Bell17.08 Gingko by Earl Plato
It’s good to have friends contact you by e-mail or by snail mail. Cynthia Skinner is one of those friends who supplies me with newspaper nature articles. Cynthia works the winter in Arkansas as a nurse. Soon she will return to her Sherkston, Ontario home. I will meet her at the next Bert Miller Nature Club meeting and thank her. One of her articles clipped from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette caught my eye. It was about that primitive Ginkgo tree. I had viewed this unique tree at Longwood Gardens near Philadelphia, PA. It was a huge tree well over 100 years old. On returning home I was told about the Gingko tree east of the parking lot at the historic MacFarlane House on the Niagara Parkway. I know the tree and its unusual leaf, This is the tree of the dinosaur age. (Ginkgo biloba) has few close elatives. We are told that they are deciduous that grow to 100 feet or more. Gingko trees in China are reported to be several centuries old! I have a pressed ginkgo leaf. It is a triangular, fan-shaped leaf with prominent veins running the length of the leaf. You know I like the colour yellow in nature. Visit he MacFarlane house this fall. Want a striking fall colour effect? The gingko leaves turn to a beautiful golden yellow.
Note: The fleshy yellow fruit produced on female ginkgo trees are stinky. Naturalist friend Ernie said they are reminiscent of fresh “dog poop.” However, each fruit produces a big (supposedly) edible seed.
Gingko trees - look for them in Niagara.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
More Yellow
My interest in things of nature coloured yellow extends to birds. The Wilson’s warbler below is a good example below. I grew up in rural Bertie Township near Fort Erie. Back then the fields to the west were a haven for songbirds. Many of the thorn bushes had neat well constructed nests. The builders were yellow birds we called ‘wild canaries.’ Not so for the late Fort Erie naturalist Bert Miller told us. “They’re Goldfinches,” he said. My Audubon manual tells us that they are smaller than a sparrow. Check it out. During the mating season the male is a bright yellow with a white rump, black forehead, and white edges on the black wings and tail.
As the summer progresses the male gradually loses its bright yellow plumage. Nevertheless, it is a colourful bird to watch. Its flight is undulating and it sings as it goes. Listen for this bright yellow bird’s song. “Per-chick-o-ree.” What yellow-coloured birds do you like?
As the summer progresses the male gradually loses its bright yellow plumage. Nevertheless, it is a colourful bird to watch. Its flight is undulating and it sings as it goes. Listen for this bright yellow bird’s song. “Per-chick-o-ree.” What yellow-coloured birds do you like?
Monday, April 28, 2008
Wilson's Bird
Bell15.08 by Earl Plato
We were eating our bag lunches on the Upper Trail at Marcy Woods. It was early spring. Naturalist Ernie Giles, biologist Debbie Magnus and myself ere enjoying the beautiful setting. Ernie lifted his finger to his mouth. “Sh, sh.” To my left we heard the chattery staccato sound of a bird not far away on the ground. Only less than ten feet away was a small bird with a bright yellow chest. Ernie replicated the bird’s call. An amazing man. It came closer to us scratching te ground. It’s a Wilson’s warbler,’ whispered Ernie. Warblers are seen briefly in the Point Abino area during migration time. It was my first Wilson’s warbler named for famed Scottish-American ornithologist Alexander Wilson (1766-1813). Visit Marcy Woods?
We were eating our bag lunches on the Upper Trail at Marcy Woods. It was early spring. Naturalist Ernie Giles, biologist Debbie Magnus and myself ere enjoying the beautiful setting. Ernie lifted his finger to his mouth. “Sh, sh.” To my left we heard the chattery staccato sound of a bird not far away on the ground. Only less than ten feet away was a small bird with a bright yellow chest. Ernie replicated the bird’s call. An amazing man. It came closer to us scratching te ground. It’s a Wilson’s warbler,’ whispered Ernie. Warblers are seen briefly in the Point Abino area during migration time. It was my first Wilson’s warbler named for famed Scottish-American ornithologist Alexander Wilson (1766-1813). Visit Marcy Woods?
Friday, April 25, 2008
Color It Yellow
Yellow-Mother Nature’s Favorite Color by Earl Plato
This article is dedicated to the color yellow. On our way home
from the Fort Erie Friendship Festival last year we saw two groups of yellow flowering plants. The first group were on both sides of Garrison Road. I knew what hey were - Birdsfoot Trefoil. You will find them on the roadsides of Greater Fort Erie from June to August. They are an attractive low-lying plants. The leaves are clover-like an the flowers are a bright yellow. Birdsfoot trefoil grows from 15cm to 60 cm high. They are an alien species from Europe. I had asked former area naturalist, Ernie Giles, about their name Ernie said, “ Examine one and you will see the slender pod base arrangement suggests a bird foot.” “What about trefoil? I enquired. The word means ‘Three parts.” Ernie again, “Look at the leaves.” I replied, “there are five not three! However, there are three clover-like leaves hence three and two more at the base. Check Peterson’s Flower Guide book and you see what we mean. Look for them this year. The second yellow plants on the byways of the rural part of town was the Golden ragwort but that’s another story.
This article is dedicated to the color yellow. On our way home
from the Fort Erie Friendship Festival last year we saw two groups of yellow flowering plants. The first group were on both sides of Garrison Road. I knew what hey were - Birdsfoot Trefoil. You will find them on the roadsides of Greater Fort Erie from June to August. They are an attractive low-lying plants. The leaves are clover-like an the flowers are a bright yellow. Birdsfoot trefoil grows from 15cm to 60 cm high. They are an alien species from Europe. I had asked former area naturalist, Ernie Giles, about their name Ernie said, “ Examine one and you will see the slender pod base arrangement suggests a bird foot.” “What about trefoil? I enquired. The word means ‘Three parts.” Ernie again, “Look at the leaves.” I replied, “there are five not three! However, there are three clover-like leaves hence three and two more at the base. Check Peterson’s Flower Guide book and you see what we mean. Look for them this year. The second yellow plants on the byways of the rural part of town was the Golden ragwort but that’s another story.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Pill Bug
Pill Bug Earl Plato
Six year old grand daughter Ashlyn Kells is fascinated with bugs. I found her this past Saturday digging bare handed in her back yard. She was looking for bugs in the dark, rich earth and she found one. It was a dark little pill bug. I like bugs too. The pile of old and decaying cut wood just east of the Marcy cabin is gone. It was on the surface of one log that a bug was moving. It was a pill bug. It is a small and primitive creature. Ed Teale, naturalist called it , “ a terrestrial isopod crustracean..” Looking at it it suggests a prehistoric trilobite in miniature. On this May day at Marcy Woods Ashlyn and I are looking for a pill bug in a mouldering pile of logs on the Lower Trail. No luck today. The name pill bug comes from its ability to roll its brownish-gray body into a round pill-like ball. The internet tells us that it resembles an armadillo in its curling up in a ball. I learned that its scientific name of the pill bug’s family is Armadillidae! I remember seeing a white spot on that old log near the cabin. Fellow naturalist, Ernie Giles, said that it was chitin from the pill bug that had just emerged. It was the almost translucent shell of the insect. This outer coating is the exoskeleton that takes the place of the internal framework in mammals. The sequence on that May day long ago was that the pill bug free of its old covering saw its new chitin rapidly hardening. It moved slowly across the log. Look for bugs on your walks. Ashlyn and I will too.
***
I read it again. It made sense. Here it is. “Perspective colours our lives as much, if not more than other fundamentals. Keep the same old perspective and our lives devolve to a gray routine. Change our perspective and our lives take on new colour and excitement.” Do you know what I mean? Especially us seniors! Almost all of my life I have done bird watching from the ground. I gained a new perspective. High up in the canopy of white pines on Our Walk in the Clouds in Haliburton we looked down into a Red-eyed vireo nest. Down from 50 feet in the air! A new and thrilling perspective? I guess so. Don’t get me wrong I will not be climbing too many trees for these unique views of bird nests. However, I can suggest a new setting just for sighting birds that I experienced years ago. In he east side of Wainfleet Marsh at the north end of Biederman Road is a deer run. Every so often there are hunter platforms used during deer hunting season. This was spring and I climbed up to one platform and there nestled among the row of alders came the songs of birds. There just a short distance away, 20 feet above the ground, was a RED EYED VIREO looking me in the eye. Try something different in nature this year. Have a different perspective. Who knows what new outlooks you will experience. Try a new perspective in your nature endeavours.
Six year old grand daughter Ashlyn Kells is fascinated with bugs. I found her this past Saturday digging bare handed in her back yard. She was looking for bugs in the dark, rich earth and she found one. It was a dark little pill bug. I like bugs too. The pile of old and decaying cut wood just east of the Marcy cabin is gone. It was on the surface of one log that a bug was moving. It was a pill bug. It is a small and primitive creature. Ed Teale, naturalist called it , “ a terrestrial isopod crustracean..” Looking at it it suggests a prehistoric trilobite in miniature. On this May day at Marcy Woods Ashlyn and I are looking for a pill bug in a mouldering pile of logs on the Lower Trail. No luck today. The name pill bug comes from its ability to roll its brownish-gray body into a round pill-like ball. The internet tells us that it resembles an armadillo in its curling up in a ball. I learned that its scientific name of the pill bug’s family is Armadillidae! I remember seeing a white spot on that old log near the cabin. Fellow naturalist, Ernie Giles, said that it was chitin from the pill bug that had just emerged. It was the almost translucent shell of the insect. This outer coating is the exoskeleton that takes the place of the internal framework in mammals. The sequence on that May day long ago was that the pill bug free of its old covering saw its new chitin rapidly hardening. It moved slowly across the log. Look for bugs on your walks. Ashlyn and I will too.
***
I read it again. It made sense. Here it is. “Perspective colours our lives as much, if not more than other fundamentals. Keep the same old perspective and our lives devolve to a gray routine. Change our perspective and our lives take on new colour and excitement.” Do you know what I mean? Especially us seniors! Almost all of my life I have done bird watching from the ground. I gained a new perspective. High up in the canopy of white pines on Our Walk in the Clouds in Haliburton we looked down into a Red-eyed vireo nest. Down from 50 feet in the air! A new and thrilling perspective? I guess so. Don’t get me wrong I will not be climbing too many trees for these unique views of bird nests. However, I can suggest a new setting just for sighting birds that I experienced years ago. In he east side of Wainfleet Marsh at the north end of Biederman Road is a deer run. Every so often there are hunter platforms used during deer hunting season. This was spring and I climbed up to one platform and there nestled among the row of alders came the songs of birds. There just a short distance away, 20 feet above the ground, was a RED EYED VIREO looking me in the eye. Try something different in nature this year. Have a different perspective. Who knows what new outlooks you will experience. Try a new perspective in your nature endeavours.
COMMENT!
COMMENT: April 24, 20008.
This blog was created mainly for Fort Erie and Niagara peninsula nature readers.
Mountain View, California now dominates my readership. Why? I need more Fort
Erie readers. Earl Plato
This blog was created mainly for Fort Erie and Niagara peninsula nature readers.
Mountain View, California now dominates my readership. Why? I need more Fort
Erie readers. Earl Plato
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Earth Day
April 22nd 2008 Appreciate our planet, eh.
“Today is Earth Day, a commemoration of our global home and a biblical reminder of our responsibility to be careful stewards of this orb.”
Today many students both elementary and high schools, public and separate will descend on Fort Erie’s Friendship Trail. The goals? To clean up the winter debris on their section of the Trail. This well used trail from Fort Erie to Port Colborne follows the roadbed of the Canadian national Railway. Walkers, runners, cyclists, skateboarders and yes wheel chairs use the paved pathway. A great project for Earth Day. Trees and lowers will be planted as in other years. Thank you area schools.
“Today is Earth Day, a commemoration of our global home and a biblical reminder of our responsibility to be careful stewards of this orb.”
Today many students both elementary and high schools, public and separate will descend on Fort Erie’s Friendship Trail. The goals? To clean up the winter debris on their section of the Trail. This well used trail from Fort Erie to Port Colborne follows the roadbed of the Canadian national Railway. Walkers, runners, cyclists, skateboarders and yes wheel chairs use the paved pathway. A great project for Earth Day. Trees and lowers will be planted as in other years. Thank you area schools.
Monday, April 21, 2008
A pond is just a pond
A pond is just a pond Earl Norman Plato
A pond is just a pond is just a pond. Not so at Longmeadow farm, dgeway. There were two ponds on the farm property and a larger one next door on the Earl Michael property. The pond I am writing about is at the south end of the Longmeadow farm lane near Erie road. Now in 2005 we drive past that lane and pond on our way to see ducks and swans at Point Abino Bay. This is a spring story about that little pond that I observed over the years we lived there. Benji , my black Labrador, and I would walk down the lane past the pond on the way to Lake Erie’s beaches. Late nature writer Ed Teale gave me the idea about favourite ponds. One spring my dog and I stopped at the pond. I thought that it’s warm today and the ice is going out of the pond. As we and Benji looked at the ice that warm morning we saw it melting and shrinking in the sun. We saw it growing thinner and filled with holes. I poked my walking stick at the spongy surface as it turned to slush. Only a thin shelving of thicker ice remained along the banks. When we returned from our ramble there was a five metre stretch of open water from end to end. As we paused a kingfisher swept in a rattling circuit of the pond. Do you know the kingfisher’s call? This early spring arrival would feed on the small fish in the pond. He landed on a nearby tree branch and waited for us to leave. Then a great thrill as a pair of Wood ducks came plowing through the cold pond water and came to a halt. Benji barked and these colourful ducks took off just a s quickly as they had landed. Hopefully they would build a nest in the surrounding wetlands of lower Longmeadow farm. Adopt a pond this spring and observe the life there. Enjoy Niagara’s springtime.
***
Mike Johnston called. “Earl, two large flocks of swans flew over last night heading for Point Abino.” Thanks Mike but Brenda, his wife and my niece, called last night so I aiready knew. So out I drove along Erie Road to Point Abino mid-morning. Yes, I passed the Longmeadow farm pond. It was still frozen. I was alone with binoculars and camera. I grew excited as I turned left on to Point Abino Road. I had seen as many as 300 Whistling swans there in other years. Bottom feeders that they are of the great underwater banks of wild celery in the bay. I drove over the rise expecting to see a hundred or so swans. Plato, the bay is frozen over! No swans! A wild goose chase? No, It was a wild swan chase. They will be back to Point Abino Bay and I will too.
A pond is just a pond is just a pond. Not so at Longmeadow farm, dgeway. There were two ponds on the farm property and a larger one next door on the Earl Michael property. The pond I am writing about is at the south end of the Longmeadow farm lane near Erie road. Now in 2005 we drive past that lane and pond on our way to see ducks and swans at Point Abino Bay. This is a spring story about that little pond that I observed over the years we lived there. Benji , my black Labrador, and I would walk down the lane past the pond on the way to Lake Erie’s beaches. Late nature writer Ed Teale gave me the idea about favourite ponds. One spring my dog and I stopped at the pond. I thought that it’s warm today and the ice is going out of the pond. As we and Benji looked at the ice that warm morning we saw it melting and shrinking in the sun. We saw it growing thinner and filled with holes. I poked my walking stick at the spongy surface as it turned to slush. Only a thin shelving of thicker ice remained along the banks. When we returned from our ramble there was a five metre stretch of open water from end to end. As we paused a kingfisher swept in a rattling circuit of the pond. Do you know the kingfisher’s call? This early spring arrival would feed on the small fish in the pond. He landed on a nearby tree branch and waited for us to leave. Then a great thrill as a pair of Wood ducks came plowing through the cold pond water and came to a halt. Benji barked and these colourful ducks took off just a s quickly as they had landed. Hopefully they would build a nest in the surrounding wetlands of lower Longmeadow farm. Adopt a pond this spring and observe the life there. Enjoy Niagara’s springtime.
***
Mike Johnston called. “Earl, two large flocks of swans flew over last night heading for Point Abino.” Thanks Mike but Brenda, his wife and my niece, called last night so I aiready knew. So out I drove along Erie Road to Point Abino mid-morning. Yes, I passed the Longmeadow farm pond. It was still frozen. I was alone with binoculars and camera. I grew excited as I turned left on to Point Abino Road. I had seen as many as 300 Whistling swans there in other years. Bottom feeders that they are of the great underwater banks of wild celery in the bay. I drove over the rise expecting to see a hundred or so swans. Plato, the bay is frozen over! No swans! A wild goose chase? No, It was a wild swan chase. They will be back to Point Abino Bay and I will too.
Just Lookin.
‘Duck Lookin’ Earl Plato
We travel the Niagara Parkway quite often because it is a beautiful drive. This year we saw the colourful Harlequin male duck and his mate neqr Nicholl’s Marina in south Fort Erie. Actually we were looking for the Bald eagle. In winter ime Elaine and saw the majestic bird perched in a giant river willow near Black Creek. This late April day we headed north along the Parkway. It was an Bald eagle watch. As we approached the Black Creek bridge we saw it. A large bird was perched in a willow. Slow down! Then I recognized the bird - a Black-crowned night heron. Hey, this was mid-morning. As its name implies it is mainly nocturnal. Other ones I have seen in daylight on Miller’s Creek are in the reed beds or roosting in nearby trees. Its a good sized bird - medium sized compared to the Great blue. It has a rather short neck and of course a black crown.
Wait until dusk or night and listen. I had grandson, Luke O’Brien, describe the bird he had seen up north. Luke mimicked the bird’s call. I knew what it was - the Black-crowned night heron. I showed him a Peterson profile and played the bitd’s call. “That’s it, grandpa!”
Listen to the harsh, barking quawk! Approach their sites at nesting time and you will hear a great deal of croaking, barking and screaning calls. Unforgettable and they live locally.
I am patrolling this Spring the Welland River in Wainfleet at dusk. Will I hear the Black-crowned?
***
Saw a pair of Ospreys and their nest on Beaver Lake on this past Victoria weekend. Where? North of Napanee off Highway 41. I have observed the Osprey over the years throughout Ontario. While at Irwin Lodge, Stony Lake we saw the platform nests and the wonderful flight of these masked birds with their swept-backed wings like that of the Peregrine falcon. We watched as one zoomed down to the lake’s surface and clutch a fish with ease. You know the story. This expert bird is well adapted for capturing fish which makes up its total diet. Hence the nickname “Fish hawk.”
We travel the Niagara Parkway quite often because it is a beautiful drive. This year we saw the colourful Harlequin male duck and his mate neqr Nicholl’s Marina in south Fort Erie. Actually we were looking for the Bald eagle. In winter ime Elaine and saw the majestic bird perched in a giant river willow near Black Creek. This late April day we headed north along the Parkway. It was an Bald eagle watch. As we approached the Black Creek bridge we saw it. A large bird was perched in a willow. Slow down! Then I recognized the bird - a Black-crowned night heron. Hey, this was mid-morning. As its name implies it is mainly nocturnal. Other ones I have seen in daylight on Miller’s Creek are in the reed beds or roosting in nearby trees. Its a good sized bird - medium sized compared to the Great blue. It has a rather short neck and of course a black crown.
Wait until dusk or night and listen. I had grandson, Luke O’Brien, describe the bird he had seen up north. Luke mimicked the bird’s call. I knew what it was - the Black-crowned night heron. I showed him a Peterson profile and played the bitd’s call. “That’s it, grandpa!”
Listen to the harsh, barking quawk! Approach their sites at nesting time and you will hear a great deal of croaking, barking and screaning calls. Unforgettable and they live locally.
I am patrolling this Spring the Welland River in Wainfleet at dusk. Will I hear the Black-crowned?
***
Saw a pair of Ospreys and their nest on Beaver Lake on this past Victoria weekend. Where? North of Napanee off Highway 41. I have observed the Osprey over the years throughout Ontario. While at Irwin Lodge, Stony Lake we saw the platform nests and the wonderful flight of these masked birds with their swept-backed wings like that of the Peregrine falcon. We watched as one zoomed down to the lake’s surface and clutch a fish with ease. You know the story. This expert bird is well adapted for capturing fish which makes up its total diet. Hence the nickname “Fish hawk.”
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Looking For Eagles
Looking for Eagles Bell8 Earl Plato
My eagle appetite had been filled at least for a while. On a summer Friday the four of us Canadians headed over the international border to ‘eagle’ country. Our destination was the Iroquois National Refuge north of the village of Alabama, N.Y. I didn’t want this to be a wild goose eagle) trip” so I called Head Ranger Gerhart and she confirmed that they had three eaglets alive and well. We arrived at the Center about 10 a.m. We entered the Refuge off Casey Road. As we entered the building there was a set scope focused on the giant eagle nest. You could see little eaglets peering over the edge. Inside was a TV monitor showing three eaglets. Note: two fixed TV cameras are attached to two trees beside the eagle nest. The actual nesting site was near the edge of the swamp to the north of the center. The largest of the three kept getting in the way of the camera. The two smaller eaglets sat in the bottom of the nest. No parents in sight. They were undoubtedly out hunting for food for their young ones. We were told that the father eagle was born and bred at Iroquois Refuge. He was fifteen years old and his mate about seven years old from an unknown location. They hatched one egg. Two more fertilized eggs from another center were introduced to the nest about two weeks later they too successfully hatched. That accounts for the discrepancy in size of the young eaglets. We estimated the size of the nest. I am six feet tall Ranger Gerhart said that it measured over seven feet across!
We left the center map in hand. We stopped at the Cayuga Lookout and saw the male eagle. A local resident was there with his scope set up. He invited us o have a look. Magnificent sight.! FTHER EAGLE? The resident said so. We continued on to the Mallard Lookout. No mallards at this time but there were two ospreys (fish hawks) fishing in he swamp below us. We saw the nearest osprey grab a fish and fly to a stand of dead trees. The second osprey followed the mate and landed on a branch above the other. Quite a beautiful sight. Time to head back across the Peace bridge. It was a great raptor day, eh.
My eagle appetite had been filled at least for a while. On a summer Friday the four of us Canadians headed over the international border to ‘eagle’ country. Our destination was the Iroquois National Refuge north of the village of Alabama, N.Y. I didn’t want this to be a wild goose eagle) trip” so I called Head Ranger Gerhart and she confirmed that they had three eaglets alive and well. We arrived at the Center about 10 a.m. We entered the Refuge off Casey Road. As we entered the building there was a set scope focused on the giant eagle nest. You could see little eaglets peering over the edge. Inside was a TV monitor showing three eaglets. Note: two fixed TV cameras are attached to two trees beside the eagle nest. The actual nesting site was near the edge of the swamp to the north of the center. The largest of the three kept getting in the way of the camera. The two smaller eaglets sat in the bottom of the nest. No parents in sight. They were undoubtedly out hunting for food for their young ones. We were told that the father eagle was born and bred at Iroquois Refuge. He was fifteen years old and his mate about seven years old from an unknown location. They hatched one egg. Two more fertilized eggs from another center were introduced to the nest about two weeks later they too successfully hatched. That accounts for the discrepancy in size of the young eaglets. We estimated the size of the nest. I am six feet tall Ranger Gerhart said that it measured over seven feet across!
We left the center map in hand. We stopped at the Cayuga Lookout and saw the male eagle. A local resident was there with his scope set up. He invited us o have a look. Magnificent sight.! FTHER EAGLE? The resident said so. We continued on to the Mallard Lookout. No mallards at this time but there were two ospreys (fish hawks) fishing in he swamp below us. We saw the nearest osprey grab a fish and fly to a stand of dead trees. The second osprey followed the mate and landed on a branch above the other. Quite a beautiful sight. Time to head back across the Peace bridge. It was a great raptor day, eh.
Killdeer Country Canada
Alison Bell2 When Nature Calls by Earl Plato
Mr. “K“ that‘s whom I call Ken Benner of Sunset Drive, Fort Erie.
Why “K”? Since 1980 Ken has had a love affair with Killdeers.
In the area behind his house killdeers have nested each year until recently. On the driveway to his large storage barns Mr. K. would find various circles of stones and often there were four pale buff spotted eggs nestled on a bed of sparsely lined grass. On bare stone too? Yes. You know the scenario, eh. The adult killdeer feigns injury. Hobbling along with wings dragging as if badly wounded it leads the predator away from its nest. Time and time again Ken saw the killdeers’ reactions. An amazing sight to see every year. Not so in 2007 but maybe in 2008. Ken wants to hear that familiar call, “Kill-DEEE, Kill-DEE repeated over and over this year. This robin-sized plover loves open country. Ken Benner has plenty of open space. However, we learn that one of the top 10 decreasing bird species in Ontario in 2007 we our Killdeer? Sorry Mr. K. What are some reasons for the decline in killdeer numbers? E-mail me at: plato1@cogeco.ca if you wish to share reasons for the dramatic decline in numbers. Thanks.
***
The January 30th Ontario Bird Count Report show some not so surprising news about the increase in our bird populations. Name three species that have greatly increased in numbers. Yes, Canada goose, Wild turkey, and Turkey vulture. I agree. Another bird in increasing numbers is our American friend, the American Bald Eagle. I have seen them in greater numbers in Fort Erie in recent years. A beautiful eagle landed in a tree on our Niagara Parkway across from Grand Island. We stopped and had a good look. They have been seen at Erie Beach and the Lake Erie shore line. See one and you won’t soon forget this huge raptor.
Here it is below. With permission from Cornell Ornithological Laboratory.
Mr. “K“ that‘s whom I call Ken Benner of Sunset Drive, Fort Erie.
Why “K”? Since 1980 Ken has had a love affair with Killdeers.
In the area behind his house killdeers have nested each year until recently. On the driveway to his large storage barns Mr. K. would find various circles of stones and often there were four pale buff spotted eggs nestled on a bed of sparsely lined grass. On bare stone too? Yes. You know the scenario, eh. The adult killdeer feigns injury. Hobbling along with wings dragging as if badly wounded it leads the predator away from its nest. Time and time again Ken saw the killdeers’ reactions. An amazing sight to see every year. Not so in 2007 but maybe in 2008. Ken wants to hear that familiar call, “Kill-DEEE, Kill-DEE repeated over and over this year. This robin-sized plover loves open country. Ken Benner has plenty of open space. However, we learn that one of the top 10 decreasing bird species in Ontario in 2007 we our Killdeer? Sorry Mr. K. What are some reasons for the decline in killdeer numbers? E-mail me at: plato1@cogeco.ca if you wish to share reasons for the dramatic decline in numbers. Thanks.
***
The January 30th Ontario Bird Count Report show some not so surprising news about the increase in our bird populations. Name three species that have greatly increased in numbers. Yes, Canada goose, Wild turkey, and Turkey vulture. I agree. Another bird in increasing numbers is our American friend, the American Bald Eagle. I have seen them in greater numbers in Fort Erie in recent years. A beautiful eagle landed in a tree on our Niagara Parkway across from Grand Island. We stopped and had a good look. They have been seen at Erie Beach and the Lake Erie shore line. See one and you won’t soon forget this huge raptor.
Here it is below. With permission from Cornell Ornithological Laboratory.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Believe Me!
by Earl Plato
I don’t know if they believed me. I had just described my sighting many years ago of a Southern flying squirrel at the entrance to Marcy Woods. The Special Needs Class of St.Paul’s High School and some parents and helpers listened to my oft repeated spiel. We stopped at the site of our sighting. “One early morning Ray Willwerth and I saw a southern flying squirrel glide from the high top of that spruce tree over there. It sailed several feet and landed over there at the top of another spruce. I knew what I saw for I had seen flying squirrels before. The word is ‘glide’ not ‘fly.’ The Ministry of Natural Resources did a study of Marcy Woods and found at least three pairs of these unique squirrels there. They are mainly nocturnal creatures so it’s as an unusual sight.” What do you know about this Carolinian mammal?
Not much you say. You need to be in the woods at night and luckily your flashlight will reveal the large bright shining black eyes of this miniscule squirrel. It is a very small squirrel with a silky fur coat. The ones I saw were grayish-brown on top and white underneath. It has a fkattened gra-brown tail. Think small. Length from 7 3/4 inches (198 mm) to 10 1/8 inches (255 mm.). Shagbark Trail enthusiasts listen. They like shagbark hickory, beech and maple trees. Let’s import some of these attractive squirrels, eh.?
I don’t know if they believed me. I had just described my sighting many years ago of a Southern flying squirrel at the entrance to Marcy Woods. The Special Needs Class of St.Paul’s High School and some parents and helpers listened to my oft repeated spiel. We stopped at the site of our sighting. “One early morning Ray Willwerth and I saw a southern flying squirrel glide from the high top of that spruce tree over there. It sailed several feet and landed over there at the top of another spruce. I knew what I saw for I had seen flying squirrels before. The word is ‘glide’ not ‘fly.’ The Ministry of Natural Resources did a study of Marcy Woods and found at least three pairs of these unique squirrels there. They are mainly nocturnal creatures so it’s as an unusual sight.” What do you know about this Carolinian mammal?
Not much you say. You need to be in the woods at night and luckily your flashlight will reveal the large bright shining black eyes of this miniscule squirrel. It is a very small squirrel with a silky fur coat. The ones I saw were grayish-brown on top and white underneath. It has a fkattened gra-brown tail. Think small. Length from 7 3/4 inches (198 mm) to 10 1/8 inches (255 mm.). Shagbark Trail enthusiasts listen. They like shagbark hickory, beech and maple trees. Let’s import some of these attractive squirrels, eh.?
Hawk Mountain in 08?
Bell 11.08 Earl Plato\
A Retiree Goes to Hawk Mountain
When retirement comes you should have a plan for enjoying each day the Lord has given you. I know enjoyment comes in many forms. Some retired people I know find joys some days visiting the sick in their homes or hospitals. That’s great. Some play a round of golf with their friends. Many retirees I know just like to take a good walk. Be active. Be useful while you can.
I was on a hawk watch. I planned to visit famous Hawk Mountain in north eastern Pennsylvania. This raptor sanctuary is both remote but accessible. We drove divided highway most of the way. We drove in rain and arrived in rain. My computer oriented weather forecast had let me down. Torrential downpour. The weather was lousy, with waves of torrential rain pelting Hawk Mountain. Take it easy. There’s always tomorrow. We headed to Reading for the night. It was about twenty miles south. We came back to the sanctuary next day as the sun burst through. We had come all this way to see hawks. We went to the outdoor theatre where two park rangers gave us a hawk and owl lessons. They had two permanently damaged birds. The first was a nine year old red-tiled hawk The second was a Great horned owl. All of us asked many questions of the two knowledgeable rangers. It was a worthwhile experience. Then the rains came again, Head for the center, eh. The center had various dioramas and well presented. Both Ed and I bought Hawk mountain caps, We paid our $3.00 for the climb. The monies were used to run the sanctuary/\Note: Years ago Hawk Mountain was a place where target shooters would come in the fall to kill thousands and thousands of migrating hawks. It was a wanton slaughter! Not now. The land is posted and well-guarded by the park rangers We didn’t minding paying the fee. Yes three of us had good climbing boots. I had my Shenandoah walking staff , however, this time because of the slippery rocks it as more of a detriment. Most of the people we met on the arduous climb were hawk watcher enthusiasts. We read the trail markers. I decided to take the short trail to the North Lookout. Mistake! It was a bad move. Huge twenty foot high boulders confronted us. The next half hour was spent climbing this tortuous path. Finally we reached the other side. Here the trail was much easier. We rested. It was misty and visibility poor. There were about ten of us gathered there on the top of Hawk Mountain. Poor day we saw and heard a pair of sharp-shinned hawks. That was it. The rains returned and we headed for the woods and the downward path. A great place but with terrible weather for we three Canadians.
Lesson learned. Call or e-mail ahead to determine good weather times. Elaine and I are planning a return in the Fall of 28.
A Retiree Goes to Hawk Mountain
When retirement comes you should have a plan for enjoying each day the Lord has given you. I know enjoyment comes in many forms. Some retired people I know find joys some days visiting the sick in their homes or hospitals. That’s great. Some play a round of golf with their friends. Many retirees I know just like to take a good walk. Be active. Be useful while you can.
I was on a hawk watch. I planned to visit famous Hawk Mountain in north eastern Pennsylvania. This raptor sanctuary is both remote but accessible. We drove divided highway most of the way. We drove in rain and arrived in rain. My computer oriented weather forecast had let me down. Torrential downpour. The weather was lousy, with waves of torrential rain pelting Hawk Mountain. Take it easy. There’s always tomorrow. We headed to Reading for the night. It was about twenty miles south. We came back to the sanctuary next day as the sun burst through. We had come all this way to see hawks. We went to the outdoor theatre where two park rangers gave us a hawk and owl lessons. They had two permanently damaged birds. The first was a nine year old red-tiled hawk The second was a Great horned owl. All of us asked many questions of the two knowledgeable rangers. It was a worthwhile experience. Then the rains came again, Head for the center, eh. The center had various dioramas and well presented. Both Ed and I bought Hawk mountain caps, We paid our $3.00 for the climb. The monies were used to run the sanctuary/\Note: Years ago Hawk Mountain was a place where target shooters would come in the fall to kill thousands and thousands of migrating hawks. It was a wanton slaughter! Not now. The land is posted and well-guarded by the park rangers We didn’t minding paying the fee. Yes three of us had good climbing boots. I had my Shenandoah walking staff , however, this time because of the slippery rocks it as more of a detriment. Most of the people we met on the arduous climb were hawk watcher enthusiasts. We read the trail markers. I decided to take the short trail to the North Lookout. Mistake! It was a bad move. Huge twenty foot high boulders confronted us. The next half hour was spent climbing this tortuous path. Finally we reached the other side. Here the trail was much easier. We rested. It was misty and visibility poor. There were about ten of us gathered there on the top of Hawk Mountain. Poor day we saw and heard a pair of sharp-shinned hawks. That was it. The rains returned and we headed for the woods and the downward path. A great place but with terrible weather for we three Canadians.
Lesson learned. Call or e-mail ahead to determine good weather times. Elaine and I are planning a return in the Fall of 28.
An Old Friend
NAn Old Friend , John and Marcy Woods by Earl Plato
“Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.”
John Lessle from Buffalo is an old friend. Like me he loves Marcy’s Woods. John knew the late Dr. George Marcy for many years. John came to my home Friday, July 25. He, like me, had read the Buffalo News account of Marcy Woods that same day. Like me he was saddened.
“Go to Marcy’s Woods?”, I asked him. John surprised me. “Earl, I’ve never been to Shagbark Trail in Ridgeway.” “Shagbark?” I said.
That’s where we went and walked the narrow trails of Shagbark hickory trail . All had grown in this summer. Where once there were wide trails now only narrow pathways exist. 85 year old John is a knowledgeable naturalist. He knows plants and their scientific names. Bee-Balm also called Oswego Tea greeted us at the beginning of the trail. “Monarda didyama.” “Pardon, John. Repeat that.” John crushed a leaf and a flower from the plant’s ragged scarlet pompon, “Smell this.” The pungent smell of mint was very strong. “Bee-Balm makes a good tea.” We saw many more Bee-Balm plants along the tangled way.
What surprised me in this new Fort Erie Town park was the profusity of False Solomom=Seal plants. Their easily identified leaves and their ruby red fruit were every where. I have been coming to Shagbark for years up unto 2000. A badly sprained achilles tendon kept me on the mend for almost two summers. Hey, three years have passed! Can things change that much in nature? You bet.
Shagbark Hickory Trail needs some help. What can be a beautiful town nature park needs some work just to maintain the trails. The Park is located off Burleigh Road just east of Ridgeway.
John Lessle is a ‘golden’ friend. That day before the saddening news of the Marcy’s Woods sale I drove John to the Woods. For over sixty years John had walked and photographed this unique area. “Do you want to walk in, John?” Almost as if he had known about the front page news that would follow the next day he said, “ No, Earl. Too many memories.” Memories of this special place is all we have.
“Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.”
John Lessle from Buffalo is an old friend. Like me he loves Marcy’s Woods. John knew the late Dr. George Marcy for many years. John came to my home Friday, July 25. He, like me, had read the Buffalo News account of Marcy Woods that same day. Like me he was saddened.
“Go to Marcy’s Woods?”, I asked him. John surprised me. “Earl, I’ve never been to Shagbark Trail in Ridgeway.” “Shagbark?” I said.
That’s where we went and walked the narrow trails of Shagbark hickory trail . All had grown in this summer. Where once there were wide trails now only narrow pathways exist. 85 year old John is a knowledgeable naturalist. He knows plants and their scientific names. Bee-Balm also called Oswego Tea greeted us at the beginning of the trail. “Monarda didyama.” “Pardon, John. Repeat that.” John crushed a leaf and a flower from the plant’s ragged scarlet pompon, “Smell this.” The pungent smell of mint was very strong. “Bee-Balm makes a good tea.” We saw many more Bee-Balm plants along the tangled way.
What surprised me in this new Fort Erie Town park was the profusity of False Solomom=Seal plants. Their easily identified leaves and their ruby red fruit were every where. I have been coming to Shagbark for years up unto 2000. A badly sprained achilles tendon kept me on the mend for almost two summers. Hey, three years have passed! Can things change that much in nature? You bet.
Shagbark Hickory Trail needs some help. What can be a beautiful town nature park needs some work just to maintain the trails. The Park is located off Burleigh Road just east of Ridgeway.
John Lessle is a ‘golden’ friend. That day before the saddening news of the Marcy’s Woods sale I drove John to the Woods. For over sixty years John had walked and photographed this unique area. “Do you want to walk in, John?” Almost as if he had known about the front page news that would follow the next day he said, “ No, Earl. Too many memories.” Memories of this special place is all we have.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Bird Heaven
Marcy Woods - Bird Heaven by Earl Plato
We stopped to listen for the forest birds. Instead we heard the Chorus frogs, Spring peepers and then the “chucking’ sounds of the little Wood frog in the Marcy pond. No sound of the American toads or the ‘baaing’ of the Fowler’s toad. Maybe another time. Marcy Woods is bird country especially during migration times.
We reached the cabin and took a break. Now we would take the Upper Trail and be on the lookout for birds. Some saw Turkey vultures soaring overhead. Two Red-tailed hawks were spotted. We heard the beautiful calls of the White-throated sparrow and then a moment later saw two Red-bellied woodpeckers. Yes, in the distance to the north came that powerful hammering sounds of the Pileated woodpecker. There in the underbrush was a Hermit thrush wagging its tail. Some identified a Yellow-bellied sapsucker, a Brown creeper, and a White breasted nuthatch. The place is filled with birds. The calls of Bue jays and crows echoed throughout the woods. We crossed the bridge and descended the steps on our way out. Hooded warblers had been seen here the past week. None today. Someone pointed the budding in the wetlands of the beautiful Marsh marigolds. Soon they would be in full bloom and we would then return to Marcy Woods. Want to come along?”
We stopped to listen for the forest birds. Instead we heard the Chorus frogs, Spring peepers and then the “chucking’ sounds of the little Wood frog in the Marcy pond. No sound of the American toads or the ‘baaing’ of the Fowler’s toad. Maybe another time. Marcy Woods is bird country especially during migration times.
We reached the cabin and took a break. Now we would take the Upper Trail and be on the lookout for birds. Some saw Turkey vultures soaring overhead. Two Red-tailed hawks were spotted. We heard the beautiful calls of the White-throated sparrow and then a moment later saw two Red-bellied woodpeckers. Yes, in the distance to the north came that powerful hammering sounds of the Pileated woodpecker. There in the underbrush was a Hermit thrush wagging its tail. Some identified a Yellow-bellied sapsucker, a Brown creeper, and a White breasted nuthatch. The place is filled with birds. The calls of Bue jays and crows echoed throughout the woods. We crossed the bridge and descended the steps on our way out. Hooded warblers had been seen here the past week. None today. Someone pointed the budding in the wetlands of the beautiful Marsh marigolds. Soon they would be in full bloom and we would then return to Marcy Woods. Want to come along?”
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Witch's Broom
It’s Gone! The Witch’s Broom of Marcy Woods is gone.
On this day, April 15th, 2008 the Eastern Hemlock bearing
the anomaly has been cut down by the local Canadian Hydro people. Why? It stood in the way of a new power line. Look at my photo. See the ball of branches on the upper limbs. An air borne virus years ago landed on the tree. The result was the hemlock’s reaction by growing many little hemlock shoots. Think of the Japanese ‘bonsai’ culture in which trees are miniaturized. One Buffalo N.Y. naturalist told me. “Earl, that Witch’s Broom up there is valuable, they’re miniature hemlocks.”\
The neighbour Dunns, daughter Allison and I went to Marcy Woods to see the Wood frogs and hear their mating quacking sounds. We did. Beautiful day but alas the end of a friend, the Witch’s Broom.
On this day, April 15th, 2008 the Eastern Hemlock bearing
the anomaly has been cut down by the local Canadian Hydro people. Why? It stood in the way of a new power line. Look at my photo. See the ball of branches on the upper limbs. An air borne virus years ago landed on the tree. The result was the hemlock’s reaction by growing many little hemlock shoots. Think of the Japanese ‘bonsai’ culture in which trees are miniaturized. One Buffalo N.Y. naturalist told me. “Earl, that Witch’s Broom up there is valuable, they’re miniature hemlocks.”\
The neighbour Dunns, daughter Allison and I went to Marcy Woods to see the Wood frogs and hear their mating quacking sounds. We did. Beautiful day but alas the end of a friend, the Witch’s Broom.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Give a Hoot
Owl Calls AlisonBell5 by Earl Plato
\
It was pitch dark outside. We were tented at the Split Rock Boy Scout Camp north of Ridgeway, Ontario. Back then I was the Patrol Leader of the Owl Patrol. I tried to live up to our animal moniker. I had learned to imitate bird calls from area naturalist Bert Miller. An owl hooting was one I tried to master. It was approaching midnight when the loud hooting of an owl began. I recognized it as that of a Great horned owl. It had a deep, “Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo.” (usually six consecutive ‘hoots). I started my hoots and for over a half hour we carried on a dialogue. It seemed to be coming closer. Was I that attractive? Then my seconder directed his powerful flashlight high in a nearby maple tree and a Great horned owl’s face was revealed. A great memory.
What do you know about our owl calls? Locally we have Screech owls and little Saw whet owls in our little village of Ridgeway. Screech owls make a mournful quavering “Whe-ee-ee-cee-oh” Want to be scared? I did as a kid when I climbed up into our haymow and met a Barn owl! “It was a frightening experience. I heard “Hiss-hiss-ssshhhish!” plus unearthly screams. Other owls bark, cluck, whistle and more various screams. Owls are fascinating birds.
***
Blayne Farnan of Port Colborne is our area owl expert. Paul Philp and Rick Stockton of the Bert Miller Nature Club led Nature Club members on our annual Owl Prowl on February 16th. Blayne tried to help with some locations. Not too many owls, a Short eared and a Great Horned, but till a great bird day from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Birders usually depend on sighting a bird for recognition. I have some bird watching enthusiasts who have great listening skills. Unusual bird sounds abound in nearby marshes. At Mud Lake north of Port Colborne Blayne Farnan introduced us to the mating calls of the American bittern. That dark evening we heard its call that sounded like some one working an old water hand pump. “Cloog-ka-chook!” We were told that this call can carry over a half mile. Hear it and you’ll remember this powerful sound.
Each spring I take out my bird call tapes. Each year I try to learn some new bird calls. Nature is great enjoy it in 8!
\
It was pitch dark outside. We were tented at the Split Rock Boy Scout Camp north of Ridgeway, Ontario. Back then I was the Patrol Leader of the Owl Patrol. I tried to live up to our animal moniker. I had learned to imitate bird calls from area naturalist Bert Miller. An owl hooting was one I tried to master. It was approaching midnight when the loud hooting of an owl began. I recognized it as that of a Great horned owl. It had a deep, “Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo.” (usually six consecutive ‘hoots). I started my hoots and for over a half hour we carried on a dialogue. It seemed to be coming closer. Was I that attractive? Then my seconder directed his powerful flashlight high in a nearby maple tree and a Great horned owl’s face was revealed. A great memory.
What do you know about our owl calls? Locally we have Screech owls and little Saw whet owls in our little village of Ridgeway. Screech owls make a mournful quavering “Whe-ee-ee-cee-oh” Want to be scared? I did as a kid when I climbed up into our haymow and met a Barn owl! “It was a frightening experience. I heard “Hiss-hiss-ssshhhish!” plus unearthly screams. Other owls bark, cluck, whistle and more various screams. Owls are fascinating birds.
***
Blayne Farnan of Port Colborne is our area owl expert. Paul Philp and Rick Stockton of the Bert Miller Nature Club led Nature Club members on our annual Owl Prowl on February 16th. Blayne tried to help with some locations. Not too many owls, a Short eared and a Great Horned, but till a great bird day from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Birders usually depend on sighting a bird for recognition. I have some bird watching enthusiasts who have great listening skills. Unusual bird sounds abound in nearby marshes. At Mud Lake north of Port Colborne Blayne Farnan introduced us to the mating calls of the American bittern. That dark evening we heard its call that sounded like some one working an old water hand pump. “Cloog-ka-chook!” We were told that this call can carry over a half mile. Hear it and you’ll remember this powerful sound.
Each spring I take out my bird call tapes. Each year I try to learn some new bird calls. Nature is great enjoy it in 8!
Marcy Mushrooms
Confession Bell 10 by Earl Plato
I have four beautifully coloured fungi photos on my walls. The late nature photographer John Lessle from Buffalo, New York photographed all of these in Marcy Woods. I confess that I love mushrooms. We went on a walk in Marcy Woods a past spring and found different mushrooms (fungi). An expert on mushrooms led us. The late Dr. Robert Fisher PhD. of St. Catharines was our guide. Bob and his associate Eira were scientists with a precise knowledge of fungi. By 10 a.m. we had signed in at Dr. Marcy’s farm and headed for the Woods. It was damp and ideal for mushroom growth. This was a three hour ramble of “find, stop, inspect, discuss, and preserve”. We found 39 fungi species. Dr. Fisher said excitedly four were new finds for him! Photos were taken of our finds. The following Monday night Bob Fisher was our guest speaker of the Bert Miller Nature Club. His slide show and his displays of fungi were outstanding. He again pointed to the danger of eating just any mushroom. Some of his examples were that of the Amanita Genus that are deadly poisonous. Bob Fisher was an accomplished nature artist and has shows throughout the Niagara peninsula. He had two of his great mushroom paintings there. Wonderful detail.
I have four beautifully coloured fungi photos on my walls. The late nature photographer John Lessle from Buffalo, New York photographed all of these in Marcy Woods. I confess that I love mushrooms. We went on a walk in Marcy Woods a past spring and found different mushrooms (fungi). An expert on mushrooms led us. The late Dr. Robert Fisher PhD. of St. Catharines was our guide. Bob and his associate Eira were scientists with a precise knowledge of fungi. By 10 a.m. we had signed in at Dr. Marcy’s farm and headed for the Woods. It was damp and ideal for mushroom growth. This was a three hour ramble of “find, stop, inspect, discuss, and preserve”. We found 39 fungi species. Dr. Fisher said excitedly four were new finds for him! Photos were taken of our finds. The following Monday night Bob Fisher was our guest speaker of the Bert Miller Nature Club. His slide show and his displays of fungi were outstanding. He again pointed to the danger of eating just any mushroom. Some of his examples were that of the Amanita Genus that are deadly poisonous. Bob Fisher was an accomplished nature artist and has shows throughout the Niagara peninsula. He had two of his great mushroom paintings there. Wonderful detail.
Migration Mystery
Bell12 Earl Plato’
Passage of Migrants is an hour long VCR tape on bird migrations.
It’s good. The intro to it reads as follows. “Shadows passing across the moon, a soft beating of unseen wings in the dark - ,,,a distant cries blown back by the wind... a line of geese flying high… these are some of the familiar fragments are part of the mystery of migration.” Cynthia of our Nature Club is working as a nurse in Arkansas. She sends nature clippings to me. This one caught my eye. It is entitled, Scientists closing in on migratory birds’ sense of direction. It was taken from the Chicago Tribune. I quote, “Twice each year migratory birds of the world make a journey that until recently, seemed like a miracle. Now evidence is trickling in to support an explanation no less miraculous . Birds may literally be able to see magnetic fields. In 1998 scientists discovered a protein called crypto chrome in the eyes of many animals. This protein reacts to light in a way that depends on the orientation of the surrounding magnetic field. One showed that robins exposed to yellow light only disoriented them and prevented them from getting a directional using the magnetic field.” Makes sense, eh?
Birds are very good at picking up little differences in shades of light that move through their field of vision. Scientist Sculten said. “The magnetic field may act like a filter modifying what they see, like a cloud floating in the image.” Wait! Many researchers reject the light-based theory of magnetic perception! Staring in the late 1990’s researchers found concentrations of an iron mineral called magnetite in the snouts of rainbow trout and the beaks of homing pigeons. The magnetite aligns itself in magnetic fields and nerves link the magnetite-containing cells to the brain. Again - makes sense. The miracle of migration is being solved.
Passage of Migrants is an hour long VCR tape on bird migrations.
It’s good. The intro to it reads as follows. “Shadows passing across the moon, a soft beating of unseen wings in the dark - ,,,a distant cries blown back by the wind... a line of geese flying high… these are some of the familiar fragments are part of the mystery of migration.” Cynthia of our Nature Club is working as a nurse in Arkansas. She sends nature clippings to me. This one caught my eye. It is entitled, Scientists closing in on migratory birds’ sense of direction. It was taken from the Chicago Tribune. I quote, “Twice each year migratory birds of the world make a journey that until recently, seemed like a miracle. Now evidence is trickling in to support an explanation no less miraculous . Birds may literally be able to see magnetic fields. In 1998 scientists discovered a protein called crypto chrome in the eyes of many animals. This protein reacts to light in a way that depends on the orientation of the surrounding magnetic field. One showed that robins exposed to yellow light only disoriented them and prevented them from getting a directional using the magnetic field.” Makes sense, eh?
Birds are very good at picking up little differences in shades of light that move through their field of vision. Scientist Sculten said. “The magnetic field may act like a filter modifying what they see, like a cloud floating in the image.” Wait! Many researchers reject the light-based theory of magnetic perception! Staring in the late 1990’s researchers found concentrations of an iron mineral called magnetite in the snouts of rainbow trout and the beaks of homing pigeons. The magnetite aligns itself in magnetic fields and nerves link the magnetite-containing cells to the brain. Again - makes sense. The miracle of migration is being solved.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Think Small
Hummingbird.08 Earl Plato
“Faster than a speeding bullet.” We are on our way to rural Wainfleet this April day, 2008 to see our daughter, Son-in-law, and two grandsons AND the Ruby-throated hummingbirds.
The Stokes ask the question - “What is it about hummingbirds that we humans find so fascinating?” Each year at the O’Brien’s we watch these delightful little guys flit about the feeders. I believe that their tiny size is the main reason. The Ruby-throated weighs only a tenth of an ounce and measures 3 and ¾ inches ( cm). As they hover near the feeder you see their sparkling jewel-like plumage.
Grandson Lucas netted one trapped in the garage. It was flying into the walls trying to escape. “So small, grandpa. It played dead but when I opened the net it flew away.” I enjoy watching the antics of these miniscule songbirds.
Watch the hummingbirds that come to your yard. Wife, Elaine, is buying a hummingbird feeder for our back deck. There is still much to be learned about their behaviour. What are the patterns about their relations between male and female, adults of he same sex, and adults and young? Hummingbirds are very aggressive around their food sources. Wild times at the O’Brien feeders, I know. You will see much chasing and displaying, sometimes even directed at humans! The Ruby-throated hummingbird nest is the size of a thimble. Amazing world we live in, eh.
“Faster than a speeding bullet.” We are on our way to rural Wainfleet this April day, 2008 to see our daughter, Son-in-law, and two grandsons AND the Ruby-throated hummingbirds.
The Stokes ask the question - “What is it about hummingbirds that we humans find so fascinating?” Each year at the O’Brien’s we watch these delightful little guys flit about the feeders. I believe that their tiny size is the main reason. The Ruby-throated weighs only a tenth of an ounce and measures 3 and ¾ inches ( cm). As they hover near the feeder you see their sparkling jewel-like plumage.
Grandson Lucas netted one trapped in the garage. It was flying into the walls trying to escape. “So small, grandpa. It played dead but when I opened the net it flew away.” I enjoy watching the antics of these miniscule songbirds.
Watch the hummingbirds that come to your yard. Wife, Elaine, is buying a hummingbird feeder for our back deck. There is still much to be learned about their behaviour. What are the patterns about their relations between male and female, adults of he same sex, and adults and young? Hummingbirds are very aggressive around their food sources. Wild times at the O’Brien feeders, I know. You will see much chasing and displaying, sometimes even directed at humans! The Ruby-throated hummingbird nest is the size of a thimble. Amazing world we live in, eh.
Friday, April 11, 2008
HOME
BACK HOME but did little observing. Why?
Spent the week in a Las Vegas hospital!!
Walking pneumonia and heart problem.
Good care there - good daughters and son-
In-law and I feel great now.
Spent the week in a Las Vegas hospital!!
Walking pneumonia and heart problem.
Good care there - good daughters and son-
In-law and I feel great now.
HOME
BACK HOME but did little observing. Why?
Spent the week in a Las Vegas hospital!!
Walking pneumonia and heart problem.
Good care there - good daughters and son-
In-law and I feel great now.
Spent the week in a Las Vegas hospital!!
Walking pneumonia and heart problem.
Good care there - good daughters and son-
In-law and I feel great now.
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