Henderson C.A., end of August.

I made a visit to L.C. Henderson C.A. near Petrolia for the first time in several months. On the drive I found a family of Muscovy Ducks (domesticated). The 11 ducklings are very young for this late in the season!

First view of Canada Geese gathering prior to migration. They were headed for one of the ponds at Henderson C.A.

Before I had a chance get the birds fully into the camera frame, 15 Double-crested Cormorants took flight.

The Great Blue Heron that was beside them quickly followed the cormorants.

The heron found a tree nearby on which to land. I saw 6 "pairs" of Great Blue Herons. None of the birds were getting along with the others. Lots of squawking could be heard as they chased one another away from prime fishing spots!

The wind was picking up a bit by the end of the morning, but these turtles had found a sheltered area in the sun.

A Crescent is perched at the top of the Goldenrod while a bumblebee nectars below. I didn't keep track of numbers, but crescents were by far the most populous butterfly species. I possibly saw 75-100 between the Pearl and Northern Crescents.

Great Spangled Fritillary - always a treat to see!

Large Maple Spanworm: I looked twice at this moth as I initially believed it was a dried leaf.

A few Monarchs were passing through, in a southerly direction. I wished them all a safe journey!

Peck's Skippers

Silver-spotted Skipper on Missouri Ironweed.

Lots of spiderwebs lined the trail edges.

When I passed through the camping area at the end of the walk, I spied huge spiderwebs and other decorations. The campers were having an early Halloween Celebration.