Nature Around Waterloo Region

     An eager naturalist is never absent from a world overflowing with fascinating creatures - and so it is with us. This post contains a grab bag of what we have been seeing of late.

At home

     Upon leaving the house one morning I saw this interesting insect.

     A little research reveals it to be a Heleormyzid fly in the genus Suillia. This is usually about as precise as I can get with Diptera.

     European Earwig (Forficula auricularia) is a creature that seems to engender revulsion in all who see it. 

     It is primarily a nocturnal scavenger, seeking dark hiding places during the day, but it is also known to predate some agricultural pests, including aphids.

     I found a solitary Silverfish (genus Ctenolepisma) in the kitchen, much to my surprise.

     I have not seen one there before or since, and I remember that when I was a child a single insect indicated there would be more. This seems not to be the case, however - thank goodness!

     A Hemina Pinion (Lithophane hemina) had compressed itself into a mortar joint in the brickwork in the porch.

     Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) has been seen frequently this year and this individual fluttered into the house and we lost sight of it. A couple of days later it was found on the floor, dead.

     Pillbug (Armadillium vulgare), a terrestrial crustacean, is either less common than one might  expect it to be, or it is very capable of staying hidden.

     Introduced from Europe, it has now become widespread in the gardens of North America.

     We thought this handsome specimen especially appealing. It is a Grass Spider in the genus Agelenopsis, probably Agelenopsis pennsylvanica. 

     It is an ambush predator and the female commonly cannibalizes the male during mating, taking ecstasy to a whole new level, I suppose. A sexual liaison and a fine dinner. Does it get any better?

     The spider was in the house, a female based on size, and we decided that she would be better served in her romantic pursuits outside so we carefully transferred her onto the deck. I wish her good fortune - the same can hardly be said for the male!

Benjamin Park Trail, Waterloo, ON

     We are lucky to have this park almost directly behind our house.

      It looks especially splendid at this time of the year.

     I bet that every one of you, right now, is wishing that you could take a stroll there with me.

     There is little doubt that a Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) would not be long in greeting you.

     In late summer, early fall, Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) come together in impressive flocks in anticipation of migration.

     To wait by a cattail marsh at dusk is to witness one of nature's great spectacles as thousands come in to roost for the night. There is safety in numbers.

     New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a beautiful native plant, widespread throughout the region, with a mouthful of a scientific name!

Health Valley Trail, Waterloo, ON

     The early morning temperature was pleasant and the sun shone brilliantly as we set out on our walk.

     A Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) no doubt felt secure partially hidden by grass.

     Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) are still visible on their favourite perches but, will ere long be joining the great migration of birds unable to spend the winter with us.

     When most people think of a Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) a resplendent male springs to mind - with good reason - but we had to be content with a couple of youngsters who are not quite there yet.

     Here's what they will look like next spring.

     The path meandered through different habitats, always rewarding. Lots of vireos and warblers were moving through, but we were unable to get pictures.

     Within a few weeks the deciduous trees will be ablaze with colour; already there are hints of what is to come.

     A Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) was still working the river, but always on the opposite side and quite far away.

      This caterpillar is equipped with a fearsome defensive armour, and although I had an idea what it might be, I have been unable to identify it with confidence despite checking all my references. If anyone can help feel free to leave a comment below.

     Never in my life have I been so attracted to Common Water Strider (Aquarius remigis) but this year is has captured my attention as never before.

     Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is a very common fungus in eastern deciduous woodlands.

     Whenever I see a downed tree like this, returning nutrients to the soil and providing shelter and food for many organisms, I am reminded that it once stood tall in the forest and dominated the canopy. So shall we all succumb one day.

     As we parted company with the river a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) patiently stalked for food. For a fish or two it will be their last swim in the Conestogo River.

     I have blogged about bees frequently of late, and have read even more about these enchanting, yet vital, insects.

     The following infographic drawn from the internet is a stark reminder of the key role they play in the lives of all of us.

     We would do well to magnify our protection of them. Nothing less than our continued survival is at stake.