The beautiful sunshine and soaring temperatures of midsummer have arrived and the butterflies have followed. The garden is in full flower and an excellent diversity of species may be seen on sunny days.

A Tawny Emperor – a first for the garden – was photographed last week. Other spectacular species, including Milbert’s Tortoiseshell, are present for the patient visitor.

The photo contest continues through August. Unique photo experiences abound in the height of summer so be sure to seize the opportunity.

We have a free summer education series set to begin August 7 and run until September 11.  Come visit each Saturday morning as local experts teach about wildlife in the garden. A schedule is posted below.

Congratulations to all entrants!  Your photos were of a very high standard and selecting just one winner in each category proved to be exceptionally difficult. 

There were no pretty butterflies or colourful flowers, but with fewer subjects to choose from in the winter, it forced a great deal of creativity and you took many stunning photos.

Because the choices were so difficult, we decided to have ‘runners up’, which appear in alphabetical order under the category.

The four First Prize winners will receive an envelope in the mail in approximately one week.

Once again, congratulations to all!

Below are all the entries for the winter photo contest. With hundreds of beautiful entries, it was a difficult decision for the judge. Thanks to all for participating and sharing your unique experiences in the Garden. Click any photo to enter a slideshow and see photographer and species details.

April 21, 2021

With luck last night we just had our last snow for the season!

Carolyn Zanchetta worked at the Garden and looked after the web site and Photo Contests for the last year.  Carolyn has recently accepted a position with the Halton Conservation Authority, and will not be returning for this season.  She is leaving us with the very best wishes from everyone concerned with the Urquhart Butterfly Garden. 

On June 1, we will be welcoming Matt Mills as the coordinator, interpreter, gardener at the Butterfly Garden.

Many will know Matt already from his interpretive walks during the summer series.  He’s an avid naturalist and excellent birder.

The results of the Winter Photo Contest will be posted on May 15. Thank you to all who entered.

We are hoping for a great season, with weather that is not too hot, not too cold; not too dry, not too wet.  Fingers crossed!

JC