Columbia Lake, Waterloo, ON

 25 July, 2024

     Columbia Lake is mere minutes from home and always worth a visit.

     An Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) was there to greet us on the fence as soon as we stepped out of the car. 

     Several Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) were seeking food, this one moving stealthily through the reeds.

     It seemed to be turning into an Eastern Kingbird day as a family of youngsters was honing their flight skills and insect-catching abilities.

     Another heron preferred open water to the cover of the cattails. It was a hot day and it was panting a little.

     A Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) is a very handsome amphibian.

     A Bluet (genus Enallagma) came to rest in front of us, completing a food chain - the frog would make short work of the  damselfly and the heron, given the chance, would make a meal of the frog.

     Such is the way of nature!

     Snails such as this one are in the genus Cepaea and it is probably Brown-lipped Snail (Cepaea nemoralis).

     An Eastern Forktail (Ischnura verticalis) posed very nicely for us.

     We are always delighted to see a Red Milkweed Beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus), a masterpiece of beetle form.

     Soft-stemmed Bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) is soft and delicate and utterly charming.

     Bird's Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) seems to carry a copious load of nectar and is a magnet for pollinators such as this Margined Calligrapher (Toxomerus marginatus).

     Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is attractive in a ragged sort of way, and is a magnet for bees and other insects.

     Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) often stands tall and proud above the rest.

     Several Killdeer (Charadius vociferus) were seen, their characteristic call often permeating the air.

     A lone Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemis picta marginata) was basking on a log, ready to drop back into the water at the slightest sign of danger.

      Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera) is a very handsome dragonfly.

      This pair of Bluets was ensuring that their genes would be passed on to a new generation, with the male firmly grasping the female as she lays her eggs.

     The Kama Sutra was never quite as ambitious as this!

     Jagged Ambush Bugs (genus Phymata) are  attractive, yet fearsome and stealthy predators of other insects.

      Several Spotted Sandpipers (Actitis macularius) were present, many still sporting breeding plumage.

     And healthy youngsters spoke to a successful breeding season.

     Solitary Sandpipers (Tringa solitaria), recently arrived from the north, also joined the party.

    

            Late summer and early fall are exciting times for birders when the challenging business of identifying shorebirds gets into high gear.

     A trio of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) went about their business, indifferent to the goings-on around them.

       We considered ourselves fortunate to spot a Green Heron (Butorides virescens) picking its way along the shore.

        Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) is the world's smallest sandpiper and we always take great pleasure in seeing this energetic little warrior.

     An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) seemed to be deriving some benefit from the mud, perhaps essential minerals.

     Look at this fine group of Spotted Sandpipers, if you will, lined up on a log, taking a break from the arduous task of feeding.

     You will no doubt note that this Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) still retains its tail, a remnant of its transformation from tadpole to frog.

     Nature is exciting, isn't it? 

     An Eastern Forktail (Ischnura verticalis) was content to just "hang out."

     We heard the sharp, far-carrying rattle of a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) from across the lake and finally spotted four birds, probably a family with the young still under the care of their parents.

     A male Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) is an impressive fellow indeed.

     As with all things in life we tend to overlook common flowers, and we need a prod once in a while to admire and appreciate those familiar blooms that provide great pleasure. Witness a Red Clover (Trilolium pratense).

     It's hard to tell from the following picture, I know, but this is a Red-belted Bumblebee (Bombus ruficinctus).....

     ..... followed by a Common Eastern Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens).....

     ..... and finally a Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera).

     A Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) appeared not to to be impressed with any of them.

     We, however, were certainly impressed with him!