Robin's Nest

Robins that were constantly signing outside my window, have finally made a nest on a pine tree in our backyard. It looks a bit precarious to me as it is always swinging up and down and sideway even in a light breeze. But I am not an expert in nest architecture, maybe Robins like such rocking dwellings.

One interesting thing is the use of plastic in nest building. Do they think that it is durable or they find it attractive for some other reason? 

We can speculate about it but can't be sure. They are intelligent creatures and what is going on inside their curious heads, only Robins can tell.

Little Wonders

There are humble weeds, tiny wildflowers, and strange seed pods all along the trail. Take a closer look and there is a wonder and marvel in each and every one of them. Some are native, others are invasive, some have even relatives in high places. They are all part of a sophisticated web of life. Each one has a part to play and they all bring joy to the wandering eyes.

Here are a few that I was able to identify through the web.

Annual fleabane is native to North America. Looks like Daisy flower but is much smaller in size. It was believed to repel fleas, hence the name. 

The insect on the right is probably a ligated furrow bee which is a kind of sweet bee.

Summer Lilac was introduced from Europe, considered invasive now.

Germander speedwell.

Milkweed fluff. This one is from the last month when Milkweed pods were opening.

Dwarf honeysuckle. Native to Europe; now considered an invasive weed.

Yellow salsify seed head.

Meadow Buttercup

These are tiny flowers that you see around the corners and sides of the trail in late Spring. But take a closer look and there is glitter and gloss unlike any other. 

There is actually a layer of air beneath the surface of petals that reflect like a mirror and advertise its presence to all kinds of pollinators.

Little Gosling and Family

The last time when I visited this little pond in the Tylor Creek Park, mother Goose was sitting in its nest atop a Muskrat lodge. Today, the nest was empty and the Geese family was wandering by the edge of the pond along with a pair of Mallard ducks. 

The parents seemed very protective of their only child. As soon as I took the first picture, they took little gosling into the grass. One parent started to move towards me to investigate.

Canadian Geese can be aggressive at times while protecting their family, so I slowly moved away.

Later, on my way back, I found the whole family resting nearby. Although, parents were keeping an eye around even in this state. The gosling seems well hidden in this picture due to its natural camouflage. Can you see it? It is somewhere in the upper left quarter.

Muskrat

Last Time, Muskrat was away on some excursion while its home was occupied by a Canadian Geese family. Today, I was able to find him with a little effort. It came out of its home in the middle of the pond and started munching on vegetation. 

As I mentioned earlier, Muskrats seems like a diminutive version of beavers. Both are semiaquatic but are not related. 

Muskrats were an important part of several North American cultures and creation myths. In one such myth, it was a muskrat who was tasked to bring mud from the bottom of the primordial sea for the creation of the earth. 

During the colonial era, they were hunted extensively for their fur along with beavers. Thankfully, those days are over and now Muskrats are free to roam around and munch happily.

Graffiti on Crescent Town Road

There is no theme here just a few alphabets scribed over a wall. Maybe someone was just announcing its presence in the area. But I like these different styles of signatures on the right by this graffiti artist.

Bell Box Mural at Gerrard St E & Blantyre Ave

Bell Box Mural Project

Artist: De Anne Lamirande - Airways Airbrushing
Year: 2016

Bird Bath

Rock Pigeons of Danforth trying to stay cool by sitting in a puddle during the ongoing heat wave.