Lily, Birds, Frogs and Bugs

20 August 2021 

Waterloo Park, Waterloo, ON

     It was a warm morning even by eight o'clock and we decided to take Lily to Waterloo Park where she could enjoy the splash pad.

     The entire park is being renovated and improved and from what we see has the potential to be terrific. There is a remnant of an old small "zoo", with very few animals remaining, almost in the nature of a petting zoo. It was a first for Lily, but she took to it like a duck to a June bug.

     She was really delighted!

     After a session with the animals and a little walkabout, we headed to the splash pad. 

     Lily, who is now walking as you see, loved it!

     When it was time to go she didn't even put up a fuss.

     But the morning wasn't over. We all went to Vincenzo's, our favourite deli, where we sat at a table in the shade and had gelato. 

     Not a bad way to end off a morning if you ask me! And did you ever see a more beautiful couple than these two? I don't think I did.

22 August 2021

Columbia Lake, Waterloo, ON

     The weather has been too hot of late to do a whole lot of walking, but I made a visit to Columbia Lake. I barely saw or heard a songbird, so I suspect they were staying deep in the foliage away from the oppressive heat and humidity.

     A Great Egret (Ardea alba) no doubt remained somewhat cool by striding through the water whenever it felt the urge to do so.

     Can you identify the two species of gull?

     At the right in the picture above is a Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia), seen in a little better detail below.

     It was impossible to get close enough to the birds for better shots.

     New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is blooming prolifically across the region. 

      An Eastern Tailed Blue (Cupido comyntas) was very cooperative.

     A Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens), a very handsome amphibian, was content to remain motionless in the grass.

24 August 2021

West Perth Wetlands, Mitchell, ON

     It was the day for our Tuesday group to get together, but only Franc and Carol were able to make the trip to Mitchell to join Miriam and me.

     The early morning was pleasant, but the forecast was for a hot, sticky day, and by the time we left it was getting that way.

     Here you see quite easily the size differential between Killdeer ( Charadrius vociferus) and Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla).

     Let us never become blasé about American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis). Common they may be, but they are also uncommonly beautiful.

     Guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus) makes a fine splash of colour on the landscape too.

     A lone Wilsons Snipe (Gallinago delicata) was feeding frantically.

     Many of the trees and bushes have berries by now, and where there are berries, there are Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum).

     Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) is always substantially outnumbered  by Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes), but we did spot a few.

     Perhaps in the picture below of a Lesser Yellowlegs you can pick out some of the differences, other than size, between a Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs.

     There were several Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis) amongst the Mallards (Anas platyrynchos), all quite far out unfortunately, but this individual obligingly flashed its speculum for us.

     It was not hard to find a Monarch (Danaus plaxippus).

     This wetland is a place where we always expect to see substantial numbers of Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa), but we saw few on this occasion.

     No doubt many are concealed in the reeds, concerned for their safety pending the regrowth of their flight feathers.

     Several different species of dragons and damsels were present, but few condescended to perch for us.  Eastern Forktails (Ischnura verticalis) were a pleasing exception.

     There were hundreds of Mallards on the various ponds, many of them males resembling females. They have undergone complete moult, including all their flight feathers, and will rarely stray from the safety of the water during this period when escape from danger by flight is not an option. 

     Various species of Milkweed (Asclepias) are developing their signature seed pods.

     Soon the pods will burst open and seeds will be scattered by the wind.

     Familiar Bluets (Enallagma civile) were as familiar as their name implies.

     Black-legged Meadow Katydids (Orchelimum nigripes) for the most part kept well ahead of us, but Miriam did manage this photograph.

     It is a striking insect as you may see.

     Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia) is a large and dramatic arachnid.

27 August 2021

Columbia Lake, Waterloo, ON

     It was a brutally hot day, but we thought it might be a little cooler near the water.

     From an avian perspective there was little to be seen that was different from my visit a few days earlier.

Lesser Yellowlegs

Least Sandpiper

Great Egret

Lesser Yellowlegs and Least Sandpipers

       It was exciting to discover the caterpillar of Bedstraw Hawk-moth (Hyles gallii), a formidable larva if ever I saw one!

27 August 2021

At home, Waterloo, ON

      We were sitting in the family room when Miriam spotted a "blotch" on the patio door. It turned out to be a Green Cloverworm Moth (Hypena scabra).

     A great way to end the day!

Laurel Creek, again - and more - and Lily

 21 July 2021

Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Waterloo, ON

     

     We are taking full advantage of the annual pass we bought to permit entry to all the conservation areas administered by the Grand River Conservation Area, and at the same time indulging our passion for nature. To no one's surprise, especially not mine, Miriam is proving to be a proficient and persistent macro photographer.

     As indicated when telling of our last foray into Laurel Creek C.A., Northern Leopard Frogs (Lithobates pipiens) give every indication of a very successful year.

     I am using not even the slightest hyperbole when I say that they were everywhere we walked, hopping out of our way as we moved, frequently heading for the nearest patch of water.

     At a given moment there were hundreds in view.

     So often, of late, there has been a litany of despair associated with wildlife populations, so it is encouraging to be able to report success of this magnitude.

     There follows a picture of a Slender Spreadwing (Lestes rectangularis), albeit not of exceptional quality.

     Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) does not move and is somewhat easier to photograph!

     Paper Wasps (Polistes spp.) are the insects we love to hate, yet they generally do not threaten us unless their nest is under siege.

     Dark Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus) is a distinctly marked species, and Miriam approached this individual at close range to get her pictures.

     Neither Miriam nor the wasp felt at risk from the other, and both went about their business undisturbed. 

     Common Red Soldier Beetles (Rhagonycha fulva) were not shy about showing the world what they do best!

     Unlike the paper wasp above, this Widow Yellowjacket (Vespula vidua) is more aggressive and at times stings without apparent provocation.

     Miriam was a little more circumspect in her approach to it.

     Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) are not stingy when it comes to providing fertilizer for all who wish to collect it, often on the soles of your shoes unfortunately!

     Viewed from below they are a handsome vanguard.

     Some species of dragonfly never seem to land, but Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) has no such reluctance.

     This Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadica) was equally cooperative. 

     Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) have been seen more frequently of late. This one is perhaps dusted with pollen.

     A Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) found a convenient perch on a memorial bench.....

     .....from where it trilled its lovely song.

     American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is a very handsome bird.

     This species is a late breeder, but the onset of nesting is about to begin.

     Here is a Carrot Seed Moth (Sitochroa palealis) viewed from every angle.

     Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice) is abundant.

     Butterflies are an important component of the diet of Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus).

Questions posed by Elaine

     A regular reader of my blog, Elaine, has posed a variety of question regarding birds and their biology and lifestyle and I will start to answer them, two or three at a time in this and subsequent posts.

Q. Do some birds only have one brood per year?

A. Most species at our latitude are single-brooded, especially neotropical migrants like wood warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, hummingbirds etc who are present here for three to four months on average, and do not have sufficient time to raise a second brood. Large birds such as raptors with long incubation periods and prolonged nestling care have only one brood.

Q. Which factors influence how many broods birds have per year?

A. Food availability is generally the most significant factor. In times of abundance more second broods are initiated, but not by the entire population of a species. In a well-studied Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) colony, for example, around thirty pairs had successful first nests, a dozen or so laid second clutches. Second broods have higher failure rates across a range of species.

Q. If a bird's nest, eggs or babies are destroyed, what's the impact on their nesting behaviour.

A. If the event occurs early most species will renest. However, if it is late in the cycle, just before nestlings are about to fledge for example, no attempt will be made to renest and the year's breeding attempt will be lost.

22 July 2021

Hillside Park, Waterloo, ON with Heather and Lily

     Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata) may be found from April through October, but July and August are the peak flight months here in southwestern Ontario.

Ebony Jewelwing ♂

     They were abundant at Hillside Park.

Ebony Jewelwing ♀

     We have always had great success finding Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) at this location and today we came upon evidence of a successful breeding season.

     We were happy to notice this recently fledged Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) too.

     Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice) was the most common butterfly encountered.

     Lily was of course the star of the show, and here she is being very good in her stroller as her mom looks off at something that caught her eye.

     Lily is not always happy to be in the confines of her stroller any more, but today for the most part she was a model of good behaviour.

     A hearty breakfast helped to keep her occupied.

     Green Immigrant Leaf Weevil (Polydrusus formosus) is another invasive pest in the army of species that has arrived here in shipments of fruit or by other means.

     It feeds on the leaves and blossoms of many woodland trees, but is also a threat to fruit trees and orchards.

     Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) as its very name implies is also invasive, and is an aggressive colonizer, supplanting native species.

     It produces copious nectar and is well serviced by bees.

     All too soon it was time to bid goodbye to Heather and Lily.

     Securely strapped into her car seat, Lily smiled goodbye to us. 

     See you next week!

26 July 2021

SpruceHaven, St. Agatha, ON

     Sanctuary Field is well on its way to becoming the grassland we are all hoping for.

     In places Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is forming a carpet of gold.

     The pond in front of the house is abuzz with activity and I was happy to spot this female Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) resting on the broad leaf of a water lily.

     Better be careful not to become a snack for a watchful Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans).

     Some are partly hidden, just lying in wait for unsuspecting prey.

     The Staghorn Sumach (Rhus typhina) are beginning to send us a message that summer is running away on us and fall is not so far ahead. 

     Their ostentatious and extravagant fruit clusters will soon pale by comparison with their fiery autumn foliage.

      Something to look forward to.