The Birds and Butterflies of Carden Alvar

We've visited the Carden Alvar several times already this year but we wanted to go one more time before the birding begins to quiet down.  Of particular interest was the Loggerhead Shrike which we were eager to add to our LBY list.  So, last Saturday we rose with the sun and spent a beautiful morning exploring the alvar.  We thoroughly enjoyed all of what the alvar had to offer -  the birds were plentiful and vocal and the flowers were in bloom, covered with butterflies and bees.  We met a few people along the way, including Jean Iron.  It is always a pleasure being surrounded by those who love to observe and photograph the same things we do.  Once there we drove directly to Wylie Road and headed for the location where a Loggerhead Shrike family has been observed this season.  While I scanned the landscape for our goal species Nate spent some time photographing the other local birds, including the Barn Swallows...

...the Catbirds foraging for breakfast...

...and the Eastern Blubirds bringing food to their young.

It was about 8am when Jean Iron arrived and kindly let us know where the Loggerheads were located.  It turns out I had been looking on the wrong side of the road for the entire morning. LOL  It wasn't long thereafter we saw two young Loggerheads along the fence and we were happy campers!! :-)  The birds were positioned into the sunlight making shooting conditions practically impossible but we did get to observe them via Jean's scope which was great. 

Across the road from where the Loggerheads were located was a nice sized collection of Spreading Dogbane buzzing with butterfly activity.  We were able to photograph a few new species including some Bronze Coppers. With their wings closed male and female Bronze Coppers look like this...

...With their wings open, a male Bronze Copper looks like this...

...and a female Bronze Copper looks like this.

Here is a photo Nate captured of a Milbert's Tortoiseshell when closed...

...and a Milbert's Tortoiseshell open.

We spent a couple of hours with the Loggerheads and butterflies before heading down to the Sedge Marsh area. This area was also busy with bird and butterfly activity.  Within the first ten minutes were were able to photograph a European Skipper on Birdsfoot Trefoil...

...and a Marsh Wren performing its little heart out.

Timing was on our side when Nate happed to see a young Virginia Rail at the side of the narrow road.  We chose a spot and hunkered down to wait and see if any others would emerge.  Sure enough the young one popped out again... 

...and then another...

...and finaly the mother emerged.  The whole family crossed the road together, making their way into the growth on the other side then disappreared.  Getting to watch this crossing was a lot of fun, we were both grinning from ear to ear.

Around the puddles on the rough gravel of Wylie Road we were able to photograph American Ladies.

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to photograph this gorgeous White Admiral when it landed right in front of me. I find with this species to be almost more beautiful closed...

...than they are open.

Finally, I wanted to let everyone know that  the government has proposed to establish a portion of the Carden Alvar as a Provincial Park.  You can show your support by visiting the Environmental Registry page and leave a comment.  Click HERE to be directed their webpage.

I hope you're all having a great weekend.