It has been an uncomfortable week with hot and humid conditions. And, not too exciting........at least until today!
I always go for a walk somewhere each morning, and Tuesday it was Mitchell's Bay. Just the expected birds were seen.
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| Green Heron |
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| Spotted Sandpiper (with no spots) |
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| Slender Spreadwing |
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| Milkweed Tussock Moth caterpillars |
Yesterday, I decided to go to the Shetland CA boat launch and look for odonates. It was sunny around home, but approaching the said place, it clouded over and was a bit foggy. Not surprising as it was horribly humid yesterday. Just my luck.
I looked anyway, and eventually the sun thankfully came out. Anyone who looks for butterflies and dragonflies knows that the sun is essential for good activity.
I was hoping to see a Dusky Dancer, but that was not to be. Hopefully this rarity will show up soon. However, I did see almost all the other regulars at Shetland.
A couple of Flag-tailed Spinylegs showed up in the large dragonfly department.
Also its cousin the Black-shouldered Spinyleg was around in numbers.
Speaking of spiny things, a large Spiny Softshell pulled up on a usual perch just downriver.
And of course a few Blackstripe Topminnows made themselves known.
Back to odes, a few of the dancers were dancing around. (As a disclaimer, I was not on my A-game with the camera this day!).
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| Powdered Dancer |
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| Blue-tipped Dancer |
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| Violet Dancer |
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| Blue-fronted Dancer |
This is a good spot for the endangered Blue-ringed Dancer.
On the way home, I made a quick stop at Wilkesport. I managed to get a photo of a Royal River Cruiser for the day!
Today, I did not have a clue what to do. I ended up going to Rondeau Park and walking out marsh trail to half way point. It was uncomfortably hot and humid, and perhaps that it why I did not see much of note!
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| Common Buckeye |
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| Swamp Rose Mallow (plentiful in some areas) |
This afternoon I just had to go for a walk at Reid CA despite the heat. Turned out to be worthwhile!
The usual Dukes' Skippers were near the start greeting me as I walked by.
Soon, they will be gone for another year, as they are now showing their wear. It has been a good year for them.
I walked to the end of the laneway, then along the east edge of the back field.
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| Appalachian Brown |
Quite a few Lance-tipped Darners are around now. The ones I saw today flew into shaded areas to escape the heat.
Then for whatever reason, I walked through the Lilly Bush, mosquitoes and all! I usually stay out in the open in summer here. But, I survived.
Walking back the laneway, I spotted a skipper flitting around. I thought it was a Peck's Skipper and was going to ignore it. However, I thought to attempt a photo anyway since I could include it as part of the Nature Conservancy's Backyard Bioblitz which is on, starting today.
As I focused on the creature, I realized it was not a Peck's Skipper. The only other possibility was a Zabulon Skipper! Never in my wildest dreams would I think of finding one at Reid.
After taking several photos, I walked away still in disbelief.
Reid CA continues to produce interesting and rare things. I now have at least 56 species of butterflies on the property.
Zabulon is a rarity in Ontario. Lots of records are in Essex County over the years, including many this year. I was actually tempted to head down to Ojibway this summer just to see one or two, but I hate that drive! Now it is not necessary. And, it is certainly a lot more fun finding your own, especially in an unexpected location.
As far as I know this is only the second Lambton record, as one was photographed on June 1 of this year at Canatara Park by DB. Something must be afoot with them this year.
After this hot find on a hot day, it was cool sailing the rest of the day!
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