Observations by kimmann

Found while cleaning debris from the side of a sheltered fence. I was picking pieces of garbage and construction debris from an area where a shed was removed. She was in a shaded open area between where the shed was and the fence. She may have been under the dirt/plant matter because she was in the debris and vibrating her wings to warm up or in response to being disturbed. It was fairly warm in the sun but in the shade when she was found it was quite chilly- maybe 9C to low teens. (It did warm up to approx 24C later that afternoon). I put her in a small, clear plastic container both to warm her up and to photograph. I was hoping to place her back in the area when I was finished cleaning up but she had flown away.

Was in backyard on ground.
Used Kaufman guide ‘Butterflies of North America’ to identify- “Above note two black spots on forewing inner margin; hindwing has black spot at center and relatively pale tan marginal areas.”

Has been seen in this area for several days. First located by Bob Luterbach. Most sloughs are dry this year, this one seems to have a good amount of water. Called Trestle Slough by locals.
Bird was fishing along the edge of the plants.

This individual was found earlier in the day by other birders. When I arrived, the bird had been relocated. It was high in the Ponderosa Pines (planted many years ago in the ‘Old Tree Nursery’ in Wascana Park). Close by was a new man-made storm water retention pond. The bird would fly up to the top of a tree and work its way out to the tip of the branch and then fly down to another branch close to the trunk and back out to the tip. Could not find it the next day. Possibly a first year male?
The day was sunny and warm.

This Bumble Bee was feeding on a Gaillardia flower (Gaillardia aristata) in my front yard. The Gaillardia is one of many native plants I have growing on my property. It was sunny but cool that morning.