Male Monarch
This male Monarch butterfly certainly looked like it was in bad shape while it fed on this goldenrod a few days ago with a sizable portion of its wing missing. Despite its tattered and worn appearance it was still flying well, though I do not think this will be one of the individuals that makes it to Mexico. If you are passing through the Northeast in mid-October you are already late, and this sort of condition will not make the long trip any easier or faster. Nevertheless, good luck little guy. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMonarch Movement
As we press on into October it becomes all the more vital for Monarch butterflies to hurry up and head to the south. The weather may feel lovely this week with sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s and 70s, but as Yogi Berra said, it is getting late early. The results of tagged Monarch butterfly studies have shown that those individuals that migrate earlier have a better chance of reaching the wintering grounds. Every week that passes at our higher latitudes in the United States means it will be more difficult for those currently passing through to survive the journey. At least right now...
Read MoreBig Monarch
I am in the enviable position of staring at around ten or twenty different Monarch butterflies each day, at least. I have a good running impression of them by now, so when I see a unique individual it strikes me instantly. This female Monarch seemed to be very large, though the scale does not show that well in these photos. I watched her feeding, moving about the goldenrod, and flying around a bit, all with the same larger than typical feeling. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMonarch Monday
Happy Monarch Monday! If you have any goldenrod growing near you now is the time to check it out as the butterflies are pouring to the south. They have to get a move on now as we near October and the air grows chillier.
Read MoreGray Hairsteak on Grass-leaved Goldenrod
This Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) is another big fan of the Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia) patch, one of many of the species being seen there. We have spotted several individuals at once on multiple occasions. There can even be fights over the preferred flower. Autumn is an amazing time for butterflies! The only problem at the moment is that the patch is drying up and dying back very quickly thanks to the moderate drought. Water is life. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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