Autumn is on the Way

After June 21, it is all downhill.  The days start to get shorter, and soon southbound birds appear.  Especially shorebirds.  There are lots showing up now.  I wish I had time to go out birding!
Some butterflies are looking ragged.  Many are finishing their life cycle.  Some are single-brooded, while others can have two or more broods per year.  I've noticed lately that many species are getting to the end of their life cycle. 
On Sunday, we saw a Red-spotted Purple that was hardly recognizable due to wear.  European Skippers are getting faded, and Great-spangled Fritillaries are rough-looking. 

Great-spangled Fritillary

The hairstreaks are waning in numbers, as they are single-brooded.

Edwards' Hairstreak

Banded Hairstreak

Some others, though are just appearing.  Dion Skippers should be out by now, and yesterday I caught a glimpse of the first Broad-winged Skipper. 

Dion Skipper (2009)

New broods of other species will be appearing soon.
It is a fairly good immigrant year, so there will be lots of butterflies to come well into September.
The Skunk's Misery count had a Variegated Fritillary, two Harvesters, and Wild Indigo Duskywing which were new for the count.  There were lots of Buckeyes (seven-a new high) and a single Little Yellow which are immigrants.

Variegated Fritillary (Rondeau-second record Sept. 2008)

This Sunday is the Rondeau count and I anticipate a good showing.  Perhaps there will be Pipevine Swallowtails and Little Yellows.  In 2001, we had several of those as it was a good immigrant year.

Ailanthus Webworm Moth (Brunet Park, Ojibway area July 3)