16-MAY-2013
Andrenid bee (Andrena sp.)
These bees make their nests in holes in the ground. Although solitary nesters, they gather in large aggregations. There are several locations around the FWG where these bees are found. This one was on the rim of a bucket filled with uprooted plants in the BYG. Bug Guide notes that because Andrenid bees will fly at much cooler temperatures than honey bees (Apis mellifera), they can be superior pollinators when the weather is too cold for other bees.
16-MAY-2013
Spotted lady beetle (Coleomagilla maculata)
One of my particular favourites amongst all the different types of lady beetles, this tiny native beetle is brightly coloured and smartly patterned. Don't let the small size and cuteness fool you, however, for these are fierce little predators. As you can see, it is on a dandelion. I frequently find these beetles on dandelions, sometimes 5 or 6 or more on one flowerhead. Dandelions, also attract many, many, many other insects, so they can be considered a VIP (very important plant) for insects.
16-MAY-2013
American emerald (Cordulia shurtleffi)
Barry found this dragonfly in the BYG this morning. Not a new species for our list, but one that we don't often see at the garden, despite it being a common species in the region. So, a nice find.
16-MAY-2013
Nomada bee on dandelion
Nomada bees are tiny wasp-like red and yellow bees. Here, the dandelion was so occupying the bee, that I was able to get very close. Normally, these bees rarely stop!
16-MAY-2013
Dog-strangling vine (Cynanchum rossicum)
This is also called DSV for short, as well as pale swallowwort. Here, you can see the frost bitten leaf tips. Many, if not most, of the DSV plants in the open areas were similarly 'frosted'. Unfortunately, this doesn't appear to damage the plant at all, and growth proceeds apace.
16-MAY-2013
Black walnut (Juglans nigra)
The fresh green leaves of black walnuts are vivid right now. The long drooping clusters of the pollen flowers are very apparent too.
16-MAY-2013
Blossom time at the FWG
It is a feast for the senses at FWG right now. The trees are full bloom with apples and wild plum, hawthorn, chokecherries, all over the garden. Here, from left to right are: apple, hawthorn, and choke cherry. Sadly they don't last long!
16-MAY-2013
Ash woods
Looking south from the ravine to the north side of the ash woods.
16-MAY-2013
Lilacs
When we became managers of the site that would become the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, there were already many trees planted, mostly non-native such as magnolias (just to the left of the lilacs), crabapples, and of course, many different types of lilacs. These all attract large numbers of flies and bees as well as butterflies.
16-MAY-2013
Amphibian pond
A long view down to the pond, past the apple blossoms. The cattails are just beginning to grow, but it is the dead ones from last year that the red-winged blackbirds like for nesting in.
16-MAY-2013
Bee box
This is one of four bee boxes placed around the FWG again this year, by Sophie, an AAFC bee researcher. It won't be long before leafcutter bees are checking these out.
07-MAY-2013
Nomada bee on wild plum
One of many bees nectaring on the plum blossoms. These tiny bees are rarely still, so it is difficult to photograph them. With their 'wasp waist' and lack of hair, they look like wasps, but are in fact bees. They are parasitic on andrenid bees and if you see nomadas, you are guaranteed to see andrenids nearby. Typically, you see nomada bees zig-zagging back and forth a few inches above the ground.