10-JUN-2013
Dog-strangling vine (Cynanchum rossicum)
This exceptionally invasive plant is now in flower, which means it will soon be in seed, and the millions of seeds will spread across the garden...
11-JUN-2013
Camel treehopper (Smilia camelus)
I have been looking for treehoppers closely affiliated with oak trees for a long, long time. Every year I peer hopefully at the oaks, looking along twigs and under leaves, but nothing. Today, in the pouring rain, I finally found one of the oak-specific hoppers. This one has two green stripes, not particularly easy to see with the raindrops on it. Needless to say I was thrilled, and will be back on a sunnier day, hoping to see one again.
11-JUN-2013
South side of interpretation centre
A view along the south side of the centre looking towards the garden shed and nursery area.
11-JUN-2013
The Backyard Garden from the Woodland Walk
As seen from the woodland walk, which dips down slightly below the level of the garden, the BYG looks lush and full.
11-JUN-2013
Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) at FWG
Despite the rain, there were two chipmunks busy gleaning seeds underneath the feeder in the Backyard Garden. They both had muddy noses from sifting through the seeds on the wet ground!
11-JUN-2013
Rose
All the plants in the Backyard Garden were hanging low, made heavy with rain, but also made beautiful with raindrops.
09-JUN-2013
Stinkbug (Euschistus sp.)
This may be the one-spotted stinkbug, Euschistus variolarius, but it is so similar to another species, according to Bug Guide, that one needs to examine it closely to get the ID to species level. These Euschistus stinkbugs are very common around the garden, and Diane caught a great photo.
09-JUN-2013
Eastern forktail, immature female (Ischnura verticalis)
I love the orange colouration of these little damselflies, and Diane's photo shows it very well. These are the immature females. The adult females are blue, and the males multicoloured blue, green and black. They are common in the region and fairly common around the amphibian pond, as well as being found some distance from the pond.
09-JUN-2013
Eastern forktail, male (Ischnura verticalis)
The male eastern forktail is noticeable by its small size, black abdomen and bright blue tip.
09-JUN-2013
Two-spotted stinkbug (Cosmopepla bimaculata)
Always a pretty little stinkbug to come across. They are common on a variety of plants and can be found all summer. Diane took this tack sharp photo.
10-JUN-2013
Wood Duck
This handsome male wood duck was sitting on the log in the Amphibian Pond, for several hours today. No sign of a female around, no idea whether he is part of a pair, or just a single male! But by now the wood ducks should have young if they're going to have them.
10-JUN-2013
Aquatic leaf beetle (Donacia sp.)
Found near the amphibian pond, it was originally clasping a grass stem, which seems to be a favourite pose and a favourite plant to rest on, for I've often seen them in similar situations in the past. There are several species of Donaciinae, this one is a gorgeous bronze colour. It is on a jewelweed leaf, where it briefly landed, before going back to the grass stems.