female Twelve-spotted
Today was the Rondeau butterfly count. Same routine. I do South Point Trail and Harrison south of the V. C. I have been doing this count since it started in 1999 (except year 2000) and have always done the same area. Average species total for that is 22. Every year is different and it showed this year with the earlier emergence of butterflies.
Northern Pearly-eye and Appalachian Eyed-Brown were in good numbers.
Timing was good for Summer Azure as they were plentiful. Monarchs were in pretty good numbers as well.
Skippers included lots of Northern Broken-Dash, several Silver-spotted, a couple of Crossline and quite a few Delaware. (unlike Point Pelee, we do get them!).
Hairstreaks were absent. They are never plentiful at Rondeau, but the dry year has kept numbers at bay all over.
worn Edwards' Hairstreak (from another location)
For swallowtails, we only had Tiger!
Red Admiral was high in number. Many were moving along the south beach.
As always, one watches for birds as well. I noted a Pine Warbler singing on south point trail, and another at the visitor centre. They do not nest every year at Rondeau, but I think they did this year.
I heard a Red-breasted Nuthatch--obviously an early fall migrant.
I kept ears tuned for Yellow-throated Warbler, but did not hear one. I have no doubt it nested in the park. Mark Peck was looking around today for that elusive bird!
"Its me again!"
Dragonflies were in huge numbers today. Thousands I guess. Blue Dasher topped the list with hundreds.
Halloween Pennant
Thanks to Friends of Rondeau and especially Ric and Anne McArthur for the good lunch today, as always!**
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