22-OCT-2013
Polypores
Many old fence posts and dead trees, stumps, and logs, sport clusters of polypores all year round. After rain, they are rejuvenated and dry out again later. These look like one of the Trichaptum) species. Photographed by Robert.
22-OCT-2013
Polypores
Robert also photographed these polypores on a dead tree near the butterfly meadow.
22-OCT-2013
Whatzit... in the tree
Robert photographed this contraption and was puzzled by it. So are we. Several of us first noticed it last year, and wondered what it was. We asked a few people if they had perhaps put it up for nesting purposes, but they were as surprised as we were. From this photo, it appears that something has made us of it, and more than likely a red squirrel.
22-OCT-2013
Tree cavities
A series of small holes or cavities made by a pileated woodpecker, exploring the tree trunk for insect food.
21-OCT-2013
Poppy
The last poppy still blooming in the rockery in the Backyard Garden, head hanging low from the weight of the raindrops.
21-OCT-2013
Black-capped chickadee
No matter how cold, wet, snowy or dismal, the weather, the chickadees are a constant. Their cheery calls can warm up any winter day. When I took this, it was not wintry, but it was cold and grey. This was in the Backyard Garden.
13-OCT-2013
Praying mantis with wooly bear caterpillar
A striking image by Robert of a large praying mantis (Mantis religiosa), with a wooly bear caterpillar (Pyrrhaectia isabella), the larval stage of the isabella tiger moth.
17-OCT-2013
Chipmunk
This little chimpmunk with the stuffed face, was taken by Robert. This is a busy time of year for chipmunks as they must provision their burrows for the winter to come. Chipmunks don't hibernate in the true sense of the word, but rather go into a state of dormancy from which they awake periodically through the winter, to have a snack, or even, if the temperature has warmed unusually, come outside for awhile.
17-OCT-2013
Polypores on elm
These very attractive polypores, or bracket fungi, were photographed by Robert, on the old dead elm tree, north of the ash woods. Notice the colours of the lichens too, which really add to the overall attractiveness of this image. Nature's paintbox!
18-OCT-2013
Amphibian Pond
Robert sent us this photo of the pond in all its autumn glory.
17-OCT-2013
Chicory
As well as new england asters, there are still a few other flowers blooming around the garden. This late chicory flower is the result of cutting earlier. The plant has re-grown and blossomed.
17-OCT-2013
Monarda fistulosa seedhead
The seedheads of many flowers can be quite intriguing and attractive as here, with the monarda.