25-SEP-2009
Mallard with damaged bill
David found this mallard with a damaged bill on the Amphibian Pond. He said that she appeared to be able to eat very well and seemed otherwise healthy. Back in the spring, I photographed a mallard with a damaged bill, but the damage was somewhat different from this, so I suppose it is a different bird (christine).
27-SEP-2009
mallard with damaged bill
Another view of the mallard.
25-SEP-2009
Weasel
David photographed this weasel as it emerged from the rock wall in the BYG. We are not sure whether it is the short-tailed weasel, or the long-tailed. David said it was very large, so it could be the latter, which has a more sparse occurrence in this part of Ontario, as far as we know. The weasels we have seen in the past have been the short-tailed weasel or ermine.
22-SEP-2009
Locust borer beetle (Megacyllene robiniae)
This mating pair was on the same goldenrod that I mentioned in yesterday's post. Just beneath their back legs is a small insect but I can't make out what it is, and I didn't even see it when I took the photo!
22-SEP-2009
Sweat bee (Agapostemon sp.)
The bee box we put up in the spring, has been very busy again lately. This is a sweat bee, one of about three going in and out of the holes.
21-SEP-2009
Burdock borer moth and Locust borer beetle on goldenrod
David and I were both photographing these insects on this goldenrod, but at different times! David was able to get both species in one shot.
21-SEP-2009
Honey bee (Apis mellifera) on New England aster
Honey bees were quite common today and very busy around the asters, knapweed and the few goldenrods still in flower. However, the goldenrods now in seed have become a mecca for goldfinches who enjoy the seeds.
21-SEP-2009
Hover fly (Spilomyia sayi) and yellowjacket.
You can see how much this hover fly (foreground) resembles a wasp! At the top of the photo is the hind end of a yellowjacket, considerably smaller.
21-SEP-2009
Yellowjacket sp.
The yellowjackets are common around nectar plants at this time of year. This particular individual appeared to be suffering from a fungal growth on its thorax.
21-SEP-2009
Treehopper (Ceresa sp.)
This beautiful little green treehopper agreed to sit on my thumb for a few seconds, long enough to get a photo anyway. At this time of year, I have often found that they are more sluggish and easier to photograph than when they first appear earlier in the year.
21-SEP-2009
Sweat bee (Agapostemon sp.) on Knapweed
These large sweat bees with the brilliantly green thorax are quite common at present and can be found on any of the flowering plants still remaining.
13-SEP-2009
Cabbage White victim of ambush bug
Ambush bugs and crab spiders between them, kill many butterflies. If you see what looks like a butterfly at rest and not moving, it is more than likely a victim of one or the other of these critters.