Cotton in Cottonwood Flats: June 2021

After the long drive home from Northern Ontario, I stayed close to home today and visited Cottonwood Flats in the Don Valley near Pottery Road.

MYSTERY BIRD

I will identify it at the end of the poast.

There is a reason that this tree is called the Cottonwood Tree.

Cottonwood (Populus tremuloides)

When the seeds blow about in the wind, they fall en masse and look just like cotton.

Cottonwood seeds
Cottonwood seeds
Cottonwood seeds
Cottonwood seeds

I was interested to see what has come into flower while I was away.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
Viper’s Bugloss (Echium vulgare)
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
Goutweed
Dog-strangling Vine (Vincetoxicum rossicum)
Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis)
Staghorn Sumac pollen cone
Purple-flowering Raspberry (Rubus odoratus)
Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
Birdfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatis)
Brome Grass (Bromus inermis)
Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
White Clover (Trifolium repens)
fallen Black Locust flower petals
Crown Vetch (Securigera varia)
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)
Rough Cinquefoil (Potentilla norvegica)
Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata)
Bladder Campion (Silene vulgaris)
Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)

MYSTERY BIRD

I wasn’t very close, but the colouring, posture and location indicate that this is an Eastern Kingbird.

Eastern Kingbird

MAILBOX

Hello Miles,I still have the Sandhill Cranes on my mind since seeing your photos. I don’t think I’ve sent you photos from Longpoint, here are a few. I couldn’t believe my eyes and felt so lucky! The opportunity to photograph them came suddenly. The photos had quite a bit of noise/grain so I used Lightroom which resulted in a slight painterly look.
Thanks again for your inspiring photos!

NATURE POETRY

It is the month of June,
The month of leaves and roses,
When pleasant sights salute the eyes,
And pleasant scents the noses.                   – N.P. Willis (1807–67) 

Miles Hearn

2 thoughts on “Cotton in Cottonwood Flats: June 2021

  1. Lisa Volkov

    Home sweet home! Absolutely beautiful. That I didn’t get the mystery bird this time is simply a disgrace. But it’s wonderful to see and experience the Valley and its delights again, as much as I enjoyed “travelling abroad”. Thanks, Miles!

    Reply
  2. Christine Dick

    Hi Miles I saw an eastern kingbird the last time I visited Beachwood. So exciting as it was a first for me. I do enjoy the pictures.

    Reply

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