Our Backyard and Beyond

 17 June 2021

Our Backyard, Waterloo, ON

     Our backyard continues to remain a safe haven for a range of wildlife, with food, water and shelter present, and native vegetation aplenty.

     I cannot think of a day when at least a couple of Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) are not there from first light until the end of day, and at times in the winter there have been more than twenty.

     Its familiarity does not detract from its delicate beauty.

     Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) is blooming prolifically at present and delights us when we sit out on the patio.

     Common Grackles (Quiscalus quiscula) are regular visitors to the feeders, and it is not surprising that they have been bringing their young to visit.

     The fledglings lack the iridescent sheen and the yellow eyes of their parents.

     They are fully capable at this stage of taking care of themselves, but waste no opportunity nevertheless to cadge from mom and dad - usually with great success.

     A regular visitor is a male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) seemingly in the process of moulting his head feathers.

     We call him Scruffy - in the most affectionate way I hasten to add!

     This fledgling cardinal was constantly begging from its parents.

     And it worked every time!

     His patient, long-suffering and devoted mother is seen below.

18 June 2021

Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Waterloo, ON

     Other than for a few very common species, it was difficult to find birds; and the fact that the park was quite busy did not help the situation, so we applied our energies to insects primarily.

     The is a Hover Fly in the genus Cheilosia, commonly known as Blacklets.

     That's as far as I can get with the ID. There are almost 500 of these creatures worldwide, and they all look very similar to the uninitiated eye, and many of them are impossible to identify visually.

     Similarly, I am unable to name the species of the following Sweat Bee in the genus Lasioglossum.

     A very familiar Virginia Ctenucha (Ctenucha virginica) gave us no trouble at all.

     This is the larva of a Leaf Beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. A handsome little creature, don't you agree?

     Spotted Grass Moth (Rivula propinqualis) is quite common at this time of the year, but easily overlooked.

     Herb-Robert (Geranium robertianum) does not seem to host many insects or their larvae; in fact the odour of its crushed leaves is claimed to repel mosquitoes.

     This American Robin (Turdus migratorius) was gathering food to take back to the nest to feed its young.

     It is conventional wisdom that most bird species find the Gypsy Moth caterpillar distasteful but this individual seems to have included them on its menu. Miriam and I have also witnessed Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) battering Gypsy Moth larvae against the ground and either consuming them or flying off with a beak full.

     We were very happy to find a cooperative Hobomok Skipper (Poanes hobomok),

     Northern Crescents (Phyciodes cocyta) can be seen flitting everywhere.

     The caterpillar of the Gypsy Moth is quite beautiful but its impact on a deciduous forest is devastating.

     Following is a picture of a Long-legged Fly in the family Dolichopodidae.

     Shown below is a pond spreadwing in the genus Lestes , but I am unable to extend the ID beyond that.

     Spotted Spreadwing (Lestes congener) would be my educated guess, but if anyone feels confident to confirm or refute this supposition I would be happy to hear from you.

     Clemen's Skeletonizer (Acoloithus falsarius) is an impressive name for a tiny insect!

     This species is known from wineries, but I am not sure whether it is a great hazard to the grape crop.

     There are over 35,000 Long-horned Beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the world, and identification other than by an expert in this taxon is extremely difficult. I am fairly confident based on the research I have done, and on probability, this individual belongs in the genus Oberea.

     As I have mentioned in previous posts, Bluets (Genera Coenagrion and Enallagma) are also difficult to identify as to species without having the insect in the hand, and sometimes under a microscope.

     Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron pulchellus) is widespread and attractive.

     We caught movement out of the corner of our eye and were happy to find a Common Carpet Moth, also known as White-banded toothed Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata).

     It is not often that we see American Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva) on the ground.

      It has a bill full of food, no doubt to be relayed back to hungry nestlings.

     Calico Pennant (Celithemis elisa) is an exceptionally handsome dragonfly, and Miriam captured a couple of great shots of a male.

23 June 2021

RiverSong Banquet Hall, St. Jacobs, ON

       After a long hiatus when COVID restrictions prohibited lunch on the patio, it was finally possible to resume this very pleasant activity.

     I am quite sure that this newly fledged Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) was very happy to see us.

      Better it get up off the ground and into the dense bushes where it will be appreciably safer.

     A Red-spotted Purple (Limenthis arthemis astyanax) went about its business unconcerned, although it too would be wise to be vigilant. We saw both Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) and Eastern Wood Pewee (Contopus virens), both of whom would find a large butterfly a very tasty treat.

      Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) was quite common, and this is a male in prime condition.

     Much of the Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) was brown and withered and has been subjected to a full frontal attack by a beetle of some kind. I am unable to identify the larvae. (See YAM's comment below).

      The cheery song of the House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) was seldom out of earshot, and it was a delight to be in the company of this ebullient musician.

26 June 2021

A drive through the country, Region of Waterloo, ON

     It was hot and sticky, not the kind of weather to go for a walk, so we decided on a drive through the country.

     And what could be more pleasant than this?

     This foal was sticking close to mom, but when the mare approached Miriam at the fence, obviously hoping for a carrot or an apple, the foal was not reluctant to make friends too.

     Scenes such as this are the stuff of pure delight.

     A Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) signified its approval.

     As might be expected in late June, young birds are popping up everywhere.

     This recently fledged Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) was waiting patiently for devoted parents to fly by and stuff an insect into its waiting bill.

     Looks like mom is coming right now!

     And young Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) were no less anxious to be fed.

     This Common Starling, bashing a Gypsy Moth caterpillar into submission, no doubt had hungry mouths back at the nest to take care of.

     Until the next time, be sure to get out and enjoy nature. There is nothing quite like it!   

     

A Naturalist's Pot Pourri

      We are slowly easing back to normalcy, although having been in and out of lockdown three times, we are waiting to see if this return to regular life will last.

06 June 2021

Three Bridges Road, St. Jacobs, ON

     This was a very hot day with the air temperature around 32 degrees, and with humidity factored in close to 40. To say that I dislike this kind of weather would put it mildly.

     Instead of taking a walk we decided to go for a drive in an air-conditioned vehicle.

     There is a small man-made pond on Three Bridges Road and on hot days it becomes a premier attraction for birds; Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) especially are prone to congregate there.

     Four were present to enjoy the cooling effect of the water.

     And a female Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) was not to be denied either.

     Farther along the road we spotted six Killdeer in a field where the grass no doubt offered a little respite from the heat.

     Even the face on this tree seemed to be suffering and grimacing!

Hawkesville, ON

     A Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) was panting to stay cool, all the while scanning for fish in the river below. No doubt a plunge would be refreshing!

Our Backyard, Waterloo, ON

     Back at home the backyard was a bit of an oasis, with the temperature being several degrees lower than out on the street.

     A juvenile American Robin (Turdus migratorius) visits us several times a day, finding rich pickings among the stones on the path.

     Although quite capable of foraging for itself it has not lost the instinct to beg for food and gives it a try with any other bird that is close at hand regardless of species.

     It has little success of course, but it is fun to watch as it tries to secure food without effort. We enjoy watching these antics.

     We have a lone Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) which is producing beautiful flowers and attracting pollinators.

     On any given day many American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) come to feed and bathe. The males look especially handsome at this time of year.

     But the females are not lacking in charm and beauty either.

     Common Grackles (Quiscalus quiscula) are all business when they visit. They waste no time when gathering food, and often stop for a drink at the bird bath on the way out.

     Never a day goes by without Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) and the backyard wouldn't be the same without them.

     And it is a rare day that we don't have North Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis). The male bursts on the scene in a blaze of glory, with a song to match.

     The female is equally beautiful, perhaps more so in the eyes of some.

Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Waterloo, ON

     After dinner we took our coffee and cookies over to Laurel Creek to spend a little time in David's Dell.

     A Golden-backed Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus thoracius), our first ever, was an exciting discovery.

07 June 2021

SpruceHaven, St. Agatha, ON

     Last year I had the distinct pleasure of conducting a walk for couple of teachers and a group of children.

     The teacher's names are Katherine and Kayli, fine dedicated people, and a pleasure to know and share time with. 

     Here is Katherine's definition of the group:   "This group has no status as a school, and is best described as a group of parents (essential workers) working together to support our children through this pandemic year.  While The Working Centre supports its staff in this way by providing space, we are a self-directed "learning pod" (with a big focus on experiential learning!) with no formal structure or status".  

     I can't imagine a more creative way to teach children. And when you meet the kids it is immediately apparent  that they have learned so much and have developed skills as young naturalists.

     It was my pleasure to spend an afternoon at SpruceHaven with them.

        The series of pictures below will give you an idea of the fun they had, all the while learning new things about the wonderful world of nature. I don't think that further commentary is needed from me.

08 June 2021

Hirondelusia, Kitchener, ON

      Hirondelusia is a Barn Swallow habitat modified from designs approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to mitigate habitat, and to channel public concern about species at risk.

     This project was conceived and constructed by my friend Jennifer Cleary-Lemon, Associate Professor in the Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Waterloo, with admirable and able cooperation from Marcel O'Gorman, University Research Chair, Professor of English and Founding Director of The Critical Media Lab.

     Through a collaborative, combined academic and creative approach, Hirondelusia seeks HOW and WHY specific species at risk recovery strategies are designed and built, and WHAT seeing structures like this tell humans about threatened species like the Barn Swallow.

     Bravo Jennifer and Marcel.

Behind John M. Harper Public Library, Waterloo, ON

     Behind the library there is an expanse of open ground (for how long I wonder?) stretching towards the nest of Western Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) that has been successful for several years. The nest is located atop a hydro transmission tower, close as an osprey flies to the productive fishing areas of Laurel Creek Reservoir and Columbia Lake.

     This grassland with scattered shrubs and two small artificial ponds, surrounded on all sides by roads and human presence, forms a bit of a haven for wildlife, and we have often made exciting discoveries there.

     Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) can be found with little effort, and no doubt breeds there.

     Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) is a species that mimics a Monarch (Danaus plexippus) to fool predators into thinking it is toxic.

      Miriam took what I see as two very appealing pictures.

     Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) is a destructive defoliating moth, and its caterpillars can strip a tree in record time. Unfortunately they are abundant and widespread this year, wreaking havoc wherever they appear.

     Dragonflies abound now, but so many simply refuse to rest for a few minutes, and so remain unidentified since we do not capture them in a net.

Calico Pennant (Celithemis elisa) was more obliging than most.

Calico Pennant ♂

Calico Pennant ♀

     I hope that my good friend Richard Pegler, dragonfly aficionado and skilled photographer, will enjoy these shots.

     Virginia Ctenucha (Ctenucha virginica) is a common diurnal moth, and there were many flitting around.

     It's good to keep a wide eye open when searching through vegetation. Nature delivers simple treasures.

     Water droplets on a leaf outshine the Hope Diamond in my opinion. Human bling is superficial, artificial, sometimes garish, and valued financially and aesthetically according to time and the dictates of fashion. Nature's adornments are eternal in their beauty, ephemeral perhaps, yet guaranteed to reappear. 

     Common Ringlet (Coenonympha tullia) is indeed common at this time of year.

     What would a grassland with scattered saplings be without a chorus of Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia)?

     So many familiar wildflowers, so much pleasure.

Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron strigosus)

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

     There were many, many insects and their larvae making a living among the forbs and grasses, the flowers, shrubs and ground cover, so many I could not count so high.

     Here is the larva of a Seven-spotted Lady Beetle (Coccinella septempunctata) quietly going about its business.

     A Four-lined Plant Bug (Poecilocapus lineatus) is a very handsome specimen.

     Ribwort Plantain (PLantago lanceolata) was dotted here and there.

     It has been said that familiarity breeds contempt. I can assure you that this adage is untrue of our reaction to American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis). Rarely a day goes by that we do not see this species and there are usually several in our backyard, but it never becomes any less beautiful for its ubiquity.

     We were not sure whether we had seen Giant Vetch (Vicia nigricens) before, but if so we had forgotten it.

     It is very striking.

     And so is a Golden Tortoise Beetle (Charidotella sexpunctata).

    Do you find Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) beautiful? 

     I do!

     Dotted Loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata) is non native, but quite beautiful. It has the ability, however, as do most invasive species, to out-compete native vegetation.

    It would be great if we did not have to deal with so many organisms that do not belong here, but I am afraid it is too late to expect that we will ever eradicate them, or in some cases even get them under control.

     Our final companion of the morning was a very handsome Black Blister Beetle (Epicauta pensylvanica).

     What a wonderful time we had, poking and probing, making exciting discoveries, calling each other over to share our finds. If you are someone who has been chafing at the bit to emerge from COVID restrictions, I encourage you to get out and search in a local field, or woodlot, along the banks of a pond, or in your own backyard. There is more to satisfy your curiosity than you ever dreamed possible.

     ENJOY!