This morning’s walk in -3 degree, sunny conditions was for the Toronto Field Naturalists.

We mostly looked at trees and shrubs and how to distinguish various species in winter.

Here are some of the species we saw:

My guide books tell me that native Gray Birch and European Birch look very much alike. Leaves help to differentiate them but there were no leaves present this morning. Guide books also state that Gray Birch is generally an eastern species that is rare except in the very easternmost parts of Ontario.

Again looking at guide books, the willow with yellowish-brown twigs is the Peach-leaved Willow:

Park Scenes:

Today’s group:

Miles Hearn