Monarchs Moving
It is really starting to turn into a good couple of weeks for Monarch butterflies in their expected migratory hotspots, especially along the Atlantic coast, with more individuals like this one being seen feeding and flying every day. Whether it is on a clover, some goldenrod, a sunflower, coneflowers or many more pollinator plants not coated in chemicals these insects are getting the fuel they need to keep moving south. Sunny and calm weather means conducive conditions for flights, and likely means more of them survive their journey. I don’t know about you but the fact they have become...
Read MoreBird/Nature Tour at Stratford Point – August 8, 2015
Bird/Nature Tour at Stratford Point – August 8, 2015 Audubon Connecticut, the U.S. Coast Guard and RTPI will be having an open house at Stratford Point, 1207 Prospect Drive in Stratford, Connecticut on Saturday from 9 AM – 3 PM with bird/butterfly walk/tours of the property at 9 AM, 11 AM and 1 PM. Join RTPI Conservation & Outreach Coordinator Scott Kruitbosch for a bird and nature tour at 1 PM. The globally Important Bird Area is always abuzz with life in August as insects and birds use the site as a feeding and stopover area. Expect to see some butterflies, dragonflies and a...
Read MoreGray Hairstreak
This looks like a worn Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), a butterfly I found recently laying low in the grass. As we enter August we see more and more tattered and torn insects, those strong survivors who have persevered through a tough flight season to feed and reproduce successfully. Between difficult weather, dangerous predators, competition from similar species and human interference it is always special to see the senior citizens of the bug world living on. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMonarch on Mexican Sunflower
I spotted this Monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterfly feeding on this Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia Rotundifolia) earlier today. I don’t know about you but I have been spotting Monarchs more frequently in the last week or so. Have you had any in your yard yet, or are you also seeing high numbers recently? Let us hope we have a huge fall migration coming up. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreHarvester Butterfly
Here is a shot of the Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius) butterfly in its natural habitat, the world around it is as green as can be. Get out in that hot air today and dig up some treasures for yourself! Photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser in Connecticut while on assignment for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
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