The long-range forecasters were right when they predicted a hotter than normal summer for us. We are enduring another heat warning. Daytime highs of 32 to 35 degrees Celsius are predicted, with humidex values of 37 to 42 and overnight lows of 20 to 23 degrees Celsius.
This is a good time to revisit the somewhat cooler weather of the second half of June.
In the later days of June, a variety of wildflowers (native and introduced) are in bloom in Harris Park and on the roadsides leading to the park.
Bittersweet Nightshade, Yellow Avens, White Avens, Multiflora Rose, Common Milkweed, Common Motherwort, Bladder Campion, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Field Bindweed, Northern Evening-Primrose, Common Sow-Thistle (two photos), Orange Day-Lily, Oxeye Daisy, Curled Dock, Creeping Thistle.
Trees and shrubs were in bloom or setting fruit and seeds.
Autumn Olive (invasive), Small-leaved Linden, Amur Maple (with colourful keys), Serviceberry (with ripening fruit), Japanese Spirea and Common Ninebark (with seeds developing). Serviceberry and Common Ninebark are the only native plants among these.
Insects are integral to the ecology of plants, whether as protectors, seed dispersers or pollinators. Plants may be food sources and nesting sites for insects. We are always happy to find as many insects as we can.
Peck’s Skipper, Greenbottle fly, Spotted Pink Lady Beetle, Margined Calligrapher (two photos, two calligraphers), Asian Lady Beetle, Orange Cahill (a type of mayfly), Western Honey Bee (two photos)
Now that the Canada Geese goslings are almost the size of their parents, and they have developed adult plumage, the size of the flocks has grown.
Common Grackles still forage along the river, but are no longer busy feeding young. Killdeer nest every year along the riverbank. We hear their cries throughout the day, and often spot one or two on the shore of the river.
In June, there were still Mallard ducklings, possibly a second brood for the season.
The female Mallard has a pigment disorder, possibly leucism. According to Wikipedia, “Mallards are among the most common bird species to exhibit aberrant colouration, typically due to genetic mutations. …; leucism in birds often results in ‘cream-coloured’, ‘apricot’ or muted feathers on certain parts of the body.”
Male Mallards are moulting, losing their signature glossy green heads and developing non-breeding or eclipse plumage.
We heard this Rose-breasted Grosbeak singing and were happy to find him feasting on a ripe mulberry. Perhaps it is his mate at the feeder below. Female Rose-breasted Grosbreaks look nothing like the males! Red-winged Blackbirds are still making their presence known. The female Northern Cardinal was foraging in the eavestrough for insects. In June, some American Robins are still feeding young, probably their second round this year.
Osprey Update
It is somehow comforting for us to see the Osprey pair perched on the the stadium lights many mornings. Before long, one or both will start the journey south. Then will begin the long wait until their return in late March.
Sunflowers from Wandering Bee
Songs That Made Me Think
Growing up, I was not really aware of social justice issues. I did not realize that radio stations received complaints from listeners when these songs were aired. Compared to many songs today, these may seem tame.
