19-MAR-2012
Eastern comma (Polygonia comma)
The lovely bright colours of the eastern comma. This species overwinters as an adult, spending the cold months in a protected place such as under the bark of trees, cavities, other sheltered spots. On warm days in early spring they emerge, but will go back into hiding if cold weather returns, which is quite likely here as it is only mid-march, despite the very warm temperatures of today.
19-MAR-2012
Eastern comma (Polygonia comma)
This shows the underside of one of the eastern commas feeding on Manitoba maple sap. It is easy to see how much like a dry leaf this butterfly looks when it closes its wings. This, in contrast to the bright orange colours when the wings are open.
19-MAR-2012
Mourning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
This was the only photo I was able to catch of the mourning cloaks at the garden today. This one was soon joined by a second one and they both spiralled up and up, higher and higher above the treetops until I lost sight of them. Never saw them again!
19-MAR-2012
Blow fly, Calliphora species
One of many flies feeding on the sticky nectar from the Manitoba maple, which was also attracting eastern comma butterflies and a large stinkbug.
19-MAR-2012
Crocus and bee
Several crocuses were in flower in the BYG, and one had this tiny bee which appears to be one of the sweat bees.
19-MAR-2012
Black-capped chickadee
Two chickadees were intent on something in or on the trellis in front of the centre. This one appeared to be plucking something from the wood, and later this one and the second chickadee, were plucking something from the vines, likely insect eggs.
19-MAR-2012
Song sparrow
This was one of several song sparrows hanging around the pond. One was drinking from the pond, one was singing away, and this one had seemingly just finished eating something before also singing from the cattail.
19-MAR-2012
Comfrey
Comfrey leaves are popping up, one of the few signs of new growth I saw today. While this is a non-native species that can crowd out other species, we need to remember that it flowers long before many other plants and provides sustenance to many bees and flies such as syrphids, pollinating insects that we want to encourage.
19-MAR-2012
Chipmunk
There were three chipmunks chasing each other around, in and over one of the stone walls in the Backyard Garden. Several others were under the feeder, in the rockery section and elsewhere. The unusual weather has brought them out in force!
10-MAR-2012
Red-winged blackbird/ Carouge à épaulette
Diane captured this very neat photo of a red-winged blackbird either eating the snow or pushing it off to reach the seeds in the sumac cone. She notes that she also saw 2 Cardinals, 8 Black-capped chickadees, 6 Crows, 6 Houses Finches, 1 Pileated Woodpecker,1 robin and several American goldfinches.
14-MAR-2012
Northern cardinal, male
Cardinals are in full song these days, and I saw and heard several pairs today. The males look especially vivid at this time of year.
14-MAR-2012
Red-winged blackbird
As always, the males of this species are the first to return, calling away from all over the garden and the Arboretum. Such an exhilarating sound because we know that spring really is here, and even if we do get more snow, we know it won't last!
