August Favourites!

I found a few "lifer" species during August. A beautiful and very fluffy, Large Tolype Moth was sleeping in a stubby White Pine Tree in Canatara Park this week. I didn't realize it was a moth until I noticed the patterning on the wing!

There have been only 9 records of Zabulon Skippers posted on iNaturalist in Lambton County. August 31st was our turn to find this rare species in Canatara Park!

In addition to wandering Skippers, the Wandering Glider also wandered into Canatara Park on the last day of August. They are considered to be the most widespread dragonfly on the planet, with good populations on every continent except Antarctica!

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/108344-Pantala-flavescens

It looks like a young Rose-breasted Grosbeak spent a little too much time in the berry patch. However, the red on the breast is natural colouring for the species!

The "orange, creamsicle" colour of this freshly emerged Large Milkweed Bug caught my eye. Then I noticed its exuviae! I find it amazing that the skinny legs of the exuviae can be left behind in such excellent condition! Shortly after emerging from the exoskeleton, the bug will get its adult colours.

Sparganosis Fruitworm Moth at Henderson C.A. This was my first discovery of the species during daylight hours.

A beautiful Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar at Henderson Conservation Area. - so well camouflaged!!

A pair of Sanderlings led me down the Canatara beach recently. The Ring-billed Gull in the background gives some perspective as to their size.