2024 Odonate Kind-of Big Year

[Jon Pleizier]

Hi All,

I reignited my interest in odes in 2024 (after a decade-plus hiatus) and am looking forward to what 2025 has in store! I have been reading through past Ont-odes posts from previous years and noted Bill Lamond's post regarding his big ode year in 2017. In 2024 I gave odes a concerted effort and I am calling it my 2024 Odonate Kind-of Big Year. I observed up to 113 species (a few to remain unconfirmed), which I was thrilled about considering my goal was simply to raise my Ontario list to 100 species. I focussed mostly on finding new life species, so of course I missed a few more common species along the way. I have written a summary, if anyone is interested.

 It is found here: 2024 Odonate Kind-of Big Year · iNaturalist

With a newborn at home, I am tempering my goals for 2025, but am hoping to search out least 10 more lifers. I tend to strike out on my own opportunistically, but if anyone is headed out to search for any of the more rare southern Ontario specialty species, I would be interested to join and learn from others' experience. 

I am also hoping to do a trip up the Detour Lake Road in late July, weather and family permitting. If anyone is interested in joining, I would be interested in having the company. Alternatively, if anyone is planning a similar trip, I would be interested in joining.

Cheers,

Jon