June 2nd, 2012

The unique geology and climate of the Bruce Peninsula supports an astounding 44 species of orchids, as well an enviable variety of wildflowers, ferns  and other botanical communities.

I spent the weekend in Tobermory at the Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival, where it’s been rainy, windy and cold.  But Bruce Peninsula flowers are hardy, and when it was dry enough to get the camera out, there were some great photo opportunities.  I was able to photograph three endangered species today, the two below – Lakeside Daisy and Ram’s Head Lady’s Slipper – as well as Dwarf Lake Iris.  Having spent a fair bit of time up here, I’m familiar with all three, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen, let along photographed all three on the same day.

The last time I photographed Ram’s Head was in my “film” days, when I first started coming up here.  It is a dainty little orchid, this individual was probably only about 10 cm tall.  It was also the best specimen I could find as most are already done flowering – they were early this year along with many other plants.

Click on the photos to see a full-size image in a new window…

In Ontario, lakeside daisy occurs only on the Bruce, from Dyer’s Bay Road north to the tip, and the south shore of Manitoulin Island.  It is an alvar plant, alvar habitats being areas of bedrock “pavement” with little or no soil, often flooded in spring and baked during the summer months.  Alvars – and their unique flora – are at risk due to development pressure.  This was also one of the last flowers of the season in decent shape.

Dwarf lake iris, I’m sad to say, has always been a challenge for me to photograph.  It grows very close to the ground, and as it’s name suggests, is a pretty small plant, so it’s difficult to isolate a single flower, and to get it all in focus.  Looks like it’ll be next year before I get another chance.  Stay tuned…