October 2017 Sightings

Entering New Jersey, I saw a Monarch traveling south along the Delaware River.

Floated over the parking area at noon

There was a Monarch traveling West to East.

Monarchs continue in high numbers with roosts again on the cannas that start to form about 5:30 PM. Many images taken throughout the day.

There were two Cabbage Whites in courting flight in the parking lot.

Found an Ocola Skipper near the end of my stay.

Monarch nectaring until nearly dark

The weather, including strong wind, limited butterfly activity.

Discovered six small buckeyes. These butterflies were all territorial males.

Cloudy and very rainy this AM, once clouds cleared just before Noon the butterflies especially Monarchs came out. I'd estimate over 200 Monarch's in the yard feeding on Tropical Milkweed, Mexican Sage, Lantana and Blue Rhea Salvia. Again, in the afternoon many locals stopped by to see the Monarchs and teaching done.

Found a Common Buckeye covered with dew drops before it could move for the day.
Photos of dew-covered buckeye and the same Common Buckeye drying in the rising sun before flying away.

Painted Ladies were using the flower garden near the entrance to the terminal.

Most Monarchs flew out this AM right after sunrise. Walk and actual counts done about 11 AM. Winds 11 MPH with intermittent sun/shade. Temps in the 60's. Images taken

64 partly sunny

62 Partly sunny

It was a chilly and cloudy day with , mostly , Monarchs floating here and there.

Sunny, chilly (60*), windy. Nectar mostly pineapple sage & firecracker sage

Partly cloudy, cool, mid 60's but winds 18+ MPH. All the butterflies are flying low & hanging on as best they can.

Very chilly (60*), windy. A dozen Monarchs in pine trees near parking lot. The payoff was @130 monarchs on northern bayberry and old goldenrod around viewing platform

A nice mix of butterflies at this garden.
Photo of a male buckeye pursuing a female on a decaying melon.

A Brazilian Skipper visited an Impatiens with large flowers for a few seconds and totally disappeared!

[This is our second report of this rare stray this year – following the individual found and photo'd by Beth Polvino in her garden in mid-August. These two 2017 reports are the first of the species in South Jersey since July of 2014. This report by Will is also our latest-ever (we have had four previous October reports – all in the first week of October, 2012). Exciting! jc]

This place is now closed to the public.

In the chilly morning time, I saw three butterfly species barely moving.

Photos of a female and a male Fiery Skipper here.

3-4 pm. Sunny, light winds, ~60 degrees. Butterflies growing scarce here. Didn't see a painted lady in yard for first time in several weeks.

In two different parking lots, it was obvious that butterflies were dispersing this day.

Fresh Gray Hairstreak nectared on Lantana until flushed by a Cabbage White.

2pm warm sun. Butterflies spending most time in low, sunny, warm spots with occasional forays up into Zinnias. Extra note: Wednesday: Battery Park NYC in beautiful gardens of Museum of Jewish Heritage, 8 to perhaps 12 Monarchs on Butterfly Bush. Sorry not to get photo with Statue of Liberty in background!