Columbia Lake, Waterloo, ON

09 August, 2023

     Sometimes, it's good to remind ourselves that although we live in an urban region there remain lots of areas to enjoy nature, and we take full advantage of them. Columbia Lake, a mere five or six minutes from our house, is a case in point.

     A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was perhaps primping in celebration of our visit, but we assured him (her?) that it was entirely unnecessary.

     The delicate fragrance of Mint (genus Mentha) wafted on the air.

     Late summer is peak time for grasshoppers and we were delighted to see several Carolina Grasshoppers (Dissosteira carolina) spring away from our approaching feet. 

     I am constantly surprised at how well and how far they can fly.

     An Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) surveyed the world from a lofty perch.

     A Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritus) swam along with the kind of efficiency that makes humans envious.

    Northern Leopard Frogs (Lithobates pipiens) give all indication that they have had a good breeding season, and this adult seemed bent on making itself as imposing as possible.

     Purple Loosestrife is beautiful, yet aggressively invasive, and destructive in our wetlands.

     A Willow Pine Gall Midge (Rabdophaga strobiloides) causes the willow bud  to mutate and develop abnormally, resembling a pine cone - hence the name.

     It is an exquisite structure, albeit somewhat harmful to the host plant.

     Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a spectacular component of a wildflower meadow.

     We have been seeing Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) quite frequently of late, though in nowhere near the numbers we would like. This individual found Wild Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) a convenient perch.

     Grey-headed Coneflowers (Ratibida pinnata) resembled a sea of nodding top hats!

     Our second Great Blue Heron put on a bit of a show for us.

     Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is pure pleasure.

     Eastern Forktail (Ischnura verticalis) is not only common, but generally permits photographs.

     The reason for the specific epithet verticalis is readily apparent.

     An American Green Crab Spider (Misumessus oblongus) lay in wait for unsuspecting and unwary prey.

     Several Eastern Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa virginica) were kept busy gathering nectar, their shiny black bodies glistening in the sun.

     I am given to wondering how Goldenrod Soldier Beetles (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus) were assigned their name. Making love not war seems to be their motto - and they do it constantly.

     When I saw the following insect I did not recognize it, but a little searching reveals it to be a Daisy Flower Weevil (Odontocorynus umbellae).

     White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are not uncommon in urban parks, but they seldom reveal themselves, so we were delighted to see this individual.

     It signalled its name as it bid us goodbye, although in this shot white-rumped might be more appropriate.

     A few Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) were the very model of tranquility as they paddled around the lake.

     Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) no less so.

     This moth is found in the tribe Crambini. Beyond that I can't help you.

     A Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella) is a large, handsome dragonfly.

     Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina) is simply superb.

     A Jagged Ambush Bug (Phymata americana) remained motionless , anticipating the arrival of a luckless victim.

     A Familiar Blue (Enallagma civile) is indeed becoming familiar. 

     I would be hard pressed to tell you how greatly my walks are enhanced by Miriam. I am so fortunate to have a wife who shares my passion for nature and never has to be coaxed or cajoled into going out with me.

     She takes pictures, points things out to me, and in every way you might imagine enhances my experience.

     I am a lucky man!