September: Spined Creatures, Insects and Scenes

 This week has been very calm until today.  Not a breath of wind most of the time!  I have been making my usual rounds this week seeing what is around.

One thing of note is that I have been seeing quite a few Spined Macrathena spiders.  These are unique tiny spiders that can easily be overlooked and difficult to photograph.  They are considered vulnerable by the NHIC.

Here is one at Peers Wetland in a usual spot.  Looks daunting on the trail!

I have seen several at Reid C. L., and today I managed a decent photo.

Not much in the yard of interest lately, but this Common Checkered-Skipper spent a day fluttering around.

Goldenrod is blooming now and attracting a myriad of insects.  This Fraternal Potter Wasp was one of them.  Another species considered vulnerable in Ontario.

Here are some various insects during my travels this week.

Eastern Carpenter Bee (lots in the yard!)

Hackberry Emperor (Wilkesport)

A rather Slender Spreadwing

Northern Paper Wasp

Common Wood Nymph (late)

Large Green Stinkbug (neat!)

Ruby-tailed Cuckoo Wasp sp. (non-native)

American Dagger Moth caterpillar

Common Ringlet

On the first day of this month, I figured a walk out Rondeau's marsh trail was a good bet.  Winds have been light out of the east lately, so that was helpful.  

Turned out to be good with lots of warblers, etc.  My favourite flycatcher had at least three representatives.

Stopped by Keith McLean C. L. on the way back home.  Same shorebirds have been there for quite some time!  The bonus Hudsonian Godwit was still present, but too far for my camera gear.

Today, I walked Peers Wetland first thing.  It was finally birdy for a change with several warblers.  Nothing unusual, but enough to keep me interested.  

Red-breasted Nuthatches are plentiful everywhere right now.  Obviously getting out of Dodge up north!

I had things to take care of the rest of the morning, but in the afternoon, I went for a walk at Reid C. L.  Been deathly quiet for birds there lately.  Even the usual breeding birds were scarce there this year.  Most of the time, not a bird could be heard at all.

It was just nice walking through the woods this afternoon.  Here are some random scenes.

Love those old oaks!

Friday looks good for a lakewatch along Lake Erie, so I will likely head there!