18-JUN-2015
Ephemeroptera, possibly Maccaffertium sp.?
15-JUNE-2015
Pseudoscorpions ( Pseudoscorpiones)
These tiny (roughly 3mm or less) arachnids are clustered on some slime mould (Fuligo septica). Their name comes from their superficial resemblance to true scorpions, but note that they have no tail. They are also entirely harmless to humans and, in fact, help by preying on ants, booklice, moth larvae, etc.
Both Barry and Isabelle noticed these arachnids and pointed them out to others. Although these creatures are very common, they are not usually noticed until they sit on something like this slime mould which makes them stand out more. On the leaf pile they blend right in. The slime mould, often called dog's vomit (which it does resemble when fresh!), is very common and has appeared on any leaf pile at the garden over the years. In the woods around Ottawa I most often see it on logs and stumps.
18-JUN-2015
Caddisfly (Trichoptera)
As I was looking at white pines in the New Woods area today, this caddisfly flew in and hunkered down amongst the needles. It was not only dark but the needles made it difficult to get a decent shot. However, we have few caddisfly photos in our galleries, so here is another one.
June-2015
Garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis)
Barry managed to get a photo of this snake as it was rushing to get out of sight. We post it only because we have so few sightings and photos of snakes at the garden. In fact, we had none until a couple of years ago when what we think was the first ever for the garden was spotted. Since then, there have been a few more sightings. It is not that this species is rare, but that until lately it was so for the garden.
15 June 2015
Looks bad, but this is good
When we see holes in leaves and other "messes" we don't get annoyed, we rejoice. These signs mean that wildlife - insects, birds, mammals, etc. - are using our wildlife garden! So, when we found silky "nests" on the leaves of these
Field Pussytoes (
Antennaria neglecta) left over from our plant sale, we knew that caterpillars had found the plants or, more likely, a butterfly had laid eggs on them. A little further investigation revealed Painted Lady caterpillars (identified by Diane Lepage). We often see American Lady caterpillars on
Pearly Everlasting (
Anaphalis margaritacea) in our Backyard Garden, but this is the first time we've seen similar signs of Painted Ladies. A cause for celebration!
19 June 2015
Painted Lady caterpillar
And here's one of the culprits. Today's bright sunshine brought out a dozen caterpillars from their hiding places among the leaves of Field Pussytoes growing in pots in our nursery.
To see the butterfly this caterpillar will become, please click on NEXT
June-2015
Painted lady (Vanessa cardui)
Sandy just posted a photo showing painted lady larval "nests." Here is a photo of a very worn painted lady butterfly taken by Barry. This migratory species would also be familiar to anyone from across the pond, as it occurs in Europe. In fact, it occurs almost everywhere.
June 12, 2015
Remembering Charlie
The FWG volunteers recently decided to have a new bird feeder built by Tony Denton as a memorial to Charlie Clifford who was a keen birder as well as an enthusiastic volunteer. Charlie's family and the birding group he belonged to were invited To FWG on Friday June 12 to
dedicate the memorial.
June 12, 2015
Brass plaque dedicating the feeder to Charlie
June 12, 2015
Roy John speaking about "Charlie the birder"
Anne Clifford is seated on his left.
June 12, 2015
Coffee, cookies, and talk about Charlie
Henry Steger, who organized the event, waiting for volunteers to settle at the table so he could begin to speak of Charlie's contributions to FWG.
Charlie served on our Management Committee for many years. During that time he became our "sign man" as he was always keen to explain the FWG to others. He helped plant many trees, build the covered bulletin board that you first see when you visit the FWG, and fill the bird feeders. He kept our trail groomed and well marked for many years. And he always remembered when it was time to put up the screens and get the plant tables out of the barn. It's hard to do these things without him.
08-JUN-2015
Northern green frog (Rana clamitans melanota)
The Backyard Garden area of the Fletcher Wildlife Garden has a small two-level pond in which green frogs make their home. In some years there have been as many as 9 or 10 there, in others only a couple. It varies annually. These amphibians spend the winter as tadpoles, transforming later in summer.