Observations: May 2, 1993 Time: 9:00 am Weather: sunny and warm

Look Closely - is it the provincial flower? In the damp area of the woodlands an early purple violet pops through the leaf litter. A closer look will reveal club-shaped hairs on the side or lateral petals whereas the stems of the leaves and flowers are smooth and hairless. This is the Marsh Blue Violet (Viola cucullata), the Provincial Flower (left). Another purple violet species the Northern Blue (Viola Septentrionalis) is also common at Irving Nature Park (right). It is generally located in more open drier habitat and usually blooms earlier than the Marsh Blue. The major difference is the fine hairs covering the stems of the leaves and the flowers of the Northern Blue. There are about 15 species of violets in the province with blooms of purple, white or even yellow. Strange "thumping" or "drumming" noises heard occasionally throughout the park can be attributed to the Ruffed Grouse (Bongsa umbellus).
	Peering through the trees one might spot this plump greyish-brown chicken-like bird with a wide tail marked with a number of bands. When drumming the grouse puffs up its neck feathers, spreads its tail feathers and braces itself against a log with wings extended. The wings are then cupped forward in an increasingly rapid stroke compressing the air toward its expanded chest causing the drumming sound.
The Yellow-Rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata) is one of the earliest warblers to arrive at Irving Nature Park in spring. The bright yellow patch above the tail contrasts against dark bluish grey upper parts. A closer look will reveal yellow on the sides of the breast and on the crown. A white throat, two white wing bars and a black patch around the ear are further identifying characteristics. Although Yellow-Rumpeds feed on larvae and insects usually found on conifers, they also eat seeds and berries such as bayberry.

The Naturalist's Notebook is published quarterly. If you have any questions or topics that you would like to see addressed, please call John Gilbert, Manager, Fish and Wildlife, J.D. Irving, Limited, (506) 632-7777.