Conestogo Lake Conservation Area, Glen Allan, ON

18 July, 2024 

     Just before turning onto the road to the Conservation Area we noticed an Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) nest.

     The evidence reveals that it has been a successful season.

     Conestogo Lake C.A. is a Grand River Conservation Authority property so on the last day of our pass we paid it a visit.

     We immediately spotted a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) cruising high overhead, but it was slowly drifting away from us.

     A nearby Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoenicius) was chattering incessantly.

     Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) appear to be in decline and we have seen very few this year. It was encouraging to spot this male defending a territory, although we witnessed no challenge being mounted.

     Flies in the genus Rivellia are very difficult to identify from photographs - this individual being no exception.

     We heard a House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) singing incessantly and finally spotted him.

     In my last post I mentioned the condition affecting trees known as chlorosis and it may be that this maple leaf is indicative of a tree suffering from that condition.

     We had taken coffee and muffins with us to enjoy mid morning, and found a delightful spot near a small wetland to enjoy it.

     Miriam's muffins are among the world's finest of course and contain a special ingredient whereby when they are consumed outdoors the taste index goes through the roof!

     Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias syrica) was in full bloom and in great abundance and it was a little ominous not to see a commensurate intensity of Monarchs (Danaus plexippus).

     There were few gulls on the lake, but this Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) availed itself of a convenient perch.

     Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) were seen and heard frequently - in the grass.....

     ..... and in the parking area.

     To find a Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) feather seemed almost talismanic to us, and it is now safely ensconced in my display case.

     Several years ago on Vancouver Island we found the feather of a Red-shafted Flicker (Colaptes auratus) and a young indigenous couple told us of our good fortune, assuring us that the discovery of the feather signalled that we would have blessings on our journey.

     An Orange Day-Lily (Hemerocallis fulva) shone like a fiery beacon.

     We saw our first American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) of the year; well, perhaps Kamala Harris might claim that title.

     We wish both the politician and the butterfly good fortune - blessings on their journey, in fact.

     Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice) was very common, flitting hither and thither, and once in a while coming to rest for a few seconds.

     An American Robin (Turdus migratorius) clutched a worm firmly in its beak, perhaps torn between devouring it or taking it back to young in the nest.

     The lake looked tranquil - pleasingly free of noisy boats.

     I suspect that the weekend might present a different situation.

     A Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) makes me wonder why so many organisms are named "common." Evening Primrose alone would be fine.

     There are plans afoot to rename birds to eliminate reference to slaveholders and other nefarious characters, so perhaps we can get rid of "common" too.

     We decided to take a walk along the Forest Green Trail.

     The entrance was very inviting.

     Chicory (Cichorium intybus) always warrants a second look; it is simply gorgeous, a marvel of plant architecture and colour.

     Miriam took this excellent shot of Eastern Calligrapher (Toxomerus germinatus).

     You can hardly believe how fond I have become of this charming little fly. 

     The spider with the very appealing name Common Candy-striped Spider (Enoplognatha ovata) is a member of the Space Web Weaver Guild. These spiders construct a web that takes up three-dimensional space and often does not seem to have any organized structure.

     This one appears to have ensnared a Common Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva).

     A tiny American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) was just setting out on life's journey with many hazards to be faced along the way.

     Unlike some humans who live in their parents' basement until they are thirty, independence is the only choice for these little warriors.

     Knapweed (genus Centaurea) is an attractive flower and this plant has attracted a sweat bee in the tribe Halictini.

     Slender Spreadwing (Lestes rectangularis) was exceedingly common along this trail, as evidenced by this handsome male.

     Cross Orbweaver (Araneus diadematus) is a familiar sight, bold and beautifully marked.

     The following little insect puzzled me totally, and it was only after researching it at home I concluded that it is a non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae.

     It's very exciting to come across something new -or perhaps forgotten - and invest the time in discovering what it is. Such pursuits can keep me happily engaged for hours!

     Here is another Common Candy-striped Spider.

     They are as beautiful as their eponymous volunteers in a hospital, although perhaps not in quite as much demand! 

     Olethreutes is a large genus of Tortrix Moths (family Tortricidae); this is a member of that genus but I have been unable to identify the species.

     Here is a female Slender Spreadwing.

     Common Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris ) probably receives little attention, but is in reality a very attractive flower.

     Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) graced the woodland with robust beauty.

     Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) was frequently seen.

     A Marsh Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius) is a very striking insect.

     We had been meandering along the trail for an hour or more and decided to retrace our steps. In no time at all we arrived back at the car, not having walked nearly as far as we had imagined. We routinely dawdle along, looking at everything that moves and basking in the variety beneath our noses, and we totally lose track of distance.

     I wouldn't wish to go for a walk any other way.