We counted 83 monarchs migrating a minute at the peak today!! Netting individuals for tagging was tough because the monarchs were on a mission. No time to nectar, the wind and weather was just right for flying south. For the most part they stayed high up in the sky. At times, monarchs came in bursts, twenty or so flying close together in almost a flock. We stopped in awe to watch or exclaim with delight. The butterflies were so thick they reminded us of doves released at weddings or other celebratory events.
Monarchs tagged today were noticeably heavier and more brightly coloured than the ones I had seen last week. There were mostly females today, whereas earlier in the migration, we were tagging mostly males.
An unexpected find today: a Common Checkered Skipper!!! Ann Vance, a fellow naturalist and butterfly enthusiast finally netted the Wild Indigo Skippers that have been around since my first day at the cliff.
Dragonflies are still active, but there are less individuals than previously.
Butterflies seen today included:
- Common Checkered Skipper
- Wild Indigo Skipper (3) hanging out by vetch. Observed by E. Carroll and A. Vance.
- Fiery Skipper - at least 3
- Red spotted Purple
- Great Spangled Fritillary
- Mourning Cloak
- Eastern Comma
- Painted Lady
- Crescent (couldn't get in net, so species unknown)
- Tiger Swallowtail
- Common Buckeye
- Black Swallowtail
- Orange Sulphur
- Clouded Sulphur
- Cabbage White
- Eastern Tailed Blue
- Monarch
- Red Admiral
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| Common Checkered Skipper - Normally a rarity in Southwestern Ontario |
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| Female common green darner. |
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