Back to Columbia Lake

31 July, 2024

     So close! So beautiful! So filled with nature!

     Who can resist going back often? Not us, to be sure.

     Generally, large numbers of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) are present and on this occasion they seemed to gravitate to the neatly trimmed grass on the soccer field.

     An Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) met us at the door, in a manner of speaking.

     A fine greeting indeed.

     We spotted a Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) foraging on the ground and Miriam obtained this delightful shot as it lifted off.

     Lucerne Moth (Nomphila nearctica) is quite common in summer.

     I have tried, without success, to find the origin of its name. If there is a Swiss connection, I have no idea what it is.

     A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) finds good hunting at Columbia Lake and it is rare that three or four are not stalking prey in different parts of the lake.

     Shorebirds, well into their southbound migration, were fattening up for the rigours of the journey ahead, this Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) among them.

     Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) are mostly short-distance migrants, but they too need to provision for migratory flight.

     Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) breed farther south and earlier than most Nearctic shorebirds, and adults leave ahead of their young.

     They do not migrate as far as other sandpipers and may be found in the wetlands of North, Central and northern South America in the non-breeding season. 

     Slender Spreadwings (Lestes rectangularis) were not uncommon, and sometimes alighted long enough for a picture.

     About aphids I know almost nothing. I believe this is a type of Anthemid aphid in the genus Macrosiphoniella, but even at that I would decline to take a wager!

     A Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) often perches at the top of a transmission tower, the better to scan for rodents and other potential prey.

     If I were a novelist I would seize upon the Limentis butterflies for steamy tales of sex and intrigue. Such is the nature of their breeding habits. Here I present a White Admiral x Red-Spotted Purple (Limentis arthemis arthemis x astyanax) hybrid. I am sure you have that straight!

     Maybe it's better to simply admire the butterfly and not worry about the machinations of its parentage. 

     I am always a little amused (and sometimes distressed) by the discussions around human sexuality and the various lifestyles practiced by different communities. There are so many variants (not deviants - variants) in nature, to render humans conservative by comparison. 

     A Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) seemed statuesque, waiting for the kiss of a maiden to be transformed into a prince.

      Now kissing frogs - that's deviant!

     A couple of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) was happy to loaf away the afternoon.

     Smart ducks! I think the Killdeer you see at the left would agree.

     A male American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is as perky and handsome as any bird you might ever meet.

     We are very fortunate to enjoy the company of Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia), the world's largest tern, and a couple were cruising over the water in search of fish for dinner. Miriam managed these remarkable shots - remember we have very simple cameras, no expensive camera bodies or lenses that require a line of credit to buy. A good eye and a steady hand seem to be enough, it seems.

     The terns will soon be leaving us, but you may be sure that we will visit Columbia Lake over and over again, in every season.

     Every day holds the promise of magic. All you need is a keen eye and an inquiring mind. 

     Perhaps we'll see you there!