Beautiful Day
- Merri-Lee M.
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
"These beautiful days ... do not exist as mere pictures ... maps hung upon the walls of memory to brighten at times when touched by association or will ... They saturate themselves into every part of the body and live always." -John Muir
Every so often, we experience a day that is deserving of its very own blog post! In late June, a drive partway up the Bruce Peninsula turned into one of those days. There seemed to be special sightings and experiences at every turn, and surprises around every corner .
We started our little road trip near the southern edge of MacGregor Point Provincial Park. Along the shoreline, Wood Lilies were in full bloom.
I don't recall seeing them used as a nectar source before, but a Black Swallowtail was climbing right in and enjoying a snack.
Apparently it was "White Admiral Day" in the park; these beauties were on the gravel, on the pathways, and (sometimes) a little higher in the vegetation. Wings open, wings closed --- so pretty!
There were a few Monarchs flying -- this is a male on Oxeye Daisies.
A single Hobomok Skipper flitted by.
Male American Redstarts were singing away in the trees -- hopefully all proud papas by now!
From MacGregor, we headed north to Oliphant, where we found some stunning native plants in bloom. Northern Blue Flag Iris lined the water's edge in several places.
There was a very impressive patch of Scarlet Paintbrush near the shore in a moist meadow.
Tuberous Indian Plantain was just opening up along the sides of the boardwalk.
Carnivorous Pitcher Plants are abundant in the Oliphant Fen. Insects are trapped in the leaves, drown in a liquid, and are dissolved into a solution that provides the plant with essential minerals. Fascinating!
Tiny Pale-spiked Lobelia grows along the roadside and in small areas of meadow.
Green-keeled Cottongrass is one of my favourites!
Of course, Orchids always delight -- the Tall White Bog Orchid grows in clumps (2 that we saw) along the boardwalk, and has a wonderful aroma.
Tuberous Grass Pink Orchids were not quite open on the day we visited.
The "star" of a wild Orchid display in June might be the Showy Lady's Slipper. It's hard to believe these beauties survive Canadian winters, and thrive in Ontario. They are so exotic-looking! We saw 4 small clumps in the Fen along the boardwalk.
Later, as we drove along some back roads, we were thrilled to find a huge clump of these pink-and-white Orchids.
Icing on the cake -- a Northern Crescent posing on a Showy Lady's Slipper!
On the road again, driving toward Isaac Lake, we stopped to watch a family of Sandhill Cranes strolling and foraging. A single chick stayed close to its parents, popping its head up above the long grass every now and then.
We drove in the road to Isaac Lake, and enjoyed the end-of-day quiet of the marsh. Just as we were ready to begin our drive home, my friend noticed a very special sight -- Virginia Rails!
There seemed to be lots of treats for the Rails in this spot.
We stopped and waited as 2 parents and 8 chicks crossed the little dirt path/road in front of our car. They were moving quickly, and disappeared into the marsh grasses without offering to pose for photos! Love the bills on these youngsters. They look very different from Mom and Dad.
And the feet!
What a gift it is to spend time in Nature, to savour the company of Rails and Butterflies and Orchids, to leave the cares of daily life behind for a few hours, and to simply be present and open to the wonders of Creation on a "beautiful day"!
To cap it all off, this was waiting in the backyard when I arrived home:
A flashy, saucy Orchard Oriole has been a welcome visitor this summer!
Wishing you "beautiful days" that "saturate themselves into every part of the body and live always"!
-Merri-Lee