Monarchs Moving
Anecdotal Monarch reports continue to be encouraging across North America! From what I have read on social media and heard from friends plenty of people are spotting sizable numbers of the species even still now in November as they make their way to Mexico. Do YOU have anything to report? Scott Kruitbosch RTPI Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMonarch Chrysalis
Let’s switch it up! I have been photographing plenty of butterflies on beautiful fall flowers recently, but this unexpected sight came thanks to the eye of Audubon Connecticut at Stratford Point Land Steward Stefan Martin. The Monarch chrysalis seen here was found yesterday despite the late date, and considering our weather conditions and the favorable location it should have enough time to emerge and head south with all the rest. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMonarch on Calico Aster
I apologize in advance, but I have a touch of Monarch madness, and I cannot help but photograph them nonstop right now! This beauty was feeding on calico aster a couple days ago, helping to highlight why all of those aster species are so important to our pollinators so late in the season… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreRTPI Protecting Pollinators
How many Monarchs have you seen this year? Anecdotal reports that I have heard- along with my own personal experiences – seem to indicate this was an improved season for one of our favorite butterflies. RTPI’s partnership and collaborative work at Audubon Connecticut at Stratford Point with Audubon Connecticut plus Sacred Heart University and the Connecticut Butterfly Association continues to aid our pollinators with expanded gardens and grasslands fueling or hosting dozens and dozens of species each day. I will show you more of our 2017 accomplishments soon, but for now please...
Read MoreMonarch Butterfly on Butterfly
Here is a look back to this summer at a butterfly on butterfly – in this case it is the Monarch (Danaus plexippus) on a Butterfly Bush (Buddleia). Look at all the glorious details on this stunning individual! Bask in the warm glow of the hot sun on the beautiful orange wings. Do you feel less cold yet? Butterfly bushes are a difficult subject. On the one hand, they are non-native, and it seems that in certain areas and regions they can readily spread and exclude some of our native vegetation. Native plants also often do provide more nutrition for native species of insects, birds, and...
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