Monarch Beauty
We are winding down Monarch migration for the 2015 season, as individuals filtering through to the south now are in for a very difficult journey to Mexico. This late and beautiful butterfly was really in crisp and lovely shape, showing off the gorgeous Halloween colors while feeding. I hope he will be one of the lucky ones to make it all the way to the wintering grounds. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMonarchs Building
Amazingly, Monarch butterfly numbers have been building still at Stratford Point in Connecticut over the last week. Mid-October is usually a busy time for the species here as they feed on goldenrod and quickly keep moving to the south. The last couple days of frigid temperatures certainly have not helped sightings, though…
Read MoreMale 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 MoreCosta Rican Webfoot Salamander (Bolitoglossa tica)
Here’s a nice excuse to photograph exquisite lichen-covered sticks: the endangered Costa Rican Webfoot Salamander (Bolitoglossa tica), a species that has not been recorded in quite some time, found during a recent research trip for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
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...
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