WINTER 2022-23 PHOTO CONTEST

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Thur., December 1st, 2022 to Tues., February 28, 2023.

It is already December which means once again the Urquhart Butterfly Garden, in partnership with the Hamilton Conservation Authority, is holding a Winter Photo Contest. Please see the poster below for submission guidelines.

You may take your photographs in Canal Park (including from the observation platform) as well as in the Urquhart Butterfly Garden.

There are only two categories:
Birds and Other Wildlife – identification required  
Natural Winter Scenes – includes plants, landscape shots and etc.

Wildlife is easier to see in the winter.  There are dozens of little Hooded Mergansers in the canal right now and a lot of other bird life.  The beavers have been busy, and you will see one if you are observant in the early evening.

Please remember that when you submit your pictures in February, you must include your name, address, and phone number.

Best of luck to all!

GOOGLE FORM SUBMISSION LINK:

A link to the entry form may be found HERE:

https://tinyurl.com/contest-form

ALL submissions are due by 11:59 PM Tues., February 28, 2023. Late submission will not be considered.

All photos entered (up to 3 per category) may be entered using a single form. Repeat submissions will not be considered. Any questions please contact: winterphotos2023@gmail.com

IDENTIFICATION RESOURCES:

There are many excellent digital resources for help with plant and wildlife identification. Fortunately, most are free of charge.

Winter Plant identification is difficult, at times impossible, and is therefore optional for the winter contest. We have included a plant ID link for any interested in broadening their natural history knowledge.   

Correct identification of birds and all other wildlife is required and can be accomplished with the resources provided. Incomplete or incorrect identifications are factored into the judging process.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to winterphotos2023@gmail.com for ID hints if you are truly stumped.


BIRDS
Hamilton Naturalists’ Club Birding Checklist: https://hamiltonnature.org/birding/birds/
Download a free checklist to the birds of the Hamilton Study Area (HSA), a circle with a 40 km radius centered on Dundurn Castle.

The All About Birds website, Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/#
Read species accounts and compare similar species. Also Links to the Merlin Bird ID App.

The Merlin Bird ID App: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/
Upload photos for AI assisted identification. A caution: While Merlin is often correct, it is in development and may result in errors. It will typically point you in the right direction but treat it as a starting point.

The Sibley eGuide to Birds App, Version 2: https://www.sibleyguides.com/product/sibley-birds-v2-app/
Comes at a cost of $19.99 but also serves as a traditional field guide. Hard Copy of the Sibley Guide also available.


INSECTS
Bug Guide: https://bugguide.net/node/view/15740
Upload photos for ID help or browse entries


PLANTS & ALL WILDLIFE
iNaturalist Canada (plants, birds, insects, mammals): https://inaturalist.ca/
An excellent resource for ID help and storing observations. Works better with a (free) registered account but can be used without.

Summer Education Series 2022

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Sweat Bee on Daisy by Mark Williams

Bees, Bees, Bees – A Free public workshop

Jenna Braun,

Saturday August 27, 10 am.

Jenna and her able assistant will be back by popular demand on

Saturday August 27, and no one knows bees like Jenna.  When one thinks of bees we tend to think of the honey bee, however there are 800 bee species in Canada if which over 400 are in Ontario.

Our native bees range in size from the 25mm carpenter bee to the tiny 5 mm solitary bee, and many of the species can be found at the Urquhart Butterfly Garden and you can see them up close and personal with Jenna.

Numbers of native bee are in serious decline, due to habitat loss and land fragmentation plus the use of pesticides.  Unfortunately 12 bee species have recently been added to creatures at risk in Ontario.

Native bees are our most important pollinators, so there is cause for great concern when species are declining. They not only pollinate wildflowers but also the crops we eat.   Listen and look on Saturday 27 as you learn more about the many bee species at the Urquhart Butterfly Garden, and find out how you can help encourage bee preservation, even if you only have a balcony.

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There is lots of free parking and the site is conveniently accessible by bus or bike. Please bring a chair and wear a hat – you will spend an hour in full sun.

The event will NOT proceed in the event of rain.

For more information contact: Joanna Chapman, 905-627-8917

or jfcchapman@gmail.com

Ruby-throated Hummingbird by Mark Williams

Nature in the Garden

Brian Wylie

Free Workshop Saturday August 20, 10 am

It is not every naturalist who really loves answering questions from kids, but Brian Wylie really does!  When Brian was a young child he used to sit patiently beside local ponds to see what lived there, and has been a keen naturalist ever since. 

August is the end of summer and the Urquhart Butterfly Garden is seeing lots of action, rare butterflies, insects of every type, cicadas emerging, spiders spinning.  There are many flowers in bloom and the observant will see hummingbirds flitting about.

This is the time of year when snakes can be seen sunning themselves on the rocks, but they often return into hiding if they detect sound or movement, so one must move slowly and carefully in order to see them.

There are finches on the very tall flowers and you may see other birds gathering for the fall migration.  A trained eye like Brian Wylie’s can spot wildlife that many people might not notice.

Join him on August 20, 10 am


The session is free and open to all. You are requested to bring a chair and wear a hat. You will spend 1 hour in the full sun of the garden. The event will be cancelled in the event of rain.

The Urquhart Butterfly Garden is immediately adjacent to Centennial Park and the Hamilton Air Force Association at 128 King St. E in Dundas.

There is plenty of free parking and the location is easily accessible by public transportation or bicycle.

Sponsored  by the Dougher Foundation & Hamilton Naturalist’ Club …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

For more information contact: Joanna Chapman
jchapman@295.ca
905-627-8917

Summer Education Series 2022

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Ruby-throated Hummingbird by Mark Williams

Nature in the Garden

Brian Wylie

Free Workshop Saturday August 20, 10 am

It is not every naturalist who really loves answering questions from kids, but Brian Wylie really does!  When Brian was a young child he used to sit patiently beside local ponds to see what lived there, and has been a keen naturalist ever since. 

August is the end of summer and the Urquhart Butterfly Garden is seeing lots of action, rare butterflies, insects of every type, cicadas emerging, spiders spinning.  There are many flowers in bloom and the observant will see hummingbirds flitting about.

This is the time of year when snakes can be seen sunning themselves on the rocks, but they often return into hiding if they detect sound or movement, so one must move slowly and carefully in order to see them.

There are finches on the very tall flowers and you may see other birds gathering for the fall migration.  A trained eye like Brian Wylie’s can spot wildlife that many people might not notice.

Join him on August 20, 10 am


The session is free and open to all. You are requested to bring a chair and wear a hat. You will spend 1 hour in the full sun of the garden. The event will be cancelled in the event of rain.

The Urquhart Butterfly Garden is immediately adjacent to Centennial Park and the Hamilton Air Force Association at 128 King St. E in Dundas.

There is plenty of free parking and the location is easily accessible by public transportation or bicycle.

Sponsored  by the Dougher Foundation & Hamilton Naturalist’ Club …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

For more information contact: Joanna Chapman
jchapman@295.ca
905-627-8917

Yellow Warbler on Plume Poppy by Mark Williams

Birds of Urquhart Butterfly Garden and Canal Park

Bill Lamond

Free Workshop Saturday August 13th at 10am

Bill Lamond is a well known Ontario Naturalist and an exceptional birder who can identify the many birds that are seen at the Urquhart Butterfly Garden and Canal Park.  

Join Bill for this Nature Walk where he will be able to share tips for identifying birds and interesting notes about their lives and migration. Bring your binoculars because Bills’s eagle eyes might spot some rare species

 Bill is not only an expert in birds but also in herps, moths, butterflies, dragonflies and plants.  This nature walk is sure to keep you entertained.

The session is free and open to all.  You are requested to bring a chair and wear a hat. You will spend 1 hour in the full sun of the garden and Canal Park.  The event will be cancelled in the event of rain.

The Urquhart Butterfly Garden is immediately adjacent to Centennial Park and the Hamilton Air Force Association at 128 King St. E in Dundas.

There is plenty of free parking and the location is easily accessible by public transportation or bicycle.

Sponsored  by the Dougher Foundation & Hamilton Naturalist’ Club

For more information contact:

Joanna Chapman
jchapman@295.ca
905-627-8917

Tiger Swallowtail by Carolyn Jez

Butterfly & Nature Identification Walk

Matthew Mills

Free Workshop Saturday August 6th, at 10 am

Naturalist Matt Mills will be the guide for Butterfly and Nature Identification walk and tour of the garden on Saturday August 6, at 10am. 

Matt is a very experienced gardener who has spent much time in the Urquhart Butterfly Garden.  During this walk he will identify birds, butterflies, insects and the native plants and other plant species in the Garden.  Matt will be bringing a selection of organically grown native plants which can be purchased.

“We are heading into midsummer and butterfly diversity should be excellent” observed Matt Mills recently.  “Furthermore, we should be able to catch sight of cicadas emerging after their  years underground”.


The session is free and open to all, You are requested to bring a chair and wear a hat. We will spend 1 hour in the full sun of the garden. The event will be cancelled in the event of rain.

The Urquhart Butterfly Garden is immediately adjacent to Centennial Park and the Hamilton Air Force Association at 128 King St. E in Dundas.

There is plenty of free parking and the location is easily accessible by public transportation or bicycle.

Sponsored  by the Dougher Foundation & Hamilton Naturalist’ Club …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

For more information contact:

Joanna Chapman
jchapman@295.ca
905-627-8917

Summer Education Series 2022

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Yellow Warbler on Plume Poppy by Mark Williams

Birds of Urquhart Butterfly Garden and Canal Park

Bill Lamond

Free Workshop Saturday August 13th at 10am

Bill Lamond is a well known Ontario Naturalist and an exceptional birder who can identify the many birds that are seen at the Urquhart Butterfly Garden and Canal Park.  

Join Bill for this Nature Walk where he will be able to share tips for identifying birds and interesting notes about their lives and migration. Bring your binoculars because Bills’s eagle eyes might spot some rare species

 Bill is not only an expert in birds but also in herps, moths, butterflies, dragonflies and plants.  This nature walk is sure to keep you entertained.

The session is free and open to all.  You are requested to bring a chair and wear a hat. You will spend 1 hour in the full sun of the garden and Canal Park.  The event will be cancelled in the event of rain.

The Urquhart Butterfly Garden is immediately adjacent to Centennial Park and the Hamilton Air Force Association at 128 King St. E in Dundas.

There is plenty of free parking and the location is easily accessible by public transportation or bicycle.

Sponsored  by the Dougher Foundation & Hamilton Naturalist’ Club

For more information contact:

Joanna Chapman
jchapman@295.ca
905-627-8917

Summer Education Series 2022

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12 Spotted Skimmer taken by Mark Williams

Dragonflies & Their Kin

Brenda Van Ryswyk

Free Workshop Saturday July 30th, at 10 am

Brenda Van Ryswyk is a Natural Heritage Ecologist and a well known dragonfly expert.  Brenda will lead a walk through the garden where she will share her knowledge on the astonishing lives of dragonflies & their kin.

Dragonflies & Damselflies (Ondonata) are quite astonishing creatures that you may have noticed hovering in the garden or zipping through the air.  As we walk through the garden Brenda will share her knowledge while she shows how to locate and identify dragonflies & their kin.

The Urquhart Butterfly Garden is adjacent to water and is an excellent location for dragonfly viewing. 

The session is open to all, and you will leave with a new knowledge and understanding of dragonflies and damselflies (Ondonata) at the Urquhart Butterfly Garden.  Saturday, July30th at 10 am.


Please bring a chair and wear a hat as we will spend 1 hour in the full sun of the garden. The event will be cancelled in the event of rain.

The Urquhart Butterfly Garden is immediately adjacent to Centennial Park and the Hamilton Air Force Association at 128 King St. E in Dundas.

There is plenty of free parking and the location is easily accessible by public transportation or bicycle.Sponsored  by the Dougher Foundation & Hamilton Naturalist’ Club

Monarch Butterfly – added to the Endangered Species List

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Monarch on Milkweed by Mark Williams

What would Fred and Norah Urquhart say?

On Thursday July 21, 2022 the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) added the Monarch Butterfly to the Endangered Species list.  This is a tragedy that could and should be stopped.

The Urquhart Butterfly Garden – the first Municipal Butterfly Garden in Canada – pays tribute to the lifelong research of Butterflies and their migration by Fred and Norah Urquhart.
Over 38 years of tagging Monarch Butterflies, starting in 1937 with Fred, culminated with the 1975 discovery of millions of Monarch butterflies in the Neovolcanic Plateau, Mexico.  This is where eastern butterflies over winter.  Just imagine these beautiful delicate creatures undertaking such an arduous journey!

What would the Urquharts say now?  
I think the Urquharts would say “let’s get to work!  We must save the Monarch from extinction “

What can you do?  Let’s get to work!
* Plant milkweed, and native plants such as asters, goldenrod and coneflowers.  Monarchs depend on the nectar for energy. 

* Lobby your councillors to ensure road allowances are full of native plants including milkweed.

* Never use herbicides or pesticides.
* Encourage and support community native pollinator gardens.  

* Stay informed.

2022 Summer Photo Contest

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The 2022 Summer Photo Contest begins June 6th and ends on September 6. Previous posts provide the information you will need to participate in this exciting annual summer contest. When you are ready to submit your pictures please use the form found via the following link.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1gD7Hf-0Tjj4j3Rfr742NvTmcbxeXaEPpsbDN7It-qx_PGw/viewform?usp=sf_link

If you have any questions regarding the form or wish to submit your photos in another way please send queries to: summerphotos2022@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you in the Urquhart Butterfly Garden.

2022 Summer Photo Contest

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Black Swallowtail (photo credit Michelle Sharp)

2022 Urquhart Butterfly Garden Summer Photo Contest

The 2022 Urquhart Butterfly Garden Summer Photo Contest kicks off on June 6th and runs through Labour Day Weekend to September 6th.

Photographers of all ages are eligible for cash awards in four categories:

  • Butterflies and Moths
  • Insects, Spiders and Bugs
  • Birds and other Wildlife
  • Plants & Flowers

Fancy Camera equipment is not needed.  Many great photos have been taken with cell phones.  What is required is patience and a good eye for an interesting photograph.

The Urquhart Butterfly Garden is full of life!  Butterflies are already being seen daily, including Monarchs and Mourning Cloaks.  Look closely and you may see young rabbits, garter snakes sunning themselves, and tiny voles popping out between the rocks.

Between June 6th and September 6th when you visit the Garden you will see a variety of beautiful flowers and plants which support the lives of butterflies, insects and birds.

The Photo Contest begins June 6th and ends September 6th.  Entry information and rules will be available at the Urquhart Butterfly Garden or can be viewed on the Urquhart Butterfly Garden website at: https://urquhartbutterfly.com

The Urquhart Butterfly Garden is located between Centennial Park and Canal Park at the end of the Desjardins Canal.  Parking is available on King Street East at the entrance to the Garden.

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Contacts

Joanna Chapman & Nancy Wylie – Coordinators Urquhart Butterfly Garden

Joanna: Phone 905-627-8917 (evenings)       Email: jchapman@295.ca

Nancy:   Phone 905-962-4601 Email: nwylie@cogeco.ca

SPRING NOTES

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Spring is here and we are rushing into summer.

At the Urquhart Butterfly Garden there are two new people who you will see very busy gardening:

-Anne Mette Pedersen is our new gardener

-Nancy Wylie has taken on the task of Assistant Coordinator.

In addition Nancy has recruited a great collection of new volunteers.

The Summer Photo Contest will begin on June 6 and runs until Labour Day. The photo contest submission form will be posted on June 6th.

We have already seen our first Monarch, which is really early for us – unfortunately it did not stop for a photo.  Also a Spring Azure, American Ladies and Mourning Cloaks have been spotted. 

Our annuals will be arriving within the next 2 weeks, and we will be getting ready for a glorious summer.  We look forward to seeing you.

Sweet Bee on Fleabane by Mark Williams May 21 2022
Red Aphid on Speedwell by Mark Williams May 21 2022
Hoverfly by Mark Williams May 17 2022
Young Robin by Michelle Sharp May 15 2022

Winter Photo Contest Winners

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Congratulations to the winners in the Winter Photo Contest!  You braved the weather and took some lovely photos.   As one of the judges said: “It is always interesting to see what people notice on their walks in the Butterfly Garden and Canal Park”.

Thank you for sharing your experience with us.  

Good Luck for the Summer Photo Contest which begins in June.

JC/MM 

YOUTH

First Place, Natural Winter Scenes. Kalan Post, Age 17, Hamilton.
First Place, Birds & Other Wildlife – Northern Mockingbird. Kalan Post, Age 17, Hamilton.

ADULT

Honorable Mention, Natural Winter Scenes. Ken Kerr, Dundas.
First Place, Natural Winter Scenes. Jamie Habkirk, Dundas.
Honorable Mention, Birds & Other Wildlife – Pied-billed Grebe. Paul Mitro, Dundas.
First Place, Birds & Other Wildlife – Hooded Merganser. Jamie Habkirk, Dundas.

UBG Summer 2022 Photo Contest Winners!

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Where did the summer go?  It is hard to believe that fall is fast approaching and with it the results of the Photo Contest.

Congratulations to the winners, and Honorary Mentions, in the 2022 Urquhart Butterfly Garden Photo Contest!  You will receive your diplomas in the mail.

It is always exciting to see the Garden through the eyes of photographers, and there were some unexpected photos this year. Thank you to all the entrants, it was really a treat looking at your photos – whether you won or not.  If you did not win, the winter photo contest is coming up!

Joanna, Nancy, Anne, Ryan, & Matt.

Youth – Winner: Luisa Bonachela, Age 13, Oakville. Wild Chicory.

Adult – Honorary Mention: Ada Smith, Ancaster. Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum).

Adult – 2nd Place: Fernanda Bonachela, Oakville. Himalayan Cranesbill.

Adult – 1st Place: Mary Dimitriw, Dundas. Japanese Anemone.

Youth – Winner: Luisa Bonachela, Age 13, Oakville. Sweat Bee.

Adult – Honorary Mention: Michelle Sharpe. Moulting Katydid.

Adult – 2nd Place: Mark Williams, Hamilton. Brown Horned Treehopper.

Adult – 1st Place: Fernanda Bonachela, Oakville. Margined Calligrapher.

Youth – Winner: Gill Doncaster, Age 10, Dundas. Peck’s Skipper.

Adult – Honorary Mention: Jim Auty, Hamilton. Great spangled fritillary.

Adult – 2nd Place: Marsha Wright, Waterdown. Black Swallowtails.

Adult – 1st Place: Doug Lay, Toronto. Hummingbird Clearwing.

Youth – Winner: Luisa Bonachela, Age 13, Oakville. Dekay’s Brownsnake

Adult – Honorary Mention: Michelle Sharp, Dundas. Gray Treefrog.

Adult – Honorary Mention: Nancy Lazare-Gellert, Dundas. Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

Adult – 2nd Place: Geoff Dunn, Ancaster. Red-bellied Woodpecker.

Adult – 1st Place: Mark Williams, Hamilton. American Goldfinch.

Seen in the Garden 2022

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September 21, 2022

Clouded Sulphur by Michelle Sharp

September 18, 2022

Pandorus Sphinx Moth Caterpillar by Ken Kerr

Meadowhawk by Michelle Sharp

September 17, 2022

Red Admiral by Michelle Sharp

September 16, 2022

Chipmunk on Cup Plant by Carolyn Jez

September 13, 2022

Monarch and Pearl Crescent by Michelle Sharp
Cross Orb Weaver preparing lunch by Ken Kerr

September 11, 2022

Brown Mantis by Mark Williams
Ant milking Aphids by Mark Williams

September 10, 2022

Hummingbird feeding by Ken Kerr

Hummingbird feeding teenager by Ken Kerr

Bumble Bee and a Visitor (look close)…Praying Mantis by Michelle Sharp

Common Buckeye by Michelle Sharp

Common Buckeye on Lantana by Michelle Sharp

September 2, 2022

American Lady by Michelle Sharp
Fiery Skippers by Michelle Sharp

August 28, 2022

Hummingbird in Flight by Mark Williams

August 27, 2022

Bold Jumping Spider by Ken Kerr
Indigo DuskyWing by Ted Jez
Cicada emerging from nymph by Ken Kerr
Common Ringlet by Carolyn Jez

August 21, 2022

Viceroy on Butterfly Bush by Mark Williams
Black and Yellow Garden Spider by Ken Kerr
Brown Praying Mantis eating a Katydid by Ken Kerr
Bicoloured Pyrausta by Marsha Wright

August 20, 2022

Spricebush Swallowtail by Michelle Sharp
Giant Swallow Tail by Michelle Sharp

August 17, 2022

Web Worm Moth by Marsha Wright
Gray Catbird on Nannyberry by Michelle Sharp

August 16, 2022

Buffalo Leaf Hopper by Ken Kerr
Praying Mantis by Mark Williams

August 15, 2022

American Grass Spider by Mark Williams
Brown Horned Leaf Hopper by Mark Williams
Common Wood Nymph by Mark Williams
Peck’s Skipper by Michelle Sharp
Eastern Tailed Blue by Michelle Sharp
Eastern Tailed Blue by Michelle Sharp

August 14, 2022

Pair of Fiery Skippers by Doug Ward
Tawny-Edged Skipper by Michelle Sharp
Robin feeding young by Ken Kerr

August 12, 2022

Goldfinch by Mark Williams
Mosaic Darner by Mark Williams

Monarch by Mark Williams

August 10, 2022

Painted Lady by Michelle Sharp
Painted Lady on Buddleia by Michelle Sharp

August 9, 2022

Crab Spider by Ted Jez

August 7, 2022

Gold Digger Wasp by Mark Williams
Ruby-throated Hummingbird resting by Mark Williams

August 2, 2022

Pale Green Weevil by Ted Jez

August 1, 2022

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Cardinal Flower by Mark Williams
American Lady by Mark Wiliams
Snowberry Clearwing Moth by Mark Williams
Green Heron catching a Dragonfly by Mark Williams
Summer Azure by Michelle Sharp

Fiery Skipper by Michelle Sharp

Monarch by Michelle Sharp

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail by Michelle Sharp

July 31, 2022

Cabbage White laying eggs!

Cabbage White laying eggs by Michelle Sharp

Silver-Spotted Skipper by Michelle Sharp
Peck’s Skipper by Michelle Sharp

July 29, 2022

Giant Swallowtail by Mark Williams

July 28, 2022

American Lady on Pearly Everlasting by Marsha Wright

Crab Spider on Queen Anne’s Lace by Ken Kerr

Yellow Warbler on Plume Poppy by Mark Williams

Banded Longhorn Beetles Mating by Mark Williams

July 27, 2022

Katydid by Michelle Sharp

July 26, 2022

Clearwing Moth by Michelle Sharp

July 25, 2022

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Zinnia by Mark Williams
Robber Fly eating a Fly taken by Ken Kerr
Lace Bug taken by Ted Jez

July 23, 2022

Monarch and Bee by Carolyn Jez
Widow Skimmer by Carolyn Jez
Plant Bug by Ted Jez
Banded Longhorn Beetle by Ted Jez
Red Admiral taken by Ken Kerr
Ambush bug eating Wasp taken by Ken Kerr
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth by Ted Jez

July 22, 2022

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail taken by Carolyn Jez
Violet Dancer taken by Michelle Sharp

July 21, 2022

Marbled Orb Weaver Spider by Ken Kerr

Marbled Orb Weaver Spider by Ken Kerr

July 20, 2022

The Striped Hairstreak is very small – the size of a thumbnail – and rarely seen in the UBG.

Striped Hairstreak taken by Marsha Wright
Black Swallowtail on Zinnia taken by Michelle Sharp
Candy Striped Spider by Ted Jez

July 18, 2022

Question Mark Butterfly by Ken Kerr

July 16, 2022

Homoneura (family Lauxaniidae) by Mark Williams

Planthopper Nymph by Ted Jez
Two-Marked Treehopper by Mark Williams

*Interesting fact*

Two-marked Treehopper Enchenopa binotata …”two spots” is a species complex, a group of nine species that are identical in appearance (as adults) while remaining reproductively separate. This particular treehopper is a bit of a oddity in that if the male and female produce offspring from a non-host plant, fewer eggs are laid but the newly hatched offspring could become a new species based on the phenology of the new host plant …

Two-Marked Treehopper by Ted Jez

Bumble Bee on Cone Flower by Mark Williams

Two Golden Digger Wasps by Mark Williams

Mating Red Soldier Beetles by Ken Kerr

July 15, 2022

White-marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar by Mark Williams

July 12, 2022

Monarch on Milkweed by Mark Williams

5 Spotted Lady Beetle by Mark Williams

Hoverfly by Mark Williams

Water droplet on Zinnia by Mark Williams

The Hooded Merganser and Great Blue Heron can be seen in the Desjardins Canal from the Urquhart Butterfly Garden.

Hooded Merganser by Mark Williams
Great Blue Heron by Mark Williams

July 11, 2022

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug by Ted Jez

July 10, 2022

Mating Longhorn Milkweed Beetles by Ken Kerr

July 9, 2022

Yellow Goldenrod Crab Spider by Ted Jez

July 8, 2022

Saddled Leafhopper by Michelle Sharp

Joe Pye Weed by Michelle Sharp
Purple Top Verbena by Michelle Sharp
Flesh Fly dining on a cousin by Michelle Sharp

July 4, 2022

Bee Fly by Ted Jez

Cabbage White by Ted Jez

July 1, 2022

Abbott’s Sphinx Moth Caterpillar taken July 1, 2022 by Mark Williams

June 29, 2022

The Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium Acadica) is found across Canada from British Columbia to Nova Scotia however not often seen in the UBG.

Acadian Hairstreak by Michelle Sharp

Banded Hairstreak on Dyers’ Chamomile by Mark Williams

Great Spangled Frittilary by Mark Williams

June 28, 2022

Lady Bug eating Aphids – a good example of the predator – prey relationship at work.

Lady Bug and Aphids by Ken Kerr

Spittle Bug by Ken Kerr
Mating Candy Striped Leaf Hoppers by Ken Kerr

June 26, 2022

Four lined Plant Bug by Ted Jez
Horned Spanworm Moth Caterpillar

Bumble Bee Mimic Robber Flies are also called the “assassin” flies as they lie in wait for unsuspecting bees, wasps and butterflies to pass by and then they attack.

Bumble Bee Mimic Robber Fly by Michelle Sharp

Monarch by Michelle Sharp
Grape Plume Moth by Michelle Sharp
Great Spangled Fritillary by Michelle Sharp

June 25, 2022

Wasp by Ken Kerr
Tawny Edged Skipper by Michelle Sharp
Monarch by Michelle Sharp June 23

June 8 -24, 2022

Poppy by Mark Williams
Sulphur Cinquefoil by Mark Williams

The Hummingbird Moth (Clearwing Moth) While most sphinx moths fly at night, hummingbird moths fly during the day. They feed on flower nectar, dipping in a long thin proboscis.

Hummingbird Moth by Mark Williams

Yellow shafted Flicker by Mark Williams

Daisy by Mark Williams
Monarch by Mark Williams

June 9 – 24, 2022

Zebra Jumping Spider by Ted Jez

Crane Fly by Ted Jez

Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle by Ted Jez

Candy Striped Leaf Hopper by Ted Jez

Leaf Hopper by Ted Jez

Long-Legged Fly by Ted Jez

June 22, 2022

Cedar Waxwing by Mark Williams

King Bird on Mulberry by Mark Williams

June 14, 2022

House Finch by Mark Williams

June 9, 2022

Yellow Warbler by Mark Williams

June 8, 2022

Jumping Spider by Mark Williams
Female Widow Skimmer by Mark Williams
Long-Legged Fly by Mark Williams
Spicebush Swallowtail by Mark Williams

Summer Education Series 2022

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Sweat Bee on Daisy by Mark Williams

Bees, Bees, Bees – A Free public workshop

Jenna Braun

Saturday August 27, 10 am.

Jenna and her able assistant will be back by popular demand on

Saturday August 27, and no one knows bees like Jenna.  When one thinks of bees we tend to think of the honey bee, however there are 800 bee species in Canada if which over 400 are in Ontario.

Our native bees range in size from the 25mm carpenter bee to the tiny 5 mm solitary bee, and many of the species can be found at the Urquhart Butterfly Garden and you can see them up close and personal with Jenna.

Numbers of native bee are in serious decline, due to habitat loss and land fragmentation plus the use of pesticides.  Unfortunately 12 bee species have recently been added to creatures at risk in Ontario.

Native bees are our most important pollinators, so there is cause for great concern when species are declining. They not only pollinate wildflowers but also the crops we eat.   Listen and look on Saturday 27 as you learn more about the many bee species at the Urquhart Butterfly Garden, and find out how you can help encourage bee preservation, even if you only have a balcony.

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There is lots of free parking and the site is conveniently accessible by bus or bike. Please bring a chair and wear a hat – you will spend an hour in full sun.

The event will NOT proceed in the event of rain.

For more information contact: Joanna Chapman, 905-627-8917

or jfcchapman@gmail.com