Cottonwood Leaf Beetles

This morning, I decided on the spur of the moment to finish off another recent bio-blitz, that took place in Black Diamond. I have several day trips coming up, so I wanted to catch up with at least a few unfinished days out before then.

On the morning of 7 July 2018, there was a good turnout for a bio-inventory walk in a woodland area in Black Diamond. Geoff Hoffner and Jean Gallant had invited us to go and explore this area, though they were a little concerned in case we didn't find it particularly interesting. Quite the contrary! It was a great morning, seeing so many species of plants, along with a few birds and even a few insects. I was thrilled to see three of these small, beautiful Cottonwood Leaf Beetles. It was a very hazy day, but the temperature was pleasant.

"Black Diamond, named after the high grade coal once mined here, maintains the traditional values of a small town community, where people care about their neighbors and work together to maintain a sense of pride and respect for one another, the town's history and its beautiful surroundings." From link below.

www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca/251/Come-Visit

During our walk, we kept hearing a distant hawk, but we weren't sure if it was a Red-tailed or a Swainson's. Further along the trail, we were able to see a very high and very distant nest with one white, fluffy youngster visible - there may have been others, too. Mum/Dad flew over to the nest and then flew off and landed on top of a very tall coniferous tree, giving a chance for a quick shot or two.

Thanks so much, Geoff and Jean, for arranging this outing. We always enjoy visiting a new place and seeing what species can be found there. Always nice to come across people who are keen to find out more about where they live. Thanks, Dorothy and Stephen, for the much-appreciated ride. This was the first time I had ever seen this much of Black Diamond.