With autumn comes the emergence of two major groups of native wildflowers: goldenrods (Solidago sp.) and asters (Symphyotrichum spp.). Their late blooming time, after other native wildflowers have faded, makes these wildflowers ecologically important to many species. They are a vital food source to pollinators; especially native bumblebees and south-migrating Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus), which feed on the large amounts of nectar and pollen produced by aster flowers. When the flowers emerge in September, the vibrant florets of aster species attract bees and butterflies. Both groups of wildflowers are highly diverse; each constituting more than 15 species. Native wildflowers commonly…

Photo: American Redstart (m) photographed in the Algoma Region (August 2023). Photo by Matthew Palarchio. Birding (birdwatching) is very popular among the Naturalist community around Lake Superior, (and more broadly, the entire Great Lakes Region), showing strong growth in popularity over the past few decades. Some naturalist clubs, including Nature London, have entire committees devoted to birding. Until recently, many birders relied primarily on photographic field guides, bird song mnemonics, and visual observation to identify local bird species. Although these identification tools are still relevant today, the release of Merlin Bird ID by Cornell University in the 2010s has…