Columbia Lake, 02 September, 2024

      A Great Golden Digger Wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus) is a fine discovery on any walk.

     Even those among you who have an aversion to wasps will admit that it is a beautiful insect.

     Every late summer/early fall brings prolific blooms of New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) - and we rejoice anew.

     Northern Leopard Frogs (Lithobates pipiens) are very handsome.

     A White-faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum) is appropriately named.

     There is little in my experience that is more stirring that a flock of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis), flying in formation and calling to each other.

     I am pretty sure that this caterpillar is the larval stage of a species of Pug Moth (genus Eupithecia).

     There are over 40 eastern Eupithecia, but coverage seems to be restricted to the adults moths, with little description, and virtually no illustrations of the larvae.

The moths are known to select asters and goldenrods, among other plants, to deposit their eggs, however. 

     Hoverflies are fascinating insects and I am quite confident that this is an American Hoverfly (Eupeodes americanus).

     The adults feed on nectar but the larvae are voracious predators of aphids. If you see them in your garden welcome them as friends and treat them well!

     A Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) is a desireable visitor too, performing essential pollinating services.

     Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) is fruiting at this time of year.

     These fat-enriched berries will be an important winter food source for numerous bird species.

     A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) stalked deliberately and patiently in its seemingly never-ending quest for food.

     A Common Carpet Moth (Epirrhoe alternata) is both familiar and delightful.

     A female Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) posed nicely for us.

     Several Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) were present, but none close, and there was a bit of heat shimmer on the marsh.

     Neither Miriam nor I can come to any conclusion as to why we photographed this tree; perhaps an insect that moved just before the picture was taken. In any event, the texture of the bark is interesting in and of itself, and I am happy to show it to you.

     A Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) packs a powerful sting, so be sure not to get them riled up.

     A Common Thick-leg Fly (Tropidia quadrata) was a very agreeable discovery.

     This Drury's Long-horned Bee (Melissodes druriellus) bears all the signs of a successful foraging expedition.

     These fields of goldenrod (genus Solidago) and milkweed (genus Asclepias) provide both food and breeding habitat for a variety of insects, including Monarchs (Danaus plexippus). 

     This female Bluet (genus Enallagma) appears to be feeding on insect prey. 

     Some people are surprised to learn, shocked even, that dragonflies and damselflies are efficient, carnivorous predators.

     An Autumn Meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum) put in an appearance.

     I expect that you will agree that Miriam took some fabulous pictures of an Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica).

     Many flies are extremely difficult to identify; the best I can with this one is to assign it to the subfamily Exoristinae.

     Here is a Narrow-headed Marsh Fly (Heliophilus fasciatus).

     Partly concealed by the goldenrod we spotted this member of the family Tipulidae - Large Crane Flies. 

     This lovely American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) gave us great pleasure.

     Down by the stream we discovered a Two-striped Planthopper (Acanalonia bivittata).

     It had been a long time since we last saw one.

     Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) didn't seem to be doing much of anything; wisely not exerting themselves in the heat.

     Some formed a veritable loafing party.

     A brilliant Monarch fluttered by and came to rest on goldenrod.

     Bluets are difficult to identify at the species level.

     An Eastern Forktail (Ischnura verticalis) is not much easier.

     A Great Blue Heron came to see what the larder held.

     Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is underrated by most, and seldom noticed by many.

     The Great Blue Heron caught a few small minnows - barely a snack - and continued to probe for more.

     Lucerne Moth (Nomophila nearctica) is fairly common.

     And as we opened the car door, we were visited by a Chelonus wasp, a species we don't often see.

     They feed primarily on the larvae of moths.

      Once again, Columbia Lake, a mere five minutes from home, had delivered its treasures, and we were a couple of happy naturalists.

     We'll be back! Of that you may be sure.

TRIVIA

     Recently I read an account of a ranger in Zimbabwe who shot a poacher who was about to kill a critically endangered Black Rhino. Condemnation was swift and harsh from human-rights groups, who were outraged that the ranger would take the life of a human to save an animal.

     The ranger offered this scenario: "If I were a police officer in Harare and a man ran out of Barclay's Bank with a bag of money and I shot him in the head and killed him on the spot, you'd call me a hero. You'd pin a medal on me, and say, 'Good boy.'"

     Isn't it ironic that we will kill to protect paper money, and be honoured for it, yet to act in defence of the natural heritage of a country, the patrimony of the entire world in fact, is not considered right, just or appropriate?

     Where do your values lie?