Meadow FritillaryIn my last post, I mentioned not seeing a Gray Hairstreak in years. Well, I finally saw one this morning! What are the odds?? I was in West Elgin County to check for birds and butterflies as I usually do in early August. I always stop at the Southwold Earth Works south of Iona. This spot is owned by Parks Canada where a prehistoric settlement was located. There are low mounds that humans made eons ago. There are sometimes birds and butterflies to see, but I usually do not expect much. There was a lot of clover in bloom there, and the butterflies were attracted to it.
I first noted some type of small fritillary. I wasn't sure until I looked in the book since I normally only see Great-spangled. They were Meadow Fritillaries! 
I have seen them before on the Skunk's Misery count. There were several types of butterflies including countless Northern Broken-Dash, Monarch, Painted Lady, etc. I was stooping down to photograph one of the Meadow Fritillaries, when another butterfly caught my attention. Holy cow, a Gray Hairstreak! I never got a good photo of it, and it disappeared before long.
After extensive searching, I never did find it again. Although a fairly common and widespread butterfly, it seems to elude me.
I have seen them before on the Skunk's Misery count. There were several types of butterflies including countless Northern Broken-Dash, Monarch, Painted Lady, etc. I was stooping down to photograph one of the Meadow Fritillaries, when another butterfly caught my attention. Holy cow, a Gray Hairstreak! I never got a good photo of it, and it disappeared before long. After extensive searching, I never did find it again. Although a fairly common and widespread butterfly, it seems to elude me. Earlier, I stopped at Fingal WMA. This was an old aircraft and gunnery school in the 1940's, and was really a small city in its time. 
There are no buildings left now, but many trails criss-cross the property. It is good for birds and butterflies. I remember going to see a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher there a few falls ago. There is also a prairie area, but this year it is unappealing for some reason. I saw upwards of 20 species of butterflies there. I also came across a Blue-winged Warbler.
There are no buildings left now, but many trails criss-cross the property. It is good for birds and butterflies. I remember going to see a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher there a few falls ago. There is also a prairie area, but this year it is unappealing for some reason. I saw upwards of 20 species of butterflies there. I also came across a Blue-winged Warbler.Another stop was at Clear Creek Forest just inside Chatham-Kent. I saw many Wood Nymphs there in the open area.
My last stop was at Blenheim Lagoons to look at shorebirds. Lots to see, including a Willet. I don't think I have seen one there in the summer. The Dunlin was still sticking it out with one leg. A crappy photo attempt through my scope: 
Shorebirds are one of my favourite bird types to study. Once in a while we get lucky with a rarity to make things exciting, but not today.
Shorebirds are one of my favourite bird types to study. Once in a while we get lucky with a rarity to make things exciting, but not today.SOLITARY SANDPIPER
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