Coywolf in Altona Forest

Recently there have been reports that coywolf hybrids are in Durham Region.

Wolves are usually predators of coyotes but some larger coyotes intermingle with wolves. Coyotes are extremely adaptable and excellent swimmers. They live on small mammals, and in the summer much of their diet may consist of berries. The coywolf will prey on larger mammals, often eat deer, and should be taken somewhat more seriously. While attacks of coyotes or wolves on humans are extremely rare, anytime you find yourself between a predatory animal and its young or its food, it would be wise to quietly back away.

A number of reports on a wolf-like animals in Altona Forest have come out over the last four years. Now there is photographic evidence of this animal wandering in our forest.

Several characteristics differentiate coywolves and coyotes. The coyote is smaller than a standard german shepherd, while a coywolf is larger. A coywolf often travels in a larger pack. The sounds they make are different, more harmonious, more like wolves.

Turtlehead Flowers Around New Pond

When the new amphibian pond was being studied, there was great concern for a very rare flower which existed in one of the possible sites which eventually proved to be the best site. During construction a year ago, some of these flowers, white turtle head flowers, were dug up and saved. It was hoped that the seed bank in the top soil, which was also saved and replaced after construction, would also have some of the white turtle head in it.

Turtle head bloom in August and September and so one of the things we did was wait and hope that this August and September we would see some turtle heads growing near the pond so that they would seed and multiply. Good news! Jan and I searched for the turtle head on Aug. 31 and discovered not a few of these beautiful flowers blooming near the pond but more than 100 of them blooming in full glory. I have attached a photo showing a close up of these unique flowers.

Nature is wonderful as I'm sure you all know and so I guess I should not be surprised when I see a jewel weed (touch me not) growing in the middle of the rock berm at the pond overflow. Where it got any soil there to grow such a fine example of this plant is amazing. I have attached a photo of the jewel weed in its full bloom and a close up of the flower as well.

If any of you have not yet walked in to see the new pond, may I suggest that you do so before the flowers are finished. If you have only a short time for the hike, enter at the Summerpark entrance and take the centre trail past posts 27, 26 and 25 then west past post 28 and 29 to the pond. This will take about 15 minutes and you will not get your feet wet between posts 26 and 25.

Animals of Altona Forest

There is a great variety of animals in Altona Forest. Sometimes you see the animals but more than not, you just see evidence of the animal. The feathers of the Norther Flicker is not only evidence of the bird but of the drama which unfolded at the location as the Flicker was captured, killed and eaten by one of the many predators of the forest.

Other photos are of the raccoon which can be found in all areas of the forest; the monarch butterfly which is fluttering around the honeysuckle and milk weed plants in areas where the sun encourages these plants; and the rabbit which abounds in the forest especially on the west side in the open area near the Chickadee entrance. All photos except of the flicker were taken on July 8, 2009.

Altona Forest Coyotes

The photo is of a family group of coyotes in Altona Forest. This photo was taken on July 1, 2009 in the north section of the forest near interpretative post #31. These and other coyotes can be heard in the late winter and early spring howling up a grand concert in norther Altona Forest for the near-by residents and for each other.

Poison Ivy

Poison ivy causes an allergic reaction in about 10% of the population. About 1% have a very severe alllergic reaction which can cause serious problems. It is a good rule of thumb to assume you are allergic and stay away from this plant. If it has three leaves - leave it be.

New Pond in North Section of Forest

Web Site and Blog Site

The main Altona Forest web site can be found at http://www.altonaforest.org. This site contains mostly static content but there is a great deal of information to be found there. This blog site will also be updated periodically by the Altona Forest Stewardship Committee with information and pictures related to the Altona Forest and the surrounding area.