Mechanical Prophylactic

by on September 6, 2013 { 0 comments }
Smashed UV Lens
Smashed UV Filter
Cameron, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
September 4, 2013

For modern digital cameras, UV filters do little to reduce haze and are primarily used to protect the lens from dust and fingerprints, but they can also protect the lens from an impact or fall. The first thing I do with all my lenses is protect them with one of these filters. Last weekend I carelessly swung my camera bag over my shoulder without checking that it was closed and my 18-55 mm kit lens fell from a height of a meter onto asphalt impacting directly on the lens face. As you can see from the photo above the filter was smashed but if you mouse over the photo you can see that lens was left without a scratch. Unlike Ken Rockwell it only took a little over two years for these filters to pay off. I already have a replacement filter on the way from amazon. On a unrelated note, this filter is also useful as a control in my polarized light bioassays.

Photo of the Week

by on September 1, 2013 { 0 comments }
Boundary Bay Sunset
Boundary Bay Sunset
Boundary Bay Dyke Trail, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
August 22, 2013

I haven’t been out shooting much lately. What outings I have taken lately have been out to Boundary Bay in search of migrating shorebirds. While these trips have yielded some good sightings, my timing in regards to the tides hasn’t been the best. It seems I never catch the rising tide and I always arrive after the mudflats have flooded, driving off the flocks of shorebirds. While I have seen plenty of shorebirds they have all been too distant for photography. As a result my camera has been dangling at my side without getting much use. After missing the tide again I spent some time near the Mansion on Boundary Bay. I turned back towards the car as the daylight finally died and I was finally able to put my camera to good use. With the recent reports of Red Knots, it seems I’ll likely be spending another evening or two out at Boundary Bay.

Photo of the Week

by on August 25, 2013 { 0 comments }
Purple loosestrife
Purple Loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria, Lythraceae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
August 17, 2013

This striking purple flower is one of British Columbia’s and Canada’s most noxious weeds. Purple Loosestrife can produce nearly 3 million seeds on a single plant and these seeds are easily transported by wind, water or animals. Control of these plants is made even more difficult by their ability to regenerate from root fragments. The plants form dense stands that outcompete all other wetland vegetation, adversely affecting wetland associated species such as waterfowl and amphibians. I found this particular plant in a ditch near Burnaby Lake. Burnaby Lake was one of the release sites for the Black-margined Loosestrife Beetle (Galerucella calmariensis). The beetle has been quite successful in reducing populations of Purple Loosestrife at Colony Farm and other sites such as the aforementioned Burnaby Lake. From what I understand Burnaby Lake used to be positively purple as compared with the isolated populations you find today.

Photo of the Week

by on August 18, 2013 { 1 comment }
Common Earwig
Common Earwig
Forficula auricularia, Forficulidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
August 16, 2013

This week’s photo is an addendum to my Arachnids of the Annex post. I found this Common Earwig prowling around my colonies down in the Annex. The Common Earwig is the most common of the four introduced species that occur in BC. The straight forceps (or cerci) indicate that this is a female Earwig. I was pretty excited with this find as this is my second new insect order (Dermaptera) since moving to BC.

Field Notes – Cypress Mountain, July 14, 2013

by on August 14, 2013 { 0 comments }
<p><i>Phyllodoce empetriformis</i>, Ericaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Pink Mountain-heather

Phyllodoce empetriformis, Ericaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Ambystoma gracile</i>, Ambystomatidae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Northwestern Salamander

Ambystoma gracile, Ambystomatidae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Abies amabilis</i>, Pinaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Amabilis Fir

Abies amabilis, Pinaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Haliaeetus leucocephalus</i>, Accipitridae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Juvenile Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Accipitridae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 14, 2013

<p>Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Dragonfly Nymph

Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Carex pallescens</i>, Cyperaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Pale Sedge

Carex pallescens, Cyperaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Luetkea pectinata</i>, Rosaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Partridgefoot

Luetkea pectinata, Rosaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Phyllodoce granduliflora</i>, Ericaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Yellow Mountain-heather

Phyllodoce granduliflora, Ericaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Lupinus arcticus</i>, Fabaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Arctic Lupine

Lupinus arcticus, Fabaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Elliottia pyroliflora</i>, Ericaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Copperbush

Elliottia pyroliflora, Ericaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Lilium columbianum</i>, Liliaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Columbia Lily

Lilium columbianum, Liliaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Penstemon serrulatus</i>, Plantaginaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Coast Penstemon

Penstemon serrulatus, Plantaginaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 14, 2013

<p>Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Nature Vancouver at Eagle Bluffs

Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Hieracium albiflorum</i>, Asteraceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

White Hawkweed

Hieracium albiflorum, Asteraceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Corallorhiza mertensiana</i>, Orchidaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Western Coralroot

Corallorhiza mertensiana, Orchidaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Cryptogramma acrostichoides</i>, Pteridaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Parsley Fern

Cryptogramma acrostichoides, Pteridaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Panthea virginarius portlandia</i>, Noctuidae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Panthea Moth

Panthea virginarius portlandia, Noctuidae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Rubus pedatus</i>, Rosaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Five-leaved Bramble

Rubus pedatus, Rosaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Cassiope mertensiana</i>, Ericaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

White Mountain-heather

Cassiope mertensiana, Ericaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Eriophorum angustifolium</i>, Cyperaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Tall Cotton-grass

Eriophorum angustifolium, Cyperaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Menziesia ferruginea</i>, Ericaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

False Azalea

Menziesia ferruginea, Ericaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Bombus vosnesenskii</i>, Apidae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Vosnesensky Bumble Bee

Bombus vosnesenskii, Apidae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Rhododendron albiflorum</i>, Ericaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

White Rhododendron

Rhododendron albiflorum, Ericaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p>Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

The Lions

Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Saxifraga ferruginea</i>, Saxifragaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Alaska Saxifrage

Saxifraga ferruginea, Saxifragaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Carex pachystachya</i>, Cyperaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Thick-headed Sedge

Carex pachystachya, Cyperaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Carex canescens</i>, Cyperaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Grey Sedge

Carex canescens, Cyperaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Carex lenticularis</i>, Cyperaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Lakeshore Sedge

Carex lenticularis, Cyperaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Nephrophyllidium crista-galli</i>, Menyanthaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Deer-Cabbage

Nephrophyllidium crista-galli, Menyanthaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Erigeron peregrinus</i>, Asteraceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> July 14, 2013</p>

Subalpine Fleabane

Erigeron peregrinus, Asteraceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

<p><i>Veratrum viride</i>, Melanthiaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br /> August 5, 2013</p>

Indian Hellebore

Veratrum viride, Melanthiaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
August 5, 2013

<p><i>Carex mertensii</i>, Cyperaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br /> August 5, 2013</p>

Mertens' Sedge

Carex mertensii, Cyperaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
August 5, 2013

<p><i>Juncus ensifolius</i>, Juncaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br /> August 5, 2013</p>

Dagger-leaved Rush

Juncus ensifolius, Juncaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
August 5, 2013

<p><i>Perisoreus canadensis</i>, Corvidae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> August 5, 2013</p>

Gray Jay

Perisoreus canadensis, Corvidae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
August 5, 2013

<p><i>Tofieldia glutinosa</i>, Tofieldiaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br /> August 5, 2013</p>

Sticky False Asphodel

Tofieldia glutinosa, Tofieldiaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
August 5, 2013

<p><i>Pinus monticola</i>, Pinaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> August 5, 2013</p>

Western White Pine

Pinus monticola, Pinaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
August 5, 2013

<p><i>Nuphar lutea</i>, Nymphaeaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> August 5, 2013</p>

Yellow Pond-lily

Nuphar lutea, Nymphaeaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
August 5, 2013

<p><i>Platanthera stricta</i>, Orchidaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br /> August 5, 2013</p>

Slender Bog Orchid

Platanthera stricta, Orchidaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
August 5, 2013

<p><i>Symphyotrichum foliaceum</i>, Asteraceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br /> August 5, 2013</p>

Leafy Aster

Symphyotrichum foliaceum, Asteraceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
August 5, 2013

<p><i>Carex echinata</i>, Cyperaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br /> August 5, 2013</p>

Star Sedge

Carex echinata, Cyperaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
August 5, 2013

<p><i>Rhionaeschna multicolor</i>, Aeshnidae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> August 5, 2013</p>

Blue-eyed Darner

Rhionaeschna multicolor, Aeshnidae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
August 5, 2013

<p>Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> August 5, 2013</p>

Bowen Lookout

Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
August 5, 2013

<p><i>Tanacetum parthenium</i>, Asteraceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br /> August 5, 2013</p>

Feverfew

Tanacetum parthenium, Asteraceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
August 5, 2013

<p><i>Mimulus lewisii</i>, Phrymaceae<br /> Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br /> August 5, 2013</p>

Lewis' Monkeyflower

Mimulus lewisii, Phrymaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
August 5, 2013

Over the last month I have taken a couple of trips up to Cypress Mountain. About a month ago I joined a group of Nature Vancouver members for a hike up to Black Mountain Plateau and Eagle Bluffs. The birding was fair with several high elevation specialties like Sooty Grouse and Hermit Thrush. I was also lucky enough to to see a flock of Vaux’s Swifts (Lifer!) just outside the lodge. Even still, I think the birding highlight of the day was seeing a Anna’s Hummingbird mobbing a Juvenile Bald Eagle. Over the course of the day we saw a total of 13 species. For a complete listing see the KMZ file below. [click to continue…]

Photo of the Week

by on August 11, 2013 { 0 comments }
Indian Hellebore
Indian Hellebore
Veratrum viride, Melanthiaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
August 5, 2013

With this week’s photo we return to Cypress Mountain. I was quite taken with this striking Indian Hellebore. Indian Hellebore is common in cold wet subalpine meadows. In addition to its striking flowers this species is highly poisonous with the ingestion of even small amount causing loss of consciousness and eventual death. I suppose it is a good thing that this species is easily separated from other costal lilies with edible bulbs.

Photo of the Week

by on August 5, 2013 { 0 comments }
Blue-eyed Darner
Blue-eyed Darner
Rhionaeschna multicolor, Aeshnidae
Surrey Lake Park, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
August 3, 2013

This week’s photo is from a quick trip out to Surrey Lake Park in a successful search for a Green Heron. While I was watching the Heron I noticed the Darners patrolling the lake shore. Every so often they would hover in place before zooming on down the shoreline. With a little patience I was able to get a few mid-air shots of these aerial hunters. You can mouse over the picture above to see a side view of dragonfly showing its diagnostic side stripes on the thorax. No other BC darner has a forked male appendage but unfortunately I wasn’t able to capture it in the second photo due to motion blur.

So this is what a $1900 piece of glass looks like

by on August 2, 2013 { 0 comments }

After five weeks of waiting my polarizing filter has finally arrived! The filter is 50 mm square making each square millimeter a bargain at a mere $0.76. Why might you ask is this tiny piece of glass so expensive? This polarizing filter is capable of filtering light from 200 nm to 4000 nm with a relatively flat transmission spectra across this wide swath of the electromagnetic spectrum spanning ultraviolet, visible and infrared light. Creating a filter that works across such a range of wavelengths requires specialized manufacturing techniques and has only a handful of applications. Unfortunately for me insects see well into the ultraviolet making the common and inexpensive visual light polarizers unsuitable for my research. [click to continue…]

Field Notes – Grant Narrows, June 30 & July 13, 2013

by on July 31, 2013 { 1 comment }
<p>Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Nature Dike Trail

Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p>Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Pitt River Quarries

Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Melospiza melodia</i>, Emberizidae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia, Emberizidae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Ischnura cervula</i>, Coenagrionidae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Male Pacific Forktail

Ischnura cervula, Coenagrionidae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 30, 2013

<p>Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Fly

Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Ischnura cervula</i>, Coenagrionidae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Female Pacific Forktail

Ischnura cervula, Coenagrionidae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Enallagma boreale</i> or <i>E. cyathigerum</i>, Coenagrionidae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Male Bluet

Enallagma boreale or E. cyathigerum, Coenagrionidae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Ischnura cervula</i>, Coenagrionidae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Swarm of Pacific Forktail

Ischnura cervula, Coenagrionidae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Limenitis lorquini ilgae</i>, Nymphalidae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Lorquin's Admiral

Limenitis lorquini ilgae, Nymphalidae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p>Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Katzie Marsh

Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p>Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Grant Narrows Panorama

Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Leucorrhinia intacta</i>, Libellulidae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Dot-tailed Whiteface

Leucorrhinia intacta, Libellulidae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Nymphaea alba</i>, Nymphaeaceae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

European White Waterlily

Nymphaea alba, Nymphaeaceae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Limnoporus</i> sp., Gerridae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Water Strider

Limnoporus sp., Gerridae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Libellula quadrimaculata</i>, Libellulidae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Four-spotted Skimmer

Libellula quadrimaculata, Libellulidae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Libellula forensis</i>, Libellulidae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Eight-spotted Skimmer

Libellula forensis, Libellulidae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Hexagenia</i> sp., Ephemeridae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Mayfly Subimago

Hexagenia sp., Ephemeridae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Zonotrichia leucophrys</i>, Emberizidae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys, Emberizidae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p>Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Female Common Merganser & her Chicks

Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Malva moschata</i>, Malvaceae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Musk-mallow

Malva moschata, Malvaceae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Petrochelidon pyrrhonota</i>, Hirundinidae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> June 30, 2013</p>

Cliff Swallow Nest

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota, Hirundinidae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 30, 2013

<p><i>Pachydiplax longipennis</i>, Libellulidae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> July 13, 2013</p>

Male Blue Dasher

Pachydiplax longipennis, Libellulidae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 13, 2013

<p>Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> July 13, 2013</p>

Fireweed Ditch

Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 13, 2013

<p>Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> July 13, 2013</p>

Riverside Dike Trail

Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 13, 2013

<p>Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> July 13, 2013</p>

Widgeon Creek Valley

Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 13, 2013

<p>Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> July 13, 2013</p>

Raven Peak

Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 13, 2013

<p><i>Aeshna canadensis</i>, Aeshnidae<br /> Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> July 13, 2013</p>

Male Canada Darner

Aeshna canadensis, Aeshnidae
Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 13, 2013

<p>Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada<br /> Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br /> July 13, 2013</p>

Katzie Sunset

Grant Narrows, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 13, 2013

While the sightings are a bit stale now, I took a couple of trips out to Grant Narrows at the end of June and the start of July. On my first trip I walked the full circuit of the Nature Dike Trail. I was lucky enough to see and record a calling Least Flycatcher about 1.5 km from the trailhead. I also spent a good hour and a half chasing down Yellow Warblers hoping to see an American Redstart. It was only later I found out I was looking on the wrong Dike Trail. On Katzie Marsh I was able to make out a pair of Sandhill Cranes and one group of two Mute Swans (lifer!, if you don’t count the ones in Lost Lagoon) and another group of three Trumpeter Swans. I also saw hundreds of Cliff Swallows in the midst of nest construction on the Pitt Lake Trail Viewing Tower. Unfortunately, I have since learned that this colony did not successfully establish this year. [click to continue…]

Photo of the Week

by on July 28, 2013 { 0 comments }
White Rhododendron
White Rhododendron
Rhododendron albiflorum, Ericaceae
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 14, 2013

This weeks photo is from a recent hike up Black Mountain. This is one photo among many of native plants from the day. This one was special as this was my first wild Rhododendron. Rhododendrons have perhaps the most showy flowers in the heath family and have been cultivated extensively with almost 30,000 hybrids and cultivars.

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I’m a research scientist at the University of Washington. My research deals with the visual ecology of insects, such as butterflies, mosquitoes and other biting flies.