Ojibway Butterflies

Paul Carter and I went down for the Ojibway butterfly count today.  It is always an excellent count for uncommon or rare butterflies or just variety.  I got hooked on this count back in 2006 when we found 50 species out of the 51 for the entire count!  Today our group came up with 43 species. Some decent finds but nothing spectacular.  No duskywings!  The Dion Dukes' ? Skipper was a bit of a surprise, but perhaps the Black Dash was better.

Brunet Park was the best spot for variety.  We started with a Striped Hairstreak.

We found all the usual hairstreaks, including many Acadian.

Edwards' Hairstreaks (+coral to left) on Butterfly Weed

A Southern Cloudywing was good, especially for Bruce Ripley who wanted to see that one.

It was not one of my stellar photography days, but here are some photos:

Delaware Skipper

Coral Hairstreak

Baltimore Checkerspot

Clear Creek Butterfly Count

Today we did the Clear Creek butterfly count. I only did the afternoon, as it was raining here most of the morning. Despite the shortened day, we did very well. Total species for the count was an even 50! New for the count was Mulberry Wing found by George Preiksaitis.

Our group concentrated on the old railway lines which are excellent for butterflies. That is what makes this count so good.

Among the species we found were Southern Cloudywings, Coral, Banded, Striped and Acadian Hairstreaks. Some Bronze Coppers were also found. The Striped was the first one I have seen this season. Where are they?

I took a few photos with my small point and shoot camera, so quality is not the best.

Acadian Hairstreak (only one for the count!)



Southern Cloudywing



Striped Hairstreak (only one for the count!)




Banded Hairstreak on beet leaf (in Heather's garden!)