27-APR-2018
Eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus)
This one survived the long winter and is probably hungrily awaiting fresh growth.
27 April 2018
Groundhog (Marmota monax)
We think this might be Isabelle's bane. I'm sure this scruffy fellow was day dreaming of all the delicious wildflowers that will be coming up soon in our Backyard Garden.
27 April 2018
Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides)
This poplar tree on the south side of the Old Woodlot was also just starting to bloom. Not very conspicuous, but up close the flowers look quite exotic and beautiful.
27-APR-2018
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
Another view of the pretty coltsfoot flower.
27 April 2018
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
One of the earliest blooms at the FWG, this plant is not native, but it provides pollen to early bees. In the last few years, many have come up between the rocks that form the dam under our bridge.
27 April 2018
Andrenid bee
SG: I checked the willow tree at the end of the our pond because when it blooms, it's usually covered in bees. It was, but I found it impossible to get a good photo of any of them. However, Andrenid bees tunnel into the nearby slope and I was lucky to see one resting from its work.
27 April 2018
Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus)
Another early spring "riser," Wood Frogs were calling in our pond, and these two were locked in a passionate embrace. Well, maybe not passionate, but we can expect eggs and tadpoles soon.
7 April 2018
Eastern Phoebe
People are reporting first sightings of Eastern Phoebes on the nature listserv, so here is my (Sandy) first for the FWG this year. It was sitting on shrubs at the edge of the pond, swooping out close to the water surface occasionally to grab an insect.
09-APR-2018
Killdeer
These two were found in the mud on the edge of the Rideau Canal just below the FWG, so not technically in the garden, but close enough! A nice sign of spring, anyway.
09-APR-2018
Song sparrow
Several song sparrows around the pond in the few cattails existing at the moment. Elsewhere in the garden there were another 5 or 6 of these sparrows, mostly well hidden.
09-APR-2018
Mourning dove
One of three doves found at the garden today. One is nesting, the other two were nearby.
09-APR-2018
Mourning dove
One of three doves at the garden this morning. This one was in the BYG enjoying the sun in a patch of open, snow-free ground.