Some Insects and Shorebirds To Mention

 Things have been rather slow recently, so lack of subject matter here!

This past Monday was another nice day.  I first went out to the St. Clair River and sat at my favourite park (Seager) for a bit.  A classic laker went by, recalling the days of my youth here watching ships.

Saginaw

Back in the day, this ship would have been known as John J. Boland.

My last stop of the morning was a walk at Peers Wetland.  A family of Eastern Kingbirds was along the trail.

At "Chicken Island" a pair of young Great Horned Owls were making some noise.  They did not nest here, but no doubt nearby.

Tuesday morning, I walked Rondeau's marsh trail....mainly for exercise! Early on I noticed a Broad-winged Skipper.  It was in an awkward spot, but I took a photo anyway.  Getting late for them.

There were a few migrant warblers and other birds to keep me busy.  Best bird was a Louisiana Waterthrush.  Only seen briefly though.

Great Egrets

In the afternoon I needed another walk and went to Reid C. L.  A late Appalachian Brown was along the trail.

Also noticed some Giant Swallowtail pupae.

Looked like they were on buckthorn though.  Their foodplant is Hop-Hornbeam (Ironwood).

Thursday I went down to Keith McLean C. L. first thing.  There were a number of shorebirds, the best bird being a Red Knot.  A bit distant in poor light, as usual!

It was still there today.  Seems an annual thing.

Friday there was not much in the way of nature as I was focused on picking up my new car!  Pretty much wore out the old one.  Same type of car, but everything changed and is all digital.  I have to learn all over again!

Saturday morning, the target was the Hudsonian Godwit that was found at Keith McLean C. L. the day before.  I think I missed that one last year, so I had to go.  (It was still there today).  As usual, too distant in poor lighting, which seems to be a theme lately.

Here is one at the same location a number of years ago which was more photogenic.

Today, I first went to Blenheim Lagoons.  This place has not been producing of late, and today was no exception.  But, one has to look!

I continued on and went for a walk at Hillman shorebird cell.  Looking for insects of course.

Hackberry Emperor

Viceroy

Common Checkered-Skipper

Twelve-spotted Skimmer

Peck's Skipper

Monarch

The garden was active around mid-day with insects.  Had a checkered-skipper, but after too much fumbling around with the camera, it took off!

Peck's Skippers are plentiful right now.

This insect has an interesting name.

Say's Cuckoo Leafcutter Bee

Things should pick up with regards to birds, so stay tuned.