On May 30th, on my way to Stoney Lake, I saw my first Giant Swallowtail of the season as it flew across the road in front of me on County Rd #46 between Round Lake Rd, and Church Rd north of Havelock. Seems to be right on time for first flight of Giants, based on observations of the past few years since they became suddenly abundant in the county.
Upon arrival at Stoney, the client I was going to see about some gardening told me she had just seen her first two Monarchs of the season, the day before (May 29th) – one at her home in Toronto, and the other at her island cottage on Stoney Lake. Seemed a little early to me based on my own observations of the species, but I have no reason to doubt her. It may have slipped my mind to report these, but the fine article recently posted here by Chip Taylor about Monarch status/predictions reminded me.
Monarch Butterfly – Terry Carpenter
Giant Swallowtail on phlox – Tim Dyson
