Forest resources Finland is Europe’s most heavily-forested country. Forests as defined by the FAO cover 23 million hectares or 74.2% of the land area. In Europe, Finland is a “forest giant”, there being over sixteen times more forest per capita than in European countries on average. Finland’s forests have been intensively harvested over the last … Read more
Description General – Perennial from extensively rooting, deep creeping rhizomes; stems erect, 7 – 30 cm tall, unbranched towards the base, densely branched above, bushy, tree-like. Leaves – Many, dense, in 6 (sometimes to 8) vertical rows, sharp-pointed, linear-lance-shaped. Spore Clusters – in axils of greenish to yellowish brown, pointed, broadly egg-shaped bracts densely clustered … Read more
The eastern white cedar is also called northern white cedar, arborvitae and swamp-cedar. The name arborvitae or “tree of life” dates from the 16th century when the French explorer Jacques Cartier learned from the Indians how to use the tree’s foliage to treat scurvy. Description General – small-sized, averaging 12 m (40 ft) high, evergreen. … Read more
Welcome to the virtual zoo of Northwestern Ontario Forest, a vibrant symphony of feathers, songs, and wings. This article serves as your guide to the common bird species that grace our skies and fill our forests with life. From the striking Blue Jay to the majestic Bald Eagle, each entry is a testament to the … Read more
Distinguishing Features – Sexes similar. Large, broad-winged. Long and rounded tail. Plumage, dark brown except for paler flight feathers. Head, red, small, unfeathered. Longish, hooked yellow bill. Rather short, thick reddish legs. Holds wings in a dihedral angle while soaring and gliding. Size – average: 63.5 – 81 cm (25 – 32 in) Habitat The … Read more
Distinguishing Features – Completely black with purplish or violet reflections, most pronounced on back wings and tail. Male and female indistinguishable but female is slightly smaller. Size – 56 – 67 cm (22.5 – 26.75 in) Habitat Widespread; prefers wide open spaces for foraging and woodlots for nesting; anywhere with an easily accessed supply of … Read more
Distinguishing Features – Completely black with greenish or violet reflections, most pronounced on back wings and tail. Male and female indistinguishable but female is slightly smaller. Size – 43 – 53 cm (17.25 – 21.25 in) Habitat Widespread; prefers open spaces for foraging and woodlots for nesting; anywhere with an easily accessed supply of food. … Read more
Distinguishing Features – As large as the Great Horned Owl but lacks ear tufts. Overall colouration white, barred and spotted with brownish accents. Face, completely white; eyes, large, yellow; legs and toes, heavily feathered. Male is usually white or only lightly marked. Female (pictured below) is somewhat larger and more heavily marked than the male. … Read more
Distinguishing Features – One of the largest of Canadian owls. Overall coloration brown with white and blackish highlights. Chest; lighter. Large, yellow eyes ringed in brownish-orange. Beak, black. Prominent ear tufts. Female is somewhat larger than male. Size: Male: 46 – 58.5 cm (19.5 – 23.5 in) Female: 56 – 63 cm (22.5 – 25.25 … Read more
Distinguishing Features – Large, long-winged; dark brown above and white below with a white head and a prominent dark eye stripe. Bill brownish-black, blue at the base and margin; cere light blue. Iris yellow. Feet pale greyish-blue, tinged with brown; claws black. The male is usually all white below whereas the female has a necklace … Read more