We haven’t been out much in the hot winds of mid summer.  But we did take some short drives to see some interesting beasties over the last few days.  What we saw:

A potter wasp on milkweed leaf …

Female monarch taking nectar, possibly before laying eggs on the milkweed leaves.

Little bee picks up the shaft of sunlight illuminating part of the butterfly’s left wing.

Sand digger wasp taking nectar from milkweed blossoms —- along with two little friends!

One of the many Duskywings (Columbine?)commonly seen in Ontario.

Yes, we have curious pigeons in Britt also.

And lots of grasshoppers in the hot dry weather ….

Hoverfly?

 

Chokecherries are ripening now, much to the delight of wild critters.

Hollyhock near fisherman Eddie’s place …

Riper chokecherries, ready for making jelly (or wine).

Highbush cranberries, ready for stinking up a kitchen in a few weeks.

Virgin’s bower …

 

…. with the beautiful “granulations” in the petals …

First time that I’ve ever seen a flock (about 20) of these birdies.

Rictal hairs …. a giveaway to an insectivore used to catching prey in the air…  An Eastern Kingbird.

The first time I’ve ever seen a Goldfinch taking a larva possible to stock up on protein, as they have a very late breeding season.

All as this old crow eyes the photographer warily…

We need some rain to see these Ghosts of August!