07-APR-2011
Running sap
Many of the maples at FWG had lots of sap running down their trunks. A few flies were feeding (you can barely see one here), and squirrels were enjoying the sweet feast. But there were no other insects, it being, I guess, still too cold. Such sites are often attractive to overwintering butterflies such as mourning cloaks, wasps, bees, and other early insects.
07-APR-2011
Stinkbug, probably Brochymena quadripustulata
A side view of the stinkbug on the maple sap. This particular species feeds on trees, but many, if not most, stinkbugs are predators on other insects, such as tent caterpillars and other 'pest' species. So they are a beneficial insect to have around. Even this species will also feed on insects part of the time. The damage they do to plants is minor compared to the good that stinkbugs do in helping control other often destructive insects.
07-APR-2011
Stinkbug, probably Brochymena quadripustulata
This large stinkbug, approx. 15 mm in size, was sitting on top of sap running down the bark of a maple tree. He was one of the few insects I saw today at FWG. I was hoping for more, but I guess it was still cool enough this morning that it kept many early insects in hiding. There were some flies out, a few small black beetles, perhaps Carabid beetles, and this guy. There were also a lot of spiders around, and for sure some would have been wolf spiders (Lycosidae).
02-APR-2011
Chipmunk
Jeewa was at the FWG and saw a number of birds, including red-winged blackbirds and song sparrows, two of our recent arrivals. This little chipmunk was also out in the BYG, finding seeds to eat.
02-APR-2011
House finch, pair
This pair of cooperative house finches was photographed by Jeewa. You can see how the female, on the right, would be easily mistaken for a sparrow.
02-APR-2011
Dark-eyed junco
This little junco looks like it is telling Jeewa off, as she took the photo. Juncos are becoming more common around the garden now, and unlike in the fall when they passed through, they are now singing. The song of the junco is very reminiscent of many other "trillers" such as swamp sparrow and pine warbler.
02-APR-2011
Dark-eyed junco
Another lovely shot by Jeewa of the junco.
02-APR-2011
Common redpoll
Also around the FWG were some redpolls, which Jeewa managed to photograph. These birds have been numerous all winter around the city, though not, alas at the FWG, where we have seen only small flocks occasionally. In contrast, my feeder at home has been visited daily by increasing numbers of these birds all winter long. Even now they are still coming in good sized flocks, but I know that soon enough they will depart northward. It will be sad to see them go, but this coming winter will bring more of these pretty visitors, although whether in small numbers or in large flocks as this year, we'll have to wait and see.
02-APR-2011
American robin
Jeewa noted that she saw a pair of these birds. The males have a very vibrant red breast at this time of year (breeding season!), while the females are always a duller red on the breast.
02-APR-2011
Downy woodpecker, male
This woodpecker seems to be really "getting into" the search for food here!
02-APR-2011
Downy woodpecker, male
Another nice crisp shot by Jeewa of the downy woodpecker, and a good view of the tail which is used to prop it against the tree trunk while it hammers away.
02-APR-2011
Song sparrow
A really attractive view of this early migrant which has been gracing the garden for about 9 days or more now. There are probably 4 to 6 birds around at any given time at the moment and their song rings out across the garden. We often have about 3 to 4 breeding pairs each year, sometimes more, occasionally fewer.
