20-MAY-2014
Northern green frog (Rana clamitans)
A very brilliantly green Rana clamitans. These frogs can range from dark brown to this bright green, thus causing much confusion in identification.
20-MAY-2014
Cranesbill geranium (Geranium)
One of several varieties of geraniums called 'cranesbill' for the shape of the seed capsules that form. There is a wide variety of native cranesbill geraniums, though most grow further south of here. Our most common species is herb-robert (Geranium robertianum).
20-MAY-2014
White-crowned sparrow
The Ottawa region has been treated to a long visit by these beautiful sparrows, but now they are heading to their northern breeding grounds. Everyone has been commenting on how abundant they have been this spring. Their distinctive song filled the air for weeks.
20-MAY-2014
Red-tailed hawk
This juvenile red-tailed hawk has been hanging around the FWG for weeks now. Normally, we see this species in autumn, it sticks around during the winter, and leaves in early spring. Red-tailed hawks are one of the most common and abundant hawks in North America, and they breed commonly in this region, but not (so far anyway) at the FWG or the Arboretum.
20-MAY-2014
Wood poppy ((Stylophorum diphyllum)
This is a gorgeous native plant, although its range is further south of Ottawa. However, it not only grows well but spreads prolifically when it is established.
20-MAY-2014
Chipmunk
Who doesn't find these little creatures engaging! This one has prettily posed near the dwarf lake iris in the Backyard Garden.
20-MAY-2014
Northern cardinal, male
A vivid splash of red, the male cardinal is always an eye-catcher! They are breeding now and busy with nests and eggs and soon, young.
House wren
Wrens are amongst my favourite birds. There is just something about them! This is one of a pair that Barry saw checking out a potential nest site (next photo).
House wren nest cavity... maybe!
Barry found a couple of house wrens at the garden and saw them investigating this perfectly symmetrical cavity in a birch snag. The birch snags are popular nesting spots for black-capped chickadees, and would also make a great nesting place for house wrens. Wrens have nested for some years at the FWG, and being double-brooded (usually), they waste no time working on a second nesting, often re-using the same nest site.
Northern flicker, male
A lovely shot of the northern flicker woodpecker showing its distinctive speckled breast and red patch on the back of the head.
Brown thrasher
This has been an excellent spring thus far, for brown thrashers. I can't count the number I've heard almost everywhere I've been, east and west in the city and beyond. One arrived at the FWG and stayed around for at least a few days, singing its heart out and Barry got a couple of good photographs.