Adam J. Blake

Simon Fraser Moth Week Expedition, July 24, 2013

by ajblake on July 25, 2013 { 1 comment }

<p><i>Zootermopsis angusticollis</i>, Termopsidae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Zootermopsis angusticollis, Termopsidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p>Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Brown Lacewing

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

Moth 1

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

Fly

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

Moth 2

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p><i>Apamea ophiogramma</i>, Noctuidae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Double Lobed Moth

Apamea ophiogramma, Noctuidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p><i>Harmonia axyridis</i>, Coccinellidae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Multicolored Asian Ladybug

Harmonia axyridis, Coccinellidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

Green Lacewing

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p>Eupithecia sp., Geometridae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Moth

Eupithecia sp., Geometridae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p><i>Clemensia albata</i>, Erebidae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Little White Lichen Moth

Clemensia albata, Erebidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p><i>Banasa sordida</i>, Pentatomidae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Stink Bug

Banasa sordida, Pentatomidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p><i>Chytolita morbidalis</i>, Erebidae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Morbid Owlet

Chytolita morbidalis, Erebidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

Moth 7

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p><i>Ortholeptura valida</i>, Cerambycidae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Flower Longhorn Beetle

Ortholeptura valida, Cerambycidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p><i>Phlogophora periculosa</i>, Noctuidae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Brown Angle Shades Moth

Phlogophora periculosa, Noctuidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p><i>Hemithea aestivaria</i>, Geometridae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Common Emerald

Hemithea aestivaria, Geometridae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

Moth 9

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p><i>Protitame virginalis</i>, Geometridae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Virgin Moth

Protitame virginalis, Geometridae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p><i>Oligocentria semirufescens</i>, Notodontidae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Red-washed Prominent

Oligocentria semirufescens, Notodontidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p>Tipulidae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Male Cranefly

Tipulidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p><i>Venusia cambrica</i>, Geometridae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Welsh Wave

Venusia cambrica, Geometridae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p><i>Habrosyne scripta</i>, Drepanidae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Lettered Habrosyne

Habrosyne scripta, Drepanidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p><i>Malacosoma</i>, Lasiocampidae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Male Tent Caterpillar Moth

Malacosoma, Lasiocampidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p><i>Pseudothyatira cymatophoroides</i>, Drepanidae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Tufted Thyatirid Moth

Pseudothyatira cymatophoroides, Drepanidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

Moth 16

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

<p><i>Herpetogramma pertextalis</i>, Crambidae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 24, 2013</p>

Bold-feathered Grass Moth

Herpetogramma pertextalis, Crambidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 24, 2013

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending the evening manning the moth sheet with my labmates and other interested parties from the biology department at Simon Fraser. The expedition was organized by my labmate Sean to celebrate National Moth Week. Check out his similar but better lit photos over at his blog. I, like most in my lab, am not an expert Lepidopterist so check back on this post later and I may have more informative titles and descriptions for the photos. [click to continue…]

Photo of the Week

by ajblake on July 22, 2013 { 0 comments }

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

This week we return again to Grant Narrows. I took another trip out there last Saturday and I was able to photograph some more dragonflies. This Dasher was yet another new species of dragonfly for me. Grant Narrows seems to have a very impressive Odonate fauna. The pale blueish coloration of this dragonfly’s abdomen is know as pruinescence. This blueish coloration is a type of structural coloration caused by minute particles of wax on the outer surface of the cuticle. These wax particles scatter light preventing it from interacting with the pigments in the cuticle. The blueish colour is due to the Tyndall effect in which shorter wavelengths are scatter at a greater intensity. If you have devastatingly blue eyes like myself you owe this colour to this effect. The wonders of the fantastic counterintuitive world of optics.

Field Notes – Powerline Trail, Grouse Mountain, July 1, 2013

by ajblake on July 16, 2013 { 0 comments }

<p><i>Oreothlypis ruficapilla</i>, Parulidae<br />
Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
July 1, 2013</p>

Nashville Warbler

Oreothlypis ruficapilla, Parulidae
Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 1, 2013

<p><i>Cardellina pusilla</i>, Parulidae<br />
Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
July 1, 2013</p>

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla, Parulidae
Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 1, 2013

<p>Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
July 1, 2013</p>

Powerline Trail

Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 1, 2013

<p><i>Parnassius clodius</i>, Papilionidae<br />
Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
July 1, 2013</p>

Female Clodius Apollo with Mating Plug

Parnassius clodius, Papilionidae
Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 1, 2013

<p><i>Oreothlypis celata</i>, Parulidae<br />
Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
July 1, 2013</p>

Orange-crowned Warbler

Oreothlypis celata, Parulidae
Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
July 1, 2013

<p><i>Celastrina echo echo</i>, Lycaenidae<br />
Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 1, 2013</p>

Western Spring Azure

Celastrina echo echo, Lycaenidae
Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 1, 2013

<p><i>Limenitis lorquini ilgae</i>, Nymphalidae<br />
Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
July 1, 2013</p>

Lorquin's Admiral

Limenitis lorquini ilgae, Nymphalidae
Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
July 1, 2013

Today I have another quick post from the July long weekend. I took a quick trip to Grouse Mountain in search of the Nashville Warbler that had been reported along the Powerline Trail. I had good luck with the Nashville Warbler (lifer!) with a couple of close views and even getting a decent photograph. In addition to the Nashville I saw, and in some cases photographed, four other warbler species including the Macgillvary’s Warblers (lifer!). I also photographed a number of butterfly species, the highlight being this mated female Clodius Apollo. You can see full field notes in the KMZ file below. [click to continue…]

Photo of the Week

by ajblake on July 14, 2013

Mayfly Subimago

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

This week we have another photo from Grant Narrows. I caught this Mayfly along the dike between Pitt Lake and Katzie Marsh. I was actually able to pull this large yellowish mayfly right out of the air and pose it nicely on a post. This is one of the larger mayflies in the province at near 4 cm dwarfing some of the more diminutive species which can be as small as 2 mm. This particular individual is an subimago, a life-stage unique to the Ephemeroptera. The subimago is winged but has immature legs and genitalia and its body and wings are covered with a dense layer of waterproof hairs. These hairs gives the subimago a distinct coloration relative to the adult. After about a day this subimago will molt a final time into a short lived adult.

Photo of the Week

by ajblake on July 7, 2013 { 0 comments }

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, 20133

The past long weekend was really busy with trips to Burnaby Lake Park, Grant Narrows and Grouse Mountain. The weekend left me with lots of good photos and a painful sunburn. This bounty of photos made picking just one photo hard but I finally settled on this cheerful portrait of a Four-spotted Skimmer. While I’ve taken better images of this dragonfly, I really like the entire composition of this shot. The European White Waterlily pads make for an interesting yet not distracting background and I was able to manoeuvre the grass stem into a pleasing diagonal element. Since I got so many good shots last weekend and I haven’t been out shooting this weekend look for another shot from Grant Narrows here next week.

Field Notes – Burnaby Lake Park, June 28, 2013

by ajblake on July 5, 2013 { 1 comment }

Burnaby Lake

Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 29, 2013

Lorquin's Admiral

Limenitis lorquini ilgae, Nymphalidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 29, 2013

<p><i>Rubus laciniatus</i>, Rosaceae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 29, 2013</p>

Cutleaf Evergreen Blackberry

Rubus laciniatus, Rosaceae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 29, 2013

<p><i>Lactuca muralis</i>, Asteraceae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 29, 2013</p>

Wall Lettuce

Lactuca muralis, Asteraceae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 29, 2013

<p><i>Sympetrum illotum</i>, Libellulidae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
June 29, 2013</p>

Cardinal Meadowhawk

Sympetrum illotum, Libellulidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 29, 2013

<p><i>Spiraea douglasii</i>, Rosaceae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
June 29, 2013</p>

Douglas' Spiraea

Spiraea douglasii, Rosaceae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 29, 2013

<p><i>Enallagma carunculatum</i>, Coenagrionidae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 29, 2013</p>

Tule Bluet

Enallagma carunculatum, Coenagrionidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 29, 2013

<p><i>Papilio rutulus</i>, Papilionidae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
June 29, 2013</p>

Western Tiger Swallowtail

Papilio rutulus, Papilionidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 29, 2013

Since Sara needed the car on Saturday to go volunteer at Wildlife Rescue, I took the opportunity to look for the Green Heron and Least Flycatcher that had been reported from the south shore of Burnaby Lake. While I scratched on both the Heron and Flycatcher, I did see and photograph some new (to me) insects. I think the highlight of the day was the mating Cardinal Meadowhawks. You can see my full list of sightings in KMZ file below. [click to continue…]

The Weeds of Colony Farm

by ajblake on July 4, 2013 { 1 comment }

<p><i>Lamium galeobdolon</i>, Lamiaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 14, 2013</p>

Yellow Archangel

Lamium galeobdolon, Lamiaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 14, 2013

<p><i>Lunaria annua</i>, Brassicaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 14, 2013</p>

Honesty

Lunaria annua, Brassicaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 14, 2013

<p><i>Silene dioica</i>, Caryophyllaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 22, 2013</p>

Red Campion

Silene dioica, Caryophyllaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 22, 2013

<p><i>Lathyrus latifolius</i>, Fabaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 22, 2013</p>

Perennial Sweetpea

Lathyrus latifolius, Fabaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 22, 2013

<p><i>Lysimachia punctata</i>, Primulaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 22, 2013</p>

Spotted Loosestrife

Lysimachia punctata, Primulaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 22, 2013

<p><i>Convolvulus sepium</i>, Convolvulaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 22, 2013</p>

Hedge Bindweed

Convolvulus sepium, Convolvulaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 22, 2013

<p><i>Hypericum maculatum</i>, Hypericaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 22, 2013</p>

Spotted St John's-wort

Hypericum maculatum, Hypericaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 22, 2013

<p><i>Trifolium repens</i>, Fabaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 22, 2013</p>

White Clover

Trifolium repens, Fabaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 22, 2013

<p><i>Hieracium lachenalii</i>, Asteraceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 22, 2013</p>

Common Hawkweed

Hieracium lachenalii, Asteraceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 22, 2013

<p><i>Trifolium pratense</i>, Fabaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 22, 2013</p>

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense, Fabaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 22, 2013

<p><i>Medicago lupulina</i>, Fabaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 22, 2013</p>

Black Medic

Medicago lupulina, Fabaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 22, 2013

<p><i>Hesperis matronalis</i>, Brassicaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
June 22, 2013</p>

Dame’s Rocket

Hesperis matronalis, Brassicaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 22, 2013

<p><i>Ranunculus repens</i>, Ranunculaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
June 22, 2013</p>

Creeping Buttercup

Ranunculus repens, Ranunculaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 22, 2013

<p><i>Taraxacum officinale</i>, Asteraceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
June 22, 2013</p>

Common Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale, Asteraceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 22, 2013

<p><i>Rubus armeniacus</i>, Rosaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
June 22, 2013</p>

Himalayan Blackberry

Rubus armeniacus, Rosaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 22, 2013

<p><i>Matricaria discoidea</i>, Asteraceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
June 22, 2013</p>

Pineappleweed

Matricaria discoidea, Asteraceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 22, 2013

In my recent trips to Colony Farm I’ve been surprised by the number and diversity of weedy introduced species growing there. With the exception of some shrubs it is actually difficult to find any native plants (you can find a full plant list here). I guess this is not surprising as this park began as an old farm. While none of these weeds are listed as noxious one has to wonder about their effect on successional processes within the park. While the signage in the park makes reference to nature reclaiming the old farmland it seems unlikely that the vegetation within the park will ever return to its pre-disturbance state. This lack of native vegetation seems to have no apparent effect on bird diversity but relatively few species of butterflies, who require specific larval food plants, have been reported from Colony Farm. I certainly hope we see more native vegetation taking hold here as most of the natural habitats and especially the riparian forests in the Georgian Depression Ecoprovince have been converted to agriculture.

Photo of the Week

by ajblake on June 30, 2013 { 0 comments }

Port Mann Bridge

Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 26, 2013

This week’s photo is from a short trip to Colony Farm to get my Lazuli Bunting tick. Here we can see the Port Mann bridge framed by the riverbanks of the Coquitlam River. I took a similar photo (hover over the image) and as you can see the dark clouds in the background and the yellow sunlight peaking through the clouds make a huge difference on the final image. Two of my favorite photographers Dan Jurak & Ken Rockwell are always talking about light. Dan Jurak goes as far as to say 90% of landscape photography has nothing to do with the landscape and everything to with the weather conditions and the light. Being that he is able to conjure images like this from the relatively featureless landscape around Edmonton, I am inclined to take his advice to heart.

Arachnids of the Annex

by ajblake on June 29, 2013 { 1 comment }

<p><i>Salticus scenicus</i>, Salticidae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Zebra Jumper Spiderling

Salticus scenicus, Salticidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

Zebra Jumper with a Root Maggot Fly

Salticus scenicus, Salticidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

Zebra Jumper

Salticus scenicus, Salticidae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Neriene digna</i>, Linyphiinae<br />
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Male Sheetweb Spider

Neriene digna, Linyphiinae
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

It has been more than a month since I moved my insect colonies to the Science Research Annex. The research annex has the benefit of ample room for all of my bugs but it is isolated from the rest of campus. Being isolated it is surrounded by much more nature and as a consequence has a good variety of arthropods occupying the building in addition to my colonies. Along with Woodlice and Carpenter Ants I see a variety of spiders. I happened to have my macro lens with me one day and I snapped some pictures. [click to continue…]

Field Notes – Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, May 20 & June 16, 2013

by ajblake on June 27, 2013 { 2 comments }

<p><i>Aesculus hippocastanum</i>, Sapindaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Horse-chestnut

Aesculus hippocastanum, Sapindaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

Horse-chestnut

Aesculus hippocastanum, Sapindaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Cardellina pusilla</i>, Parulidae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla, Parulidae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Tiarella trifoliata</i>, Saxifragaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Threeleaf Foamflower

Tiarella trifoliata, Saxifragaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Claytonia sibirica</i>, Montiaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Siberian Miner's Lettuce

Claytonia sibirica, Montiaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Luzula parviflora</i>, Juncaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Small-flowered Woodrush

Luzula parviflora, Juncaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Dicentra formosa</i>, Fumariaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Pacific Bleeding Heart

Dicentra formosa, Fumariaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Tellima grandiflora</i>, Saxifragaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Fragrant Fringecup

Tellima grandiflora, Saxifragaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p>Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Trail Marker

Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Smilacina racemosa</i>, Asparagaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

False Solomon's-seal

Smilacina racemosa, Asparagaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Acer circinatum</i>, Aceraceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Vine Maple

Acer circinatum, Aceraceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Galium triflorum</i>, Rubiaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Sweet-Scented Bedstraw

Galium triflorum, Rubiaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Ranunculus uncinatus</i>, Ranunculaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Woodland Buttercup

Ranunculus uncinatus, Ranunculaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Veronica peregrina</i>, Plantaginaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

American Speedwell

Veronica peregrina, Plantaginaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Geum macrophyllum</i>, Rosaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Large-leaved Yellow Avens

Geum macrophyllum, Rosaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Trientalis borealis</i>, Primulaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Northern Starflower

Trientalis borealis, Primulaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Geranium robertianum</i>, Geraniaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Robert's Geranium

Geranium robertianum, Geraniaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Dendragapus fuliginosus</i>, Phasianidae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Sooty Grouse

Dendragapus fuliginosus, Phasianidae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Rubus parviflorus</i>, Rosaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Thimbleberry

Rubus parviflorus, Rosaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Disporum trachycarpum</i>, Colchicaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Fairy Bells

Disporum trachycarpum, Colchicaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Ranunculus repens</i>, Ranunculaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
May 20, 2013</p>

Creeping Buttercup

Ranunculus repens, Ranunculaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
May 20, 2013

<p><i>Pipilo maculatus</i>, Emberizidae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus, Emberizidae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Dendragapus fuliginosus</i>, Phasianidae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Sooty Grouse Chick

Dendragapus fuliginosus, Phasianidae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 16, 2013

Sooty Grouse Hen

Dendragapus fuliginosus, Phasianidae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Hieracium aurantiacum</i>, Asteraceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Orange Hawkweed

Hieracium aurantiacum, Asteraceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Hieracium lachenalii</i>, Asteraceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Common Hawkweed

Hieracium lachenalii, Asteraceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Culiseta incidens</i>, Culicidae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Cool Weather Mosquito

Culiseta incidens, Culicidae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Lasioglossum</i> sp., Halictidae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Sweat Bee

Lasioglossum sp., Halictidae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Anthoxanthum odoratum</i>, Aveneae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Sweet Vernal Grass

Anthoxanthum odoratum, Aveneae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Plateumaris</i> sp., Chrysomelidae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Aquatic Leaf Beetle

Plateumaris sp., Chrysomelidae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Dactylis glomerata</i>, Poeae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Orchard Grass

Dactylis glomerata, Poeae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Bellis perennis</i>, Asteraceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

English Daisy

Bellis perennis, Asteraceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Veronica officinalis</i>, Plantaginaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Common Speedwell

Veronica officinalis, Plantaginaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p>Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Ainu Skyline

Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Rubus ursinus</i>, Rosaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Trailing Blackberry

Rubus ursinus, Rosaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Theridion</i> sp., Theridiidae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Cobweb Spider

Theridion sp., Theridiidae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Vaccinium parvifolium</i>, Ericaceae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Red Huckleberry

Vaccinium parvifolium, Ericaceae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Philaenus spumarius</i>, Cercopidae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Meadow Spittlebug Nymph

Philaenus spumarius, Cercopidae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Aphis sambuci</i>, Aphididae<br />
& <i>Lasius pallitarsis</i>, Formicidae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Ant Collecting Honeydew

Aphis sambuci, Aphididae
& Lasius pallitarsis, Formicidae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Bombus</i> sp., Apidae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Bumble Bee Drone

Bombus sp., Apidae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

<p><i>Athous</i> sp., Elateridae<br />
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
June 16, 2013</p>

Click Beetle

Athous sp., Elateridae
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
June 16, 2013

This post is a composite of two recent outings to Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area where I went searching for breeding forest birds for my year list. For both trips I focused on the area near Horizons. [click to continue…]

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