All kinds of stuff

 17 September, 2023

At home, Waterloo, ON

     As we were leaving the house, a Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) landed on the Sedum at the corner of the driveway.

     What a gorgeous, colourful combination.

     An Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocapa virginica) found the Sedum equally attractive, no doubt a rich source of pollen and nectar.

     It was joined by a Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and they foraged together in harmony.

     An Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) did its best to remain inconspicuous.

17 September, 2023

The country lanes of Waterloo Region

     Any birder worth his binoculars will tell you that a sighting of a Merlin (Falco columbarius) is always a cause for celebration.

     A Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is far more common, but always worthy of appreciation. It is a consummately beautiful bird.

     It is best not to interfere with a Dark Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus) as it goes about its business.

     No need for concern over a Spotted Pink Lady Beetle (Coleomegilla maculata), however.

     Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) render the term "majestic" almost inadequate. They are the very definition of grace and beauty, a fact that is constantly impressed on even the most jaundiced observer.

     I had alluded in an earlier post to the ancient belief that a Mute Swan only sang before death, but death was not always considered a misfortune.

     In the sixth century B.C. in Aesop's Fables he writes:

"A stork that was present at the song of a dying swan told her it was contrary to sing so much out of season, and asked her reason for it. 'Why,' said the swan, 'I am now entering a state where I shall no longer be in danger of either snares, spears, or hunger; and who would not joy at such a deliverance.'"

     Perhaps today, when faced with pollution, habitat loss, illegal hunting and lead poisoning, a wise swan might echo the same sentiments.

     American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) has become scarce in recent years, so it is always a cause for celebration when one is sighted.

     We passed a field that was "filled" with Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus); everywhere we looked there were a two or three scurrying around; doubtless there were more than we observed, concealed in the grass.

19 September, 2023

Kissing Bridge Trailway, Elmira, ON

     There were many Clouded Sulphurs (Colias philodice) flitting from flower to flower, and this one landed long enough for Miriam to take a picture.

     A Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) was equally obliging.

     A Pear Hawthorn (Crataegus calpodendron) bore a fine crop of fruit.

     Wooly Bear caterpillars, the larvae of Isabella Tiger Moth (Pyrrharctia isabella), are commonly observed in the fall, seeking a well protected place under a thick carpet of leaves, to spend the winter.

     There is something uniquely appealing about these hairy little tanks!

     A Common Eastern Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) was exploiting blooms that seem to go on forever in this unusually hot autumn weather.

     Bird's-eye Speedwell (Veronica persica) is a tiny little gem in the forest landscape.

     Wild Cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) has an appeal all of its own.

     Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), that beautiful, beguiling plant of the shady glades of Ontario woodlands in spring, is now bearing fruit.

     Greater Burdock (Arctium lappa) could hardly be categorized as everyone's favourite, but it has a certain charm, don't you think?

     Meadowhawks are small, red dragonflies seen over most of North America, appearing in late summer and persisting well into the fall.  A White-faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum) was a very agreeable addition to our walk.

     It is easy to appreciate from the picture below just how much goldenrods (genus Solidago) are used by pollinators.

     Select fungi attack the leaves of trees, causing damage in varying degrees, but often creating a quite beautiful pattern in stark contrast to the ravages inflicted on the host. I believe this is Ash Leaf Spot (Mycosphaerella fraxmola).

     Beware of Slender Stinging Nettle (Urtica gracilis) and don't be tempted to grab a handful. 

     It is alleged to make a good soup, but be sure to wear sturdy gloves when harvesting it. 

     Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) bears very attractive berries, but this is another plant where caution is required. The berries are poisonous to humans and livestock.

     Look, but don't touch is the best advice, and certainly don't eat!

     Nature is wonderful in all its enchanting variety; it's good to remember, however, it was not made with humans in mind. Homo sapiens is the most destructive force of all - and that's a fact we should all remember!