22 October, 2026
Huron Natural Area, Kitchener, ON
Given the unusually warm fall, asters are blooming in profusion even in late October.
This stand of Frost Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) caught my attention and admiration.
American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is surely as adorable a little rodent as one might imagine.
If rats looked as cute we would love them all!
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocpous pileatus) is not a bird I see often, so any encounter is exciting. This is not an especially good picture, but it is all I was able to manage.
24 October, 2026
Huron Natural Area, Kitchener, ON
Huron Natural Area is an park I do not know well, and I am trying to become familiar with it. Hence my reason for visiting again just two days later.
Autumn Meadowhawks (Sympetrum vicinum) were present in large numbers. I don't know how many I saw but it was certainly scores.
Everywhere I looked Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) was dispersing its seeds on the wind.
Is there anything quite as peaceful as a pair of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) dabbling in a pool?
I have seen remarkably few fungi this fall, so a couple of Shaggy Manes (Coprinus comatus) was very agreeable.
25 October, 2026
RIM Park, Waterloo, ON
An American Robin (Turdus migratorius) was happy to join them.
We were immensely excited to discover a new species for us. May I present the bewitching Narrow-winged Tree Cricket (Oecanthus niveus)?
No family of trees is more associated with Canada than maples, and they are very dear to my heart. In the fall the colour of their leaves is legendary, and it was uplifting to see this gorgeous Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) at the end of our walk.
Long live Canada. Vive le Canada.
The true north strong and free.
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