31 August, 2025
We inadvertently turned one road before we should have and were soon in Floradale. Since we were there anyway, we checked the reservoir and were delighted to see a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) and a Great Egret (Ardea alba).
We proceeded on to The Kissing Bridge Trail in Elmira, our intended destination.
You could be forgiven for concluding that insects had formed a welcoming committee, starting with this beautifully patterned Chickweed Geometer Moth (Haematopis grataria).
This muscular-looking fly is a member of the Flesh Flies (family Sarcophagidae).
A Thick-legged Hover Fly (Syritta pipiens) took full advantage of the copious volume of nectar and pollen.
Flies (order Diptera) are not always easy to identify as to species.
As might be expected, Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens) was seen frequently.
Meadow Spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius) is less well known than its foamy deposits.
Three Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) found this tree much to their liking, and remained there for an extended period. Only two are visible in the picture.
I find lichens incredibly interesting and wish I knew more about them. I am pretty sure this is a type of Rosette Lichen (genus Physcia), quite common in southern Ontario.
I don't know how many times I have been asked whether Wild Cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) is edible, and I can find no evidence to reach a conclusion one way or the other.
I know that it was used by Native people as both an aphrodisiac and an analgesic, but I can find no record of culinary applications. Eastern Black Walnut (Juglands nigra) is highly prized by squirrels.
Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is the bane of hay fever sufferers, who are no doubt relieved that pollen dispersal is over for the year.
If I had a dollar for every Cross Orbweaver (Araneus diadematus) I have seen I would be a rich man!
It's probably safe to say that Common Aerial Yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenaria) is not on everyone's "best friends" list, but even the most resolute wasp haters will concede that it is beautiful.
This species constructs its nest high in trees or on awnings, a structure you are doubtless familiar with. Pale Green Sweat Bee (Augochlora pura) is quite common and exceptionally attractive.
It is seen in the picture above with a species of Flesh Fly. Sweat bees, as the name implies, will sometimes land on human skin to lick sweat. If this should happen to you, consider it a privilege and welcome this communion with nature. Do not swat it or in any way attempt to harm the bee. They will rarely, if ever sting, and their sting is exceptionally mild in any event.
This is a type of small carpenter bee in the subgenus Zadontomerus.
Juvenile American Robins (Turdus migratorius) were busy honing the skills they will need to see them through till next spring when they will become breeders for the first time.
Fungi fascinates - and often perplexes!
Wasps in the genus Ancistrocerus are widespread through the Holarctic, but are seen far less frequently than other species.
A trio of Mennonite men were out for a stroll.
Fourteen-spotted Lady Beetle (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata is distinctively marked. It was introduced in to North America for aphid control and is now resident across wide swathes of the continent.
I almost swoon at the beauty of the scientific name - a lesson in etymology if ever there was one. Here is a land snail in the subfamily Trochulininae surrounded by Sow-thistle Aphids (Uroleucon sonchi).
Riverbank Grape (Vitis riparia) is favoured by birds and people, although I don't know of anyone who currently uses it for human culinary applications.
A Northern Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica barberi) is far more appealing than its name might suggest.
Spotted Pink Lady Beetle (Coleomegilla maculata) is a North American species.
It is often parasitized by a brachonid wasp that transforms it into a zombie bodyguard, one of the more macabre examples of insect lifestyles. We were elated to discover this 4th instar caterpillar of Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), surely as cute as anything in nature.
Soon it will pupate and find a space to hibernate for the winter, to emerge as a butterfly next spring.
Small White (Pieris rapae) remains the species we see more than any other butterfly.
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) never loses its charm.
I believe this is a Lesser Vagabond Sod Webworm Moth (Agriphila ruricolellus).
That name is quite a mouthful! Upright Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta) brightens up the green forest edges.
Water Plantains (genus Alisma) always fascinate me.
North American Common Water Striders (Aquarius remigis) no less.
Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) cruised high above us; many will soon be migrating to escape the harsh winter ahead.
Nodding Beggartick (Bidens cernua) is a common late summer flower, especially in moist areas.
A species of North American Spur-throated Grasshopper (genus Melanoplus).
And a Short-winged Meadow Katydid (Concephalus brevipennis).
Common Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is an important source of high-energy nectar for hummingbirds as they add fuel for their long migration.
It was fitting that a couple of Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) chattered in lively fashion as we reached the end of our afternoon meander.
I am quite sure they were saying, "Come back soon!" And we will.
A D D E N D U M
My friend, Pam Sadler, sent me these images of a female Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) leaving the water to snag a passing dragonfly.
While mergansers routinely consume dragonfly larvae, in addition to small fish, crustaceans and invertebrates, I have never seen one leave the water to capture an insect in flight.
This bird must be a frustrated flycatcher!
Kudos to Pam for being quick with her camera to capture the sequence and for sharing it with us. Quite remarkable!
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