A few updates and sightings for October 19th.

Variegated Fritillary along the west beach of Point Pelee. September 13th. Photo by Marianne Balkwill.

It has been a while since I have posted (I will spare you the excuses why I haven't) so I guess I quick update is in order.

September was quite an interesting month. Butterflies continued to be numerous and exciting, and I got another lifer butterfly as well, a FUNEREAL DUSKY-WING on September 13th in Point Pelee. The west side of the park continued to be great for butterflies with species such as Common Checkered Skipper, Variegated Fritillary and the ever numerous (or at least this year) Buckeyes and Fiery Skippers. A few interesting species of birds included Long-tailed and Parasitic Jaeger, Red Phalarope, and Lesser Black-backed Gull, all at the tip of Point Pelee.

In September I also led a private birding tour for a couple from Massachusehetts. We went out for a morning and I even picked up a couple of lifers for them. That in itself is always a nice feeling! I love giving tours to people, so if anyone knows anybody who wants a private tour feel free to contact me!

On October 3rd I led the OFO hike in Point Pelee. That day was a huge struggle and was also very cold! A few people were not dressed warm enough, and there were very few species of birds around. We did see a Peregrine Falcon, which is always nice. Still, spirits were pretty high amongst the group!

It seems right now there is a huge wave of Black-capped Chickadees migrating through the region. This morning (October 19th) I went to Pelee for a few hours and checked out Delaurier, Anders and the Chiquapin Oak Trail. There is definetaly a lot of Chickadees on the move, along with Kinglets, and Red-breasted Nuthatch. I also saw a single female Purple Finch, and a Pine Siskin at Delaurier, and I flushed a Woodcock along Anders Footpath. There was a recent report of a Black-backed Woodpecker in Ohio, and with all these Black-capped Chickadees on the move it wouldn't surprise me if a Boreal Chickadee turns up somewhere here in southern Ontario, along with another Black-backed Woodpecker and maybe even a Grey Jay!

I LOVE FALL BIRDING!!