Glimpses of Nature in Waterloo Region, Ontario

 31 August, 2022

Columbia Lake, Waterloo, ON

     The heat and lack of rain of late has caused wildlife to seek shade, plants to wilt and trees to shed leaves in order to conserve water. Nature-watching has become a challenge, and not without a level of discomfort as the temperature routinely exceeds thirty degrees.

     A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) displayed the stoicism we have come to expect from it, as it searched for food, knowing that its patience and hunting skills would be rewarded sooner or later.

    This area would normally be underwater, and the rocks on which the heron is standing submerged, but not this year as lakes and ponds throughout the region suffer from evaporation in the unforgiving heat.

     Fall can't come soon enough for me, and birds and mammals will no doubt welcome cooler weather too. The first frost will be a pleasant event for all of us.

     A second Great Blue Heron displayed a different stalking style, equally effective I am sure.

     I was recently reading a little about the life of E. O. Wilson and was mesmerized by the depth of his knowledge about ants. Of them, I know very little, and wish that I knew more. This is the dwelling of a member of the Wood, Mound, and Field Ants (genus Formica) and that's all I can tell you, I'm afraid.

     One can only imagine the industry taking place in the soil, the organization of the community beneath our feet, temperature-controlled, perfectly comfortable and functioning efficiently. We could benefit greatly from paying greater attention to ants.

     A single Great Egret (Ardea alba) has been present at Columbia Lake for several weeks.

     At one point there was a group of more than a dozen; for whatever reason this individual decided to remain when the others left.

     Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seems to establish itself randomly throughout Ontario, even in disturbed areas.

     To my eye, it has an exceptionally beautiful flower.

     We observed hundreds of tiny beetles on Goldenrod (Solidago sp.) but I have been unable to identify them.

     The fruiting heads of Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) are well formed by now, ready to disperse seeds to ensure the success of future generations.

     A Clover Looper (Caenurgina crassiuscula) quietly went about its business, indifferent to nosy humans with cameras.

     You will have to look carefully in the picture below to see a small moth with folded wings, just about at dead centre. Miriam doggedly followed it for several minutes, but it assumed this position every time it landed. Its identification, as you might surmise, remains a mystery.

     Familiar Bluet (Enallagma civile) gratifyingly lived up to its name. Familiarity was the key, posing this way and that as though wanting to please.

     A glorious Halloween Pennant (Celithemis géante) was scarcely less compliant.

     It raised its wings in salute.

     A small, aphid-like insect in the genus Daktulosphaira infests grape plants, and this Riverbank Grape (Vitis riparia) had been overwhelmed by its attacker.

     Formerly a very serious threat to commercial grapes it has been brought under control by various means, particularly by grafts of resistant strains, and is no longer considered a menace. Anything that interferes with the production of wine should be attacked with full vigour I think you will agree!

     Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is a lovely plant, isn't it?

     I always feel a surge of misguided pride when I see Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in images from all over the world.

     It is a striking species, embodying many values allegedly cherished by humans, chief among them lifelong monogamy and fidelity to its mate. It has conquered the world to promote these values!

     Hooray for Canada Geese! Vives les Bernaches du Canada!

     One might be equally proud of Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) I suppose, but without overtones of national chauvinism. I would vote for changing the name to Larus ontarioensis; then we could drape it with the flag too!

     Both species are capable of producing impressive quantities of guano, an added advantage for the avid horticulturalist with collecting tools at hand!

     Plants waste no time in establishing themselves on desiccated lake beds, and I think this specimen is in the Pink family Caryophyllaceae.

02 September, 2022

At home

     We had our first visit of a Labrador Carpet (Xanthorhoe labradorensis), an exceedingly handsome little moth.

    More common was a Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes), its wings a little compromised, but still flying strongly.

    I wonder if it's one of the butterflies we raised in our kitchen?

03 September, 2022

At home

     We were quite charmed by this little character.

     It is the nymph of a Masked Hunter (Reduvius personatus), sometimes given the name of Masked Bed Bug Hunter - which pretty much describes its mission in life. It does not restrict itself to bed bugs, however, and as Stephen Marshall points out in his monumental tome, Insects: Their Natural History and Diversity, "This regular resident of even the cleanest household.....exudes a sticky substance that soon accumulates a body-masking layer of junk ranging from the dead bodies of victims to dismembered dust bunnies." 

     He further cautions, "Although most assassin bugs are beneficial predators with no inclination to bite people, Masked Bed Bug Hunter has to be handled with care lest it painfully impale you with its bug-sucking beak."

     Who would not seek such companionship?

     Heeding Marshall's advice, however, we gingerly eased it onto a sheet of paper and introduced it to the great outdoors, wishing it well on whatever peregrinations it may undertake.

     I miss it already!