09-NOV-2015
Cedar waxwings
The photo on the left shows a juvenile waxwing, the one on the right, an adult. Waxwings nest late, as do american goldfinches.
09-NOV-2015
Grasshopper
who says November has to mean the end of insect life? Barry, by dint of searching through leaf piles and squirrel middens, found an array of invertebrates. As long as it is warm and we don't have prolonged frost and below freezing temperatures, a number of hardy insects can still be found.
03-NOV-2015
Autumn meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum)
We think of dragonflies as summer insects, but this species can be found almost until the end of November, provided there is no heavy snow or prolonged below freezing periods. Even some damselflies may still be seen, though not as often.
03-NOV-2015
Cavities in birch snag
Look at those perfectly circular holes, or cavities, made by woodpeckers in the soft wood of a standing dead birch tree.
03-NOV-2015
American goldfinch in winter plumage
Goldfinches are still around in good numbers. They are hardy enough to withstand our winters as long as they have food.
03-NOV-2015
Plant bug?
While searching through a squirrel midden, Barry found several insects including this reddish bug, which looks like a plant bug, though I can't see enough to say for sure. Well, it is a bug anyway, and interesting how many insects are still around in November. I've seen various flies, leafhoppers, scarab beetles, and so on. (CH)
03-NOV-2015
Irpex lacteus
A very common but often overlooked polypore fungus.
02-NOV-2015
Fletcher Wildlife Garden
You would never guess this pastoral scene was in the heart of Canada's capital city! It looks like a rural trail far from highrises and freeways.
02-NOV-2015
Crabapples (Malus)
These very small ornamental crabapples add such colour to the landscape, continuing long after the leaves have fallen. Not all crabapples are eaten by wildlife. Some remain all winter long, shunned by birds and mammals, others are consumed early on, while still others are eaten later in winter.
02-NOV-2015
Red squirrel
Clinging flat against the trunk, this red squirrel thinks it is hidden from sight, but Barry knows otherwise!
02-NOV-2015
Golden
A blaze of gold in the autumn sun, these maples leaves.
02-NOV-2015
Canada Geese
Flying over the garden in big honking wedges, this is a common sight throughout autumn and will be until freeze up sends them further south to open waters.
