Rondeau to Elgin County

I felt ambitious today so I headed down to Rondeau early.  But first stop was at Ridgetown Lagoons.  It has good shorebird habitat at the viewing stand pond.  Unfortunately not much was there.  Just a couple of Short-billed Dowitchers and the usual common shorebirds.
In Rondeau Park, I started at south point trail.  Yellow Warblers are flocking up with other birds mixed in.  I found a nice group of birds that included a singing Black-and-white Warbler.  That was an obvious early fall migrant.

Not much else of note until I heard an Acadian Flycatcher as I drove by spicebush trail parking lot.  Still sticking around since they nested there.  I did not really expect to come across it, but it helps to have your windows down and listen as you drive!

This eagle was being harrassed by Common Terns

I decided to head over into Elgin County.  First stop was Southwold Earthworks south of Iona.  I always stop there as it seems to be a neat place.  I have had success with butterflies there in the past, and today was no exception.  The clover was up and attracting butterflies.

There was a large number of Tawny-edged Skippers and amongst them were several Fiery Skippers.

I spent quite some time there, finding about 20 species!  Lots of Common Painted-Lady there and elsewhere today.  As well, Buckeye were everywhere and in numbers.

I slid over to Port Stanley Lagoons and was rather disappointed.  Water levels high!  Some edge is around pond 2, but few birds were present.
Among other dragonflies, some Red Saddlebags were flying.








Next stop was Fingal WMA.  I always walk around the prairie area at the Ian Carmichael pond.  The scenery has changed there as it is mostly Big Bluestem grasses.  There used to be lots of wildflowers in the past.
Lots of Buckeye here too!





Back in C-K, I walked around the old quarry at Clear Creek.  More weeds than anything!  Some Calico Pennants at the pond.

Might as well go to Blenheim!  Water high here too, but some edge.  A few Solitary Sandpipers were there and a good number of shorebirds at the sprinklers.
Finally got some half decent shots of Red Saddlebags here.

Butterflies included many Fiery Skippers and 2 Little Yellow.  Buckeyes galore here too.

?Unidentified Moth?