Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: interestingness#266

Just an ordinary shot of this invasive weed, but I loved seeing the tiny bug (Tarnished Plant Bug?) hiding in its bright and cheery surroundings. I always enjoy seeing the heart-shaped marking on the "back" of these tiny, common insects. This photo was taken on 2 September 2014, when I was on a birding walk at Carburn Park. The parking lot at Carburn is closed to the public at the moment, while workers are constructing a "rain garden" or "water garden". It will be interesting to see what this is, when it's all finished. Also known as Common Toadflax, this plant was introduced from Europe as a garden plant, but has now become an aggressive weed. www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/FS-CommonToadflax.pdf

This fungus was growing on a cut tree stump at Mallard Point, Fish Creek Park, when we went for a walk there yesterday morning. Perhaps not the most photogenic thing, but this was its "best side", LOL. Also reminds me of golden brown meringue - mmmm.... yummy. Hey, Joan, what about Lemon Meringue Pie, LOL!

Even after six days of the most amazing scenery and wildlife, I still had plenty of joy to feel when we stopped at a Mission Mountain pull-off on our way north to Kalispell, Montana, and saw a row of Teasels. I so rarely see these, but I love to photograph them. Friend Tony spotted an insect on one of the heads, which I will post sometime. Thanks, Tony! "Teasel is considered an invasive species in the United States. It is known to form a monoculture, capable of crowding out all native plant species, and therefore is discouraged and/or eliminated within restored open lands and other conservation areas." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipsacus

The Tulips in the small bunch I bought from Safeway a few days ago have quite small flowers. Just managed to get a quick shot of one at this stage, but now they are already much more open and I haven't had a chance to take any further photos.