9 May

 The initial intent of this blog was to track seasonal change in the Forest and Wetlands, and the changes are now evident and happening quickly.  They make for wonderful observation.

An increasing growth of summer fungi are emerging.  This log hosts an abundance of oyster mushrooms.


With the emergence of fungi, the Forest's slug population is appearing.  In addition to their role as consumers of rotting debris and dog excreta, slugs have a taste for fungi.


The trillia of the Forest are changing from white to a rich purple.


This is a fine year for western starflowers.


The red elderberries are starting to form.


A mystery:  Something appears to be boring into several logs along the path. Small holes and piles of sawdust can be seen, but the perpetrator has yet to appear.  Suggestions from knowledgeable readers would, as always, be gratefully received.


The Marsh is now gloriously green.  (A quiz--somewhere in this photo, close inspection will reveal a swamp critter.)


...and the unwelcome answer--a bullfrog in all of its ravenous and destructive splendour.  (Now, can you see him in the Marsh photo.)


A red-winged blackbird, still in transitional plumage, serenaded us from a small growth of spirea.


In the vegetation fringing the Marsh, the twinberries are starting to form.



We anticipate a pro-d visit from teachers in the local school district this week.  It's a fine time to lead them on our paths, now relatively dry, and with abundant new growth.









Location: Coombs, BC V0R 1M0, Canada

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