October 2015 Sightings

spotty sun, windy and cool–monarch released (2 to go!) couple of black swallowtail cats.

Only about 25 min. observation. The Tawny-edge was a male.

Moderator's note: This ties our second-latest date for tawny-edged (= 10/5/12). Only a report on 10/15/13 came later in the season.

American Lady was very fresh nectaring on yellow lantana.

Nice day.

First sun of October poked out about 3 pm. Monarch and sachem both males.

Still plenty of nectar here. Butterfly numbers slowly recovering from storms. visited several times througout the afternoon.

13 species in the State Park today and 14 overall in Cape May Point. Most of the Buckeyes & Monarchs were observed between the plover ponds & the dune system.

Observations made from car. Private residence.

sunny, common checkered skippers flying in and out of garden plots and nectaring on white clover on edge of plots. Variegated Frit was fresh.

About 20 min. in the morning here. Extensive damage to gardens from coastal storms.

Butterfly bushes doing well. Also Montauk Daisy in bloom.

Additionally found on side garage wall and under attached (7 ft high) deck: 6 Monarch chrysalis, 2 Monarch cats looking for a place to pupate and 1 failed Monarch cat (doesn't include chrysalis from 10/5).

Millie came out to show us her Monarch cats. She has at least 15 on three species of Milkweed: Common, Swamp, & Tropical.

4:30- 5:30. Sunny, 70, light NW. Buckeyes and monarchs drifting south. The mourning cloak (my first in O.C.) came in off the ocean and landed on the beach.

Moderator's note: The NYC Butterfly Club's 1993 checklist notes, "Most fall…records are coastal migrants" (as reported in Gochfeld & Burger, p. 193.)

4:00 to 4:10 stop.

SJB field trip third stop.

Late afternoon check (4:00-4:45 pm). First Ocola here in two weeks. Peck's a worn female.

SJB field trip fourth stop.

SJB field trip second stop.

Watched the monarchs settle in for the night at sunset. Beautiful beyond words.

SJBF field trip to Heislerville (and other Bayshore locations) with Jack and Jesse Connor, Jean Gutsmith, Chip Krilowicz, and Mike Hannisian. Began 10:00, cloudy and low 60's. Sun by 10:40 warming to 70 with light NW. 17 species here. 22 species for the day.

Moderator's note: a report of the field trip, with photos, will be posted on the log later today (10/8/15). Thanks to Jack Miller for leading such a successful trip!

also additional 5 Monarch cats seen

Moderator's note. This is only our third report of long-tailed this year – and the second documented with a photo.

To enlarge any photo, click on it. To return to the report, ESC.

Spent considerable time here in search of Long Tailed Skipper. Had to settle for abundant Ocola action and very good overall butterflying. Also had at least 10 Black Swallowtail cats on parsley.

Moderator's note: 21 Ocola skippers is our highest single-spot count on our log in eight years. 10 fiery skippers also may be our single-spot high count. Thank you, Dave!