Ram's-head Lady's-Slipper

Ultra-rare Lady's-Slipper

Ram's-Head Lady's-Slipper

This week I had the rare privilege of seeing the ultra-rare Ram's-Head Lady's-Slipper (Cypripedium arietinum) in Nova Scotia.  This orchid does not exist in New Brunswick.  According to botanists it should be here but it has never been found in New Brunswick.  It is in Nova Scotia, Maine and Quebec but not New Brunswick.

Ram's-Head Lady's-Slipper

The Ram's-Head Lady's-Slipper is the smallest lady's-slipper in the east.  It is about 20-25 cm (8-10") tall and its 3-5 leaves are cauline (growing along the stem).  My first impression was that this was a small, fine lady's-slipper.  The flower is about 2.2 cm long (1") and is a deep purple and streaked with fuzzy white above.  There are 3 sepals but the side ones are split into two each. The top sepal is streaked longitudinally with red streaks on a green background.  There is only one flower per stalk.  The flower has a faint vanilla scent.

Ram's-Head Lady's-Slipper

We found 7 clumps of this rare flower.  In some clumps there were about 10 flowers.  They were growing in a sunny patch in the mixed forest growing over sink holes around the edge of an abandoned gypsum mine.  

Ram's-Head Lady's-Slipper

One patch had very light-coloured flowers, almost white, just slightly pine on the streaks.  Many of the clumps had seed pods from last year as seen in the photos.  The flower is triangular-shaped from the side view and is presumably how the plant got its name.  

According to the Flora of Nova Scotia this plant blooms 'only in May'.  I saw it in full bloom on May 29 so I expect its bloom will go into June this year.  That is probably due to a late spring this year.

Ram's-head Lady's-slippers grow in only 4 places in 2 counties in Nova Scotia, Hants and Cumberland.  Because of their very limited distribution in the Maritimes, they are extremely vulnerable and need the topmost level of protection.

Ram's-Head Lady's-Slipper

 Fortunately the Ram's-head Lady's-slipper does grow elsewhere in North America.  It is found from Quebec to Saskatchewan in suitable habitat and southward to New York and Minnesota.  

Ram's-Head Lady's-Slipper

It is interesting to speculate why we have not found this plant in New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island.  New Brunswick has almost identical habitat directly across the Bay of Fundy from the site where it is found in Nova Scotia and even though these areas have been searched extensively, we have not found it.  However, the search goes on.  It has become our nemesis plant.  

What if My Marble Were the Moon?

Today

I want to offer you something poetic.

Walking along the lake on Saturday 27 May,

I noticed this charming statue of a little boy

standing on the top of a ladder with his arm stretched to the sky

holding a marble.

There is quite a long poem written. in French, between the rungs of the ladder.

Here is an extract:

"... And if my marble were the moon?"

"On his ladder in the mist,

he is as light as a feather,

He looks towards the sky

which has lost its honey-coloured planet,

He offers his only possession

as if ... his marble were the moon."

DeLa Perouze

Statue by artist: Sara.H

It was erected in 2015.

Link to the artist

Art Workshop

Learning Watercolour with Poppy Balser

I recently attended a 2-day watercolour workshop with Poppy Balser at Cornwallis, NS.  Twelve people from the Maritimes and Maine spent 2 days under her capable instruction.  It was enjoyable and rewarding.  The Annapolis Basin Conference Centre is a wonderful venue with good accommodations, food and service.

The emphasis of the workshop was not to direct the students step-by-step through a process to finish with one 'good' piece of art.  Its emphasis was on process.  We spent a lot of time on instruction, demonstration and doing technique.  That is what I enjoyed about this workshop. 

I finished with 3 reasonable paintings.  These are certainly not studio pieces but the product of sketches and attempting technique.  That area of Nova Scotia is ripe with subject matter.  We enjoyed the marine atmosphere.

Point Prim Surf

 This was a value study in 2 colours.  It was done to show how value is used to show perspective.

Nova Scotia Landscape

This is also a value study with just a little colour added.  The purpose of this study was to show how to do mist in the background.

Heavy Surf on Rocks

This was a more difficult study of heavy surf on rocks and showing big waves with a rock wall behind.

Poppy Balser is one of Canada's leading watercolorists and has won numerous awards.  She will be giving more workshops this summer and her work can be seen at poppybalser.com.

The "S Dogs" (part 2)

Read: The "S Dogs" (part 1)

Dozens of under-socialized dogs had made it through the doors at Animal Friends. So scared, they wouldn’t even make eye contact, it was clear they had never felt the loving touch of a human. They were filthy, trembling and some were in need of immediate medical attention.

One of the dogs, Scully, had a badly injured leg – likely an old fracture that never healed – that needed to be amputated. Serena, a timid and gentle girl, had an eye infection that had been left untreated for so long that her iris had fused to the cornea. These sweet dogs had been neglected for so long … until now.

 

One by one, each dog was treated by our Medical team. Topical medicine was administered to remove the fleas and ticks, followed by multiple treatments for those who had parasites. Some had giardia, others were dealing with ear infections. It was clear that these dogs had not seen a vet in a very long time … if at all.

While these deserving dogs had been rescued from their former “home,” their second chance was just beginning.

These neglected dogs didn’t trust people, but it was up to us to change that. We knew that classical conditioning and positive interactions would lay a solid foundation to slowly bring them out of their shells.

At Animal Friends, rescuing and rehabilitating animals, like Scully and Serena, takes a lot of time, energy and resources. And, no matter how long it takes – or what it costs – we know it’s worth every second … and every dollar. Right now, your dollar can go even further. Click here to have your donation matched!

Click here to read The “S Dogs” (part 3).

 

At Animal Friends, every day is full of compassion. Visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/31Days to turn your compassion into action. After all, it only takes one day to save a life.

 

 

Learning from Livey

When Livey arrived at Animal Friends more than 2 years ago, she began to earn a reputation. This beautiful cat with gorgeous green eyes and long gray fur was the subject of many rumors: “she is moody,” “she won’t sit on your lap,” “she only likes men,” “she hisses and swats if you try to pet her.” While there was some truth to these stories, Livey wasn’t a bad cat … she was simply misunderstood.

 

In February, Animal Friends began participating in Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Pawsitive initiative which was developed to reduce stress in cats who are overwhelmed by a shelter environment. The program works by associating positive behaviors with a clicking sound followed by a reward such as a treat or affection. But since Livey showed little interested in attention or treats, it was difficult to reward her for friendly interactions.

 

Those who knew her best saw the potential for Livey to grow into a friendly and outgoing cat, she just needed to be given the right opportunity. So, Livey was moved to a small free-roam room where she could seek attention on her own terms. If she chose to interact with guests, she was offered a click and a reward. The choice to interact with people was completely hers. Over time, Livey learned to enjoy being petted, having her ears scratched and even curling up on a lap for a cuddle.

 

Livey taught us that animals communicate their fears to us in different ways, but we don’t always understand. Once we understood what Livey had been telling us, her transformation began. And, now there is more truth to the rumors you hear about this sweet girl: “she greets visitors at the door,” “she’ll curl up and knead your lap,” “she likes hanging out with her female friends,” “she’ll give you a little head butt when she’s ready to be petted.”

Now, the only thing Livey needs is a loving family to call her own.

At Animal Friends, every day is full of compassion. Visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/31Days to turn your compassion into action. After all, it only takes one day to change a life.

 

A May Birthday

I've always loved having my birthday in the month of May

It's in the springtime which is my favourite time of the year.

Rituals are created

and the main one consists of having breakfast out!

If the weather is warm and sunny, an outside terrace down by the lake

is the very best place to be!

A basket of assorted breads and croissants,

a freshly squeezed juice and a good coffee.

If a pretty birthday card is presented, it is put on show like this one.

Here is my favourite birthday breakfast outside terrace under white parasols.

It's at the Hôtel d'Angleterre.

After a leisurely breakfast,

a long walk along the lake in Ouchy

admiring water reflections on the way.

The weather-vane shows that a light north-easterly wind is blowing

and that's just perfect to keep the clouds at bay and the weather fine.

A beautiful steam-boat glides by on tranquil waters.

I laughed to see the formation of fluffy white clouds

 as if they were escaping from the boat's chimney!

We walk past sandy beaches and see the outline of the mountains

on the French side of the lake.

Just the right amount of breeze for this little sailing boat.

The furthermost tip of the coastline is where we're going to have lunch

in the village of St-Sulpice.

The walk from Lausanne takes about two hours at a leisurely pace.

This is the view from above the village

before taking a bus and metro back home again.

A special birthday cake that was waiting for me:

Chocolate Truffle with fresh raspberries within the mousse-like filling!

It wouldn't be the month of May without my favourite flowers:

Lily of the Valley

Hydrangeas

and  gorgeous peonies.

If your birthday is also in the month of May

perhaps you love these flowers too.

If not, I'm sure you have favourite things from your month of birth!

Blue Grosbeak

A Blue Grosbeak?

Yes, such a bird exists!  There are 5 different grosbeaks in Canada: Pine, Evening, Rose-breasted, Black-headed and Blue Grosbeak.  They are all finches but not of the same genus.  There are other finches with large beaks but they are not called 'grosbeaks'.  Our discussion here concerns our 'grosbeaks'.  The Black-headed Grosbeak is a western species.  The Rose-breasted inhabits most of Canada.  The Blue Grosbeak is generally a southern species.  The Pine Grosbeak is generally a northern species and the Evening Grosbeak lives across the continent.  It appears the grosbeaks have spread completely across North America.

Blue Grosbeak - Immature Male

Shown above is a young male Blue Grosbeak presently visiting feeders on Grand Manan.  Being a finch it readily eats seeds.  Shown below is another immature male which visited a feeder in Gagetown a few years ago.

Blue Grosbeak - Immature Male

These young birds barely show their blue colour.  They look much like the cinnamon-coloured females.  See below for a female which also visited this province.

Blue Grosbeak - Female

This species is strongly sexually dimorphic (males and females look different).  That can really confuse us.  See below for a picture of an adult male.  There is little confusion in identifying this one!  But note the cinnamon wing bars and the deeper blue colour.

Blue Grosbeak - Adult Male [Internet Photo]

The reason I mention the deeper blue colour is that we need to distinguish this species from the Indigo Bunting which is also very blue, but a lighter blue and a smaller bird.  How lucky you would be if you had both of these species together in your yard at the same time!

The Blue Grosbeak is listed as a very rare spring and fall visitor to New Brunswick.  Most are seen along the Fundy coast and they often appear at feeders.  The normal range for this species is the southern United States where it breeds.  It usually winters in Mexico, Central America south to Panama.  The birds we see here are often young birds seeking new territory.

The Blue Grosbeak is closely related to North American buntings (Indigo Bunting, Lazuli Bunting, Painted Bunting).  It prefers overgrown fields, bushy roadsides and riparian habitats.  It likes to stay low to the ground but will sing from an exposed perch.  Its call note is a 'chink' sound and it sings with a beautiful warbling sound.  

Breeding Change

A few months ago we met a man named Gary who lived in Pittsburgh’s North Side with his Shih Tzu, Sam. We introduced him to our Animal Friends for Life program, which focuses on specific communities in need of free services. Since Sam was behind on his vaccinations and hadn’t been neutered, we encouraged Gary to take advantage of the program. He was not interested in the idea of having Sam neutered, fearing that it would change his behavior and personality. So each time we saw him, we were able to teach him more about the many benefits of having his beloved pet neutered and hope that he would reconsider.

After some time, Gary agreed to have Sam neutered and vaccinated. In the following days, we picked up Sam and brought him to Animal Friends for his exam and surgery. We quickly realized that we were lucky to meet Gary when we did. Sam was cryptorchid, meaning that one testicle had not descended, putting him at a much higher risk of cancer.

Once he had recovered from surgery, we brought Sam back to his home. As we walked toward Gary’s front door, we met Nancy, one of his neighbors. She had seen us with Gary’s dog and was curious about who we were and what we were doing. It wasn’t long before we learned that Nancy wasn’t just a neighbor – she was a Shih Tzu breeder and had sold Sam to Gary.

As it turns out, Nancy had four dogs of her own. With no access to an affordable clinic, they had never seen a veterinarian. We told Nancy about the importance of spaying and neutering and explained that breeding could have a negative effect on the health and well-being of her dogs. Although she loved them dearly, these dogs were not just pets to her – they were her livelihood.

About a month and several conversations later, Nancy finally agreed to have her dogs spayed and neutered. After our compassionate staff performed the spays, neuters, exams and blood tests we learned that these sweet pups were in need of much more than routine surgery. One of them was suffering from severe periodontal disease, a bacterial infection of the mouth. During surgery, another was found to have numerous cysts on her uterus and ovaries. Nancy’s decision to allow us to spay and neuter her dogs could have quite literally saved their lives.

We started Animal Friends for Life not just as a way to provide affordable and accessible wellness services, but to inform underserved communities about how to keep their companion animals healthy. By giving Gary information and resources, we were able to make certain that Sam was healthy. And, by helping Gary, we met Nancy and helped her pets continue to live long, healthy and happy lives, too!

At Animal Friends, every day is full of compassion. Visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/31Days to turn your compassion into action. After all, it only takes one day to alter a life.

Squiggy's Journey

Filthy from nose to tail and dangerously thin, Squiggy was rescued from a garage with four other dogs by our Humane Investigations team in 2013. She was incredibly sweet – despite the deplorable living conditions she was found in. Squiggy put on weight and slowly but surely regained her strength before finding a loving home.

Several years went by before Squiggy found her way back to Animal Friends. Her devoted owner had been battling health problems and – despite his best efforts – simply couldn’t give her the care she needed any longer. Devastated, he returned an 11-year-old Squiggy to Animal Friends.

Shortly after she returned, we discovered several masses on Squiggy’s head and neck. Tests confirmed that they were mast cell tumors, a product of a common, and potentially, aggressive type of skin cancer. Days later, she underwent surgery and the tumors were successfully removed.

Having fully recovered from her surgery, Squiggy is now cancer free and looking for a loving home to enjoy the rest of her days. This beautiful girl has truly become a staff and volunteer favorite at Animal Friends and after all she has been through, needs a family that will give her all the love she deserves.

From our Humane Police Officers and Medical team to our Admissions and Adoption Counselors and everywhere in between, Squiggy was given a second chance at a happy life thanks to the compassionate care of so many people. Now, she just needs someone to help her continue her story.

At Animal Friends, every day is full of compassion. Visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/31Days to turn your compassion into action. After all, it only takes one day to save a life.

Ollie Finds His Family

By Elliott Enzo, Ollie's Adopter

At just 3 months old, Ollie and his litter mate were brought to Animal Friends after they had accidentally been caught in a humane raccoon trap. Since he hadn’t experienced human interaction and was extremely shy and fearful, Ollie went to spend some time in a foster home where he would learn to trust people. After 6 months of a lot of love and socialization in the foster home, Ollie returned to Animal Friends in search of a very special family who would be patient and understanding of his needs. And, then, well we’ll let his adopter Elliott take it from here.

“To understand why I adopted Ollie, you must first know about my other cat, Blinkn who was 3 months old when I adopted her. She was nearly feral and her skittish nature had made it difficult for her to connect with potential adopters. When I first met her, I sat back and waited. Miraculously, she slowly approached me, put both front paws on my chest and meowed. Right then, I knew that I’d be the one to give her the home she needed.

“It took time and patience for Blinkn to grow to trust me, but slowly and surely over the years her bravery and confidence grew. Blinkn grew up with another friendly and outgoing cat in the apartment and it wasn’t until after he left us that I noticed how much she had benefited from his presence. Once he was gone, I knew I had to find a friend for her.



“I visited Animal Friends and explained my situation to an Adoption Counselor. I was looking for the same connection I had made with Blinkn 7 years earlier. We walked past a room where three cats were sharing a space – Ollie was one of them. Our eyes met – and just as Blinkn had reached out and put her paws on me – I felt that same connection with Ollie.

“I spent some time in the room, I knew Ollie was very fearful so I just hung out and softly talked to him for a while. I noticed that one of the other cats in the room was very nurturing to Ollie and also friendly toward me. I was able to pet her and Ollie cautiously followed her lead. Astonishingly, Ollie began to purr as I petted him. I knew that Ollie would be the perfect companion for me and Blinkn – and just as importantly, we were the right family for him.

“Ollie came home with me the next day. I was pleased to see him respect Blinkn’s boundaries and noticed that he was comforted by her presence. Now, they play together, sleep together, share nuzzles and Ollie will even touch noses with me. We’ve bonded as a family and it’s clear that Ollie is happy here. Just as importantly, Blinkn has benefited from having another cat in the house again. I’m so grateful to Animal Friends for helping to bring the three of us together.”

At Animal Friends, every day is full of compassion. Visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/31Days to turn your compassion into action. After all, it only takes one day to improve a life.

Herons and Egrets

Herons and Egrets Have Arrived

Great Egret

The heavy storm we had over the weekend brought us some special visitors from the south.  The strong winds from the southwest brought migrating birds to our province.  Some, like the herons and egrets described here perhaps overshot their destinations.  No matter how they got here, we are delighted to have them.

Shown above is the Great Egret.  This is a rare species for New Brunswick.  Every year a handful appear here.  They usually move along is a day or two.  We don't know whether they continue to move northward or whether they return south.  We do not have a breeding record for this province but we have enough of them coming here each year to make it possible.  This year so far we have had several reports of Great Egrets.  The one shown above was at White Head Island.

Snowy Egret

The other large white bird is the Snowy Egret, although it is a bit smaller than the Great Egret.  It can be told from the Great Egret by its black bill and its 'golden slippers' (bright yellow feet).  The Snowy Egret is rarer here than the Great Egret but we do get a report or two every year.  This year we have had a report from Saints Rest Marsh in Saint John.

Little Blue Heron

An adult Little Blue Heron appeared at Saints Rest Marsh this week.  It was still there as of yesterday.    This heron is much smaller than the egrets or the Great Blue Heron, being only 61 cm (24 inches) high.  The Great Blue Heron is 117 cm (46 inches) high, just as a reference.  The rain and muddy conditions are providing good feeding conditions for these visitors!  An immature Little Blue Heron was reported yesterday from Jolicure, NB.

The immature Little Blue Heron is more difficult to identify.  It is white and its small size makes it easy to confuse with the Snowy Egret.  The immature Little Blue, however, has a pale grayish or pink bill and pale, dull green legs.  See the photo below.

Little Blue Heron - Immature

The Tricolored Heron is listed as very rare in New Brunswick.  The first one ever recorded in Canada was collected from Nauwigewauk, NB in 1895.  There were very few records after that until the last 50 years when we get a record every year or two usually from Grand Manan or Saints Rest Marsh in Saint John.  There is a Tricolored Heron as this is being posted at Chance Harbour.  See the photo below.  This heron is about the size of a Snowy Egret, about 66 cm (26 inches) long.

Tricolored Heron

There is one more heron, a small one which is seen rarely in New Brunswick.  The Green Heron is only 46 cm (18 inches) long and is very secretive.  Rarely it has bred in the province.  A Green Heron was seen on Grand Manan this past week, on May 5.

Green Heron [Internet Photo]

The Great Blue Heron is our most common heron.  Many have returned now and can been found in marshy areas.  Yesterday I saw at least 12 at Saints Rest Marsh.