Category Archives: bugs

July goulash

Posted on July 31, 2018 by Alistair

  This is a collection of a dozen images from July, none of which has had a posting of its own. Where have all the male Mallards gone? They are here, but are in their eclipse plumage, which makes them … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, bugs, fish, mammals, wildflowers | 3 Comments

Deer fly eggs

Posted on July 21, 2018 by Alistair

  A half-dozen deer flies, Chrysops figidus(?), were laying eggs just above the waterline on a long-decommissioned piling. In their preparation for laying eggs, it is these female deer flies that inflict painful bites as they seek blood that is … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs | 3 Comments

Fat and yellow

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Alistair

  As far as I can tell, the daisy is the favourite local hunting ground of crab spiders (Misumena vatia), so when the daisies bloom, I scan them for spiders. The crab spider is a chameleon: it can change colour … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs | 4 Comments

Dew, not dew

Posted on June 26, 2018 by Alistair

  The web of an orb-weaving spider covered in matutinal drops of water is undoubtedly beautiful. But, is the web really covered in dew — as is claimed by a myriad of photo sites? Alas, this is something for which … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs, weather, wildflowers | 7 Comments

Chimeric hymenopteran

Posted on June 9, 2018 by Alistair

  The insect that alighted on a leaf near me had the look of a chimera, a mythical beast assembled from the parts of other animals. It had a wasp’s head, a bee’s hairy body; and a butterfly’s clubbed antennae. … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs | 3 Comments

Rapidity of May

Posted on May 22, 2018 by Alistair

  The rapidity of May is the speed of change that takes place as the region shifts from winter to summer. Events pile up on my camera. Here are a few of them. The rising waters of the Lake overflow … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, bugs, herptiles, mammals | 6 Comments

April goulash

Posted on April 30, 2018 by Alistair

  April has been a month of sparse postings, but not one of sparse observations. This collection shows some of the sightings that did not have a posting of its own. A male Pintail Duck wanders past. The oversized bills … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, bugs, mammals | 9 Comments

Bombylius major

Posted on April 27, 2018 by Alistair

  Early most springs, I post pictures of Bombylius major, for it is only at this time that one sees this interesting fly in one’s garden. Abruptly, spring has arrived, and so has bombylius.  Although Bombylius major is a fly, … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs | 3 Comments

Dipper smarts

Posted on December 30, 2017 by Alistair

  Dot: This is the second of two postings about the behaviour of a dipper, dubbed Dot, owing to a white spot on its back. Once thought to be a uniquely human characteristic, the use of tools is considered a … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, bugs | 5 Comments

Mating swarm

Posted on August 27, 2017 by Alistair

  How do a lovelorn insects find a mate? There are various strategies, but one of them is to gather in a mating ball or mating swarm. Such swarms abound at this time of year, hanging over fixed references such … Continue reading →

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