18-NOV-2015
Mushrooms
I think these are oyster mushrooms, photographed by Barry at the garden.
30-NOV-2015
American robin
Several flocks of robins around today in both the Fletcher Wildlife Garden and the adjacent Arboretum. Right now they are making a feast of the many crabapples in both locations. Other birds at the garden include cardinals, chickadees, juncos, downy woodpecker, crows and white-breasted nuthatches.
30-NOV-2015
American robin in crabapple tree
This particular robin sat in that same spot for quite awhile, stripping the fruit from the tree.
18-JUNE-2015
Polypores (Ischnoderma resinosum)
A beautiful russet coloured bracket fungus, or polypore. They can grow quite large and are often used by squirrels as perches to sit on while they feed.
18-NOV-2015
Red squirrel
The nest in the next photo is made by red squirrels such as this one. Here, the little red seems to be eyeing the apple with some determination.
20-NOV-2015
Red squirrel nest
Red squirrels makes these round grassy balls, often using strips of plastic, bits of rope and string, and sometimes dog hair. I recall seeing a red squirrel nest that was about 50% dog hair. (CH)
20-NOV-2015
Fletcher Wildlife Garden
Another section of the garden showing how much it looks like a rural setting rather than smack in the middle of the city.
Lichen
This foliose lichen shows an abundance of apothecia (the spore producers), looking like flat buttons on the tree branch, in this image by Barry.
16-NOV-2015
Downy woodpecker
A common visitor to the garden, this is a year-round resident (meaning it doesn't migrate).
18-NOV-2015
Crow at sumac
Sumac provides food for many birds as well as squirrels, and here a crow is feeding on some of the abundant seeds.
20-NOV-2015
Canada geese
Large flocks of geese continue to fly over the garden, and everywhere else around Ottawa, but once things get cold and water freezes, they'll move further south. Here, they stand out against the bright blue sky, as photographed by Barry.
18-NOV-2015
Mushroom
One of the pleasures of autumn is finding fungi poking up amongst the leaves or on logs and stumps.
18-NOV-2015
Bald-faced hornet nest (Dolichovespula maculata)
At this time of year one often finds these paper nests on the ground, torn apart. Sometimes people do this, but animals do it too, hoping to find some food inside, perhaps larvae that didn't hatch out.
03-NOV-2015
Firefly larvae (Lampyridae)
Barry found this collection of larvae under a leaf pile. The larvae of fireflies can often be found in moist situations such as this. (CH)
03-NOV-2015
Crust fungus
An apt name for this fungus, which is indeed very crust like.
16-NOV-2015
Red squirrel number 2
From Sandy - I've always assumed the little Red Squirrel who took up residence in the roosting box closest to our Resource Centre "owned" that whole area along the first part of the Bill Holland Trail. But today, Catherine and I noticed a squirrel sitting in different walnut tree. As Catherine snapped this photo, I ran to check the tree next to the trail and, sure enough, our Red Squirrel was in his/her usual spot. So he/she has a neighbour!
November 16, 2015
Gilled mushroom
While working in the New Woodlot, Catherine found a couple of large mushrooms. This view right at ground level shows off the elegant lines and large gills of this species.
November 16, 2015
Gilled mushroom
Another of the large mushrooms found in the New Woodlot today. The stem on this one looks quite thick. I love the jaunty angle of its cap!
15-NOV-2015
Grey squirrel
Lots of squirrels, both grey and red, around the garden, some still caching food, others building, refurbishing or repairing their winter nests, as this one had been doing.
15-NOV-2015
Insect cocoon
A tiny cocoon on a white pine needle, perhaps of one of the tiny moths.
15-NOV-2015
Red-winged blackbird, male
This blackbird was calling loudly from the cattails in the pond. Although it seems late for these birds, there are still blackbirds in the region, perhaps taking their time to migrate given the warmish weather we've had in November.
03-NOV-2015
Northern spreadwing (Lestes disjunctus)
The weather has been so mild that in early November even this damselfly was still out and about.
03-NOV-2015
Harvestman spider
A spider scuttling off as Barry caught it before it vanished. Proof that a lot of the little creatures are still around.
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.