Monkey-flower is found in wet places such as marshes, ditches, swamps, shores and borders of ponds, lakes, rivers and streams.
The overall appearance is said to resemble a grinning monkey’s face.
Indian-tobacco was once considered a medicinal plant because of the emetic alkaloid present in the plant parts, especially the roots, but is now regarded as poisonous.
It can be found in moist or dry locations often in disturbed ground.
The lovely village of Kars lies beside the Rideau River. The name was chosen to commemorate the Canadian-born General William Fenwick Williams who had undertaken in the siege of the town of Kars (now in Turkey) for the Ottoman Empire against the Russian Empire in 1857.
The Baxter Conservation Area is very near Kars and I (plus many friendly mosquitos) had a good walk there early on this day.
Thanks to Ken Sproule for assistance in butterfly identification.
Some botany:
Thanks to Heather Pantrey who sent me these photos of a Chipping Sparrow feeding a Cowbird chick. Cowbirds lay their eggs in other bird’s nests and the chipping sparrow must have been surprised at the size and appetite of this one of “her” brood.
NATURE THOUGHT
The summer night is the perfection of thought. – Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)
Miles Hearn
What bounty! Once again, magnificent scenery, gorgeous (and fascinating!) plants and flowers, and (Thank You, Heather!) A delightful and oh, so interesting–what a scoop!–photo capture of a Chipping Sparrow feeding a Cowbird chick! Thank you all, for all of this–Miles, Ken and Heather!