May days so far

May days so far have been pretty hectic (as expected).  I need to finalize what I will be doing this summer with my supervisors, pack everything, and figure out where I am going to be living next September.

2012-05-04

I handed in my post-dated cheques to the housing unit today at school.  After that, I walked along the river towards my building.  And as expected, when I don't bring my DSLR, I ended up seeing some pretty cool wildlife.

For example, this Osprey about 20 metres away from me looking at the river.

Then I heard this knocking sound.  Looking around, it was a Pileated Woodpecker.  I have seen this species a couple of times, but no good photos to show for it.  This one is pretty decent when resized.

A video of the woodpecker hammering into the fallen trunk looking for insects.

I thought I was going to miss all the blossoms in Ontario when I leave for St. Louis.  Apparently not.

2012-05-05

I arranged to go see someone's house tomorrow for September housing.  I went today just so I know the location.

These trees were outside several apartment buildings with many bees, flies, and butterflies flying around it.

Then I biked to Jackson Park and saw these Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) blanketing the field.

They attract all kinds of insects as well, including this ant.

Then I saw a different butterfly from all the admirals, sulphurs, and whites.  I believe this is an Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma) but it is difficult to tell for certain through all the vegetation.

Then I saw the coolest fly ever - a Bee Fly (Family Bombyliidae)!  Look how it resembles a bumble bee with the hairy yellow and black body, and that proboscis! Wow!  If I have some free time, I might try to key it out using this. 

This is the real (bumble) bee.

2012-05-06

Went to check out the room today.  It was okay, a bit far from school and everything, plus I will need to share the house with three other people.  I will have to think about it.  Anyways, afterwards, I went back to Jackson Park again.

The water level still really low.


Saw more bee flies today.


Supermoon!

2012-05-07

This is what the blossoms look like at Trent.  Pretty beautiful, no?

I am heading back to BC for a short break next Tuesday.  After one week, I will fly to Edmonton and up north to NWT (and Yukon) once again.