Archived Ontario Nature Reports
Suggested Topics:
Amphibians
Dragonflies
Flowers 		Mammals
Mushrooms
Reptiles
Birding and Butterfly Reports are
available in their appropriate sections.

  • Red Fox - Sun, 28 Jan 2001

    Hi Gord:

    Just a sidebar to the fox I reported last week.

    The fox appeared on our deck on Friday afternoon. It appeared to be very sick. It had lost a lot of hair at the base of its tail, and its face and muzzle was all matted. The eyes appeared to be half shut, and could not stand up properly.

    It was discovered a while later under a neighbor's chicken coop. A decision was made to have it destroyed. Recovery from mange in wild animals is rare. The disease can be spread to domestic animals as well as people (scabies).

    MNR says the disease accelerates this time of year because animals tend to den more in winter, and the breeding cycle among the canines occurs in late winter, thereby further spreading the disease.

    Ivan Foster
    Pefferlaw
    heronwd@ils.net


  • West Nile Virus - an alert for Ontario birdwatchers - Mon, 19 Jun 2000

    Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

    I have been requested to pass the following notice on to Ontario birdwatchers via Ontbirds. This is not for general release, i.e. please do not pass it on to the news media.

    Not for General Release
    West Nile Virus Advisory
    Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre - Ontario
    June 1, 2000

    Bird watchers, naturalists, outdoorspersons, biologists, wildlife rehabilitators and others involved with wildlife should be alert to unusual deaths of wild birds, particularly crows, during spring and summer 2000. Such deaths may indicate that West Nile Virus, first recognized in North America in 1999, is active in Canada. Dead birds should be reported to a municipal Health Unit, so that they can be examined for West Nile Virus infection. This is an important part of the early-warning system in place to detect West Nile Virus activity in Canada, in order to reduce the risk of human infection.

    What is West Nile Virus and why is it cause for concern?

    West Nile Virus is an arbovirus (arthropod-borne virus), transmitted by the bites of infected arthropods, mainly mosquitoes (at least 43 species worldwide) and, to a lesser extent, ticks. Although virus may be present in secretions and excretions of infected individuals, direct transmission from animal-to-animal, or animal-to-person, or person-to-person, is not known to occur naturally.

    Prior to 1999, West Nile Virus was known only from Africa, Asia and Europe, and had never been recognized in the Western Hemisphere. Wild birds are the primary hosts, but the virus may also infect amphibians, domestic poultry, domestic mammals, human beings, and non-human primates.

    The virus multiplies in the tissues of an infected bird, circulates in the blood, and may be picked up by another mosquito when it feeds. The virus multiplies in infected mosquitoes, which transmit the virus when they feed on another bird.

    Most birds do not become ill when infected with this virus, but about 20 avian species are known to be susceptible to disease, which results from inflammation in many organs, including the brain (encephalitis).

    Although most infected mammals do not become ill, a few individuals of certain species, especially people and horses, and rarely, dogs and cats, may develop encephalitis due to West Nile Virus.

    In humans, West Nile Virus may cause mild disease with fever, frontal headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and skin rash. Less commonly it causes severe disease that is marked by headache, fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, stupor, disorientation, coma, and death. Disease is usually more severe in the elderly. The interval between infection and the onset of disease in humans is usually 5 to 15 days.

    Antibiotics or other specific medications are not effective against this infection, and no vaccines against this virus are approved for use in people or animals.

    West Nile Virus, USA, 1999
    In mid August, 1999, wild crows were found dead at the Bronx Zoo in New York City. About the same time, there were reports of encephalitis, originally thought to be due to St. Louis Encephalitis, a related arbovirus, in people in New York City. By late August, dead crows were reported in many parts of downstate New York and Long Island. Deaths in captive birds began in the Bronx Zoo in early September and continued over a three-week period. Unusual mortalities of wild birds occurred into early November on Long Island, downstate New York, and adjacent New Jersey and Connecticut within an approximately 200 km radius of New York City. Horses with encephalitis began to die on Long Island in late August, and continued into October. West Nile Virus was isolated from affected wild birds, zoo birds, people, horses, a cat and mosquitoes.

    West Nile Virus may have been introduced to the New York area by migratory birds, legal or illegal imports of birds, in a traveler from overseas who was incubating the virus, or by infected mosquitoes in an aircraft.

    The 1999 New York area outbreak caused serious disease in at least 60 people and resulted in 7 human deaths, including one Canadian who visited New York City from Toronto.

    WNV likely killed 5-10,000 wild birds during the 1999 US outbreak, mainly American crows, but it also affected at least 17 other species of native wild (blue jay, fish crow, herring gull, yellow-billed cuckoo, rock dove, American robin, red-tailed hawk, broad-winged hawk, American kestrel, belted kingfisher) and captive (bald eagle, laughing gull, sandhill crane, black-crowned night heron, mallard duck) birds, as well as zoo flamingos, pheasants and cormorants. Over 20 horses were affected; at least 10 died or were euthanized. One cat died of WNV.

    American health officials responded to the West Nile Virus outbreak with public education campaigns emphasizing reduction of mosquito habitat, mosquito avoidance and use of repellants; surveillance of mosquitoes, birds, people and horses for West Nile Virus infection; and mosquito control programs.

    Canadian West Nile Virus Surveillance, 2000
    West Nile Virus was found in overwintering mosquitoes in New York in March 2000, making it probable that it will begin circulating as mosquito activity increases in late spring and early summer. Public health and veterinary agencies in the eastern USA are mobilizing to deal with this threat, and there is a possibility that WNV may spread to Canada. It is impossible to predict accurately the likelihood of such an unprecedented event.

    Canadian federal and provincial public and animal health agencies are monitoring the situation in the United States, where any West Nile Virus activity is expected to occur first. Surveillance for unusual mortalities due to WNV in wild birds in Canada is an important part of the Canadian response, which also may involve surveys for WNV in poultry, wild birds, and in mosquitoes, as well as in domestic animals, as the situation demands. The goal is to reduce the risk of human infection by early detection of WNV activity, followed by public education, if, where and when the situation warrants such action.

    If West Nile Virus becomes active in 2000, you can reduce your risk of exposure by becoming informed of localities where it is circulating. If possible, avoid such areas or minimize outdoor activities where mosquitoes are likely to be encountered, especially at dusk and dawn, and at night. Adopt the usual personal protective measures, such as use of repellants (DEET), mosquito hats, jackets and nets etc., if exposure to mosquitos cannot be avoided.

    In addition, keep an eye out for the warning signs that our wild birds may provide. While there are many other causes of death in birds, all more likely than West Nile Virus infection, dead birds of any species, but particularly crows, ravens, jays, pigeons and doves, hawks, robins and house sparrows should be reported to the local Health Unit/Medical Officer of Health (obtain phone number of Health Unit by calling general enquiries for your municipality under 'Municipality' in Government Blue Pages in the phone book, or at the Alphaweb site: http://alphaweb.org/phunit/). They will evaluate the circumstances of the mortality, and if appropriate and feasible, will arrange for specimens to be submitted to the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre (CCWHC) laboratory at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. Not every bird can be examined, for logistical and financial reasons, but all those reported are evaluated for submission to the lab, and enter the CCWHC national database as a mortality incident.

    Dead birds should not be handled unnecessarily by members of the public. If handling a dead bird is deemed necessary, use rubber gloves or pick it up with a hand wrapped in a leakproof plastic bag turned inside out. Carcasses not submitted for examination may be buried several feet deep where they will not be disturbed, or double-bagged and placed in a landfill. Do not dispose of carcasses in a manner such that they could be handled again by someone. Avoid handling any sick or dead animal with your bare hands, and wash your hands afterward.

    Contact Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre Ontario at (519) 823 8800 Ext. 4662, or ccwhc@ovc.uoguelph.ca CCWHC National Web Site, with West Nile Virus information and links is http://wildlife.usask.ca.

    Health Canada's West Nile Virus web site is http://nile.healthcanada.net
    Ontario Health Unit addresses and phone numbers:
    http://www.alphaweb.org/phunit/

    D.V. Chip Weseloh, Ph.D.
Wildlife Biologist
Canadian Wildlife Service-Ontario Region
4905 Dufferin St.
Downsview, Ontario 
M3H 5T4
Ph=416-739-5846
Fax=416-739-5845
email=chip.weseloh@ec.gc.ca
> Canadian Wildlife Service-Ontario Region web site:
> http://www.cciw.ca/green-lane/wildlife/
Ornithological Council Website:  http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET
"Providing Scientific Information about Birds"


  • Seeable WOLVES in Algonquin! - Mon, 08 May 2000

    Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

    I guess most Birders are also interested in large Mammals. We spend the weekend in Algonquin and had a very unusual sighting, which may be "twitchable" We saw 2-3 RED WOLVES eating from a deer/moose carcass from Highway 60 at KM 41. It is at the south side of the road. The wolves are at the end of the first little lake (many dead tree stumps in water) on your left hand side exactly 1.0 km after KM 42 coming from Whitney (the animals are at the far end of the lake, about 150 meters from the highway). We saw them repeatedly during Sunday. They are VERY SHY. When we first saw them there were two wolves eating off the carcass. As soon as we stopped the car, they walked slowly off into the forest. We then sat completely quiet for about 30 minutes. Then one wolf came back out, eating off the carcass for about 5 min., but as soon as a couple of cars slowed down, it walked off. 1½ hour later we came back. And 2 wolves were back, but again they walked off as soon as we stopped the car. The point of all this is that this pack of wolves seems to hang out around the carcass and will probably do so until all is eaten. This may be a unique chance to go and SEE summer wolves in Algonquin, but extreme silence and patience will be required. We also saw the usual birds of Algonquin, including 5 Black-backed Woodpeckers, several Sapsuckers, and at least 3 early Least Flycatchers, 5 Spotted Sandpipers and several warbler species. Also, there are tons of easily approachable MOOSE along Highway 60. Henrik Mouritsen
    Queen's University
    mou@psyc.queensu.ca


  • MUDPUPPYS - Wed, 12 Apr 2000

    HI Gord ,I Iive on lake huron and the last few weeks i have been getting large numbers of dead and half dead mudpuppys'' necturus maculosus ''I have lived here 12 years and only seen one or two before this as i know they eat crayfish and mollusks etc,Iwondered if the large number of zebra mussle might be a factor? I know they don' t fly!! but i thought someone might know

    all the best TONY
    magnets4you@hotmail.com

    p.s. had my first purple martins todaythe 12 APRIL


  • Please Support Journey North 2000 - Mon, 13 Mar 2000

    Journey North is a remarkable, Internet-based science program that allows students to participate in a global study of wildlife migration and seasonal change. Over 4500 schools representing more than 250,000 students are expected to participate in the Spring 2000 Journey North Program. Last year, many observers from across North America made a significant contribution to this program by sharing their "first" sightings and observations.

    The journeys of a dozen migratory species are tracked. Students share their own field observations with classrooms across the Hemisphere. In addition, students are linked with scientists who provide their expertise directly to the classroom. Several migrations are tracked by satellite telemetry, providing live coverage of the individual animals as they migrate. As the spring seasons weeps across the Hemisphere, students note changes in daylight, temperature and all living things as the food chain comes back to life.

    You are again invited to participate by spreading the word of this program to local teachers and schools. The web site address is: http://www.learner.org/jnorth.

    You can also support the program by reporting your "first sightings" of species being studied. You may report these sightings directly to Journey North via the web site (for quality control reasons, you must register at the web site) or report your sightings to this writer. Species being followed this spring include:

    Bald Eagle, Earthworm, Frog (first heard), Hummingbird (feeder up, first sighted), Ice Out, Leaf-Out (any species), Loon, Maple Syrup (first sap run), Monarch Butterfly, Oriole, Red-winged Blackbird, Robin (first seen, first heard), Swallow, Tulips(emerged, bloomed)

    Sightings must include name of observer, date, place, details of observation and e-mail address (if you have one).

    Journey North is a free online educational service, supported by the Annenberg/CPB Math and Science Project. It is supported as a model for math/science educational reform.

    Red-winged blackbirds have arrived in Canada. Monarch butterflies have reached the Texas and Louisiana. We look forward to your "first" sightings.

    Don Davis
    Toronto, ON
    donald.davis@utoronto.ca


    • I am pleased to announce

    Butterfly Watching in Ontario

    www.web-nat.com/Butterfly

    I have posted my "Butterfly Watching in Ontario" website. As with most good websites, this will be a work in progress. I have the bulk of the site complete, but will be adding significantly to the Gallery section soon, and on an on-going basis. As with the birding sites, input from you, to add to the site would be greatly appreciated.

    Suggestions for content, and any comments that would help to improve the site would be greatly appeciated. It is my intention to make this site as enjoyable and informative as possible, with your help and additional input. I caught the butterfly bug over the last two years, and want to share the information available with you. This is the latest fast growing hobby that is an easy transition from birdwatching.

    Gord Gallant .... gord@web-nat.com


    TRICKERY IN NATURE

    Butterflies that look like Owls

    OWL BUTTERFLY photo and retouching by Gord Gallant

    Owl Butterfly

    This stricking species belongs to a genus of large butterflies characterized by enornous owllike eyespots on the undersides of the hindwings. In both sexes, the uppersides of the forewings are dark brown with a bluish suffusion and a white line running trough. The hindwings are black with a dull blue base. The undersides of the wings have an intricate brown and white, featherlike pattern. Owl butterflies fly early in the morning and toward dusk.

  • EARLY STAGES The large caterpillar is pale grayish brown, shaded with dark brown toward the head and the forked tail. It feeds on the foliage of banana (Musa), and can often be a pest in plantations.

  • DISTRIBUTION Widespread throughout South America, from Argentina up to Surinam.

    Text provided by John G. Powers
    From Wings of ParadiseTM - Canada's NatriumTM
    Located in Cambridge Ontario.

    Important Meeting Toronto Entomologists Association

    - Sat, 18 Sep 1999

    TEA members & friends,

    We're having a special topic at our meeting Sept.25, and a new meeting location - at the Royal Ontario Museum. (for details see below)

    Some of you will know about Ontario's new Fish & Wildlife Act which became law in Jan.1999. Although it may not affect you directly, it has considerable importance for all of us who are concerned with butterflies. In case you do not know its contents, I am including below a summary outlining its significance to insects (kindly prepared for us by John Johnson of the Wildlife Branch of the MNR). For further information see Ontario Insects issues for May 1999 and September 1999(being mailed out shortly).

    The Act appears to outlaw any activities involving the possession of more than one of the protected butterfly species. For instance this would make it illegal to raise monarchs or to hold them for tagging without a permit. It would force those who have breeding programmes for, or do research on any of the protected butterflies to make application to the government to do so.

    The TEA has decided to postpone until January our usual members' meeting, to have in its place an information meeting and discussion on the new Act. John Johnson will be there to talk to us about the legislation and how it is to be applied. We would urge you to come out to the meeting at 1 pm on Sept.25 to find out how you might be affected and to make your thoughts known. Those of you unable to attend may submit comments or questions by e-mail to be included in the meeting.

    This meeting will be held in Room 603 in the Royal Ontario Museum(100 Queen's Park Cres.). Enter on the South side of the building (the STAFF entrance, not the Groups' entrance), tell security you are there for the TEA Meeting and be directed to the room.

    On a brighter note, we are hoping to have a round table discussion on raising butterflies (& other insects) at one of our spring meetings. Could you let me know if you ever raise insects and if you would be interested in attending?

    Carolyn King
    Toronto Entomologists' Association

    Invertebrates and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act 1997

    The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act 1997 received Royal Assent in December 1997 and was proclaimed into force January 1,1999. This new Act replaced the Game and Fish Act and has implications for a wide group of individuals who may be involved in activities or species that the Game and Fish Act did not previously deal with such as butterflies. Butterflies were totally unprotected under the Game and Fish Act.

    Butterflies listed as Specially Protected Invertebrates in Schedule 11 of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act are as follows: Karner Blue, Monarch, West Virginia White, Mottled Dusky Wing, Bog Elfin, Black Swallowtail, Giant Swallowtail, Old World Swallowtail, Pipevine Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail, Tiger Swallowtail, and Zebra Swallowtail.

    Section 5 of the FWCA prohibits the hunting or trapping of specially protected invertebrates which essentially prohibits the taking of the above listed butterflies for collecting purposes or any other purpose.

    Section 40 prohibits the keeping of live specially protected wildlife (includes butterflies) in captivity except under the authority of a licence and in accordance with the regulations. Under the regulations a person who is issued a zoo licence may keep live game wildlife and specially protected wildlife in captivity and also may buy, sell or propagate them.

    Sub-section 40 (2) (b) allows a person to keep a single game reptile, game amphibian, specially protected mammal, specially protected reptile, specially protected amphibian or specially protected invertebrate in captivity for the purposes of personal education. This would allow an individual to keep one butterfly of the species found in schedule 11(listed above).

    Subsection 40 (2) © allows a person to keep game wildlife or specially protected wildlife in captivity for any educational or scientific purpose or any other purpose with the authorization of the Minister. This section allows for keeping wildlife in captivity for introduction and recovery programs and is also used in the case wildlife possessed prior to proclamation of the FWCA. It could also apply to persons possessing butterflies for education etc.

    Section 45 of the FWCA prohibits the propagation of game wildlife or specially protected wildlife except under authority of a licence. At the present time, only the holder of a zoo licence is allowed to propagate specially protected invertebrates.

    Section 46 prohibits the release of game wildlife or specially protected wildlife that has been kept in captivity without the permission of the Minister.

    Section 48 prohibits the sale or purchase of game wildlife or specially protected wildlife without the authority of a licence. At the present time the only persons who can legally purchase and sell specially protected invertebrates are the holders of a zoo licence.

    Section 54 prohibits the release of wildlife or an invertebrate that has been imported into Ontario or propagated from stock imported into Ontario without the approval of the Minister. At the present time, an invertebrate that has been imported into Ontario by a permit issued by CFIA under the Plant Protection Act is exempted from the requirement to receive Minister's approval before release.

    The FWCA closed a major loop hole in the previous legislation in that regulations pertaining to species native to Ontario that came from another province or country were ruled by an Ontario Court of Appeal decision to be outside the jurisdiction of the Game and Fish Act. Clause 1(2)(d) of the FWCA provides that species referred to in the act include animals, invertebrates or fish whether or not it originated in Ontario.

    It has become apparent after discussion with many different people over the past few months that the restrictions and limitations contained in the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and regulations have greatly impacted the activities of many lepidopterists in Ontario. There is provision however to provide a regulatory scheme with respect to specially protected invertebrates (butterflies) which might address the majority of issues.

    Please feel free to contact myself or Tom Cumby, Wildlife In Captivity Specialist, Wildlife Branch, Peterborough, @ 705-755-1999 for further information. I look forward to talking to your membership on September 25th.

    Yours truly,

    John W. Johnson 705-755-1373, Fax 705-755-1373
    Legislation Specialist
    Wildlife Branch
    Box 7000, 300 Water St.
    Peterborough, Ont. K9J 8M5

    Donald Davis
    donald.davis@utoronto.ca

    Butterflies in Scarborough

    Thursday, 02 September, 1999

    This year has certainly been a great year for Butterflies in the Scarborough and Toronto area! I was out on Tuesday Aug 31st, with Jim Fairchild in the Bellany and Kingston Road area and we found the following:

    • Fiery Skipper - one or possibly two
    • Common Buckeye - two or three
    • Black Swallowtail - males and females
    • Common Ringlets - several
    • Gray Hairstreak
    • Wild Indigo Duskywing
    • Monarchs - a few
    • Cabbage White - several
    • Northern Crescent - several
    • Variegated Fritillary
    • Eastern Tailed-Blue - a couple
    • Clouded Sulphur - a few
    • Orange Sulphur - a few
    Gord Gallant
    Scarborough Ontario Canada
    gallantg@interlog.com

    Butterflies at Rondeau

    Sat, 24 Jul 1999

    Hi Gord, Last Saturday, July 24th, Gavin Platt, Sandra Pusey and I went to help with Rondeau's first butterfly count. Returning to London we stopped at Eagle, and went down by the lake, to an area that unfortunately is slated as a housing development. We were there about an hour and saw 22 species, which included Black, Tiger, Spicebush and Giant Swallowtails, Am.Copper, Grey Hairstreak, E.Tailed Blue, American Snout, Buckeye and Northern Pearly Eye, and (just), 3 sp. of skippers. Just after we left they had a possible tornado in the area!

    Ann White
    London Ontario Canada
    dwhite@odyssey.on.ca

    Elgin/Middlesex Butterflies

    Sat, 24 Jul 1999

    Hi Gord,

    First off, I would like to say that having a report section for Butterflies is a great idea. Today at the Port Stanley Sewage Lagoons, I found Clouded Sulphur, Orange Sulphur, Delaware Skipper, Monarch, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Black Swallowtail, and best of all a PIPEVINE SWALLOWTAIL. The Pipevine was a life butterfly, putting my list at 52. Around my yard in London, I have had Silver-Spotted Skipper, Northern Broken-Dash, Eastern Comma, Monarch and a GIANT SWALLOWTAIL.

    Andrew Ross
    radiorob@serix.com

    BUTTERFLIES - Lake Huron shoreline

    Thursday, 22 July, 1999

    Hi, GORD.

    On the 8th. of July we had a LITTLE SULPHUR and a STRIPED HAIRSTREAK. On 18th. the first BUCKEYE was found. These are all in the general area of the Lake Huron shoreline.

    I saw both these species at Pt. Pelee over two weeks ago.

    Alf
    rider@xcelco.on.ca

    Birds & Butterflies at Carden

    CARDEN PLAINS, KIRKFIELD, Wylie Road - Wednesday, 14 July, 1999

    After meeting up with Gary Stephey from Bushnell at the Kirkfield locks, we proceeded to Wylie Road and did a combination of birding and butterfly watching. At this time of year, many of the bird species are hard to find, or no longer there, but some were very evident, and in good numbers.

    The most abundant bird species today were Vesper Sparrows, Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Kingbirds, American Goldfinch, Eastern Meadowlarks, Savannah Sparrow, Tree Swallows, Brown Thrashers, and Song Sparrows. Our best bird sighting was an American Bittern which we first spotted flying from the west side of the marsh to the east side, and belted out a loud "kok" as he flew over the road. Soon after, we spotted him along an open area of reeds pointing his bill into the air, trying to blend in. At the short distance from us, his brown and white streaking didn't blend in very well amongst the lust green reeds. After he realized that we were no threat to him, he went about his business and caught a fish in front of us! On the other side of the marsh Gary found a Virginia Rail. It was sunning himself on a mud pile, not really looking like a rail. Then he seemed to compose himself and strutted off into the reeds - just as I was accustomed to seeing.

    We also saw a Merlin and an American Kestral in the marsh area, and Red-tailed Hawks farther up the road. We heard, and got looks at Grasshopper Sparrows. We could hear Clay-coloured Sparrow, but couldn't locate them - the same with Sedge Wren. In one patch of bushes along the right side of the road (about half way up the road) we noticed a variety of bird species including Baltimore(Northern) Oriole and Purple Finch. There was no sign of Shrike, that we could detect.

    This is my first year of serious butterfly watching, and I had just broken the fifty species mark yesterday. Now I my next goal is to reach 60 species - more if I am lucky. My main goal today was to find additional Fritillary species. I was hoping for Meadow and Silver Bordered Fritillaries - if they were still around. I managed to identify 22 species of butterflies, with Aphrodite Frilillary, Gray Comma, and Milbert's Tortoiseshell being new ones for me. That brings my butterfly life list to 54. I don't know moths yet, but I did discover a species of Hummingbird Moth. It had a redish body and wings (which were barely visible as it hovered and fed on Wild Beebalm), the back and top of its head was green (like Ruby-throated Hummingbird), and it had a white throat and chin. I could actually see it nectaring on the flowers as it buzzed around. I had really close looks it as I made mental notes of its field marks. A very cool moth!

    Gary and I had a great outing. I was using my Bausch & Lomb 8x42 Elites, and Gary was field testing the new Bausch & Lomb 10x50 Elites. We both prefered the 8x42's because of the close focus - especially good for butterfly watching (probably the best - in my opinion). They were also considerably lighter than the 10x50's. However, the 10x50's were very bright, clear, and ideal for hawk watching, shorebirds, and nature viewing, where detail of distant objects is critical. They are very sharp and bright, but not quite suited for butterfly watching, wereas the 8x42 are considered one of the best for that purpose, as well as for serious birdwatching.

    Gord Gallant ...... gallantg@interlog.com

    From Birds To Butterflies - Report #2

    Tuesday, 13 July, 1999

    During the last two weeks or so I have gone out looking for butterflies on my own, and a few times with Jim Fairchild, Leon Schlicter. They, and Barrie Harrison have taught me enough of the basics to make butterfly watching more enjoyable. I am now able to look for new species, while verifying species previously seen. Unlike birds, you don't need to learn any songs or calls. But, to assist in locating more species of butterflies, you should learn as much as you can about habitat and a wide variety of flowers and trees and grasses.

    Some species of butterflies are only in an area during a specific time of year, so you need to be out looking for them in an appropriate habitat during the period you expect to find them. Like birds, get as much detail about each sighting as you can - especially anything you think may be a new species for you. Flight pattern is an important factor when determining what family and species you may have found.

    Here is a list of new species that I have been able to identify in Scarborough and Durham since the last report
    (June 26-July 13, 1999):

    • Harvester
    • Bronze Copper
    • Acadian Hairstreak
    • Dun Skipper
    • Northern Broken-dash
    • Appalachian Brown
    • Banded Hairstreak
    • Broad-winged Skipper
    • Eastern Comma
    • Delaware Skipper
    • Dion Skipper
    • Little Glassywing
    • Peck's Skipper
    • Striped Hairstreak
    • Baltimore Checkerspot (good look at several this time)
    My total life list is now standing at 51. I will report again in a week or so. I will be venturing a little farther away, and will hopefully get a few more lifers soon.

    We would be very happy to receive and post other butterfly reports from other butterfly watchers across Canada. Please send them in to me, and I will post it here. Thank you!

    Gord Gallant .....gallantg@interlog.com

    From Birds To Butterflies

    Sunday, 27 June, 1999

    Now that the spring bird migration is over, and most of the birds are on their breeding territories, birding has slowed down a bit. Now is the time to really get into butterfly watching! If you are a birdwatcher, you are already equipped with most of what you need to be a butterfly watcher. Butterflies love the hot weather when birds seem to disappear.

    A few birder friends of mine have introduced me the wonderful world of butterflies. I have quickly found out that not only is it challenging to identify butterflies, but it uses the same skills needed for birdwatching. One can casually watch butterflies in your own backyard and local wild flower fields and trails, or wander farther afield and search for the rarer winged beauties. I have gone out in the areas east of Toronto and have been amazed at the diversity of butterfly species that can be seen. Once you start to understand where and when to find them, a whole new world opens up to you.

    I have basically been watching butterflies seriously for a week now, and have already identified 37 species this year. Some, like the Monarch and Cabbage White are quite easy to identify, but even then, there are other butterflies that are very similar to these and can be easily misidentified. There are plenty of butterfly field guides and reference books available in the better bookstores, but I highly suggest that you go out with experienced butterfly watchers to learn some very important tips to help you identify the various species and families of butterflies - and moths.

    Here is a list of what I have been able to identify this past week

    Scarborough and Duraham Region areas (June 21-25):

    • Black Swallowtail
    • Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
    • Cabbage White
    • Mustard White
    • Orange Sulphur
    • Clouded Sulphur
    • American Copper
    • Bronze Copper
    • Coral Hairstreak
    • Eastern Tailed-blue
    • Spring Azure
    • Summer Azure
    • Great Spangled Fritillary
    • Northern Pearl Crescent
    • Baltimore Checkerspot
    • Question Mark
    • Red Admiral
    • Mouring Cloak
    • Common Buckeye
    • White Admiral
    • Viceroy
    • Monarch
    • Eyed Brown
    • Little Wood-Satyr
    • Northern Pearly-Eye
    • Common Ringlet
    • Common Wood-Nymph
    • Silver-spotted Skipper
    • Northern Cloudywing
    • Dreamy Duskywing
    • Least Skipper
    • European Skipper
    • Long Dash
    • Tawny-edged Skipper
    • Crossline Skipper
    • Hobomok Skipper
    While on Pelee Island on the 12th of May this year I identified a Painted Lady. Last summer in Morningside Park I identified a Compton Tortoiseshell, among several other common species. I obviously have a long way to go, but I am really looking forward to finding and identifying many many more. I would be more than happy to post other peoples butterfly findings.

    Gord Gallant
    gallantg@interlog.com

    Ontario Insect Count Information Requested

    Thu, 22 Apr 1999

    Hello All:

    For a third year, I am compiling a list of insect counts for the next issue of "Ontario Insects". As you will note, I describe this list as "Insect Counts" as opposed to just "Butterfly Counts" as Odonata counts are becoming increasingly popular. I would appreciate receiving this information on or prior to April 30, 1999.

    Information required, if available, should include:

    • Date of count (plus rain date if applicable)
    • Name and nature of Count (ie. 4th Annual Toronto Centre Butterfly Count, or Algonquin Odonata Count)
    • Name of meeting place
    • Name, e-mail address and telephone number of contact person
    • Other important information (ie Nearby camping sites, equipment needed, any expenses or entrance fees).
    Yours truly,

    Donald A. Davis
    Toronto, ON
    Donald_Davis@stubbs.woodsworth.utoronto.ca

    New Presqu'ile Nature Study Courses for 1999!

    Saturday March 20. All Day.

    Waterfowl Galore! An in depth study of the over 10,000 waterfowl that visit Presqu'ile in the early spring. Identification skills will be honed alongside background material on these amazing birds. For example did you know that Oldsquaw can dive to depths almost 200 feet deep?! Or, did you know that many of our fish eating ducks (Mergansers) nest in abandoned woodpecker holes? Instructor Mike Gurr will illuminate these and other "ducky" facts. Call 613-475-3214 to register or send a sign up email.

    Saturday/Sunday May 15/16. Dawn to Dusk.

    Wings of Spring. Confused by all those fast moving, colourful songbirds? Or, would you simply like to witness a "rainbow of warblers" in their spring finery? If so then join us at Presqu'ile during the peak of spring songbird migration. With some luck we might see over 100 species!

    Saturday/Sunday October 9/10. Majestic Mushrooms. Come learn to separate a "picker from a kicker" as we explore the magic world of mushrooms. Your guides Philip Careless and Gord Vogg have explored the mysterious world of mushrooms to its dank and rotten core. They will share with you their extensive knowledge both in the field and indoors. Perhaps you will even taste the "noble rot" we call mushrooms!

    Saturday/Sunday October 23/24. Dawn to Dusk.

    Deer Ecology Workshop. Come discover this large herbivore is affecting its forest home. Experience first hand how scientific deer research is conducted and be ready for the treat of seeing White-tails prepare for the fall breeding season or "rut"!

    All of these courses will feature small group sizes allowing for lots of quality time with the presenters. Courses include a resource package, required equipment and excellent meals and snacks. Cost is $60.00 per person for one day courses $120.00 for two day courses.


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    This page was created: Monday, April 22, 1996
    Last Updated: 10:51:02 04/02/01