 
Post Tropical Storm Arthur: Caramelized White Spruce!On a joint Halifax Field Naturalists/Nova Scotia Wildflower Society walk at Prospect Head Nature Reserve yesterday (July 12, 2014), we noted extensive browning of vegetation which was attributed to salt burn associated with sea spray from Tropical Storm Arthur a week before, preceded and followed by hot, dry weather.At one point, a few of us paused and wondered about a strong smell of caramelized sugar that seemed to come from a white spruce. (It reminded me of the smell from sugar cane mills in the West Indies in days gone by.) A brief investigation revealed the source as the browned needles on branch tips. A few pics here. - David P. |
 
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 Gulls (or other birds) were apparently feasting on the fruits of black crowberry which carpets these coastal barrens. |
Thanks to local residents and the Nature Conservancy of Canada
for protecting this wonderful place.