Strolling Hyde Park for Butterflies

Hyde Park Drainage Pond and Trail - London, Ontario

Nice warm day with a slight breeze.  I went to Hyde Park late this morning to look for butterflies.  I saw one Monarch but couldn't get a photo. I also saw 4 other butterfly species and some damselflies.

Eastern Forktail  (female)

Bluet sp

Eastern Forktail  (male)

Virginia Ctenucha Moth

Black Swallowtail

Black Swallowtail

Northern Crescent

Painted Lady

Common Ringlet

American Toad

The American Toad is one of only two toad species in Ontario.  The other one is the endangered Fowler's Toad.

On my afternoon walk today, I found this American Toad.  If it didn't move I would not have noticed it.  It's blended well in its surroundings. This one was an olive colour and a good size. The status and protection of the American Toad is Least Concern.

I also found this toad.  It was smaller with a brown tone colour blended in with the dead leaves.

Recent Outing

Northern Map Turtles

I found some Northern Map Turtles recently on one of my outings.  They were out on the rocks sunning themselves.  

The Northern Map Turtle was already assessed as a species of special concern when the Endangered Species Act took effect in 2008 and was re-assessed as special concern in 2013. 

Northern Map Turtle

Northern Map Turtle