05-OCT-2011
Cork tree (Phellodendron)
This is one of several cork trees at the garden, not planted by us, but presumably by birds! When I first saw this tree, it was relatively small, but it has certainly grown in the last four years. Birds and squirrels eat the fruit of this tree which is native to Northern Japan, northern China and other areas in that part of the world.
06-OCT-2011
Snapping turtle eggs
These eggs were by the pond and had clearly been dug up by an animal, perhaps a raccoon (though we so rarely see these animals at the FWG). It is sad, but perhaps one or two survived. The hole was fairly deep and the eggs were scattered all around it. On the positive side, it shows that the snapping turtle we've seen at the pond for several years was still there this summer. Or at least, a snapping turtle was there.
05-OCT-2011
Old Field, before the cutting
This is the north half of the old field habitat that we had mowed today. We need to keep it cut every few years in order to prevent shrub and tree growth from dominating (succession).
06-OCT-2011
Old Field, after cutting
By early noon, the north half of the old field was cut. We are leaving the southern half so that the small animals that use this area for cover will still have somewhere to hide. Sadly, we saw toads leaving the cut area in a big hurry. That makes me sad and also makes me think of other ways to control the growth here. On the positive side, the mower moved slowly and didn't scrape the ground, so it was above toad height (except for the wheels on the tractor).
06-OCT-2011
Chipmunk with lunch
This little chipmunk was enjoying a very large grasshopper for lunch (possibly a red-legged grasshopper), getting some protein.
06-OCT-2011
Chippie with meal
Another shot of this hungry chipmunk with the large grasshopper.
04-OCT-2011
Praying mantis (Mantis religiosa)
Barry found this large praying mantis at the garden and was able to get a good shot.
03-OCT-2011
Rosehips
Rosehips against the back wall of the Interpretive Centre, make a pretty red pattern.
03-OCT-2011
Autumn at FWG
Looking across the ravine to the Ash Woods, in a light rain. The colours are really beginning to appear now, and in another week should be pretty nice.
03-OCT-2011
Preening in the rain
One of the female mallards having a good preening session, necessary to make sure their feathers are waterproofed.
03-OCT-2011
The gathering
There are still a goodly number of ducks in the big pond, mostly mallards, but a few black ducks too. They were very vocal today, preening and calling and splashing... Fun to watch.
03-OCT-2011
Red squirrel
This feisty little guy had just run down the walnut tree to tell me off. In the next photo, you can see he is checking to make sure I hadn't taken any walnuts!