Outdoor Ontario
Discussion => General Discussions => Topic started by: Howieh on August 26, 2014, 09:49:03 AM
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I'm not sure where to post this encouraging article so here it is:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/m ... -1.2744262 (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/monarch-butterfly-population-set-to-rise-this-year-1.2744262)
I actually spent time at three different locales yesterday (Aug 25). To summarize; not a single monarch was seen at Ross Lord Park, only one or two at Rosetta MG but I saw several (6+) at Toronto Botanical Gardens. They were nectaring at several different flowers but they really seem to like the blazing stars near the Lawrence St. entrance.
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At the Jaeger watch in Hamilton (Van Wagner's beach) on Sunday we saw quite a few fly over the lake and near the shoreline. I must have counted at least 15, which means there were quite a few more than that.
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At gull lake near Minden there were a few monarchs in rough shape about a month ago and last weekend I counted 15 caterpillars on milkweed that were along the roadside. I'm guessing that the monarchs I saw made the journey laid eggs and died so there should be some new ones soon .
Rob
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The milkweed seems to be plentiful in the fields this year. Lets hope it is a sign that the Manarchs will be also.
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I saw several at CSSP on Sunday,, but only 1 on Monday.
Migrating dragonflies were more plentiful on Sunday too, so it may have been weather related.
BB
Sent from my birdroid, using Tapatalk
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My son walked the Leslie Spit late Sunday afternoon and didn't see a single monarch, very unusual for this time of year but a bit early if the migration is weak.
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dragonflies migrate ???? Wow.
You know...I enjoy that there are people who are enthusiasts of the odontates...lepidopterans....but how come there are no daddy long legs enthusiasts ? Fascinating little creatures...and so many different types.
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My kids and I are big harvestman fans. I taught them very young that they are not spiders so we often watch for them and even let them walk around on us for a few minutes. Last week I rescued one from inside a big drug store and took it out to release on the small garden outside. There's a person for every life form!
There were many Monarchs at Col Sam Smith yesterday. Many were flying straight and fast (a bit unusual for me) but others were perching at the goldenrod and loosestrife. I also have seen several flying high any time I drive along a major road. That said, I wouldn't call this the best year I've seen for Monarchs. Just lots better than last year.
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dragonflies migrate ????
Like butterflies, most species don't, but a few do. And, for those that do, it's a one-way trip.
The conspicuous migrants around here are Green Darners, Black Sadddlebags, and Twelve-spotted Skimmers.
BB