A Rare Find (and some other things):

The Spotted Turtle is a Critically Endangered reptile. It was my first time ever seeing this species in the wild, and she was preparing a nest! It was an extremely exciting find in June!!! The most significant threats are habitat destruction and illegal collection for the pet trade. Activities that alter the water table during the winter, such as digging a ditch along a road, can wipe out an entire population. Since this turtle is slow to reach sexual maturity (up to 15 years) and suffers high egg and juvenile mortality, population recovery may be slow.  

https://www.ontario.ca/page/spotted-turtle

Butterflies are harder to find with this cool weather. Some species will continue to be found on the warmer, sunnier days through the fall. Cabbage White butterflies are a fairly hardy species. Three individuals are nectaring on the White Aster flowers.

A happy Gray Catbird, sat in the sun and sang a song! Their long song can last up to 10 minutes!  https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gray_Catbird/overview#

Fiery Skippers were fairly easy to find over the past few weeks. While at rest, Fiery Skippers (along with most other skippers) can hold their wings in a triangular shape. Their sitting position is thought to be an adaptation to take the best advantage of the sun's rays.

https://www.butterflyidentification.com/fiery-skipper.htm

A Bald Eagle flew past the Lake Huron shoreline while Deryl was standing there! They have been known to play with plastic bottles and other objects, using them as toys. One observer witnessed six Bald Eagles passing sticks to each other in midair!

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/overview