The forecast was rain but I risked a walk through the nearby meadow this morning. The butterflies are back and it’s wonderful to see them.
Satyr-ically Speaking
There were about a dozen Little Wood Satyrs exploring along the lower branches of the line of Grey Dogwood bushes. I don’t know if their caterpillars feed on dogwood or not. I also don’t know if there is a Large Wood Satyr somewhere: there isn’t here in southern Ontario.
Pic of Peck
Well I haven’t had time to pick a peck of pickled peppers, but I did take a pic of a Peck’s.
In fact I took pictures of about six Peck’s skippers and watched several more. So maybe I got a six-Peck of skippers?
Clouds But No Rain
I saw two Northern Cloudywings, both in new locations compared to previous years. The location that often has a “big flock” hasn’t had any yet this year, but I’ll keep looking.
The two today spent a lot of time sipping nectar from purple Vetch. It was easier to focus on this one when it landed on the trail though.
Still No Sight of Cabbages
There are many domestic plants along the trail. Most of them were dumped illegally here from gardens; some seeded here. I’ve never seen a Cabbage here though, nor any other garden vegetables. (Well, aside from a wheelbarrow-load of huge, spoiled zucchini.) There always seems to be a few Cabbage White butterflies though.
Tawny-edged in the Tulgy
The first few Tawny-edged Skippers were asserting their territorial rights today. They will chase any other butterfly that comes into their airspace.
The Only European I Met Today
There are lots of Europeans in the Toronto area but the only one I met today along the trail was a European Skipper.
I have to look carefully at these simply coloured skippers as there are also a few Delaware Skippers along the trail later in the summer.
Let’s Hear It for the Girls with Curls
This Common Ringlet doesn’t look particularly like curly hair to me. Some of the common names are a bit lacking in common sense.
Not a Moth-er Butterfly
A fair number of grass moths were flying today, too. And a Ctenucha. This Grass Veneer decided appropriately to land on a blade of grass.
Flowers For All
Many types of wildflowers are in bloom including some mini Morning Glories.
I keyed these ones out once but I’ve forgotten what they were. I like the ones with the bit of pink near the centre best.
Birds on the Wire
Most of the birds were defending nests and delivering food. This Grey Catbird took time out to sing on behalf of everyone. (Catbirds mimic.)
I’m not quite sure what the fuzz was all about.
Overall, it was a very pleasant walk and the rain stayed away till later in the day!
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Did you beat the weather recently and see some wild things? Please share your enthusiasm with a comment.