October 2021 Sightings

I played God and got the monarch away from the Mantis. It did not look too damaged so it might survive.

Michael O'Brien shared numbers of Monarchs that roosted at several roost sites that were discovered in the dunes at Cape May Point (at two different dune crossover walkways) the night of September 30, 2021, when he was able to count them the next morning, October 1, 2021, at dawn at lift off when they got up to continue their migration as the sun warmed them up. He told friends (KP & John) that he counted 2,500/minute for a few minutes, then 1,500/minute, then 1,000/minute, then 100/minute. Michael O'Brien shared on Facebook: "Last night’s roosting Monarchs departed across Delaware Bay this morning (Oct. 1, 2021), mainly between ~7:30 and 8:45 am. Forecast NW winds, which would have likely held Monarchs here a little longer, turned out to be light out of the north this morning, a perfect tail wind to help Monarchs across the bay. From a series of one minute counts, I extrapolated that I saw at least 25,000-30,000 Monarchs strike out across Delaware Bay this morning - the largest Monarch migration event I have seen here since 2010," as shared by Michael O'Brien on Facebook (THANK YOU Michael for putting a number to this amazing Monarch movement). I am here sharing a photo Clay Sutton took at the Lincoln & Cape Avenue dune crossover roost site at dawn on Oct. 1, 2021.

[Fantastic. -jm]

Observation 12:20 - 1:45. I have never seen as many mourning cloaks as I did today at Rea's. There was a steady stream of them coming from the north woods and flying south with a purpose over a narrow band of the open fields. By 1:15 the numbers dropped and I only saw 2 in the last 30 minutes. Most of my attention was focused downward (looking for clouded sk's) so I wonder how many MC's I missed? The numbers of monarchs, oranges sulphurs and buckeyes are conservative as these species were weaving through the fields nectaring.

10 Mourning Cloaks seen in 1 hour (Noon to 1 pm) on Seagrove Avenue at the State Park parking lot. 9 were low, close flybys following the same path, all moving SW. The 10th was very high, floating like Monarchs often do, at the limit that one could possibly ID the butterfly in 10x binocs.

[It turns out that two observors saw the mourning cloak migration phenomenon. Jack Miller witnessed what must be the same stream of mc's a mile to the NE at Rea's Market at the same 12 -1:00 time. Does anyone have a memory of seeing such "flock" of migrating mc's? -jm]

A female Monarch emerged at 2 pm today from the 2nd Monarch chrysalis I've been monitoring.

Numbers are way down after these cold nights.

1:00-1:30pm Smith's Woods butterfly garden.
18 black swallowtail cats, and 2 variegated fritillary cats!

The blue staining on the ETB came from a blue dye tag on a herbicide. Our meadow was sprayed today to eliminate some of the invasive vegetation. It did not seem to harm the ETB as it was quite active in its usual manner.

Our 1st Painted Lady of the entire year!

[Nice. They have clearly had a down year in 2021. jc]

Obs. made from 2:05 to 2:25, 76 deg. sunny & SSW9 winds.

A wonderful day in the yard with more monarchs than sachems. On walk about in the early morning, I counted 24 monarchs. Many of them flew off to the south as the morning progressed, but were soon replaced. At no point did I count less than 20 and the high count for a walk about was 26. At 5:00 I began watching 20+ monarchs go to roost in one of my cherry trees. I have noticed over the years that they always roost on the east side of the tree. Nights are cold and catching first warmth is important. The last monarch went to roost in the near-dark at 6:40.

Today, was a great day in the yard. Monarchs started migrating through early, nectaring and continuing southward towards the Point. There were a lot of eyes looking at for the butterflies. Dave Amadio found a mint fresh Hayhurst's Scallopwing which is both the FOY 2021 and my latest record ever for the yard. Also, a very worn Horace's Duskywing was found, along 3 Long-tailed Skippers one with no tails, 1 tail and 2 tails. 2 Sleepy Orange butterflies eclosed. Ocola Skippers are going crazy in the yard though I would trade a few of them for one Clouded Skipper but I keep looking and hoping. I had 15 visitors to my yard today and was happy to see all of them. Many had 1 or 2 lifers and a few had 3 lifers though sadly none got to see the Brazilian Skipper. My gardens have brought me much please over the past 12 years. I would like to extend an invitation for anyone to visit between now and Nov 10th as on Nov 19th, settlement is to be made on the sale of my house and the future fate of the "Magic Gardens" is unknown.

[Not only is the Hayhurst scallopwing the latest for Beth's garden, it breaks the log's longstanding LOY record. The previous record was found by guess who? Dave Amadio on Sept 23 2012!

It is sad that our attempts to purchase Beth's property came up short. Beth's "Magic Gardens" are wonderful because of Beth's magical touch. Much of the "touch" is the result of countless hours of hard labor, gardening skills, and an eye for balance and beauty To the benefit of all, her magical touch extends not only to gardening skills, but to a loving readiness to joyfully and patiently share her outdoor masterpiece. Thank you Beth! -jm]

11:30-2:00. Sunny, in the 70s. Day trip to Cape May, and what a day! Monarchs were constantly present so will simply say "common." Question Marks were very fresh. Worn, but scrappy, Viceroy was very friendly, often landing on our heads.

Observation: 12.45- 13.45
My first Common Checkered Skipper sighting ever.

[Congrats on the new lifer! -jm]

Obs. made from 3:30 to 4:20, 73-75 degrees, Winds S10 to SSE12. Not very active at the park to say the least. Watched a tattered Viceroy chase after a Monarch before landing.

Obs. made from 2:35 to 3, 76 deg. sunny. Ocolas were everywhere. Had to point out to several visitors that while the more showy Monarchs were winding their way south, these obscure little skippers were moving north. Monarchs are indeed stunning, but so many smaller gems are being overlooked. My first Long Tail from this location since 2016. Viceroy was found among the Monarchs.

Incidental sightings during the morning while birding in the park.

3:00-4:00. Sunny, in the 70s. Beth's garden was hopping with Skippers and other goodies! Thank you, Beth, for so graciously sharing your amazing garden. You are an inspiration and the greatest possible teacher!

Obs. made from 11:45 to 1:40, 71-75 degrees, sunny & SW wind 10-15. Beth hosted quite a few visitors today. I was fortunate to be among these. Singleton Painted Lady, Hayhurst's Scallopwing, & Red Banded Hairstreak were joined by multiple individuals of all posted species. Ocola Skipper appeared to be the most abundant skipper today.

Obs. made from 5-5:30. Found a small Monarch roost, not nearly as large as the ones observed on 9/30 Estimated at 300 and growing as I left for the day.

Quick check of the buddleias.

Early afternoon, brief stop. Private residence gardens.

Observation: 11.30-12.30

South winds brought in a Long-tailed Skipper, a stunning 11 Ocola Skippers, and some "fresh" Sachems. Not sure if the Gray Hairstreak pictured below is countable.

[Great shot of "nature red in tooth and claw." jc]

Still finding small Black Swallowtail cats on Fennel. Still monitoring a 3rd Monarch chrysalis I found in the yard (it's still green). Our yard often "shuts down" this time of year, despite lots of nectar. With the sun low on the horizon, I think it is due to the garden not being in sun much of the day (where in the summer the sun comes straight down on the garden all day long).

Minimal observation today, but was surprised to see a mint fresh Wild Indigo Duskywing.

[Yes, and our first wild indigo in GLO since 8/24/21. jc]