Birds to Butterflies

Looks like a good fall for birding.  Lots of birds have been seen since summer, starting with the shorebirds.  Good numbers have been seen at appropriate locations (sewage lagoons, wetlands).  Warblers are appearing in decent numbers as well.  I came across a nice pocket of warblers (~40 birds) at Reid CA this afternoon.  Mixed in were both kinglets and some vireos (inc. Yellow-throated).
Jaegers are showing up along the lakefronts too.  Already, lots have been spotted.  I suspect uncommon gulls (Sabine's) will put in a good showing also.
Last year seemed so boring.  The weather was just too nice!

Butterflies have been in the news this summer, especially at Point Pelee.  I thought 2008 was excellent, but this year seems to be much better.  The butterfly counts were good and fun to do. 
Lots of immigrant butterflies this year.  I guess it is making it up for last year since it was so terrible.  Ocola Skipper has not been reported yet this year at Pelee, but there is still time.  I found one two years ago in October at Point Pelee (see photo in sidebar).
Lots of records have been broken with such species as Common Buckeye, Fiery Skipper and Gray Hairstreak at Point Pelee.

What about dusky-wings?  It has been a good year for them as well starting with the Juvenal's in the spring.  Besides those, I have seen Dreamy, lots of Wild Indigo and the Funereal.  There are others I could have seen if I went to suitable locations, such as Port Franks.  I heard it was a good year for Mottled there as well.  No doubt Sleepy was around...I have only seen one of those.  That was long before I was into butterflies, but I photographed one up at MacGregor Point in 2000 not knowing what it was. Two years ago, there were Horace's at Point Pelee, but as far as I know, none this year.  Funny how things go.

Juvenal's Dusky-wing at Reid CA

Two years ago Cloudless Sulphur, Southern Dogface-Sulphur were seen at Point Pelee, but none this year.

Perhaps a Sleepy Orange will be seen soon!

Off to Pelee again tomorrow....

Dukes' Skipper at Reid CA