📝 📸 Dale Smith

Six hardy souls braved the heat and humidity on Sunday to execute another route-finding walk. The fascinating mix of flora and fauna here showcases the delicate balance of biodiversity that makes Monarch Point a vital conservation area.

A bright splash of yellow among the grasses, meadow hawkweed (Hieracium caespitosum) is a non-native species that has become invasive in North America. While its dandelion-like flowers are attractive to pollinators, this plant can aggressively outcompete native vegetation.

Also scattered throughout was Canadian buffalo-berry (Shepherdia canadensis). This native shrub thrives in poor soils and open woods, producing clusters of tart red berries. While edible, consuming large quantities may cause gastrointestinal problems!

The orange-fruited horse gentian (Triosteum aurantiaccum) was a rare and eye-catching find. Horse gentians were traditionally valued for their medicinal properties as members of the honeysuckle family.

          

The most interesting non-plant find was the toothed somber-winged moth. As its larvae feed on various clovers, finding one on this red clover was not unusual. The moth is also active both day and night.

This native pollinator, the Strangalepta Flower Longhorn Beetle, was captured here visiting a smooth rose flower.

We also recorded 13 species of birds, which can be considered local breeders at this time of year. These included Cedar Waxwing, Indigo Bunting, Field Sparrow, Common Yellowthroat, and Eastern Towhee.

Whether you’re a botanist, birdwatcher, or just a weekend wanderer, Monarch Point is a fantastic spot to discover, observe, and enjoy the biodiversity of the south shore of Prince Edward County!