Some Bugs at Tommy Thompson Park

[paul_reeves]

Late yesterday afternoon I decided to go "Bugging" at Tommy Thompson Park. Of course if any birds had decided to pose for me I would have taken advantage of the opportunity, but yesterday's goal was to get some Dragonfly and Butterfly shots. I also met Howie for the first time and we had a great conversation. I hope to meet you out somewhere again some time.

I have seen lots of Black saddlebags in flight but this is the first one to perch quietly for me.


Based on the diamond pattern on the abdomen I think this is a Meadowhawk of some sort. If someone could help with the ID I would appreciate it.
Edit: Thanks to Zed I now know this is a female Calico Pennant.


I think this is a Cabbage White but I'm not 100% sure. There were lots of them flying around.


And finally, I finally saw my first Monarchs of the year.


For anyone interested, more photos from my outing yesterday are posted on my website.
http://www.paulreeves.ca/html/most_recent/most_recent.html

[Howieh]

Hi Paul,

It was great meeting and chatting with you. I read your comments about eradication of invasive plant species in another thread; I was unpleasantly surprised to see the pesticide sign in the milkweed field on the spit. Do you know what they are trying to get rid of there?

Great photos btw.

[paul_reeves]

Thanks Howie.

I don't know what they are trying to remove at TTP or the Brickworks. At Todmorden Mills they have been using hands, axes and chainsaws to remove dogwoods I think. My last visit there last week I talked to a volunteer who was ripping out Dog Strangling Vine. That stuff is nasty and needs to go. But I was saddened to see those swathes of brown at Tommy Thompson because it looks like they are throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

[JW Mills]

Nice pics!
The 2nd d'fly is a female Calico Pennant.

[paul_reeves]

Thank you very much Zed.