Time of day seems to be important in finding certain things such as dragonflies. I first stopped at McKeough CA and looked for Flag-tailed Spinylegs. It was just too early in the day.
I next drove around a bit and found out that the field where I found Dickcissels earlier had been cut. That means Bobolinks, meadowlarks and other birds were affected as well. The few spots left for these birds are still a lost cause!
Another stop was Moore WMA. The Solitary Sandpiper from Thursday was still present.
I wandered back a ways into territory I used to check out frequently.
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| Compass plant |
There are trails that go way back and it was always interesting for butterflies, especially hairstreaks.
In my brief visit, I did find a Hickory and a couple of Banded.
No emeralds were seen in the little creek, but perhaps it was too early in the day.
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| Delaware Skipper |
I worked my way to NW of Brigden where I stopped into a frend's property. The main goal was to check out some sedge areas where skippers were being seen.
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| Broad-winged Skipper |
While there, one or two other skippers briefly nectared on the Swamp Milkweed. They strongly looked like Dukes', but with the possibility of the similar-looking Dion being present, I was not 100% convinced.
However, there are things to look for which can separate the two species fairly easily. I have seen only a couple of the more common Dion Skippers over the years, but I have seen lots of Dukes'!
Later we went to a smaller sedge area (quite some distance from the other) in which I remarked that it was perfect for Dukes' Skippers. Nobody had ever seen anything at this spot before. At first nothing was seen, but then a couple of large skippers flew by. I waited for a long time and finally one landed briefly. I was certain it was a Dukes', but it was not there long enough to take a photo. As with birds, I take a good look first before wasting time setting up the camera.
We went back to the first sedge area and I caught another photo of one of the skippers.
It certainly looked like Dukes'.
I tend to be too cautious about some things, so I sent photos to someone to examine. Hands down these sedge skippers were Dukes'. This is a NEW location for them in Lambton County! (The Reid CA location was new in 2008).
While there we saw other butterflies including a nice Striped Hairstreak.
And, lots of Appalachian Browns.
On the way home I stopped by McKeough CA once again and finally was able to see a few Flag-tailed Spinylegs in their usual spot.
I also stopped in nearby Reid CA and saw a couple of Dukes' Skippers there to round out the day. This one may be a Dion though. I have seen lots of Dukes', but not Dion!
By this time, it was just too hot to be out!
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| Eastern Amberwing at McKeough |
