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!

Book Review - Britain's Insects - Princeton University Press (WILDGuides)

If we and the rest of the back-boned animals were to disappear overnight, the world would get on pretty well. But if the invertebrates were to disappear, the world's ecosystems would collapse.

Sir David Attenborough

 

     If I were living in Britain this excellent field guide would have a permanent place in my car so as to be handy at all times. I have no doubt that it would quickly become dog-eared and dirty, sullied and stained, but well used and highly valued.

     It is an absolutely first rate guide by any standard.

     Let me first of all give a shoutout to the author, Paul D. Brock. Brock is a renowned entomologist and a scientific associate at the Natural History Museum, London. (If ever you visit London allow a couple of days for this museum). He is the author of many books about insects and has had the supreme honour, for a naturalist, of having several species named after him.

     There is a brief, but adequate introduction, to insects, with all of the salient details one needs to know, including tips on how to photograph these ubiquitous, but often elusive creatures. An excellent glossary is of great help.

     If your primary interest is in birds or mammals you will be struck by the fact of the many stages insects go through to become an adult. Once a bird's egg hatches, a bird is a bird, some precocial species even being perfect little replicas of their parents, and many mammals, large herbivores being classic examples, are born ready to run. Not so with an insect. A butterfly goes from egg to caterpillar, and even then through several instars, to a chrysalis, before emerging as an adult insect. A caterpillar bears no resemblance at all to the butterfly it is going to become. Caddisflies and mayflies begin their lives underwater, wasp larvae feed on the paralyzed bodies of other insects - early stages of development provide few clues as to the adult form.

     But surely, that is part of the fun of learning about invertebrates. For me, my initial interest in insects was trying to identify the species that comprised food for birds. Be warned, once the fascination begins, there is no end to it!

     From page 34 onwards every order of insects found in Britain, and all the families are covered in exquisite detail with an incredible array of coloured photographs, illustrations and maps. It is to be remembered that many of these organisms, especially the intermediate stages, are extremely difficult to photograph, and it is a testament to the dogged determination of Paul Brock, and the many other photographers who permitted their pictures to be included, that we have such detailed and complete coverage. 

     This guide will serve you as well as any that I can think of. It will be an invaluable tool in furthering your interest in, and knowledge of, the creatures who form the underpinnings of our very existence, and you will be much the richer for owning it.

Britain's Insects - Princeton University Press

Author: Paul D. Brock

US$32.50, £25.00 - ISBN: 9780691179278

Published: USA 13 July 2021

                UK 8 June 2021

608 pages - 2,600 colour photographs, 1476 colour illustrations

5.87 x 8.25 inches (14.675 x 20.625 cm)   

 

Bunnies, Dust Bowls and Roddie

      We are on the cusp of venturing a little farther afield, but for the moment most of what we do is local.

16 July 2021

Our Front Yard

     Anyone who reads this blog regularly will know that Miriam is frustrated with Eastern Cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) due to their habit of regularly dining on the choicest items in her garden. Weeds they leave alone, hostas and coneflowers are always on the menu. It is exasperating for her, as you can understand, to invest money, time and effort into a floral display only to have her efforts thwarted.  

     From time to time I have heard her expostulate in ways that might make a drunken sailor blush! 

     Despite this, however, I am ready to expose her as an impostor! Little baby rabbits will do it every time!

     She was as thrilled as anyone to see these tiny bundles of delight exploring the front yard. They must have just left the safety of their burrow for they are so tiny they would easily fit onto my hand.

     Who can maintain a hard heart when confronted with this enchanting renewal of life? Not Miriam!

     She may become extremely annoyed with the rabbits, and chase them from her flowers, but in truth she would not wish them harm even for a moment.

     It is in fact a pleasure to have them share their lives with us.

     Right by our front porch, birds, especially House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) regularly drop by for a dust bath, to cleanse their feathers of ectoparasites. The result is that two bowls have become established and they are well used.

     Sooner or later we may be able to get a shot of the birds performing their vigorous toilette when the dust flies in all directions! I'll be sure to post it if we do.

Hood Century Farm

     Roddie, a ten-year old dynamo, has been a fan of birds ever since I have known him, about five years now, and he has acquired a substantial repertoire of knowledge about all matters ornithological. He and his mom, Vashti, and sometimes his little sister, Raya, would come to SpruceHaven to observe our bird banding operation, and generally get involved with everything we were doing.

     I had not seen Roddie since before the beginning of the COVID scourge, so I was delighted to receive an email from Vashti, asking whether I could find Bobolinks (Dolichonyx orizivorus) for Roddie, the latest species in his quest to add to his life list. 

     I knew of just the place to go.

Picture courtesy of Roddie

      The visit turned out to be a family affair and I was happy to welcome everyone to join in on our quest for Roddy's quarry for the day.

Vashti, Raya, Roddie, Kyle (in green jacket at the rear), James

     We spotted Bobolinks almost immediately, with some males still in breeding plumage. We were unable to get closeup shots, but Roddie, wielding the camera like a National Geographic professional, managed this shot of a pair in flight.

     Others were perched in trees, many being hatch-year birds preparing for their first migration to the grasslands of South America.

     Roddie took this nice shot of a female or juvenile Bobolink at the top of the tree, and a male American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) down below.

     Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) have had a good breeding season and we saw many fledglings still being fed by their parents. Roddie the Recorder memorialized it for posterity.

     As it turned out one of the highlights for the day was not a bird, but a butterfly, and it landed on Vashti's jacket.

     The first picture below is mine and the second one is Roddie's. Neither are especially brilliant, but between the two all the salient details are present to identify the butterfly as a Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus) a species that I had not seen before. 

     It was delightful to spend time together and I am sure it will not be as long before I see Roddie again.

Book Review - Lizards of the World, A Guide to Every Family - Princeton University Press

 

     My affection for lizards goes back a long way. When I was much younger than I am now I journeyed on an unairconditioned cargo ship down the coast of West Africa. Our first port of call was in Dakar in Senegal, and children came to the ship with lizards carefully wrapped in large leaves, to sell to us. They were invaluable in keeping insects under control in our cabins and helping us sleep despite the heat.

     I have been fond  of lizards ever since and on a visit to Cambodia eight years ago Tokay Geckos performed the same service for Miriam and me, in addition to entertaining us with their vocalizations. Our accommodations were very basic and the geckos found their own way into the cabins. We certainly enjoyed their company, and perhaps they enjoyed ours too.

     I was excited to receive this book from Princeton University Press for review, and became more excited as I worked my way through it. Its subtitle is "A Guide to Every Family", but it is much more than that. The first eighty-five pages are devoted to providing a complete understanding of what makes a lizard a lizard. I learned a lot, and I can't imagine that most readers wouldn't also. Even a trained herpetologist would benefit from a review of these pages. Let me give you the titles working up to coverage of the orders and families.

Evolution and Origins of Lizards

Plate Tectonics and Timelines

Taxonomy of Lizards

Internal Anatomy

Lizard Skin

Sense Organs

Life in Extreme Conditions

Locomotion

Reproduction

Diet

Defense

Conservation

     It behooves us to remember that our planet was once ruled by reptiles  and may be again if we don't get serious about tackling climate change.

     The book covers every lizard family in the world, with important details on each. It may surprise some to discover that lizards are found from the hottest regions of the world, to some very cold locations, and have developed successful adaptations to survive in both environments. They are found from low deserts to high mountain peaks. Environment often affects their means of locomotion and camouflage is a vital protective strategy for many. They play an important role both as predator and as prey. 

     Like so many other organisms in the Anthropocene numerous lizard species are suffering threats of various kinds, including loss of habitat and introduced predators against which they have no defence. The Tuatara of New Zealand, for example, the last surviving member of the order Rhynchocephalia, clings to a precarious existence on a few islands cleansed of invasive cats and rats. It should never be overlooked that protection for lizards carries with it protection for all other species.

     Even the vaunted and much feared Komodo Dragon is suffering a decline in its numbers.

     Informative range maps are included with the text to show world distribution at a glance. 

     A helpful glossary is provided, along with links to other resources, both in print and on the internet.

     I recommend this work to weekend herpetophile and seasoned scientist alike. The photographs alone make every page a joy!

Lizards of the World - Princeton University Press

Author: Mark O'Shea

Hardcover - $29.95 - ISBN: 9780691198699

Published: 18 May 2021

240 pages - 350 colour plates, plus charts, illustrations and maps

6.75 x 9.56 in. (16.875 x 23.9 cm)

Odds and Ends - and Lily

     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.

Book Review - Wasps - Princeton University Press

 

     The subtitle to this wonderful book says it all: The astonishing diversity of a misunderstood insect.

     I am quite sure that I am not unlike many who have traditionally viewed bees with equanimity and wasps with dread. It seems almost impossible to induce a bee to sting you (and when it does it pays with its life), but a wasp seems to sting for no reason at all, and what's more is capable of stinging over and over again. And it hurts! Wasps seem just mean!

     This amazing book will open your eyes and your mind to wasps in all their incredible diversity, in ways you never dreamed of. They are truly remarkable insects - with multi-faceted lifestyles  - and deserve our appreciation and understanding.

     To quote directly from the book, "It is a naturally human desire to see other animals as inferior to us, but wasps give us ample reason to call our superiority into doubt. Female wasps are capable of astounding feats of fearlessness, strength, navigation and parental care. Their instincts maintain enough plasticity to allow them to overcome novel problems. They lack a mammalian level of intellect, yet they not only survive, they thrive, in a diversity of ecosystems."

     Those that are prone to sting humans give us ample warning by their aposematic colouration, advising quite clearly, "Don't mess with me!' With a little common sense and good judgement, you can almost always avoid situations where a wasp poses a threat. 

     We should never overlook that wasps are beneficial in our gardens, in controlling populations of caterpillars that are capable of reducing your cabbages to shreds. Many are solitary insects that go about their business unnoticed, inconspicuous by their very nature. Many have no sting - quite unlike the paper wasps and yellowjackets that may find your house a perfect place to raise their young. Most wasps, however, use their sting as a way of subduing prey, not as a weapon of defence.

     This book covers every facet of wasp biology, anatomy, habitat, lifestyle, reproduction, abundance, distribution - there is not a single aspect of wasp existence, current or historical, that is not examined in detail. Some of the adaptations employed by different species will amaze you.

     At the end of the book there is a "Wasp Family Album" - an excellent reference illustrating the diversity of wasps - a sort of Who's Who of the Hymenoptera aristocracy.

     There are tips on wasp watching - safely, and with a view to contributing to scientific knowledge. An excellent glossary is included and a bibliography of eighteen other works enables the keen wasp enthusiast to pursue further study. Computers are the tool of choice for many these days, and online resources are also listed.

     I am encouraged to read: "The relationships between people and wasps are likely to become much friendlier in the future, provided we listen to, and trust, scientists. There is no substitute for dedicated study in illuminating the importance of other creatures to our human world."

     Amen to that!

Wasps - Princeton University Press

Author: Eric R. Eaton

US$29.95, £25.00 - ISBN: 9780691211428

Published: USA - 9 March 2021

                UK - 11 May 2021

256 pages - 150 colour photographs - many colour charts and illustrations

6.13 x 9.25 in. (15.325 x 23.125 cm)

Book Review - Florapedia - Princeton University Press

 

     These wonderful little "pedias" are both entrancing and informative, and Carol Gracie has done an exceptional job with this volume, writing with style and wry humour, making the prose flow at once precisely and delightfully.

     Facts are presented in alphabetical fashion, in this case with "Achlorophyllous plants" as a first entry, and ending with "Zygomorphic". That's two fitting subjects for any botanist to bookend a work! One of the charming line drawings by Amy Jean Porter is above  the text at the very beginning, delightfully illustrating the topic. This artwork continues throughout, adding a lovely dimension to the work. Line drawings done well illuminate a book beautifully, and Florapedia uses this artifice to great effect. One is quite convinced that the writer and the artist engaged in a dialogue, actual or telepathic, to produce an integrated presentation.

     It always seems quite incredible to me how much information is compressed into one of the books in this series - volumes that will easily slip into your pocket or handbag. Yet one is never short changed, and even the most competent authority on any topic would concede that the coverage is excellent.  The novice may gain a quite thorough understanding of a topic in relatively few words. A case in point is Saguaro (to name just one - I could direct you to numerous others). Many people, upon visiting the Sonoran Desert of Arizona marvel at the giant cacti, but other than admiration know little of them. In around 830 words you are equipped with "everything you need to know about a Saguaro!" Gracie has fun recounting an incident when a gun-toting destroyer of the giant cactus was killed when an unstable plant toppled onto the man, killing him. "Poetic justice," she says!

     You probably have not made the acquaintance of Émile Gallé, essential knowledge before your next cocktail party, I am sure you will agree. And if you can initiate a discourse on John and William Bartram too, what an erudite man or woman you will be seen to be. Throw in a few bons mots about Marcgraviaceae and the world will be yours!

     From the serious to the whimsical, from the scientific to the fanciful, this is a work to be thoroughly enjoyed, regardless of the level of your botanical expertise. And there is an excellent bibliography to direct you to further research.

     You will not set this work down without the sense that you have just completed fine coverage of many topics - and you will want to pick it up  again and again.

Florapedia - Princeton University Press

Author: Carol Gracie - Illustrator: Amy Jean Porter

Hardcover

Price: US$16.95, £9.99 - ISBN: 978091211404

Published: 6 April 2021

200 pages - 53 black-and-white illustrations

4.5 x 6.75 in., (11.25 x 16.875 cm)