15-AUG-2013
Paper wasp (Polistes dominulus)
France took this pretty photo of the introduced european paper wasp on a purple coneflower.
15-AUG-2013
Bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculate)
Bald-faced hornet on swamp milkweed in the Butterfly Meadow, taken by France. These are the wasps that build the familiar big paper nest often seen hanging from trees and shrubs. Although called hornets, they are paper wasps in the subfamily Vespinae, the social wasps.
15-AUG-2013
Eastern Kingbird
These birds have been conspicuous around the garden lately and France managed to get a photo of one sitting still.
15-AUG-2013
Baltimore oriole, juvenile
The elderberry is a magnet for birds with its juicy black fruit, including this juvenile baltimore oriole photographed by France.
15-AUG-2013
Gray catbird
France caught this perky pose as the catbird perched on the edge of a compost bin near the Backyard Garden. We;ve had several pairs nesting in the garden this year and they have been one of the most vocal and visible of birds all season.
15-AUG-2013
Poppies in the Backyard Garden
15-AUG-2013
White-faced meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum)
One of THE most abundant small odonates in the region, and common too at the FWG. In some areas, clouds of them fly up as you walk along, making for quite a sight.
15-AUG-2013
Giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
A beautiful shot by France of the once very rare giant swallowtail. The first record for the garden came last year when Barry found and photographed one. Last year, in fact was the first time that this species appeared in such numbers in this area. And they continue to be found here, with the second generation flying now and being seen all over the city.
15-AUG-2013
Giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
Another shot of this very intriguing butterfly.
15-AUG-2013
American Goldfinch
enjoying the birdbath in the Backyard Garden
15-AUG-2013
Chipping sparrow
in birdbath in the Backyard Garden. This is another common breeding species at the garden. They usually have a couple of broods each summer, as they arrive fairly early in spring, giving them time to successfully fledge their first brood and begin work on the second.
15-AUG-2013
Ruby-throated hummingbird
Female hummingbird perched near Joe-Pye weed in the Backyard Garden. It is not often you get to see these busy birds sitting still, but France was able to get a nice photo of this cooperative one. Now that nesting season is over for them, hummingbirds are being seen in increasing numbers. The other day, there were two in the BYG, chasing each other away from the cardinal flowers.