11-JUN-2011
Fly Rivellia sp.)
This tiny pretty fly is in the small family, Platystomatidae, which has only three genera in this part of the country, but it seems only this one is commonly seen.
10-JUN-2011
American lady caterpillar (Vanessa virginiensis)
A gorgeous caterpillar photographed by Diane in the BYG.
08-JUNE-2011
Ornamental onion (Allium)
Photographed by Steve Begin in the BYG. A gorgeous purple bloom!
08-JUNE-2011
Chrysoma sp.
Steve photographed this stunningly pretty green fly in the Backyard Garden. This is more than likely Chrysoma megacephala, an introduced fly in the Calliphoridae family (Blow Flies).
08-JUNE-2011
Hover flies, mating pair (Toxomerus marginatus)
A gorgeous capture of a mating pair of hover flies in flight, by Steve Begin. These flies are very tiny, a few mm in length.
07-JUN-2011
Hobomok skipper (Poanes hobomok)
This nice fresh male landed obligingly in front of me and allowed one shot!C
07-JUN-2011
Unhealthy looking DSV
We often see DSV with the signs of insect feeding, but I at least, have not seen this kind of diseased looking DSV. There were several plants growing between dame's rocket (a mustard) and goldenrod. The goldenrod leaves were also yellowing. It may be something in the soil at that site, or it may be something else. We are always hopeful we will see something that will finally get the better of this invasive species. So, we've left the plants standing and will monitor to see what, if anything, happens.
07-JUN-2011
Cutting DSV
Tuesday is our invasive species control day. Here Barry is wielding a big scythe to cut large masses of DSV. Before we do this, we make sure there are no nesting birds nearby, and we also make sure that there are no plants growing amidst the DSV that we want to save. Across from where Barry was doing this (this is the Old Field), we found four stems of white-flowered DSV, as well as patches of stinging nettles (good for red admiral butterflies) and other plants such as goldenrod that we want to save. This area was cut by several of us using shears which is slower, but allows us to cut around plants we want to protect.
While working here I mentioned to Marg that we should keep our eyes open for tiny treefrogs that like to sit on the DSV leaves. I had just cut a clump of DSV and as it was falling, saw a treefrog! I felt so awful but the little guy hopped off the leaf and away.
07-JUN-2011
Swift river cruiser (Macromia illinoiensis)
A new dragonfly for our FWG list, and a new species for me! I was walking to my car by the centre when this dragonfly flew over and landed waaaaay up in a manitoba maple. The photos really stretched the limits of my camera and the lighting was appalling, but I was determined to get a few photos to help with ID, because I knew I had not seen this before. Initially it was thought this was a Twin-spotted Spiketail, but thanks to Bruce Ripley and another visitor, and confirmed by Chris Lewis, we now know it is the swift river cruiser.
02-JUN-2011
Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
A member of the Mustard family, this very pretty garden escape comes in a variety of pinkish-purplish colours, as well as white. Attractive to nectaring insects.
02-JUN-2011
Common whitetail
One of several dragonflies I found today.
02-JUN-2011
Ravine
I'm standing on the bridge by the pond, looking down the ravine. I was marvelling at the sheer expanse of reed canary grass that is spilling down the slope and through the ravine.