Not wanting to go any distance today, I visited various conservation areas north of Wallaceburg in south Lambton Co. These areas have good spots for butterflies and I visit them frequently every year.
I stopped at one hotspot and did not find many butterflies other than hundreds of Euro Skippers. I did find a Blue-winged Warbler paired with a Brewster's. That nest was nearby as they were very agitated.
At McKeough CA I came across a Baltimore Checkerspot. I was excited about that as it is uncommon for the most part and I have never seen one in my local area before.
My last stop was at Reid CA and I found countless butterflies feeding on dogbane. Among them were two or three hairstreaks that I thought were Banded. After downloading the photos at home, they did not look right for Banded. After some research I almost decided they were Northern Oak Hairstreaks from the south. I was not sure until I got confirmation from Bob Yukich. These are quite rare in Ontario and when seen are usually along Lake Erie. Note the distinct "W" over the blue spot. One foodplant for the adult is dogbane, which is what this butterfly was on. One was seen on count week at Ojibway, Windsor in early July 2005.
I was totally caught off guard with this find, but it shows what one can find unexpectantly. Just like birds!
I went back on Monday and found two different individuals. I am told there have only been three other Ontario records which were all strays. This is actually a colony--probably the first such find! The next photo shows one of Monday's butterflies and it is very fresh showing more distinctive features.
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