19-OCT-2017
European paper wasp (Polistes dominula)
In the next photo you can see a terrific mimic of wasps such as this.
19-OCT-2017
Hover fly (Spilomyia longicornis)
You'd be forgiven for thinking this was a wasp! It has all the markings and colours of one, but this is one of the hover fly wasp mimics, and a superb one at that. Barry photographed this on that same magnetic goldenrod.
19-OCT-2017
Cucumber beetle and Metalmark moth
More insects on the lone flowering goldenrod; in this photo a cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata) and a metalmark moth (Caloreas leucobasis).
19-OCT-2017
Hover fly (Syrphus sp.)
Barry said there was a lone flowering goldenrod which was attracting numerous insects. Here, a hover fly is shown. At this time of year, goldenrods are pretty well over, so finding a flowering one is a bonus for the hungry insects.
17-OCT-2017
Asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis)
17-OCT-2017
Asian ladybeetle pupa (Harmonia axyridis)
10-OCT-2017
Song sparrow
One of several song sparrows enjoying the same shallow pool as the goldfinches, in the Butterfly Meadow.
10-OCT-2017
Spotted Ladybeetle (Coleomegilla maculata)
Seeking the warm sun on the side of the building where the surface reflects the sun`s heat.
10-OCT-2017
chipmunk enjoying his sunflower perch
Just before the red squirrel chased him off.
10-OCT-2017
Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
The chipmunk was enjoying the bounty of seeds when he suddenly scampered down the stem and away. A few moments later, the red squirrel in the next photo appeared.
10-OCT-2017
Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
This is the fierce little guy who chased away the chipmunk from this sunflower seedhead and then proceeded to gorge on it!
10-OCT-2017
American goldfinch bathing
A series of shots showing this goldfinch bathing in the long shallow water feature in the Butterfly Meadow. At times there were 5 or more goldfinches and several song sparrows having a bath or just drinking.
10-OCT-2017
Mallard, female
A fine water spray as this female swims away after a good shake!
10-OCT-2017
Mallard
Lots of mallards and a few black ducks on the pond, with great splashing, chasing and submerging beneath the water, before heading to the raft to preen.
10-OCT-2017
Autumn meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum)
The warm wood of the bridge over the pond was attracting many meadowhawks to perch and soak up the warmth.
10-OCT-2017
Autumn meadowhawks (Sympetrum vicinum)
There were numerous meadowhawks around, including several mating pairs. If the weather stays mild, these dragonflies may be seen into November.
10-OCT-2017
Fletcher Wildlife Garden
Looking north toward the ravine and Backyard Garden, from the service road that winds through the site.
Polypore (Ischnoderma)
This dead tree sports big clusters of these polypores each autumn.
Hover fly (Toxomerus geminatus)
These tiny flies are present for most of the summer, but sometimes get overshadowed by the larger insects. Now that things have quieted down in the insect world, they are more noticeable.
Grasshopper
Grasshoppers become more numerous as summer moves on into autumn. This may be one of the spur-throated grasshoppers.
Bumble bee on sow-thistle
Fortunately, there are still some flowers in bloom for all the bees and other insects that have been numerous in this warm autumn weather.
Goldenrod gall
A 'ball gall', on a goldenrod stem, created by the goldenrod gall fly, a large member of the fruit fly family. For all the galls that we see on goldenrods, we rarely see the flies.
Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
Barry said about this red squirrel with its heavy load: The squirrel was "coping with a too-large walnut. I watched the squirrel hurry along across the main butterfly meadow path until it disappeared behind the water tank – somehow it still had that walnut!"
Lemon drops (Bisporella)
These beautiful little sac fungi do look almost edible!
02-OCT-2017
Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum)
A few cup plants still in flower and a few happy bumble bees taking advantage of their nectar.
02-OCT-2017
On the raft
The turtle raft was a magnet for the ducks in the pond, and as I stood watching, I saw them all, one by one, swim toward it, haul themselves up on to it, and start preening. There are wood ducks, black ducks and mallards here.
02-OCT-2017
Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
This little red squirrel ran along the manitoba maple branch and then suddenly stopped and hunkered down in this position where he stayed for some time.
02-OCT-2017
Wood duck
Standing on one leg prior to spreading the wing and then the leg.
02-OCT-2017
Wood ducks
After swimming around the pond for awhile, feeding, they made their way to the old turtle raft, already occupied by a pair of mallards, and began preening intently.
02-OCT-2017
Wood duck
In the late afternoon light on the pond.
