Category Archives: bugs

Bountiful watching

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Alistair

  Nature watching has been bountiful in the last few days. In addition to the just posted toads in amplexus and the dipper chicks, some things seen were: A Cliff Swallow peeking out of its nest; A marmot contemplating (“You disparaged … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, bugs, herptiles, mammals | 3 Comments

Hoverers

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Alistair

  This is the season during which my camera asks if it might be allowed to stake out a hummingbird feeder. While earlier a Calliope had visited, today there was nothing but Rufous Hummingbirds, each fighting for control of the bounteous supply of nectar. … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, bugs | 1 Comment

Halteres

Posted on April 26, 2015 by Alistair

  Rockets have them; drones have them; cruise ships have them; space telescopes have them; smart phones have them; and some insects have them. They are gyroscopes, rapidly spinning or vibrating devices that, by maintaining orientation in space, can assist navigation by … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs | 2 Comments

Bombylius major

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Alistair

  Mid April prompts a number of annual events: ospreys return (saw another one today), taxes, and the proliferation of Bombylius major. For some years, this blog has devoted a posting to this fuzzy little bee-mimic fly—all in mid April. … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs | 2 Comments

Bugs of winter

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Alistair

  Winter drives some of the herbivorous shield bugs to seek the warmth of homes. Most often seen is the Western Conifer Seed Bug. It is merely an aesthetic nuisance as it lethargically crawls across the floor. It can be picked up … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs | 4 Comments

Coming and going

Posted on November 2, 2014 by Alistair

  The fall is a time of many transitions. Here are two. A Black Meadowhawk was seen flying around today. November 2nd is late for any dragonfly to be about. Meanwhile, Bufflehead Ducks fly in. They are rare in summer, but … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, bugs | 1 Comment

Fog, turkeys, hoboes

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Alistair

  In the cool early morning, steam fog rose from a stream and drifted over the countryside. Wild turkeys are silhouetted in the morning mist as they feed in a field. As the fog drifts by, its droplets are intercepted by … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, bugs, weather | 2 Comments

Harlequin hunting

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Alistair

  The first observations of Harlequin Ducks on Kokanee Creek this century were made this May at which time the males appeared in their breeding finery. Now, for about a week, a Harlequin has been seen on the creek again. The breeding season … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, bugs, fish | 4 Comments

Flying yellow

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Alistair

  Within about five minutes I watched two yellowish, but very different, flying things. Although first thought to be a Nashville Warbler, Carlo is correct (comments): This bird is a Common Yellowthroat. The second is a Sulphur (butterfly), probably an … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, bugs | 3 Comments

Flower sharing

Posted on September 6, 2014 by Alistair

  I have watched many nectar sippers on flowers. The arrival of a second one usually drives the first away. Today, I was watching both a Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) and a Western White Butterfly (Pontia occidentalis) roam around a … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs, wildflowers | 2 Comments