Trail Talk: Nighttime walks reveal the glow of the fireflies

Michigan Lilies.

By: Patrick Capper

I had a few more surprises on the trail.

On Thursday, June 25 I was joined by Anne and Rick on a hike from Londesboro Road towards River Line on the Maitland Trail. Shortly after we started back the forecasted light rain started and soon a fawn followed Rick for a short way along the trail. I have never before heard of this happening, though many years ago a deer followed me back to the house.

On Canada Day after the Goderich parade, I stopped at Jenkins to move a couple of kilometre posts to be more in line with the latest GPS measurements of the Maitland Trail.

On the way down the laneway from Jenkins, I saw a Spicebush Swallowtail mud puddling.  Later as I started to hammer in the 9 km post, a Polyphemus moth landed on the ground in front of me. Polyphemus moths have a wingspan from 10 to 15 cm; they are slightly smaller than Cecropia moths (13-18cm) and the uncommon Imperial moth (8-17cm).

The females emit pheromones to attract male who can fly for miles to reach a female. The adult moths are mostly nocturnal and will become active at dusk and throughout the night in search of mates.

After moths mate, the female spends most of the remainder of her life laying eggs, while the male may mate several more times. Adults of this family of moths have reduced mouth parts so they do not eat and only live as adults for less than one week.

People have differing memories about Canada Day.

One of mine is from several years ago when I took my dog Chewy out for a walk at nighttime to get away from the noise of fireworks and I saw a great display of fireflies.

This year I have seen fireflies around this time, recently one firefly was close to the window and particularly bright.

Canada Day is also the time I see Michigan Lilies in bloom. There is a great display of them at the Clinton Conservation Area just after crossing over the Bayfield River.

Some species of butterfly have quite a variation in the time when I first see them in a year, and other species seem to have a constant time.

One of these is the Northern Pearly-Eye, which was first seen June 21 in 2024, June 28 in 2025 and on June 29 this year.

Similarly, this time of year there are Great Spangled Fritillary, and European Skippers flying around, but the Hobomok Skippers, Little Wood Satyrs and Common Ringlets are becoming uncommon.

I notice that thanks to the Maitland Trail volunteer maintenance crew, the long grass on much of the Maitland Trail is being kept in check.

NOTES:

Saturday, July 11 at 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - BRVTA outing Admiral Bayfield walk in Bayfield lead by David Yates. Meet at Clan Gregor Square.

Sunday, July 12 Hike at 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. - Meet at 80842 Sharpes Creek Line to carpool to River Line. This section has many parts with views of the Maitland River and has several significant hills. Expect to take about 2.5 hours.

For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com. This is a level 3 hike at a moderately fast pace.

Saturday, July 25 at 11 a.m. - The monthly Mindfulness Walk and Forest Therapy. Meet at the Millenium Trail in Goderich, Nelson Street entrance. Designed for those who want the benefits of meditation but prefer to move.

We’ll be moving slowly and silently together for 20 minutes to the first river lookout where we’ll stop to chat about the benefits of mindfulness and forest therapy, enjoy the beautiful vistas of the Maitland River, and head back to the entrance - maybe hug a tree on the way out. Please leave your pets at home; dogs are already very zen.

For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Tanya at redroofrecovery@gmail.com or text 519-616-3636. This is a level 1, slow paced meditative walk.

Sunday, July 26 at 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. - Canoe/Kayak/Paddleboard. Arrive at East Street Cider with your equipment ready for a short shuttle, very likely to the mouth of the Maitland River. Paddling location will be determined closer to the date as conditions become predictable.

The trip is suitable for people who have experience in moving water (Class 1) or waves in Lake Huron and can provide their own boat and safety gear. Swimming is likely. This is a co-promotion event with East Street Cider.

You can register with either organization. Maitland Trail registrants must sign the annual MTA online waiver. For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Con Melady at 519-530-8998.

NOTE that the Maitland Trail between Londesboro Road and Little Lakes Road remains closed due to a landslide.

September 22- 23 Maitland Camino is getting close to being fully booked.

EVENTS:

Tuesday Trompers meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to hike for about an hour. If you wish to be on this email list, send an email to mta@maitlandtrail.ca

Midweek hikers meet at 9 a.m. and hike for 1.5 to 2 hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com

LIFE hikers meet every Friday for a hike of about 1.5 hours, with a choice of pace, striders moving a little faster than the strollers.  The hikes now start at 9a.m. and can be joined through ONE CARE.