Some Recent SpruceHaven Sightings

     We have been dropping by SpruceHaven quite frequently of late, and I'd like to share some of our sightings with you.

21 May, 2024

     We observed several trees quite heavily infested with Maple Bladdergall Mite (Vasetes quadripes). They are, perversely, quite attractive and appear to do little harm to the tree.

      An American Robin (Turdus migratorius) was occupied with incubation, and we made sure not to disturb her.

     A Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) can be counted on to provide a cheery welcome.

     Eastern Bluebirds (Sialis sialia) were quick on the uptake when we first installed suitable nest boxes for them, but seeing the birds is not always easy. Today was one of those days when they cooperated beautifully.

     This is a species of Masked Bee, possibly Hylaeus affinis.

     Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) sing frequently and leave little doubt as to their identification.

     Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) is an introduced species that has spread prolifically; it is beautiful and here to stay, I'm afraid.

     An Orange Mint Moth (Pyrausta orphisalis) is very attractive.

     The following Small Carpenter Bee looks like Ceratina strenua.

     A female Eastern Bluebird was delivering food to young clamouring from the nest box.

     As mentioned earlier, they seemed happy to pose for pictures.

     Song Sparrows no less so.

     An Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides), laden with fruit, was in fine condition.

      Flycatchers in general are suffering from a severe decline in their insect prey, but this Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) seemed to be feeding well when we observed it sallying forth to capture aerial prey.

     I doubt that anyone has ever conducted a survey to determine the world's most well known butterfly, but I suspect that Monarch (Danaus plexippus) would capture the prize.

     Their epic migration to Mexico rivals Icelandic legend, yet sadly their small overwintering sites in the mountains of central Mexico are threatened by an expanding human presence and illegal avocado farming. 

     Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) appear to be having an excellent breeding season this year, with many nest boxes harbouring eggs or young. 

     I know several people for whom the return of the Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) each spring is a major highlight on their annual calendar.

     It is a splendid bird and seems to convey the very essence of sultry summer days.

     An Eastern Tailed Blue (Cupido comyntas) pleased us very much.

     When it was time to leave a cheery Yellow Pond Lily (Nuphar lutea) bid us a fond farewell, but only after extracting a solemn promise to return.

     That's a promise that's never hard to keep.

16 June, 2024

     Who would not agree that to be greeted by a Common Ringlet (Coenonympha california) is an excellent way to start a walk?  Such was our good fortune.

     Margined Calligrapher (Toxomerus marginatus) is a very handsome little fly, no doubt welcomed by gardeners who take the time to get to know them, for they consume aphids and small caterpillars.

     Virginia Ctenucha (Ctenucha virginica) is one of our most common diurnal moths and a real treat to see. 

     Many Tree Swallows are about to leave the nest and enter a competitive world without parents to care for them and cater to their every need.

     

     It is understandable that they are initially a little reluctant to leave the safety of the nest, but leave they must and one by one they make their maiden flight.

     One sibling follows another and they quickly learn to soar on the wind, propelled by genetic encoding that will also guide them on their southbound migration, and return them safely next spring.

     Meantime, some adults are already incubating second clutches. 

     I could not begin to count the times I have witnessed this phenomenon but it never ceases to fill me with wonder; if anything more so each year.

     A Northern Crescent (Phyciodes cocyta) showed both underwing and upperwing.

     Cinquefoils (genus Potentilla) hug the ground like strawberries; most have yellow flowers; all are beautiful.

     A female Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) looks so different from the male that early observers considered them different species - until they saw them in copula, that is!

     Skippers (family Hesperidae) can be a little difficult to identify, and time invested in their study is time well spent. This is an Essex Skipper (Thymelicus lineola), formerly known as European Skipper.

     Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), before becoming the familiar flower, looks like it might be at home alongside Triffids!

     I think that Miriam has produced a perfect image of Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica).

     You probably know that many insects have not been assigned common names, as is the case here. It is called Gymnoclytia occidua, a species of tachnid fly.

     Similarly, this striking wasp is known only by its scientific name, Cerceris nigrescens.

     Purple Crown Vetch (Securigera varia) seems to be blooming everywhere - and very welcome it is, too.

     Oxeye Daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare) have been co-opted by gardeners as a domestic floral addition to their display, but it's great to see them doing well in their wild state.

     The wonderful world of taxonomy is ever bubbling and fermenting, and with the sophistication now possible by molecular analysis, changes in classification are to be expected. Thus, I am happy to present a White Admiral x Red Spotted Purple (Limentis arthemis arthemis x astyanax)! I must confess that I had to have this hybrid form pointed out to me. I had been quite happy with Limentis arthemis ssp astyanax. 

     You are entitled to yawn and roll your eyes, but better remember this one; it will be on the test!

     Common Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is easy by comparison.

     Another Essex Skipper paraded in front of us.

      Damselflies in the Bluet grouping can be difficult to identify from a picture. I am confident this species is in the genus Enallagma but I'm not prepared to commit myself much beyond that.

     Spur-throated Grasshoppers (subfamily Melanophinae) are exceptionally attractive little insects.

     An American Robin was delivering food to hungry mouths in the nest.

     We confirmed three active House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) nests in our nest boxes, two with young - I wasn't quite tall enough to check the third!

     Yet another family of Tree Swallows was leaving the comfort and security of home.

     As best either Miriam or I can recall we have not previously seen Orange Hawkweed (Pilosella aurantiaca) in Ontario.

     What a beauty it is.

     Wasps in the family Crabronidae are affectionately known as Square-headed Wasps and this extraordinarily handsome species is in the genus Ectemnius.

     She was an excellent way to end our visit.