30-JUL-2010
Robber fly (Asilid sp) with prey
This medium-sized robber fly landed in front of me with its prey, which appears to be a Sarcophagid fly.
31-JUL-2010
Bumblebee on joe-pye-weed
This plant is in full flower at the moment and a mecca for all sorts of insects.
31-JUL-2010
Honey bees (Apis mellifera)
There have been good numbers of honey bees around lately. Today many of these flowers had 4 to 6 bees each. Given the decline of this species, it is really nice to see so many, although "many" is a relative term.
31-JUL-2010
Lady beetle (Coleomagilla maculata) on Coneflower
These little lady beetles are a native species that appear in early spring and can be found in good numbers on dandelions, carry on through the summer and are still found in fall.
31-JUL-2010
Treehopper (Enchenopa binotata)
I have spent a long, long time looking for these guys which just fascinate me! Finally I found a few on some nannyberry shrubs. Since I first found one individual I have gone back many times and stared at the shrubs until my eyes feel like they are falling out, looking for these minute treehoppers. Previous photos have been terrible! Today I finally found three of these guys and managed a few shots that are reasonably OK, not great, but adequate.
To me they look they miniature dinosaurs. That big thorn-like projection is actually the pronotum which in many treehopper species has developed to cover much of the body, like a shield I guess. Many species have these thorn-like or horn-like projections. On twigs of shrubs they look like parts of the plant! You can see the head with a big dark eye under the "thorn", on the right side of the insect.
30-JUL-2010
Amphibian pond spillway
The new spillway on the pond can sometimes look like a natural rocky streambed when water is flowing over and down it.
30-JUL-2010
Black duck
One lone black duck in the pond. Fewer ducks than we sometimes have, but they certainly still drop by for awhile. Often earlier and later in the day.
27-JUL-2010
Two-spotted stinkbug (Cosmopepla bimaculata) nymph, on Thimbleweed
This tiny nymph was in the Backyard Garden, and when I looked at the thimbleweeds the following day, it was still there, though it had moved to a different seed head. You can see the two black spots on red, which in the adult are reversed, red on black!
26-JUL-2010
Ambush bug (Phymata)
Another view of the gnarly and primitive looking ambush bug, lurking around waiting for something to drop by. They are amazingly patient bugs which makes them an easy subject for macro photos.
22-JUL-2010
Red-banded bumblebee (Bombus ternarius) on Burdock
I have seen more red-banded bumblebees this year than in several previous years. They are quite noticeable both at the FWG and elsewhere.
22-JUL-2010
Mourning Dove
A lovely shot of a mourning dove by Jeewa. These birds are quiet during nesting season but are now starting to be seen again more frequently at the garden.
22-JUL-2010
Black swallowtail (em>Papilio polyxenes) caterpillar
This large caterpillar was munching away on the leaves of wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa). At the moment, the public has discovered this plant, thanks to the hysteria surrounding Giant Hogweed, and the news that this plant too can cause skin blistering. I hope some well-meaning soul does not come along and whack down this and other of the parsnip plants at the garden. They are always well used by a huge variety of nectaring insects and as can be seen, are always host to the caterpillars of the spectacular black swallowtail.
22-JUL-2010
Black swallowtail (em>Papilio polyxenes)
A back view of the black swallowtail caterpillar on the wild parsnip.
22-JUL-2010
Black swallowtail (em>Papilio polyxenes), early instar
There were two black swallowtail caterpillars on two separate wild parsnip plants this afternoon. One was a very large larva, but this tiny little one, hidden amongst the stems of the parsley flower, is a very early instar. Compare to the other two photos of the much later instar. Photos of the adult black swallowtail are found earlier in this blog.
22-JUL-2010
House finch
A beautiful male house finch, photographed by Jeewa at the garden.
22-JUL-2010
Leucistic Downy woodpecker
Jeewa sent me this photo taken at FWG today and wondered if this was an albino bird. At first that is just what it looks like, but then you notice the darkish feathering and the brown eyes. Leucism is a lack of pigmentation and birds may be wholly or partially leucistic. I believe it is caused by a genetic mutation. I have seen a few such birds, most recently a white-throated sparrow in the spring. It is always quite sensational to see these very peculiar looking birds!
22-JUL-2010
Yellow warbler feeding a Brown-headed cowbird
Jeewa is adept at capturing interesting shots of birds. Here is another common host of Brown-headed cowbird eggs! I think I have seen yellow warblers feeding cowbird young most years at FWG.
21-JUL-2010
Leafhopper (Coelidia sp.)
At the moment, these leafhoppers are quite common. I have seen 4 or 5 or more on one plant.
20-JUL-2010
Red squirrel
No explanation necessary! A beautiful shot by Jeewa.
20-JUL-2010
Robber fly (Asilid sp)
A very handsome robber fly in a photo by Jeewa. This species comes in a remarkable diversity of sizes and shapes, from tiny little flies not much bigger than mosquitoes, to gigantic ones capable of dwarfing large wasps on which they prey. Most robber flies exhibit similar body shape with characteristic hairy faces! Their abdomen usually, but not always, extends below their wings. Those in the genus Laphria are superb bumblebee mimics.
20-JUL-2010
Spider web
This is a beautiful shot of a spider web in the early morning light. It is hung with dew and is sparkling in the sun. Jeewa took this shot when the dew was still heavy on the ground and vegetation.
20-JUL-2010
Small milkweed bug (Lygaeus kalmii)
A good clear shot of this small and very common bug that is typically found on milkweeds, but also on DSV (no surprise) and on other plants that may be growing near milkweeds.
20-JUL-2010
Cedar waxwing
A gorgeous cedar waxwing (they are such sleek birds) photographed by Jeewa in a buckthorn shrub.
19-JUL-2010
Primrose moth (Schinia florida) on Evening primrose
These moths always time their appearance with the blooming of the native Evening primrose. This is a characteristic pose. Unfortunately, this one does not look all that healthy.
16-JUL-2010
American redstart, male, feeding brown-headed cowbird baby
A great catch by Jeewa of the redstart feeding his very big baby!!! Redstarts, song sparrows, yellow warblers, are all targets for female cowbirds looking for a nest in which to lay their eggs. The adults seem to view these huge babies as their own!
14-JUL-2010
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Hooray! Our first Monarch Butterfly photo this year! Thanks to Jeewa. Although a few have been spotted at the garden, none have been willing to be photographed. This year has been very slow for Monarchs, with a few reported here and there. This past winter was tremendously challenging for them and many were killed by winter storms including severe hail (you can imagine what huge hail stones will do to a butterfly). Thus, it is miraculous to see even one.
15-JUL-2010
Ambush bug (Phymata)
Looking like a creature from a sci-fi film, these small ambush bugs are very adept at catching prey. They remain entirely still on their chosen plant and when another insect lands, Wham!, they grab and paralyze it and commence sucking the juices out of their victim's body, rather than eating part of or the entire, body as other insects might do. In this, they are similar to the crab spiders. Both leave the bodies of their prey dangling, from the plant, looking at first as if they are just resting!
15-JUL-2010
Burrowing bug (Sehirus cinctus)
These tiny shiny black bugs arrive in mid-summer, about the same time as we begin to see the two-spotted stink bugs.
15-JUL-2010
Red-banded bumblebee (Bombus ternarius) on Canada thistle
I have not seen an abundance of these particularly distinctive bumblebees this year, thus far anyway. I think they are just lovely and since they seem more skittish than the other species, I was pleased that I got a quick shot of this one nectaring on the thistle flower. YOu can see pollen grains on the antennae and legs, if you look closely.
15-JUL-2010
American robin carrying food
I was at the FWG at noon today for just over an hour. However, the heat quickly got to me and so I left. There was not a lot of activity by the time I arrived, as the heat was keeping most critters, especially mammals, hidden away. This robin and another one nearby, were both carrying food and squawking up a storm, not at me, as they were doing it before I arrived. Turns out there was a crow close by. Later, I heard yellow warblers giving distress calls and as I approached, another crow flew up and away, looking, I swear, very guilty!
15-JUL-2010
Warbling vireo
Jeewa was at the FWG this morning early and found a lot of bird activity. This warbling vireo is clearly giving someone a scolding. Probably that crow again.
15-JUL-2010
Gray catbird
Jeewa photographed this gray catbird. These birds are also busy ferrying food to their young. I watched two with beaks full of raspberries flying toward a well concealed area where their young awaited. YOu can see the rusty patch under the rump in this photo, not always noticeable, and a splash of colour on this otherwise gray bird.
15-JUL-2010
Baltimore oriole, juvenile male
In addition to many other birds around the garden this morning, Jeewa spotted a lovely Baltimore Oriole.
15-JUL-2010
Brown-headed cowbird juvenile
Jeewa was surprised to find an American redstart feeding such a big baby that looked nothing like the adult. It always comes as a surprise to find that we also have a parasitic bird here, just as there is in Europe (the Cuckoo). It is a common sight to find birds such as redstarts, yellow warblers, song sparrows, and others, feeding a very big baby, much bigger than the "parent" bird. Female cowbirds seek out the cup nests, such as those made by the above species, and typically will turf out the eggs already laid and lay her own. Some birds are better able to cope with this intrusion than others, and will either build another nest layer on top of the egg, or try to shove it over the side and lay their own.
15-JUL-2010
American redstart, female
And here is the poor beleaguered redstart mother, trying to keep up feeding her demanding baby. At least she only has one to feed, and not 3 or more.
15-JUL-2010
American goldfinch on Canada thistle
Here is a classic shot! Jeewa took several photos of goldfinches eating thistle seeds, often turning upside down to reach all the seeds. Goldfinches and thistles seem to go together, because the birds time their nesting to coincide with the production of thistle down , which is the seed fluff left when the flowering is over. As you can see here, the production of seed is underway.
14-JUL-2010
Black swallowtail (em>Papilio polyxenes)
This beauty was photographed by Jeewa on a burdock head. The other day I photographed two nectaring on the sow thistle patch on the edge of the garden. They are big and beautiful and easy to see, and right now we seem to have more than a few around the garden.
14-JUL-2010
Delaware skipper (Anatrytone logan), female
I had seen several Delaware skippers over the past few days at FWG, but do you think I could get a photo! So when Jeewa sent me these photos I was happy to be able to tell her what they were and how pleased I was to have a photo for the blog.
14-JUL-2010
Bridge orb weaver (Larinioides sclopetarius)
These are night hunters, emerging after dark to take advantage of night-flying insects. I saw these by the Interpretive Centre just after midnight, when Diane and I came back from mothing. There were 7 of these spiders, but this was by far the biggest. They were very clever, positioning themselves around the light so that they could snatch the moths who came to the lights but got snared by the webs instead. Next morning, not a spider to be seen!
11-JUL-2010
European skipper (Thymelicus lineola)
Diane found this worn skipper at the FWG. When they first emerge, these skippers can be abundant and it is not uncommon to find 25-35 at FWG and hundreds in other locations. But it is coming to the end of their time now, and we'll have to wait until next June to see them again.
11-JUL-2010
Common burrowing mayflies (Hexagenia)
A gorgeous photo by Diane of this pretty mayfly, one of the Ephemeroptera group.
11-JUL-2010
Summer azure (Celastrina neglecta)
These are the "blues" most often seen this time of year, though keep your eyes open for Eastern tailed blue.
11-JUL-2010
Cocoon, probably belonging to a spider
Diane found and photographed this pretty yellow cocoon. I think this is a spider cocoon. There were many today on the edge of the Gatineau Park in an open field and I've seen them elsewhere around the region.
10-JUL-2010
Blanding's turtle
Diane found this turtle on the newly built dam, looking as if it was thinking about heading down the ravine away from the Amphibian Pond. When it saw Diane, it turned and went back into the water. I wonder if it is going to head away from our pond because of lack of food, too many other turtles, or because the water level is now lower.
10-JUL-2010
American Snout (Libytheana carinenta)
A very exciting find by Diane. She first saw this species near the Butterfly Meadow and later between the Ash Woods and the Old Field. This is the second time in recent years that American Snout has turned up at the FWG and arouses speculation as to why! Is there a small breeding colony? Are they there more often than we know but are just not easily found? Despite concerted efforts by various butterfly enthusiasts over the last few days, the species has not been re-located. But it could certainly still be there.
11-JUL-2010
Hummingbird moth (Hemaris thysbe)
These are particularly attractive day-flying moths that really do look like Hummingbirds as they zip past and hover while nectaring on flowers.
10-JUL-2010
Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
A very fresh red admiral butterfly nectaring on Canada thistle. I was at the FWG for about an hour around noon and it was getting pretty hot. When I first arrived I saw an American lady butterfly, several red admirals (both of these Vanessa species very fresh), two black swallowtails, lots of sulphurs and cabbage whites, and three summer azures. I was really looking for American Snout! Yesterday afternoon while looking for insects in the new section of the butterfly meadow, I saw two very fast-flying lepidoptera zoom off toward the old part of the meadow. All I could see were flashes of orange. I thought to myself (Gosh, they look rather like the American snout butterflies I had two years ago, but nooooo way would they appear again). After a few minutes of fruitless searching I returned to photographing insects, convinced I'd been mistaken about the colours and maybe they were a couple of large moths. BUT, today, Diane Lepage called to say she saw two Snouts at the garden!!! And took a photo. So hopefully, we will have one of Diane's photos to post here, soon.
10-JUL-2010
Black swallowtail (em>Papilio polyxenes)
There were two of these beauties nectaring on the sow-thistle patch just west of the Scotch pines. They would not keep still, but fluttered quickly from flower to flower, sipping briefly at each. They are such beautiful butterflies and I was quite happy to get a few shots, even if not the best.
08-JUL-2010
Sand wasp (Bicyrtes)
To me, these are amongst the most beautiful of the wasps. They are large, have a nice crisp black and white appearance and gorgeous big green eyes, which you cannot see in this shot. This one was circling the parking lot in front of the center, beyond the gravelled section, clearly looking for a place to dig a nest. She made repeated stops on the ground, explored briefly, flew off a few feet, repeated the process, and at one point appeared to start digging, but didn't continue.
09-JUL-2010
Yellow warbler
These poor birds are very busy feeding young and get extremely agitated when anyone comes close to either their nest site or the location where the young are perched (depending on which stage the young are at).
09-JUL-2010
Small milkweed bug (Lygaeus kalmii)
All the milkweed critters are out now. These guys, the milkweed weevils, milkweed beetles... Only thing missing are the Monarchs! There are very few around this year, but there is still time for us to see some and hopefully see some larvae too. We did find a couple of Monarchs and three larvae in Larose Forest on our OFNC Butterfly Walk a few days ago.
09-JUL-2010
Stinkbug eggs (Pentatomid sp.)
These eggs were clustered for the length of one cm, along a flower stem on a nannyberry shrub. As you can imagine, each egg is minute. Earlier I posted a shot of stinkbug eggs with nymphs. They were of a different type than these ones. I have seen these before and find them quite beautiful, looking like tiny silver boxes decorated with a fringe. If you look closely, you can see that some of the eggs are already open and there are nymphs inside.
08-JUL-2010
White-faced meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum), male
Even sun-lovers like the dragonflies feel the heat and need to control their body temperature. This position, called the obelisk position, is assumed when it is very hot outside. By orienting its abdomen toward the sun, it is able to reduce the area that is actually exposed to the sun's heat. You may also have seen dragonflies perched with their wings angled downwards. This is another position that may be held to avoid overheating. When all else fails, they will move to a shadier location and remain still for awhile, as the widow skimmers were doing yesterday. Very sensible!!
08-JUL-2010
White-faced meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum), male
It was another brutally hot day, even hotter than yesterday, with temps at +35 by 10 when I ventured out to the FWG for 40 minutes. Everything was very quiet. I saw no squirrels, few birds, and few insects. However, this white-faced meadowhawk was seen briefly. First perched on this grass stem and then, as in the next photo, in the obelisk position.
07-JUL-2010
Widow skimmer (Libellula luctuosa), female
One of two widow skimmers found perched low on vegetation.
07-JUL-2010
Gasteruptiid wasp
This tiny male wasp is an intriguing little Hymenopteran. Two distinctive features of this species are the 'neck' that you can clearly see, and the elevated abdomen.
07-JUL-2010
Cobweb spider (Enoplognatha ovata), female
This very tiny but very pretty spider was hiding in the flower head of a wild parsley plant.
07-JUL-2010
Two-spotted stinkbug (Cosmopepla bimaculata)
These tiny stinkbugs begin to appear as summer heads toward the mid-way point. They can be fairly common but because they are so small, not always noticed. This was one of a number of species of insects I noticed in my brief walk around the Backyard Garden and the front of the Interpretive Centre. It was just too darn hot for walking much further, at +34 celsius and a humidex of +42!
07-JUL-2010
Parsnip webworm caterpillar (Depressaria pastinacella), #0922
The larvae were partially emerging from their web cases and feeding on the flowerheads of the wild parsley. It doesn't take long for the plants to become quite chewed up. Since people are not fond of this introduced species (in the same family as the currently notorious Giant Hogweed), these larvae should be tolerated!
07-JUL-2010
Parsnip webworm caterpillar (Depressaria pastinacella), #0922
This small caterpillar was on a wild parsley (Pastinaca sativa) plant. There were perhaps 6 of them, each in their own little web cases made in the flower heads. According to information I read, this species was accidentally introduced from Europe to NA and first noticed about 1869. Apparently, "they feed exclusively on a handful of furanocoumarin-containing hosts, including wild parsnip and several species of Heracleum."
Wouldn't it be interesting if they could be used to control the Giant hogweed, a Heracleum species, that is so worrying people at the moment!
04-JUL-2010
Red-winged blackbird, male, carrying food
The young are out of the nest and flying, but still being fed by their parents who are kept frantically busy finding enough food for their hungry offspring.
02-JUL-2010
Timothy
Backlit by the sun, this stand of timothy appears silvery.
02-JUL-2010
Silver-spotted skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
One of the largest skippers locally, this beautiful creature is quite eye-catching. Jeewa photographed it perched on dog-strangling vine.
02-JUL-2010
Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica)
This common and familiar beetle is a member of the Scarab beetle family. It was introduced by accident into North America in the last century and has, over the decades, become well established. It is a strikingly beautiful creature but gardeners hate it because it devours leaves and fruit.
02-JUL-2010
Banded hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)
This is the second hairstreak species found at FWG recently. I had two striped hairstreaks in June, and a banded in late June. Jeewa successfully photographed this one and it shows the distinctive pattern well.
02-JUL-2010
Two Crows
Jeewa photographed these two crows eating some fruit. The berries look like they might be Mountain Ash fruit, but are in fact, red elderberry fruit clusters. Crows are so successful because they are omnivores, eating whatever they can find. Sort of like humans!
