Monday, July 29, 2024

Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Waterloo, ON

14 July, 2024 

     We still had our pass from the library and Laurel Creek is mere minutes from our house, so we took good advantage of it.
     A Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) had perhaps been designated the official greeter of the day.


     This bird is an accomplished mimic and can fool you in the manner of a Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos).


     It is a firm favourite with us.
     Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice) is at peak abundance in July, and we saw many of them.


     A Sulphur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) is about as delightful a flower as you might imagine.


     A Common Longhorn Bee (Melissodes communis) appeared to be in complete agreement.


     It is a safe bet that no butterfly in the world has been written about as often and in such detail (I have a book devoted it to it alone) as the Monarch (Danaus plexippus). It has come to represent beauty, endurance and perseverance, and acts as a stark reminder that human greed and environmental irresponsibility still has the capacity to eliminate species.


     A Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) is a captivating little creature, and exhibits colour variation in shades of brown and green. 




     This White-faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum) posed wonderfully for us.


     The Hedgehog Gall Wasp (Acrapsis erinacei) is a very interesting organism.


      Hedgehog gall wasps are dependent upon their host tree for survival so cause, at most, minor damage. The hedgehog gall wasp has two different types of life cycles. One is the sexual generation, that will form galls on the leaf buds after mating, and the other is the asexual generation that includes only female wasps. These wasps form the “hedgehog” galls on the tree leaves.
     This Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) seemed a little stressed.


     Bluets (genus Enallagma) are abundant, but are exceptionally difficult to identify as to species without close examination in the hand and sometimes under a microscope.


     This striking male is probably Familiar Bluet (E. civile), but I can't be sure.
      Common Red Soldier Beetles (Rhagonycha fulva) were doing what Red Soldier Beetles do best - over and over!


     The following organism is exceptionally interesting, or at least I find it so.


     It is found in the family Mordellidae, sometimes known as Tumbling Flower Beetles for the typical irregular movements they make when escaping predators. They are also referred to as Pintail Beetles due to their abdominal tip which aids them in performing their tumbling movements.
     Timothy Grass (Phleum pratense) is probably hardly noticed by most people but it is a real beauty.


     It would not be out of place as an accent piece in a vase of cut flowers adorning a dining room table.
     We were very lucky to happen upon a Marsh Meadow Grasshopper (Pseudochorthippus curtipennis), a species I seldom see.


     Northern Leopard Frog provided ample evidence of a successful breeding season - perhaps predator avoidance too.



     And vivid evidence of the colour variation present in this species, even in the very young.



17 July, 2024


     We decided to go over for an hour or so after dinner and what a productive visit it turned out to be.
     One tree seemed to be the centre of avian activity for the evening and a family of Eastern Kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus) seemed to be vying with an Eastern Bluebird (Sialis sialia) for perching rights.


     As best we could recall we have not previously seen Eastern Bluebird at Laurel Creek, and since it is a great favourite of ours, it was really delightful.


     Once the bluebird vacated his spot a Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) came in to join the party.


     Margined Calligrapher (Toxomerus marginatus) is getting to be as common as a robin!


     Scirtes is a genus of tiny Marsh Beetles - and I don't know much more about them than that!


     A Two-spotted Bumblebee (Bombus maculatus) is dipping deeply into the flower from which it is seeking nectar.


     A Silver Long-jawed Orbweaver (Tetragnatha laboriosa) is an impressive spider.


     I don't know whether anyone watches Antiques Road Show, but there is a fellow who appraises the posters who dresses in the most outlandish way possible, and I think a suit in the colours of False Milkweed Bug (Lygaeus turcicus) would do him proud.


     Blue-winged Olives (genus Baetis) are a group of mayflies highly regarded by fishermen - and doubtless fisherwomen too - and they create artificial lures to mimic them, with great competition for the finest replication of the living species.


     A couple of Marsh Snipe Flies (Rhagio tringarius) were so consumed with mating they hardly paid us any heed. Conscientious voyeurs that we are we showed no hesitation to take a picture.


     A Spring Dead-leaf Roller Moth (Cenopis diluticostana) was a little more circumspect.


     False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) was blooming throughout the park and was very pleasing to the eye.


     In the following picture you will see a Lobed Mason Wasp (Ancistrocerus cupra) at the top and a White-spotted Sable (Anania funebris) at the bottom.


     An Arion Slug is not favourably viewed by many  - nor is any slug for that matter!


     A Pale Phalaenostola Moth (Phalaenostola metonalis) is quite charming to my eye.


     The larvae of Milkweed Tussock Moth (Euchaetes egle) were both ubiquitous and ravenous.


     A Common Carpet Moth (Epirrhoe alternata) is indeed quite common.


     In the eternal and unrelenting struggle for survival this vine is taking a firm hold.


     Just as we were leaving a Northern Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus) put in an appearance.


     It had been a very enjoyable evening and we enjoyed ourselves immensely.


     We'll be back, coffee in hand, to do it all again.
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

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

60 comments:

  1. Świetne zdjęcia jaskółek w locie! Kolejny udany spacer z ciekawymi obserwacjami. Ptaki najbardziej mnie interesują. Często podczas oglądania, porównuję je z podobnymi gatunkami europejskimi. Żabki u nas też nieco inne! Miło znów z Wami wędrować w terenie!

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    1. Birding is a little slow in summer, Ludmila. Shorebirds are now returning from the Arctic and things should start to pick up. Hard to believe that in another month southbound migration will be well underway with some species having already left.

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  2. Beyond beautiful. Thank you for the solace and heartbalm.

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  3. ...once again you didn't miss a beat! I would love to see a White-spotted Sable.

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  4. The monarch butterfly is so beautiful David, and I would love to see more pictures of it. The picture of Monarda and the bumblebee is very nice. We have seen a lot of TV programs from Anique's Road Show from England. There are many people there who are dressed quite specifically to put it nicely. I have never seen Potentilla recta before but it is a beautiful flower. The Arion Slug is so nasty. We have a lot of them around here now. All the rain this summer makes them thrive very well.
    Hugs and kisses, Marit

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    1. Hi, Marit: I have seen the British version of Antiques Road Show, but I was referring to the American version which is available here on public television. You perhaps don’t see that version in Norway. Hugs and kisses - David

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    2. Hi David,
      No, we have only the English version here.

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  5. Hi David.

    It is always a pleasure to see your series.

    Always so much beauty to see.

    You had a beautiful bird and butterflies this time.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  6. Wonderful photos David. Loving the frogs and the caterpillars. The soldiers beetles are happily at it haha. The hedgehog gall wasp looks amazing, never seen such a creature. I must look him up. Lovely insects too. :-D

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  7. Wonderful walk again. I envy your pictures and your identifying ability!

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  8. A very enjoyable learning experience here. Exceptional photos! Thank you David!

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  9. Another wonderful nature walk. I love seeing the frogs, birds and all the lovely flowers. I would like to see the White-spotted Sable, it is new to me. The insects are happy there. Take care, have a great day and happy week ahead.

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  10. Thanks for taking us along with you. Lots of lovely frogs there...beautiful photos of everything.

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  11. Beautiful macro shots! So many birds that I have never seen over here...but that bluet looks stunning!

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  12. When I was a child, we lived a short distance from a slough. Every spring we would check for tadpoles and later the frogs that followed. Finding one hopping in the grass was always exciting.
    The other photo that struck me was the Timothy grass. I assume it isn't the same variety that my Dad grew for seed. We had no cattle or horses so I have to think, since I can't recall, that the hay was baled by another neighbour.
    Thanks for sharing the rewards of your walks.

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  13. Such an interesting variety of life. Colors, shapes, sizes, all intent on getting on with their lives, and progeneration.

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    Replies
    1. There’s a word I haven't heard for a long time.

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  14. So many creatures to see. I enjoyed seeing the frog which I haven't seen in a long time. Great outing and thanks for taking us along.

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  15. Hari OM
    Of course I loved all these little winged critters... but today, I am delighted by the Hedghog Gall! YAM xx

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  16. Beautiful photos of the laurel creek. At the moment we haven't very much birds here. They have left our country.

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  17. Desde la primera fotografía, hasta la última. Me han gustado tus fotografías.
    Un abrazo.

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  18. Really great photos. Your photos are a real joy to look at.

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  19. Such stunning pictures. Thanks Miriam. A wonderful post as always David..They make me wish I could witness these Birds, Butterflies and Insects in person.
    Catbirds are very common here..Very varied in their "song".
    I always appreciate pictures of a Monarch..I still have yet to see one this year..
    Interesting info about the Gall Wasp..Are they soft? Did you ever pet one??
    I know who you are talking about on Antiques Road Show..I'm sure he must have some form of apparel in those colors.
    Our minor league baseball teams' stadium becomes inundated with mayflies in the summertime. Some people find it necessary to wear a mask so that you're not inhaling them when you breathe.
    Slugs..Yuk!!
    xxoo

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    1. I have done many things in my life, Missy - petting a gall wasp is not one of them. Yet!

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    2. Their appearance makes it tempting. There's still time. Hugs

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  20. Hello David :=)
    What a splendid post with outstanding photography. You saw so many different kinds of wildlife and I enjoyed seeing all of them.I really like the photo of the lobed Mason Wasp and the pretty white spotted sable, and I also like the charming yellow flower with it's five heart shaped leaves. It was interesting to learn about Hedgehog gall wasp. Thank you for sharing your sightings David.
    Hugs and xxxxxx
    Sonjia.

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  21. I always enjoy seeing butterflies, bees, and other insects enjoying flowers. Also, so many frogs! I usually only find one or two while out walking. I know the gentleman on Antiques Roadshow with the wild outfits. I always love seeing them.

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  22. Such a knowledgeable post! I'm amazed at the variety you have identified. I enjoyed my visit along with your lovely photography.

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  23. Que tal, David! Your walks are lovely, the birds, the butterflies, the libelulas, flowers, sun, light, in short, every paragraph is full of life, humor and passion, you are a genius and a great guy, dear friend. Thanks for the good vibes!

    Kisses and hugs, have a beautiful nite.

    🐝✨💛🌻⭐🌙🍯🍋🌸🎀🌺🌷

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  24. I've got a lot of those milk weed tussock moth caterpillars in my patch. And wow, I haven't seen leopard frogs in green. And so many frogs together either. The broad wing hawk that had a nest near my house is now teaching the fledgling to hunt and fly. The fledgling is very noisy, but it's been fun to watch them when they are nearby. Have a super new week. hugs-Erika

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    1. Broad-winged Hawks have a real taste for frogs, too.

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  25. Beautiful pictures. More insects than birds, but everything is colorful. The grey mockingbird not so much, but the bluebird makes up.

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    1. Birds are skulking at this time of year, Joanne.

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  26. Another great set of pictures and words. I do like the Leopard Frog - which is as unlikely a combination of words as you could meet!
    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  27. Hello David,
    Your insect pictures are always very educational, the hedgehog gall wasp... never heard of it or seen it here, very nice photos.
    Greetings Frank

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  28. What a beautiful series of photos David.
    The gray catbird, the northern mockingbird and the Monarch butterfly are my favorites this time.
    Greetings Irma

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  29. Hi David - what a delight to see all the beautiful photos with appropriate notes. Those frogs have had a good time recently - well their offspring so show us! As too the proliferation of moth larvae ... then the tendril - they do amaze how 'they cotton on' ... lovely evening walk - cheers Hilary

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  30. Life everywhere...Beauty everywhere...
    Anna

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    1. Indeed it is. You have only to open your eyes.

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  31. Hello. You see a lot of wonderful animals/insects when you walk. Thank you for sharing your observations.

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  32. Hi David,
    this blog is a fantastic show of what diversity of species nature has to offer.

    Best regards, Corrie

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  33. ¡ Esto es lo que me gusta, querido amigo David. Te mereces muchos abrazos y te los doy, también para Miriam.

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  34. Wonderful captures! There's so much to see there!

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  35. Oh, what a wonderful photo report! Beautiful, wonderful and unique photos! Kind regards!

    Thank you for visiting my blog, David.

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  36. So glad you had a lovely time. Thanks for letting us tag along. I especially enjoyed the frogs:)

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  37. Fauna and flora are superlative.

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  38. so many wonderful photos it's impossible to single out just a few for comment!

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  39. Love the Clouded Sulphur picture. Both the moth and the flower in front of it are so delicate and pretty. Have a grand one.

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  40. Hari OM
    I have had a note about the spam issue on my blog for over a year now, David (top of the sidebar). It is very erratic - but almost consistent with all three of my Canadian commenters, as well as a couple from the US. Daily spam folder check is essential! It's interesting that it is happening on your blog where you moderate all comments... I had been led to believe that would anyway mean that "spam" would show up for you. But then again, who knows with the etherwebs?!! YAM xx

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  41. Hi David, an excellent post with great photos and interesting information.
    So much to do here and so hot felt like 41C yesterday, I am getting further and further behind. Also still reeling from Richard's news, he had become such a good friend on and off line.
    Prends soin de toi. Gros bisous mon ami. Diane

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  42. P.S.Noted your Spam comment. Dxx

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  43. Thank you for another wonderful post, I enjoyed my walk with you ... great pictures.

    All the best Jan

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  44. PS I agree with your thoughts on spam folder, it is so important to check it every day!

    All the best Jan

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  45. That great catbird is so pretty! Wonderful captures...Stunning photography.

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  46. How wonderful to have such a great spot so close to your home. Some wonderful photos but boy -- that collection of frogs stopped me right in my tracks! I've never seen so many in one place!

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  47. Those leopard frogs are spectacular! And so are all the insects - such a fascinating world.

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Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the land on which we are situated are the lands traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral People. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge, laws, and philosophies of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today. We are all treaty people with a responsibility to honour all our relations.

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