Sifting Through A Bog

In recent weeks, I had the urge to visit Sifton Bog in London.  I was even more envious when Quinten Wiegersma checked out the place just last week!  I had only been there on one occasion before, perhaps 25 years ago!  (I would have to look it up in my notes).
Today was the day that seemed right to go.

It was easy to get to following county road 14 from Newbury all the way to London where it blends into Oxford Road.  The bog is on the south side of Oxford, just before Hyde park Road.  I arrived fairly early, so things were a bit slow at first.  I stayed close to two hours and had the place to myself. I left in time, as a mass of seniors (at least 50) invaded the place!

Sifton Bog is a 41.6 Ha acid peat bog right in the city of London, something you would normally see much farther north.  I felt like I was in Algonquin Park.

It was acquired by the Upper thames River Conservation Authority in 1967,  but earlier attempts to preserve the place were started by the well-known London naturalist Dr. W. Judd in the late 1950's.

Plant life here is what you would find farther north with Black Spruce, Tamarack and various vascular plants.

tamarack

Tuberous Grass Pink

Horned Bladderwort

bog Cranberry

I kept track of birds as well.

Cedar Waxwing

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks

Of interest today, I wanted to see Spatterdock Darner.  I do not recall that I have seen this one before, but there were a few patrolling the pond upon my arrival.  At times they came close to the viewing platform for nice views, but it was difficult to get a photo.  One would have to net one!  I took dozens of photos in vain trying to capture one.  I finally nailed one, even though it is flying away.

The yellow pond lilies here are called Spatterdock, which the darner is akin-to.

There were other odes including these:

Blue Dasher

Dot-tailed whiteface

Eastern Forktail

There was also Common Green Darner and meadowhawk sp. (Ruby?).  At one point I thought I saw an emerald, but I do not know if there are any there.

A bullfrog was in front of the viewing stand the whole time.

I did not see much in the way of butterflies, but on the way out, I found an Appalachian Brown.

Of course, Bog Copper is here.

On the way home, I stopped by Wardsville Woods and Skunk's Misery.  Some Great Fangled Spangled Fritillaries were freshly out.

A Twelve-spotted Skimmer was beside the pond.

Through Skunk's, I found the usual birds including several Hooded Warblers, Chestnut-sided, Blue-winged, Ovenbird, Cerulean Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, etc.

There was not much in the way of butterflies, so I hope things pick up for next Sunday on the count.  I think we will be good as long as it is warm and sunny.