Thursday, June 26, 2025

Travels This Week: Insects and Other Things

 Monday was a clear day as I headed to the Strathroy area.  I walked the conservation area within the town.  It was a bit early in the day for insects, however it was a place I wanted to walk.

Quite a few Appalachian Browns were flying, which appeared to be the most numerous butterfly.

 


This bluet was all too familiar along the river.


A pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers is nesting in the area.


Next stop was the sewage lagoon, where I walked around the north pond.

Common Gallinules nest in the south pond, and one was visible.


There were not as many insects as I had hoped, but a few Widow Skimmers were flying.


Since Shetland was on the way home, I made a quick stop at the boat launch where we can find a good variety of odonates, among other things.  There was not much flying, as has been the case in most locations this season.

Stream Bluets were the more numerous damsel.


Dancers included Violet, Blue-tipped and a single Powdered.  Too early in the season for the rarities.




Just before getting home, I stopped by Reid Conservation Lands, but not surprisingly there were no hairstreaks.

Tuesday, I was fairly close to home, checking out some local areas and listing for the bird atlas.  I found a family of Pied-billed Grebes at Stewart Wetland.


I made another stop at Reid for a longer walk.  A female Slaty Skimmer posed nicely at one point.


Wednesday I was fairly busy with various things, but later in the morning I ventured over to Wardsville Woods.  It was rather dismal for odonates, but early on I found this pair of Cobra Clubtails in the wheel position.  This was the best I could do for photos.


This unit stuck together, but then flew off out of sight!

At the pond, there was very little activity, but this Rainbow Bluet was nice to see.


I had hoped for Double-striped Bluets, but I have not come across any yet this year.

Violet Dancer is here as well.


There were a few Twelve-spotted Skimmers around the pond.


Very few butterflies....

Northern Pearly-eye

At home, another Slaty Skimmer stopped by.  Not often I see them at home.


Today, I had to go somewhere for a long walk, and Rondeau's marsh trail was the best option for a sunny morning.

Nothing special appeared though!

Swamp Spreadwing

American Lady

Hobomok Skipper

Eastern Bluebird

Tule Bluet

Later on, I came across this fairly large Eastern Foxsnake.


While down that way, I decided to go to Clear Creek and check out the quarry.  Upon arrival, the clouds had rolled in and a sudden unscheduled rain came in.  As a result, my visit was cut very short.  There was not much flying anyway.  A familiar sign this season.

I did catch a photo of a Westfall's Slender Bluet.  I had no time to look closely though as the rain came down very suddenly.



Better days ahead....as long as the weather co-operates!



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