19-JUL-2018
Common red soldier beetle (Rhagonycha fulva)
A close view of this Eurasian species, now fairly common in North America. Here, it is on queen anne's lace.
19-JUL-2018
Common red soldier beetle (Rhagonycha fulva)
A wider view showing how many beetles on the head of the queen anne's lace.
19-JUL-2018
The amphibian pond
Surrounded by lush growth despite the prolonged heat and drought.
19-JUL-2018
House finch, male
A small family group of this species hanging out near the ravine.
19-JUL-2018
Cedar waxwing
A few waxwings found in the garden, their high trill a giveaway to their presence.
6 July 2018
Tiny bee
(SG) Possibly a carpenter bee as we've seen those on dandelions many times.
6 July 2018
Moving in to our insect hotel
(SG) When I attended Pollination Guelph's annual symposium this spring, I learned that some bees will use coreplast to nest in. I added a coreplast "room" to our insect hotel, and sure enough, someone has moved in. Not sure what species this, but it uses clay to seal its nest chambers, so I'm guessing mason wasp. Note the lack of interest in the plant stems below (and elsewhere in the hotel). Also, we lined the holes in that wood block badly, so bees are ignoring it. Elsewhere they are happy to use holes in wood.
6 July 2018
Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata)
(SG) We often see Bald-faced Hornets scraping the roof of our insect hotel or the railings of the bridge for material to make their huge paper nests, but this one was enjoying a drink of nectar from Figwort (Scrophularia lanceolata). Although its blossoms are small, this plant attracts bees all summer and well into the fall.
5 July 2018
New door knocker
(SG) When I saw this treefrog centred beautifully on our green door, I honestly thought someone had add a decoration to our Resource Centre!
5 July 2018
Grey Treefrog (Hyla versicolor)
