Highlights from Grass Lake and Lakeside Park

26 May, 2024

Grass Lake, Cambridge, ON

     As expected, Eastern Kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus) were numerous and this individual seemed to be practicing its upright pose!

     It would be a rare spring day indeed not to find Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) at this location. 

     It is a beautiful little bird, characterized by a high level of vocal enthusiasm.

     Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) is an enigmatic representative of grassland birds, and they were exceptionally exuberant, with several males at a time trilling their entrancing song across the meadows.

     To have Bobolinks and Savannah Sparrows co-joined in spring time abundance is a noteworthy pleasure.

     Adding to the lustre of the birds, Bladder Campion (Silene vulgaris) was a visual delight.

     The humble Red Clover (Trifolium pretense) is highly prized by pollinators.

     Here, a patch of Philadelphia Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus) was host to a Furrow Bee (genus Halictus).

     You will permit me a few more pictures of Bobolink, I am sure.

     Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is an extraordinarily beautiful flower.

     Clouded Sulphurs (Colias philodice) added to the morning's pleasure.

     It is a fine thing to share one's world with Oxeye Daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare).

     Mouse-ear Hawkweeds (genus Pilosella) were everywhere one looked.

     Is there anything more pleasing than a wildflower meadow freshly bloomed in spring?

     You see the beauty in the picture, but what is missing is the ruffling of the breeze, the hums, squeaks and stridulations of insects, the melody of the birds, and even the rambunctious presence of groundhogs and chipmunks. Magic is close at hand if only you care to find it.

09 June, 2024

Lakeside Park, Kitchener, ON

     We had barely swatted our first mosquito when an elegant Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) cruised in to greet us.

     This was followed in short order by a male Bluet (genus Enallagma).

      Snails for a non-specialist are extremely difficult to identify as to species, but based on as much research as I can do this little beauty is in the genus Trochulus.

     Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) seems to have effectively conquered and colonized our area, and is usually the the most ubiquitous lady beetle I see.

     I delight in the way that Condylostylus patibulatus rolls off the tongue!

     It's a pleasure to find one just to say the name!

     A species of Nomad Bee (genus Nomada) was busy and paid little heed to us.

     I know that you are waiting to hear how Cluster Flies (genus Pollenia) come by their name, so I am about to tell you.

     In cold weather they will take refuge in attics and other such welcoming spaces, and on a warm day will cluster at a window seeking to escape back to the outdoors - hence their name.

     I expect that you will file this information in your brain and trot it out with casual ease at your next cocktail party or family picnic, impressing all with your knowledge and sophistication.

     You could even add Eastern Forktail (Ischnura verticalis) to your repertoire.

     Perhaps better not to discuss Root-maggot Flies (family Anthomyiidae) while chewing on a carrot stick, however. 

     Green Immigrant Leaf Weevil (Polydrusus formosus) possesses more charm and appeal than your average politician, and more intelligence too!

     These two are especially happy this morning!

     Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) is familiar to all, and eternally charming.

     I wonder how many children get their first experience of a bird when taken to a pond to feed the ducks?

     Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) is an exquisitely appealing little flower, delicate and overloaded with personality.

     I'd be willing to bet that Common Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum) is not everyone's favourite arthropod, despite having travelled all the way from Europe to live among us.

     A Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) gosling on the other hand sets hearts a-flutter.

     A pretty good way to end a walk in the park.