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Nature Link
BUTTERFLIES STILL IN THE NEWS
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
This year has already shaped up as being one of the best years in recent memory for immigrant or stray butterflies from the south. As long as the weather holds, another good month of surprises awaits.
I discussed last week the discovery of a Funereal Duskywing at Point Pelee by Alan Wormington. Just two days later, another was found in a yard just outside the park by Henrietta T. O’Neill. That was perhaps Ontario’s 11th record. Michigan only has but one record, and Ohio none. Amongst butterfly enthusiasts, the Funereal Duskywing is desired species to see.
The situation looked good for butterflies once again at Point Pelee this past Saturday, so that was my destination. I searched one good area and found lots of butterflies. I decided it was worth checking again.
On that second try, I found a very fresh Funereal Duskywing along the West Beach! Photo is included here. This is Point Pelee’s (within park boundary) fourth record. It was certainly my find of the year.
There were lots of other decent butterflies, too numerous to mention here.
On the birding front, jaegers have been seen in good numbers around the lakes. As I predicted last week, it is going to be a good autumn for pelagics such as jaegers and rare gulls. Van Wagner’s Beach at Hamilton had an excellent day this past Saturday on only a light east wind. We do not get much of those seabirds around here locally, but no doubt some will be sighted this fall.
The first pond at Blenheim Lagoons is getting a facelift. It was drained all summer, but attracted lots of shorebirds most of the summer.
Photo shows pond one at Blenheim with some Stilt Sandpipers and Greater Yellowlegs.
The other photo shows Sanderlings running along the beach at Point Pelee. They typically run along the surfline.
