This Weekend Expedition, we set out to go to North Vancouver’s Maplewood Park. Just a short bus ride across the bridge, right? Well, if is if you manage to catch the bus! Catherine and I arrived at the bus stop just as our bus was pulling out…And it was Sunday, so the next one was in 25 minutes. No problem! Lets just walk to the next bus stop and wait there.
This bus stop was awesome, we had knitting to do and Tobey Maguire (Spiderman!) to keep us company. Except the next bus didn’t stop for us! Apparently, our special bus only stops at the first stop (not that they are labelled or anything. Thanks TransLink!). Rather than wait another 25 minutes, we decided to change plans and head to Hastings Park, a few blocks away. Have a look below to see what we found!
The crows are nesting!
this looks a lot like Brumoides histrio, a type of Ladybird beetle (Coccinellidae). UPDATE: this is actually Brumus quadripustulatus. Thanks V. Belov!
We call them harvestpersons. This one appears to be a harvestchild.
first Odonates!
To me this looks like an Anthomyiid. Anyone else have an idea?
I think this syrphid turned out pretty nicely.
The first Damselflies of the season!
I liked how the drop on this lupine magnified the details.
A Sawfly
This Ichneumonid was hunting on the Lupines
taken with the Monster Macro Rig…Even though the leaf was moving, the whole exposure is with flash, so no problem.
I wasn’t the only photographer there. Check out this guy with a large format camera!
Chironomid midges!
This Red-winged Blackbird was doing an awesome job defending his territory.
This was my favourite photo of the trip…This heron was unconcerned with me after I had squatted observing for a while. I was apple to approach really close.
Seannie, these are great pics. I love the drop of water on the 1st syrphid pic, and the second pic as well, and the red-winged blackbird giving you hell. And the picture of Catherine is so typical and lovely. Thanks again. Some people clean house or other boring things on their weekend, you go out and have such fun.
Sara and I actually headed out to Maplewood Conservation Area on Sunday. Great little area missed the birds I was looking for so I’m planning to head back. I’d be happy to give you a ride.
That sounds like fun.
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Hi Sean,
You are very talented photographer. I was disheartened by the duck injured with a fishing hook. I am member of the community group, Friends of Hastings Park that have been struggling with the management of this Park for revenue rather than nature and wildlife. Our group was horrified to hear of fishing in the Sanctuary waters and our concerns along with other conservation and ecological groups in Vancouver went unheeded and the PNE went ahead. Please continue to spread your wonderful images of Hastings Park along with the disturbing accounts of the PNE;s lack of concern for this delicate natural habitat.
Mary July ll/13
Thanks! I am glad you appreciate it.
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