ERS 346 Outing #4
Time and date: 19/10/18 1:00 PM
Duration: 120 minutes
Location: Huron Natural Area, ON
Weather: 11.2°, cloudy, light winds
Habitat: Deciduous forest, wetland
For my fourth wildlife outing, I decided to go to Huron Natural Area and see what kind of species I could find in this ecosystem. Firstly, I observed a blue jay perched high up in a beech tree singing, indicating that this individual may have been trying to communicate to other individuals in the forest. I was able to identify this species to due its bold blue colour and distinct black necklace, as well as large crest. I also observed a northern cardinal, which I love seeing against the drab brown background of the leafless trees due to its vibrant red colour. This individual was a male because males of this species are bolder in colour than females, in order to attract mates. As I continued on my walk I started to explore the wetland habitat, in which I observed an ungulate track pressed into the mud. Although it is difficult to confirm which species this track may have been from, I would infer it is from likely a white-tail deer, based on the distribution of ungulates in this region. In fact, even ecosystems like Huron Natural Area are so heavily impacted by anthropogenic factors (i.e. habitat fragmentation) that they are not able to support the habitat requirements of most ungulates, which is why so many species have been extirpated from this area, while the population of more tolerant species like white-tail deer increase. As I continued on my walk, I found a gem studded puffball fungus, which can be identified as it is white inside and out, with studs or “gems” on the cap. Additionally, I observed honey mushrooms growing in a large cluster by sugar maples, which is characteristic of this species, and can also be identified by a ring on its stem and a cap that is covered in small hairs. The abundance of fungi in this forest may have interesting implications for the ecosystem health of this forested area.
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