFA) From Every Tree Counts, recently awarded Dr Kenney their first Jorgensen-Morsink 2010, City of Toronto 1 Award. The award recognizes significant accomplishments in www.toronto.ca/trees/pdfs/Every_Tree_Counts the field of Urban Forestry. Unable to attend the ceremony in

Timmins, Dr Kenney received the award last June at LEAF’s 2 15th anniversary fund-raiser “Night of the Forest.” The stem of a 60 cm tree is four times the

An article in the July issue of On the Don 3 states: “For those of size of a 15 cm tree, but the leaf area is 14 you who have been following On the Don over the years, you times more. To get maximum benefits from may recall an article written by Dr. Kenney in ... 1999... At the urban trees, we must ensure that they live time the article was written, the idea of an urban forest was for a long time. We must plant species that brand new and Dr. Kenney, recognizing the value of the urban can live for many decades and also provide canopy and the complex issues faced, was a leader in his field. an environment that permits them to live to Although 12 years have passed since it was originally published, a healthy maturity and to reach their much of the article remains relevant ...” Dr Kenney argued for maximum size (leaf area). tree quality as well quantity, including the need for large trees, and species and size diversity. “The Urban Forest: A Forgotten Part of a Hea thy C ty” by Andy Kenny Dr Kenney has developed a program called NeighbourWoods n On the Don, vo . 7 #1, Apr 1999, p.4 under which members of a community can inventory their trees trca.on.ca/dotAsset/101691.pdf (numbers, species, sizes, location, and health) on both public and private property. Trees are plotted on a Google map. With the information in hand, sites for new trees can be identified and Toronto’s urban forest ... provides trees planted, existing trees can be cared for, hazardous trees can the equivalent of at least $60 million in be given attention, and heritage or rare trees given special ecological services each year. The protection.4 We reported on a NeighbourWoods study in the benefits derived from the urban forest Annex in TFN 541, p.23. significantly exceed the annual cost of management. The OPFA has also recognized the importance of urban forestry - stores 1.1 million metric tonnes of carbon in the June 2011 issue of its journal, Professional Forester, with annually (equivalent to emissions from over 15 articles on the urban forest, including “Toronto–A Forest 1 733,000 automobiles) Under Siege.” See also details of a symposium on urban trees - sequesters an estimated 46,700 metric to be held in November at the TBG and news from High Park tons of carbon per year (both on page 20). - affects energy consumption by shading

buildings, providing evaporative cooling, Links and references: and blocking winter winds 1 Professional Forester, June 2011 at www.opfa.ca. C ck on news etter and June 2011 - improves air quality, intercepting 1,430 2 The Leaflet, summer 2011, LEAF (Loca Enhancement and metric tonnes of air pollutants annually Apprec at on of Forests) news etter - helps to mitigate storm water runoff

3 On the Don, Ju y 2011, TRCA, www.trca.on.ca/protect/ From Every Tree Counts, watersheds/don-r ver/onthedon/arch ve/? d=110531 2010, City of Toronto 4 An examp e of a Ne ghbourWoods report can be read at www.toronto.ca/trees/pdfs/Every_Tree_Counts urbanforest.greenup.on.ca/med a/Report_Downey_Web.pdf

October 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 582-11

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please contact the Audit and Finance Committee c/o the TFNOffi the c/o Committee Finance and Audit the contact please

If you have any questions concerning these financial statements, TFN 582-12 Toronto Field Naturalist October 2011

October 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 582-13

TORONTO FIELD NATURALISTS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2011

1. OPERATIONS (f) CAPITAL ASSETS The Toronto Field Naturalists is a registered non-profit - The furniture and fixtures in the office, including the charity. The purpose of the organization is to stimulate computer equipment, are considered to have been expensed public interest in natural history and to encourage the at the time of purchase or donation. preservation of our natural heritage. For income tax purposes - Nature Reserve Property is recorded at cost. the organization qualifies as a not-for-profit organization - Photo Library is recorded at the lower of cost or net which is exempt from income tax under the Income Tax Act. realizable value. (g) USE OF ESTIMATES 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The preparation of financial statements in accordance with The organization follows accounting principles generally Canadian generally accepted accounting principles requires accepted for not-for-profit organizations. management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (a) FUND ACCOUNTING the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the The accounts of the Toronto Field Naturalists (TFN) are financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues maintained in accordance with the principles of fund and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results accounting. This method of accounting is used by most not- could differ from management’s best estimates as additional for-profit organizations. Resources for various purposes are information becomes available in the future. classified into funds. The activities or objectives of each (h) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS fund are specified by the donors or by direction from the The organization’s financial instruments consist of cash, Board of Directors. Pursuant to a motion passed at the investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable. Annual General Meeting on October 3, 2010, restrictions Unless otherwise noted, it is the Board’s opinion that the were removed from the former Nature Reserve Fund, corporation is not exposed to significant interest or credit allowing these monies to be used for a broader range of risks arising from these financial instruments. The fair value purposes that meet TFN objectives. of these financial instruments approximate their carrying - Operating Fund: Reflects the income and expenses values, unless otherwise noted. associated with the TFN’s program delivery and (i) CONTRIBUTED SERVICES administrative activities. This fund is set to zero at the The Organization depends heavily on the use of volunteers to beginning of each fiscal year. Any excess (loss) of income provide services. Because of record keeping and valuation over expenses is transferred to the Nature Reserve and difficulties, these contributed services are not recorded in the Projects Fund. accounts. - Nature Reserve and Projects Fund: Reflects the income and expenses relating to the nature reserves, special events or 3. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS purchases outside the normal day to day activities, and A statement of cash flows has not been prepared as it would grants to other charitable organizations for purposes not provide any additional meaningful information. consistent with TFN objectives. This is a restricted fund. Beginning in the 2011 fiscal year, the Nature Reserve Fund (b) REVENUE RECOGNITION and the Special Projects Fund were combined into one fund Donations and bequests are recorded when received. called the Nature Reserve and Projects Fund. Certain Donations are allocated to the Operating Fund and bequests accounts in the prior year’s financial statements (the Nature are allocated to the Nature Reserve and Projects Fund. Reserve Fund and the Special Projects Fund) have been Membership fees are recorded for a specific fiscal year and reclassified for comparative purposes to conform with the are amortized over the number of months remaining in the presentation adopted for the current year. fiscal year at the time the monies are received. Membership fees received in advance are included in deferred revenue. 4. COMMITMENT All other income is recorded when received. The organization entered into a lease agreement for office (c) INVENTORIES space, at a cost of approximately $16,500 per year. The lease Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable will expire February 28, 2014. value. (d) REBATES 5. PHOTO LIBRARY The TFN applies for, and has received in the past, rebates for The Photo Library consists of an estimated twelve thousand 50% of GST paid and 40% of that portion of the Office Rent 35-mm colour slides, focusing on Toronto valleys, that is considered property tax. The rebates are accrued for in watercourses, shorelines, plants and animals and on TFN the period in which they are incurred. properties and activities. The collection, which (e) INVESTMENTS began in the early 1970’s, continues to expand by photo Investments are recorded at cost. Adjustment for a lower donation from members and others. market value will only be made if the Board decides that the lower value is considered to be other than temporary. TFN 582-14 Toronto Field Naturalist October 2011

2011-2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS SLATE PRESENTED BY THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE

President: Bob Kortright Vice-President: Margaret McRae Past President: Wendy Rothwell Secretary-Treasurer: Walter Weary

Directors: Due to retire 2012: Lynn Miller Due to retire 2013: Alexander Cappell, Corinne McDonald Due to retire 2014: Nancy Dengler, Judy Marshall

TFN PUBLICATIONS

Toronto Field Naturalists Club: Its History And Constitution, 1965 $2.00 Checklist Of Plants In Four Toronto Parks: Wilket Creek, High Park, $2.00 Humber Valley, Lambton Woods, 1972 Toronto The Green, 1976: Metropolitan Toronto's Important Natural $10.00 Areas Are Described And Recommendations Given For Their Conservation And Management; Includes Maps, Bibliography And Index Toronto Field Naturalists Ravine Surveys each Survey No. 1 -- Chatsworth Ravine, 1973 $2.00 Survey No. 2 -- Brookbanks Ravine, 1974 Survey No. 3 -- Chapman Creek Ravine, 1975 Survey No. 4 -- Wigmore Ravine, 1975 Survey No. 5 -- Park Drive Ravine, 1976 Survey No. 6 -- Burke Ravine, 1976 Survey No. 7 -- Taylor Creek - Woodbine Bridge Ravines 1977 Survey No. 8 -- West Don Valley, 1978 Toronto Region Bird Chart, 1983 $ 3.00 A Graphic Guide To Ontario Mosses, 1985 $ 5.00 Guide To Toronto Field Naturalists’ Nature Reserves, 2001 $ 5.00 Toronto Islands: Plant Communities And Noteworthy Species, 1987 $ 5.00 Todmorden Mills, 1987 $ 4.00 Vascular Plants Of Metropolitan Toronto, 1994 $10.00 Toronto Checklists (birds*, other vertebrates, invertebrates, mosses, each vascular plants) 50¢ Humber Forks At Thistletown, 2000 $ 5.00

Add $2.00 per item for postage and handling; no GST. Order from TFN office, see address page 2.

* Toronto Region Bird Sightings checklist can be downloaded from TFN website

October 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 582-15

NATURE PIX TIPS

This is the second in our series of tips in nature prefer, for close-ups the LCD monitor shows more photography. We hope other members will begin accurately what will be framed in the picture. submitting suggestions. As evidenced by the fabulous The other problem is that the flower seldom stays images on the back and front covers of this issue, we absolutely still. Even on what seems like a calm day, certainly have talented photographers among our immediately we point our camera at a bloom, it begins members! swaying in the breeze. Sometimes you may be able to One reason I have recently been leaning towards position your body (or some other object) so as to wildflowers as my subjects is that they don’t fly away deflect the wind, but this can interfere with shooting the minute I have my camera organized. However, from the angle which is best for light and composition. there can still be problems getting an unblurred photo. Patience is required as we wait for a lull.

The first is the difficulty of holding the camera steady. To overcome the effects of camera shake or avoid blur Tripods are the generally recommended solution for when photographing a moving subject, digital cameras shake, and small ones are quite inexpensive, which is allow us to select a higher ISO speed (the equivalent of fortunate because personally I found mine more trouble using faster film in traditional cameras). than it was worth. I find a waterproof cushion a more Another useful feature is “continuous shooting,” an useful device, enabling me to sit or kneel comfortably option recommended for sports, which will shoot on the ground and anchor the camera firmly against my repeatedly as long as the shutter button is held down. body. There’s a good chance that one shot will be at just the I have also discovered that holding the camera close to right moment. This feature is also useful for the flower and using a wide-angle setting gives a much photographing flitting birds or scurrying animals. clearer image than zooming in. Even though my Wendy Rothwell camera has a traditional viewfinder, which I generally

Chipmunk in High Park photographed using Continuing Shooting feature.

Autumn hillsides bloom Goldenrod and mauve asters Butterflies and bees

Haiku by Elisabeth Gladstone TFN 582-16 Toronto Field Naturalist October 2011

TORONTO’S NATIVE LOBELIAS, HERE AND GONE ?

The genus Lobelia was previously assigned to the family Lobeliaceae. Lobelia and about 30 related genera now constitute a sub-family of about 1200 species within the Campanulaceae (bellflower family). North America has about 29 of the many Lobelia species occurring worldwide. Four species have been recorded in Toronto (see TFN’s Vascular Plants of Metropolitan Toronto, 2nd ed. 1994). These are the locally uncommon L. siphilitica (great lobelia), and the rare L. inflata (Indian tobacco), L. kalmii (Kalm’s lobelia) and L. cardinalis (cardinal flower). The latter two species seemingly have now been extirpated from our area.

L. siphilitica is named from its reported use as a cure for syphilis (unfortunately it is not) by the native peoples of North America. This comparatively robust plant, for a lobelia, is up to 1.5 m. tall. Its many flowers, which are 2 to 3 cm long, are in a dense raceme. It occurs in moist to wet soils. I have seen it blooming from mid-August to early September, in a perched bog* near Taylor Creek. It has also been reported in Lambton Woods, the Chapman Creek area (both Humber drainage), the West Don area and the Rouge valley. In Ontario it is confined to the southeast, from the Georgian Bay Ecoregion south. Its range includes much of the eastern U.S., particularly along and near the Appalachians, and also South Dakota and Colorado.

L. inflata is a slender plant 18 to 80 cm tall. Its pale flowers, about 6 mm long, occur singly in leaf axils. It is called Indian tobacco as it tastes like “real” tobacco. Historically it was used by native North Americans to treat asthma. Its active ingredient is the alkaloid lobeline, chemically similar to nicotine and currently recognized as potentially toxic. L. inflata occurs in dry fields and open woods. It blooms from late summer to early fall. The TFN reported it in Lambton Woods and at Black Creek (both Humber drainage), at Wilket Creek and the East Don (Don drainage) and in the Rouge valley. My image is from the woodlot between Pearse House and the transmission line in the Rouge valley. The Peterson Series Field Guide to Wildflowers of Northeastern and North-central North America noted it is the most common lobelia in this region. It is found from Cape Breton to Saskatchewan and south to Georgia and east Kansas.

L. kalmii, at most about 40 cm tall, has about 10 mm long flowers. It is a plant of bogs, wet meadows and shores. In Toronto it was found only in wet meadows (see discussion in second to last paragraph). Locally it blooms from late August to late September. Its range is from northern New Jersey to Iowa and north at least into southern Ontario and Quebec.

L. cardinalis, up to 1.5 m tall, has scarlet flowers, about 4 cm long, in a long open raceme. Its common and species names refer to the vestments worn by Roman Catholic cardinals. According to the ROM Field Guide to the Wildflowers of Ontario, it is a plant of moist meadows, swamps, and

Great lobelia (L. siphilitica, top), great lobelia flower close-up (middle), Indian tobacco (L. inflata, bottom)

October 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 582-17

stream banks and can bloom from July to September. In Toronto it has only been reported in Lambton Woods. In Ontario it occurs in and south of the Georgian Bay Ecoregion. My image is from Pointe au Baril as I have not seen it in Toronto. Its range is very large, from New Brunswick across to Ontario and Minnesota, south to Florida and in Nevada and California.

As noted, two of the three lobelia species considered rare in the TFN’s Vascular Plants…have probably been extirpated locally. Although distressing to naturalists living here, how significant is this? The answer involves how widely distributed the species are and why they were locally rare in the first place. Local extirpation of a formerly common species could be a danger signal of possibly being on the road to extinction – and extinction is forever. Paradoxically, extirpation of a locally rare species may not be particularly significant, especially if its overall range is large, if being rare is related to the limited extent of local suitable habitat, or if that habitat is not stable.

Having not seen L. cardinalis in Lambton Woods, its one reported locale in Toronto, I can only speculate it was once in the wet western part of that area. This is now densely overgrown by shrubs, resulting in reduced light levels, not now a favourable habitat. Fortunately, this very widespread species seems in little danger of extinction.

Concerning L. kalmii, please see the reprint of Steve Varga’s Rare Plants on the Toronto Islands and the accompanying editorial note (TFN newsletter, Sept. 2011). In 1979 Varga knew of at least three large patches of this species, all in wet meadows near the western end of the Toronto Islands. One small patch, in a wet depression in dunes north of Gibraltar Point, persisted at least until 1998. On a re-check this year I could not recognize the depression, probably a result of blowing dune sands. Jenny Bull noted in the fall of 2000 that former wet depressions in this area had Kalm’s lobelia (L. kalmii, top), been filled by dry dune sands. This appears a clear case of extirpation by cardinal flower (L. cardinalis, changes of an unstable habitat. L. kalmii, fortunately, is another wide bottom) ranging species.

I urge TFN members to report to TFN any new occurrences they find of any locally rare or uncommon species (with date seen, location, habitat) and any previously reported occurrences apparently no longer present. We need to know where the rarities are to know which areas definitely need protection priorities. We should know what species have been extirpated as a factor in noting local habitat changes.

Article and photos by Peter Money

*Perched bogs are named because they occur in depressions and valleys where a perched water table is present. A perched water table is groundwater that is separated from the main groundwater table below it by an impermeable layer. Since this water is supplied by a shallow perched water table, perched bogs have lower pH values, lower specific conductivity, lower minerals, lower nutrients, and lower biodiversity than non-perched bogs.

From New York Natural Heritage Program website

TFN 582-18 Toronto Field Naturalist October 2011

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Badger sighting! Bob Kortright responds: This is great news Norah - I On Friday August 26, while walking in Edwards cannot recall hearing of a previous badger sighting in Gardens, I saw a shiny, healthy looking badger Toronto. In Ontario the population is not supposed to munching the tiny tender leaves of clover. It remained be any closer than Hamilton, so I suspect that this eating when I stopped and when 2 others stopped. might be an escaped pet. Since the badger is an When we made a move to continue walking, it darted endangered species in Ontario (the recovery strategy estimates there are fewer that 200 in Ontario), I plan to across the path into the underbrush. What a wonderful report the sighting to TRCA, TBG, and MNR. This is sighting. My first badger in Canada. badger breeding season, so we should be on the Norah McAuliffe lookout for a mate too!

To Keep Them is My Dream Luna moth caterpillars Music and lyrics by Roger Powley Luna caterpillars are big and green but the day before March 2011 they pupate they change colour. I hadn't noticed this before when I raised them 2 years ago. I've been Intro F#dim D7 G7 rearing these outside in a cage and hope they will not C F emerge until next June. We have warblers in migration Carol Sellers G C G Parulas, Chats and Tennessees C F They have shrinking populations G C To keep them is my dream

Refrain: F C Ami F G C To keep them is my dream They are going fast it seems

Caribou are in our forests Polar bears on icy seas There are whales in the St Lawrence To keep them is my dream

Refrain Intro chords

We still have river otters We still have wolverines But will our sons and daughters? To keep them is my dream

Refrain Intro chords

In the ocean there are fishes Dace and shiners in our streams No one wants to grant my wishes To keep them is my dream

Refrain

To keep them is my dream To keep them is my dream

October 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 582-19

Summer 2011 Discoveries Goose feathers! This summer I have found two interesting new trees. Many TFN members are familiar with the Music One, in Mount Pleasant cemetery, is called Himalayan Garden on Toronto’s waterfront. Summer Music in the or Cappadocium maple (Acer cappadocicum). I have Garden offers free concerts en plein air. On July 17, I walked past this tree many times but just assumed it enjoyed a program of baroque music which included was a Norway maple until I saw a label on it and Olivier Fortin on virginal. The outdoor setting in the looked at it more closely. It is in the western part of shade of a large willow enhanced the beauty of these section "N". Another discovery was the Sunset maple vocal and instrumental works, even though micro- which was mentioned in an article in the Toronto Star. phones were required to counteract the noise of boats It is in down on the waterfront. and frequent plane landings at the island airport.

The most exciting thing this summer was learning the My Oxford dictionary defines ‘virginal’ (in full, pair of identity of a shrub in Mount Pleasant. It is spice bush virginals) as “an early form of spinet in a box, used in (Lindera benzoin). I find shrub identification difficult the 16th and 17th centuries” often played by young because I only have one book on ornamental shrubs. women. It somewhat resembles a small harpsichord: “a The fruit is what I noticed as it is bright shiny red, and keyboard instrument with horizontal strings which are it has a spicy taste. These bushes are near Mount plucked mechanically.” The virginal has a gentle, Pleasant Road at the south end of the cemetery on the melodious sound, which, Olivier Fortin explained, is west side. created by the strings being stroked by feathers. I was fascinated by this idea and spoke to Monsieur Fortin I only found one new bird and it was a black chicken in after the concert. He told me that when he is in Toronto a tree in Sunnybrook Park. I was wrongly trying to he goes over to our islands to collect goose feathers, convince people it had to be a young wild turkey. The which he takes back to Paris with him. He says they odds against finding a black chicken in the woods were are very popular as they are the best for virginals. what I based my assumption on, although I looked like Who knew? A new use for the Canada goose! an idiot later when I had to admit I was wrong. I have enjoyed the Sunday walks with Miles as he has a good Phoebe Cleverley knowledge of grasses which I find hard to identify. The newsletter is always fantastic reading. Thanks to Jenny and all the editorial staff. Roger Powley

Milkweed

I am attaching one of my recent drawings based on some photos I took of milkweed in flower in High Park in spring. I was fascinated by the beautiful complexity of this common plant. I have been a member of TFN for a couple of years - have enjoyed a number of walks including some of the Nature Arts outings as well. Always enjoy the newsletter, photos and artwork. Anna Carr

TFN 582-20 Toronto Field Naturalist October 2011

IN THE NEWS

Port lands parkland, wildlife corridor and demonstrating significant contributions to conserving, naturalization of the mouth of the Don River protecting or restoring the natural heritage and/or

native flora of North America. At the time of writing, the City’s executive committee has voted to replace Waterfront Toronto’s plan to High Park Nature (a joint committee of VSP and High develop the Port Lands and city council will be voting Park Natural Environment Committee) has recently for or against this on September 21. One result of this developed an impressive new website covering the change may be less parkland and no naturalization of natural wonders of High Park. Find out about places to the mouth of the Don River (developed over the last explore, wildlife, restoration activities, volunteering many years with input from TFN volunteers and opportunities, and lots more at highparknature.org others, and approved by city council last year). Leslie St Spit management transferred to City If it is still possible to take action on this issue after From www.friendsofthespit.ca/newsletter/July2011 September 21, please contact your city councillor and Management of the Leslie Street Spit was transferred the mayor to let them know your views, or check to Parks, Forestry and Recreation on July 1. Friends of whether the petition at codeblueto.com is still available the Spit newsletter July 2011 reports: “TRCA remains for signing or if there are any other actions you could in control of conservation and interpretive items, take. Look for background information in newspaper terrestrial and aquatic habitats and field staff, while the articles and websites such as Waterfront Toronto, City will handle [for example] nuisance wildlife, park TRCA, City of Toronto, and news magazines. facility maintenance, emergency items and bylaw enforcement.” News from High Park

The High Park Volunteer Stewardship Program (VSP) Don River in Canadian Geographic has been given a prestigious award from the North The June edition of Canadian Geographic features an American Native Plant Society (NANPS) in article on the Don River: "Death and Rebirth on the recognition of their amazing work protecting and Don River." See the full article at canadiangeographic. improving the urban forest at the community level. ca/magazine/jun11/don_river_watershed.asp The Paul McGaw Memorial Conservation Award honours individuals and/or organizations

SPREADING ROOTS Working together to protect our urban trees

November 3 – 5 Toronto Botanical Garden

This symposium brings together a wide range of people—professionals and passionate amateurs, researchers and citizen advocates, nursery growers and backyard gardeners, policy makers and hands- on stewards—to explore critical issues affecting urban trees and examine what can be done to ensure that our cities’ trees flourish.

Ontar o Urban Forest Counc n partnersh p w th Toronto Botan ca Garden

For more information visit www.spreadingroots.ca

October 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 582-21

FROM THE ARCHIVES

THE SWEET TOOTH OF FLYING SQUIRRELS squirrels and/or their orange eye-shine. At about From TFN Newsletter #405 September 1989 midnight, we encountered one individual flying squirrel feeding on a Russula fungus growing out of the trail. It

Cottagers are among the select few with the regular retreated through the foliage of adjacent saplings and opportunity to see and know flying squirrels. The drew our attention to another flying squirrel at the base northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) and the of a mature white oak. This second squirrel quickly southern flying squirrel (G. volans) can be attracted to withdrew to the opposite side of the tree when we cottage “bird” feeders in wooded areas in the Ottawa approached, but it returned within 30 seconds to the and Muskoka regions. moss-covered tree base, now 0.5 m from me (and my camera). The squirrel commenced moving its incisors in Maple sap is often listed as a food source of both a vigorous vertical motion between elevated striations northern and southern flying squirrels in Canada and the in the oak bark, and readily lapped up the sap that United States. Nancy Wells-Gosling, a flying squirrel emerged. Bits of moss and bark were removed from two aficionado, reported seeing northern flying squirrels grooves over a one-hour period, the largest groove gnawing for sap in maple trees in the spring, as red being 5 mm wide and 50 mm long. squirrels are known to do. Two other Michigan biologists documented all species that used or visited When the squirrel glanced over its shoulder at us, sap selected sapsucker feeding trees in northern lower would foam from the groove with an audible hiss that Michigan. While sitting behind blinds, they observed 33 appeared to stimulate the squirrel to greater diligence in its digging. bird species feeding on insects and sap at holes drilled by yellow-bellied sapsuckers. In late July 1963, they Carrion beetles, craneflies, ants, mosquitos, moths and first observed northern flying squirrels visiting the other insects were also attracted to the oak sap, but were holes. Using flashlights and infra-red scopes, they noted ignored at the time by the flying squirrel. However, that the squirrels lapped the sap from the holes, licked it moth wings and other insect remains were discovered from the bark, or even enlarged the holes themselves to beneath the groove the following morning. The increase sap flow. In a review of the literature, they Michigan observers noted that the northern flying found no reference to southern flying squirrels eating squirrel preyed heavily on the numerous moths attracted sap. to the sapsucker holes. Much like sapsuckers, flying

On the evening of 15 July 1986, Kevin Kavanagh and I squirrels will use sap holes or tree wounds for a dual were searching for southern flying squirrels along a trail purpose – as a source of both energy-rich sap and protein-rich insects. in Backus Woods, a large and fairly mature tract of Carolinian forest in the Regional Municipality of Field biologists and naturalists may be able to take Haldimand-Norfolk, Ontario. We were using a spotlight advantage of the flying squirrel’s sweet tooth to help with a portable 12V gel-acid battery to locate the determine whether the elusive night gliders exist in a given forest stand. Baiting an area with some (very) sweet material may bring the squirrels out into the open, for observation and species confirmation. A couple of hours just after sunset over a few nights may be all that is needed, although more effort may be necessary. Such observations would be especially interesting from the Toronto region. The northern and southern flying squirrels are supposedly sympatric in the area, with the southern species reaching its northern limit in local forests. Studies of micro-distribution may help determine to what extent these species actually cohabit forests and potentially compete for resources such as food and tree cavities. Mark Stabb

Sugar maple, drawn by D.A. White

TFN 582-22 Toronto Field Naturalist October 2011

COMING EVENTS

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

Jim Baillie Memorial Bird Walks – Toronto Ornithological Club Aimed at the intermediate birder, but beginners also welcome. Free to the public; no advance registration required. Sat Oct 1, 8:00 am – all day. Toronto Islands, late migrants and raptors. Leader: John Nishikawa. Meet at 8:00 am at Ferry Docks at the foot of Bay St off Queens Quay to catch the 8:15 am ferry to Hanlan’s Point ($6.50 ferry fee for adults; students/ seniors $4).

High Park Walking Tours 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, 10:30 am – noon. Meet at the benches across the road south of Grenadier Restaurant. Information: 416-392-0729 ext 4 or [email protected] or www highpark.org • Oct 2. Fall Migratory Birds. Leader Steven Favier • Oct 16. Autumn Splendour Photo-Buff Walk. Leader David Allen

Birds on Leslie Street Spit 8 am Saturdays in bird migration season - until November 12. Meet at foot of Leslie St at Unwin Ave for a bird walk to the Bird Research Station to see bird banding. Bring binoculars. Info: Tommy Thompson Park Bird Research Station, www.ttpbrs.ca, email [email protected].

Toronto Entomological Association Oct 29, 1:15 pm. Beyond Mantis religiosa: An overview of the praying mantids. Speaker: Julio Rivera. Room 206, Victoria College. Info: www.ontarioinsects.org

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

The Market Gallery Until Oct 15, 2011. South St Lawrence Market, 2nd floor, 95 Front St E. Free. Mariposa: fifty years of making music. An interactive exhibition in partnership with York University celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mariposa Folk Festival. Note: Gallery is closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays. Information: www.stlawrencemarket.com/gallery or 416-392-7604.

Mycological Society of Toronto Mon Oct 17, 7:45 pm, Toronto Botanical Garden, Leslie St and Lawrence Ave E. Common Mycenas of the Eastern Provinces. Speaker: Renée Lebeuf from Montreal. Information: www.myctor.org

Lost Rivers Walks Sat Oct 15, 2 pm. Williamson Ravine and CN Rail Springs. Leaders: Helen Mills and Ian Wheal. Meet at Woodbine subway station. Walk will end near Coxwell Ave and Gerrard St E. Information: www.lostrivers.ca

University College Book Sale Fri Oct 14 – Tues Oct 18. University College, King’s College Circle, U of T St George campus. A large section of used books on nature (guidebooks, narratives, studies, etc). Information: www.booksalefinder.com/utuniversity html

Ian Wheal Walks Mon Oct 10, 2 pm. Jessie Montana’s Trail of the Whip-poor-will (equestrian, feminist, naturalist and Commander of the Women’s Home Guard). Meet at the southeast corner of College St and Dovercourt Rd.

October 2011 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 582-23

WEATHER (THIS TIME LAST YEAR)

October 2010

This was a rather active month with frequent frontal as the 26th) and the coldest was -1.2º on the 31st, the passages and Toronto under a mean trough. There first frost in the suburbs. was a tendency for strong Atlantic storm systems passing up the east coast and occasionally stalling In spite of the active weather, precipitation was and backing into the Toronto area, especially during actually just shy of normal, being 57 mm both the first half of the month. Although it was fairly downtown and at the airport; normal is around 60 warm for most of the Thanksgiving weekend, cooler mm. Wet snow flurries on Hallowe’en brought the than normal temperatures at the very beginning and first measurable snowfall amounts to Pearson Airport in the second half of the month provided for a since 1997; 0.4 cm fell. monthly average that was close to the long-term normal. Pearson had a mean temperature of 10.2º and Sunshine at 159.9 hours was near or slightly above downtown had a mean of 11.0º. The warmest reading the long-term average. was 23.6º on October 8th (it did top 20º briefly as late Gavin Miller

Black saddlebags dragonfly, Ward’s Island, September 2011. Photo: Barry Singh TFN 582-24 Toronto Field Naturalist October 2011

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

Mating monarch butterflies photographed by Barry Singh during Nature Arts outing, August 6, 2011