Greg Shchepanek

 Ottawa's Second Largest Protected Area Round-Leaved Sundew ( Drosera rotundifolia ) Went to the Mer Bleue to see the Sundews in flower but unfortunately was a little early for the blooms. Some were in bud but no flowers could be found. Some of the flowers were in bloom and some had passed their prime.  The Mer Bleue bog is a most special place it being the second largest protected area in Ottawa. It is also a Ramsar Site which makes it a wetland of international importance. The area hosts a very large bog, networks of marshes and a variety of wet areas, this year the water was very high and the bog had wet patches throughout the boardwalk path. The main marsh at Ridge Road.  Ramsar site no. 755. Bog Laurel ( Kalmia polifolia ) Labrador Tea ( Rhododendron groenlandicum ) Bog Cranberry  ( Vaccinium microcarpum ) Three-leaf False Solomon's-seal  ( Maianthemum trifolium ) Bunchberry  ( Cornus canadensis ) All in all it was a good trip and the bugs were not...

  Exploring the Marshes & Wetlands of  Petrie Island on the Ottawa River Bronzed Tiger Beetles (Cicindela repanda) of the sandy beaches along the river at Petrie Island, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Marshes were teaming with life : American Bullfrog  ( Lithobates catesbeianus ) Great Blue Heron ( Ardea herodias ) stalks prey in the high reeds. Exploring Petrie Island is always a good time. The island is a complex of marshes & varied wetland habitats on the Ottawa River in the East end of the city. One of my favourite endeavours is to chase & photograph the frisky Tiger Beetles that populate the sandy beach shores of the Ottawa River . Even on the first weekend of Autumn the little guys are out hunting down their prey, flying, jumping & running so very fast.

 Outdoor Exploration in Western Ottawa Northern Green Frog ( Lithobates clamitans melanota ) Bill Mason Centre, Dunrobin, Ontario, Canada. The Bill Mason Centre is an outdoor educational area that allows students to explore nature and learn of flora & fauna on a system of trails & boardwalks through a large marsh in western Ottawa. At this location a wide variety of animals & wildlife can be discovered & the extensive trails are quiet when the students aren't embarked on learning. One of the best parts is a sandy lake located just on the outskirts of the education centre boundaries. Here Tiger Beetles abound, frogs bask on the shoreline & beavers can be found hard at work. A very large  Common Eastern Bumblebee ( Bombus impatiens ) on the boardwalk at the Bill Mason Centre, Dunrobin, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The Bees were having a hay day pollinating the Bidens along the boardwalk of the marsh amongst the other insects including hoverflies & horn...