14-NOV-2011
Garlic mustard (Alliaria officinalis)
I was annoyed, but not really surprised, to find a big growth of garlic mustard growing in an area I had completely cleared out in spring. The seed bank of this plant can be both prolific and long-lived so it will take much time yet before we get rid of this invasive species. We have cleared out this particular site many times over the years, and I think that one day we'll see less or none!
14-NOV-2011
Ash woods
A view looking north through the ash woods on a mild mid-November day.
14-NOV-2011
Amphibian Pond
There were a few black ducks and mallards in the pond, not as many as we saw earlier in the autumn. The amazingly warm weather (+18 today) brought out a painted turtle who was basking on the exposed mud.
14-NOV-2011
Low water in the pond
The water in the Amphibian Pond has been getting low since autumn began, and today there was quite an expanse of mud on the south side.
06-NOV-2011
Morning frost
Another beautiful view by Diane of highbush cranberry fruit with frost crystals.
06-NOV-2011
Frost
Diane captured the early morning frost on this highbush cranberry.
30-OCT-2011
Monarch waystation site
This is one section of our Monarch Waystation that was recently rototilled. This is done to try and control the invasive dog-strangling vine which would otherwise prevent other plants from growing here.
06-NOV-2011
Black duck
A lovely photo by Diane of one of the black ducks that can be frequently seen in the pond.
06-NOV-2011
Bee box
Diane put up this bee box, made by Bruce Burns. It is now waiting for next spring and bees to discover it. The last box we put up, a few summers ago, was almost immediately used by some leaf-cutting bees (Megachilids).
04-NOV-2011
Phlebia
This is a brightly coloured, but rather unusual bracket fungus often found on birch trees.
04-NOV-2011
South of the pond
A view looking eastward, and also showing the south side of the pond with its row of bird houses.
04-NOV-2011
Goldenrod gall
This was one of scores of opened goldenrod galls found in the cut portion of the old field. It is remarkable how neatly the gall has been chewed in half, and the little goldenrod gall fly grub extracted from its shelter in the middle. These galls are hard, not easily cut with a sharp knife, so it is all the more interesting that squirrels and mice can chew them open so perfectly, like this one.