22-AUG-2009
Great black digger wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus) on aster
Found in the BYG. This is the time of year to see these large and impressive black Sphecid wasps, which are quite harmless.
22-AUG-2009
Bee fly (Bombylius sp.)
These golden little flies are quite abundant right now.
22-AUG-2009
American crow on bicycle stand
This crow seems to be picking up the colour of the bicycle stand in front of the Interpretive Centre.
21-AUG-2009
Hover fly (Eristalis arbustorum) on yarrow
Hover flies (Syrphids) are beginning to be found in more abundance and variety now. There are many species of Eristalis syrphids and they can be difficult to separate out sometimes.
21-AUG-2009
Hover fly (Sphaerophoria) with entomophthora fungus
21-AUG-2009
Nursery web spider (Pisaurina mira) on goldenrod
Commonly found in meadows and woodland edges, this spider does not build a nest but wanders around grasses, flowers, etc. hunting for prey. It is called "Nursery web spider" because the egg mass is placed on a leaf which is then folded over and held fast by silk threads.
20-AUG-09
Arrow-leaved tear-thumb (Polygonum saggitatum)
This native species is a new addition to our FWG Plant list. I found it in the Ravine alongside the stream, where it was clambering over other vegetation. I can tell you from long experience with this plant, that it really pays to avoid it!!
18-AUG-2009
Backyard Garden just after sunrise
The sun came up and was briefly seen this morning, before cloud moved in again. The cloud made for a much more bearable temperature for walking, but the sun gave a glow to the BYG which is looking particularly lush at the moment!
18-AUG-2009
Grey Squirrel (black phase)
This little black squirrel (really, the melanistic phase of the grey squirrel), was running very purposefully down the service road from the barn (AKA Green Heron Way), Clearly he had run through the wet grass for he was quite damp. Every so often he'd stop, stand up like this, and look around. He really reminded me of the White Rabbit in Alice: I could almost hear him saying "I'm late, I'm late...". He was almost upon myself and Tasha before he realized we were there. He stopped dead, gave a sort of "eek" sound and dove into the trees nearby!
18-AUG-2009
Black squirrel
This shot shows the squirrel just before he stopped dead and and vanished upon seeing me and Tasha.
18-AUG-2009
Mating craneflies
Craneflies are abundant right now, all over the place, in the grass, on shrubs, on the wall of the Interpretive Centre, as here.
18-AUG-2009
Eastern forktail (Ischnura verticalis), immature female
These pretty little damselflies are common, and even abundant in many places. This is the immature female. As she matures she will turn blue with a sort of dusty frosting. Usually seen near slow moving streams, they can also be found some distance from water.