On The Wild Side: End of summer migration begins for butterflies, songbirds and more

By ANN and ERIK BROKELMAN

I think I speak for most people when I say that butterflies must be among the ‘best’ insects.

I don’t think the average person is running for a swatter, shoe, or rolled up magazine if they happen across a Monarch or a Swallowtail flittering around their living room.

While you might run from the room screaming from a spider or turn into a Viking to vanquish a housefly, you might be more of a Florence Nightingale trying to help a butterfly return safely outside. Perhaps there is a lesson here about how a little colour and grace are all it takes to get yourself out of a tough situation.

Have you ever spotted a butterfly lying on a sandy beach or right in the middle of a gravel road? Sometimes they are gently flapping their wings, and other times they sit completely still with their wings spread wide open.

Considering they are still a prey animal, you may think it odd for them to put themselves in such an open, visible, and vulnerable position. I know I had this thought when I spotted a Duskywing (Erynnis) on a sandy beach in Toronto.

It looked like it was just enjoying the warmth of the sun, like many of us love to do, but why would they take that risk?

It turns out this behavior is known as “puddling.”

They are doing it to sip essential salts and minerals from damp sand, mud, and gravel.

Did you know that butterflies are cold-blooded and rely on outside heat just to be able to fly?

While they puddle, they’ll often spread their wings in the sun to help warm up their flight muscles. It turns out they really are basking in the sun, recharging just like so many beach goers.

The other day, Dianne and I went out exploring in search of birds, butterflies, and snakes, and we hit the absolute jackpot on a quiet dirt road!
There were so many different varieties of butterflies lying along the path that I just had to get out of the car and walk to see who all was there.

I spotted White Admirals, Northern Crescents, Monarchs, Viceroys, and so many more.

I know I’ve seen these throughout my life, but it took me a long time to learn all their names. Why is it that so many people know about Monarchs, but White Admirals aren’t as famous?

Did you know that, in addition to planting butterfly friendly flowers, you can easily make your own ‘puddling station’ at home?

Seeing all of the different species that day, and learnng what puddling even was, inspired me to learn how to put one together, and, it turns out, all I needed was a simple terracotta saucer filled with sand (not dirt), gravel, a few rocks, and a little bit of water.

As I’m writing this article, I’m planning to build a station in my front yard with my granddaughter.

Migration is officially starting now for the songbirds, butterflies, and many hawks. Just this morning, I had nine juvenile Baltimore Orioles crowding around the jelly and oranges in my yard, and I’ve been seeing more and more Monarchs and Viceroys on the move.

When you’re out and about over the next few weeks, don’t forget to look up.

Have you started seeing any early migrants in your neighbourhood yet? Please reach out and let me know what you’re spotting; I’d love to hear all about it!