Date: 08/16/2015

Number: 1

It was only a couple of weeks ago that I suddenly saw a new generation of monarchs east of Toronto in Northumberland County, when the week before, I only saw a few old males. I was seeing recently hatched, fresh monarchs with a number of egg laying females observed.

I am still suspicious that the spring/summer seasons came late because of the long, cold winter and cold waters of the Great Lakes. A bird report from James Bay noted yesterday that spring arrived late there and the shorebird breeding season was a poor one. Others are reporting that some other butterfly species are few and far between, or late being seen. Only saw my first great spangled fritillaries this weekend - large, newly hatched individuals, and today a fresh viceroy.

Spotted another harvested alfalfa field along Lakeshore Road today, and examined the young, tender milkweed with lush leaves close to the roadway (I am always careful to ask about entering private property. Found more small caterpillars.

Looking at vegetation as I drove along the roadways in this area, recent rains have brought vegetation that was browning back to a nice green color.

Toronto, ON

Latitude: 43.7 Longitude: -79.4

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