Sea-buckthorn at Ashbridge’s Bay / March 12, 2020

Sea-buckthorn produces orange-yellow berries which have been used over centuries as food, traditional medicine and skin treatment.

Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

It is an exceptionally hardy plant which is able to withstand temperatures as low as -43 degrees C.

Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

In western Europe it is mostly along sea coast with salt spray which prevents larger plants from outcompeting it. In Central Asia it is found in dry semi-desert sites.

Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)
Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) male buds

A Barrie company called Bee by the Sea Natural Products Inc. produces this natural skin cream and I thank one of our walkers, for this tube.

Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

Other nature:

European Pussy Willow (Salix caprea)
Larch (Larix)
Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
Rose buds
Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

There is considerable evidence of Beaver in this park:

Park scenes:

Toy cardinal

Species list: mute swan, Canada goose, mallard, common goldeneye, bufflehead, long-tailed duck, red-breasted merganser, common merganser, herring gull, ring-billed gull, downy woodpecker,  black-capped chickadee, American robin, house sparrow, red-winged blackbird, common grackle, northern cardinal, American goldfinch, song sparrow.  (19 species)

Downy Woodpecker (male)
American Robin
Red-winged Blackbird (male)
Red-winged Blackbird (male)
Mallard (male)
Long-tailed Duck (female)
Long-tailed Ducks (female)

This morning’s group (4 degrees, windy and overcast):

NATURE POETRY

March is a boisterous fellow,
And undeterred by fear,
With many pranks proclaims himself
The tomboy of the year!                         – The 1931 Old Farmer’s Almanac

Miles Hearn

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