What is new at the Macoun Marsh in Ottawa, Canada?

2 wasp stings- one on each hand!

For those who study biodiversity in Canada, July is certainly the most exciting time.  It is in midsummer that a menagerie of life is out and about.  Keep alert with all your senses as not all life forms are friendly.  Recently several people have received wasp stings at our Macoun Marsh, on the west side to be exact.  Obviously there is a wasp or bee nest in this area, so stay clear. We have also discovered two stinging nettle species at the marsh.  The slender form is not very dangerous, but watch out for the broad-leafed form with its little hairs filled with formic acid.

The redwings and grackles are still guarding their nests and chicks.  This will continue for another two weeks or so.  Amphibians are not calling as much now, but there are tree frog larvae and green frog tadpoles in the water.  Young toads have emerged from the water.  Rabbits, squirrels, and woodchucks are very common as many babies were born this year.  

Many plants are producing fruit such as the black raspberry, red raspberry, apple, dogwoods, and honeysuckle.  Raspberries are very good for eating.  Our endangered butternut tree is producing fruit.  Once these seeds ripen in late August we can begin to collect them for replanting. 

Mayflies, backswimmers, and water fleas are the most common aquatic arthropods right now.  If you are very observant you might see the stick-like water scorpion swimming at the surface of the water.

Come on out to our marsh and bring your curiosity- some bug repellent too- unless you are trying to attract bugs. 

Mike Leveille