In my previous post, I mentioned a morning of birding (but it mostly turned into a search for butterflies). A short while ago, the first record of Broad-winged Skipper for the Pelee Birding Area was seen along Concession E north of the park. No matter the time of year, whenever I am home, Marianne and I make it a point to go out birding at least once. This weekend was no exception and although we only had 3 hours, we still had a fun time (minus missing the aforementioned Broad-winged Skipper).
We decided to start our search for butterflies (and possibly shorebirds) at Hillman Marsh. After poisening ourselves with bug spray (I had already applied sunscreen earlier in the morning so I felt like I had just waded through toxic sludge at this point), we set off. It was a typical July day with no shorebirds found but some highlights in the birding department included a few Willow Flycatchers, both species of Cuckoo, 2 Belted Kingfishers, a ton of Common Yellowthroats and Yellow Warblers, as well as the usual summer suspects (a huge flock of swallows over the Pelee Marsh was a highlight for me). Note to self: even the strongest bug sprays do not deter Deerflies...ouch!
We ended up with 14 species of butterfly in total:
Black Swallowtail
Eastern Tiger-Swallowtail (black and yellow forms)
Summer Azure
Cabbage White
Orange Sulphur
Bronze Copper
Eyed Brown
Painted Lady
Eastern Comma
Pearl Crescent
Orange Crescent
Monarch
Viceroy
Least Skipper
I also learned this weekend of a butterfly listserv that I need to find and become a member of. If I had been on it, I may have heard about the Marine Blues that were featured in the Toronto Star!
I wish I had had more time to stay out today but only having 2 vehicles on a farm where 4 busy people live causes obvious scheduling conflicts. In other news, it's been made official! I am the membership secretary of the Toronto Ornithological Club! *Currently floating on a cloud*
6 comments:
I found a patch of Broad-winged Skippers north of Wallaceburg. They were neat to watch as they are slow and weak fliers and stay mainly within the sedges.
The record for Pelee that Alan found was for the park itself. They have been seen outside the park in the Point Pelee Birding Area in the past.
Oh, by the way congratulations on becoming membership secretary of the TOC!!
Where have the Marine Blues been sighted?
Dear anonymous,
Here is the link to the Toronto Star article covering the Marine Blues:
http://www.thestar.com/Comment/article/462609
Do you mind me asking who you are and how you found my blog? I'm always interested in getting to know my readers :D
Jeremy ... Thank You for posting the link. I'm so excited that they are at Marie Curtis Park! Will answer that first question when I reply to your e-mail received earlier this evening.
Just recently discovered your blog while researching Peregrine Falcons.
btw - Congratulations re: TOC. I'm truly excited and happy for you!
:)
Jeremy, did you find that butterfly listserve yet? I am on the Google one at: http://groups.google.com/group/onbutterflies/about
I learned about the Marine Blues the same day they were found. A very pretty butterfly!
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