Heading (a little bit) South!

Along with some Canada Geese, I headed towards South Lambton for a walk at Reid C.A. with friends. It was definitely a change of pace from the strong winds we've been battling off Lake Huron.

A sign at the small parking area explained CA use. Trails are not maintained.

We found a collection of tail feathers where a predator perished. Perhaps the feathers belonged to a Red-tailed Hawk. One member of our group had recently watched a Great Horned Owl kill a Red-tailed Hawk. We couldn't imagine many other predators being successful, unless it was already injured and was resting on the ground.

One of my favourite mushrooms: Splitgill mushroom.

Splitgill Mushrooms: The splits in the gills will close during prolonged dry weather and will rehydrate when moistened by rain. When the splits reopen, the spore-producing surfaces are exposed to the air, and spores are released.

https://first-nature.com/fungi/schizophyllum-commune.php

Over 200 insects will make Galls on Oak trees. The larva will live inside the protection of the gall as they feed and develop. This particular gall shape was new to me. iNaturalist suggests it is a Lobed Oak Gall Wasp.

Countless insect, vertebrate and amphibian species will spend the winter in or near this swampy habitat.  A friend remembered being on site at dusk in warmer weather  when over 50 Wood Ducks exploded from their hiding spots. He had no idea they were sheltering in the reeds!

An aging White Oak tree with bark that is separating in long strips.

House Finch Pair

The wet weather, earlier in the week resulted in water drops forming on the underside of twigs. Look closely, and you can see the surrounding forest inverted in each droplet!