22-SEP-2018
European paper wasp (Polistes dominula)
These are the wasps that make small open-ended paper nests, usually attached to the underside of a building, or in a bird box, or in any other spot that seems safe. I am glad to see that recently some wasp researchers are trying to change the attitude of people towards wasps, which have a bad rap. Yet most wasps do NOT sting, they are prime pollinators, and they are after all, part of our ecosystem.
22-SEP-2018
The pond in early autumn
The pond where the great blue herons and mallards were hanging out, in previous photos. Already it is looking a lot like autumn.
22-SEP-2018
Great blue heron
This heron was noticed by a number of people as s/he tried to find something to eat in the pond. Great blue herons are common, but they are so big and so noticeable that to see one up close was clearly exciting for those who clustered around the pond to view it.
22-SEP-2018
Great blue heron
Another view of the heron as it leans forward trying to grab something from the water.
22-SEP-2018
Jumping spider (Eris)
This spider appears to have a tiny insect as prey... but can't make out what.
22-SEP-2018
Crabapples (Malus)
The bright red of the crabapples is a sure sign of autumn, a vivid colour against the golds and greens.
22-SEP-2018
Canada geese
The skies are full of the sight and sound of Canada geese as they wing their way south, or head north back to the Ottawa River, or east to cornfields. Once the cold weather hits, they'll be gone.
22-SEP-2018
Mallard, male
Three mallards and a great blue heron kept company at the western end of the pond.
22-SEP-2018
Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
The sound of black walnuts hitting the ground is a sure sign that red squirrels are busy getting their winter food supply ready. Of course, they have to stop now and then for a snack...
22-SEP-2018
Velvet leaf (Abutilon theophrasti )
A non-native annual plant in the Mallow family, often considered an invasive at worst, a weed at best, this plant can grow quite tall. It produces large velvety leaves and distinctive seed pods. We've never seen many at any one time at the garden, and some years none at all. They grow best in disturbed ground, which the area around the pond is, after work on the site a few years ago.
22-SEP-2018
"Bee Haven"
Not technically in the garden, but adjacent to, this is one of several art installations for "Beyond the Edge: Artists' Gardens", this one by Engelina Schmitz. There were numerous bumble bees around the plants.
11 September 2018
Striped Garden Caterpillar (Trichordestra legitima), #10304
11-SEP-2018
Old field area
A panoramic shot showing the old field in front and to the right, with the sumacs pushing their way in, and some work on controlling dog-strangling vine, AKA pale swallowwort, on the left (the big tarpaulin helps to prevent the plants from growing).
Please view in original size.
11-SEP-2018
Cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae)
11-SEP-2018
Oleander aphids (Aphis nerii)
These were all over a swamp milkweed plant, and needless to say there were predators too, specifically, Asian lady beetles who must have been happy with this feast.
11-SEP-2018
Oleander aphids (Aphis nerii)
Another shot of the oleander aphids, this time clustered under a swamp milkweed leaf.
11-SEP-2018
Obedient plant seeds (Physostegia virginiana)
The seedhead of the obedient plant.
11-SEP-2018
Locust borer (Megacyllene robiniae)
I saw three of these long-horned beetles around the goldenrods in the butterfly meadow. They are closely associated with black locust trees.
11-SEP-2018
Greenbottle fly (Lucilia sp.)
Such a bright shiny green fly, common as anything, but very pretty.
11-SEP-2018
Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana)
A bumble bee entering one of the obedient plant flowers, which are very attractive to a variety of bees, but especially bumble bees.
11-SEP-2018
Drone fly (Eristalis tenax)
A non-native hover fly. The larvae are aquatic - found in stagnant water.
11-SEP-2018
Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis)
Highly variable, these beetles can have no spots, a few spots or be covered in multiple spots; the can also range in colour from pale orange to deep dark red.
11-SEP-2018
Goldenrod bunch gall
These galls look very flower-like, and are formed at the tip of goldenrods, particularly the Tall Goldenrod (Solidago altissima). They are made by a tiny midge, Rhopalomyia species, in the Cecidomyiidae family.
11-SEP-2018
Flat-topped aster (Doellingeria umbellata)
Another showy, tall, attractive native wildflower which attracts myriad insects.
11-SEP-2018
Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
Also known as touch-me-not, because of the way the seeds pop when touched. Hummingbirds love their flowers, as do bees.
11-SEP-2018
Goldenrod and insects (Solidago)
Goldenrods of all types are attractive to insects as can be seen here where a bumble bee, a fly and a mostly hidden lady beetle are nectaring on the flowers.
11-SEP-2018
Volunteer removing invasive plants
Despite dredging the pond a few years ago, the invasive flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) has returned in force each year. Thus, volunteers go in once or twice a year to remove quantities of the stuff, without which, the pond would quickly fill up leaving no open water.
9 September 2018
Hitched Arches (Melanchra adjuncta), #10292
9 September 2018
Hitched Arches (Melanchra adjuncta), #10292
Oddly shaped caterpillar found on Swamp Milkweed in the gully part of the garden.