Late July sightings of interest at Big Gull Lake

Cardinal Flower – August 3, 2016 – Big Gull Lake – Elaine Monkman

Here are some sightings of interest from this past week (July 25 – 31, 2016)) at my brother’s cottage on Big Gull Lake, south of Bon Echo Provincial Park.

1. Family group of Cooper’s Hawks. Two or three very vocal juveniles, “whistling” loudly. As big as adults.
2. A covey of 8 Ruffed Grouse, almost adult size.
3. A Hummingbird Clearwing Moth on the petunias at the dock.
4. A “convocation” of five, non-breeding Common Loons on the lake.
5. A larval Blue-spotted Salamander, which was still showing gills behind the head. Was in a backwater section of shoreline, protected from waves by a large fallen log.
6. Several Dragonhunter dragonflies.
7. Numerous Red-eyed Vireos (probably young ones) on cottage property.
8. Two Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at nectar feeder.
9. Cardinal flowers in bloom along shoreline.
10. Bird song: Hermit Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo, Pine Warbler

Drew Monkman

juvenile Cooper’s Hawk – Linda Easton