In summer, birds are much more difficult to find. While out for a walk in the Black Oak Savanna field at High Park, I had lots of fun photographing butterflies instead.
Northern Cloudywing
Northern Cloudywing
The Northern Cloudywing is the most common and broadly distributed Thorybes skipper in North America.
Northern Cloudywing
In the north, they fly between May and July.
Northern CloudywingNorthern Cloudywing
Little Wood Satyr
Little Wood Satyr
Despite its name, the Little Wood Satyr is larger than most other small satyrs.
Little Wood SatyrLittle Wood Satyr
It is highly adaptable to moderate environmental change, requiring only that some woods, brush, grass and moisture remain to provide shelter and food.
Little Wood SatyrLittle Wood SatyrLittle Wood Satyr
European Skipper
European Skipper
It is not just plants such as Dandelions or birds such as Starlings which have arrived in North America from elsewhere. The European Skipper was introduced in London, Ontario in 1910.
European SkipperEuropean SkipperEuropean Skipper
The population of European Skippers fluctuates markedly. There were dozens in High Park on this day. They fly from June to August.
European SkipperEuropean SkipperEuropean SkipperEuropean Skipper
I also found this insect busily laying eggs.
Syrphid Fly
Syrphid FlySyrphid FlySyrphid FlySyrphid Fly
Thank-you to Ken Sproule for his assistance in butterfly and insect identification!
Now, from the thick grass, the fireflies begin to rise: up, then down, then up again: lit on the ascending flight, drifting simultaneously to the same height, exactly like the bubbles in champagne. – Elizabeth Bishop (1911–79)
Wonderful to see them! And that fly! And the bunny! And the vine that looked like a creature! Great botany, too! Thanks again, Miles!