Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)

A native of Asia, sometimes cultivated, it can be very aggressive when escaped and is considered a very serious weed of forests and areas near habitation.

The fruits contain seeds are used to alleviate cognitive issues and promote intestinal health. They are also made into an oil which can be used during massage, Here is a close-up of the interior of a fruit:

Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)

Oriental Bittersweet is a woody vine forming tangled masses in open ground or climbing fences, shrubs or trees to a height of 7 m or more. The branches grow over each other in a basket weave formation:

Even the buds resemble little hooks which help the vine stay in place:

Here are some scenes from the park on this -2, windy and overcast morning:

Here are the birds that I was able to photograph:

Ring-billed Gull

Gadwall (male)

Northern Cardinal (male)

Bufflehead (male)

Red-breasted Merganser (female)

Red-necked Grebe

Mute Swan

Greater Scaup

Common Merganser (female)