04-OCT-2016
Bumble bee (Bombus) on asters
The days still warm in early October and bees are taking advantage of the warmth and sun to feed on still-blooming flowers. All too soon it will be cold, frost will come and many bees and wasps will die, only the queens remaining to overwinter until spring.
07-OCT-2016
Sumac by the pond
The sumacs have turned to their usual autumnal fiery orange and red. These overlook the newly renovated pond.
07-OCT-2016
Small milkweed bugs (Lygaeus kalmii)
These small colourful seed bugs were found in large aggregations over milkweeds on a recent warm day. They will overwinter as adults underneath leaf litter, and as with many bugs that winter similarly, they can be found in larger than usual aggregations in autumn, prior to vanishing for the winter. Because they overwinter as adults, it is not unusual to find a few here and there on warm early spring days.
07-OCT-2016
Chipmunk
This may, or may not, be the same chipmunk that was busily gathering nest material for its den a few weeks ago. This one was feeding well on the spilled sunflower seeds underneath the Backyard Garden feeder.
07-OCT-2016
Green frog (Lithobates clamitans)
One of the frogs resident in the small two-tiered pond in the Backyard Garden. As the days cool down, they will hibernate underwater.
07-OCT-2016
Staghorn sumacs
An interesting image by Barry of a stand of sumacs creating an almost optical illusion effect.
04-OCT-2016
Red-tailed hawk
These hawks have become much more common around the garden and adjacent farm and arboretum in recent years. It used to be that one would turn up in late autumn, stay the winter, and depart in spring, but for the last few years one, and often two, have been around almost all year. We assume there is a pair in the area and assume they are nesting somewhere nearby.
04-OCT-2016
Honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Nectaring on new england aster, this honey bee is enjoying one of the remaining warm days of autumn.
04-OCT-2016
Red oaks
A burst of bright yellow as the red oaks turn colour.
07-OCT-2016
Autumn colours
The fiery colours of the sumac stands out in the ravine.
04-OCT-2016
Black ducks
A couple of black ducks on the recently dug out (rehabilitated/renovated) pond. Some roots of an aquatic plant can be seen, perhaps cattails. There also appears to be some duck weed there too. Already vegetation is beginning to reassert itself.
04-OCT-2016
Snapping turtle hatchling (Chelydra serpentina)
One of the nine just-hatched snapping turtles found by Diane and Justin, which they moved to the big Amphibian Pond. Here is hoping these little ones make it.
04-OCT-2016
Nine Snapping turtle hatchlings (Chelydra serpentina)
Diane and one of her volunteers found these nine just hatched snapping turtles! She said "This afternoon I went to the Butterfly Meadow to meet another volunteer, so we could make three holes for the serviceberry which will be planted next Tuesday. We removed the large tarp and noticed the small hole with empty shells. We each proceeded to dig a hole when Justin noticed 9 small turtles who just came out of the hole. After taking photos we brought them to the big pond. After a few minutes they buried themselves in the mud. When we came back two walkers noticed another turtle on the path, which Justin brought to the pond. Rather exciting to see them. I believe more will come out from another hole. Hope they will survive."
04-OCT-2016
Small pond in Butterfly Meadow
This small pond is located in the Butterfly Meadow, created over this past summer by Diane and her volunteer team. Small mammals, birds, and insects can take advantage of the water supply here during the hot months.
04-OCT-2016
Snapping turtle hatchling (Chelydra serpentina)
This just hatched turtle is next to a 'twoonie' for size comparison. As you can see, it is not much bigger. This is one of nine found by Diane and her volunteers.
04-OCT-2016
Snapping turtle nest site
This is the hole out which emerged nine just hatched snapping turtles! you can see a couple of eggshells by the hole. Amazing to think that nine were able to hatch. I wish them a long life.
04-OCT-2016
Blackberry looper (Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria)
A really nice clear shot of this tiny looper caterpillar on a new england aster. There is something tiny and black just behind the front legs, but no idea what it might be. This moth caterpillar is in the Geometridae family.