Some Common and Uncommon 

Spring Butterflies!

Finding this species in Pinery Provincial Park was a first for me! The Eastern Pine Elfin is common in Ontario, but not in SW Ontario. It can be found in open areas adjacent to Pine/Oak forests.

The Dusted Skipper is rare in Ontario, restricted to the sandy dunes around Pinery Provincial Park. (The ROM Field Guide to Butterflies of Ontario.)

The Eastern-tailed Blue has a low flight with a short proboscis (tongue) and prefers flowers close to the ground which are open or short-tubed. Sweet White Clover, Cinquefoils and Asters are among its favourites. They thrive in open, sunny places including weedy areas and disturbed habitats. (https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Cupido-comyntas)

Finding a Common Checkered Skipper this early in the season was a huge surprise! I typically find them mid July when the Brown-eyed Susan's in my garden bloom. Although "common" is in the name, it is a permanent species in Mexico and north to 40 degrees latitude. It is considered to be a rare breeding migrant in Ontario. (The ROM Field Guide to Butterflies of Ontario.) Top photo is a female, bottom is a male.

Black Swallowtails flying in a possible territorial battle. This species is known as a "hill topper" in Ontario with males gathering and patrolling around the highest point of land awaiting females who usually ascend hills after emerging from the chrysalis.  (The ROM Field Guide to Butterflies of Ontario.) High points in the Canatara Meadow can be a good spot to find Black Swallowtails.