We have not been out and about as much as usual of late, due to atrocious weather at times, and Miriam had an adverse reaction to her second COVID vaccination, so this post is a combination of odds and ends.
05 July 2021
The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) colony at SpruceHaven has had a banner year, and young birds are to be seen everywhere, with many second clutches now being incubated.
These nestlings are about ready to fledge.
Time to lose a little weight and learn how to catch your own food!
06 July 2021
This attractive Green Stink Bug (Acrosternum hilare) was a very welcome visitor to our backyard.
On balance, stink bugs, are probably beneficial in a garden, keeping weeds under control. They may attack tomatoes which look like they have been pricked, but stink bug numbers are seldom high, so they are not a significant problem.
We have no tomatoes, and we are happy to share the yard with this individual. It is welcome to chew on all the weeds it wishes!
10 July 2021
We had the sad duty of attending the funeral of our good friend, Betty Cooper, who illuminated this Earth for ninety-three years. In addition to many diverse interests Betty was dedicated to nature in all its richness.
We will miss her.
Last October, she walked the entire length of the Mill Race Trail and back, and this picture of the two of us walking together is one I will treasure forever.
12 July 2021
Our Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is doing splendidly well and bringing us much pleasure.
It appears not to be well patronized by Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) but other insects, including this Cuckoo Leafcutter Bee (Genus Coelioxys), are not reluctant to exploit it.
Our Red Hot Poker (Family Asphodelaceae) is not native, but produces copious quantities of nectar and is known to be visited by Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilocus colubris) and Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula).
The plant is to the side of the front porch, so we seldom see it other than coming and going. Perhaps we need to pay more attention!
13 July 2021
If I go to look out the window right now I can almost be assured that there will be a Mourning Dove (Zenadia macroura) or two in the backyard.
No matter how many times I see it, I am never immune to its beauty.
We are often drawn to birds by their bright colours (and who can not react to multi-coloured tropical species?), or their extravagant behaviours, but there is a time to appreciate subtleties too.
Every movement by a Mourning Dove seems measured and deliberate, its plumage a model of subdued hues, but it is possessed of a rare beauty all its own.
14 July 2021
Is anything quite as peaceful and quintessentially pastoral as a field of cows?
A Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) was taking good care of her family on the pond.
At this farm a couple of Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) are rented each year, and their presence may afford a little extra protection for these ducklings.
This Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) would not hesitate to carry off one them to feed his own growing brood.
I am woefully ignorant about cereal grains, but I am assuming this is some kind of wheat, and there seems to be a bumper crop.
We spotted five Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) in one location and are quite sure that carrion was in the vicinity.
We didn't take the time to try to find it - rotting carcasses are not our favourite things to discover!
We are so accustomed to seeing Turkey Vultures soaring on currents of air, it always adds a touch of extra excitement to view them perched.
They have an impressive wing span.
Lily
Under the new COVID guidelines of the Province of Ontario, we are allowed to gather in our house - up to five people, so Heather and Lily payed their first visit.
Lily is almost thirteen months old, happy, curious and very mobile. She will attempt several steps provided you hold her hand; the moment you release it she sits down! Any day now, I predict she will take her first unaided steps.
It was exciting to have her play with us in the house and interact in ways not possible when she is confined to her stroller on a walk.
I am showing you all the pictures Miriam took, and I think that any commentary from me would be superfluous.
It makes no difference at all, but Blogger in its own inimitable fashion rearranged the sequence of the pictures.
The weather in various parts of the world seems to be causing great distress for many. Stay safe everyone, but get used to it. Climate change is already here.
