Algonquin Provincial Park, 13 August, 2024

     We are not big on celebrating birthdays, anniversaries etc, but our twentieth wedding anniversary was a good reason to spend a couple of days away.

     Not for us dinner in an over-priced fancy restaurant; picnics in Algonquin seemed perfect, with two days to explore nature in the near north.

     Inexplicably, I took a wrong turn on a route I know well and have travelled frequently, and it took a half hour longer than usual to get there. It was not without its rewards, however, as we experienced parts of Ontario previously unexplored. It was a pleasant day so we just enjoyed the benefits of getting "lost."

     We arrived in the park right around lunch time and found a picnic area alongside the Oxtongue River to enjoy the food we had brought with us.

     Sandwiches on Miriam's focaccia bread, and bell pepper slices were perfect.

     Given the shocking number of out-of-control wildfires across the country we were happy to see that the risk in this part of Ontario was low.

Western Uplands Backpacking Trail

     This was our first trail and an Aphrodite Fritillary (Argynnis aphrodite) was there to greet us as we walked across the bridge.

     The beauty of this enchanted corner of the world was arrayed before us as we continued along the trail.

     Nothing gives us more pleasure than to be engaged in this daily discovery of raw nature, and to  enjoy it together.

     

     This Grass-Veneer (tribe Crambini) showed us its upper side.....

     ..... and then its underside. 

     And we still were unable to identify it down to the species level!

     Canadian Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) was much easier.

     I am curious how Virgin's-Bower (Clematis virginiana) came by its name, and I will make it my business to find out!

     Peacock Brenthia Moth (Brenthia pavonacella) is more frequently seen farther south but does appear sparingly in Ontario, so we were delighted to spot one.

     We did encounter a couple of hikers with huge backpacks, obviously out for more than a casual stroll, so this sign might have resonated with them.

     The soil of Algonquin Provincial Park is mostly comprised of a shallow layer of glacial till and the roots of trees are often visible at the surface. Best to watch one's feet while walking. We have a few stubbed toes to prove the point!

     A White-faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum) is a very attractive member of its genus.

     Does the trail beckon to you, does it invite further exploration? It does to us.

     Therion circumflexum is an ichneumon wasp that parasitizes the caterpillars of various moths.

     There were many tiny American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus), hopping out of the way before our advancing feet; most disappearing from view. This one froze, trusting its fate to camouflage, and we were able to get a picture.

     It's quite visible in the photograph since the camera lens is directed at it, but this diminutive amphibian would fit on the nail of your little finger, and if it did not move you'd be hard pressed to find it on the detritus of the forest floor.

     Having paid careful heed to the sign and not wishing to be wandering for days we had turned around and were soon back at the bridge.

     Now - where do we go next?

Whiskey Rapids Trail

     We were asked to sign in and dutifully I did so.

     This is a rugged trail, with steep climbs at times, and classic upland mixed forest all around.

     This spider (order Araneae) held our attention, but we were unable to identify it at the time, and I have been unsuccessful since.

     Wonderful views were a constant, and we stopped frequently to take it all in.

     Beyond the simple beauty, much was going on; the rattle of a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) alerted us to its presence, and a pair of Ebony Jewelwings (Calopteryx maculata) vigorously went about the business of creating the next generation.

     Steeplebush (Spirea tomentosa) nodded in the breeze.

     Miriam took this magnificent picture of a North American Common Water Strider (Aquarius remigis), a truly fascinating organism, yet ignored by most I would be willing to bet.

     It was not only Claude Monet who was enchanted by water lilies. Who among us is not moved by their serene beauty?

American White Waterlily (Nymphaea odorata)

    The river sparkled in the afternoon sun.

     The world of insects is both fascinating and challenging, and the more you are exposed to it, the deeper you are drawn in. 

     Just look at the exquisite form of this Narrow-banded Pond Fly (Sericomyia militaris).

     Don't ignore the goldenrod (genus Solidago) on which it is feeding either.

     A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) had left its mark on this tree.

     A Bald-faced Hornet Fly (Spilomyia fusca) is a species of hoverfly capable of remaining motionless in flight. Actually all hoverflies do; hence their name.

     Eastern Calligrapher (Toxomerus geminatus) is both familiar and enchanting.

     If ever a plant was suitably named it is Common Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) - well the jewel part anyway! What a beauty it is!

     A Narrow-headed Marsh Fly (Helophilus fasciatus) was an exciting discovery.

     No less so was a Viburnum Leaf Beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni).

     How pleasing it is to enjoy White Meadowsweet (Spiraea alba) on a warm summer's day in Canada's great outdoors.

     There were steps to climb, but it was better than having to scramble up the bank.

     Permit me to introduce you to an Oblique-banded Pond Fly (Sericomyia chrysotoxoides), probably unknown to many of you, but doubtless you will now be on a quest to find one (or one of its relatives) in your corner of nature's wonderland.

     Robber Flies (family Asilidae) are diurnally active ambush predators, typically perching on leaf tips or other sunny vantage points.

     They dart out from their perches to capture prey, which they impale with forward-facing mouthparts, usually penetrating the victim through the neck or other chinks in the the prey's chitinous armour.

     Graphomya maculata is a fairly common muscid fly, subject to much taxonomic debate.

      An Illustrious Greenbottle Fly (Lucilia illustris) is aptly named.

      On countless occasions I have had the pleasure of a bird land on my hand, but it was a first for me to have a White-faced Meadowhawk extend the privilege.

     I was hoping that a Great Spangled Fritillary (Argynnis cybele) might bestow the honour too, but it declined to pay me a visit.

     Bee Flies (family Bombyliidae) are extraordinarily interesting insects and this encounter with Lepidophora lutea may rank as the most exciting sighting of the trip.

     The two species of North American Lepidophora develop either as parasitoids or as kleptoparasites in nests of solitary wasps.

     Violet Dancer (Argia fumipennis violacea) is a common damselfly in the park; this individual is a female.

     Despite being named Whiskey Rapids, the river was for the most part very tranquil and slow-flowing, with short stretches here and there that might, in a pinch, be called rapids.

     Throughout our walk we heard birds, but saw few. Even a Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), calling loudly and close by, eluded our search.

     A Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) sang pretty much non-stop.

     Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) were seldom out of earshot, enlivening the forest as only they can.

     A Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) has probably finished breeding for the year.

     Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) is a permanent resident of the northern woods and its familiar nasal nyack nyack nyak notes were heard frequently.

     Just before we returned to our car an Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus), surely one of the most charismatic rodents in the world, stopped to greet us.

     How sweet is that!

Spring Lake Resort. Dwight, ON

     For many years we have been staying at Spring Lake when we go to Algonquin in the winter, but this is the first time we have experienced it in the summer.

     How delightful it is!

     A glass of wine down by the water was a perfect end to a perfect day.

     And there's more to come tomorrow.