Early August Anecdotes

 The first week of August is about done already!  I was out and about as usual, so here are some photos.

Saturday I checked out both the north shore and south shore trails at Mitchell's Bay.  Nothing of note seen.  The north shore usually has mud, but there was none for southbound shorebirds.  There is some "matting" farther out that might be attractive.

Some Great Egrets were perched and preening.

Swamp Rose Mallow is quite regular in various spots.

Sunday was uneventful, but Monday was a great day to be out in the fine weather.

After a drive along the river, I stopped for a walk at Nicholls Memorial Forest and Wetland at Wilkesport.

Cedar Waxwing

Common Wood Nymph

Then it was a stop at Reid C. L.  Some of the usual butterflies were showing their wear, as expected this time of year.

Dukes'

Peck's Skipper

Spicebush Swallowtail

And of course I never pass up an opportunity to photograph a Royal River Cruiser.

I also saw an unwanted alien in their midst.  This small creature is an Emerald Ash Borer.

I was home by noon, but got word that a Zabulon Skipper was visiting a property near Brigden.  I actually had this species on my mind in the morning, so naturally I headed up to Brigden!

First off, several Mocha Emeralds were flying around.  I had not yet obtained a photo of one this year, so this was my opportunity.

In fact, there were many Mochas flying around the property!  Never saw so many.

The target of the day took a while to find, but there it was. I knew from experience that once Zabulon's find a spot they like, they will stick to it.

While there, we looked at the resident Dukes' Skipper population.

Hummingbird Clearwing moths were working the Bergamot.

Tuesday, I went to Blenheim lagoons to look at shorebirds.  Target was the Red-necked Phalarope duo that was reported the previous day.  They were there, but unfortunately too distant to even attempt a photo.

Lots of other things to look at as well.

Least Sandpipers with a Semipalmated Sandpiper

Lesser Yellowlegs

Wednesday, I felt like going farther afield, and ended up at Strathroy.  I first stopped at Cuddy Woods CA northwest of the village.  I had never been there before, but it is a neat little place.  A number of Common Hackberry trees are here.

It has a pond, and the north end is muddy.  The local Black-necked Stilts have frequented this spot, but I was obviously too early in the day for them.  (They showed up later!).

My next walk was Strathroy CA within the village.  I did not see much of interest there, and things that I did, did not co-operate for the camera!

Scene along the Trail

On the way home, I stopped at Shetland CA boat launch to look for odes.  Very scarce!  I did see a Blue-ringed Dancer, but like everything else this day, did not co-operate.

A couple of Flag-tailed Spinylegs were on the riverbank, but even they were facing away.

Only saw one Violet Dancer whih remains un-ID'd on iNaturalist (many tend to shy away from IDing damselflies on iNaturalist! even when they are obvious)..

The usual Blackstripe Topminnows were in the area.

In the garden at home this moth was new for my list here.

Juniper Geometer Moth

Today was museum day, but I did go for a walk first thing at Mitchell's Bay.  Somewhat cloudy first thing though.

Those Shiny Bog Flies were still around.  Although secure in Ontario, they are considered imperiled in Canada overall.

May Madness? Not Yet.

 Birding was quite slow this past week until today after some southwest winds kicked in....finally.

Been spending some time at Mitchell's Bay since it is close to home.  Friday evening I was bored to the point where I went out to the Bay to get a look at a Yellow-headed Blackbird.  Seems everyone is only seeing one, but it is a tick on the year list!  Coming to a local feeder.

I did a quick walk of the south shore nature trail and finally saw some Cedar Waxwings.  They have been incredibly scarce this year!

Great Egrets are a regular sight along the trail.  One of these days we may see a smaller relative!

Heavy clouds were over the lake that evening.

Saturday morning was crisp but clear and I stayed relatively close to home.  I stopped by Port Lambton, Wilkesport, then Peers Wetland.

Scene at Wilkesport

Scene at Peers Wetland

Sunday morning I was up early and checked out Mitchell's Bay.  Still very quiet for birds!

I then decided that I needed to see some White Pelicans, so went on to Hillman Marsh where they have been quite reliable.  Upon arrival, they were there!

These are not considered rare in Essex anymore.

A stop at the shorebird cell was quite productive with a number of Long-billed Dowitchers.  They have been rather numerous this spring.  Lots of other shorebirds were present as well.

While there, my first of the year Black Tern made a pass through, as well as some Common Terns.

Southwest winds were brisk overnight and there was anticipation that a good number of birds would come in.  Not a huge number, but there were many new arrivals at Rondeau Park.  The weather was warm and sunny for a change!  Birders were out in full force today.  It has become a popular sport.

I ended up with 81 species in the park when all was said and done.  Many first-of-years included several warblers (Hooded, Black-throated Green, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-White, etc.)

Quite a few sparrows came in overnight.

White-crowned

Lincoln's

Just before I left, two male Scarlet Tangers were putting on a show near the Park Store.

Butterlfies included numerous American Painted-Lady.

I kept an eye out for some plants along the way, including Sharp-lobed Hepatica, trilliums, etc.

One of the rarer plants was Goldenseal, just coming into bloom.

Showy Orchis will be a while before flowering, but I did see some leaves...lol.

As usual, after a nice day, the winds switch back to the north with rain and cool weather starting tomorrow!  Will we ever get two good days in a row?