19 July, 2024
We decided to go for a stroll in Hillside Park after dinner, specifically hoping to see Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata) which should have recently emerged.
We were not disappointed, although, curiously we saw only females.
Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), invasive yet beautiful, was at its splendid best.
The flower produces so much nectar it is much favoured by pollinators, and native plants are sometimes thereby neglected.
A ray of strong evening sunlight rendered the ear of an Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridianus) almost transparent.
The pods of Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) are plump and full of seeds.
Soon they will burst and their seeds will be dispersed by the wind.
A Common Carpet Moth (Epirrhoe alternata) flitted and danced ahead of us.
Typical Flesh Flies (subfamily Sarcophaginae) are robust little characters - and abundant.
Flies may not rank as your favourite companions, but it's hard to deny this is a very attractive insect.
Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) is found around the world, having been introduced deliberately or unintentionally in many countries.
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) breeds towards the end of summer when thistle seeds are in abundance, and this male is perhaps feeling his hormones surging.
A female Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), by contrast, may be done with her maternal duties for the year.
We were happy to spot the curiously-named Obscure Plant Bug (Plagiognathus obscurus), not a species we see often.
Brown-lipped Snails (Cepaea nemoralis) were ubiquitous.
We noted that Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) seemed very attractive to a full suite of pollinator insects, witness this Western Honey Bee.
As we turned to head back to the car an American Robin (Turdus migratorius) suddenly appeared in front of us, as though to bid us farewell.
It was a fitting end to a very pleasant after-dinner perambulation. We must do it again soon.
Beautiful photos. I like the robin, it's hot here at the moment for the birds. You don't see them.
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteDelightful...YAM xx
Hello David, some wonderful encounters with nature and great captures of it. The Ebony Jewelwing looks a bit like the "weidebeekjuffers" we have in our part of the world. Good you found them. The different kind of birds are beautiful, it is nice that depending on the kind of food the birds eat they bring up their young. The last photo of the American Robin is stunning.
ReplyDeleteRegards and stay safe,
Roos
Oh you must do it again and delight us with your commentary and lovely photos!
ReplyDeleteI suspect we will!
DeleteThe Impatiens glandulifera is very beautiful even it's a weed, David. They don't grow here, but in western parts of Norway. Many plants gets invasive in warmer climate.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
A great outing and wonderful captures of the insects and the birds. Take care, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us along. All is lovely there.
ReplyDeleteYou took some really amazing pictures...I totally adore those macro shots. That robin looks so cute.
ReplyDelete...David, thank for these entomology, botanical and Ornithology delights.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I laughed out loud at the name of that snail! Someone was certainly looking very closely to see the color of its lips. Lovely photos again today.
ReplyDeleteHello David, :)
ReplyDeleteThese after dinner strolls are delightful. You see and capture so much of natures wondrous creations.Lovely American Robin image, pretty flowers that look like orchids, cute rabbit, and all the insects that you may not have noticed earlier in the day. Thank you David it has been a pleasure.
Hugs and kisses.
Sonjia.
Wow. What a amazing photos. American Robin pose to you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful series of photos David.
ReplyDeleteThe giant balsam and the American robin are my favorites this time.
Greetings Irma
Hi David.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers and insects.
The American Robin is beautiful.
Greetings from Patricia.
Another wondrous stroll. Those orange eyes reminded me of the movie The Fly. Remember that one? It's an old one.
ReplyDeleteI know the title of the movie, but have never seen it. The real thing is pretty impressive, though.
DeleteThe American Robin seems to be happy with your visit and hopes you return. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful photos.
ReplyDeletethe fly could be have a part in a sci-fi movie. Love the robin and the impatient. most plants in Florida are invasive.. nice to be close enough for even walk in all this beauty
ReplyDeleteGreat photos David. Loved the Damselfly at the start, it is a stunning creature. And love the bee's bum sticking out, seen many of them in my time! I love taking photos of snails and seeing all the different patterns. Your Robin looks different from ours in Scotland, but he is a good looking bird. Oh and they fly, that would definitely bite me haha.
ReplyDeleteI looked into that book your recommended The Sound Of A Wild Snail Eating. I really think it might make me cry and get upset. I have it in the Amazon Basket though.
Our Robin is even in a different family, Ananka. It is in fact a thrush, misnamed by homesick early European colonizers.
DeleteAdemás de las aves, has captado buenos insectos.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo.
A pleasant excursion, as usual. :)
ReplyDeleteThe rabbit is a beauty as is the robin. Great photos as always!
ReplyDeleteThat robin was so handsome.
ReplyDeleteBuenas noches, David! what a pleasant stroll,
ReplyDeletelove the serenity of the park , the image of the sunset, the birds, the snails (which I adore) and to say goodbye, nothing more wonderful than the light of the evening sun creating a magical and warm atmosphere. Sending you a big kiss, dear friend! ♡❀˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹❀♡♡❀˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹❀♡
Gorgeous pictures !
ReplyDeleteWith all the information beside...
Have a interesting day !
Anna
Not only did you have a nice walk after dinner, David, but obtained some great hoto images too. Thanks for the comment and compliment on my recent blog post. I admit that the iPhone plant ID feature helped 😀
ReplyDeleteI can do without insects, but I love looking at flowers and birds, for sure.
ReplyDeleteWithout insects you wouldn't exist, Gigi.
DeleteAfter dinner walks are wonderful - we used to do that as a family when my daughter was still little, but recently it has become very rare since my husband works such long hours. Again you saw a lot of beautiful little critters and plants. The Himalayan Balsam is indeed a beautiful plant - I think many invasive species are beautiful. I'm always amazed where to find snails, the ways they climb up plants to get to the good stuff. Another walk full of wonders - thank you, David. Hugs - Carola
ReplyDeleteHave you ever read "The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating?" If not, put it on your list, Carola. You'll enjoy it.
DeleteThat wonderful robin provides the perfect ending for an interesting post.
ReplyDeleteHe is a smart fellow isn't he?
DeleteNice. I have spent more hours than I care to count trying to remove Balsam from nature reserves. As you say, beautiful, but very invassive.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
I saw your post yesterday but it was a busy day out of the house. This looks like a lovely walk. It's amazing how many insects species there are. This is the time of year to see them, isn't it? Have a great Thursday. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteI enjoy my virtual walks with you and Miriam. Thank you for all these extremely enjoyable photographs David.
ReplyDeleteOn my after-dinner walks around the local pond, I have seen rabbits every evening. Are there more bunnies around than usual? I don't remember seeing so many. Perhaps it's a bumper year for bunniedom.
ReplyDeleteI haven't noticed a super abundance here. They are prey to so many species they generally have a pretty short life.
DeleteYou had some wonderful sightings here but the one that most intrigues me is the snail. I don't know that I've ever seen on "in action."
ReplyDeleteHello David,
ReplyDeletethe short, spontaneous trips are sometimes the best, beautiful insect pictures.
Greetings Frank
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteLike you have said many times: "" Go out for a walk and keep your eyes open. You'll be surprised how much beauty is hidden in nature". The proof you show us here, especially attractive for the ones who like to see a bit more than just birds.
Greetings, Kees
Hello David, such gorgeous photos, especially those of the Ebony Jewelwing.
ReplyDeleteHimalayan Balsam is very pretty but considered a threat to biodiversity also here and it's a species I will try to combat and stop its spread.
Your posts offer always something very interesting. Thank you and have a pleasant weekend!
Don't ya love goldfinches? They are so beautiful. YOU, have a wondrous weekend. Enjoy it to the max:)
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ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful tour that you have done and as always very entertaining to read, accompanied by beautiful images showing the diversity of living beings in your region. It strikes me that it was a walk after dinner, here it would be a night walk. A big hug
the Himalayan balsam is a sweet flower and thank you for the little stroll.
ReplyDeleteHello. Wonderful photos of insects and birds. Thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteWonderful nature post and photos, the flowers and insects are captured beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
That Ebony Jewelwing is beautiful, a new one on me. The flys eyes are amazing and as for the Birds-foot Trefoil our lawn is full of it! I hope all is well, sorry I have been so slow this year, buying the adjoining property as kept us more than busy with restoration! Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteFabulous photos! I enjoyed seeing the sights!
ReplyDeleteSiempre es un placer para mí, pasear con vosotros. Gracias y abrazos.
ReplyDeleteThe bird in the last photo seems slightly confused.
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