29-OCT-2011
Paper wasp (Polistes dominulus)
A close up of one of the wasps in the nest box.
28-OCT-2011
Polistes dominulus in nest box
One nest box had this paper wasp nest on the side and a cluster of wasps near the opening at the top. As the sun became warmer, more of them ventured up to the opening as if intent on soaking up the last of the sun.
In addition to these wasps, we saw a stinkbug in a nest box, which at first appeared dead, but then began moving around, and we realize it was probably more than a little cold. As well, oleander aphids were on the milkweeds, and still alive, and one lone clouded sulphur was seen.
28-OCT-2011
Northern shrike
While cleaning out a nest box by the pond, I looked up and saw a gray and white bird fly into a tree at some distance. Not having my binoculars I used the zoom on my camera to get a shot of this shrike. It was far away and this is heavily cropped, so not the best shot, but it is the first time I've seen a shrike at the FWG in several years. At the same time, a red-tailed hawk circled over the garden.
28-OCT-2011
Chickadee nest with mouse nest on top
Claudia and I cleaned out the nest boxes at FWG today. As always, there were interesting things to see. In one box, we found this chickadee nest made entirely of moss (bottom layer), with the beginnings of a mouse nest on top, made entirely of DSV seed fluff.
24-OCT-2011
Red squirrel catching some sun
Sitting in a walnut tree, above his home and food cache, this little red was seemingly enjoying the sun's rays.
16-OCT-2011
Yellow warbler nest
This nest was hanging by a thread from the shrub it had been built in. It is a finely constructed nest of DSV fibres, grass and some pine needles.
16-OCT-2011
Birds in a tree
The three crows are harassing the red-tailed hawk sitting in the middle of the image. Not a great shot for identifying birds, but I like the stormy sky and the gold of the leaves against it.
16-OCT-2011
Old Field
The old field looks vast after the cutting. It is amazing how dense growth can hide the size of a site, sometimes making it appear larger, other times, as in this case, making it seem very small. But with no vegetation visible on the field it looks remarkably big.
15-OCT-2011
Cub pack at the Amphibian Pond
A very happy group of cubs and parents having had a tour of the FWG, led by Dave Moore. This group has been to the garden several times and clearly enjoy visiting!
16-OCT-2011
Asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) and Oleander aphids (Aphis nerii)
The aphids were clustered on the stems of a milkweed plant, but right alongside was this ladybeetle, munching her way through them!
16-OCT-2011
Burrowing bug (Sehirus cinctus)
This small shiny bug is on a Physostegia plant in the Butterfly Meadow.
16-OCT-2011
Magnolia seedpods
These gorgeous seedpods are from the two magnolias at the FWG, both by the Old Field area, and planted long before the FWG came into existence. Sometimes you find them stashed in forks of trees, placed there by squirrels.