Odds and Ends of November:

Throughout my travels in Lambton County, I discovered a variety of new (to me) species.

I noticed an odd circular "flower" in North Lambton. It is a species of False Earthstar fungi (Astraeus smithii) and was described as new to science in 2013! The fungus is found on the ground at forest edges and open areas. 

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/827187-Astraeus-smithii

Along the same trail, spiders were scurrying away including this "Drumming Sword Wolf Spider." I had to laugh at the name as I saw neither a sword nor a drum! It can be found in ground-level plants and leaves, particularly in woodlands and gardens. It makes no shelter and prefers to move from one area to another as long as there are leaves and plants to hide behind. https://thepetenthusiast.com/wolf-spiders-in-michigan/

Although most insects are difficult to find in the colder months, some signs of life from the summer past can be found, including this Cicada Exoskeleton. The adult Cicada left it behind when it emerged into adulthood with wings.

Redhead Ducks doing a fly-by in the early morning sun.

We've been paying close attention to fruit bearing trees such as Crabapples. Due to low food supplies in Northern Ontario, many Finch Species are heading further south for the winter. I found a few American Robins but we continue to hope that Bohemian Waxwings and Pine Grosbeaks will stop by for a feast.

Early November sunrise reflected on the sandy beach.