Two More Adventures in Nature and a Visit to the National Holocaust Monument

15 July, 2023

Perth Wildlife Reserve, Perth, ON

     While visiting Caroline and Andrew, they had other business to attend to in the Perth Area, so we all went together, and allocated extra time to visit the Perth Wildlife Reserve. What a great choice that turned out to be. 

     We had barely set foot on the trail when we were greeted by a Slant-lined Owlet (Macrochilo absorptalis).

     Miriam, as always, was quick with her camera to snap a picture of this moth that was determined not to perch in full view, and to move every two seconds!

     July is peak season for many odenates and we had great success. Here is a female Cherry-faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum internum).

     Just a little farther along a handsome male White-faced Meadowhawk (S. obtrusum) captured our attention.

     As I observe these incredible flying creatures, I am filled with awe, and I am reminded of Steve Nicholl's words, in a fabulous book I am currently reading to  review for Princeton University Press, "Often regarded as 'primitive' insects, dragonflies have become true masters of the air on gossamer wings that are actually airfoils of incredible sophistication, controlled by miniature on-board computers that would be the envy of any fighter-pilot."

     Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is, for me, a quintessential and surpassingly beautiful component of the floral landscape of southern Ontario.

     Fortunately, it is common and easily enjoyed by all. I urge you to stop and admire its elegant simplicity.

     Butterflies are not to be outdone by dragonflies and damselflies, and this Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) patrolled its territory.

     A Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is.....well, dashing.

     This Pale Phalaenostola Moth (Phalaenostola metonalis) looked a little worse for wear, but its flight seemed unimpeded.

     Bluets, as I have mentioned in other posts, are difficult to identify, but I am quite confident that this individual is a Marsh Bluet (Enallagma ebrium).

     Gymnosporangium, a genus of heteroecious plant-pathogenic fungi, attacks a variety of trees, particularly junipers and those in the family Rosaceae.

     Yellow Water-Lily (Nuphar lutea) is the stuff of artistic inspiration and poetic rhapsody.

     Here it is surrounded by Duckweed (Lemnoideae), high protein food for waterfowl, and in some areas of the world consumed by humans.

     A very handsome, large Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta) was a new species for us, and we were impressed!

     An Eastern Forktail (Ischnura verticalis) nestled in an aquatic wonderland is far more familiar, but no less appealing.

     Based on our observations, amphibians had come off a banner reproductive year, and Northern Leopard Frogs (Lithobates pipiens) were constantly escaping from our descending feet.

     In addition we saw several Eastern Gartersnakes (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis), and at least one DeKay's Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi), but they disappeared into the grass in the blink of an eye, and we have no pictures.

     An Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) remained in position.

     The oddly-named Wormseed Wallflower (Erysimum cheiranthoides) is a charming addition to a stroll in July.

     And so is Slender Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis dillenii).

     We were happy to enjoy Black Medick (Medicago lupulina), which has a relatively short period of inflorescence in July and August.

     A Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris) lives up to its name.

     Purple-flowered Raspberry (Rubus odoratus) is always delightful.

     Given that we had seen more odenates than on many a walk, it was appropriate that a Sedge Sprite (Nehalennia irene) put in an appearance just before we made it back to the car.

16 July, 2023

National Holocaust Monument, Ottawa, ON

     This visit had elements of a personal pilgrimage, and I am both pleased and grateful that Miriam, Caroline and Andrew accompanied me.

     Many of the images require no commentary from me, but I am bound to say that the designers and architects of this memorial have done a remarkable job of capturing the darkness and barbaric horror that had descended upon the Jewish citizens of Europe with the rise to power of Adolf Hitler and his genocidal cohorts.

   

       Almost overnight Jewish citizens were deprived of all rights and privileges, rendered effectively non-persons; their only crime that of being a Jew.

    The awful, stomach-churning, almost unbelievable story is well documented.

     Canada, while not directly involved was complicit in so many ways.

     Our record is one of shame, deep, visceral, unforgivable shame. 

     In a moment of serendipitous poignancy a Carrot Seed Moth (Sitochroa palealis) landed right in front of us.

     How many inmates of Auschwitz-Birkenau, of Dachau or Sobibor, in the Warsaw Ghetto or facing the cocked rifles of Einsatzgruppen, might have seen a butterfly or moth and wished that they too might fly free?

      Antisemitism and other forms of discrimination are on the rise again, right-wing populist governments around the world are being swept into power. Do we never learn? Does hatred and ignorance ever become subservient to love and enlightenment? Not for long it seems, but still we must insist that NEVER AGAIN should such horror envelop humanity. Once is already more than enough.

23 July, 2023

Linear Trail, Cambridge, ON

     The lovely Lisa picked us up at 08h:00 and we set off to explore the Linear Trail.

     This leaf has been infected by Leaf Blister Mites (genus Eriophys).

     Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) is extremely attractive. 

     It is one of the less poisonous of Solanaceae and is rarely implicated in human poisoning, the extremely bitter taste of the fruit serving to repel anyone who tastes it.

     Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) is the bane of hay fever sufferers. 

     The male-flowered spikes of this wind-pollinated species produce vast quantities of pollen, causing untold misery to many.

     A solitary female Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) patrolled the river on a glorious day, somehow making all seem right with the world.

     We saw many American Robins (Turdus migratorius) with clear evidence of successful breeding this year.

                In fact many robins are already incubating second clutches.

     A House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) found an appreciative audience for its rollicking song.

     There is little more classic than Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) paddling along a tranquil river; clearly they are senior members of avian aristocracy.

     There are those for whom the sight of a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) in a tree seems unusual, but in fact they spend a good deal of time there, and raise their young in treetop colonies.

     This Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) seems to be in early moult, preparing for its journey south later this year.

     This nest of a pair of Baltimore Orioles (Icterus galbula) reminded us that their breeding season is over for another year and that soon they will be moving out of southern Ontario and back to their home in Central America.

     

     This juvenile Great-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) appeared robust and healthy, ready for the  rigours of an upcoming migration.

     There were many Great Blue Herons along the river and this individual was keeping a keen eye out for any passing snack.

     There are several impressive stands of Staghorn Sumac (Rhys typhina) along the Linear Trail, providing winter forage for bird and mammal alike.

     At one point, Lisa glanced skyward and drew our attention to a group of two Great Blue Herons and two Great Egrets (Ardea alba) flying over together.

     An American Robin took full advantage of the sun to assist in feather maintenance.

     It's hard not to conclude that the birds don't just derive sheer pleasure from it too.

     Do you not agree (surely, you do) that this Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) looks exceptionally splendid? Play a sound track of his song and you will experience what we did.

     About midway along the Linear Trail the Grand and Speed Rivers come together at a spot known as The Confluence. If you look carefully at the following picture you will see a couple of Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia) among the Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis). 

     The terns are the ones with the black caps. Try as we might we could not induce them to come a little closer.

     A Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritus) swam nonchalantly on the river, but make no mistake it can become an expert and unerring captor of fish in the blink of an eye.

     There were many young birds around the confluence providing evidence that breeding has been successful at least for some families. Perhaps this female Common Grackle is relieved that it is all over until next year.

     I don't wish to inflict too many herons on you, but there were many present and each picture I have included shows different birds.

     A Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) hen seems to have been able to keep most of her brood safe from predators - no mean feat when you consider the number of enemies waiting to make lunch of a plump duckling or two.

     Many Grey Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) were seen, both adults and their fledglings.

     A local Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius).....

     ..... was joined by a Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) fresh from its Arctic breeding territory.

     Ring-billed Gull is the default gull at this time of the year and they are very proficient at finding food, whether in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant or in the water.

     Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) is ubiquitous.

     We were thrilled to see our first Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis) ever.

     As many of you know, I have a bit of a fascination with etymology, and the scientific name of this species is an excellent illustration of its descriptive power. Aster is from the Greek, meaning star, and the Latin word campus refers to fields - so "star of the fields." Celtis is the generic name for Hackberry trees, the larval food plant.

     Viceroy (Limentis archippus) mimics the colours of the Monarch (Danaus plexippus) to ward off predators.

     A couple of Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) scoured the river for their next catch.

     As we walked back towards the car several Powdered Dancers (Argia moesta) seemed content to stay a few metres ahead of us.

     The gravelly substrate seemed to appeal to them greatly.

     Turtles of all species need our protection, and it was encouraging to see the rare Charitable Research Foundation taking steps to safeguard their eggs.

     It had been a great walk, with pleasant chats with other naturalists and photographers along the way, and Lisa even had dark chocolate for us in the car. 

     Let's do it again soon!