I don’t know who gets to designate what is and what isn’t an indicator species (a species whose presence indicates that an area is in good health) but, I’m electing one, based solely on personal experience.
The green colours in those ferns and other plants is really vibrant. I really liked that clip of the Black Race moving in the underbrush - not a snake I have seen up here in the Ottawa area.
Lately, I've been appreciating Red Sumac as I pass by fields and rows of it on my hikes. It's interesting and entertaining to watch the Black-capped Chickadees forage for seeds as well as cache food in and around Red Sumac. I've found that Northern Cardinals and Downy Woodpeckers tend to follow the chickadees as well. They all seem to get along in some way. Thanks for sharing.
Black capped Chickadees (and Carolina Chickadees down here) are definitely great at leading other birds to food. Snowy Egrets serve a similar role out on the coasts, interestingly.
Love me some sumacs! Down here we have Staghorn, Smooth, and Winged Sumacs. Big fan of all.
I always appreciate your writing. You describe your wonderful encounters with nature so descriptively ( I will be examining monocots more closely on future walks). Thinking about an indicator species is an interesting way to notice and observe. I typically focus upon the “wows!” in my observations, so I will think more about what types of organisms I notice a lot that inform me about the richness of the area. And I can’t not comment upon the two reptiles that you feature on your walk! I have heard snakes moving through the leaves, but have usually been really close to them. Your video capture of the racer is remarkable! And the fine wood turtle! May he move through the forest for many more years! Thanks for your work, your observations, and your deep respect for the natural world.
The green colours in those ferns and other plants is really vibrant. I really liked that clip of the Black Race moving in the underbrush - not a snake I have seen up here in the Ottawa area.
Lately, I've been appreciating Red Sumac as I pass by fields and rows of it on my hikes. It's interesting and entertaining to watch the Black-capped Chickadees forage for seeds as well as cache food in and around Red Sumac. I've found that Northern Cardinals and Downy Woodpeckers tend to follow the chickadees as well. They all seem to get along in some way. Thanks for sharing.
Black capped Chickadees (and Carolina Chickadees down here) are definitely great at leading other birds to food. Snowy Egrets serve a similar role out on the coasts, interestingly.
Love me some sumacs! Down here we have Staghorn, Smooth, and Winged Sumacs. Big fan of all.
Thanks for reading!
I always appreciate your writing. You describe your wonderful encounters with nature so descriptively ( I will be examining monocots more closely on future walks). Thinking about an indicator species is an interesting way to notice and observe. I typically focus upon the “wows!” in my observations, so I will think more about what types of organisms I notice a lot that inform me about the richness of the area. And I can’t not comment upon the two reptiles that you feature on your walk! I have heard snakes moving through the leaves, but have usually been really close to them. Your video capture of the racer is remarkable! And the fine wood turtle! May he move through the forest for many more years! Thanks for your work, your observations, and your deep respect for the natural world.
You’ve supported stuff that I post for a long while, I hope you know it’s very much appreciated! And I’m really glad you enjoy these types of posts.
Monocots get less press but they can be really stunning.
I too hope the wood turtle is out there surviving many more years. I wish I was able to see what some of these specimens are up to.
Thanks again for reading!