Think Big! Earl Plato
As we drove from Niagara Falls this September we passed Navy Island on the way to Fort Erie. Memories of Gene Muma, “the Navy Island man,” and our trips to the unique island were evoked. Gene was a story teller and once I had asked him about that great fish, the sturgeon. I had read stories about the sturgeon, the “bearded monster.” This previously printed article of mine is basically about "the old days", more nostalgia times. I had pulled a picture from my clipping file without a date on it. (Always write down on the back the date and the source of your pictures and articles). I am looking at a giant fish hanging shark-like or marlin-like from its rear fin facing head down. What is it? Hey, yesterday I found my notes in a different file! It says that it's a 158 pound, seven foot lake sturgeon found on a beach of Lake Erie, Erie County. That's right just across the lake! From the attire of the fellow posed next to the hanging giant I would say it was taken in the last 15-20 years. I am going back in time now and share some research and memories about, The Methuselah of the Great Lakes. In an interview some years back with John Miller, son of the late Niagara Peninsula naturalist, Bert Miller, I recorded these words, "My dad always had a boat to fish with at the old homestead at MIller's Creek. He would go out into the river with his nightline. It would be several feet long with 35 to 40 hooks on it and anchored at each end. While it was still light out he would have to take good land bearings so that when he went out the next day he could locate the line. Next morning he would take a grappling hook and pull up the line. Hopefully there would be sturgeons on the giant hooks. The biggest sturgeon he ever caught was about 125 pounds. That would supplement his income a little bit for he would go by boat over to Buffalo and sell it." Note: This was in the 1920's before the Peace Bridge was built (1927). The lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) is our longest- lived freshwater fish. Lake sturgeon once flourished in the Great Lakes with fish up to 152 years old. Wow!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Thnk Big, eh
Think Big! Earl Plato
As we drove from Niagara Falls this September we passed Navy Island on the way to Fort Erie. Memories of Gene Muma, “the Navy Island man,” and our trips to the unique island were evoked. Gene was a story teller and once I had asked him about that great fish, the sturgeon. I had read stories about the sturgeon, the “bearded monster.” This previously printed article of mine is basically about "the old days", more nostalgia times. I had pulled a picture from my clipping file without a date on it. (Always write down on the back the date and the source of your pictures and articles). I am looking at a giant fish hanging shark-like or marlin-like from its rear fin facing head down. What is it? Hey, yesterday I found my notes in a different file! It says that it's a 158 pound, seven foot lake sturgeon found on a beach of Lake Erie, Erie County. That's right just across the lake! From the attire of the fellow posed next to the hanging giant I would say it was taken in the last 15-20 years. I am going back in time now and share some research and memories about, The Methuselah of the Great Lakes. In an interview some years back with John Miller, son of the late Niagara Peninsula naturalist, Bert Miller, I recorded these words, "My dad always had a boat to fish with at the old homestead at MIller's Creek. He would go out into the river with his nightline. It would be several feet long with 35 to 40 hooks on it and anchored at each end. While it was still light out he would have to take good land bearings so that when he went out the next day he could locate the line. Next morning he would take a grappling hook and pull up the line. Hopefully there would be sturgeons on the giant hooks. The biggest sturgeon he ever caught was about 125 pounds. That would supplement his income a little bit for he would go by boat over to Buffalo and sell it." Note: This was in the 1920's before the Peace Bridge was built (1927). The lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) is our longest- lived freshwater fish. Lake sturgeon once flourished in the Great Lakes with fish up to 152 years old. Wow!
As we drove from Niagara Falls this September we passed Navy Island on the way to Fort Erie. Memories of Gene Muma, “the Navy Island man,” and our trips to the unique island were evoked. Gene was a story teller and once I had asked him about that great fish, the sturgeon. I had read stories about the sturgeon, the “bearded monster.” This previously printed article of mine is basically about "the old days", more nostalgia times. I had pulled a picture from my clipping file without a date on it. (Always write down on the back the date and the source of your pictures and articles). I am looking at a giant fish hanging shark-like or marlin-like from its rear fin facing head down. What is it? Hey, yesterday I found my notes in a different file! It says that it's a 158 pound, seven foot lake sturgeon found on a beach of Lake Erie, Erie County. That's right just across the lake! From the attire of the fellow posed next to the hanging giant I would say it was taken in the last 15-20 years. I am going back in time now and share some research and memories about, The Methuselah of the Great Lakes. In an interview some years back with John Miller, son of the late Niagara Peninsula naturalist, Bert Miller, I recorded these words, "My dad always had a boat to fish with at the old homestead at MIller's Creek. He would go out into the river with his nightline. It would be several feet long with 35 to 40 hooks on it and anchored at each end. While it was still light out he would have to take good land bearings so that when he went out the next day he could locate the line. Next morning he would take a grappling hook and pull up the line. Hopefully there would be sturgeons on the giant hooks. The biggest sturgeon he ever caught was about 125 pounds. That would supplement his income a little bit for he would go by boat over to Buffalo and sell it." Note: This was in the 1920's before the Peace Bridge was built (1927). The lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) is our longest- lived freshwater fish. Lake sturgeon once flourished in the Great Lakes with fish up to 152 years old. Wow!
What a fungi
NN6106 Earl Plato
Nature club member, Norm Rouse, gave me a magazine. Ontario Out of Doors , and on page 28 is a great photo of that tasty fungi, the morel. I am always on the lookout for local fungi at Marcy Woods or Shagbark Trail. I have never seen any morels there. But I did, not far from Niagara Falls and what a sight! I’ll never forget it. We were on Navy Island above the Falls with the late Gene Muma. This trip was an historical one. Bud, Gene and his dog Buddy and I were looking for evidence of boat slips. Navy Island was held by the British Navy in the late 1750’s to help control the waters of Lake Erie. They built sailing war vessels there. This was on the east side of the island and we were looking for places along the shoreline where some of these war ships could be hauled up for winter storage. Remember these were not very large vessels, That’s where this article really begins. After docking at a sandy spot on the north east side we walked south along the shore. Gene Muma, whom I have called “Mr. Navy Island” deservedly so because of his many years of intimate knowledge of this Canadian island. Gene led the way. There they were! I had never seen so many in one place in the Niagara peninsula. There was a host of Morels (Morchella). Do you know what these delectable fungi look like? They have a honey-comb like surface some say (brain-like) with dark ridges and lighter pits. If you have seen a real morel you wouldn’t forget it.. Forty mature morels on Navy Island? I would say at least that many. No, we didn’t have any bags for collection. Yes, we found what we believed was a slip for hauling a British navy wooden vessel for storage and repair.
***
How do you describe the shape of a morel? I have been with naturalists who have shown me the many shapes of our other fleshy fruiting fungi. There are some - umbrellas, skirts, cones, stools, trumpets, clubs, oysters, and balls. I would put the morel in the cone (brain) shape Note: Avoid false morels (Gyromita) eaten in Europe but listed as poisonous in North America. I have never seen one but here is a brief description: Its cap is rusty to dark brown, irregular and brain-shaped. It hangs from a free stalk. The late Joe Holler of Sherkston once ate a false morel in Northern Ontario. He thought that it was edible like the ones back in his native Austria. He almost died. Message: Don’t take chances. Know your mushrooms.
Nature club member, Norm Rouse, gave me a magazine. Ontario Out of Doors , and on page 28 is a great photo of that tasty fungi, the morel. I am always on the lookout for local fungi at Marcy Woods or Shagbark Trail. I have never seen any morels there. But I did, not far from Niagara Falls and what a sight! I’ll never forget it. We were on Navy Island above the Falls with the late Gene Muma. This trip was an historical one. Bud, Gene and his dog Buddy and I were looking for evidence of boat slips. Navy Island was held by the British Navy in the late 1750’s to help control the waters of Lake Erie. They built sailing war vessels there. This was on the east side of the island and we were looking for places along the shoreline where some of these war ships could be hauled up for winter storage. Remember these were not very large vessels, That’s where this article really begins. After docking at a sandy spot on the north east side we walked south along the shore. Gene Muma, whom I have called “Mr. Navy Island” deservedly so because of his many years of intimate knowledge of this Canadian island. Gene led the way. There they were! I had never seen so many in one place in the Niagara peninsula. There was a host of Morels (Morchella). Do you know what these delectable fungi look like? They have a honey-comb like surface some say (brain-like) with dark ridges and lighter pits. If you have seen a real morel you wouldn’t forget it.. Forty mature morels on Navy Island? I would say at least that many. No, we didn’t have any bags for collection. Yes, we found what we believed was a slip for hauling a British navy wooden vessel for storage and repair.
***
How do you describe the shape of a morel? I have been with naturalists who have shown me the many shapes of our other fleshy fruiting fungi. There are some - umbrellas, skirts, cones, stools, trumpets, clubs, oysters, and balls. I would put the morel in the cone (brain) shape Note: Avoid false morels (Gyromita) eaten in Europe but listed as poisonous in North America. I have never seen one but here is a brief description: Its cap is rusty to dark brown, irregular and brain-shaped. It hangs from a free stalk. The late Joe Holler of Sherkston once ate a false morel in Northern Ontario. He thought that it was edible like the ones back in his native Austria. He almost died. Message: Don’t take chances. Know your mushrooms.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Worms, onderful worms
NN2506 Earl Plato
Usually I am looking up in the trees or the sky for birds. This wet day I am looking down. Why? It’s spring and the ground is wet. M. Wayland under the title, Wonderful Worms, wrote in the latest Wildlife magazine the following: “They may not be lovely to look at but earthworms are truly a gardener’s best friends, aerating and enriching the soil.” A worm, is a worm, is just a worm. Not so. Wayland’s article is well presented with good illustrations about ten worm species. I am going to talk about our most familiar Canadian worms. I want to go fishing with the guys come the long weekend in May. So I did a little research, First the Night Crawler or Dew worm (Lumbricus terrestris) us the largest earthworm ib Canada stretching up to 300 millimetres long!
I believe that’s over ten inches. It can live up to ten years! Colours? It may be dark brown, dark red or dark purple. It has a flattened body unlike some other large worms. Its head and sexual organs are more than two centimetres apart. That’s unusual. It forms deep vertical burrows and is found from British Columbia to Newfoundland. Going fishing? Find some of these dew worms in the early morning. Good luck with the night crawlers. Next are little guys, the Red Wriggler Worm. I knew them as manure worms. Some call them tiger worms (Eisenia foetida) and they measure only 36 to 60 millimetres in length. They have dark-and lighter-red stripes hence the ‘tigrt’ label. They are found from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island. Wayland says, “… close to human habitation. Are you a fisherman? Then go for the Red Marsh Worm. Do you remember the worm farm on the way to Hamilton on Highway #20? Lumbricus rubellus is well known as a fish bait species. It has been cultivated on an industrial scale. It is a medium-sized dank-red worm generally less than 60 millimetres. However, they can grow to 150 millimetres. Found from west to east coast. The last of my worms is the Canadian Worm , the greyish (Aporrectodea tuberculation) is widely distributed and common in Canada. It’s found usually in wet areas where there is a high concentration of organic matter. It usually measures 90 to 150 millimetres in length. I will look for this one in Marcy Woods this spring.
Writer’s note: The prominent swelling near the head is the clitella which contains both male and female structures, hence earthworms are hermaphroditic. They do not have eyes, ears or noses. They do have a sort of tongue that helps them to gather information about their environment. They breathe through their skin. Look for different worms this spring. Why not?
Usually I am looking up in the trees or the sky for birds. This wet day I am looking down. Why? It’s spring and the ground is wet. M. Wayland under the title, Wonderful Worms, wrote in the latest Wildlife magazine the following: “They may not be lovely to look at but earthworms are truly a gardener’s best friends, aerating and enriching the soil.” A worm, is a worm, is just a worm. Not so. Wayland’s article is well presented with good illustrations about ten worm species. I am going to talk about our most familiar Canadian worms. I want to go fishing with the guys come the long weekend in May. So I did a little research, First the Night Crawler or Dew worm (Lumbricus terrestris) us the largest earthworm ib Canada stretching up to 300 millimetres long!
I believe that’s over ten inches. It can live up to ten years! Colours? It may be dark brown, dark red or dark purple. It has a flattened body unlike some other large worms. Its head and sexual organs are more than two centimetres apart. That’s unusual. It forms deep vertical burrows and is found from British Columbia to Newfoundland. Going fishing? Find some of these dew worms in the early morning. Good luck with the night crawlers. Next are little guys, the Red Wriggler Worm. I knew them as manure worms. Some call them tiger worms (Eisenia foetida) and they measure only 36 to 60 millimetres in length. They have dark-and lighter-red stripes hence the ‘tigrt’ label. They are found from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island. Wayland says, “… close to human habitation. Are you a fisherman? Then go for the Red Marsh Worm. Do you remember the worm farm on the way to Hamilton on Highway #20? Lumbricus rubellus is well known as a fish bait species. It has been cultivated on an industrial scale. It is a medium-sized dank-red worm generally less than 60 millimetres. However, they can grow to 150 millimetres. Found from west to east coast. The last of my worms is the Canadian Worm , the greyish (Aporrectodea tuberculation) is widely distributed and common in Canada. It’s found usually in wet areas where there is a high concentration of organic matter. It usually measures 90 to 150 millimetres in length. I will look for this one in Marcy Woods this spring.
Writer’s note: The prominent swelling near the head is the clitella which contains both male and female structures, hence earthworms are hermaphroditic. They do not have eyes, ears or noses. They do have a sort of tongue that helps them to gather information about their environment. They breathe through their skin. Look for different worms this spring. Why not?
Monday, October 29, 2007
I know - It;s August
Butterfly Bush and Earl Plato
Greetings from cousins in Norway on this bright, late August day. These words “ We have had a hot summer too -25-30 Celsius.” Small world we live in. I have butterfly bushes and in a previous article mentioned butterflies coming to feed on them. One species was the beautiful Red admiral. Guess what? My cousin sent to me as an E-mail attachment from near Oslo, Norway. There feeding on my cousin’s butterfly bush blossoms was clearly a Red admiral! The photo could have been taken here in Ridgeway. Thanks for sharing, cousin.
***
I was talking about them this week. I had not seen any yet this summer. Elaine and I were away on a day bus trip when they arrived at our butterfly bushes. Thank goodness three of our grandchildren and their parents came over. They saw two of them. Have you ever seen Hummingbird hawk moths ? This moth unlike most moths is seen on clear sunny days. Many people confuse them with hummingbirds because of their colouration and their movements. Our moths were about two inches (5 cm) long. From an earlier photo I took they have an olive-green body with red bands across their abdomen. They move quickly darting here and there on our Black-eyed susans and our butterfly bushes. Tuffs of hair at the end of their abdomen look like feathers. Watch them if you can as they feed. They have a long, thin needle-like mouthpiece called a proboscis by which they feed. As they come to flowers they uncoil their proboscis deep into the flower where the nectar is. Like a humingbird, eh.
***
Friend Jerry Reising, nature writer for the Buffalo News, shares this about The Pests of August. “Never slap a yellow jacket against your body. They emit pheromone that leads others to attack.” I know as a youth I asked boyhood friend, Ken, to slap the yellow jacket on my back. Six more stings later I learned the lesson! Don’t want yellow jackets around? Keep foods covered, clean up garbage and pick ripe fruit from your garden. Use perfumed scents sparingly at this time of the year- they attract yellow jackets. Stay away from their nests. Remember they can fly faster than you can run!
Greetings from cousins in Norway on this bright, late August day. These words “ We have had a hot summer too -25-30 Celsius.” Small world we live in. I have butterfly bushes and in a previous article mentioned butterflies coming to feed on them. One species was the beautiful Red admiral. Guess what? My cousin sent to me as an E-mail attachment from near Oslo, Norway. There feeding on my cousin’s butterfly bush blossoms was clearly a Red admiral! The photo could have been taken here in Ridgeway. Thanks for sharing, cousin.
***
I was talking about them this week. I had not seen any yet this summer. Elaine and I were away on a day bus trip when they arrived at our butterfly bushes. Thank goodness three of our grandchildren and their parents came over. They saw two of them. Have you ever seen Hummingbird hawk moths ? This moth unlike most moths is seen on clear sunny days. Many people confuse them with hummingbirds because of their colouration and their movements. Our moths were about two inches (5 cm) long. From an earlier photo I took they have an olive-green body with red bands across their abdomen. They move quickly darting here and there on our Black-eyed susans and our butterfly bushes. Tuffs of hair at the end of their abdomen look like feathers. Watch them if you can as they feed. They have a long, thin needle-like mouthpiece called a proboscis by which they feed. As they come to flowers they uncoil their proboscis deep into the flower where the nectar is. Like a humingbird, eh.
***
Friend Jerry Reising, nature writer for the Buffalo News, shares this about The Pests of August. “Never slap a yellow jacket against your body. They emit pheromone that leads others to attack.” I know as a youth I asked boyhood friend, Ken, to slap the yellow jacket on my back. Six more stings later I learned the lesson! Don’t want yellow jackets around? Keep foods covered, clean up garbage and pick ripe fruit from your garden. Use perfumed scents sparingly at this time of the year- they attract yellow jackets. Stay away from their nests. Remember they can fly faster than you can run!
Friday, October 26, 2007
The Seat
MARCY WOODS - For years we walked the ridge past the old beech tree with the initials JB carved into it on its north side. There nestled at the end of the trail just beyond the little hemlock and anchored among four huge basswoods was the SEAT. The late DR. Marcy had it built there many years ago to serve as a respite for a weary hiker. I know for many a time I sat on the bench and ate my lunch. Room for two adults or three children. Then they came. Vandals in 1997 tore the seat apart and hurled it down the steep ravine. Why? Only ugly rusty spikes remained. I returned one day and removed the nails. What to do? I told friend Ray. Ray Willwerth was the person who single handily recreated the Marcy bridge. This was quite a feat. Ray said, “Let’s repair it. Armed with some cedar boards and tools we headed out to the Woods. There we met John Less le, our old Buffalo nature photographer and friend. Ray and John reconstructed the seat and so it exists today in 2007. The photo below was taken in 2005
Remembering Bert Miller
Bert5 Earl Plato
I came across this 1980’s article in the Fort Erie Niagara Falls Review by me and want to continue on remembering our peninsula naturalist, Bert Miller.
The late Bert Miller was member of at least two nature clubs in the 1960’s - Niagara Falls Nature Cub and Niagara Peninsula Field Naturalists in St. Catharines. Both clubs are still very active in 2006. In 1968 Frank Kingdon of St, Catharines met Bert and his wife, Annie, at a Peninsula Field Naturalist Club meeting. I interviewed Frank twenty-one years after Bert had passed away. Here is part of my interview. Frank said that Bert Miller loved to lead hikes for Niagara Falls Club members down the Niagara gorge and whirlpool areas. Back then he reminded me that Bert had just turned 80 years. Writer’s note: Amazing stamina. Frank continued and said on these gorge trips that we club members had to move along to keep up with him when he moved from one site to another. In previous writings I portrayed Bert as one of “God’s athletes.” As an octogenarian he was in excellent shape. Frank Kingdon remembered very clearly one particular gorge trip. “ One day we were coming back up from a whirlpool nature hike. Bert and the members met a cute little girl. She had a bouquet of flowers in her hand. Bert stared at her and then uncharacteristically he began to scold the girl. She had clutched in her hand at least ten harebell flowers. (Note: a rare plant with delicate blue flowers). Frank said that Bert pointed out how special these flowers were and that they should be left for others to enjoy too. He then apologized to the little girl for his outburst but gently and firmly reminded her to be considerate of those who would follow. According to Frank this was one of Bert’s consistent themes: “Remember that others will follow your steps so leave the area untouched as you came.” He said that Bert Miller was a true conservationist, a true preserver of nature.” Thanks for the memories, Frank.
Writer’s note: Bert preserved over 3,000 pressed plant leaves and specimens for McMaster University Botanical Section and Buffalo Museum of Science. A true preserver.
I came across this 1980’s article in the Fort Erie Niagara Falls Review by me and want to continue on remembering our peninsula naturalist, Bert Miller.
The late Bert Miller was member of at least two nature clubs in the 1960’s - Niagara Falls Nature Cub and Niagara Peninsula Field Naturalists in St. Catharines. Both clubs are still very active in 2006. In 1968 Frank Kingdon of St, Catharines met Bert and his wife, Annie, at a Peninsula Field Naturalist Club meeting. I interviewed Frank twenty-one years after Bert had passed away. Here is part of my interview. Frank said that Bert Miller loved to lead hikes for Niagara Falls Club members down the Niagara gorge and whirlpool areas. Back then he reminded me that Bert had just turned 80 years. Writer’s note: Amazing stamina. Frank continued and said on these gorge trips that we club members had to move along to keep up with him when he moved from one site to another. In previous writings I portrayed Bert as one of “God’s athletes.” As an octogenarian he was in excellent shape. Frank Kingdon remembered very clearly one particular gorge trip. “ One day we were coming back up from a whirlpool nature hike. Bert and the members met a cute little girl. She had a bouquet of flowers in her hand. Bert stared at her and then uncharacteristically he began to scold the girl. She had clutched in her hand at least ten harebell flowers. (Note: a rare plant with delicate blue flowers). Frank said that Bert pointed out how special these flowers were and that they should be left for others to enjoy too. He then apologized to the little girl for his outburst but gently and firmly reminded her to be considerate of those who would follow. According to Frank this was one of Bert’s consistent themes: “Remember that others will follow your steps so leave the area untouched as you came.” He said that Bert Miller was a true conservationist, a true preserver of nature.” Thanks for the memories, Frank.
Writer’s note: Bert preserved over 3,000 pressed plant leaves and specimens for McMaster University Botanical Section and Buffalo Museum of Science. A true preserver.
Our Tulip Tree
The Tree Lives On Earl Plato
A little more than a year after the Fenian incursion of 1866 we became a nation on July 1st, 1867. Our tree would never see another foreign invasion. Peace in Niagara reigned.
***
Less than a hundred years had passed when a tree
cutting company arrived in the Rosehill area and
to Graham Woods. They cut down the magnificent
white oaks and pines. Bert Miller was distraught. He had said that Graham Woods with its trillium filled
paths would never to be the same. Graham woods at Rosehill was not far away from our giant Tulip tree.
Some one in that Graham Woods cutting crew spied the giant. That week our historic tree was just another big tree. “ It’s got to be worth at least ‘x’ number of dollars per board foot. Cut it down fellows.” Bert with tears in his eyes informed my father, “ Perc, they’ve cut the tree.” Bert had lost a friend.
***
We Know what happened to you, great tree, not so many years ago. We are sad that you’re gone. There are still Fort Erieans and other Niagarans that remember your great girth and height and sadly your demise. Tim Seburn, one of our local naturalists, in an interview with me in 1988 said, “That tree was special! We do have tulip trees left but that one tree was really special.”
***
Bert Miller saw fit to take some of the scions of our tree and he planted some. One that I know of he planted in the backyard of his daughter’s home, Mary (Miller) Souder, on the Niagara boulevard. Mary told me back in 1988 that she vividly remembered the time of the planting. The tree now towers. The Rosehill tulip tree giant lives on in its offspring. Thanks Bert.
***
Every few years we revisit the famed N.P.C.A.‘s Comfort maple in North Pelham. I lament that we can’t do the same with our Rosehill tulip tree. Developers and private home owners be aware of heritage trees on your holdings and property. Make sure that they will be protected.
Help preserve our natural heritage in Niagara before it‘s too late..
A little more than a year after the Fenian incursion of 1866 we became a nation on July 1st, 1867. Our tree would never see another foreign invasion. Peace in Niagara reigned.
***
Less than a hundred years had passed when a tree
cutting company arrived in the Rosehill area and
to Graham Woods. They cut down the magnificent
white oaks and pines. Bert Miller was distraught. He had said that Graham Woods with its trillium filled
paths would never to be the same. Graham woods at Rosehill was not far away from our giant Tulip tree.
Some one in that Graham Woods cutting crew spied the giant. That week our historic tree was just another big tree. “ It’s got to be worth at least ‘x’ number of dollars per board foot. Cut it down fellows.” Bert with tears in his eyes informed my father, “ Perc, they’ve cut the tree.” Bert had lost a friend.
***
We Know what happened to you, great tree, not so many years ago. We are sad that you’re gone. There are still Fort Erieans and other Niagarans that remember your great girth and height and sadly your demise. Tim Seburn, one of our local naturalists, in an interview with me in 1988 said, “That tree was special! We do have tulip trees left but that one tree was really special.”
***
Bert Miller saw fit to take some of the scions of our tree and he planted some. One that I know of he planted in the backyard of his daughter’s home, Mary (Miller) Souder, on the Niagara boulevard. Mary told me back in 1988 that she vividly remembered the time of the planting. The tree now towers. The Rosehill tulip tree giant lives on in its offspring. Thanks Bert.
***
Every few years we revisit the famed N.P.C.A.‘s Comfort maple in North Pelham. I lament that we can’t do the same with our Rosehill tulip tree. Developers and private home owners be aware of heritage trees on your holdings and property. Make sure that they will be protected.
Help preserve our natural heritage in Niagara before it‘s too late..
Our Tree Lives On
Bert3 Earl Plato
Part 3: Bert - Our giant tulip tree watched as many years passed. The Senecas and others of the mighty Iroquois nation fished and hunted in the area. Researchers tell us that they made no permanent settlements here. Why? We wonder. Meanwhile our magnificent tree stood unscarred.
***
Circa 1750 French fur traders erected a rough storehouse near the site of our present fort. It was easily visible from our tree. The surrounding area was quickly becoming an important location. It was a strategic site for control of the Great Lakes and the valuable fur trade with Europe.
***
Many of us know of the following. The year 1764 and Captain John Montresor of the British army engineers arrived in the area. A new fort was to be built at the mouth of Niagara just a few miles from the giant tree. Fort Erie was established. Our tree saw many changes now. Countless trees were felled as a little community grew up. By 1780 discharged soldiers of Butler’s Rangers took up crown grants and settled in the area. It is not hard to picture Loyalist John Rose seeing our tree as he walked to and from Lake Erie from his home on Rose Hill. Soon there were rough roads that replaced the narrow Indian trails. The many wetland areas along the way were filled with corduroy (wooden logs) to traverse those spots. The Europeans had come to stay. Life would never be the same yet our magnificent tree remained untouched by human hands.
***
The War of 1812-14 was a bloodbath here. The Siege of Fort Erie against the Americans within was a great disaster for us. Several hundred British soldiers lost their lives from a tremendous explosion that August day in 1814. Our tree stood posed far enough away from the cannon balls and flying shrapnel. It had a grandstand view of those final days of the War.
***
Some fifty years passed. In June, 1866 the Fenians (I.R.A.) Irish-Americans fresh from victory in the American Civil war invaded Canada West (Ontario) , our Niagara Peninsula at Fort Erie. In here days they had withdrawn in well ordered haste. One long column marched by our tree on the way to the .ruins of Fort Erie. Here the Fenians waited anxiously for their barges to return them to Buffalo.
Our towering Tulip tree saw it all.
Next: Part 4: Canada is born.
Part 3: Bert - Our giant tulip tree watched as many years passed. The Senecas and others of the mighty Iroquois nation fished and hunted in the area. Researchers tell us that they made no permanent settlements here. Why? We wonder. Meanwhile our magnificent tree stood unscarred.
***
Circa 1750 French fur traders erected a rough storehouse near the site of our present fort. It was easily visible from our tree. The surrounding area was quickly becoming an important location. It was a strategic site for control of the Great Lakes and the valuable fur trade with Europe.
***
Many of us know of the following. The year 1764 and Captain John Montresor of the British army engineers arrived in the area. A new fort was to be built at the mouth of Niagara just a few miles from the giant tree. Fort Erie was established. Our tree saw many changes now. Countless trees were felled as a little community grew up. By 1780 discharged soldiers of Butler’s Rangers took up crown grants and settled in the area. It is not hard to picture Loyalist John Rose seeing our tree as he walked to and from Lake Erie from his home on Rose Hill. Soon there were rough roads that replaced the narrow Indian trails. The many wetland areas along the way were filled with corduroy (wooden logs) to traverse those spots. The Europeans had come to stay. Life would never be the same yet our magnificent tree remained untouched by human hands.
***
The War of 1812-14 was a bloodbath here. The Siege of Fort Erie against the Americans within was a great disaster for us. Several hundred British soldiers lost their lives from a tremendous explosion that August day in 1814. Our tree stood posed far enough away from the cannon balls and flying shrapnel. It had a grandstand view of those final days of the War.
***
Some fifty years passed. In June, 1866 the Fenians (I.R.A.) Irish-Americans fresh from victory in the American Civil war invaded Canada West (Ontario) , our Niagara Peninsula at Fort Erie. In here days they had withdrawn in well ordered haste. One long column marched by our tree on the way to the .ruins of Fort Erie. Here the Fenians waited anxiously for their barges to return them to Buffalo.
Our towering Tulip tree saw it all.
Next: Part 4: Canada is born.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Gone But Not Forgotten
Bert2.06 Earl Plato
Part Two - The Giant Tulip Tree at Rosehill
Our Rosehill prize no longer exists. It was worth lots of money. This native tree of the Carolinas was cut down for its valuable soft wood that is so workable. It was one of the tallest and most beautiful of our eastern trees. During the previous years Bert Miller had collected seeds from this majestic giant and donated the seeds to the Niagara Parks Commission. When was it cut down? I am not sure. Bert in his own words in 1958 told us, “ It’s the largest tulip tree in Ontario and I believe that it is the oldest.” Dr. Sherwood Fox of the University of Western Ontario, at that time, estimated after counting the stump’s age rings to be about 400 years old! The tulip tree’s demise then was in the 1950’s. Bert would often talk in a strange tongue. I knew that it was a scientific language. Liriodendron tulipifera was its scientific name - that’s our Tulip tree. Bert was self taught and he amazingly knew the scientific botanical names of his discoveries.
***
Our grand and majestic tree was truly a very old local landmark. Let me walk through this part of Niagara history as if we were in the living presence of our great tree.
***
Our prize tree was a young sapling when the local Neutral Indians (Attawandarons) controlled the Niagara Frontier in the mid-16th century. For the next 100 years those artificers of finely made flint (chert) projectile points traded their wares with both the Hurons and Iroquois in then a peaceful environment. Our tree was fully mature growing on the deep, rich moist soil and could well be a landmark for the local natives at that time. It looked down on the trail as another group of Seneca warriors passed by.
***
The year was now 1647. Iy was a time of intertribal warfare. The Keepers of the Western Gate, the Senecas, landed at the mouth of a small Creek on the Niagara River and followed it to its source until they came to an escarpment, the limestone ridge of the Onondaga escarpment. The furtive force followed the Old Indian Trail in a south westerly direction until they came to the shoreline of an ancient lake (Ridgeway). They followed this rise of land westwards until on their south jutting out into the great lake was a point of land (Point Abino). There nestled in the bay was a large Neutral Indian village. The Senecas attacked but the palisaded village withstood the onslaught. They laid siege to it. Eventually it fell and with it the end of the Attawandaron nation.
***
Yet our silent giant remained untouched through it all.
Next: The Coming of the Europeans.
Part Two - The Giant Tulip Tree at Rosehill
Our Rosehill prize no longer exists. It was worth lots of money. This native tree of the Carolinas was cut down for its valuable soft wood that is so workable. It was one of the tallest and most beautiful of our eastern trees. During the previous years Bert Miller had collected seeds from this majestic giant and donated the seeds to the Niagara Parks Commission. When was it cut down? I am not sure. Bert in his own words in 1958 told us, “ It’s the largest tulip tree in Ontario and I believe that it is the oldest.” Dr. Sherwood Fox of the University of Western Ontario, at that time, estimated after counting the stump’s age rings to be about 400 years old! The tulip tree’s demise then was in the 1950’s. Bert would often talk in a strange tongue. I knew that it was a scientific language. Liriodendron tulipifera was its scientific name - that’s our Tulip tree. Bert was self taught and he amazingly knew the scientific botanical names of his discoveries.
***
Our grand and majestic tree was truly a very old local landmark. Let me walk through this part of Niagara history as if we were in the living presence of our great tree.
***
Our prize tree was a young sapling when the local Neutral Indians (Attawandarons) controlled the Niagara Frontier in the mid-16th century. For the next 100 years those artificers of finely made flint (chert) projectile points traded their wares with both the Hurons and Iroquois in then a peaceful environment. Our tree was fully mature growing on the deep, rich moist soil and could well be a landmark for the local natives at that time. It looked down on the trail as another group of Seneca warriors passed by.
***
The year was now 1647. Iy was a time of intertribal warfare. The Keepers of the Western Gate, the Senecas, landed at the mouth of a small Creek on the Niagara River and followed it to its source until they came to an escarpment, the limestone ridge of the Onondaga escarpment. The furtive force followed the Old Indian Trail in a south westerly direction until they came to the shoreline of an ancient lake (Ridgeway). They followed this rise of land westwards until on their south jutting out into the great lake was a point of land (Point Abino). There nestled in the bay was a large Neutral Indian village. The Senecas attacked but the palisaded village withstood the onslaught. They laid siege to it. Eventually it fell and with it the end of the Attawandaron nation.
***
Yet our silent giant remained untouched through it all.
Next: The Coming of the Europeans.
Jurassic Park!
Jurassic Park! Earl Plato
“We’re in Jurassic Park!” My son-in-law Neil Cudney called out. We were on the trolley, all 25 of the Plato clan, heading down the dark roadway to the tip of Point Pelee. It was a dark over-clouded morning. All above and around us in the closely overhanging trees were the large globular webs of the Fall webworms. The light morning rain had given a grayish-white sheen to the countless web forms. Eerie? Yes. To the smaller children at least a definitely scary time as we continued on to the point.
***
We had entered the Point Pelee National Park Centre a few minutes before. I had gone to the front desk and asked, “Those are tent caterpillars out there, eh?”
“No!” The young park officer added, “What you saw were Fall webworms. The two caterpillars are closely related.” Both produce small moths. Here in Niagara we have the destructive Tent caterpillars of the spring that eat delicate new leaves. At Point Pelee are the less destructive Fall webworms. Leaves will be falling soon so the damage by the Fall webworm is much less. I thought that means a great deal of food for our migrating birds at Pelee. Not so. Normally songbirds don’t eat the Fall webworms only Black and Yellow cuckoos feast on these caterpillars. Check it out .
***
At this time in mid-August we saw only a few Monarch butterflies. Too early. We saw and heard cardinals, wrens, warblers and four Blue herons. We heard clearly the raspy call of the herons. I have had better bird days at Pelee but still an enjoyable one over all. Plan a visit to our National Park at Point Pelee. It’s worth the visit. ***
We are fortunate to have Teresa Forte in the
Review informing us about garden techniques on a weekly basis. She serves an amazing cross-section of our varied needs. Just one personal problem. I am in a little house now after we moved in from the Sherkston family farm. There we had a large vegetable garden and inherited a well established flower garden. Earl, continue to think small. However, Teresa I can still appreciate your great descriptions of larger settings.
“We’re in Jurassic Park!” My son-in-law Neil Cudney called out. We were on the trolley, all 25 of the Plato clan, heading down the dark roadway to the tip of Point Pelee. It was a dark over-clouded morning. All above and around us in the closely overhanging trees were the large globular webs of the Fall webworms. The light morning rain had given a grayish-white sheen to the countless web forms. Eerie? Yes. To the smaller children at least a definitely scary time as we continued on to the point.
***
We had entered the Point Pelee National Park Centre a few minutes before. I had gone to the front desk and asked, “Those are tent caterpillars out there, eh?”
“No!” The young park officer added, “What you saw were Fall webworms. The two caterpillars are closely related.” Both produce small moths. Here in Niagara we have the destructive Tent caterpillars of the spring that eat delicate new leaves. At Point Pelee are the less destructive Fall webworms. Leaves will be falling soon so the damage by the Fall webworm is much less. I thought that means a great deal of food for our migrating birds at Pelee. Not so. Normally songbirds don’t eat the Fall webworms only Black and Yellow cuckoos feast on these caterpillars. Check it out .
***
At this time in mid-August we saw only a few Monarch butterflies. Too early. We saw and heard cardinals, wrens, warblers and four Blue herons. We heard clearly the raspy call of the herons. I have had better bird days at Pelee but still an enjoyable one over all. Plan a visit to our National Park at Point Pelee. It’s worth the visit. ***
We are fortunate to have Teresa Forte in the
Review informing us about garden techniques on a weekly basis. She serves an amazing cross-section of our varied needs. Just one personal problem. I am in a little house now after we moved in from the Sherkston family farm. There we had a large vegetable garden and inherited a well established flower garden. Earl, continue to think small. However, Teresa I can still appreciate your great descriptions of larger settings.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Walk High
Walk in the Clouds Earl Plato
You are forty to fifty feet above the forest floor. You are hooked from your belt harness to a heavy cable for safety’s sake. Quite a thrill as we three Fort Erie senior couples took a “Walk in he Clouds” in the Haliburton forest. That was some years ago. The rustic wildlife reserve camp near Minden, Ontario has operated more than forty years that is until recently. Last month a tornado classified as a F1 with wind speeds of up to 180 km/h cut a 10 kilometre path through the walkway in early August. Owner Peter Schleifenbaum stated, “We can’t be offering any tours at the moment …” I guess not. There was extensive damage. There were large trees ripped apart and uprooted. Some of the trees were half a metre in diameter. Schleifenbaum said “People get up into the forest and they get a beautiful view.” He’s right. A new walkway is being built in another part of the forest and should be ready soon. It is an experience to see the world from the perspective of a squirrel or an owl up in the canopy. Think 20 metres (60 ft.) above the ground. Go for it.
Writer’s note: This walk is not easy but was worth it even for old timers like us.
***
Just to enjoy the birds and to appreciate the wild flowers is no longer enough. No longer can we view either with the single-minded innocence of earlier years. In this time of dying lakes and poisoned rivers, abused land, destroyed wildlife, and polluted air, w need not only appreciate nature but appreciate it enough to join privately, and in cooperation with groups in-so far as we are able-the protection of what we enjoy. To enjoy and protect… Enjoyment in the present, in our immediate surroundings, and concern for he future, for the greater whole - both are needed.
***
Remember Fort Erie has many areas classified as prime wetlands that are essential to the future existence of plant and animal life. Builders in the town have a responsibility that with the destruction necessary to build new homes comes the responsibility to maintain an acceptable balance for the survival of our wildlife.
Will they do it? Already there is evidence that there are builders who don’t seem to care about our natural heritage.
You are forty to fifty feet above the forest floor. You are hooked from your belt harness to a heavy cable for safety’s sake. Quite a thrill as we three Fort Erie senior couples took a “Walk in he Clouds” in the Haliburton forest. That was some years ago. The rustic wildlife reserve camp near Minden, Ontario has operated more than forty years that is until recently. Last month a tornado classified as a F1 with wind speeds of up to 180 km/h cut a 10 kilometre path through the walkway in early August. Owner Peter Schleifenbaum stated, “We can’t be offering any tours at the moment …” I guess not. There was extensive damage. There were large trees ripped apart and uprooted. Some of the trees were half a metre in diameter. Schleifenbaum said “People get up into the forest and they get a beautiful view.” He’s right. A new walkway is being built in another part of the forest and should be ready soon. It is an experience to see the world from the perspective of a squirrel or an owl up in the canopy. Think 20 metres (60 ft.) above the ground. Go for it.
Writer’s note: This walk is not easy but was worth it even for old timers like us.
***
Just to enjoy the birds and to appreciate the wild flowers is no longer enough. No longer can we view either with the single-minded innocence of earlier years. In this time of dying lakes and poisoned rivers, abused land, destroyed wildlife, and polluted air, w need not only appreciate nature but appreciate it enough to join privately, and in cooperation with groups in-so far as we are able-the protection of what we enjoy. To enjoy and protect… Enjoyment in the present, in our immediate surroundings, and concern for he future, for the greater whole - both are needed.
***
Remember Fort Erie has many areas classified as prime wetlands that are essential to the future existence of plant and animal life. Builders in the town have a responsibility that with the destruction necessary to build new homes comes the responsibility to maintain an acceptable balance for the survival of our wildlife.
Will they do it? Already there is evidence that there are builders who don’t seem to care about our natural heritage.
Curiosity
Curiosity Earl Plato
Curiosity called. Rather than enter Marcy Woods as I usually do I parked farther north on Halloway Bay Road near the entrance to the butterfly fields. It was cold out and a brisk wind blowing . However, the way I went in was sheltered or so I thought. Past the giant hemlock I swung northeast into the lower fields of the Marcy farm. There’s a pond here that I had visited many times but never in December. To my surprise as I left the shelter of the woods a northeast wind greeted me. I was dressed warmly enough but still pulled my zipper on my jacket even higher. Nature writer,Teale, captured what I experienced when he wrote that “across the tangled, dry dead weeds scattered over the open fields” ahead of me. The northeast breeze plucked and strummed among the stems. This is the land of Boneset and Swamp milkweed. These are tall plants. I stop to listen for there are sounds I hear. Little rattlings and tickings and scrapings and flutterings where the dry seed heads and seedpods shake and clash together. Stop and listen for sounds in nature. Be curious.
The east wind picked up and I turned back. The pond? Another day.
***
Cousin Keith and I explored the Lake Erie waterfront from Abino Bay to Buffalo Road on this crisp late November morning. Mallards at the sheltered town boat ramp. ‘bottoms up’ feeding on the wild celery. No swans in sight this day. Lake water level amazingly low. Low as we could recall.
We headed east along Thunderbay Road. We were looking for Tundra and Trumpeter swans. They had been seen at Baker’s Creek on the Niagara earlier. These are beautiful birds. I had brought my bird scope just in case. We drove to the lake at Windmill Point. Again rocks unseen before were exposed everywhere. Keith, who had been a duck hunter in his day, said, “This is where the old Carter windmill was.” I said, “Are you sure?” A little thinking as I looked at the historical rock structures. “You’re right, Keith.” Down the road was Stonemill Road - Too far east. No swans but Canada geese here.
Down to Buffalo Road where Keith drove his truck farther down the access road. There they were! Many white objects in the shallow water.
Wait! Keith took his binoculars to see netter. I watched as nothing moved on the water’s surface. He laughed and spoke, :Take a look,”
Thirty or so exposed boulders covered in white. No swans just inanimate objects! Again farther out in the lake this time were large rocky outcrops. Lowest level we could recall.
Getting close to “Duck Watch Time.” Each Dec./Jan. We drive at least two times from Old Fort Erie along the Niagara River to Niagara-on-the-Lake looking for different species of ducks and swans. We always hope to hear and see our visitors from the extreme Arctic North - the Old Squaw - a most beautiful duck, Wish us well, eh.
Curiosity called. Rather than enter Marcy Woods as I usually do I parked farther north on Halloway Bay Road near the entrance to the butterfly fields. It was cold out and a brisk wind blowing . However, the way I went in was sheltered or so I thought. Past the giant hemlock I swung northeast into the lower fields of the Marcy farm. There’s a pond here that I had visited many times but never in December. To my surprise as I left the shelter of the woods a northeast wind greeted me. I was dressed warmly enough but still pulled my zipper on my jacket even higher. Nature writer,Teale, captured what I experienced when he wrote that “across the tangled, dry dead weeds scattered over the open fields” ahead of me. The northeast breeze plucked and strummed among the stems. This is the land of Boneset and Swamp milkweed. These are tall plants. I stop to listen for there are sounds I hear. Little rattlings and tickings and scrapings and flutterings where the dry seed heads and seedpods shake and clash together. Stop and listen for sounds in nature. Be curious.
The east wind picked up and I turned back. The pond? Another day.
***
Cousin Keith and I explored the Lake Erie waterfront from Abino Bay to Buffalo Road on this crisp late November morning. Mallards at the sheltered town boat ramp. ‘bottoms up’ feeding on the wild celery. No swans in sight this day. Lake water level amazingly low. Low as we could recall.
We headed east along Thunderbay Road. We were looking for Tundra and Trumpeter swans. They had been seen at Baker’s Creek on the Niagara earlier. These are beautiful birds. I had brought my bird scope just in case. We drove to the lake at Windmill Point. Again rocks unseen before were exposed everywhere. Keith, who had been a duck hunter in his day, said, “This is where the old Carter windmill was.” I said, “Are you sure?” A little thinking as I looked at the historical rock structures. “You’re right, Keith.” Down the road was Stonemill Road - Too far east. No swans but Canada geese here.
Down to Buffalo Road where Keith drove his truck farther down the access road. There they were! Many white objects in the shallow water.
Wait! Keith took his binoculars to see netter. I watched as nothing moved on the water’s surface. He laughed and spoke, :Take a look,”
Thirty or so exposed boulders covered in white. No swans just inanimate objects! Again farther out in the lake this time were large rocky outcrops. Lowest level we could recall.
Getting close to “Duck Watch Time.” Each Dec./Jan. We drive at least two times from Old Fort Erie along the Niagara River to Niagara-on-the-Lake looking for different species of ducks and swans. We always hope to hear and see our visitors from the extreme Arctic North - the Old Squaw - a most beautiful duck, Wish us well, eh.
Aliens
Aliens Earl Plato
This nature lover inherited the coloured slides of the late Bert Miller, noted naturalist. One slide taken in 1954 was that of a great stand of Purple loosestrife somewhere in Niagara. When did this evasive plant come to Niagara? I don’t know. For almost ten years I paced off a field on Gorham Road to the west the growing extent of this evasive ALIEN plant. Did I say ALIEN? Of course, I capitalized the word. Now I am not against aliens coming to North America. My German, Welsh and Norwegian ancestors from Europe were aliens at one time. However, some bird aliens from Europe have caused and continue to cause problems for our indigenous bird populations. Those who read my column know I am no lover of House/English sparrows and starlings. They are both ALIENS. The House/English sparrows were first introduced to North America in the winter of 1850-51 and in little time they covered North America. Likewise the starlings in 1890 and they have even multiplied more rapidly. Notice the word “introduce”. This was a deliberate attempt by scientists to have these two bird species do some good deeds. You know the story. Good intentions - bad results. We had two colonies and two large Purple martin houses at the family farm in Sherkston. One year house sparrows settled in the west martin house. What could we do? I am not a killer of birds but we wanted our long time residents, the Purple martins, back in their homes. We had up to 22 pairs of these beautiful birds in the east martin house. We knew about when the martins would arrive from the south in mid-spring. At first we lowered the support pole to the ground. We had both houses on poles that were hinged. We removed any sparrow nests and placed a plastic bag over the box. Cruel? The message was - ALIENS move on!. At the first sighting of some martin scouts we lowered the boxes and removed the covering bags. It worked. The house sparrows moved on. If we had done nothing the aggressive House sparrows with established nests would have probably driven the martins away.
Starlings, a much larger bird than our Purple martins, can bully their way and take over a martin house. I am not familiar with this starling behaviour with martins. Are you? What can you do to move these ALIENS on and away from our natural songbirds and their quest for a peaceful life?
This nature lover inherited the coloured slides of the late Bert Miller, noted naturalist. One slide taken in 1954 was that of a great stand of Purple loosestrife somewhere in Niagara. When did this evasive plant come to Niagara? I don’t know. For almost ten years I paced off a field on Gorham Road to the west the growing extent of this evasive ALIEN plant. Did I say ALIEN? Of course, I capitalized the word. Now I am not against aliens coming to North America. My German, Welsh and Norwegian ancestors from Europe were aliens at one time. However, some bird aliens from Europe have caused and continue to cause problems for our indigenous bird populations. Those who read my column know I am no lover of House/English sparrows and starlings. They are both ALIENS. The House/English sparrows were first introduced to North America in the winter of 1850-51 and in little time they covered North America. Likewise the starlings in 1890 and they have even multiplied more rapidly. Notice the word “introduce”. This was a deliberate attempt by scientists to have these two bird species do some good deeds. You know the story. Good intentions - bad results. We had two colonies and two large Purple martin houses at the family farm in Sherkston. One year house sparrows settled in the west martin house. What could we do? I am not a killer of birds but we wanted our long time residents, the Purple martins, back in their homes. We had up to 22 pairs of these beautiful birds in the east martin house. We knew about when the martins would arrive from the south in mid-spring. At first we lowered the support pole to the ground. We had both houses on poles that were hinged. We removed any sparrow nests and placed a plastic bag over the box. Cruel? The message was - ALIENS move on!. At the first sighting of some martin scouts we lowered the boxes and removed the covering bags. It worked. The house sparrows moved on. If we had done nothing the aggressive House sparrows with established nests would have probably driven the martins away.
Starlings, a much larger bird than our Purple martins, can bully their way and take over a martin house. I am not familiar with this starling behaviour with martins. Are you? What can you do to move these ALIENS on and away from our natural songbirds and their quest for a peaceful life?
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Trees - Special Trees
Trees Earl Plato
I stood with the Park Ranger in Shenandoah National Park several summers ago. We were standing on the Blue Ridge in the northern mountains of Virginia. The cheerful, rotund park officer commented, “Isn’t it a shame?” I knew what he was talking about. All along the ridge we viewed young healthy, seemingly thriving, American chestnut trees. The ranger said, “That one there looks like a good specimen but it will start dying soon. See those stumps down the way? What magnificent trees they once were. Probably 60-70% of the trees on the Blue Ridge were chestnuts. First happened back in the thirties when the blight hit.” I inquired about chestnut blight resistance trees being grown presently. “They are.” he said. “I can hardly wait to see their return.” He had photos of those magnificent chestnut trees in the late 1920’s. The spreading chestnut tree was a great sight as is the towering elm which has suffered greatly in Eastern North America from the Dutch Elm disease. The University of Guelph arboreal scientists are working on developing disease free elms and they are succeeding. The late, famed Guelph scientist Dr. Henry Kock‘s notable research work there still goes on. Great!
***
To walk in the woods such as Marcy’s brings peace of mind.
“Cast cares aside and solace find.
This is no place to plot and scheme
But place to think perchance to dream.”
No Hamlet I, but on walks in Marcy Woods I often stop and look and perchance to dream. One blustery spring day the winds sweep down through beginning leafing tree to tree along the edge of the great sand dune to my right. The big hemlocks to my left hardly move despite the increasing force.
The trees around me and above on the slopes and crest are still virtually leafless skeletons. The maples, beeches, and oaks reveal all their differences. I look to my left on that Lower trail of Marcy Woods as I trudge along then I stop. I recognize all around me at Twin oak Hill the stolid black and red oaks standing in their structural poses, seemingly oblivious to the winds. As I round the bend and head southerly there are the leaning trunks of the great, gray birches. The sound of the winds dies away in this protective part of the trail. This is the time of budding leaves. It is still time to see the framework of each deciduous tree that was once lost in its clothing of green in summer. Stop and scan each tree as it takes on new individuality through curve of limb, tilt of trunk or openings or subtle markings. I love this opportunity to see the deciduous trees in this spring setting. Yes, I stop for a moment at the towering Tulip tree. One of my favourites. I look up. High in the branches in the maze of the topmost twigs are remnants (calyxes) of the base of its distinctive flowers. Many are still clinging tightly. Soon new buds will emerge and force their stubborn hold and they too fall.
Perchance to reflect in this peaceful setting. I believe that some of these great oaks have been here before the coming of the European settlers. Those earlier trees in Niagara provided the settlers with shade and lumber, firewood and material for a thousand-and- one home-crafted aids from axe handles to bobsleds. But two of the largest and most valued trees are all but gone. Those were the American elm and American chestnut. All but wiped out by the Dutch elm disease and the chestnut blight we are told of their weathered remnants forming stark landmarks in area fields and woods. 2006 will see the gradual return of these two of the most beautiful trees of Niagara, the American elm and American chestnut. Believe it! Think about it. I should live so long.
I stood with the Park Ranger in Shenandoah National Park several summers ago. We were standing on the Blue Ridge in the northern mountains of Virginia. The cheerful, rotund park officer commented, “Isn’t it a shame?” I knew what he was talking about. All along the ridge we viewed young healthy, seemingly thriving, American chestnut trees. The ranger said, “That one there looks like a good specimen but it will start dying soon. See those stumps down the way? What magnificent trees they once were. Probably 60-70% of the trees on the Blue Ridge were chestnuts. First happened back in the thirties when the blight hit.” I inquired about chestnut blight resistance trees being grown presently. “They are.” he said. “I can hardly wait to see their return.” He had photos of those magnificent chestnut trees in the late 1920’s. The spreading chestnut tree was a great sight as is the towering elm which has suffered greatly in Eastern North America from the Dutch Elm disease. The University of Guelph arboreal scientists are working on developing disease free elms and they are succeeding. The late, famed Guelph scientist Dr. Henry Kock‘s notable research work there still goes on. Great!
***
To walk in the woods such as Marcy’s brings peace of mind.
“Cast cares aside and solace find.
This is no place to plot and scheme
But place to think perchance to dream.”
No Hamlet I, but on walks in Marcy Woods I often stop and look and perchance to dream. One blustery spring day the winds sweep down through beginning leafing tree to tree along the edge of the great sand dune to my right. The big hemlocks to my left hardly move despite the increasing force.
The trees around me and above on the slopes and crest are still virtually leafless skeletons. The maples, beeches, and oaks reveal all their differences. I look to my left on that Lower trail of Marcy Woods as I trudge along then I stop. I recognize all around me at Twin oak Hill the stolid black and red oaks standing in their structural poses, seemingly oblivious to the winds. As I round the bend and head southerly there are the leaning trunks of the great, gray birches. The sound of the winds dies away in this protective part of the trail. This is the time of budding leaves. It is still time to see the framework of each deciduous tree that was once lost in its clothing of green in summer. Stop and scan each tree as it takes on new individuality through curve of limb, tilt of trunk or openings or subtle markings. I love this opportunity to see the deciduous trees in this spring setting. Yes, I stop for a moment at the towering Tulip tree. One of my favourites. I look up. High in the branches in the maze of the topmost twigs are remnants (calyxes) of the base of its distinctive flowers. Many are still clinging tightly. Soon new buds will emerge and force their stubborn hold and they too fall.
Perchance to reflect in this peaceful setting. I believe that some of these great oaks have been here before the coming of the European settlers. Those earlier trees in Niagara provided the settlers with shade and lumber, firewood and material for a thousand-and- one home-crafted aids from axe handles to bobsleds. But two of the largest and most valued trees are all but gone. Those were the American elm and American chestnut. All but wiped out by the Dutch elm disease and the chestnut blight we are told of their weathered remnants forming stark landmarks in area fields and woods. 2006 will see the gradual return of these two of the most beautiful trees of Niagara, the American elm and American chestnut. Believe it! Think about it. I should live so long.
Reflections Five + Years
Reflections Earl Plato
What a difference a few days in Spring can make. Warm days and warmer nights can make the difference. On a Tuesday in mid -spring, 2002 we headed out mid-morning to Marcy Woods. A faint misting as we took the road through the kennels to The Woods. There they were - a few yellow-headed Coltsfoot’s flowers showing up. Yes, to our left in the wetlands the sound of Chorus frogs. This was going to be a good day. The fine mist kept falling but not enough to deter our mission. That was Marcy pond and hopefully Wood frogs. No Wild leaks yet. A huge nest was to our left a hundred feet in or so. I focused my bird glasses. No globular squirrel nest but a nest well constructed of twigs - Red Tail hawk or a Horned owl? We’ll keep an eye on it. Further along the Lower Trail we saw the buds appearing on the Spice bushes. Soon delicate little yellow flowers will appear on its branches. We spied a single Spring Beauty plant with its delicate little white flowers. We rounded the Lower Trail and headed south toward the pond. We were approaching the pond and I asked for us to be quiet and hear for the frogs. Listen. We could hear the high pitched sounds of the Spring peepers. Not many. Then the sound of the Chorus frogs in greater number. Run your finger over a stiff comb. That’s something like its sound. Then as we approached quietly to the pond. We heard that to many is not a typical frog sound. Two - three - ten - perhaps twenty “quacks”. Yes, the Wood frogs were here. Not too many but Marcy pond once again served as home. I have an excellent slide of a Wood frog but I also sketched one. It started to sprinkle but we continued on to the cabin. Strange to see no seats outside the porch. Our rest seats inside are all gone. No let up in the sprinkle so across the Willwerth bridge we went. Fallen trees - go over or under. Be careful. Down the wet and slippery steps. My old arches were aching. Three things I appreciated this day. Spring unfolding at Marcy Woods; seeing and hearing the Wood frogs once again; and walking with friends and relatives enjoying Marcy Woods. Thank you DiCienzo family.
***
Carl Winger, John Piett, Keith Bailey, and Dave Renshaw. What do they have in common? All recently saw the magnificent Bald eagle in Fort Erie. Dave saw the giant bird off of old Fort Erie. He said that it plunged into the water to retrieve a fish. The Bald eagle has battled back from the threat of extinction because of habitat loss and the pesticide DDT. Welcome back to Fort Erie. Long may you live.
What a difference a few days in Spring can make. Warm days and warmer nights can make the difference. On a Tuesday in mid -spring, 2002 we headed out mid-morning to Marcy Woods. A faint misting as we took the road through the kennels to The Woods. There they were - a few yellow-headed Coltsfoot’s flowers showing up. Yes, to our left in the wetlands the sound of Chorus frogs. This was going to be a good day. The fine mist kept falling but not enough to deter our mission. That was Marcy pond and hopefully Wood frogs. No Wild leaks yet. A huge nest was to our left a hundred feet in or so. I focused my bird glasses. No globular squirrel nest but a nest well constructed of twigs - Red Tail hawk or a Horned owl? We’ll keep an eye on it. Further along the Lower Trail we saw the buds appearing on the Spice bushes. Soon delicate little yellow flowers will appear on its branches. We spied a single Spring Beauty plant with its delicate little white flowers. We rounded the Lower Trail and headed south toward the pond. We were approaching the pond and I asked for us to be quiet and hear for the frogs. Listen. We could hear the high pitched sounds of the Spring peepers. Not many. Then the sound of the Chorus frogs in greater number. Run your finger over a stiff comb. That’s something like its sound. Then as we approached quietly to the pond. We heard that to many is not a typical frog sound. Two - three - ten - perhaps twenty “quacks”. Yes, the Wood frogs were here. Not too many but Marcy pond once again served as home. I have an excellent slide of a Wood frog but I also sketched one. It started to sprinkle but we continued on to the cabin. Strange to see no seats outside the porch. Our rest seats inside are all gone. No let up in the sprinkle so across the Willwerth bridge we went. Fallen trees - go over or under. Be careful. Down the wet and slippery steps. My old arches were aching. Three things I appreciated this day. Spring unfolding at Marcy Woods; seeing and hearing the Wood frogs once again; and walking with friends and relatives enjoying Marcy Woods. Thank you DiCienzo family.
***
Carl Winger, John Piett, Keith Bailey, and Dave Renshaw. What do they have in common? All recently saw the magnificent Bald eagle in Fort Erie. Dave saw the giant bird off of old Fort Erie. He said that it plunged into the water to retrieve a fish. The Bald eagle has battled back from the threat of extinction because of habitat loss and the pesticide DDT. Welcome back to Fort Erie. Long may you live.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Spicebush Butterfly
I looked for them several times on the Lower Trail of Marcy Woods. Not one this year. Someone beat me to them. What am I looking for? Chrysalises of the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly. Spicebushes border the north and east side of the Trail. I have seen as many as nine of the Spicebush chrysalises attached to the leaves of the spicebush found in Marcy Woods. My Audubon guide says. “ A grand and beautiful butterfly.” That’s right. It’s my favourite. I have sketched one. Its wings are a beautiful and brilliant blue-green. I recall the bright orange spots. How they stand out. These butterflies feed mainly on Joe Pye weed and Jewelweed that are found in the Marcy lower fields in great profusion. I am going out again this Saturday. One More look.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Feathers
NN4404 Earl Plato
The souvenir pewter drinking mug on my duck decoys shelf holds a variety of bird feathers. They are large specimens such as the tail feather of a Cooper’s hawk. I have no small songbird feathers though I have found many over the years. Nature writer Ed Teale shares this little excerpt. “The feather first catches our eye. No more than three-quarters of an inch long it is tipped with scarlet. Like a tiny perfect jewel resting on the rich green velvet of a jewellery case, it lies on a cushion of moss beside the trail - the body feather dropped by a molting Scarlet tanager.” Get a another cup only smaller and collect some small but colourful songbird feathers? Why not?
***
Hey, I am an animal lover but I agree with Gerry Reising of the Buffalo News when he says that he disagrees with the animal rights follks who insist we simply “let nature take its course.” Few of us would want a black bear in our back yards as occurred in Hamilton recently. More of us would be willing to see the problems created by deer, Canada geese, and purple loosestrife addressed by our town and region. Bears and wild cats in urban areas should be caught and humanely removed to their more natural habitats.
***
To the bird lover, eye catching colours of certain songbirds are so appealing. I’ve said many times that I miss the family farm setting for many reasons - one main one was the colourful songbirds. Here in town I miss the myriad of coloured plumages. Wait! Last month we had a male Rose-breasted grosbeak at our feeders. A flood of colour images came to my mind’s eye after that viewing. Deep in Marcy’s Woods Ernie Giles and I took photos of a male Scarlet Tanager. Look it up in your bird guide. What a vivid recall of those deep black and powerful red colours captured in that slide. Ever think of a nature photography hobby?
The souvenir pewter drinking mug on my duck decoys shelf holds a variety of bird feathers. They are large specimens such as the tail feather of a Cooper’s hawk. I have no small songbird feathers though I have found many over the years. Nature writer Ed Teale shares this little excerpt. “The feather first catches our eye. No more than three-quarters of an inch long it is tipped with scarlet. Like a tiny perfect jewel resting on the rich green velvet of a jewellery case, it lies on a cushion of moss beside the trail - the body feather dropped by a molting Scarlet tanager.” Get a another cup only smaller and collect some small but colourful songbird feathers? Why not?
***
Hey, I am an animal lover but I agree with Gerry Reising of the Buffalo News when he says that he disagrees with the animal rights follks who insist we simply “let nature take its course.” Few of us would want a black bear in our back yards as occurred in Hamilton recently. More of us would be willing to see the problems created by deer, Canada geese, and purple loosestrife addressed by our town and region. Bears and wild cats in urban areas should be caught and humanely removed to their more natural habitats.
***
To the bird lover, eye catching colours of certain songbirds are so appealing. I’ve said many times that I miss the family farm setting for many reasons - one main one was the colourful songbirds. Here in town I miss the myriad of coloured plumages. Wait! Last month we had a male Rose-breasted grosbeak at our feeders. A flood of colour images came to my mind’s eye after that viewing. Deep in Marcy’s Woods Ernie Giles and I took photos of a male Scarlet Tanager. Look it up in your bird guide. What a vivid recall of those deep black and powerful red colours captured in that slide. Ever think of a nature photography hobby?
Feathers
NN4404 Earl Plato
The souvenir pewter drinking mug on my duck decoys shelf holds a variety of bird feathers. They are large specimens such as the tail feather of a Cooper’s hawk. I have no small songbird feathers though I have found many over the years. Nature writer Ed Teale shares this little excerpt. “The feather first catches our eye. No more than three-quarters of an inch long it is tipped with scarlet. Like a tiny perfect jewel resting on the rich green velvet of a jewellery case, it lies on a cushion of moss beside the trail - the body feather dropped by a molting Scarlet tanager.” Get a another cup only smaller and collect some small but colourful songbird feathers? Why not?
***
Hey, I am an animal lover but I agree with Gerry Reising of the Buffalo News when he says that he disagrees with the animal rights follks who insist we simply “let nature take its course.” Few of us would want a black bear in our back yards as occurred in Hamilton recently. More of us would be willing to see the problems created by deer, Canada geese, and purple loosestrife addressed by our town and region. Bears and wild cats in urban areas should be caught and humanely removed to their more natural habitats.
***
To the bird lover, eye catching colours of certain songbirds are so appealing. I’ve said many times that I miss the family farm setting for many reasons - one main one was the colourful songbirds. Here in town I miss the myriad of coloured plumages. Wait! Last month we had a male Rose-breasted grosbeak at our feeders. A flood of colour images came to my mind’s eye after that viewing. Deep in Marcy’s Woods Ernie Giles and I took photos of a male Scarlet Tanager. Look it up in your bird guide. What a vivid recall of those deep black and powerful red colours captured in that slide. Ever think of a nature photography hobby?
The souvenir pewter drinking mug on my duck decoys shelf holds a variety of bird feathers. They are large specimens such as the tail feather of a Cooper’s hawk. I have no small songbird feathers though I have found many over the years. Nature writer Ed Teale shares this little excerpt. “The feather first catches our eye. No more than three-quarters of an inch long it is tipped with scarlet. Like a tiny perfect jewel resting on the rich green velvet of a jewellery case, it lies on a cushion of moss beside the trail - the body feather dropped by a molting Scarlet tanager.” Get a another cup only smaller and collect some small but colourful songbird feathers? Why not?
***
Hey, I am an animal lover but I agree with Gerry Reising of the Buffalo News when he says that he disagrees with the animal rights follks who insist we simply “let nature take its course.” Few of us would want a black bear in our back yards as occurred in Hamilton recently. More of us would be willing to see the problems created by deer, Canada geese, and purple loosestrife addressed by our town and region. Bears and wild cats in urban areas should be caught and humanely removed to their more natural habitats.
***
To the bird lover, eye catching colours of certain songbirds are so appealing. I’ve said many times that I miss the family farm setting for many reasons - one main one was the colourful songbirds. Here in town I miss the myriad of coloured plumages. Wait! Last month we had a male Rose-breasted grosbeak at our feeders. A flood of colour images came to my mind’s eye after that viewing. Deep in Marcy’s Woods Ernie Giles and I took photos of a male Scarlet Tanager. Look it up in your bird guide. What a vivid recall of those deep black and powerful red colours captured in that slide. Ever think of a nature photography hobby?
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
Beavers & Eagles
Canadian Beaver Earl Plato
A past call from a Niagara Falls reader confirmed again that there are beavers on the loose in Niagara. “On the Welland River near the S.P.C.A. there are beavers felling trees.” Over the past several years we have had beavers sighted in rural east Port Colborne and at Point Abino in Fort Erie. Our national emblem is trying to reestablish itself again. This was great beaver country once and after the decimation of the Attiwandarons (Neutral) indians in the 1600’s our Niagara peninsula remained a great beaver hunting ground for the Seneca Iroquois, Thanks to Tim Tiner in his Wild Woods Guide for the following background on the beaver, builder of dams and fortunes. “Mad as a hatter!” What does that have to do with our beaver, Castor canadensis? Read on. Europeans came regularly to Canada for the cod but it was the beaver that beckoned them into our interior. With the European beaver becoming virtually extinct visiting vessels tapped into a luxury market in beaver pelts. Local natives were only too happy to trade for metal tools and implements. Europeans in the upper classes craved broad hats made of beaver pelts, BUT! Mercury was used to separate the fur from the longer guard hairs and to break it down to felt. Sadly the poisonous mercury caused mental deterioration among the ungloved hatmakers. The expression “mad as a hatter,” became associated with the beaver pelt industry. A sad price to pay for fashion. eh?
***
Eagles and more eagles. The American Bald eagle is attempting to return to Niagara. Rick Stockton, vice - president of the Bert Miller Nature Club, saw a pair out in Lake Erie off Thunder Bay recently. He also cited the fact that a pair were working on a nest on Strawberry Island. One was carrying a large branch to an old cormorant nest! I know where those old double crested cormorants nested. Let’s hope that they settle down on this tiny island just north of Fort Erie. This past Saturday I set up my bird scope on the river bank across from the island. Bob Summerville, local birder, pulled up behind us and we both looked for the birds and any signs of nest activities. No luck this day. If we are fortunate it will be the first eagles’ nest on this top end of the Niagara River since 1940. What a wonderful sight to behold. Keep birding.
A past call from a Niagara Falls reader confirmed again that there are beavers on the loose in Niagara. “On the Welland River near the S.P.C.A. there are beavers felling trees.” Over the past several years we have had beavers sighted in rural east Port Colborne and at Point Abino in Fort Erie. Our national emblem is trying to reestablish itself again. This was great beaver country once and after the decimation of the Attiwandarons (Neutral) indians in the 1600’s our Niagara peninsula remained a great beaver hunting ground for the Seneca Iroquois, Thanks to Tim Tiner in his Wild Woods Guide for the following background on the beaver, builder of dams and fortunes. “Mad as a hatter!” What does that have to do with our beaver, Castor canadensis? Read on. Europeans came regularly to Canada for the cod but it was the beaver that beckoned them into our interior. With the European beaver becoming virtually extinct visiting vessels tapped into a luxury market in beaver pelts. Local natives were only too happy to trade for metal tools and implements. Europeans in the upper classes craved broad hats made of beaver pelts, BUT! Mercury was used to separate the fur from the longer guard hairs and to break it down to felt. Sadly the poisonous mercury caused mental deterioration among the ungloved hatmakers. The expression “mad as a hatter,” became associated with the beaver pelt industry. A sad price to pay for fashion. eh?
***
Eagles and more eagles. The American Bald eagle is attempting to return to Niagara. Rick Stockton, vice - president of the Bert Miller Nature Club, saw a pair out in Lake Erie off Thunder Bay recently. He also cited the fact that a pair were working on a nest on Strawberry Island. One was carrying a large branch to an old cormorant nest! I know where those old double crested cormorants nested. Let’s hope that they settle down on this tiny island just north of Fort Erie. This past Saturday I set up my bird scope on the river bank across from the island. Bob Summerville, local birder, pulled up behind us and we both looked for the birds and any signs of nest activities. No luck this day. If we are fortunate it will be the first eagles’ nest on this top end of the Niagara River since 1940. What a wonderful sight to behold. Keep birding.
Small but mean!
Bad memories. I met my old attendance officer, Jack Walton, at a church bazaar a week this Saturday.
October 20, 2007. Flashback! Jack entered my office in late May many years ago. I was doing some principal work as he spoke. I recognized the voice but the face was not Jack’s. His face was so swollen from back fly bites. Know the story? I had camped on the Mattawa River that flows into the Ottawa. It was May 24th weekend. My five year old son, Paul, and Bill Osborne and his two boys were with me. We climbed the lookout over the beautiful Mattawa River. It had been quite an ascent for a five year old. He was tired and wanted me to carry he on my shoulder which I did as we descended the path. They struck. “Squish! Squish! My loafers felt funny. My shoe soles had become soaked with blood. Black flies had attacked my bare legs. Another bad memory. Our family camped across Canada one summer. We were are at Sibley Provincial Park near the Lakehead, Ontario. I had sprayed my bare arms and legs for this was black fly country. It worked but Plato, what about your head? They bit with a vengeance. A year later my scalp had not healed from those bites.
On a week spent at Algonquin Park I did some research. I walked down to the fast flowing Whiskey Run river on the west edge of the park. It was the bottom of this waterway that black flies had laid their eggs. The flies were emerging from the water and were instantly flying. I netted some and as you see below I drew one. I enlarged my sketch. I was liberally sprayed with OFF containing deet. Yes, even my cap. I made some notes at the time. What about your encounters with black flies?
October 20, 2007. Flashback! Jack entered my office in late May many years ago. I was doing some principal work as he spoke. I recognized the voice but the face was not Jack’s. His face was so swollen from back fly bites. Know the story? I had camped on the Mattawa River that flows into the Ottawa. It was May 24th weekend. My five year old son, Paul, and Bill Osborne and his two boys were with me. We climbed the lookout over the beautiful Mattawa River. It had been quite an ascent for a five year old. He was tired and wanted me to carry he on my shoulder which I did as we descended the path. They struck. “Squish! Squish! My loafers felt funny. My shoe soles had become soaked with blood. Black flies had attacked my bare legs. Another bad memory. Our family camped across Canada one summer. We were are at Sibley Provincial Park near the Lakehead, Ontario. I had sprayed my bare arms and legs for this was black fly country. It worked but Plato, what about your head? They bit with a vengeance. A year later my scalp had not healed from those bites.
On a week spent at Algonquin Park I did some research. I walked down to the fast flowing Whiskey Run river on the west edge of the park. It was the bottom of this waterway that black flies had laid their eggs. The flies were emerging from the water and were instantly flying. I netted some and as you see below I drew one. I enlarged my sketch. I was liberally sprayed with OFF containing deet. Yes, even my cap. I made some notes at the time. What about your encounters with black flies?
It's Swan Time
Well I Swan Earl Plato
A few years back on a cold blustery day in mid-November we drove to Abino Bay. There they were! Nestled in the bay and protected from the full force of lake Erie’s powerful winds we started the count. As we drove out for a closer looke the number of the giant swans grew. I said to nature partner, Bob Chambers, “There must be at least a 100 Whistling swans!” We continued on to the Bertie Boat Club and turned around. Bob in the passenger seat and with much better eyesight than I began the count.
The beautiful birds were grouped in pockets. Carefully Bob counted. 50, 60,70, 80, 90 and then over a 100. His count 118 farther out in the bay and then closer into shore, very close, Bob counted 23 more. In total 141 Trumpeter swans here in Fort Erie. How long will they stay? I imagine when the winds subside they will be on their way south. We will check them out tomorrow morning.
9:32 a.m.m Nov.17. Elaine and I head for Point Abino. Not one Whistling swan in sight! The winds have subsided some so it’s off again for our swans to warmer climes.
Each Fall large numbers of Whistling swans pause briefly on the Great Lakes before moving to their winter quarters along the Atlantic coast. They are closely related to the Trumpeter swan which has been reduced to near extinction. The Whistling or Tundra swan breeds in the Arctic tundra. Not many hunters there so it continues to thrive. The Trumpeter, however, breeds in our western provinces and is more accessible to hunters. Both these birds are magnificent species.
We plan to check Abino Bay on a regular basis. “Here today and gone tomorrow.” With a Timmy’s in hand it’s a good morning’s destination.
Bob Chambers and I could hear the mellow, rich bugling calls as they rested in the Abino Bay. Will others stop over? I hope so.
Drive out to the end of Point Abino Road and look for these great birds. You never know. My E-mail is changed. It’s earplato@enoreo.on.ca. Be in touch - nature wise.
***
Hockey weekend in Ontario. We headed out this Friday to see grandson, Jage Noble, play for the Niagara Falls Major PeeWee AAA in the Waterloo Tournament. That means Elaine and I will have some time to kill. Is it shopping for her and/or a nature ramble to Homer Watson Nature Park? This park is a fine example of Carolinian forest. There are fair-sized trees including one of my favourite species - an impressive “old growth” of Eastern hemlocks. High bluffs give an excellent view of the Grand River especially now this fall with most of the leaves down.
Shopping and a nature walk. Now I hope Niagara Falls wins the games.
A few years back on a cold blustery day in mid-November we drove to Abino Bay. There they were! Nestled in the bay and protected from the full force of lake Erie’s powerful winds we started the count. As we drove out for a closer looke the number of the giant swans grew. I said to nature partner, Bob Chambers, “There must be at least a 100 Whistling swans!” We continued on to the Bertie Boat Club and turned around. Bob in the passenger seat and with much better eyesight than I began the count.
The beautiful birds were grouped in pockets. Carefully Bob counted. 50, 60,70, 80, 90 and then over a 100. His count 118 farther out in the bay and then closer into shore, very close, Bob counted 23 more. In total 141 Trumpeter swans here in Fort Erie. How long will they stay? I imagine when the winds subside they will be on their way south. We will check them out tomorrow morning.
9:32 a.m.m Nov.17. Elaine and I head for Point Abino. Not one Whistling swan in sight! The winds have subsided some so it’s off again for our swans to warmer climes.
Each Fall large numbers of Whistling swans pause briefly on the Great Lakes before moving to their winter quarters along the Atlantic coast. They are closely related to the Trumpeter swan which has been reduced to near extinction. The Whistling or Tundra swan breeds in the Arctic tundra. Not many hunters there so it continues to thrive. The Trumpeter, however, breeds in our western provinces and is more accessible to hunters. Both these birds are magnificent species.
We plan to check Abino Bay on a regular basis. “Here today and gone tomorrow.” With a Timmy’s in hand it’s a good morning’s destination.
Bob Chambers and I could hear the mellow, rich bugling calls as they rested in the Abino Bay. Will others stop over? I hope so.
Drive out to the end of Point Abino Road and look for these great birds. You never know. My E-mail is changed. It’s earplato@enoreo.on.ca. Be in touch - nature wise.
***
Hockey weekend in Ontario. We headed out this Friday to see grandson, Jage Noble, play for the Niagara Falls Major PeeWee AAA in the Waterloo Tournament. That means Elaine and I will have some time to kill. Is it shopping for her and/or a nature ramble to Homer Watson Nature Park? This park is a fine example of Carolinian forest. There are fair-sized trees including one of my favourite species - an impressive “old growth” of Eastern hemlocks. High bluffs give an excellent view of the Grand River especially now this fall with most of the leaves down.
Shopping and a nature walk. Now I hope Niagara Falls wins the games.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The Red Tail
NN4004 Earl Plato
C’mon Plato, why did you mention black flies? Horror stories from friends and readers of my nature articles since I wrote about them. Well I found a drawing of mine of a blackfly magnified many times. Remember these little insects are small but able to do much damage ala taking a chunk of your flesh.
***
The violent rainstorms of past did the hawk nest in on Michener Road. No remains of the Red-tails large nest. It was gone and so were our resident hawks.
Writer’s note: Red-tail hawks are our largest and most common Niagara hawk. It is in the genus, Buteo along with Red-shouldered, Broad-winged and my favourite, Swainson’s hawk. Like all hawks it has excellent eyesight. The Audubon bird book p.639 tells us, “... soars over the open country in search of its prey, but just as often perches in a tree at the edge of the meadow, watching for the slightest move in the grass below.” Right on. From Sodom road cutoff west on Q.E.W. toward Niagara Falls look to the trees on the north side. There should be hawks there on a regular basis. Where do you see the Red-tails?
***
I can see well again. What a difference an operation can do to improve one’s eyesight! I can see the tuft on the Tufted titmouse.
vv
C’mon Plato, why did you mention black flies? Horror stories from friends and readers of my nature articles since I wrote about them. Well I found a drawing of mine of a blackfly magnified many times. Remember these little insects are small but able to do much damage ala taking a chunk of your flesh.
***
The violent rainstorms of past did the hawk nest in on Michener Road. No remains of the Red-tails large nest. It was gone and so were our resident hawks.
Writer’s note: Red-tail hawks are our largest and most common Niagara hawk. It is in the genus, Buteo along with Red-shouldered, Broad-winged and my favourite, Swainson’s hawk. Like all hawks it has excellent eyesight. The Audubon bird book p.639 tells us, “... soars over the open country in search of its prey, but just as often perches in a tree at the edge of the meadow, watching for the slightest move in the grass below.” Right on. From Sodom road cutoff west on Q.E.W. toward Niagara Falls look to the trees on the north side. There should be hawks there on a regular basis. Where do you see the Red-tails?
***
I can see well again. What a difference an operation can do to improve one’s eyesight! I can see the tuft on the Tufted titmouse.
vv
Shagbark - Worth a Visit
Shagbark Trail Earl Plato
Shagbark Trail Park in Ridgeway is a sizable piece of greenery. It needs help to develop it into a great nature setting. Guess what? The old Shagbark sign at the entrance has an added title. Routed recently into the wood sign it reads: STEWARDSHIP PROJECT OF THE BERT MILLER FORT ERIE NATURE CLUB .
For the hundreds of Niagarans each year who used to walk Marcy’s Woods, no, we still haven’t given up hope to ramble along those Carolinian Trails once again. The late Dr. George Marcy and his wife, Elizabeth, asked us, the Bert Miller Nature Club, to be stewards of their pristine property. That’s the truth. However, nature lovers must focus on other local natural sites and sights. Shagbark Trail continues to be enhanced by hard working members of the Bert Miller Nature Club. One Saturday, October 25th a few years ago from morning into the afternoon they planted young, indigenous trees in hard to dig clay holes filled with good soil. They surrounded each tree with a ring of wood chips. My excuse - bad back.
I returned to Shagbark on October 30th with brother, Ed. With wheelbarrow and shovel he finished the job of ringing some twenty trees. I walked the gravel trails with sister-in-law, Rose Ann, while brother worked. Cyron Nurseries, who border the property on the north and east, have done a beautiful job of planting trees and shrubs on the entire length of the long berm separating the two properties. They supplied much equipment and time for our workday. Thank you Jan and Chris of Cyron. Thank you volunteers. Some of the Bert Miller Club organizers were Jim Willwerth, Rick Stockton, Rob Eberly, and Ray Willwerth. Thanks to Bob Chambers and his detailed plans for this ‘great-to-be’ nature park.
Shagbark Trail is named for the many Shagbark hickory trees found in the park. The parking lot is just north of Dominion Road off Burleigh Road. Look for the park sign near the gravel parking lot. Trails are not all connected yet but next year we hope final trails will be in place. Fort Erie nature sites are worth preserving for all of us not for just a few. The Town officials and their workers have been a great help. Enjoy Fort Erie’s Shagbark Trail in the years ahead.
Shagbark Trail Park in Ridgeway is a sizable piece of greenery. It needs help to develop it into a great nature setting. Guess what? The old Shagbark sign at the entrance has an added title. Routed recently into the wood sign it reads: STEWARDSHIP PROJECT OF THE BERT MILLER FORT ERIE NATURE CLUB .
For the hundreds of Niagarans each year who used to walk Marcy’s Woods, no, we still haven’t given up hope to ramble along those Carolinian Trails once again. The late Dr. George Marcy and his wife, Elizabeth, asked us, the Bert Miller Nature Club, to be stewards of their pristine property. That’s the truth. However, nature lovers must focus on other local natural sites and sights. Shagbark Trail continues to be enhanced by hard working members of the Bert Miller Nature Club. One Saturday, October 25th a few years ago from morning into the afternoon they planted young, indigenous trees in hard to dig clay holes filled with good soil. They surrounded each tree with a ring of wood chips. My excuse - bad back.
I returned to Shagbark on October 30th with brother, Ed. With wheelbarrow and shovel he finished the job of ringing some twenty trees. I walked the gravel trails with sister-in-law, Rose Ann, while brother worked. Cyron Nurseries, who border the property on the north and east, have done a beautiful job of planting trees and shrubs on the entire length of the long berm separating the two properties. They supplied much equipment and time for our workday. Thank you Jan and Chris of Cyron. Thank you volunteers. Some of the Bert Miller Club organizers were Jim Willwerth, Rick Stockton, Rob Eberly, and Ray Willwerth. Thanks to Bob Chambers and his detailed plans for this ‘great-to-be’ nature park.
Shagbark Trail is named for the many Shagbark hickory trees found in the park. The parking lot is just north of Dominion Road off Burleigh Road. Look for the park sign near the gravel parking lot. Trails are not all connected yet but next year we hope final trails will be in place. Fort Erie nature sites are worth preserving for all of us not for just a few. The Town officials and their workers have been a great help. Enjoy Fort Erie’s Shagbark Trail in the years ahead.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Interfere? No!
Interfere? No! Earl Plato
Watching animals this past summer? What happened when one species suddenly confronted another of the same species? Did you observe how each reacted to the presence of the other? Did they act friendly, indifferent, frightened or hostile? On the family farm where we had more than ample feeders a host of a variety of bird species would eat often paying little attention to one another. But wait! Remember the pairs of Blue jays! One pair of jays would take over the feeder then a second pair would appear. “Get out of here!” Then the dominating third pair of jays would arrive and for the next ten minutes they ruled. That’s a “pecking order” and we should not interfere.
What if the animals you were observing were natural enemies? My advice is the same as Jim Arnosky, free lance writer. When you see such enemies confronting or even fighting in a natural setting, observe and don’t interfere.
Different animals react to the sight of their natural enemies differently. So? Most flee. Still some react in rage especially at nest making and raising young times. At Stevensville Conservation area I saw angry crows circling and diving at a Great horned owl resting in a tree. The noise was tremendous. I watched with my glasses as the owl perched blinking at the black birds as they tormented him. Then suddenly the owl flew east and the crows followed him. “Get out of our territory!” And it did.
Watching animals this past summer? What happened when one species suddenly confronted another of the same species? Did you observe how each reacted to the presence of the other? Did they act friendly, indifferent, frightened or hostile? On the family farm where we had more than ample feeders a host of a variety of bird species would eat often paying little attention to one another. But wait! Remember the pairs of Blue jays! One pair of jays would take over the feeder then a second pair would appear. “Get out of here!” Then the dominating third pair of jays would arrive and for the next ten minutes they ruled. That’s a “pecking order” and we should not interfere.
What if the animals you were observing were natural enemies? My advice is the same as Jim Arnosky, free lance writer. When you see such enemies confronting or even fighting in a natural setting, observe and don’t interfere.
Different animals react to the sight of their natural enemies differently. So? Most flee. Still some react in rage especially at nest making and raising young times. At Stevensville Conservation area I saw angry crows circling and diving at a Great horned owl resting in a tree. The noise was tremendous. I watched with my glasses as the owl perched blinking at the black birds as they tormented him. Then suddenly the owl flew east and the crows followed him. “Get out of our territory!” And it did.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Extras and Andersens
Extras and Andersens Earl Plato
Extras on a bus trip holiday means to me finding some nature connections. On a Farr bus trip to Branson, Missouri our bus driver took us on a side trip to a State Fish Hatchery on the outskirts. Our driver had been there before and told me there was an interesting Nature Center on the location. It really was and I met the Ranger and spent over a good half hour learning about Missouri’s flora and fauna. I was given several booklets that were well presented. I still had time to see the fingerlings and full grown Brown trout. Looking for nature elements on a bus trip is usually one of my goals.
This Branson side trip was inspired by my questioning our bus driver about a dead snake. First off the bus I said, “That’s a young Diamond Back.” The driver agreed as he took a branch and threw the snake, three rattles and all to the left of the bus before we unloaded. “There’s a good nature center down there,” as he pointed to the large building below. “ They have a serpentarium in there.” “No need to tell the women and snake fearers,” he said. I still have those excellent full coloured booklets. It was a great side trip.
***
I really am an Andersen not an Anderson. “En” endings on surnames are usually Danish and Norwegian. “On” endings are usually Swedish. My grandfather came to America in the 1880’s and was asked his name at the immigration office. His reply was, “Andersen.” The officer wrote “Anderson” on his entry certificate and thus “e” became “o.” Anderson my family name would be. This day in July we were in “en” country, Denmark. Here we were, brother Ed and two cousins, in a beautiful country. We had just left the home city of Odense where famed story teller Hans Christian Andersen had worked and lived. We were travelling by Petersen Tours on a well appointed bus. Nature called and we had to stop. Where? You guessed it. It was a nature stop and I was thrilled. We were at the highest point in Denmark. Don’t get excited, This is essentially very flat land. We unloaded at the fabled Forest of Rold. Think of Fonthill topography with its rolling hills only with an abundance of trees covering the area.
“We’ll give you an hour,” the driver called out.
‘As old as a tree in the Forest of Rold ...” thus said an old Danish proverb. To stress the age of something really old in Denmark, one compared it with a tree in the Forest of Rold. I left the others and headed for the forest over the wooden bridge. Any ogres underneath? Old trees? The photo shows no towering trees. I was disappointed but I also knew that Earl can get lost despite his oft repeated belief that he can’t. Birds all around. Sparrows, warblers and the long-tailed Magpie hopped around the open areas. A great break for me. Hey, there was also a small concentration of Purple loosestrife here. The information signs were in several different languages. I taped the following as I read it out. “The Forest of Rold has trees of great age. There are 250-350 year -old stunted beeches in the “Bewitched Wood”.
Could I cross the bridge and head for the old forest? Nature called and I must head back. No one around me at this particular spot on that warm day with a faint nist-like rain falling.
Back at the administrative building I picked up a brochure in English and read about this neat place. There were legends of notorious robbers, cheerful poachers and colourful woodsmen. Where were my compatriots? I stepped out of the Centre and there were Ed, Winnie and Margot. They told me what I had missed. Many famous persons had come to this centre. Queen Margrethe 2nd and Prince Frederick of Denmark. Past Presidents George Bush, Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon wallked these paths and spoke from the platform across the way. Walt Disney, Danny Kaye, and other noted personalities had visited this great setting. We had only an hour but those other lucky visitors who had many more hours probably made it to the wonderful forest setting in “Bewitched Wood.”
Thanks to our bus driver who answered nature’s call that July day for this “nature nut”. Don’t be afraid to ask your bus driver about “nature” stops. You never know what you might experience.
Extras on a bus trip holiday means to me finding some nature connections. On a Farr bus trip to Branson, Missouri our bus driver took us on a side trip to a State Fish Hatchery on the outskirts. Our driver had been there before and told me there was an interesting Nature Center on the location. It really was and I met the Ranger and spent over a good half hour learning about Missouri’s flora and fauna. I was given several booklets that were well presented. I still had time to see the fingerlings and full grown Brown trout. Looking for nature elements on a bus trip is usually one of my goals.
This Branson side trip was inspired by my questioning our bus driver about a dead snake. First off the bus I said, “That’s a young Diamond Back.” The driver agreed as he took a branch and threw the snake, three rattles and all to the left of the bus before we unloaded. “There’s a good nature center down there,” as he pointed to the large building below. “ They have a serpentarium in there.” “No need to tell the women and snake fearers,” he said. I still have those excellent full coloured booklets. It was a great side trip.
***
I really am an Andersen not an Anderson. “En” endings on surnames are usually Danish and Norwegian. “On” endings are usually Swedish. My grandfather came to America in the 1880’s and was asked his name at the immigration office. His reply was, “Andersen.” The officer wrote “Anderson” on his entry certificate and thus “e” became “o.” Anderson my family name would be. This day in July we were in “en” country, Denmark. Here we were, brother Ed and two cousins, in a beautiful country. We had just left the home city of Odense where famed story teller Hans Christian Andersen had worked and lived. We were travelling by Petersen Tours on a well appointed bus. Nature called and we had to stop. Where? You guessed it. It was a nature stop and I was thrilled. We were at the highest point in Denmark. Don’t get excited, This is essentially very flat land. We unloaded at the fabled Forest of Rold. Think of Fonthill topography with its rolling hills only with an abundance of trees covering the area.
“We’ll give you an hour,” the driver called out.
‘As old as a tree in the Forest of Rold ...” thus said an old Danish proverb. To stress the age of something really old in Denmark, one compared it with a tree in the Forest of Rold. I left the others and headed for the forest over the wooden bridge. Any ogres underneath? Old trees? The photo shows no towering trees. I was disappointed but I also knew that Earl can get lost despite his oft repeated belief that he can’t. Birds all around. Sparrows, warblers and the long-tailed Magpie hopped around the open areas. A great break for me. Hey, there was also a small concentration of Purple loosestrife here. The information signs were in several different languages. I taped the following as I read it out. “The Forest of Rold has trees of great age. There are 250-350 year -old stunted beeches in the “Bewitched Wood”.
Could I cross the bridge and head for the old forest? Nature called and I must head back. No one around me at this particular spot on that warm day with a faint nist-like rain falling.
Back at the administrative building I picked up a brochure in English and read about this neat place. There were legends of notorious robbers, cheerful poachers and colourful woodsmen. Where were my compatriots? I stepped out of the Centre and there were Ed, Winnie and Margot. They told me what I had missed. Many famous persons had come to this centre. Queen Margrethe 2nd and Prince Frederick of Denmark. Past Presidents George Bush, Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon wallked these paths and spoke from the platform across the way. Walt Disney, Danny Kaye, and other noted personalities had visited this great setting. We had only an hour but those other lucky visitors who had many more hours probably made it to the wonderful forest setting in “Bewitched Wood.”
Thanks to our bus driver who answered nature’s call that July day for this “nature nut”. Don’t be afraid to ask your bus driver about “nature” stops. You never know what you might experience.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Like a Bridge ...
Marcy Bridge Earl P;ato
“Like a bridge over troubled waters...” The Marcy Woods bridge below is not over water but it crosses a deep ravine. Years ago Dr. Marcy had the bridge built for those friends and relatives who visited the Marcy log cabin. Many of us remember crossing the bridge in recent years as the structure declined. Finally a decision was made - remove the bridge.
In a solo amazing feat Ray Willwerth of the Bert Miller Nature Club with some help dismantled the weakened structure. Ray was able to secure some solid cedar lumber and his single handed effort began. Look at the photo. In a few weeks, I believe, a new bridge - strong and solid evolved. It was now a bridge to nature adventures. Kudos to bridge builder - Ray Willwerth.
Once you cross over the bridge you are at the Marcy Cabin built in 1927 by local builders under the direction of Dr. George Marcy’s father. In 1931 Elizabeth and George Marcy had their honeymoon in this historic cabin. What a beautiful setting.
Oh that the powers that be see fit to preserve this cabin and Marcy’s Woods for nature lovers. Many of us know that was the wish of Dr. George and Elizabeth Marcy. No more troubled waters, eh? Let it be so.
“Like a bridge over troubled waters...” The Marcy Woods bridge below is not over water but it crosses a deep ravine. Years ago Dr. Marcy had the bridge built for those friends and relatives who visited the Marcy log cabin. Many of us remember crossing the bridge in recent years as the structure declined. Finally a decision was made - remove the bridge.
In a solo amazing feat Ray Willwerth of the Bert Miller Nature Club with some help dismantled the weakened structure. Ray was able to secure some solid cedar lumber and his single handed effort began. Look at the photo. In a few weeks, I believe, a new bridge - strong and solid evolved. It was now a bridge to nature adventures. Kudos to bridge builder - Ray Willwerth.
Once you cross over the bridge you are at the Marcy Cabin built in 1927 by local builders under the direction of Dr. George Marcy’s father. In 1931 Elizabeth and George Marcy had their honeymoon in this historic cabin. What a beautiful setting.
Oh that the powers that be see fit to preserve this cabin and Marcy’s Woods for nature lovers. Many of us know that was the wish of Dr. George and Elizabeth Marcy. No more troubled waters, eh? Let it be so.
Friday, October 12, 2007
He's Our Local Rattler
Our Local Rattler Earl Plato
Just west of Port Colborne we turned north onto a side road into Wainfleet Marsh years ago. Was it Beiderman’s or Young’s? I forget. Three ladies, Elaine, Edna and Alice went into the farmhouse at the end of the road to take some material to be made into some woven rugs. We were on the south end edge of Wainfleet Marsh. The owner, an old gentleman, came outside in the warm sunlight. I had seen some snake-like objects on the lawn north of the rambling farmhouse. He saw my interest and his never forgotten comment was, “Those are rattlers. Don’t hurt them. They won’t hurt you. Just sunning themselves.” To his left out on his lawn were, as I recall, two brownish-gray mottled-coloured snakes. They were Massasaugua rattlers confirmed by the farm house owner. To my dear wife and in-laws who emerged from the old house I said nothing at the time. My mother-in-law was and still is very afraid even of the mention of snakes, any kind, let alone rattlers. To this day I don’t think they believe what I saw. Believe me, I did.
Since my Wainfleet Marsh days I have never seen a Massasaugua rattlesnake in the wild. I have been into the Marsh several times over the years and of course wearing boots . No luck. How about you?
Note: The Massasaugua wants to avoid you. Most of them are less than three feet in length. It may shake its rattles to scare you off. Newly born Massasauguas don’t have a true rattle but a small button on the end of its tail. Later as it grows they shed their skin and the first segment of a rattle appears. Don’t let size fool you. Baby rattlesnakes have the same Venom that is just as toxic as their mother’s. The cute little things can do serious damage. Note: The Massasaugua has nine enlarged scales on its head. I never got close to check it out but believe me. Remember that in 1990 under the Ontario Game and Fish Act it became prohibited to harass, take or kill the Massasaugua rattler. That law still stands.
Just west of Port Colborne we turned north onto a side road into Wainfleet Marsh years ago. Was it Beiderman’s or Young’s? I forget. Three ladies, Elaine, Edna and Alice went into the farmhouse at the end of the road to take some material to be made into some woven rugs. We were on the south end edge of Wainfleet Marsh. The owner, an old gentleman, came outside in the warm sunlight. I had seen some snake-like objects on the lawn north of the rambling farmhouse. He saw my interest and his never forgotten comment was, “Those are rattlers. Don’t hurt them. They won’t hurt you. Just sunning themselves.” To his left out on his lawn were, as I recall, two brownish-gray mottled-coloured snakes. They were Massasaugua rattlers confirmed by the farm house owner. To my dear wife and in-laws who emerged from the old house I said nothing at the time. My mother-in-law was and still is very afraid even of the mention of snakes, any kind, let alone rattlers. To this day I don’t think they believe what I saw. Believe me, I did.
Since my Wainfleet Marsh days I have never seen a Massasaugua rattlesnake in the wild. I have been into the Marsh several times over the years and of course wearing boots . No luck. How about you?
Note: The Massasaugua wants to avoid you. Most of them are less than three feet in length. It may shake its rattles to scare you off. Newly born Massasauguas don’t have a true rattle but a small button on the end of its tail. Later as it grows they shed their skin and the first segment of a rattle appears. Don’t let size fool you. Baby rattlesnakes have the same Venom that is just as toxic as their mother’s. The cute little things can do serious damage. Note: The Massasaugua has nine enlarged scales on its head. I never got close to check it out but believe me. Remember that in 1990 under the Ontario Game and Fish Act it became prohibited to harass, take or kill the Massasaugua rattler. That law still stands.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Another Battle
Another Strife Earl Plato
It was the Reenactment of the 1814 Siege at Fort Erie a past Saturday, August 9. The invasion of Upper Canada (Ontario) by the Americans was over. In a few short years the ruins of old Fort Erie would be covered with weedy growth. No more invasions back then until the Fenian invasion of 1866. Then many decades passed until another invader arrived in Fort Erie and crept westward and yes, northwards into Niagara Falls! The “Purple Invader” is real and its growing at a great rate here in the Town. Drive Albany Road to Dominion Road and head for Ridgeway. On both sides of the highway you see the Purple loosestrife taking over. Drive Nigh Road west from Rosehill Road and even entire fields are a purple hue. Comments I have heard, “It is so attractive with its purple flowers;” “I like it. What’s the problem?”
First of all Purple loosestrife is an alien plant. It came from Europe in the 1800’s. It is not indigenous to North America. “So!” Let’s look at this plant more closely.
It has a ridged, square stem. A single plant can produce as many as thirty stems growing from a central, woody root mass. The ones I see here in the Ridgeway area are more than a metre high. Some even reach two metres in height! The flowers are pink-purple in colour and are tightly clustered in a long spike. 30 stems on each Purple loosestrife plant! Each stem produces tens of thousand seeds. These seeds are small, light and are easily dispersed by the wind.
Get the picture? I have monitored a wetland area on Gorham Road in Ridgeway for many years and the plant has continued to grow and expand westwards. The “purple invasion” is relentless.
I went on the Internet and learned new names for this plant. Here are three - “Beautiful killer;” “Marsh monster;” and “Exotic invader.”
Purple loosestrife dominates and outcompetes native vegetation such as the valuable cattails. The results are solid stands of Purple loosestrife that are apparently useless to our wildlife. Once established it is difficult to eradicate.
On my observation drives in August I found Point Abino Road from Erie road to Netherby Road I thought was free from the “purple monster.” Not so, for near Nigh Road on the east side there were two new stands of Purple loosestrife. I will check these two sites next year.
Do you have Purple loosestrife growing near you? Watch it spread these next few years. Sprays are ineffective but beetles from Europe that feed exclusively on the “Purple plague” may be the answer!
It was the Reenactment of the 1814 Siege at Fort Erie a past Saturday, August 9. The invasion of Upper Canada (Ontario) by the Americans was over. In a few short years the ruins of old Fort Erie would be covered with weedy growth. No more invasions back then until the Fenian invasion of 1866. Then many decades passed until another invader arrived in Fort Erie and crept westward and yes, northwards into Niagara Falls! The “Purple Invader” is real and its growing at a great rate here in the Town. Drive Albany Road to Dominion Road and head for Ridgeway. On both sides of the highway you see the Purple loosestrife taking over. Drive Nigh Road west from Rosehill Road and even entire fields are a purple hue. Comments I have heard, “It is so attractive with its purple flowers;” “I like it. What’s the problem?”
First of all Purple loosestrife is an alien plant. It came from Europe in the 1800’s. It is not indigenous to North America. “So!” Let’s look at this plant more closely.
It has a ridged, square stem. A single plant can produce as many as thirty stems growing from a central, woody root mass. The ones I see here in the Ridgeway area are more than a metre high. Some even reach two metres in height! The flowers are pink-purple in colour and are tightly clustered in a long spike. 30 stems on each Purple loosestrife plant! Each stem produces tens of thousand seeds. These seeds are small, light and are easily dispersed by the wind.
Get the picture? I have monitored a wetland area on Gorham Road in Ridgeway for many years and the plant has continued to grow and expand westwards. The “purple invasion” is relentless.
I went on the Internet and learned new names for this plant. Here are three - “Beautiful killer;” “Marsh monster;” and “Exotic invader.”
Purple loosestrife dominates and outcompetes native vegetation such as the valuable cattails. The results are solid stands of Purple loosestrife that are apparently useless to our wildlife. Once established it is difficult to eradicate.
On my observation drives in August I found Point Abino Road from Erie road to Netherby Road I thought was free from the “purple monster.” Not so, for near Nigh Road on the east side there were two new stands of Purple loosestrife. I will check these two sites next year.
Do you have Purple loosestrife growing near you? Watch it spread these next few years. Sprays are ineffective but beetles from Europe that feed exclusively on the “Purple plague” may be the answer!
Chipmunks on the Family Farm
Chipmunk Time Earl Plato
Elaine’s Aunt Ivy Williams from Bristol, U.k. stayed at our Sherkston farm some years ago. She had heard about our chipmunks and wanted to hear their chipping. Though she stayed a week she hardly ever saw or heard our farm chipmunks. We saw only a quick appearing and disappearing form and the loud familiar chipping we heard not at all.
Why I asked myself. After she left the striped rodents were all around the barn and the garage once again, As a nature nut I wondered why.
Here’s my observations that naturalist writer Ed Teale seems to confirm. When visitors come and when new forms, new clothes, unrecognized strangers arrive the wild creatures around the farm draw back. We noticed that they became less evident, more wary and more secretive. On those several years around this old farm chipmunks, rabbits and birds came to know us, We are part of their environment.
My observation that these wild creatures appeared to consider us harmless. Yet they never came too close for they need to maintain a margin for their continued survival. Yes, I fed our birds regularly but never the rabbits or chipmunks less they become too used to us. They live in an unstable world that can suddenly turn hostile. They are on their own as the Creator intended them to be.
After Aunt Ivy left to go back to England I was able to sketch one of our chipmunks. He posed for me.
Elaine’s Aunt Ivy Williams from Bristol, U.k. stayed at our Sherkston farm some years ago. She had heard about our chipmunks and wanted to hear their chipping. Though she stayed a week she hardly ever saw or heard our farm chipmunks. We saw only a quick appearing and disappearing form and the loud familiar chipping we heard not at all.
Why I asked myself. After she left the striped rodents were all around the barn and the garage once again, As a nature nut I wondered why.
Here’s my observations that naturalist writer Ed Teale seems to confirm. When visitors come and when new forms, new clothes, unrecognized strangers arrive the wild creatures around the farm draw back. We noticed that they became less evident, more wary and more secretive. On those several years around this old farm chipmunks, rabbits and birds came to know us, We are part of their environment.
My observation that these wild creatures appeared to consider us harmless. Yet they never came too close for they need to maintain a margin for their continued survival. Yes, I fed our birds regularly but never the rabbits or chipmunks less they become too used to us. They live in an unstable world that can suddenly turn hostile. They are on their own as the Creator intended them to be.
After Aunt Ivy left to go back to England I was able to sketch one of our chipmunks. He posed for me.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Contacts are appreciated
Contacts Earl Plato
This Plato is not a great world traveler but he has friends and relatives who are. This article is about some of those who have sent their nature observations to me.
Olive (Weaver) Rickersey and Fiona McFarlane of Ridgeway have both reported extensively about Australia’s flora and fauna by letter, booklets and film at different times. Fraser Churchill of Port Colborne sent back letters and great nature booklets from New Zealand. I developed articles from my friends’ first hand information.
Antarctica? My cousin’s daughter, Natalie Plato, was in Antarctica a year ago in January. She had been hired by BASA - British Antarctica Survey. She was conducting a survey at one of their stations. She wrote me saying. “ I spent the summer on the Antarctic Peninsula, very exciting. I had a blast!”
Natalie sent me a photo of herself in the Antarctic. I hadort of questioned her being there. She replied with a brief letter and photo proof. The back of the neat picture of her said, “ Rothera Station, Antarctica. A letter dated January, 21, 2002 she wrote. “I haven’t had a chance to put together anything on the Tundra. I have been very busy with work.” Her future agenda involves work meeting trips to Kingston, Ontario then back to Edmonton, Alberta. She works for our government at Iqaluit, Northwest Territories. She adds. “... then I’m off to Mexico for holidays. When I return in late February I will get you something.” I’m looking forward to hearing from this young scientist.
***
In mid-March 0f 2002 my daughter, son-in-law, and grandson Jage are heading to Europe with the Niagara Falls Major Bantam AAA hockey team. Jage and his team mates will play five games in the Czech Republic and Hungary. Will they have time to see some nature and historical sites? I hope so for that’s three more reporters for me.
***
The Cuilleniers of Niagara Falls have been sources of interesting nature material fore. Their visit to the Timmins area in Northern Ontario where they saw mushrooms being saved by red squirrels was fascinating.
Going on a trip where you might see something of natural history that interests you, I hope so. ***
What has happened to the large cattail area and the important wetlands on Gorham Road, Ridgeway? Are they going the way of development? Vegetation, including small trees, have been bushwacked on the 80 acre plus area. This previously untouched plot was the home of countless songbirds. Hey, wetlands are important to the environment.
They are to be protected by provincial statutes!
Beaver Creek has its headwaters there on that property that now has been plowed and disced up. Answers needed. We wonder who is protecting the town’s natural environment on Gorham road. We know to many that it’s now a ‘throw away” society. Let’s not throw away Fort Erie’s natural heritage.
This Plato is not a great world traveler but he has friends and relatives who are. This article is about some of those who have sent their nature observations to me.
Olive (Weaver) Rickersey and Fiona McFarlane of Ridgeway have both reported extensively about Australia’s flora and fauna by letter, booklets and film at different times. Fraser Churchill of Port Colborne sent back letters and great nature booklets from New Zealand. I developed articles from my friends’ first hand information.
Antarctica? My cousin’s daughter, Natalie Plato, was in Antarctica a year ago in January. She had been hired by BASA - British Antarctica Survey. She was conducting a survey at one of their stations. She wrote me saying. “ I spent the summer on the Antarctic Peninsula, very exciting. I had a blast!”
Natalie sent me a photo of herself in the Antarctic. I hadort of questioned her being there. She replied with a brief letter and photo proof. The back of the neat picture of her said, “ Rothera Station, Antarctica. A letter dated January, 21, 2002 she wrote. “I haven’t had a chance to put together anything on the Tundra. I have been very busy with work.” Her future agenda involves work meeting trips to Kingston, Ontario then back to Edmonton, Alberta. She works for our government at Iqaluit, Northwest Territories. She adds. “... then I’m off to Mexico for holidays. When I return in late February I will get you something.” I’m looking forward to hearing from this young scientist.
***
In mid-March 0f 2002 my daughter, son-in-law, and grandson Jage are heading to Europe with the Niagara Falls Major Bantam AAA hockey team. Jage and his team mates will play five games in the Czech Republic and Hungary. Will they have time to see some nature and historical sites? I hope so for that’s three more reporters for me.
***
The Cuilleniers of Niagara Falls have been sources of interesting nature material fore. Their visit to the Timmins area in Northern Ontario where they saw mushrooms being saved by red squirrels was fascinating.
Going on a trip where you might see something of natural history that interests you, I hope so. ***
What has happened to the large cattail area and the important wetlands on Gorham Road, Ridgeway? Are they going the way of development? Vegetation, including small trees, have been bushwacked on the 80 acre plus area. This previously untouched plot was the home of countless songbirds. Hey, wetlands are important to the environment.
They are to be protected by provincial statutes!
Beaver Creek has its headwaters there on that property that now has been plowed and disced up. Answers needed. We wonder who is protecting the town’s natural environment on Gorham road. We know to many that it’s now a ‘throw away” society. Let’s not throw away Fort Erie’s natural heritage.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Marcy Woods Again?
Marcy Woods. That’s a place dear to many of us. I have been “Marcyized”. My little office is replete with shots of the precious woods. I have my favourite pics enlarged and plaqued. There’s the cabin, two of my grand daughters sitting in a bed of Marcy trilliums, the pristine lake front, the bridge, the twin oaks of he Lower Trail, the Marcy steps to the higher level, and many more adorn the walls. Friend, Neil Reichelt, made a little sign for me to put on the wall, Marcy Woods 1985-2002. Why 2002?
I visited Marcy Woods (Abino Woods) with the late Fort Erie naturalist Bert Miller as a ten year old kid. I was with him when he transplanted Wild ginger at the base of some of those trees. The years passed. Then in 1985 I met Dr. George Marcy on the Halloway Bay Road. He invited me to sign in at the farm and tour the woods. Friend, Tim Seburn, told me shortly after to ramble Marcy (Abino) Woods as he had been doing. He said, “You’ll love it.” I did and a love affair for me began with a special place, Marcy Woods.
Why 2002? I thought we, the nature loving public, had lost the Woods that year. Spring 2003 will bring the answer. Theres’s room for more than 100 plus Marcy Woods lovers on Saturday, April 26th at 2:00 p.m.
Where? In Stevensville, at the Fort Erie Conservation Club, 2555 Ott Road. Bob McDonald of CBC’s “Quirks and Quarks” will speak. Bertie Elementary students, who made the excellent video on Marcy Woods, will be recognized along with political dignitaries who have supported the purchase of this Carolinian gem.
If the sale turns out for the good I’ll have Neil make a new sign.
***
Like Juncos? For curiosity sake try to find some of the other feeding sites of your flock. Watching your birds is a great hobby.
***
Bob Foley, area historian, called me this past winter to ask why the paucity of songbirds at his feeder. This appears to be a common occurrence this severe winter. West Nile virus has decimated the raptors (Owls and hawks) in the area. Why so few Cardinals and Blue jays? I haven’t seen just a few Purple finches. Have any answers?
I visited Marcy Woods (Abino Woods) with the late Fort Erie naturalist Bert Miller as a ten year old kid. I was with him when he transplanted Wild ginger at the base of some of those trees. The years passed. Then in 1985 I met Dr. George Marcy on the Halloway Bay Road. He invited me to sign in at the farm and tour the woods. Friend, Tim Seburn, told me shortly after to ramble Marcy (Abino) Woods as he had been doing. He said, “You’ll love it.” I did and a love affair for me began with a special place, Marcy Woods.
Why 2002? I thought we, the nature loving public, had lost the Woods that year. Spring 2003 will bring the answer. Theres’s room for more than 100 plus Marcy Woods lovers on Saturday, April 26th at 2:00 p.m.
Where? In Stevensville, at the Fort Erie Conservation Club, 2555 Ott Road. Bob McDonald of CBC’s “Quirks and Quarks” will speak. Bertie Elementary students, who made the excellent video on Marcy Woods, will be recognized along with political dignitaries who have supported the purchase of this Carolinian gem.
If the sale turns out for the good I’ll have Neil make a new sign.
***
Like Juncos? For curiosity sake try to find some of the other feeding sites of your flock. Watching your birds is a great hobby.
***
Bob Foley, area historian, called me this past winter to ask why the paucity of songbirds at his feeder. This appears to be a common occurrence this severe winter. West Nile virus has decimated the raptors (Owls and hawks) in the area. Why so few Cardinals and Blue jays? I haven’t seen just a few Purple finches. Have any answers?
Red tailed Hawks
Red tailed hawks Earl Plato
On my way to Welland some time ago I saw a usual sight. So often on that stretch of South Kaobel Road you will find a red-tail hawk perched on a telephone post. Not this day. What I saw were two beautiful red-tails soaring around the fields near the chicken farm. I slowed down and stopped to admire the flight of the two birds. Mating rites? Could be. They swooped then glided upward over and over. One of the birds was larger than the other. Do you know your hawks? Female hawks are 20% or more larger than their mates. That’s right guys, the female are the “Big Berthas.” Note: The males, as expert hunters, fly faster than their mates. Their job is to bring home the food.
I wound my window down. I wanted to hear the high-pitched scream -”KIRR - Kirr - kirr” - it is a descending cry and unmistakable with its hoarse quality. No sounds from the two would-be lovers.
Red-tails are in the Buteo family and our most common local hawks.
They are also our largest hawk, bulky in shape, with a whitish breast and a rust-coloured tail. Buteos soar over open country in search of its prey - mice and voles. It possesses great sight and can pick up the slightest movement. Resting on a telephone or hydro pole is a great location for sighting some prey.
Note: I use to argue that these Red-tail hawks are not chicken hunters. Audubon Guide says,” The Red-tail rarely takes poultry.”
People have reported to me that the Red-tail does take poultry in Fort Erie. They’re right, I have to admit. Look for these big hawks this month. Just remember to pull over to the side of the road if you really want a good look. Drive carefully.
***
Another anomaly. Lisa Rind of the Review asked me the question: “Have you ever seen crows and blue jays feeding together?” She added that she thought that it was very odd. That’s the anomaly, the aberration, or the exception to what we normally expect. “... but they seem to tolerate one another at the feeders on my deck.”
All kinds of birds at the family farm over the years but no jays and crows feeding together at our big feeders. I told Lisa I would do research in two of my better research books. Couldn’t find any thing.
I E-mailed Lisa again and I asked what do you mean by “tolerate.” Her reply was, “Tolerate: They don’t get close to one another but they make a bit of noise as if they are warning each other to stay away.
...you’ll see the crows walking around on the ground, as if they own the place, and the jays come and go, perching on the feeders and the rail. It’s a bit odd, since when the crows are in possession, almost no other birds visit the feeders. I put out all kinds of seed scattered too, and peanuts for the squirrels. Lots of birds like peanuts, too. It’s fun to watch them all. ...”
On my way to Welland some time ago I saw a usual sight. So often on that stretch of South Kaobel Road you will find a red-tail hawk perched on a telephone post. Not this day. What I saw were two beautiful red-tails soaring around the fields near the chicken farm. I slowed down and stopped to admire the flight of the two birds. Mating rites? Could be. They swooped then glided upward over and over. One of the birds was larger than the other. Do you know your hawks? Female hawks are 20% or more larger than their mates. That’s right guys, the female are the “Big Berthas.” Note: The males, as expert hunters, fly faster than their mates. Their job is to bring home the food.
I wound my window down. I wanted to hear the high-pitched scream -”KIRR - Kirr - kirr” - it is a descending cry and unmistakable with its hoarse quality. No sounds from the two would-be lovers.
Red-tails are in the Buteo family and our most common local hawks.
They are also our largest hawk, bulky in shape, with a whitish breast and a rust-coloured tail. Buteos soar over open country in search of its prey - mice and voles. It possesses great sight and can pick up the slightest movement. Resting on a telephone or hydro pole is a great location for sighting some prey.
Note: I use to argue that these Red-tail hawks are not chicken hunters. Audubon Guide says,” The Red-tail rarely takes poultry.”
People have reported to me that the Red-tail does take poultry in Fort Erie. They’re right, I have to admit. Look for these big hawks this month. Just remember to pull over to the side of the road if you really want a good look. Drive carefully.
***
Another anomaly. Lisa Rind of the Review asked me the question: “Have you ever seen crows and blue jays feeding together?” She added that she thought that it was very odd. That’s the anomaly, the aberration, or the exception to what we normally expect. “... but they seem to tolerate one another at the feeders on my deck.”
All kinds of birds at the family farm over the years but no jays and crows feeding together at our big feeders. I told Lisa I would do research in two of my better research books. Couldn’t find any thing.
I E-mailed Lisa again and I asked what do you mean by “tolerate.” Her reply was, “Tolerate: They don’t get close to one another but they make a bit of noise as if they are warning each other to stay away.
...you’ll see the crows walking around on the ground, as if they own the place, and the jays come and go, perching on the feeders and the rail. It’s a bit odd, since when the crows are in possession, almost no other birds visit the feeders. I put out all kinds of seed scattered too, and peanuts for the squirrels. Lots of birds like peanuts, too. It’s fun to watch them all. ...”
Friday, October 5, 2007
Memories
Memories Earl Plato
Like others I have garnered many fine memories of Marcy Woods over the years. This article was written several years ago and because of the possible imminent loss of this nature gem I share my feelings again.
“I walked Marcy Woods alone this morning on the property of the late Dr. Marcy. This was my 19th trip here since January usually with interested nature lovers. It wasn’t even mid-June but I knew what’s coming. News reports tells us that the wet spring is promoting a bumper crop of mosquitoes. Soon I will have to wear a mosquito hat/net and some Off. That’s nature.
Out here near the bend of the trail I put my tripod seat firmly into the sand trail bed and “philosophized.” I share much of naturalist writer Ed Teale’s views about nature. Before I start my little perspective on nature, rosebreasted grosbeaks are serenading behind me. Think of a robin’s fluid notes and upgrade its efforts to formal voice lessons and you have the grosbeak’s song and yes its “Chink-chink” call too.
This is as peaceful a place you might find in Greater Fort Erie. I have no fear being out here alone. There is only the working of God’s natural laws. A yellow birch has fallen across the way and smashed into the soft earth of the wetland. It crushes an ant and misses some others. The tree is directed in its downward course by the natural law of gravity. Perhaps a gust of wind deflected it slightly so the ant on the left was hit not the ones a little to the right. The dead ant buried under the trunk was not the target of the falling birch. No intention was involved in the course it took. One ant is killed and others are spared. I am surrounded by the impartiality of nature but I will continue to thank God for his amazing handiwork. Created by chance? I don’t think so.
Yes, I’ve tripped and fallen out here. If I step on a rotten log and fall nature looks on without concern. If I fall and break my neck that’s another thing. I have faith in a caring God and pray for protection for my family and myself each time I venture out alone. That’s my personal theology.
Teale puts mankind on a level playing ground with all living things. He says “... if you eat poison mushrooms and die, if a mouse is killed by a weasel, if a rabbit is surprised by a fox or a bird falls into the talons of a hawk” Teale says, “it is all up to us - to all living things - to mankind and mouse and rabbit and bird to be on guard.”
I believe that a Creator God loves us all. That’s a level living ground for me based on a personal faith. That doesn’t mean ignoring natural laws. There is both the terror and the pain; the brightness and the beauty in nature. Both must be seen and recognized. Teale says, “Neither can be ignored. Nature is not gentle but there are warm and gentle breezes. For even the most timid and hunted of creatures, there are moments of peace and natural pleasure.”
Enjoy Marcy Woods for it gives natural enjoyment.
Like others I have garnered many fine memories of Marcy Woods over the years. This article was written several years ago and because of the possible imminent loss of this nature gem I share my feelings again.
“I walked Marcy Woods alone this morning on the property of the late Dr. Marcy. This was my 19th trip here since January usually with interested nature lovers. It wasn’t even mid-June but I knew what’s coming. News reports tells us that the wet spring is promoting a bumper crop of mosquitoes. Soon I will have to wear a mosquito hat/net and some Off. That’s nature.
Out here near the bend of the trail I put my tripod seat firmly into the sand trail bed and “philosophized.” I share much of naturalist writer Ed Teale’s views about nature. Before I start my little perspective on nature, rosebreasted grosbeaks are serenading behind me. Think of a robin’s fluid notes and upgrade its efforts to formal voice lessons and you have the grosbeak’s song and yes its “Chink-chink” call too.
This is as peaceful a place you might find in Greater Fort Erie. I have no fear being out here alone. There is only the working of God’s natural laws. A yellow birch has fallen across the way and smashed into the soft earth of the wetland. It crushes an ant and misses some others. The tree is directed in its downward course by the natural law of gravity. Perhaps a gust of wind deflected it slightly so the ant on the left was hit not the ones a little to the right. The dead ant buried under the trunk was not the target of the falling birch. No intention was involved in the course it took. One ant is killed and others are spared. I am surrounded by the impartiality of nature but I will continue to thank God for his amazing handiwork. Created by chance? I don’t think so.
Yes, I’ve tripped and fallen out here. If I step on a rotten log and fall nature looks on without concern. If I fall and break my neck that’s another thing. I have faith in a caring God and pray for protection for my family and myself each time I venture out alone. That’s my personal theology.
Teale puts mankind on a level playing ground with all living things. He says “... if you eat poison mushrooms and die, if a mouse is killed by a weasel, if a rabbit is surprised by a fox or a bird falls into the talons of a hawk” Teale says, “it is all up to us - to all living things - to mankind and mouse and rabbit and bird to be on guard.”
I believe that a Creator God loves us all. That’s a level living ground for me based on a personal faith. That doesn’t mean ignoring natural laws. There is both the terror and the pain; the brightness and the beauty in nature. Both must be seen and recognized. Teale says, “Neither can be ignored. Nature is not gentle but there are warm and gentle breezes. For even the most timid and hunted of creatures, there are moments of peace and natural pleasure.”
Enjoy Marcy Woods for it gives natural enjoyment.
Marcy Woods This Fall
NN4102 Earl Plato
Autumn will soon be here and what better place to spend it - in Marcy Woods. It was a nine o’clock ramble lead by Rob Eberly. We set off on the Lower Trail. Rob has been a long time fellow naturalist who has matured in his knowledge of our Creative world. We would walk a few steps and Rob would point out some plant or tree. Sure I have done this on Marcy walks but Rob really impressed me with his botanical knowledge. This old naturalist picked up some new knowledge. I know why. Rob has taken some of the best natural scientists on walks here and has assimilated some of their expertise. Great!
Brian, a young computer expert from Pennsylvania, shared with us. He has walked from the southern end of the Appalachian Trail circa Mt. Mitchell in Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Maine. Six months it took him from late March to August! I quipped, “I walked the Trail too - a mile here and two miles there in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.”
Rob explained the uniqueness of Marcy’s with its wooded sand dunes.
More trees down from the winds. One new one for me was a giant rare Black maple. With the future of the Woods at stake no attempt has been made, as in the past, to clear the trails. Sad.
George and I followed the three as they climbed the sand hill to the overlook of the pristine beach. This time I had my camera. I took a good shot from the dune top that I will have enlarged.
Rob pointed out the long time plan of the late Dr. Marcy of saving the forested dunes. Year after year he and Dr. Rick Stockton planted trees on the dune slopes in an effort to preserve them. They succeeded.
Go west to Point Pelee along the north Lake Erie shore. How many forested sand dunes along the way do you find? Marcy Woods is unique, citizens of the Niagara Peninsula! George and I heard the news from Rob. “We’ll climb back up the dune the way we came and head for the cabin.” Back up the dune! We two seniors did make it back up but with some effort. Brian was impressed with the cabin.
Rob explained the movie made by Bruce Kershner about Marcy Woods to the two. What great views of this Carolinian gem. I want to see it again and again. Without a notebook or tape recorder I missed a great chance to record Rob Eberly’s vast knowledge. From the anomaly of the Witch’s Broom to the giant fallen Black maple to the stands of yellow and orange Jewel weeds (“Touch-me-nots”) to the Hop and Bladder Nut trees and the fragrant smell of the Spice bush leaves along the Lower Trail - again it was worth the effort.
Visit Marcy Woods this fall, eh.
Autumn will soon be here and what better place to spend it - in Marcy Woods. It was a nine o’clock ramble lead by Rob Eberly. We set off on the Lower Trail. Rob has been a long time fellow naturalist who has matured in his knowledge of our Creative world. We would walk a few steps and Rob would point out some plant or tree. Sure I have done this on Marcy walks but Rob really impressed me with his botanical knowledge. This old naturalist picked up some new knowledge. I know why. Rob has taken some of the best natural scientists on walks here and has assimilated some of their expertise. Great!
Brian, a young computer expert from Pennsylvania, shared with us. He has walked from the southern end of the Appalachian Trail circa Mt. Mitchell in Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Maine. Six months it took him from late March to August! I quipped, “I walked the Trail too - a mile here and two miles there in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.”
Rob explained the uniqueness of Marcy’s with its wooded sand dunes.
More trees down from the winds. One new one for me was a giant rare Black maple. With the future of the Woods at stake no attempt has been made, as in the past, to clear the trails. Sad.
George and I followed the three as they climbed the sand hill to the overlook of the pristine beach. This time I had my camera. I took a good shot from the dune top that I will have enlarged.
Rob pointed out the long time plan of the late Dr. Marcy of saving the forested dunes. Year after year he and Dr. Rick Stockton planted trees on the dune slopes in an effort to preserve them. They succeeded.
Go west to Point Pelee along the north Lake Erie shore. How many forested sand dunes along the way do you find? Marcy Woods is unique, citizens of the Niagara Peninsula! George and I heard the news from Rob. “We’ll climb back up the dune the way we came and head for the cabin.” Back up the dune! We two seniors did make it back up but with some effort. Brian was impressed with the cabin.
Rob explained the movie made by Bruce Kershner about Marcy Woods to the two. What great views of this Carolinian gem. I want to see it again and again. Without a notebook or tape recorder I missed a great chance to record Rob Eberly’s vast knowledge. From the anomaly of the Witch’s Broom to the giant fallen Black maple to the stands of yellow and orange Jewel weeds (“Touch-me-nots”) to the Hop and Bladder Nut trees and the fragrant smell of the Spice bush leaves along the Lower Trail - again it was worth the effort.
Visit Marcy Woods this fall, eh.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Otter Be An Otter, Eh!
nature article Earl Plato
Beaver Creek? I traced the route of this little stream on my topographical map. It crossed House Road at Paonessa’s ranch complex. I followed its path until it reached Black Creek which flows into the Niagara River. What am I getting at? I am trying to make a case for the River Otter (Lutra canadensis) being in Greater Fort Erie. My proof is very limited so feel free to question me.Some years agowife, Elaine, and I pulled over on the Niagara Parkway. We had seen a strange sight. Some mallards and a few black ducks were about a hundred feet out on the river. There was a movement among them. A long narrow animal with a long slim tail was swimming among the ducks. It would dive, emerge, roll over and dive again. I said, “It’s probably a muskrat.” But was it. It did not move on but seemed to enjoy being surrounded by the ducks. Unusual behaviour? If you have seen the antics of an otter this behaviour was usual.Remember we were up river from Black Creek. Head upstream in to this creek and you reach the little tributary, Beaver Creek. The years passed. I received a call for Carol House who lives across the road from the Paonessas. “Earl, my neighbour Diane Paonessa believes that she seen the tracks of an Otter along their stream (Beaver Creek).”
Otters prefer water habitats. They travel overland to hunt small rodents and move to other areas of water for fishing. Was an otter here? Quite possible.
Diane had taken some winter snapshots. The otter track is unmistakable. They have adapted to snow travel by combining bounding and sliding. What a sight to see this animal taking three or four bounds then sliding from five to fifteen feet. The slide resembles a pattern as if some one has pulled a small toy toboggan over the snow. My Peterson guide book shows a couple of prints a slide mark ending with a couple of prints.
Otters usually slide down slopes. The Stokes book, Nature in Winter, tells us they may even slide up a slight incline by pushing with their hind feet.
Apparently the Otter at Paonessas did not stay long. It hasn’t been seen since as far as I know.
When fishing in water, Otters keep a hole or two open in frozen lakes and rivers. They dive into a hole and chase the slower fish into shore where they catch then in their mouths. There aren’t many fish in Beaver Creek at least at House Road for a hungry Otter. So he moved on.
Otters use dens for winter protection. We read that some of these dens may be up to 500 feet from water usually in the bank of a stream. Beaver Creek? Say, what’s the origin of the name, Beaver? Remember Otters and Beavers are compatible. Historically there’s a case for Otters in the area.
I checked the WEB and found 13 species of Otters worldwide. There is an International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) and a rehabilitation centre on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. They report that 95% of the European Otters are gone. That leaves 5 %!
Beaver Creek? I traced the route of this little stream on my topographical map. It crossed House Road at Paonessa’s ranch complex. I followed its path until it reached Black Creek which flows into the Niagara River. What am I getting at? I am trying to make a case for the River Otter (Lutra canadensis) being in Greater Fort Erie. My proof is very limited so feel free to question me.Some years agowife, Elaine, and I pulled over on the Niagara Parkway. We had seen a strange sight. Some mallards and a few black ducks were about a hundred feet out on the river. There was a movement among them. A long narrow animal with a long slim tail was swimming among the ducks. It would dive, emerge, roll over and dive again. I said, “It’s probably a muskrat.” But was it. It did not move on but seemed to enjoy being surrounded by the ducks. Unusual behaviour? If you have seen the antics of an otter this behaviour was usual.Remember we were up river from Black Creek. Head upstream in to this creek and you reach the little tributary, Beaver Creek. The years passed. I received a call for Carol House who lives across the road from the Paonessas. “Earl, my neighbour Diane Paonessa believes that she seen the tracks of an Otter along their stream (Beaver Creek).”
Otters prefer water habitats. They travel overland to hunt small rodents and move to other areas of water for fishing. Was an otter here? Quite possible.
Diane had taken some winter snapshots. The otter track is unmistakable. They have adapted to snow travel by combining bounding and sliding. What a sight to see this animal taking three or four bounds then sliding from five to fifteen feet. The slide resembles a pattern as if some one has pulled a small toy toboggan over the snow. My Peterson guide book shows a couple of prints a slide mark ending with a couple of prints.
Otters usually slide down slopes. The Stokes book, Nature in Winter, tells us they may even slide up a slight incline by pushing with their hind feet.
Apparently the Otter at Paonessas did not stay long. It hasn’t been seen since as far as I know.
When fishing in water, Otters keep a hole or two open in frozen lakes and rivers. They dive into a hole and chase the slower fish into shore where they catch then in their mouths. There aren’t many fish in Beaver Creek at least at House Road for a hungry Otter. So he moved on.
Otters use dens for winter protection. We read that some of these dens may be up to 500 feet from water usually in the bank of a stream. Beaver Creek? Say, what’s the origin of the name, Beaver? Remember Otters and Beavers are compatible. Historically there’s a case for Otters in the area.
I checked the WEB and found 13 species of Otters worldwide. There is an International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) and a rehabilitation centre on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. They report that 95% of the European Otters are gone. That leaves 5 %!
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