19-JUNE-2010
Green heron
John saw two green herons in the pond and took these gorgeous photos.
19-JUNE-2010
Green heron
Another view of one of the green herons, which have not been nearly as common at our pond this year as in previous years.
29-JUN-2010
Red squirrel eating the seedheads of comfrey plant
Comfrey is abundant around the FWG. However, it provides a lot of food for squirrels. I have seen chipmunks, red squirrels and grey squirrels eating their seeds, often in great quantities.
30-JUN-2010
Aphids and stinkbug nymph
A mix of aphids, including winged aphids, and a stinkbug nymph getting ready to prey on the aphids.
29-JUN-2010
Chipmunk
This little guy was busily digging down into the soil and extracting seeds. My presence didn't bother him at all. Look at that dirty little face! Too cute for words!
29-JUN-2010
Stinkbug eggs and nymphs (Pentatomid)
This tiny cluster of eggs and first instar nymphs, was on the underside of a Chokecherry leaf.
25-JUN-2010
Raccoon
These little guys are so cute, especially when caught by surprise like this. Jeewa found and photographed this one sitting in a tree.
25-JUN-2010
Barley foxtail (Hordeum jubatum)
This beautiful native grass does well in full sun and dry sites, hence often found along roadsides. It is sometimes used as an ornamental grass, but nearly as often as it should be. it does spread rapidly, so this may be one reason it is not used more frequently. However, farmers are not fond of it, for the sharp bristles can cause injury to horses and cattle when eaten.
25-JUN-2010
Oysterplant/Goatsbeard (Tragopogon)
Also known as Johnny-go-to-bed-by-noon, because the flowers close up by noon! A common non-native species. There are 2 Tragopogons and they hybridize, so it can be hard to tell which plant one is looking at.
25-JUN-2010
Blue vervain (Verbena hastata)
Another tall, pretty plant of summer which attracts many insects.
25-JUN-2010
Polydrusus weevil
Jeewa also found and photographed this pretty bright green little weevil, this time on Milkweed flowers.
25-JUN-2010
Clouded sulphur (Colias philodice)
One of the common Pieridae butterflies of summer. This gorgeous photo shows off the colours and pattern well.