End of August Things With Wings!
I walk by this location in Canatara Park almost every day, but one day last week I noticed a Monarch Chrysalis that was almost ready to eclose (emerge from the chrysalis). Since the black and orange wings were visible, I knew it wouldn't take too long so I sat down on a nearby rock and waited.
It took about 90 minutes before the butterfly emerged. Since it was a windy day, the Monarch was blown to the ground. I convinced it to climb onto my finger so I could place it on a slightly more sheltered leaf. It needed space to spread its wings while pumping fluid into them. Monarchs have begun their migration to Mexico! Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners are putting tiny Bluetooth tags on >100 Monarchs in Ontario over the next few weeks to help understand migration routes and migration success. Smartphones can help track these butterflies with the Project Monarch App.
Monarchs are always associated with Milkweed at the larva stage. However as adults, Monarchs can find nectar in many flowering plant species including some zinnias.
At a quick glance, it appears that this Eastern Giant Swallowtail caterpillar is sticking its tongue out at us. The red bit is an Osmeterium which is a unique defensive organ found in swallowtail caterpillars. It's a forked, fleshy structure located just behind the head. When threatened, the caterpillar everts the osmeterium. The bright colour and sudden appearance of the osmeterium can startle predators. (It certainly startled me while using my macro lens!) The osmeterium can also emit a strong, unpleasant smell that can deter predators.
https://butterflyask.com/species-identification/swallowtail-butterfly/swallowtail-butterfly-defense-mechanisms/
Several Zabulon Skippers have been found in Lambton County this summer. It is a southern species that has been visiting Ontario in recent years.
This busy Bumble bee has large, yellow, pollen baskets on its legs.
Another Bumble bee was drenched in pollen, from head to toe!
In an attempt to determine the health of Lake Chipican, catch and release traps were placed a few weeks ago to learn the fish species that live in the lake.
Migrating Warblers: Nashville Warbler finding food in the meadow.
Migrating Warblers: Wilson's Warbler
Migrating Warblers: Chestnut-sided Warbler
Migrating Warblers: Blackburnian Warbler, still sporting his spring colours.
Food Chain on the Goldenrod plant! A type of Stink Bug has captured a Bumble Bee. Above them both is a Northern Crab Spider, waiting patiently for his turn at a snack!