Early July Jaunts

With the hot weather recently, more insects have emerged.  I checked Reid CA a couple of times this week.  Things are late in blooming this year, so there are not as many nectaring sources for butterflies as usual for this time.  As mentioned before, there are not as many butterflies as well.  Things were difficult this spring.  The local beekeeper said that many bees died because they likely starved.

Banded Pair

On Wednesday, I came across a couple of Oak Hairstreaks.  Patience is required, as they come and go!

Normally these hairstreaks would be waning by now, but this year we may see some late dates.

Today it was steaming hot, but I decided to stop by after work.  It took some time to finally see an Oak Hairstreak.

There were a few Banded as well.

While there, I saw more dragonflies and odes.  Early on I saw one patrolling which may have been a Royal River Cruiser.
At another spot, I finally saw one and it perched nicely.  (I only had the point and shoot today).

Reid is certainly one of the better spots to find Royal River Cruiser.    I think it was last September that I saw one late in the month which seemed exceptionally late.

Dukes' Skippers should be out any day, so I will be looking for them.

On the way home, I checked one of the many wet spots north of town (there are  alot this year!).  Otter Creek is overflowing and just off Main Street is a very nice wetland.  I go by there every day, but have not noticed anything of note.  Today, I took note of several shorebirds, so I stopped.  I first saw a Lesser Yellowlegs, but then two Short-billed Dowitchers appeared. Certainly rather early for fall migrants.  About three dozen Killdeer were there as well.
I have a good feeling that something of note will appear there one day soon!

Sunday is the Skunk's Misery Count.  Weather looks good so far.  It is my most interesting count as there is a good variety of butterflies to be seen.  Some years are excellent, and others not as good.

Appalachian Brown

As well, one can take note of birds.
There are lots of things of interest and you never know what you may encounter.  Many years ago, we found Middlesex County's first Green Comma.  Another year, I spotted a Great Blue Skimmer.
Should be interesting!

Eastern Hognose Snake on a Skunk's Count!