Wednesday, July 17, 2024

A couple of recent strolls along the Mill Race, St. Jacobs, ON

30 June, 2024


     Just before we arrived (so not strictly on the trail) we saw this juvenile Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) resting in the middle of the road.


 
     We thought it might be injured and stopped to check, but when we approached it, it flew off, so perhaps it was just resting. Bad place to rest, however!
     Common Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) probably garners little attention from most people, but upon close examination (see the second picture) it is really quite beautiful.



     Broadleaf Enchanter's Nightshade (Circaea canadensis) is a bit of a mouthful!


     Our old friend, Eastern Calligrapher (Toxomerus germinatus) was seen frequently.


     Amber Snails (genus Succinea) seem to be exceptionally common this year and we see them everywhere and in great numbers.


     Neither Miriam nor I could recall excessive wind of late, but it was apparent that it had occurred in the vicinity of the trail - perhaps localized, but of sufficient ferocity to cause damage.



     Common St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) was blooming prolifically.


     Flies (order Diptera) are often difficult to identify even for an expert, and certainly for a duffer like me. This is a species of Muscoid Fly (superfamily Muscoidea) but I am unable to narrow it down any closer than that.


     A Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumenia vatia) is a fascinating little creature, and very handsome.


     It is known to change colour, generally to match the flowers it inhabits while it waits for unsuspecting prey. 
     Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) will soon be ready for picking and there will be no shortage of takers. 


     A White-striped Running Crab Spider (Philodromus rufus) permitted a quick glance and a picture and then scurried off out of sight.


     Skullcap Skeletonizer Moth (Prochoreutis inflatella) has a macabre connotation to the name, but the insect is very handsome.


     Common Green Capsid (Lygocoris pabulinus) is a well camouflaged bug that feeds primarily on herbaceous plants.


     Inch worms are great favourites among children due to their unique method of locomotion; this individual is the larva of a species of Geometer Moth (family Geometridae).


     We were delighted to find a Grape Flower Plume Moth (Sphenarches ontario).


     There are several species of Scudder's Bush Katydids (genus Scudderia) and this is one of them.


     From the subfamily Sciapodinae -


     What a beauty it is!
     Illustrious Greenbottle Fly (Lucilia illustris) is a name that imports grandeur to a humble fly.


      Would that I were designated "illustrious!"
      It would be an unusual day when a walk along the Mill Race failed to produce a Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) or two.


     Those old celibates in Rome never looked so fine!
     An American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is common, unreasonably good looking, noisy and feisty.


     Common Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is rightly named; it does resemble an exquisite jewel.


     It is one of my favourite flowers and to see a hummingbird sipping nectar from it is to experience nature at its finest.
     Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) has attained an impressive size; soon its crop of seeds will be essential for for American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) and other birds.



     This Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) was fluffed up, shedding water perhaps, for it was not a cold day.


     A Red-banded Leafhopper (Graphocephala coccinea) is a spectacular little insect, and quite common too for those who care to seek it out.


     The superfamily Phalangioidea (Harvestmen) contains five families and more than 1,500 species. I have been unable to name this one!


     I think you will agree that Long-tailed Dance Fly (Rhamphomyia longicauda) is attractive.



     Common Lagoon Fly (Eristalinus aeneus) on the other hand resembles the bouncer at the local saloon!


     Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a pretty adornment along the trail.


     An Alder Spittlebug (Clastoptera obtusa) is small and is only found by a conscientious search.


     I have often wished that the name Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) could be changed to something not containing the negatively-charged term "weed". The flower is beautiful, and critical to that most beloved butterfly of all, the Monarch (Danaus plexippus). 


     Two-banded Petrophila (Petrophila bifascialis) is a very common moth, often encountered.


    Common Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) is appropriately named for they seem to be present in platoons and battalions! 


     Love not war seems to be on their minds, however, for they are constantly mating. They generally live only for a few weeks, but perhaps happiness is theirs during their brief interlude on Earth!

06 July, 2024


     Any day that one is welcomed by a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) is a great day.


     This year, a Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) is almost a given.


     Wood Soldier Flies (genus Xylomya) are interesting insects generally associated with dead or dying wood.


     I am at a loss to explain why, but Common Water Striders (Aquarius remigis) hold a certain fascination for me.


     Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Moth (Harrisina americana) is very striking, and we were delighted to encounter this individual.


     A Burdock Seedhead Moth (Metzneria lappella) is demonstrably less colourful.


     My old friend, Eastern Calligrapher (Toxomerus germinatus) put in an appearance.


     A Yellow-legged Flower Fly (Syrphus rectus) is a good-looking species.


     A Band-winged Crane Fly (Epiphragma fasciapenne) no less so.


     The complex Laphria canis designates an artificial grouping of medium-sized bee-mimic robber flies - not easy to identify as to species!


      Arion Slugs (genus Arion) are not everyone's favourites, but they have their role in the ecosystem.


     It is not at all difficult to find representatives of Common Flesh Flies (genus Sarcophaga).


     The following handsome insect is found in the family Tipulidae, but I am unable to narrow it down much beyond that.


     This is a crambid moth in the genus Herpetogramma.


     A Northern Cardinal along the Mill Race Trail is not unusual at all, but the following individual was either inordinately curious, or looking for food.



     It followed us for a long time and at times perched at barely more than arm's length.
     I could not help but wonder whether it has learned from observing chickadees that humans often bring food and I was sorry not to have any with me since this would have been my first cardinal on the hand. I had sunflower seeds in the car too. 


     It only started to ignore us when a female showed up - what a smart fellow!
     An Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) was without a doubt looking for a handout too, so we disappointed two species!


     An American Toad (Anaxyurus americanus), by contrast was quite happy to stay concealed and mind its own business.


     Common St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) was blooming exuberantly.


     And a Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) stopped by to say, "Goodbye."


     If I were required to pay by the minute for the countless hours of pleasure I have enjoyed along the Mill Race, I would be bankrupt. It's that kind of place. 
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

52 comments:

  1. Se ven las hojas agujereadas. Los caracoles saben bien alimentarse.
    Que tengas un buen día.

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  2. The last photo of the Northern Cardinal is a beauty.
    All the photos are lovely and it's good to see more of the insects and birds that you see...that tree fall did make a bit of a mess of the walking path.

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  3. What a selection of insects you show, David. Yes, those snails certainly have a mission in nature too. The brown snails that are here have been stowaways with plants from the Netherlands far north in Norway in the 1980s. Since then they have spread along the coast, and now they have arrived here. They are an alien species, and therefore do not belong in our nature. They have no natural enemies except possibly badgers. I have lots of Hypericum perforatum in the garden. It is by my definition a weed, but they bloom nicely.
    Hugs and kisses, Marit

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    1. Invasive species are a huge problem the world over, Marit, but I fear we are stuck with them. There is so much trade between regions of the world that their spread is inevitable. I was just noting the fruits in the supermarket the other day, oranges from Israel and South Africa, apples from New Zealand, bananas from Ecuador and Costa Rica, avocados from Mexico - and so on. In addition, I wonder how many times seeds are brought in on the shoes of travellers, myself included, small insects hidden in clothing or in suitcases. The pathways are many. Let me add that your command of written English is impressive. You write very well indeed. Hugs and kisses - David

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  4. Not a fan of insects, but I must say that Red-banded Leafhopper looks fascinating. I love the Northern Cardinal!

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  5. ...thanks for the entomology tour with a few other critters thrown iin for good measure.

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  6. An impressive collection of macros and non-macros... La chicharrita is incredible.

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  7. You had another nice walk (or 2). I like those red squirrels. They are feisty and much more animated than the greys for certain. And so many insects. I actually like insects, except for the deer flies which have been into biting and bugging me so much lately. Their heydey is just about past though, so hopefully there won't be so many. And don't forget to smell the common milkweed. They smell wonderful. I think that's one of the biggest discoveries from my little patch. Yesterday I watached a kingfisher quite awhile at my mother-in-law's house. I was hoping he'd spear a fish for me to see, but no luck. Hope your week is going well. hugs-Erika

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  8. I like the frog, love the photos of the insects, not a fan of insects, and if you lived in Florida you would hate flies of any kind. we have an influx of them now and they are nasty little critters.. impossible to enjoy outdoors with all the insects who love sweaty humans, which we all are from the heat/humidity...

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    1. You may believe me, Sandra, when I tell you two things - I would never live in Florida and I would never hate flies. I have no doubt that the flies might irritate me from time to time, but to hate them would never enter my head. I have visited many locations around the world where flies are numerous and pestiferous, but I have never hated them.


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  9. Indeed the little bird looks like something has happened and it can't fly, I'm glad it flew! There is also a similar one to Motherwort here, I will present it in a moment, same Balsamwort, surely many of these flies are here too! The red squirrel is incredibly handsome! As well as Common Jewelweed! The cardinal is impressive! Thanks so much David for the rich post showing the richness of nature. As if we went for a walk in nature!

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  10. Great collection of photos. A wonderful variety of insects and pretty flowers. The Cardinal images are beautiful. Take care, enjoy your day!

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  11. Hari OM
    I am sure you must have heard me 'squeeeing' as I observed these beauties... especially once we got to the Red-banded Leafhopper! There are lots of insects and beetles over here - but of limited variety and that, too, tending to variations on black or brown... There are, of course, exceptions but rarely spotted! YAM xx

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  12. I think your post today would require changing your blog name to Travels with Insects! How did you capture so many of them on your walk? As to the snail here's an interesting tidbit from Switzerland trip. Granddaughter #1, age 10, was fascinated by snails she found as we walked around Meiringen so she started collecting them. She brought them back to their apartment and set up a temporary terrarium in her bedroom so she could study them further. Later she collected huge slugs, too. The snails had such colorful shells and she discovered they carried their shells not on their back but on the side. Two days before we left she released them all in the fields behind the house. She has the makings of a biologist, don't you think?

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    1. She does indeed have the makings of a biologist. I wish we lived closer so that I could help her. Right now we are raising (outdoors) Polyphemus and Cecropia Moths. During July and August birding is a little slow so insects get lots of attention in the summer.

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  13. A wonderful walk with amazing photos. I was fascinated by Misumenia vatia, a beautiful plant. Is it invasive? I know Asclepias syriaca, its flowers always attract my attention. I admire the Flower Moth because it looks like a creature from outer space, it is beautiful.
    Greetings.

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  14. The Red-banded Leafhopper is beautiful and quite unique.

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  15. Glad you had such fun along the Millrace, and that you shared so many photos with us. It's amazing how much life is there just waiting for us to look! Hugs xxxxxxxx

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  16. Haha, dear David, I'm still laughing about "Those old celibates in Rome" ;-DDD I like the red birds much better (and I'm sure you do, too)! Next time you'll definitely have a few grains for the curious cardinal, I think. As always, it was a pleasure to accompany you and Miriam and to be shown all the smaller and larger wonders along the way. I've never seen an insect like the red-banded leafhopper before! And there were lots of other beautiful, sweet and interesting things there. I can understand that you don't want to pay for the minutes there ;-)
    All the best, Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2024/07/sommerliche-leichtigkeit-in-der-wachau.html

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  17. Another great collection from your walks David. I have to say I really like slugs and understand how important they are and I enjoy taking photos of them. I love the inch worm's little dance, it is very cute isn't it. Soldier beetles are very common over here and I see a lot of these little fellows. Enjoyed this selection today :-D

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  18. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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  19. Thanks again for the great photos. The Red-banded Leafhopper is a truly wonderful insect.

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  20. Oh my gosh that Leafhopper is a beauty! And I so enjoy the cardinals. As always, all kinds of goodies in your post.

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  21. I always appreciate seeing a Cardinal. They are a favorite of mine. You have some great photos of nature and, as always, I appreciate your knowledge of nature.

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  22. That is such a great place to walk.
    So much to see, the variety in your photographs is a treat for the eyes ... thank you.

    All the best Jan

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  23. Que tal, amigo! i understand you perfectly, it´s lovely to explore nature, everything is so vibrant and full of life, each species has its charm and i love snails too. I share with you the admiration for the natural world and all its infinite variety.
    Happy night, dear friend.
    Kisses ♥

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  24. Hello David,
    a foray into nature, insects are given far too little attention, here with you they are in the foreground... beautiful pictures, the red cardinal really stands out from the green with its great color..
    Greetings Frank

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  25. Hello David,
    a foray into nature, insects are given far too little attention, here with you they are in the foreground... beautiful pictures, the red cardinal really stands out from the green with its great color..
    Greetings Frank

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  26. You have a superb series of nature photos David, always appreciate you ID’ing them all and am in awe. I have a photo of an insect that looks similar to your Common Red Soldier Beetle, but may be a milkweed nymph. Would you pop over and take a look please? I would greatly value your opinion. Thanks in advance.

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  27. Beautiful series of photos David.
    The Northern cardinal and squirrel are my favorites.
    You also photographed beautiful flowers and butterflies.
    I wish you a beautiful Thursday.
    Greetings Irma

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  28. In recent months, the wind has become very aggressive.

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  29. Hi David.

    Beautiful area for a walk.
    You show beautiful flowers and many beautiful insects.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  30. Insects with red sure stand out! Love that Red-banded leafhopper. A beauty! And along the red theme, a cardinal is always welcome. I’d love to see one.

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  31. it does look like a beautiful place. and so many interesting and varied insects. I was wondering what flower the inchworm was on and father down there it was. milkweed has such interesting and varied flowers.

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  32. Another Jam packed and informative post.... Miriam's photographs are outstanding.
    Do you have the Tree swallow was just resting... Not the best choice of resting places.
    The downed trees' trunk does not look very healthy. Probably did not take much to knock it over.
    The addition of Cardinalsi s always welcome in a series of photographs...Bright and cheery...
    The Red squirrel is adorable...short and chubby . Our American grey squirrels have a much more pointed nose..
    Jewelweed is beautiful..an old favorite.
    Love the colors in the leafhopper.
    Close up...Milkweed is a beautiful flower... Not crazy about it in my garden.
    Water Striders are very interesting to watch navigate...
    The Mill Race seems like an entertaining place to spend countless hours.
    Wishing you a happy day, David xxxooo

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    1. We go there at least once a week and have been doing so for almost 22 years. That’s over a thousand visits! And still there are new discoveries.

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  33. Beautiful place for a walk and such beautiful birds, flowers, spiders, flies and the gorgious squirrel! The red cardinal is of course great! And last but not least the little Tree swallow.....so cute.
    Lovely to see your Post!
    Happy weekend,
    Maria

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  34. Querido amigo David, un gran y precioso reportaje. Siempre es un placer para mí pasear contigo, me encantan las plantas e insectos, también las aves, estoy feliz por ello en tu blog. Te dejo abrazos.

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  35. Ha, you taught me a new word, David - duffer! What a wonderful world, but somehow I would never connect that to you.
    I love all the photos of insects - such a rich variety! And I envy you for the Red Cardinal sightings so much. Hugs - Carola

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  36. As a child I was always mesmerized by an insect that 'walked' on water. They are fun to watch. Have enjoyed all your nature photos in this post. It is really nice to be out in a day.

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  37. Another enjoyable visit to your illustrious blog! Lovely to be able to see all the tiny inhabitants you encountered and were able to photograph.

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    1. I can’t help but think, John, that if ever we were able to take a walk together between your eyes and mine we wouldn’t miss a thing!

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  38. Hi David...your photos are always beautiful, intriguing and interesting. I love the little squirrel. Take care. :)

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  39. I imagine the joy you feel when visiting a place with so much diversity. I really liked this publication, full of beautiful insects and their identification. And how beautiful the red cardinal is, and also having it so close, it must be a pleasure to observe. Kind regards

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  40. All those bugs, ugh, no thanks! But, the Cardinals I like!

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  41. Hi David – what a lot of little frothy mother's delights! That tree … one does wonder, as you obviouly did … perhaps natural old age?! If you're a duffer about anything – something's not right in the world, me thinks. Handsome looking fly though … your crab spder loses some of its legs to its chameleon like trait … 'fun' to see.

    I'm afraid I've been guzzling (sadly bought) raspberries … and bought some goosegogs as a change … sorry didn't designate you as “illustrious” - not a duffer though. You are so right the Roman celibates most certainly didn't look so handsome as your Cardinal. Other ids and photos, including that leafhopper – so excellent to look at; and then more … I'd be bankrupt too if I spent time at the Millrace - cheers Hilary

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  42. Glad the little Tree Swallow was okay. Have a wondrous weekend, David.

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  43. Se que me repito amigo. Pero siempre es un gusto conocer nuevas especies a través de tus fotos. La chicharrita de bandas rojas me encanta y el cardenal es una belleza.
    No se si conoces que macerando el Hypericum en un frasco de vidrio al sol en aceite de oliva durante cuarenta días, el líquido que sale ayuda a cicatrizar heridas.
    Buen fin de semana David.
    Un abrazo.

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  44. Querido David espectaculares fotos y maravilloso contenido. Me encanta acompañaros en estos paseos. Un abrazo enorme para ti y para Miriam.

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  45. That leafhopper! It reminds me of an illustration one would find in a fantasy book! So beautiful but hardly what you expect in nature, which always shocks, surprises and delights us!

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