Local Finds!

Butterfly finding weather is rapidly disappearing. But on sunny days in sheltered areas, some surprises can still be found. While visiting Rock Glen Conservation Area, two Eastern Commas fluttered around the rotting apples at the top of the stairs. One of them landed on a top railing with fall colours in the background. This species will overwinter as an adult, tucked into crevices in logs.

An (uncommon) Common Buckeye flew past me on October 21st. at the Suncor Trail. Luckily I was able to follow it until it landed. This species has been difficult to find in 2025. I only saw 2 or 3 in all of 2025.

Suncor Trail on October 21st: The Suncor Nature Trail circles the perimeter of a Stormwater Management Pond. The pond temporarily stores water during rainfall events and releases it at a controlled rate, helping to reduce flooding and erosion. Stormwater management ponds also provide the habitat needs for countless species including many birds and butterflies.

https://www.sarnia.ca/stormwater-management-ponds/

Golden-crowned Kinglets are always very active as they search for food, but two of them bounced around at the trail edge, allowing for a few photos!

Golden-crowned Kinglet hanging upside down by his feet - a good way to find bugs on the underside of leaves!

Ruby-crowned Kinglet: Both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets are smaller than Black-capped Chickadees!

Wawanosh Wetlands C.A. trail

Autumn Meadowhawk, sunning on a leaf.

Yellow-rumped Warbler - one in a migrating flock of 8 warblers.

Great Blue Heron on a lookout perch!

While walking through the Canatara beach parking lot, a Red-tailed Hawk flew past me and landed on a lamp post.

The hawk then flew to a nearby wooded area for a more protected hiding spot and a better chance of finding his next meal. However, Blue Jays quickly found the predator and noisily told the rest of the forest animals that a hawk had arrived!

Rusty Blackbirds can be identified by their squeaky call in the spring when their feathers are black. In autumn, the rusty coloured feathers make them easier to identify by sight.

A flock of 6 Wood Ducks circled lake Chipican, landed for about 60 seconds, and then continued on their way. 

A Mallard hen sat on the base of a fountain in the animal farm pond. She was enjoying "being in the spotlight"! The bright light was possibly providing some warmth.

Fall Colours in Canatara.

There's a new Alpaca at the Canatara animal farm! She was born on October 7th and has been named Tilly, short for Matilda.

Video: Tilly at play!