Two Good Skippers at Point Pelee!

With not much left in the season, I took advantage of the nice weather and spent some time at Point Pelee looking for butterflies. I was not disappointed!

There were not many butterflies, but two rare ones made the day. About 11:00, I came across a dark skipper with elongated wings. I knew it was something unusual, but not sure of the species. Ocola Skipper crossed my mind.

Ocola Skipper at Point Pelee October 11

I was able to share my sighting with Kevin McLaughlin who came along only five minutes later and we were almost certain that it was Ocola. I took several photos.

The distinctive feature of this butterfly is that the forewings are elongated. This was the feature that struck me from the very start. This individual was somewhat worn and rather co-operative for observation.

For Ocola Skipper at Point Pelee, there are records for 1991, 1995, 1998 and 2006 according to Alan Wormington.

Later, I decided to walk the trail again, and was not disappointed. I came across a Common Checkered Skipper! Another lifer! This species had been seen in previous weeks outside the park, so this was bound to be seen inside the park.

The checkered was not as co-operative, as it seemed to be on a mission. As well, I was looking into the sun which did not help matters. I did get a poor photo of mostly the underwing.

Common Checkered Skipper

Other butterflies included Eastern Comma, Northern Crescent, Monarch, Clouded and Orange Sulphurs, Cabbage White.

Outside the park at a clover field, I saw some Fiery Skippers.

Fiery Skipper

Regarding birds, there were a few things. Lots of White-throated Sparrows, kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers. A few Palm Warblers and a couple of Blackpoll Warblers were around as well.

Palm Warbler

At the Tip, ducks were on the move including a Black Scoter, some Surf Scoters, scaup, and Ruddy Ducks. Horned Grebes were around as well. One one Common Loon.

Lots of Killdeer were moving.