8 May

 8 May

A fine morning for a visit to the Hamilton Wetlands and Forest.


The warmer weather of the past week has brought on the growth of vegetation dramatically. 

Last week the bracken fern was just starting its growth with elegant scrolls.  This week it was mature and abundant.


False lily of the valley has spread on the forest floor, in this frame "photobombed" by a salmonberry blossom.


The resilience of huckleberry vines can be startling.  They often root themselves on logged off stumps, with beautiful effects.


The leaves of skunk cabbage, which have been emerging over past weeks are now almost fully grown.


The forest has a beautiful assortment of plantlife.


Count the species...* 

An energetic caterpillar explored the growth.  


The on-line Bug Guide warns us:  "Like several kinds of wooly-bear-type caterpillars, these have venomous, stinging hairs, which can cause a burning sensation and/or a rash in sensitive people - look, but don't touch!"  We left it untouched.

The baldhip rose is one of two roses native to British Columbia.


At this stage in the season, perhaps the clearest identifier is the dense, thin, prickles that cover the stem.

The song of pacific wren sounded often as we walked the path.  This one appeared, but wrens are--flighty, you might say, and the photo is a bit vague.  


It appeared that the wren was taking an insect back to its nest.  We had a brief discussion of whether wrens were "ground nesters" or tree or cavity nesters.  The little bird made up our minds for us, by disappearing into this cavity.


Close inspection shows a lining of moss or grass in the cavity.  Wrens seem to like their comfort.  


The red-breasted sapsucker continues to tend her nestlings.


The nest boxes still await their occupants.  One day we shall see wood ducks and wood ducklings in the boxes.  

The marsh is now splendidly green.



The alders at the far end of the marsh, which showed reddish when we began visiting in March, are now leafing out.


The bog bean is in full bloom.


As we return along the path, we see that the seasonal changes are intensifying and glorious.   What will the warmer days show us?



-------

*sword fern, trillium, trailing blackberry, false lily of the valley (it's possible I've missed something--please let me know.)


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