02 September, 2023
Waterloo, ON
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilocus colubris) is the only hummingbird to regularly make its way to Ontario; in fact it breeds here.
The breeding season is now at an end and with luck many young will be making their first migration to Mexico and Central America. We are happy to provide a supply of sugar water to help fuel their journey.
04 September, 2023
Waterloo, ON
Common Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus), a popular garden plant is also known as Rose of Sharon, and is blooming prolifically.
It thrives under many conditions, even doing well in poor soil, and attracts a wide variety of pollinators.
Solomon's Plume seems to be the common name in vogue at present for Mainthemum racemosum. Flowering from May into June, it produces a cluster of greenish-red berries, which in the fall become purplish-red.
Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) have been showing up fairly regularly in recent days, not in large numbers, but every sighting is a joy.
This year we have found not a single egg or caterpillar on the Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) at the back of the house.
An Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus), on the other hand, is seldom far from view.
A Clover Weevil (Sitona hispidulus) apparently found my forearm appealing.
A Northern Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium mildei) is a very handsome creature.
A Spined Micrathena (Micrathena gracilis) is no less impressive.
Aficionados of New World Warbler will know that each species is identifiable by the underside of its tail. In such manner we were able to identify a Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) above our heads.
A Seven-spotted Lady Beetle (Coccinella septempunctata) might make a tasty snack for the warbler.
06 September, 2023
Waterloo, ON
A Cross Orbweaver (Araneus diadematus) very kindly greeted us at the front door.
30 August, 2023
West Perth Wetland, Mitchell, ON
We were joined by Lisa for a productive visit to West Perth Wetland, but have but a few pctures to share.
It's always exciting to see Short-billed Dowitchers (Limnodromus griseus) and if my memory serves me well there were three to fuel our enthusiasm.
Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) are emerging from eclipse plumage, and you will note the male in the centre of the Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) regaining his finery.
The acorns of Burr Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) are distinctive and beautiful.
A midge in the genus Chironomus was attracted to them too.
What you see below is a fine example of Poplar Leaf-base Gall (Pemphigus populicaulis).
Sadly, I have no more pictures to illustrate this visit. It was an unseasonably cold day, with intermittent rain, and we were inadequately dressed for the weather. Miriam, quite sensibly, returned to the car where she would be dry and at least somewhat warmer.
We'll have to go there again soon!
...the acorns of Burr Oak areworks of art.
ReplyDeletethose acorns are amazing. here in Florida we have tiny ones, but none at our home. they are smaller than a regular size marble. never met an orb spider, and there are many here, that i did not hate to meet. ha ha
ReplyDeleteThe weather can even put a halt to the intrepid. ;)
ReplyDeleteAltheas, also called Rose of Sharon, are members of the hibiscus family, similar to but different from the tropical hibiscus which is what most people think of as hibiscus. confederate rose, turk's cap, and mallows are also members of the hibiscus family. but you probably already know that.
ReplyDeletespiders haven't shown up here yet. seems late but it's been so hot and dry.
Thank you. I look forward to your next visit - as I always do.
ReplyDeleteI've seen one burr oak in Ohio. It was extremely large, very old.
ReplyDeleteHi David - another interesting post with new images ... always good - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteBonjour David.
ReplyDeleteIl faut que le colibri prenne des forces pour arriver jusqu'à moi ☺️😉.
Bonne journée
También es un precioso reportaje, espero más cuando vuelvas. Abrazos.
ReplyDeleteAnother fantastic outing, thank you, David.
ReplyDeleteOur hummingbirds left about 2 weeks ago (southeast TN). I work at the at the TN Aquarium. We have a wood duck there, and after being a resident there for quite a few years, it's still shy.
ReplyDeleteThe little chipmunk is a cutie.
ReplyDelete