Our Backyard at Random

23 April, 2022

     American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is the most common species to visit our yard, and may be expected in all seasons.

     The drab plumage of winter is yielding to breeding finery.

     Here a couple of goldfinches are joined by a very handsome male House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus).

     For some reason, Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) seem fond of perching on the side of the bird bath, drinking from time to time, but seldom bathing.

03 May, 2022

     Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a very common species, and the song of the male trilling ardently from high atop a tree is an uplifting springtime melody. But even singers have to eat!

     Eating seems to be a permanent occupation for Eastern Cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) and they are quite capable of invoking Miriam's wrath as they merrily chew away at every green shoot that pops above the ground, studiously ignoring the weeds, but laying waste to the coneflowers.

     A Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) is an infrequent visitor; we were delighted to welcome this resplendent male.

     White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) is common spring and fall.

     Familiarity never breeds contempt for American Goldfinches. A group of them is appropriately called a charm.

     This Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) seemed to be engaged in a shouting match.

     In some years Pine Siskins (Spinus pinus) are abundant, in other years totally absent. The spring of 2022 brought flocks to Waterloo Region and some visited our feeders.

     A male House Finch is a handsome fellow, but not quite as splendid as his congener, the Purple Finch seen above.

     Eastern Chipmunks (Tamias striatus) find everything they need in our backyard, including friendly humans.

     And what would a backyard in southern Ontario be without a Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) or two?

04 May, 2022

     Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) does not patronize our garden anywhere near as often as in years past so it was a great pleasure to welcome this individual.

28 May, 2022

     A pair of Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) had been checking out the nest box and seemed to have decided on it, only to lose interest and move on. Finally, however, they have built a snug nest, and seem set to raise a family.

     We thought at one point their plans were going to be thwarted by a Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) and you can see where the male woodpecker had worked at enlarging the hole.

     Raccoons (Procyon lotor) have prospered in urban situations and it was no surprise to see this individual ambling along the fence, totally unperturbed by humans.

29 May, 2022

     An American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a very familiar visitor. 

     A few years ago a pair raised young in a nest at the side of the house, and we keep hoping for a repeat performance.

     We had not realized that the chickadee nest already had young, but here is an adult carrying a juicy caterpillar into the nest box to feed hungry chicks.

     A constant shuttle was maintained by both parents.

     These little birds are kept busy. Miriam and I tallied the number of food deliveries made in two half-hour periods as follows: 09h:16 - 09h:46 - 16 visits, and 16h:30 - 17h:00 - 12 visits.

     During that period the adults have to locate prey, capture it and return to the nest box, all the while getting food for themselves to maintain their energy levels.

     On two occasions we watched the chickadees fiercely drive a goldfinch from the feeders, brooking no competition for food I presume, since there was no threat to the young. I kept the feeders filled with sunflower hearts so the adults would have ready access to sustenance.

     What goes in must come out and here is an adult leaving with a faecal sac.

     Not only do they have to feed the kids they have to clean up after them too. Sounds a bit like humans, doesn't it?

30 May, 2022

     Who doesn't enjoy having a chipmunk in the garden?

     A Common Grackle is a very attractive species, especially when viewed in sunlight to highlight the iridescence of its plumage to best advantage.

     This Black Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) was unusual (and very distinctive) in having a red tail.

31 May, 2022

     An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) is one of our most impressive butterflies.

18 June, 2022

     Many species have fed their young in our backyard, but for the first time we had a Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) feeding a single juvenile.

Adult

Juvenile

      It is remarkable what can be observed in a regular suburban backyard.      

Birds, Beasts, Bugs and Blooms

17 July 2021

Near Wallenstein, ON

     There was a time not so many years ago when Bricker School Line, a rural road, was home to several pairs of Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), but a couple of years ago a farmer upgraded his fences, removing the bluebird houses in the process, and even though they were eventually replaced the bluebirds have not been seen since.

     Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) is quite common though.

     Miriam and I have remarked several times that despite suitable habitat we had never seen an Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) in that vicinity. You will understand our delight, therefore, when we spotted this individual far down a fence line.

     It was beyond what one might reasonably conclude was within camera range, so Miriam obtained exceptionally clear shots it seems to me under less than ideal conditions.

18 July 2021

Our home, Waterloo, ON

     The St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is doing exceptionally well this year.

     A little detective work by Miriam revealed the den from which the baby rabbits emerged, concealed in a dense patch of Periwinkle (Genus Vinca).

     I hope they are doing well in their quest for independence.

West Perth Wetland, Mitchell, ON

     We were on the way to Bayfield, on the shore of Lake Huron, for our first visit to Erin and her family since the start of COVID, and stopped off at the West Perth Wetland for a very brief visit.

     Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) have evidently had a good year and these young males are acquiring their finery (mother is off to the right).

     Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) is a very attractive insect, but a serious pest to a wide range of trees and shrubs.

     The adult form is capable of skeletonizing foliage and subterranean larvae feed on the roots of grasses.

20 July 2021

Our backyard, Waterloo, ON

     From time to time we have seen a Raccoon (Procyon lotor) in our backyard, but never a family of three which is what greeted us when we glanced out the family room window.

     One has to give them credit for being fully compliant with COVID regulations. They were all masked and maintained adequate social distance most of the time.

     It is an attractive animal, but it can inflict serious damage in a garden, and has mastered the art of opening even the most secure garbage can.

     It was interesting to observe them for several minutes but we were not sorry to see them move on.

20 July 2021

Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Waterloo, ON

     It was mid afternoon on a beautiful day, sunny, with the temperature in the mid-twenties, and a stroll at Laurel Creek seemed just what Mother Nature ordered.

     A couple of Eastern Kingbirds were busily engaged catching insects, and this one appears to have captured something quite formidable - exactly what, however, I am not sure.

     Common Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) is a very attractive plant, believed by some taxonomists to be both native and introduced.

     Various medicinal properties are ascribed to this plant; based on what I have been able to discover, however, few of the claims have been scientifically proven.

     Evidently Sweat Bees (Halictidae) find the flowers attractive.

     It appears that Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) has had a very successful breeding season, and little froglets were constantly erupting from beneath our feet.

     Carrot Seed Moth (Sitochroa palealis) is quite common in late July.

     The Seven-spot Lady Beetle (Coccinella septempunctata) was introduced into North America from Europe, and has become the most widespread species in Ontario.

     It is generally welcomed by gardeners and horticulturalists due to its preference for feeding on aphids.

     Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella) is a large, striking dragonfly that, pleasingly, alights quite frequently.

     Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae) is one of the Hesperiidae that can be difficult to identify, and the period of abundance is a helpful clue.

     As has been mentioned in other posts, Bluets (Coenagrionidae) can be extremely difficult to identify as to species, so I felt a special sense of satisfaction in correctly identifying the following individual as a Tule Bluet (Enallagma carunculatum).

     Red Milkweed Beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus) on the other hand is unlikely to be confused with anything else.

     Autumn Meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum) is our latest flying dragonfly and may be seen in October; sometimes even in November.

     I know that Richard Pegler is quite taken with Calico Pennant (Celithemis elisa) so he will doubtless enjoy the following image.

     Perhaps he will equally enjoy a White-faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum).

     Common Red Soldier Beetles (Rhagonycha fulva) exhibit a preference for Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota) where they seem to spend most of their time in homage to Aphrodite as they engage in an endless round of sex!

     Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is much favoured by many insects.

     It was quite a meadowhawk day; here is our third species, Cherry-faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum internum) female.

     Bees are not always easy to identify, but it is fun to take a picture and then embark on the research needed to clinch the ID, in the process learning a little about the lifestyle of the species.

     This is a Ligated Furrow Bee (Halictus ligatus).

     Marsh Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius) is a formidable predator of earthworms and small beetles.

     Groundselbush Beetle Trirhabda baxharidis) is an attractive species, a type of leaf beetle, but other than that I have been unable to uncover further information.

     Lest anyone think that I have moved over into the dark side, rest assured that the title of my blog, "Travels With Birds" is still valid - but who can resist these other joys of nature while the birds are busy with their young. Be patient, fall migration will be beginning soon!