22-Jun-2022
Ninebark (Physocarpus)
Not sure if this is the native species or a cultivar.
22-Jun-2022
Eastern phoebe
Birds were pretty quiet, even early in the morning, the flurry of migration and looking for a mate over, and the nesting and feeding of young taking precedence now.
22-Jun-2022
Honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Busy collecting lots of pollen in the backyard garden.
22-Jun-2022
Goldenrod leaf beetle larva (Trirhabda canadensis)
In time, this will turn into a handsome yellow and black beetle.
22-Jun-2022
Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
Judging from the number of chipmunks I saw this morning at the garden, it has been a very good year for them. They are endlessly engaging and cute, so no wonder people leave peanuts and other seeds for them.
22-Jun-2022
Bladdernut shrub (Staphylea trifolia)
This native shrub is quite rare in the Ottawa region, known from only a few sites, but is more common in the southern part of the province. This one was planted in the BYG and has down very well. The fruit capsule shown here gives the common name.
22-Jun-2022
Red-winged Blackbird, female
Females were flying around seeking food for their young, this one paused briefly near where I stood.
22-Jun-2022
Red-winged Blackbird, female
The same female in the previous shot, this time with some food.
22-Jun-2022
Red-winged Blackbird, female
A second female blackbird scouting the edge of the cattails.
22-Jun-2022
The Amphibian pond
Several pairs of red-winged blackbirds nesting in the cattails around the pond, the females now feeding the young birds on the nest.
22-Jun-2022
Wood poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)
A native species from southwestern Ontario where apparently only three locations are known. It is considered endangered in the province. These plants were grown from seed and given to the garden years ago, it has done very well and the few plants have spread.
22-Jun-2022
Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
A native wildflower in the Backyard Garden.
22-Jun-2022
Feeder birds
The well-stocked bird feeder in the garden attracts numerous birds during the year. Today it was relatively quiet. A mourning dove and a couple of female red-winged blackbirds are the main occupants here.
22-Jun-2022
Backyard Garden
A series of shots of the Backyard Garden at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, because it looks so lush and full and beautiful right now. Keep clicking "next".
22-Jun-2022
Backyard Garden
Standing at the very back of the garden and looking toward the Resource Centre.
22-Jun-2022
Backyard Garden
Early morning sun in the garden.
22-Jun-2022
Backyard Garden
An old stone wall in one section of the garden, like the stone walls that can be found on old farms in the valley.
22-Jun-2022
Backyard Garden
Looking to the far, east, end of the garden, with the fern walk on the left and the plum tree garden trail on the right.
22-Jun-2022
Backyard Garden
Looking east down the garden to the woodland walk on the right.
22-Jun-2022
Backyard Garden
The rock garden in the foreground and the busy bird feeder.
22-Jun-2022
Pond in the Backyard Garden
The small two-tiered pond in the backyard garden which often houses a few green frogs.
22-Jun-2022
Northern cardinal, male
At least five cardinals noted around the garden today, all singing.
22-Jun-2022
The Ravine
Looking south across the ravine from the Resource Centre. The frequent rains interspersed with heat have led to a very lush and tropical look here.
22-Jun-2022
The Old Woods
Heading north into the woods.
22-Jun-2022
Little wood satyr butterfly (Megisto cymela)
The only butterfly I saw today at the garden, but I was there quite early before the day warmed up.
22-Jun-2022
Comfrey and bumble bee
Although this is a non-native plant that can spread widely, many native bees enjoy it.
22-Jun-2022
Canada elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
This shrub by the pond, has been around for years. In late summer it is full of ripe black fruit which usually attracts many birds.
22-Jun-2022
Lupines
Part of the Butterfly Meadow, these lupines have been around for a couple of decades spreading widely, but more recently not quite as abundant.
22-Jun-2022
Beard-tongue (Penstemon)
Another common plant in the Butterfly Meadow.
22-Jun-2022
Red-berried elder (Sambucus racemosa)
Planted near the Butterfly Meadow, this shrub attracts various species of birds.
22-Jun-2022
Butterfly meadow
This meadow comes into full bloom in summer.