Columbia Lake, Waterloo, ON

14 September, 2025

      An Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica) was very busy.

     Although my knowledge of ants is quite limited, repeated exposure to them and the discipline of researching the taxon is leading to a little more familiarity. This individual is a species found in the Wood, Mound and Field Ants (genus Formica).

     Oleander Aphids (Aphis nerii) provide a sweet treat for ants and receive protection in return.

     New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) exudes beauty and charm.

     Chironomus ochreatus is a non-biting midge that often forms huge swarms - a good thing that it doesn't bite!

     Here is an interesting congregation of birds at the water's edge.

     There is a Canada Goose (Branta canadensis), a Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), Mallards (Anas platyrynchos), two Double-crested Cormorants (Nannopterum auritus), and a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias).

     Here is another Killdeer much closer.

     And two more of these little beauties.

     In total, dotted here and there, about twenty Killdeer were present.

     Plume thistles (genus Cirsium) do not usually command much attention, but withered, spiky and brown they looks very attractive!

     If there is an expanse of grass anywhere, it is a safe bet that you will find Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) grazing there.

     Common Aerial Yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenaria) is the most common and widespread of small yellowjackets that build nests in high, exposed aerial locations.

     Green Stink Bug (Chinavia hilaris), despite its name, is brightly coloured.

     A Ruby Meadowhawk (Sympetrum rubicundulum) posed nicely.

     We heard the distinctive harsh rattle of a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) and watched it land in a tree.

     An Eastern Forktail (Ischnura verticalis).....

     We saw this ghostly apparition moving slowly under the surface of the water - a Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina); I felt as if I had a direct window into the late Cretaceous, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

     It has changed little since that time. It precedes hominids in the long history of life on Earth and will probably be here when humans have become extinct, still going about its business as it has always done.

     There are two storm water ponds at Columbia Lake and it's always prudent to check to see what is there.

     This was the day of the Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemis picta marginata); there were at least a dozen present, basking in the sun, and doing what turtles do.

     A couple of Canada Geese flew in.

     These interesting, and very attractive little characters, are, I believe, True Reed Beetles (subgenus Danacocia).

     A Familiar Bluet (Enallagma civile).....

     I think that Miriam captured the exceptional beauty of a Larch (genus Larix); so often we focus only on the cones.

     An Olethreutine Leafroller Moth (subfamily Olethreutinae) was partly concealed.

     A Red-legged Grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum) is a very distinguished member of its kind.

     A pair of Mallards looked like the very embodiment of domestic bliss.

     Maybe a model for all of us.

Columbia Lake, Waterloo, ON

 19 July, 2025

     Columbia Lake is close to home and is a favourite spot for a walk, especially when we don't have a lot of time. An hour there yields many treasures.

     An Eastern Forktail (Ischnura verticalis) is an exceedingly attractive damselfly.

     On this day, at least, it was drawn to to Mints (genus Mentha).

     A Pure Green Sweat Bee (Augochlora pura) looks iridescent and splendid in the bright sunlight of a July day.

     These gentle little insects will only sting under extreme provocation, and even then the experience is no more annoying than a mosquito bite. Only the females are capable of delivering a sting, males being very well behaved!

     A Two-spotted Bumble Bee (Bombus bimaculatus) looks very different.

     Witness the diversity of the wonderful world of bees.

     Grey-headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) decorates the landscape in so pleasing a manner.

     Jagged Ambush Bug (Phymata americana) is not uncommon and with a diligent search in the right places can be found.

     American Beavers (Castor canadensis) have been busy doing what beavers do best.

     And they do it well! 

     We spotted at least four Great Blue Herons (Ardeas herodias), and there may have been five. It is a very grand bird indeed, with a lethal dignity about it.

     There have not been as many Ring-billed Gulls at Columbia Lake this year (Larus delawarensis) as there usually are, and we have not seen a single Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) there.

     I am sure the cool water felt great on a scorchingly hot day.

     A Spotted Sandpiper (Actitus macularius) has lost its spots for the season, although it it has not lost its inherent dapperness.

     I shall have to try strutting and posturing, walking with a swagger in my step, but I swear I will never look as good.

     Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) ranks among my all-time favourite creatures. 

     Much as I implore Great Blue Herons not to eat them they don't listen, nor do hawks, snakes, raccoons, pike and myriad other predators. The frogs do well to conceal themselves as best they can.

     Here is another one.

     As best I recall, I have never seen this little flower before. It is a member of the Centauries (genus Centaurium).

     No one will disagree that it is delicate and beautiful. A very pleasing colour too. 

     Here is Willow Beaked-gall Midge (Rabdophaga ridgidae).

     The Purple Martin (Progne subis) apartments, (rent-free as I understand it), have not yet attracted tenants, but perhaps next year will be different. Build and they will come, it is said.

     The head of this Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) reminds me of a display of custard tarts at the bakery.

     Here is another sensational example of Grey-headed Coneflower.

     Were plant names assigned to humans it would be a fine choice for me!

     Here is another of those frog-stabbing, fish-spearing, snake-swallowing, duckling-gobbling herons.

     Beware any creature within neck extension of this accomplished hunter. Escape is almost impossible. If you fit within the ability of the bird to swallow you, you are doomed. Unlike Jonah in the belly of the whale you will not be tossed out to freedom.

     Goldenrod Gall Flies (Eurosta solidaginis) are an important source of winter food for chickadees and woodpeckers.

     Little does the larva, contentedly munching away in there, know what fate might await him. It's just as well.

     No more herons after this, I promise.

     An Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) was a model of patience, waiting for an insect delicacy to sally by, to be snapped up in an instant.

     Fly du jour was doubtless on its mind. Even a juicy bee, to be tenderized by bashing it repeatedly on a suitable branch. Such is the variety of flycatcher provender. 

     One could be forgiven for thinking that Common Red Soldier Beetles (Rhagonycha fulva) were on a mission directed by Eros himself. They seem always to be "doing it!"

     A Greenbottle Fly (genus Lucila) is a very model of decorum by comparison.

     Here is a Modest Masked Bee (Hylaeus modestus), an appellation unlikely to be conferred on the aforementioned soldier beetles. I am in favour of their specific epithet being changed to onceisneverneoughica!

     A male Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is paradigm of robust masculinity.

     Many bees (epifamily Anthophila) are difficult to identify to species. Even when a good picture is possible, that's not always sufficient to assign a name with certainty.

     Oxeye Daisy (Leucantheum ircutianum) has an odd name, one might conclude, but the term "oxeye" simply indicates "white flower."

     I remember that as kids we used to make daisy chains by linking the stems, and somehow or other we could predict who we would marry. We obviously had grand ambitions and were forward planners. I hope that Angela doesn't sue me for breach of promise!

     This young American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is learning to make its own way in life, devoid of parental care. Some humans could benefit from lessons from it.

     Bumble Bees (genus Bombus) are probing for nectar.

     I am pretty sure that the following industrious lady is a Short-faced Bee (genus Dufourea).

     As we left, we couldn't help but notice and remark on the sparkling array of native cattails (genus Typha).

     Invasive Common Reed (Phragmites australis) has already taken over other sections of the wetland, and in its normal voracious manner has crowded out just about everything else. It seems inevitable that this marsh will succumb too.

     We humans sure know how to screw up a good thing.