Monarchs massing in migration
This past weekend I visited a prime spot for Monarch butterfly migration: the coastal grasslands of Stratford Point in Stratford, Connecticut. Even four or six years ago one could expect to find hundreds of Monarchs at the site during the peak migratory period. The last couple of years have seen a dramatic collapse in their numbers in many parts of North America. As one of the most visible and widely known environmental disasters of the 21st century the plight of the species has been a subject of discussion for the masses. Thankfully I was able to see a decent mass of Monarchs at this...
Read MoreRed-spotted Purple butterfly
I saw this distant Red-spotted Purple butterfly yesterday morning while finding some migrant warblers, vireos and flycatchers. There are still plenty of butterflies hanging on here as we enter mid-September despite nights with chilly temperatures in the low 40s.
Read MoreBountiful butterflies
It is hard to believe we are already about to enter September! After having above-average rainfall and average to below-average temperatures for much of the summer here in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region the second half of August turned out to be sunny and warm with a lot of lepidoptera on the wing and in our gardens. This is a traditionally wonderful month for butterflies. I have posted a bunch of neat sightings but here are more of the common species you have probably enjoyed in your yard. I have been looking and hoping for a Giant Swallowtail, among other rarities, but it is nevertheless...
Read MoreAmerican Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis)
I have yet to see a Giant Swallowtail for 2014 but I was happy to photograph this American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) while looking earlier this week at RTPI. How are your butterfly numbers doing? I’ve spotted a Monarch or two here and there when out for prolonged periods but it’s still slow.
Read More
