More Surprises ! Another Zabulon and a Harvester in the Mix

 The last couple of days I have been at a loss where to go in the morning.  Yesterday I went to Rondeau, but there were no surprises.

Some late migrants were still trickling through as expected.  Some Blackburnian Warblers were still kicking around, as well as others.

Shorebirds are still numerous with certain species.  Semipalmated things such as plovers and sandpipers were in good numbers.

I did have one Least Sandpiper at the east beach off south point trail, which is getting late by early June.

I stopped by Blenheim Lagoons as well, where there were lots of Semipalmated things.

Five White-rumped Sandpipers was a good number for the date.

Today, I really was at a loss where to go!  There are so many places and things to check out this time of year, I have to make some sort of decision.

I ended up going to Skunk's Misery which was a good choice, as it turned out.  It was still quite cool in the morning, which was a good thing as it kept mosquitoes at bay.

I spent quite a bit of time touring around and got most of the specialties, including two Cerulean Warblers.  They were unseen singing in the treetops!

I walked Sitler Woods and got the usual Acadian Flycatcher.

As usual I always look for American Chestnut.

Hooded Warblers were in good numbers, as I heard twelve singing males in total.  I just happen to have a good ear to detect them and other birds!  And yes, I was careful not to double count.

Ovenbirds are in big numbers at Skunk's, and today was no exception.

Red-eyed Vireos were everywhere, but that is to be expected in a place such as this.

Along one creek that has been dredged, I always see fingernail clams.  Very tiny!

Striated Fingernail Clam

While in the area, I decided to check out Wardsville Woods.  By the time I was done at Skunk's, it was after ten and warm enough for insects.

It is a bit early for the rarities, but lots of Midland Clubtails kept me busy.

Back at the pond, I was baffled to see a Zabulon Skipper!  This is the exact same spot I had one last year.

The little pond also had a beaver swimming in it.  That surprised me for such a small pond!

Walking back along the creek, I saw an interesting butterfly going back and forth over the stream.  It was in a difficult spot, so I could not get a good photo.

It suspiciously looked like a Harvester, a unique butterfly not often seen.  And indeed it was.

That was a bonus!

There were other things there of course.

White-striped Black (moth)

Juvenal's Duskywing

This afternoon, I was curious enough to go back to Reid CA and check on the Zabulon Skippers.  I met up with Pete Chapman who had unsuccessfully looked for them.  So, he followed me to the spots and sure enough they were there.   Exact same spot as a couple days ago, not to mention same as last summer.

These things have me baffled.  Do they overwinter?  I must do more research.

These males this year are in the exact same spots as last year both at Reid and Wardsville.  Just too coincidental.

I have yet to check the spot at Wilkesport, and if I find one there, it will be mind-boggling!