The other day I caught up with a couple of Flag-tailed Spinylegs at McKeough CA. It has always been my reliable spot to find them along the riverbank. They were a bit skittish this day, and not in an ideal position to photograph.
Bluets are easily missed since they are so small, but I always keep an eye out. There are so many types, and many look very similar to each other!
Azure Bluets seem to be quite common once you get looking here is a pair at McKeough.
Yesterday I checked out Keith McLean C. L. and Erieau. Autumn shorebird migration is well underway, but I did not see too many shorebirds. Some Least and a Semipalmated Sandpiper were at McLean's, while a Short-billed Dowitcher was at Erieau marsh trail.
Shorebirds aside, I am looking more at insects this time of year. After Erieau, I slid over to Clear Creek to check out the old quarry.
I saw Comet Darner immediately upon my arrival. In fact, I counted four during my visit! Likely a high count there for me.
Bluets and dancers were in short supply. Not seeing as many as I usually do.
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| Violet Dancer |
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| Skimming Bluet |
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| Azure Bluet |
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| Swamp Spreadwing |
After finishing up there, I took a look in the creek beside the road. Some minnows were schooling there. They must survive in this spot somehow as I have seen the creek dry this time of year through the forest! I suspect they are Creek Chub.
Today started a little drizzly, but the sun came out later. This afternoon Reid CA was calling, so I went for a walk there. I was mainly looking at insects.
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| Banded Longhorn |
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| Margined Calligrapher pair |
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| Confused Eusarca Moth |
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| Dun Skipper |
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| Dogwood Spittlebug |
A few butterflies are doing well this year, including Appalachian Brown.
I found another hairstreak, so I am up to two there this year! This Banded looked fairly fresh.
A couple of Broad-winged Skippers were flying, but I was unable to get a photo of any. I thought I had one to photograph at one point, but it turned out to be a Northern Broken-Dash!
Dukes' Skipper should have emerged some time ago, but finally I saw my first two of the year in a usual locale. Very fresh-looking.
My little garden is doing well this summer. Although there are some non-native plants, it attracts an amazing number of insects that are good as pollinators. Always looking for something different!
The weekend is coming, and par for the course will likely be wet. An event is planned for Sunday. Never plan outdoor events for the weekend!
