Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Norfolk County!

We made a day trip to Norfolk County towards Lake Erie, on the weekend. This Harvester was one of 3 that we found. I had only ever seen the species once before and it was over 10 years ago. The larva of the Harvester is the only carnivorous caterpillar in North America! It feasts on various species of Wooly Aphids.

American Copper was a "lifer species" for me! It was one of many butterflies drinking nectar from Orange Butterfly Weed plants.

Edward's Hairstreak! One of 4 species of Hairstreaks that we found.

Great-spangled Fritillary is the largest Fritillary in Ontario.

Tawny Emperor admiring its reflection on a vehicle.

Tiger Swallowtail taking a break in the shade on an incredibly hot day. It was too hot for both butterflies and people that day!

The only Gray Hairstreak we found landed on Deryl's hat. Butterflies will sometimes land on people to get the salt from our sweat.

Many Tiger Beetles reside in our near sandy soil. It was "mating day" as Big Sand Tiger Beetles were trying to pair up.

Big Sand Tiger Beetle pair.

The Ghost Tiger Beetle was a new species for us! They are much smaller than many of the other Tiger Beetles and could sit on a dime. Because of their camouflage, it is easier to find them by watching for their shadows.

The Punctured Tiger Beetle is identified by the twin lines of indentations on either side of the mid-line. Both adults and larvae are predators. The larvae live in deep burrows, and use their large size and humped back to help capture prey. Adults are the fastest known species of tiger beetle. They can run 125 times their body length in one second and can chase down their prey both on foot and while running!
https://www.longleggedybeasties.com/2019/06/punctured-tiger-beetle/

Sunday, July 6, 2025

 Scenic Views of Eastern NFLD!

Topsail Beach

Looking back at Signal Hill from Cape Spears.

Looking down from Cape Spears.

Cape Spears

Ocean views from East Coast Trail

We drove south towards Trepassey hoping to find Caribou. We spoke to a local who said there used to be a few hundred in the area, but they were sadly all gone.

On the return trip from Cape St. Mary's we stopped at Landwash Beach, Branch NFLD.

Some of the rocks at Landwash Beach were extremely colourful.

A trail we explored just before finding the Steller's Sea-eagle.

Our last morning in Newfoundland at Middle Cove Beach!

And a few final pics of some of my favourite birds!
Black Guillemot on a rocky perch!

Northern Gannets "sword" fighting.

A final wave good-bye from an Atlantic Puffin!

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

 Botanical Gardens, MUN. St. Johns:

The botanical gardens at Memorial University showcase both cultivated gardens and meandering nature trails within the boreal forest. We enjoyed a few hours walking the trails to look for birds and insects. Early in our walk, we found a Common Loon nest! The nest is made out of dead plant materials such as sedges and marsh grasses that grow along the lake's edge. Then one of the loons crawls on top of the mound and shapes the interior to the contours of its body. 
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Loon/lifehistory#nesting

Light conditions can cause an iridescent green ring of colour on the normally black neck of Common Loons. 

Artistic Moose on the trail!

Puffin Art, in the gardens!

Dark-eyed Junco: In Southern Ontario, we only see this species during the winter months, but during nesting seasons they are found in Newfoundland and areas stretching across Northern Canada.

Attracting bats by providing shelter! Bats benefit humans in many ways including pollination, insect control and seed dispersal.

American Emerald dragonflies in mating wheel

American Emerald

A beautiful Bluet species.

Dragon's Mouth Orchid

Green Comma, upper wing

Green Comma, lower wing - amazing camouflage!! 
Notice the white "comma" on the underwing.

A type of Beard Lichen, was commonly found hanging from the trees.

Pink Lady's Slippers

Bog Cranberry (I think)

Northern Azure

Red-belted Bumblebee

There was a large population of Rock Pigeons in St. John's that appeared to be well fed. As I sat on a bench, 30 pigeons flew in and rushed over to me. They were definitely conditioned to being fed, but they weren’t going to reap any rewards from me!