Saturday 16 May 2015

Thickson's Woods
May 16th, 2015

Not sure how long it's been since I went to Thickson's but it's been a while. It's a hot spot for birders this time of year, with the warblers and other migrants passing though. The woods were full of song—nature's musical tribute to spring.

I saw very few birds through the leaves so I had to be content with listening to the chorus. And I was. And with my lens the birds would have to perch 10 feet in front of me for a decent shot anyway—and none did. The 'true' bird photographers were there with their 2 and 3 foot lenses. It's a wonder they don't end up with a hernia carrying those things.

My first sighting was a group of squirrels eating some seed someone had left. It was probably for the birds but the squirrels were making quick work of it. This Red Squirrel in particular was performing some acrobatics for me.

























Hi Bud.
























I learned on some TV show that squirrels can rotate their hind feet 180 degrees, making it easy for them to scramble down trees and such. You can see the turned hind foot in this shot. Nature is full of adaptations.























Half body, half tail.
A good-sized patch of Marsh Marigold was spread over the forest floor.
















Along with a few Trout Lily in bloom.




















A Mimic Bee—I think.
Dryad's Saddle mushroom (aka Pheasant's Back mushroom). The name Dryad's Saddle comes from Greek mythology where Dryads (a female tree spirit) could fit and ride on this mushroom. Our forebears had some interesting myths. Our more boring modern world doesn't have any such colorful tales.

The Pheasant's Back name is for more obvious reasons.


Mayapples in May. All umbrellas are now open.















And many of the plants now have their apples.


















One per plant, in the Y-junction below the umbrella.
Green, ringed with white.




















The pine needles could be considered clutter, but I think they add a touch. But then, I like nature's clutter—always have.

















Ostrich Fern I believe.













From Wikipedia:
The term "fiddleheads" refers to the unfurling young sprouts of ferns. Although many species of ferns are edible as fiddleheads, Ostrich Ferns are the best. They are edible only in their early growth phase first thing in the spring.


PLEASE NOTE: Most or all other fern species are either unpalatable (too tough or not very tasty) or contain high levels or carcinogens. Ostrich Ferns are the safest in that they contain the least amount of these. However, do not eat large quantities of even Ostrich ferns, as the carcinogens do accumulate over the short term. (This was news to me—but I don't gather them anyway. I hope those who do are aware of this.)

















A helpful birder ID'd this as Red Baneberry for me. Quite pretty. I like the name.





















These blossoms are like tiny, delicate, flattened cups. They're Red Currant blossoms—thanks John.


















There were several small patches of Trillium in the woods, but nothing like the covered hillsides I saw at Purple Woods last week.
Another enjoyable outing in nature.


- fini -

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