Winter Seine
A look at flora (and wildlife), walking on the Seine River
Plantes et animaux, vus de la rivière gelée
Plants and animals seen from the frozen river
Dernière mise à jour : 2024-02-17
Préférer la lecture sur grand écran
Seine River, just before meeting the Red River. 20220113.
I successfully managed to walk on water - thanks to weeks of extreme cold weather. Here are some discoveries I made while I joyfully explored portions of the Seine River (January 2022, mostly), in Saint-Boniface.
Before proceeding to reading the more interesting paragraphs, I recommend to start with the less interesting but important warnings:
Most pictures presented here have been taken from the frozen river. It is an excellent idea to verify the safety of the ice before walking - running, skating, crawling, rolling, skiing, etc. - on it. I also watch the surroundings as I walk - or do one of the other options just listed - in case a dog starts chasing me, a skunk that forgot to hibernate comes to say hi, another walker reads the present webpage on a cell instead of looking if someone is coming, etc.
I don't have any background or degree on flora and wildlife. Please don't believe everything you read here, and don't believe the opposite of what I wrote either. There are good chances that most info is correct but also possible that some is wrong. Discussion is open.
I used a cell photo to take all pictures you see here. This, added to frozen fingers and fogged glasses, could explain the poor quality of some pictures. But you should recognize what I tried to illustrate as I walked on the Seine River. You will notice that I kindly added pictures taken elsewhere and at another time of the year to show a plant in a warmer season.
The Seine River is (? km) long. My steps were limited to the Saint-Boniface area.
I hope my goal is clear: explore a small environment in which we play a small role. In other words: point to a few features without forcing anyone to look.
Now that the less interesting but important warnings have been written - and hopefully read - I suggest that you continue to the next section.
Near Whiitier Park. 20220113.
Near the Provencher Boulevard. 20220114.
About the Seine River
According to the English Wikipedia article, the word Tchimâhâgânisipi (unidentified language) explains the name Seine used today: sipi meaning river, and Tchimâhâgân, draw or seine net (a circular fishing net at the surface of water). No mention if that technique was ever used on the river. No reference to the Rivière Seine in France. The French Wikipédia article indicates that the name comes for the French and French-Canadians who established their homes in the area, without adding details. Clear enough?!?!
The river starts in the Sandilands Provincial Forest and visits the Sainte-Anne, La Broquerie, Taché and Lorette municipalities before reporting on its findings to the Red River, near Whittier Park, in Saint-Boniface.
Related sites on the web
The group Save Our Seine is maintaining a great website with lots of relevent info. Please surf.
https://web.archive.org/web/20100606043227/http://www.saveourseine.com/index.html
Two sites if you consider paddling on the river (and I suggest not choosing January to do so):
https://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~burchil/pm_canoe/winnipeg_route.html#seine
(Many locations to access the river are identified)
https://chuckycanuck.wixsite.com/paddlingtheseine
Here, if you prefer walking along the Seine River (trails for any season).
There is a free app for both sites.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/manitoba/seine-river-greenway
Near the Provencher Boulevard. 20220114.
Near the Provencher Boulevard. 20220114.
Winter accesses to the Seine River
It is probably possible to access the frozen river from any point along its bank. But is it safe? I chose to go down using an easy path. Here are a few access points that I recommend to use carefully:
In Whittier Park, going as far East as possible, you will find the meeting point between the Seine River and the Red River. An unofficial path can bring you down.
North-East corner of Provencher Boulevard and the Seine River. Another path almost easy to follow.
South-East corner of the same area, behind the strip mall, there is a path (a real one) that will bring you to an easy access to the river.
At the East end of Edgewood Street stands a bridge over frozen (not troubled) water. You have the option to slide down or to walk to the river. Less options are offered if you want to return up to the street.
At the corner of Morier Avenue and Egerton Road, there is Morier Park. Very easy access to the Seine. You will notice lots of tracks (boots, wheels, skis, etc.) as you walk (either North or South), a sign that the area is popular. Also you will see a tipi, a few skating rinks, some chairs, etc. This access could be the best option for a first walk on the Seine River.
Thanks to Google Maps, a long list of other possibilities could be found and considered.
Photos 1 to 5 : Near the bridge, at the East end of Edgewood Street. 20220119. - Photo 6, 7 : Near Saint-Boniface Golf Club. 20230105 and 15. Photos 8, 9 : End of Deschambault,. 20230116.
Near the bridge at the end of Edgewood Street, 20231203.
Ice can get wet sometimes, even in January.
Here, some height !
Near Morier Park. 20220115.
The following is an invitation to look at small pieces of nature but please don't ignore to enjoy the scenery.
Snowy day, cloudy day, blue sky; sunrise, end of the afternoon, etc.: every visit is a new visit.
Please note that the info shared below comes for reliable sources on the web and have been seen on more than one site. I chose not to add 5-10 links to each article, confident that you're OK with this.
Now, shall we start?
Looking closely at this one, I think of nice pellets floating on ripples.
The plant's French name, "oseille", is used by some to refer to money. Not sure if it is because growing this plant (which has medicinal and cooking properties) was a sign of wealth. Or is it because of the word "os" (bone) we find in it - bones were once used as money? Or could it be that its summer colour (green) reminds us of old dollar bills?
Introduced in Manitoba, related to rhubarb and buckwheat. Apparently eaten by species of caterpillars, but difficult to observe in January.
Curly dock, Rumex crispus, 20220113.
Northern stickseed, 20220113.
Hackelia deflexa var. americana.
Don't we all like those 3 mm nutlets stuck on our clothes after a summer walk on a trail! See the small, but efficient and numerous, hooks.
Native to the province. Nectar enjoyed by hoverflies, leaves too bitter for deers. Beautiful flowers, right?
Right: flower found elsewhere in summer, also 3 mm, 20210617.
Odds to find a nickel or to see signs of the presence of the animal are greater than chances to see the animal itself walking on the frozen river.
Beavers don't hibernate but don't advertise the location of their hut (and/or terrier?). In winter, they feed on wood; during summer, they rely on smaller plants (aquatic and others). Wikipedia mentions their survival skills to make it through cold winter months: change of daily habits, fur (of course), ability to control body temperature, their hut's microclimate, etc.
More active during evenings, they seem to take longer naps in wintertime. Native Manitoba animal.
North American beaver, Castor canadensis, 20220111, 20231111.
Who's been there ?
A rodent or a canine? An adult or a young one ? Running or walking calmly - unless it was jumping ?
Where did it come from, and where was it going? Why ?
Was he alone, accompanied, followed, pursuing ?
(sign of presence of) Eastern gray squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis, 20221228.
Sandbar willow, Salix interior.
20220115.
Motionless ballet of dry leaves to attract warm summer winds. Buds are also waiting.
Native Manitoba plants, sandbar willows are amongst the first plants to grow on river banks, making the shores more stable.
There are 300 species of willows and one (or many?) of them is used to make aspirin.
I find that watching the leaves' ballet also reduces headaches.
Elsewhere, 20211024.
Open wide your eyes, now that you are surrounded by willows. There! It seems that a swollen portion of a branch also has its eye open.
This is a gall. An insect (well, female) injects its eggs in the tissue of the plant, causing a chemical reaction that will result in the outgrowing of tissue: a gall. The 2 mm larvae will feed on the tissue and eat their way out when spring comes.
The insect (which I have never seen in person/in insect) is native to the province.
(Gall from) Euura salicisnodus, 20220114. On the right, from willow beaked-gall midge, Rabdophaga rigidae, seen elsewhere, 20211030.
A few meters away, another gall, from another insect. Willows are quite welcoming (some galls can be seen on leaves, but in that case, January is not the best month to find these types of galls).
This one looks (in winter) like a wooden flower and has a name quite appropriate to its look. I couldn't find the French name of the midge - native to the province.
In the present case, the larva will also develop in the outgrowth of the stem or the bud, and will come out in spring.
(Gall from) Willow rosette gall midge, Rabdophaga salicibrassicoides, 20220114.
Right: seen elsewhere during summer, 20220812.
A few green ashes are almost resting on the frozen river. Some are partly covered with a few shades of grey material. Disease? No, lichen.
Lichen: alguae (producing sugar and vitamins from carbon dioxide) and fungi (providing water, minerals and support) living in a symbiotic relation. At least, this is what I understand. But I'm satisfied not understanding clearly everything, and just enjoying the strange formation on the branch, well unaware of its constitution.
Presence of lichen is a sign of the good quality of the air. The green ash is not the only tree welcoming lichen formations. This one is native to the province.
Maybe: Hoary rosette lichen, Physcia aipolia, 20220115.
Yellowish in winter, this plant is everywhere along the Seine River. Farmers, I believe (especially those who are growing soya), don't like this species. Native to the province, it is considered by many as a weed. Also, apparently, it changes the taste of the milk produced by a cow that ate the plant. Note to myself: rub the leaves and smell, and I should recognize the smell of carrot mixed with sage.
When reading about the plant, I noticed that "flower head" - or inflorescence - is often used. Second note to myself: watch the development of the groups of small flowers during the summer months.
Biennal wormwood, Artemisia biennis, 20220113.
The winter look of flowers is worth some attention - at least mine. This one is native to the province - although its name in Latin and in French refers to Norway - and introduces itself in many cultivated fields. It has been known as plant of alchemists - no recipe available.
Rough cinquefoil, Potentilla norvegica, 20220114.
Right: seen elsewhere, 20210929.
Untold story on the Seine. Invitation to create your own using the clues left behind.
The pigeon that completed its journey as a meal (for a falcon, owl, crow, mammal ?) is a cousin of pigeons raised for their meat and also cousins of homing pigeons.
A few feathers to write the story of a life that started with cooing. This bird is native to the province.
Rock dove, Columba livia var. domestica, 20220114.
Another native Manitoba plant that has seedpods covered with so many hooks to facilitate unplanned transportation.
Roots are edible and may have better taste in fall. Its Latin name comes from Greek (true!) words: glykos = sweet, rhiza = root.
Wild licorice, Glycyrrhiza lepidota, 20220116. Right: elsewhere, 20210727.
I am so lucky not to be a Manitoba maple bud: its thin hair serve as a regulator of temperature and provide enough protection for cold weather... The tree is native to the province, as stated by one of its many English names. It may be the tallest maple of the prairies and could produce maple syrup, which I haven't tried. It is a fast growing tree which samaras (winged achenes) make good food for mammals during the winter months - which I haven't tried either.
In French, it is called "érable à Giguère", Giguère's (name of a person) maple. Why Giguère? Wikipedia informs us that in 1814 in Illinois, the species was called "érable argilière" by the French people and, with time, "argilière" became "à Giguère". Now, why boxelder?
Manitoba maple, Acer negundo, 20220113.
Found on metal (why is there a shopping cart in the Seine River?) or on a plant, the zebra mussels continue to reproduce themselves. The Latin name refers to the various colours the species may have. Filaments allow them to hold on to a solid host.
Species introduced to the province, the female may lay 30,000 to 1,000,000 eggs every year. Expect damage on water treatment structures, other aquatic populations, etc. Illnesses like avian botulism are transmitted by this species.
Anything positive to report?
Zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, 20220113.
Its Latin name reminds us similarities with the cannabis plant which also produces fiber - I will have to check. The French and English names also refer to a plant (hemp = chanvre) used in the textile industry for its fiber. The fiber from the hemp dogbane was (is?) used by First Nations communities to make bows, nets, clothes, etc.
This native Manitoba plant that can be found along the river banks contains latex to which some persons are allergic (skin reaction).
Hemp dogbane, Apocynum cannabinum, 20220114.
Right: seen elsewhere, 20211120.
Other clues are left here. A tree, maybe alive, with a few dead leaves hanging from one branch. Signs that insects have been on the trunk. Here and there, holes and, on the ground, pieces of bark covering the snow. Are we looking at an example of a food chain?
This is what an expert is thinking. He (absolutely not I) draws our attention to galleries seen on the trunk, some sorts of tunnels made by larvae of insects - maybe the species of insect with a bad reputation. Once the eggs laid by the adult in the small cracks hatch, the larvae dig tunnels as they eat under the bark... which becomes a rich pantry for a predator.
Maybe: Ash borer, Agrilus planipennis (introduced) and Pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pilateus (native), 20220115.
Yes the river banks are habitates for porcupines. But the plant with the porcupine-looking fruit is easier to observe.
When I will speak Greek, I will know that kystis = bag. If I get better in Latin, I'll know that echinus = hedgehog, and lobata = with lobes. The French and the English names are easier to decode.
Native plant of the province, it has medicinal properties (rheumatism, analgesic, headaches and, but without further indications, love potion - and others) but is not edible. Insects enjoy its flowers' nectar.
Wild cucumber, Echinocystis lobata, 20220114.
Right: seen elsewhere, 20210811.
Here is a wonderful wonder to observe.
Bubbles of light floating on bark? A collection of ovoid shapes?
Looking with a scientific perspective, it seems that lichens grow better in an old environment (where growth of trees is slower?). In a year, lichens gain 2 mm of height. Some of them need alcalin found in older bark of green ashes (and other types of trees too) - 500 types of lichens are associated with green ash.
There are 20,000 species of lichens on the planet. Lots of wonders to admire.
At this time, I don't take any chances for an ID - probably native to the province : Lichen, 20220115.
Unlike its English name which refers to an animal, one of its French names, "quenouille", reminds us the stick on which wool is spinned: quenouille = distaff. Just look at the inflorescence (group of flowers) to understand. Most are gone in winter, having spread their seeds.
Native plant of Manitoba providing food to muskrats - mainly the rhizomes (underground stems acting as roots?).
According to Wikipedia, the pollen can be used to make bread, the young shoots can be eaten as asparagus, flour can be made with underground parts of the plant, etc. Interesting article, but some investigations recommended before fixing supper.
(Narrowleaf ?) Cattail, Typha (angustifolia ?), 20220113.
Right: seen elsewhere, 20210828.
Fascinating structures that deserve attention and admiration: nests. These nurseries are easier to find as trees lose their leaves.
Some nests are high on top branches, others are closer to the ground (and too easy to find by a mammal?). A variety of materials used: branches, twigs, leaves, plastic, mud, etc. Ingenious or less ingenious weaving, various parts of plants, etc. Built by a variety of animals: squirrels, magpies, swallows, penguins, no, no penguins, etc.
Chirping can sometimes be heard from the snow sleeping on nests. You may also hear the silent story of the first feeding of the offsprings or their first attempt to fly.
Stay away when spring comes - or maybe not: do birds come back to the same nest year after year?
No ornithology background, no tentative ID: Bird, Aves, 20220114.
Nice plant standing (almost) tall in January. Introduced in Manitoba and considered invasive. Like dandelions, their pappus (flying seeds) facilitate their spreading.
In summer, its nectar seems quite delicious for a variety of insects.
Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense, 20220114. Right: seen elsewhere, 20211016.
On the IUCN* red list of threatened species, or apprently secure according to NatureServe, but certainly enjoyed by the ash borer in Manitoba - from which the tree is native.
No matter what the truth is, buds are now ready to move on to spring, just waiting for warmer temperatures and the arrival of sap. Many green ashes are observed along the shores of the Seine River, and some trees seem ready to dive.
* International Union for Conservation of Nature
Green ash, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, 20220119.
Some species of insects choose willows for their eggs, others prefer green ashes. Interesting how insects are specialized in only one kind of host: certain species will look for goldenrod (a few different species), others for Canada thistle, poplar, wild roses, etc. All kinds of galls are easy to spot during winter - which makes cold temperatures really enjoyable (let's pretend).
Here for this gall, the adult female will sleep under the bark during winter and will lay its eggs under bud scales in spring - it will choose a male flower. Larvae will cause the formation of galls as they feed on flowers. No damage done to the tree. Anyone has a picture of the (0.5 mm) adult insect?
Gall from: Ash flower gall mite, Aceria fraxinifloria. Host: green ash, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, 20221228. Both native to the province.
Right: seen elsewhere, 20211006.
Another Seine mystery. Let's see. A typical hole made by a woodpecker. Hair at the entrance. What is the story?
I know that woodpeckers are a lot nicer than the holes they do but there are limited chances to see one moving on the Seine River, and to get a good photo of it with a cell phone. I am hoping that I will have that opportunity.
Woodpeckers do lots of damage on dead trees - which they seem to prefer over living trees - and occasionally to telephone posts. Its heavy and thick skull allows them to hammer wood for long periods of time to find insects, make a nest, mark its territory.
A native Manitoba bird, mostly solitary except during the mating season, it has a territory of a few square kilometers and a wingspan of 75 cm.
So what about the hair? An uninvited guest? Not from a prey: ants, larvae, termites, caterpillars, some fruits, etc.
Pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pilateus, 20220113.
From my readings, I understand that other species of woodpeckers will look for larvae of insects, mostly on dead or dying trees. Not this one, which chooses living trees, looking for sap - and insects if they happen to be there. Punching a hole will make the tree produce sap to fill/repare it. Bird's tongue apparently looks like a brush. The same bird could visit the same tree for 2, 3 years, starting a new row when one stops offering sap.
From my observations, it seems that linden trees are a favourite, but other trees could also be chosen. Linden has tender wood, making it easier for this bird ? Or is the sap tastier ? Here : scotch pine, Pinus sylvestris.
Yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius. Winnipeg, 20221228.
There are deer hoof prints on the snow (and ice) on the Seine River. There are a lot more in the woods along the river. Deers are frequently seen there too, but I have yet to see one on the frozen river - maybe they feel they are an easy catch for a predator and therefore prefer to remain where there are trees.
On the menu during the summer months: fruits, plants, twigs. During winter, deers feed on wood from shrubs and trees. Their digestive system adapts to the season; no need (some will say: bad idea) for humans to feed them. Good info on mffp.gouv.qc.ca, including the fact that deers maintain trails in the snow to facilitate access to food and escape in case of danger.
(possible signs of) White-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, 20220119.
Lots of hooks on the luggage, the two seeds inside are ready to travel - let's hope the unaware carrier (an animal) won't eat them (nor the roots) as they are toxic. Note the 2 stout, hooked beaks on the fruits.
This native Manitoba plant invites itself in soybean cultures, causing a negative economic impact. It also grows on saline soils and survives to multiple floods, which are probably frequent on the Seine River.
It may have medicinal properties including against cancer.
Rough cocklebur, Xanthium strumarium, 20220209.
Right: seen elsewhere, 20210903.
Quite a surprise! That species overwinters as eggs (here is an adult!) in deciduous trees (here is a frozen river!). A moth usually rests during the day; this one seemed really quiet. So, unknown story. But nice design on both sides of its body.
Copper underwing, Amphipyra pyramidea, 20220209.
Swimmer of my caliber: 100 meters underwater without breathing, 15 minutes submerged and immobile if he detects a threat. Also, quick to move away - which explains the kind of photo I take with a cell phone. Herbivore that can add aquatic animals in winter. Originally from North America, it is now also seen in Europe where it did not travel on its own. Not sure whether it frequents all the Seine rivers.
Common muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus, 20231111.
A plant, when young, that is well appreciated by cattle. A strong plant that prevents erosion. A plant used by Natives, among others, to help waterproof the roofs of dwellings. We will also observe its presence in houses made of soil. And, for lack of wood (in the prairies for example), it fueled the fire.
Prairie cordgrass, Sporobolus michauxianus, 20230113.
Like some hikers, this plant likes to climb. Also like some hikers, it grows quickly. In French, it may be called a vine, but several sites advise against eating its fruits. So I only watch them.
Virginia creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, 20231210.
On the right, seen elsewhere, 20230723.
A first for me. Carnivore, mainly nocturnal, semi-aquatic, which uses nature's cavities to hide. It is found in the plains (doesn’t like heights?) and near bodies of fresh water. It hunts on land and in water but, as its vision diminishes at depth, its vibrissae (whiskers) take over to guide it. Will I ever see one in person?
American mink, Neovison vison. 20231226.
Fresh water mussel which grows quickly but has a short lifespan: about 10 years compared to almost 100 years for other species of mussels. Age could apparently be determined by looking at the annual rings on the shell. It is found in slow moving waters and is preyed upon by small mammals living along the river.
Giant floater, Pyganodon grandis. 20231226.
Here, an American elm leaf (Ulmus americana) on the frozen river! Hey, part of it is rolled downwards, right there, in that corner. This is the result of the establishment of an aphid colony earlier in the year. So, a gall. Interesting, it seems to me that the last leaves to fall from elms in autumn, sometimes even at the beginning of winter, often have this type of gall.
Woolly elm aphid, Eriosoma americanum. 20240124.
Another species of lichen seen above the river. And since I don't know anything about lichens, I only have questions. Does each species of lichen have its own preference for tree species to settle on? How long has this one been on this tree? We see in the photo at least another species of lichen; is there competition, collaboration, etc.? Do lichens die? If I find this sample again in a year, will I notice any changes? Does the lichen modify the bark it covers?
Speckled greenshield lichen, Flavopunctelia flaventior. 20240124.
Extra
Leonard Lee Rue wrote, “although hoofed animals do not engage in play as often as do some of the other mammals, notably predators, they do play far more often than most people suspect.” He is a wildlife author and photographer (20+ books, including a few on deer). More here.
I am pretty certain that these two deer (left) are not playing hockey, as it is a Moose game. Anyone knows what kind of games deer enjoy, and how they play, on the Seine River or elsewhere?
Odocoileus virginianus, white-tailed deer. Winnipeg, 20220203, 20221228.
Before we can walk on the ice, the Seine River needs time to get ready to receive us. Here it is in full preparations.
On the left, near the Saint-Boniface Golf Club, 20231125.
On the right, near the bridge at the end of Edgewood Street, 20231126.
Bottom, near the bridge at the end of Edgewood Street, 20231203.
Not the typical sight for mid-winter.
At the end of Dubuc street, 20240208.
Near the bridge at the end of Edgewood Street, 20240217.
Near the dam, close to the St. Boniface Golf Course, 20240217.
More to come. Maybe.