Night-Herons to Hairstreaks

I went down to Rondeau on this cool morning.  Almost needed a jacket!  I met up with the Burk's at south point trail and we had a pleasant walk out the south beach.  Lots of warblers were around, but it was difficult seeing them in the foliage.  They were even all the way out the beach in the shrubbery.
Lots of gulls were moving westward today.  Some of which were far out and left to speculation--Laughing, Black-headed, Franklin's.....etc.  None of the above.

Several Bald Eagles were around today and many hawks migrating.
Birds flying overhead included American Pipits.  I saw the first two while at Strathroy yesterday.

As we arrived at Sora City, the rails were calling like crazy.  One wonders how many are really out there.

We went as far as the "old" break and Jim spotted a Gray Hairstreak.

By this time it was warming up and we headed back keeping eyes peeled.  At the area of the wild rice, some Black-crowned Night Herons popped up.  We did not even see them on the way out!  They rose in bunches and there was around 80!  Keith counted 78 to be exact.
I have never seen so many of them at once. It is not the record high though as one spring 120 were counted by Dick Ussher many many decades ago.






As I walked back, I kept an eye on goldenrod.  Sure enough I spotted a White-M Hairstreak!  It was a bit worn and a chunk was out of its right side revealing the blue of the upperwing.

Rondeau's 2nd White-M Hairstreak

It was rather quiet walking back and few birds were seen and no more hairstreaks.
However, I checked the entrance area of marsh trail and found 3 more Gray Hairstreaks.

After lunch, I headed down to McGeachy Pond.  I figured it would be a good day along the dike.  I found at least 12 Gray Hairstreaks.  I had 9 one way and 12 going back, so who knows if I counted twice.

Next stop was Blenheim Lagoons.  Few shorebirds today, but 8 Red-necked Phalaropes were circling around pond 1.  They finally settled. The number varies at times, but the maximum last week was nine.






I spotted a Bronze Copper at one point.  Believe it or not, it is the first one I saw this year.  I think the dry year has had some bearing on numbers.





A few Common Checkered-Skippers were around.

Some butterflies are getting worn.  This Red-spotted Purple has seen better days!