Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Hillside Park, Waterloo, ON

"If we don't pay attention to nature's smallest creatures.....and to the role of the tiniest living things in providing for the rest of us, we may find ourselves in a truly frightening place."
                                David Suzuki

01 September, 2024
Hillside Park, Waterloo, ON


     Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) continues to invade Hillside Park like an advancing scourge, beautiful yet destructive. The plant produces abundant nectar and is a magnet for bees and other insects.


     Here you see a Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) poised to enter the corolla, already bearing pollen from visits to other blooms.


     It almost disappears as it probes deep into the flower to drink sweet, energy-rich nectar.


     It was quite wonderful to see whole families of Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) feeding on Elderberries (genus Sambucus). 



     The young were no doubt learning from their parents.



    Wild Cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) was prolific.


     Here is what the fruit looks like.


     As far as I know it has no edible value, but was used medicinally by native people.
     A Common Eastern Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) demonstrated anew that Himalayan Balsam is irresistible to insect pollinators.


     This bracket fungus was located high up in a tree. 


     It is probably Dryad's Saddle (Cerioporus squamosus) but it's hard to know for sure when viewed only from the bottom.
     A couple of Eastern Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), a black morph and a grey morph interestingly enough, seemed especially happy to see each other on a bright, sunny day.


     A young American Robin (Turdus migratorius), freshly launched into the world, was learning all the skills needed for survival.


     Violet-toothed Polypore (Trichaptum biforme) was performing the important function of nutrient recycling on a downed log.


     I am not sure whether American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus) have had a better than usual breeding season, or whether we are just seeing more of them, but they appear to be everywhere, charming us with their anuran appeal.


     Common Aerial Yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenaria) is frequently seen too, seeming to favour goldenrods above other flowering plants.


     Funnel Weavers (family Agelenidae) are very interesting arachnids. We first spotted this individual inside its funnel den.


     It then came out, as though to pay us a visit.


     Having seen enough of us and finding us decidedly uninteresting, and certainly not a source of lunch, it retreated back inside to wait for better opportunities.


     Jerusalem Artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus) were showy and bold.




     Our final companion for the day was a Spotted Orbweaver (Neoscoma crucifera).


     There is a general recognition that bird populations around the world are significantly reduced, and at the local level we find this to be true. Even now, at the peak of migration they are more difficult to locate, and are present in much smaller numbers. 
     These are worrying times.

 
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

68 comments:

  1. Definitely worrying times - though I am pleased that you are both finding plenty of beauty and interest around you.

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  2. Gorgeous pictures David !
    Thanks for sharing !
    Have a nice day !
    Anna

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  3. Beautiful nature photos! I love the Cedar Waxwings, they are lovely birds. Looks like a wonderful park to explore. Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.

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  4. Hari Om
    The trees are changing colour on a daily basis now, and I too thought there would be more birds on the wing than has been evident. YAM xx

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    1. I was out again yesterday, and found not a single migrating warbler, in an area where I have seen them every year.

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  5. Totally agree with David Suzuki! You took some amazing pictures, David. The whole families of Cedar Waxwings feeding on elderberries are so wonderful.

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    1. I think we have already entered that frightening place, Angie.

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  6. ...the Cedar Waxwings are having a berry nice time!

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  7. Our trees are certainly losing leaves! The bird song has diminished.

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  8. Himalayan Balsam is a problem here too as it crowds out other plants and then dies back completely in winter making the riverbanks more easily eroded by winter floods. Along the River Ash, where I was recently, they are trying to control it by using an introduced rust fungus. I can only hope it works and doesn't have any unforeseen consequences.
    I am also sure that there are less birds out there now than there were a few years back. Avian flu is one of obvious factors though I recently heard that our Puffin population seems to be on the increase.

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    1. Loss of breeding habitat is a major factor here. Out of control wildfires destroy more of the boreal forest each year, and human settlements too for that matter.

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  9. Suzuki has been warning us forever it seems. I was pleased to see an art show in Florida drawing attention with street art to the heights of houses vs the flooding that is to come. Your pics are delightful as always and educational.
    XO
    WWW

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    1. And not only Suzuki. But we don't pay much heed to the warnings, do we?

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  10. The Cedar Waxwings are very beautiful, David. I love to see your photos of them. Hugs and kisses, Marit

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  11. Beautiful series of photos David.
    Here too the giant balsam is advancing, it grows like a weed and overgrows other types of plants.
    Photo 3, 4 and 17 are my favorite.
    Greetings Irma

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  12. Lovely fall weather for a visit to the woods. We're just starting to see some changing leaves.
    The grackles are on the move though, with the trees in our neighbourhood seemingly full of them in the mornings.

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  13. I had not heard that bird populations were decreasing and yes, worrisome is the right word. I have seen fewer birds by me, but I assumed it was because I was used to so many when we lived on the lake. I love that you devoted some time to the bees and spiders ... they are so often maligned and in reality, they are extremely important to our environment. I am one of those people who walks a spider onto a piece of paper and carries it outside ... my family all think I am nuts. I enjoyed your toad as well. We have had toads in our gardens every year and they are helpful at keeping the insect infestations down. Each has a role to play. So I sent a note to Blogger about your comments disappearing, but, of course, haven't heard a word back from them. You might try again just to see if they have done anything to correct the problem. I have my doubts ... it is frustrating though, as I always look forward to you comments. So, hope all is well with you and family ...

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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  14. The nature photos are beautiful. Great shot of the toad, haven't seen one in years. Thanks for sharing, David.

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    1. We see them quite frequently, but this year they appear to be especially abundant.

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  15. Great quote to start with. The mushroom could be a Dryad's Saddle, though the underneath looks a little different from what I have seen. It is one I have picked and eaten!! Great spiders and insects. And the birds look good too. I got a few good photos of spiders today on my walk! :-D

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  16. Mucha vida tiene ese bosque, con las distintas especie de animales que lo habitan.
    Un abrazo.

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  17. I agree with the opening quote--so disturbing. Even so your up close and personal photos are delightful. The cedar waxwing are particularly beautiful. Again I shared this post with our grandson that is an insect lover. We both thank you!

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    1. It makes me very happy that you share my posts with your grandson. Maybe one day he will be an accomplished biologist.

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  18. How much variety you once again show us, everything is beautiful. My interest was mostly caught by Cedar waxwings and the pair of Gray squirrels. A big hug

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  19. Amazing photo's as always. My favorites are the ones you got of the bees making they way in and out. I love sitting on my deck watching them do that in my Rose of Sharon's. Or did, they're pretty well done for season, so not much action currently. I'm so with you on the Springfield mess. It makes me sick. If I live to be a 1000 years old, I will never understand how people can ignore all the horrible things he's said and done to this country.

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  20. I have been concerned about our birds here, I can't remember how long it has been since we had a flock of ibis in our yard and in the past they were here almost daily, 20 or 30 at a time, have not seen a song bird or heard one in months. even the beautiful park we take Beau to each Sunday, every seagull, every hawk, every osprey, and the last 2 weeks there were no squirrels.. its scary. we have birds year round here. I did see a murder of crows but only ONCE they were there and gone. I am wondering if bird flu has anything to do with it.
    that bee photo is amazing. well all the photos are, even the spiders are incredible. daddy had a bush with berries similar to these and the black birds would come, sit down and lift off and it would be stripped of berries and the cars in the driveway were covered in red splats. did not make him happy ha ha

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  21. As always, a varied report full of great photos.

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  22. Wonderful photos. I have to admit to scrolling quickly through the 8-legged-freaks though... Not a fan! :D

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  23. Thank you for sharing these wonderful photographs.

    All the best Jan

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  24. You do find some fascinating insects and and arachnids. Very cool. They are everywhere, especially at this time of year, but how many people look? I've seen a few bald eagles around and no one notices them either. That's weird because they are big and striking birds. But cedar waxwings are such handsome birds. I haven't seen any for a few years. Hope you're having a great week. hugs-Erika

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  25. As always, you got some great shots. Love that little robin and the cedar waxwing. Most of our birds are gone for the season. Saw a mockingbird and heard hawks, but that was about it.

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  26. The violet-toothed Polypore is my favorite photo of the day, David - simply excellent, and so fascinating. The quote on top prefectly relates to your final words. Why can't we do better? Hugs - Carola

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  27. Cedar waxwings and elderberries--each wonderful in their separate ways.

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  28. Hi, good ev`ning dear David, how r u!
    how i loved this deep dive into Hillside park; every creature, from bees to spiders, plays an essential role in the intricate web of life.
    The cedar waxwings feeding elderberries melt my heart & eyes🍓✨🌱🐣🌈💛🍄📸🖼️💛💛💛

    Is curious about the Himalayan balsam, beautiful but invasive, the beauty and the danger, balance and chaos. Nature struggles, it is fragile and strong at the same time.

    I say goodbye wishing you a beautiful autumn night and always thank you very much for your extraordinary comments that put me in a very good mood.

    Byeeee

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  29. The creatures are busy and no doubt enjoying themselves.

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  30. A friend tells us that he isn't seeing swifts in their usual numbers this year. :-(

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  31. Hi David.

    Beautiful series of nature.

    Beautiful flowers, insects and birds.

    The grey squirrels are really nice.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  32. The details of the spiders and wasp are wonderful. Great photos! Lots of mushrooms this time of year!

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  33. I have never seen a Cedar Waxwing in my life. So pretty! I wonder why it's called "wax" wing?

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    1. Adults have red patches on their wings that resemble old-fashioned sealing wax.

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  34. Worrying time it is indeed.... For so many reasons!
    We don't see Cedar Waxwings here.. Attractive bird, I love its mask.
    That's a large bracket fungus.. It seems a strange place for it to be.
    Good series on the Funnel Weaver... Great shots Miriam.

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  35. Such wonderful pictures! A continent apart, separated by an ocean, I encountered several of your plants on a long walk today.
    The sad news reach us from the flooded areas of Germany, Austria and Czechia where the massive rains mean that swallows, currently on their migration route to Africa, cannot fly or catch insects which has weakened many of the birds to such an extent that they have collpased. People are working hard on provdiding shelter but for many it will be too late. I wonder how long it will take for these birds to recover their flocks if at all.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Sabine. It is really disheartening to learn of the plight of the swallows. They were having a hard enough time anyway, and this may be the final straw for some populations. Kudos to the people who are trying to help them.

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  36. I am always in awe of the photos and information you share. You have made some very sobering comments. One of the reasons I like to visit as they are so thought provoking and I have said it before, very educational. Thank you David, my best to both you and Miriam.

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  37. We are living in interesting times for sure (I read that the foregoing is an Irish curse and I would believe it applies right now). But you and Miriam certainly saw and photographed much to bring joy. It's important for our mental health to seek those opportunities especially in these times. .... That non-native balsam is a pretty plant; It is sometimes hard to think badly of invasive plants -- they can be so beautiful and nourish and attract the bees and butterflies , but ...

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    1. So many invasives have been here for so long we may have to accept them as part of our native fauna and flora. It is impossible to get rid of most of them anyway. But just consider the damage done by the Asian Longhorn Beetle, the Emerald Ash Borer, and others.

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  38. Wonderful pictures of animal life in the forest

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  39. The photos are gorgeous and you really found a lot to feature here. The Cedar Waxwing is my favorite.

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  40. Those Jerusalem Artichokes are certainly bright and cheery.

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  41. I look forward to seeing Cedar Waxwings again. They usually get here in early December.

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  42. Yes, these are worrying times. Your post is very informative.

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  43. Great informative post David. Thanks 😊

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  44. The Cedar Waxwings - wow. They appear very beautiful and serene.
    Thanks for the amazing close-ups combined with your expertise.

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  45. I love cedar waxwings — we too have been seeing them recently. But when they eat elderberries you REALLY don’t want them near your car!
    best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  46. Such beautiful photos of creatures of different sizes. The waxwings are handsome birds - ours is the Bohemian waxwing, not uncommon but I don't see them very often here... let's see this year when there's an abundance of rowan berries.
    The yellowjacket may not be my favourite of the insects of this post, but your photo is splendid.
    Have a good weekend!

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    1. Bohemian Waxwings occur here too, Sara, but generally farther north. I have only seen them once in my immediate vicinity.

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  47. Hello David :)
    Hillside Park certainly has a lot to offer in the way of wildlife. Another interesting post with amazing nature photography. Great close ups of the arachnids, beautiful captures of the Waxwings, birds which I have never seen. I'm glad that at least the Toad is doing well. My balcony birds have diminished in numbers. I used to see many of the tit family but only see the Great-tit now, and that is worrying as these are birds that don't migrate. I hate to think of all the wildlife that has been lost in the fires.It's just devastating. The invasive Himalayan Balsam looks similar to an orchid I have seen which is a very attractive plant, lovely photos of the bees enjoying the pollen, other insects, the squirrels, and all the various plant life. Thank you for this most enjoyable and informative post.
    Hugs and Kisses
    Sonjia.

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    1. It's not only the direct loss of life, Sonjia, it's equally the loss of habitat and food. It is nothing short of catastrophic in some areas.

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  48. Siempre disfruto con tus paseos. Siento tristeza por lo que nos dices que ya no se ven tantos pájaros como antes. Abrazos querido amigo David.

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  49. Excellent photography. What a professional. God bless.

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  50. cedar waxwings migrate through here coming and going. they stay a day or two while they strip the photinia of it's berries. I don't always see them. in fact, don't think I've seen them for a few years. and bumblebees always amuse me pushing their big bodies down the throats of flowers.

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  51. Mainioita kuvia taas kerran kommentteineen, kiitos David.

    Impatiens glandulifera on myös Suomessa maanvaiva. Täällä järjestetään talkoita, joissa kasveja poistetaan hävitettäväksi. Äärettömän kaunis kasvi kylläkin.

    Bombycilla cedrorum muistuttaa meidän tilheämme, joka on Lapin lintu, mutta saapuu syksyisin Etelä- Suomeen syömään pihlajanmarjoja. Niiden sato onkin tänä vuonna äärettömän runsas. Pihlaja Sorbus aucuparia

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  52. Beautiful photos, great sightings of the birds and insects. The flowers are lovely. The Cedar Waxwings are my favorite. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

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  53. You have a special skill for finding a lot of beauty and wonder in nature.

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  54. Great photos! It's sad to hear about the decline in bird populations.

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