Album Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area from Anne Elliott

Nodding (Musk) Thistle / Carduus nutans

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 07:30:29 +0000

A very quick grab from the archives, as I was beginning to feel the need for some colour in my photostream! I had hoped to make a start on Day 11 of our trip to Ontario and Quebec in May 2018, but I had things to get done today. Tomorrow, I have to go and get a cortisone shot in my left hip, so will need to rest for a couple of days. I was thinking they would do both hips in the same appointment, but I was told they only do one at a tme - which does make sense. Second one will be in about 12 days' time. The shots I had in both knees a few weeks ago had no effect on the pain level, so I am really hoping that tomorrow's shot will have a better result.

This is the seedhead of a Nodding Thistle, taken on 25 July 2017. These are my favourite thistles, but unfortunately, it is an invasive species. The Alberta Provincial Designation for Nodding/Musk Thistle is Prohibited Noxious.

"A native of Europe, nodding thistle has a long history as a rangeland pest. The invasive nature of this aggressive plant can lead to severe degradation of native grasslands and meadows because grazing animals focus on native vegetation giving the thistles a competitive advantage." From invasiveplants.ab.ca.

www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/factsheets/FS-NoddingThistle.pdf

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carduus_nutans

Nodding Thistle / Musk Thistle / Carduus nutans

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 14:29:17 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

Definitely past its prime, but I love these Nodding Thistles at any stage, but especially when the pinky purple flower has died and the beautiful pattern of the spiny bracts can be seen more clearly. Flower head is 4-6 cm in diameter. The large Nodding or Musk Thistle is my favourite species of Thistle. Unfortunately, this quite spectacular and beautiful species is on the list of Restricted, Noxious, and Nuisance Weeds In Alberta. Its name, Nodding Thistle, comes from the fact that the flower heads commonly droop to a 90° to 120° angle from the stem when mature. It is a biennial that spreads rapidly by seed forming extremely dense stands, though when I have seen this species growing in several places within the city, there are usually only a few of them. It looks like i may have captured two insects as well - a teeny red mite on the left of the stem, and something else in the centre of the stem. I don't know if the latter is a moth or a beetle.

www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/2011/08/carduus-nutans.php

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carduus_nutans

This photo was taken at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, not far from downtown Calgary, yesterday afternoon, 24 July 2018. It is the richest botanical area, for its size, within the city. Over 385 species have been recorded in an area of about three hectares. (All of Fish Creek Provincial Park has only about 460 species). Eighty species, however, are aliens, now occupying 90+% of the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. It is such a shame to see how the area is being devastated by plants that include Baby's Breath, Creeping Thistle, Yellow Clematis and other invasive species.

The weather forecast for yesterday afternoon called for a risk of a thunderstorm. The sky was dark and gloomy, but we were very lucky that the rain stayed away. Our temperature at 9:00 this morning, 25 July 2018, is only 12C, which feels really good. This afternoon, it is supposed to get up to 23C.

Botanizing Beagles - Ben and Maggie

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 14:28:23 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

This photo was taken at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, not far from downtown Calgary, yesterday afternoon, 24 July 2018. These two Beagles belong to our leader. It is the richest botanical area, for its size, within the city. Over 385 species have been recorded in an area of about three hectares. (All of Fish Creek Provincial Park has only about 460 species). Eighty species, however, are aliens, now occupying 90+% of the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. It is such a shame to see how the area is being devastated by plants that include Baby's Breath, Creeping Thistle, Yellow Clematis and other invasive species.

The weather forecast for yesterday afternoon called for a risk of a thunderstorm. The sky was dark and gloomy, but we were very lucky that the rain stayed away. Our temperature at 9:00 this morning, 25 July 2018, is only 12C, which feels really good. This afternoon, it is supposed to get up to 23C.

Invasive Yellow Clematis

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 14:27:33 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

Some of you will be familiar with this rather beautiful flower and its silvery seedheads. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, it is an invasive species and widespread. This is one of three species of Clematis that occur in the wild in Alberta, the other two being the native Western Clematis and the Purple Clematis/Blue Clematis. This yellow species was introduced from Japan as an ornamental garden plant, but has now spread to natural areas where it chokes out and kills native plants, shrubs and trees.

This photo was taken at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, not far from downtown Calgary, yesterday afternoon, 24 July 2018. It is the richest botanical area, for its size, within the city. Over 385 species have been recorded in an area of about three hectares. (All of Fish Creek Provincial Park has only about 460 species). Eighty species, however, are aliens, now occupying 90+% of the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. It is such a shame to see how the area is being devastated by plants that include Baby's Breath, Creeping Thistle, Yellow Clematis and other invasive species.

The weather forecast for yesterday afternoon called for a risk of a thunderstorm. The sky was dark and gloomy, but we were very lucky that the rain stayed away. Our temperature at 9:00 this morning, 25 July 2018, is only 12C, which feels really good. This afternoon, it is supposed to get up to 23C.

Wild European Rabbit

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 14:26:50 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

There are a number of Wild European Rabbits in Calgary, and this is just one of them. It always feels strange to see what look like pet rabbits wandering loose in people's gardens and around a neighbourhood. This one was seen yesterday, 24 July 2018, when I went on a botany walk at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. It was busy eating the grass across the road from where our walk took place. Right next to this area is a Cemetery - funny, I do tend to see rabbits in cemeteries, either these Wild European Rabbits, which come in all sorts of colours, or the White-tailed Jackrabbits.

The town of Canmore, near Banff, in Banff National Park, has had a problem with these Wild European Rabbits. They attract Coyotes and other wildlife into the town. I know they did do something about this problem, but I don't know what the situation in Canmore is like now. I seem to remember reading that a fair number of them were sent to British Columbia to a sanctuary there and the rest were "got rid of".

Here is a link to a Calgary Herald newspaper article from 15th December 2010, about the problem with these Rabbits in the town of Canmore, near Banff: They were, of course, also eating the plants in people's gardens, which some home owners complained about.

"Canmore Mayor Ron Casey is taking aim at the picturesque Alberta town's rascally rabbits. Casey, who said the animals are attracting predators such as cougars, has secured support for a $50,000 budget to deal with feral rabbits."

Read more: www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Canmore+cull+bear+baitin...

Wild European Rabbit

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 14:58:37 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

My heart goes out to all those who have been affected by the devastating tragedy in the province to our east, after a collision on Friday (6 April 2018) between a Saskatchewan junior hockey team’s bus and a tractor-trailer in rural Saskatchewan. That afternoon, the Broncos junior hockey team of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, were en route to a playoff game in Nipawin. Twenty-nine people were on board the team bus. Fifteen people were killed, including the coach, assistant coach, bus driver and a team announcer. Others remain in hospital. The tractor-trailer driver survived. There has been such a huge outpouring from people across Canada, and beyond. Such sadness, especially at so many young lives lost.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are a number of Wild European Rabbits in Calgary, and this is just one of them. It always feels strange to see what look like pet rabbits wandering loose in people's gardens and around a neighbourhood. This one was seen on 23 July 2014, when I went on a botany walk at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. It was busy eating the grass by this tombstone and then it took a good look at me before continuing to feed. Right next to this area is a Cemetery - funny, I do tend to see rabbits in cemeteries, either these Wild European Rabbits, which come in all sorts of colours, or the White-tailed Jackrabbits.

The town of Canmore, near Banff, in Banff National Park, has had a problem with these Wild European Rabbits. They attract Coyotes and other wildlife into the town. I know they did do something about this problem, but I don't know what the situation in Canmore is like now. I seem to remember reading that a fair number of them were sent to British Columbia to a sanctuary there and the rest were "got rid of".

Here is a link to a Calgary Herald newspaper article from 15th December 2010, about the problem with these Rabbits in the town of Canmore, near Banff: They were, of course, also eating the plants in people's gardens, which some home owners complained about.

"Canmore Mayor Ron Casey is taking aim at the picturesque Alberta town's rascally rabbits. Casey, who said the animals are attracting predators such as cougars, has secured support for a $50,000 budget to deal with feral rabbits."

Read more: www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Canmore+cull+bear+baitin...

She can't see me

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 15:48:22 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

On 27 July 2017, I decided to get up early and do a repeat botany walk at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, not far from downtown. One of the reasons I did this, was that I really dislike doing this drive, especially knowing that I could so easily end up in the downtown area - which I avoid at all cost. So, a bit like getting back on a horse if one is thrown off, I hoped a second drive might make me feel more comfortable. Also, I really wanted to hopefully see a Wild European Rabbit or two, and sure enough, they didn't disappoint. Black and white, plain black, light brown, mid-brown. A few more photos of the Nodding/Musk Thistles were also on my mind.

The Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, not far from downtown Calgary, is the richest botanical area, for its size, within the city. Over 385 species have been recorded in an area of about three hectares. (All of Fish Creek Provincial Park has only about 460 species). Eighty species, however, are aliens, now occupying 90+% of the area. It is such a shame to see how the area is being devastated by plants that include Baby's Breath, Creeping Thistle, Nodding Thistle, Yellow Clematis and other invasive species.

Common Tansy / Tanacetum vulgare

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 16:03:45 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

All three photos posted this morning were taken yesterday, 27 July 2017. I decided to get up early and do a repeat botany walk at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, not far from downtown. One of the reasons I did this, was that I really dislike doing this drive, especially knowing that I could so easily end up in the downtown area - which I avoid at all cost. So, a bit like getting back on a horse if one is thrown off, I hoped a second drive might make me feel more comfortable. Also, I really wanted to hopefully see a Wild European Rabbit or two, and sure enough, they didn't disappoint. Black and white, plain black, light brown, mid-brown. A few more photos of the Nodding/Musk Thistles were also on my mind.

The Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, not far from downtown Calgary, is the richest botanical area, for its size, within the city. Over 385 species have been recorded in an area of about three hectares. (All of Fish Creek Provincial Park has only about 460 species). Eighty species, however, are aliens, now occupying 90+% of the area. It is such a shame to see how the area is being devastated by plants that include Baby's Breath, Creeping Thistle, Nodding Thistle, Yellow Clematis and other invasive species.

Common Tansy, seen in this photo, is one of the weeds growing at this location. In Alberta, its rating is Noxious. A shame, really, as its bright yellow, button-like flowers are quite attractive.

"Common tansy is a perennial forb that reproduces by both seed and short rhizomes (underground horizontal roots). Introduced from Europe in the 1600’s, its pungently aromatic
foliage has been used medicinally, as an insect
repellant, and for embalming.

Common tansy forms dense stands and the plants contain alkaloids that are toxic to both humans and livestock if consumed in large quantities. Cases of livestock poisoning are rare, though, because tansy is unpalatable to grazing animals."

www.abinvasives.ca/factsheets/140513-fs-commontansy.pdf

We are still under a Heat Warning. This morning, I happened to check the forecast for the coming week and, so far, the temperatures for next Thursday and Friday are 35C and 34C. The average high for the month of July is 22.9C. There are fire bans in many places in Alberta, as everywhere is bone dry.

Nodding/Musk Thistle / Carduus nutans

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 16:28:04 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

The large Nodding or Musk Thistle is my favourite species of Thistle. Unfortunately, this quite spectacular and beautiful species is on the list of Restricted, Noxious, and Nuisance Weeds In Alberta. It is a biennial that spreads rapidly by seed forming extremely dense stands, though when I have seen this species growing in several places within the city, there are usually only a few of them. Yesterday, though, I saw how, if left, these Thistles can spread.

I finally got out on a botany walk yesterday afternoon, 25 July 2017. The smoke from the British Columbia and Alberta wildfires has cleared, it was a lovely sunny day, and at last the destination was a place to which I could drive. Also, I knew that this would not be a very long walk and it was all on the level. I was hoping that there would at least be a few of these thistles growing. Most of the flowers had died, but I still love those spine-tipped, inner and outer bracts. The flower itself is a beautiful pink/purple. I have added a previously posted photo showing a flower in its prime, in a comment box below.

www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/2011/08/carduus-nutans.php

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carduus_nutans

This photo was taken at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, not far from downtown Calgary. It is the richest botanical area, for its size, within the city. Over 385 species have been recorded in an area of about three hectares. (All of Fish Creek Provincial Park has only about 460 species). Eighty species, however, are aliens, now occupying 90+% of the area. It is such a shame to see how the area is being devastated by plants that include Baby's Breath, Creeping Thistle, Yellow Clematis and other invasive species.

Invasive Goat's-beard and Baby's breath

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 18:30:04 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

Some of you will be familiar with this rather beautiful, larger than a Dandelion, seedhead. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, it is a highly invasive species and widespread. This one, along with many others, was growing at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area in Calgary, on 27 July 2011. The background is of another invasive weed, Baby's Breath. It is quite likely that someone threw an old pot of these tiny, white flowers over the fence from the cemetery next door, and they have spread and keep spreading.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius

The Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area is located on the east side of the Elbow River above the southwest community of Roxborough. It was completed in 1996. This is one of the richest areas in Calgary for wildlowers, but unfortunately, many non-native plants and shrubs have taken over much of the area - such as Caragana, Goat's-beard, Baby's Breath and Yellow Clematis.

Fancy 'Cat's Cradle'

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 15:48:53 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

Almost called this "Oh what a tangled web we weave" (quote by Sir Walter Scott).

Cat's cradle is a string game you may remember from childhood. It requires two people to pass the string back and forth to make various string shapes. Cat's Cradle instructions can be found at the following two links:

youtu.be/CAZhx5PKgl4

www.wikihow.com/Play-The-Cat's-Cradle-Game

After a volunteer shift on 23 July 2014, I wasn't too far away from the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, where I was finally going to go on a botany walk. Having been to this location several times before, I knew it was a short, easy, flat trail, and that I could go as far as I wanted and then turn back early, which is what I did. I had missed pretty well all the botany and birding walks the previous few months, which was quite depressing. The main thing I wanted to see were these Nodding / Musk Thistles, as they are my favourite species of Thistle. They are called a "weed", but I love to see them. The sun was unfortunately in the wrong direction, so I was only able to get a couple of OK shots, but better than nothing. This flower head, past its prime, had quite a fancy tangle of spider web over it.

Its name, Nodding Thistle, comes from the fact that the flower heads commonly droop to a 90° to 120° angle from the stem when mature. Here in Alberta, this species is a noxious weed - but a beautiful one.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carduus_nutans

With a couple of hours to "kill", I had spent them at the Reader Rock Garden, which was just a few minutes' drive away from the evening botany walk location.

Happy Easter!

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 18:29:04 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates! Hope you have sunny days the next few days, so that it feels like spring. When I checked our weather forecast very late last night, it was for snow today, so I changed my plans for a day out. Woke up really late this morning and the sun was shining. I guess snow could still arrive this afternoon.

This little rabbit is one of the Wild European Rabbits that I've seen in Calgary. I'm not sure if they are only found in this one area of the city or elsewhere. Seen on 23 July 2014, when I went on a botany walk at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. Right next to this natural area is a Cemetery - funny, I do tend to see Rabbits in cemeteries, either these Wild European Rabbits, which come in all sorts of colours (light brown, black, black and white, and so on), or the White-tailed Jackrabbits.

The town of Canmore, near Banff, in Banff National Park, has had a problem with these Wild European Rabbits. They attract Coyotes and other wildlife into the town. They were going to do something about this problem, but I don't know if they ever managed to "get rid" of them all. I seem to remember reading that a fair number of them were sent to British Columbia to a sanctuary there and the rest were "got rid of".

Here is a link to a Calgary Herald newspaper article from 15th December 2010, about the problem with these Rabbits in the town of Canmore, near Banff: They were, of course, also eating the plants in people's gardens, which some home owners complained about.

"Canmore Mayor Ron Casey is taking aim at the picturesque Alberta town's rascally rabbits. Casey, who said the animals are attracting predators such as cougars, has secured support for a $50,000 budget to deal with feral rabbits."

Read more: www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Canmore+cull+bear+baitin...

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A three-minute YouTube video on ALBERTA - "Remember to Breathe".

www.youtube.com/embed/ThFCg0tBDck

Wild and cute

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 16:34:15 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

There are a number of Wild European Rabbits in Calgary, and this is just one of them. Seen on 23 July 2014, when I went on a botany walk at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. Right next to this area is a Cemetery - funny, I do tend to see Rabbits in cemeteries, either these Wild European Rabbits, which come in all sorts of colours, or the White-tailed Jackrabbits.

The town of Canmore, near Banff, in Banff National Park, has had a problem with these Wild European Rabbits. They attract Coyotes and other wildlife into the town. They were going to do something about this problem, but I don't know if they ever did.

Here is a link to a Calgary Herald newspaper article from 15th December 2010, about the problem with these Rabbits in the town of Canmore, near Banff:

"Canmore Mayor Ron Casey is taking aim at the picturesque Alberta town's rascally rabbits. Casey, who said the animals are attracting predators such as cougars, has secured support for a $50,000 budget to deal with feral rabbits."

Read more: www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Canmore+cull+bear+baitin...

The fancy web work of a spider

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 15:14:03 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

Perhaps I should whisper that this is my favourite Thistle, seeing as it is a weed : ) It is called Nodding Thistle, also Musk Thistle, and was introduced from Europe and North Africa. A member of the Aster family, it grows to 60-250 cm tall, with flower heads that are 1.5-8 cm across. This particular plant was growing on 23rd July 2014 at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. It was past its prime, as the purple disc florets have died, but I am always fascinated with the spine-tipped, inner and outer bracts. This time that I went, the sun was in the wrong position to try and photograph the plants from the other side.

After a volunteer shift on that day, 23 July 2014, I wasn't too far away from the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, where I was finally going to go on a botany walk. Having been to this location several times before, I knew it was a short, easy, flat trail, and that I could go as far as I wanted and then turn back early, which is what I did. I've missed pretty well all the botany and birding walks the last few months, which is quite depressing. The main thing I wanted to see were these Nodding / Musk Thistles.

With a couple of hours to "kill" after my volunteer shift, I spent them at the Reader Rock Garden, which was just a few minutes' drive away from the evening botany walk at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area.

Grasshopper details

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 10:36:22 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

After a volunteer shift on 23 July 2014, I wasn't too far away from the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, where I was finally going to go on a botany walk. Having been to this location several times before, I knew it was a short, easy, flat trail, and that I could go as far as I wanted and then turn back early, which is what I did. I've missed pretty well all the botany and birding walks the last few months, which is quite depressing. The main thing I wanted to see were the Nodding / Musk Thistles, as they are my favourite species of Thistle. They are called a "weed", but I love to see them. Saw this Grasshopper - not sure what kind it is, and I will have to wait till this evening before I get a chance to try and ID it.

With a couple of hours to "kill", I had spent them at the Reader Rock Garden, which was just a few minutes' drive away from the evening botany walk location.

White Campion, male

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 17:35:55 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

I had to edit this photo to pass on to local botany friends, so thought I'd also add it to my Plants of Alberta album. The female flowers have a much shorter, rounder calyx than the male, and I'll post a photo of one later. This species is native to most of Europe, Western Asia and Northern Africa, so is a non-native plant in Alberta, where it is a noxious weed. Taken at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area on 23 July 2014.

www.agric.gov.ab.ca/app107/loadPest?action=display&id=61

This morning, I slept through my alarm's loud music for an hour and then for an extra hour and a half. Have an Open House to go to this afternoon, so am in a real rush and may have to finish off today's photos when I get home.

Rust fungus on Western White Clematis

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 15:32:05 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

I love seeing Rust Fungus on various plants. It's quite amazing what things look like when you take a careful, close look. If you happen to notice a small patch of vivid orange on a plant, take a closer look at it, and this is what you may see. This macro shot shows the orange spore pustules of Rust Fungus on Western White Clematis, growing wild at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area.

After a volunteer shift on 23 July 2014, I wasn't too far away from the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, where I was finally going to go on a botany walk. Having been to this location several times before, I knew it was a short, easy, flat trail, and that I could go as far as I wanted and then turn back early, which is what I did. I've missed pretty well all the botany and birding walks the last few months, which is quite depressing. The main thing I wanted to see were the Nodding / Musk Thistles, as these are my favourite species of Thistle. They are called a "weed", but I love to see them. The sun was unfortunately in the wrong direction, so I was only able to get a handful of shots, but better than nothing.

With a couple of hours to "kill", I spent them at the Reader Rock Garden, which was just a few minutes' drive away from the evening botany walk location.

Should I stay or should I go?

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 16:00:30 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

There are a number of Wild European Rabbits in Calgary, and this is just one of them. Always feels strange to see what look like pet rabbits wandering loose in people's gardens and around a neighbourhood. This one was seen on 23 July 2014, when I went on a botany walk at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. It was busy eating the grass by this tombstone and then it took a good look at me before continuing to feed. Right next to this area is a Cemetery - funny, I do tend to see rabbits in cemeteries, either these Wild European Rabbits, which come in all sorts of colours, or the White-tailed Jackrabbits.

The town of Canmore, near Banff, in Banff National Park, has had a problem with these Wild European Rabbits. They attract Coyotes and other wildlife into the town. They were going to do something about this problem, but I don't know if they ever did.

www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/12/21/canmore-alberta-rabbits_...

Looks like we may possibly have thunderstorms and rain the next few days. This morning, it's 24C (feels like 29C) and it is supposed to go up to 28C (feels like 33C) this afternoon. Yesterday, it got up to 32C in the afternoon.

This is a long weekend here in Canada - Monday, 4 August 2014 is Heritage Day. Have a good, safe holiday, everyone!

My favourite Thistle

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 15:42:03 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

After a volunteer shift on 23 July 2014, I wasn't too far away from the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, where I was finally going to go on a botany walk. Having been to this location several times before, I knew it was a short, easy, flat trail, and that I could go as far as I wanted and then turn back early, which is what I did. I've missed pretty well all the botany and birding walks the last few months, which is quite depressing. The main thing I wanted to see were these Nodding / Musk Thistles, as they are my favourite species of Thistle. They are called a "weed", but I love to see them. The sun was unfortunately in the wrong direction, so I was only able to get a couple of OK shots, but better than nothing. Its name, Nodding Thistle, comes from the fact that the flower heads commonly droop to a 90° to 120° angle from the stem when mature. Here in Alberta, this species is a noxious weed - but a beautiful one.

With a couple of hours to "kill", I had spent them at the Reader Rock Garden, which was just a few minutes' drive away from the evening botany walk location.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carduus_nutans

Mating Spotted Asparagus Beetles

nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 15:25:21 +0000

Anne Elliott has posted:

At long last, I got out for a botany walk two days ago, 23 July 2014. Having been to this location several times before, I knew it was a short, easy, flat trail, and that I could go as far as I wanted and then turn back early, which is what I did. The main thing I wanted to see were the Nodding /Musk Thistles, as these are my favourite species of Thistle. They are called a "weed", but I love to see them. The sun was unfortunately in the wrong direction, so I was only able to get a handful of shots, but better than nothing.

After a volunteer shift that day, I wasn't too far away from the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, where the walk was going to be held. With a couple of hours to "kill", I spent them at the Reader Rock Garden, which was just a few minutes' drive away from the botany walk location.

At the Erlton / Roxboro Natural Area, I found this pair of tiny Spotted Asparagus Beetles (Crioceris duodecimpunctata), on an Asparagus plant. The colourful beetles are 1/4 of an inch long, and they are pests of Asparagus plants.

The Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area is located on the east side of the Elbow River above the southwest community of Roxboro. It was completed in 1996. This is one of the richest areas in Calgary for wildlowers, but unfortunately, many non-native plants and shrubs have taken over much of the area - such as Caragana, Goat's-beard, Baby's Breath, and Yellow Clematis. I think I heard that 90% of the area is now weed-covered, which is such a great pity. Some of the plants, such as Baby's Breath, were introduced into the area by someone throwing a discarded cemetery bouquet of flowers from a grave site, over the fence and into the Natural Area. Incredible how just one small action like this can devastate a whole natural area.