An Assortment of Recent Sightings

Large Milkweed Bug 

     Every year our prolific Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) serves as host for a robust population of Large Milkweed Bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatus), and this year was no exception.

Adults

        Healthy, developing young

     As you may see the seeds are favoured as a principal dietary choice, and the young progress from one instar to the next

     Aposematic colouration warns predators that these bugs are toxic and should be left alone. The same strategy, indeed the same colours, are employed by the Monarch (Danaus plexippus).

Painted Lady

     We were very happy to welcome a Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) to the front of the house. It was gracious enough to hang around for a few pictures.

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

     Northern Cardinal is a species that has adapted well to urbanization and is a regular visitor to our yard.

Northern Cardinal ♂

Northern Cardinal ♀

            

Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)

     A year-round resident, this always endearing little rodent is busy preparing for winter, and may be seen carrying food to its underground den.

     It fills its cheek pouches and scurries off, returning mere minutes later to gather up another load of nutritious seeds.

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)

    This beautiful little sparrow has been an infrequent visitor this year, unlike in years past when it was a regular.

     Parasitic Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) favour Chipping Sparrows as hosts, and it used to be a regular occurrence that tiny Chipping Sparrows were seen feeding gargantuan cowbird offspring in our yard.

American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

     Bright, cheerful, bold, sassy and argumentative, American Goldfinch is a frequent and much appreciated visitor.

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)

     On 12 October, the first Dark-eyed Junco of the fall made an appearance in the backyard.

     The weather is still unseasonably mild, but the appearance of juncos is confirmation that fall has arrived.

     A backyard can be a wonderful thing!