Lakeside Park, Kitchener, ON

01 September, 2023

      The pollinators were out in force!

      The ubiquitous Western Honey Beee (Apis mellifera), heavily laden with pollen was the first species we saw.

     European Paper Wasp (Polistes dominula) was close at hand.

     Not far from the European Paper Wasp was a Dark Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus). 

     This moth in the family Crambidae, genus Agriphila escapes identification down to the species level.

     A Common Eastern Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) always looks sort of warm and cuddly. This individual has obviously had a successful foraging expedition and will doubtless soon be returning to the nest.

     I am sure that you have noticed that goldenrod (Solidago spp) is the host plant of choice for all these insects seeking nectar and pollen.

     I am really making an attempt to get to know the various species of goldenrod, not always the easiest task, but with help from my friend Wayne Buck, I am making progress. I think the species below is Flat-topped Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia).

     Greater Burdock (Arctium lappa) is aggressive and unloved by many.

     Eastern Cottontail (Syvilagus floridanus) on the other hand resembles everyone's favourite Bugs Bunny - unless you have a garden, that is!

     Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is cheerful and enchanting.

     The female Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) looked very pleased with herself.

     Perhaps she has successfully raised a family and the kids have finally left her alone!

     The wasp below is a type of Sand Wasp (family Crabronidae) in the genus Gorytes.

     Pannicled Aster (Symphyotrichum lanceolatum) had not quite opened up.

     Ceratina strenua is a type of Small Carpenter Bee, which as far as I know has no common name.

     Common Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) is so named because its dried leaves were used to make snuff - and if that doesn't make you sneeze, nothing will!

     House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) are very much at home in Lakeside Park.

House Sparrow ♂

House Sparrow ♀

     How lovely is a Slender Spreadwing (Lestes rectangularis).

     Seven-spotted Lady Beetle (Coccinella septempunctata) is not hard to find, but you will be thankful if it does not invade your home in the winter.

     The following Chokeberries (genus Aronia) look succulent and attractive.

     The berries of Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) are not quite ripe yet.

     Common European Greenbottle Fly (Lucila sericata) has found a home in southern Ontario.

     New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is just one reason among thousands why fall in Ontario is such a splendid time of year.

     Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is another.

     I hope that this Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) will have a full head of feathers next time I see him.

   

     My dear friend, Mary Ann Vanden Elzen, is deeply involved with Lakeside Park and edits its newsletter. She is passionate about this special place with good reason. This post is dedicated to her.