There is more.....but Lily steals the show

      There is much to be observed at home with some species being downright regular visitors.

03 September, 2022

     An Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica), or two or three, can generally be found exploiting the Phlox (genus Phlox). A match made in nectar heaven perhaps. It will soon come to an end, however - the Phlox is well past its prime.

05 September, 2022

     For the second time in the past week a Labrador Carpet (Xanthorhoe labradorensis) decided to visit the front porch. 

     We went to great pains to deliver an assurance that it will always be welcome chez nous.

06 September, 2022

     The same reception will be accorded to European Crane Fly (Tipula paludosa), long gangly legs and all.

05 September, 2022

RIM Park, Waterloo, ON

     It had been far too long since we last saw Heather and Lily and we were very happy to meet up at RIM Park. Lily has grown so much and now talks a blue streak.

     Heather told us that Lily has developed a fondness for freezies, and even though she had this one she was never able to open it, but clung to it like a rare treasure.

     We puzzled over the identity of an Empidonax flycatcher, but to no one's surprise Lily barely gave it a passing glance.

     Different species in this genus are so similar in the fall that it is often difficult to identify them with certainty. This individual is probably a Willow (E. trailli) or Alder Flycatcher (E. alnorum); both species are expected in migration at this time of the year. (Note added 12 September - the more I look at this bird, I lean towards Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe), but I will leave my original comments intact, if only to illustrate that it is perfectly acceptable to have second thoughts!)

     Since the last time we saw Lily she has become diaper-free, a major accomplishment in her young life, probably making it much easier to run.

     It's good to check back though to make sure that Mom is not far behind.

     The breeding season is at an end for Western Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) but one or more birds still hang out at the nest.

     We walked over to the playground - much more to Lily's liking than searching for birds. A solar panel installation provides green energy, and this awning was very attractive.

     Lily wasted no time clambering up the steps to the top of the slide, and we were in awe of her energy level as she did it over and over again.

     Better be careful not to bite your tongue, Lily.

     Gee that slide was fun!

     Clementine is a very affectionate dog. The muzzle is not in any way an anti-bite strategy; it helps to distribute the pull on the leash as she strains to run free. We noticed that any time she lost sight of Lily she whimpered a little and scanned to regain a connection.

     On or around the slide was a good place to look.

     When we set off back to the parking lot Lily re-attacked the freezie with vigour, but she never did succeed in opening it. Heather tried in vain with her teeth and since we had no scissors, it returned to the house in the same condition in which it left!

    

     For some reason we neglected to get a picture of Heather, who is every bit as appealing as Lily, but a little bigger! We'll make sure to take one next time.

Trivia

     I am indebted to Ed Yong for pointing out the following in his magnum opus An Immense World.

"The word octopus is derived from Greek and not Latin, so the correct plural is not octopi. Technically, the formal plural would be octopodes but octopuses will do."

     So now you know! Now I need to check on crocus!

Another Pot-pourri

24 June, 2022

RIM Park, Waterloo, ON

     Heather and Lily were able to join us today and it was great to see them again.

     We always make a point to glance over to the large parking lot next to the building complex, where for several years a couple of pairs of Western Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) have occupied nests and raised young.

     There are chicks in the nest and once in a while a head would pop up, but we were never quite quick enough with the camera to catch it.

     A Serviceberry (Genus Amelanchier) was loaded with berries and Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) were happy to take advantage of this bounty.

     Some early nesters will soon be seeking such fruiting plants to feed hungry mouths back at the nest.

     Lily could never quite figure out whether she wanted to stay in her stroller or get out and walk.

     Of course, if some willing adult was willing to carry her for a while that only added to her pleasure.

     An Essex Skipper (Thymelicus lineola) would be wise to stay well concealed from birds and other predators looking to make a meal of it.

     Heather has been conducting bird surveys as part of her job recently, so her always keen recognition of bird song was finely tuned, and she alerted us to an Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) in the vicinity. It did not take us too long to find it.

     A Red-spotted Admiral (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) landed with wings spread as they often do - an unusually cooperative butterfly!

     A Monarch (Danaus plexippus) was a little more circumspect.

     The trail through the park, known as the Walter Bean Grand River Trail, is shared with golf carts, rollers bladers, cyclists and others, so we were very happy to see that signs have been installed urging people to take care.

     Let's hope that everyone pays heed.

     Yellow-collared Scape Moth (Cisseps fulvicollis), a diurnal species, was seen quite frequently.

     Lily's dog (well Heather's, really), Clementine, is a perfect companion, affectionate and obedient, and a huge fan of water.

     White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virgianus) are probably not happy to see dogs at any time.

      Here's a final shot of Lily in her jaunty pose!

     She gets ten out of ten on the adorability scale.

28 June, 2002

RIM Park, Waterloo, ON

     Our regular Tuesday group decided that a visit to RIM Park was on the agenda, so for the second time in four days we birded in this familiar location.

     Before even getting out of the car, Miriam heard an Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) and it was barely minutes later that we spotted the bird high atop a conifer.

      This is a species whose grassland habitat has been under serious threat for decades and its population has declined dramatically, so it is always a great pleasure to see it.

     A Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) is equally welcome.

     An Indigo Bunting was located in the same area where we had seen it earlier with Heather and Lily.

     Still present in late June, Eastern Wood Pewee (Contopus virens) is doubtless breeding locally.

     There are many nesting cavities in snags that remain standing and this hole has been occupied by Northern Flickers (Colaptes auratus).

     It seemed that Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) was vocalizing all along the route, but was frustratingly difficult to see. Finally one moved to a clear perch and we were able to take a picture.

      Butterflies, like this Eyed Brown (Lethe eurydice), utter no song to announce their presence, and hope to avoid the attention of birds with young demanding food.

     The same may be said of Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis).

     Who can fail to be charmed by a Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris)?

     This male Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) was evidently ferrying food to the nest.

     The Grand River looked exceptionally languid and appealing on a classic summer's day.

     It was Mary's keen eyes that picked up a Green Heron (Butorides virens) feeding in shallow water on the opposite shore.

     A solitary American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) seem content to float on the gentle current, intermittently snapping its bill on a passing dragonfly or other large insect.

     The heat was building and we were making our way back to our vehicles when Carol spotted a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilocus colubris), defending its territory against all intruders, big or small.

     Whenever I see this tiny bird I am reminded of the astounding migration that it undertakes to and from Central America - a remarkable journey.

     An Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata) on the other hand, rarely strays more than a short distance from where it was born, living its short life without touring the world.

     Nature is wonderful isn't it? If only we could learn to cherish and protect it........   

   

A Visit from Lily (and Heather too!)

      Hello everyone. 

     This is Lily and I am very happy to "see" you all again via David's blog.

     My mom and I had a great visit with Miriam and David at their house, where we started out in the kitchen for tea and cookies. Well, the adults had tea and I had water. The cookie was really good, the kind you can squish in your hand and strew crumbs all over the floor. That's the best kind!

          I guess my hair was pretty staticky. How much fun is that?

     But best of all was when we went to the family room and David let me handle some of his bird carvings and statues. 

Some Local Beauties

      I thought I would share with you a few of the local beauties in my life, all seen around here recently. I beg to assure you that the list is not exhaustive!

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

     This common bird, is uncommonly beautiful.

     Rarely a day goes by without a Blue Jay, but they are never less welcome for their familiarity.

Odds and Ends

      Winter has been a strange affair so far, with snow and relatively cold temperatures one day, followed by above freezing conditions day after day thereafter, with precipitation in the form of rain. The regular species  have been active at the feeders, including a very welcome Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus). 

     More often than not a male has graced us with his presence, so we were especially happy to see this female.

I know you're ready for more of Lily!

11 November 2021

Bechtel Park, Waterloo, ON

     My mom always confers with David and Miriam about where we should go for a walk, and I was glad that they chose Bechtel Park. That's where you can see an Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio) and that is very special.

     It occurs to me that I may have seen a screech owl more times than anyone my age.

     My Mom always tells me the correct name - no baby talk - and David says that he is going to make sure I learn the scientific name too!

Once more with Lily

      There are lots of pictures to go through - more than enough for a blog post, but I am a little pressed for time, so here is a guaranteed popular feature - LILY!!

28 October 2021

The Mill Race Trail, St. Jacobs, ON

     I was very happy when David and Miriam made arrangements to meet my mom at the Mill Race Trail. That's one of my favourite spots because we get to feed the chickadees.

     Look there's one over there!

     It is so much fun when the birds come to visit.

     It was not a really cold day, but my mom had me bundled up so that I would be toasty and warm.

     Put your hand close, David, so that I can see the bird when it comes to take some seed.

     I was hungry too, and my mom always brings lots of good snacks.

     Now I will really get a good view when the birds arrive since they have two hands to choose from, and I don't even have to stop eating.

     The chickadees are great, but I really like Mallards too, especially when they go "Quack, quack, quack."

     Look at my mom; she even has a White-breasted Nuthatch feeding from her hand.

     This is all so much fun, and all I have to do is sit in my stroller.

     We walked the whole length of the trail and even stopped in St. Jacobs where the adults had a coffee. 

     Soon it was time to say goodbye, but I know we will do it again next week.

     Growing up is so much fun!

04 November 2021

Hillside Park, Waterloo, ON

     The adults were all saying, "I can't believe it's November already." I am not quite sure what that means, but it seemed to get them excited!

     A beautiful cat came to visit. In fact it walked with us most of the way. It was very friendly and David picked it up so that I could pet it.

     That was so much fun!

     It would be great to have a cat at home, but we already have two dogs, so that's enough! They might not get along anyway.

     Mom brought breakfast for me, of course, and a squirrel was having breakfast too. 

     Squirrels are really cute and I enjoy seeing them, especially when they come close.

     It seemed like we had barely met and yet it was two and a quarter hours later and time to part company for another week.

     Bye Miriam and David. See you again soon.