Diario del proyecto EcoSpark Participant Observations

Calling all EcoSpark observers! Did you know Ontario has hundreds of species of native bees, and just as many flower flies, all getting busy pollinating plants? From now until May 12th, 2020 we are providing free native pollinator seeds (while supplies last) to any Ontarian who makes a new, valid, iNaturalist observation in this project.

To participate:

1) Join EcoSpark's iNaturalist project at https://inaturalist.ca/projects/ecospark-participant-observations
2) Follow iNaturalist guidelines (and any local health rules) and start exploring nearby nature. Submit an observation to iNaturalist by May 12th. We suggest looking for insects, dandelions, garlic mustard, or other wild species and weeds near home. (The observation must be validated, so aim for clear, identifiable photos. Avoid cultivated/domestic species.)
3) Once you've submitted an observation, email your iNaturalist username and your home address to dana@ecospark.ca with "SEEDS" in the subject line.
4) Get seeds in your mailbox to support pollinators!

Questions? Contact dana@ecospark.ca

Get the whole family engaged in outdoor nature exploration!
This week we're showcasing great spring resources to help little ones participate in citizen science near home.

May is Bird Blitz at Home month:
Visit Birds Canada at https://www.birdscanada.org/birdblitz
From your backyard or balcony, garden or window, what birds can you find? Explore the birds near you and participate in Bird Blitz at Home anytime during the month of May! It’s fun for all ages, participating is easy, and your observations help scientists monitor Canada’s birds!

EcoSpark's Scavenger Hunt brings an added challenge to family nature walks:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAD5_o8mA2Y/z6Eb2axAVxlNCYNbcC-TqQ/view?utm_content=DAD5_o8mA2Y&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=viewer

Did you know iNaturalist has an app that lets families explore nature without an account? Check out the Seek app to identify and learn about the world around you: https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/seek_app

Get out the binoculars, notebooks, or apps, and see what you can find for citizen science!

Everyone is jazzed about butterflies this time of year, and for good reason! Some of Southern Ontario's prettiest butterfly species are out already. Learn about a few butterflies you might see from iNaturalist or other resources like www.ontariobutterflies.ca,
Then share what you see on hikes or close to home! Tip: Try using binoculars to get a closer look at butterflies before they flutter off. If you lose track of one, wait for a few minutes, as individuals will often circle back to revisit the same flower sources again soon.

Spring Azure
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/58556-Celastrina-ladon
This is one of the Blues, many of which form mutualistic relationships with ants that protect caterpillars in exchange for sweet excretions.

Cabbage White
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/55626-Pieris-rapae
Lay their eggs on plants in the mustard family, may visit dandelions.

Mourning Cloak
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/56832-Nymphalis-antiopa
Adults can live up to 10 months! The ones you see now may appear ragged because the individuals overwinter as adults.

More butterfly info can be found in: The Butterfly Book, An Easy Guide to Butterfly Gardening, Identification, and Behavior, by Donald and Lillian Stokes/Ernest Williams. Little, Brown, and Company, Toronto. 1991.