November 2021 Sightings

Last date I saw either of these species in Camden County

Taking in some sun on this chilly day around noon.

Mint fresh red admiral today. I called this small butterfly a sleepy orange. It was very pale, and a real runt. Seen while Jeanine Apgar was visiting my gardens. I believe the pictured skipper is an Ocola with worn markings. It was sunning on a malva leaf and when I tried to get closer, it flew off and didn't return. Cloudless chrysalis here plus at least 6 Monarch caterpillars, over a dozen black swallowtail caterpillars and a few American lady caterpillars. Still a good number of flowers for nectar.

A cold day- 55F- comma was on the persimmons that fell on the fence (nature's fruit tray)

Sunny but cool early morning about 50 with winds 10 MPH. Warmer by mid-day when I was working in the garden taking down some canna stalks. Happy to report that the new owners are interested in learning/trying to maintain the gardens here. I am sure it will take them a while to get the gardens going as they learn about gardening for butterflies. I have no idea whether they will welcome anyone to visit them especially the first year. Different sleepy orange butterfly here. Also 1 of 2 monarchs that never fully got their wings fully pumped up. It can fly and nectar but not very well. new additions were the return of 4 common buckeye butterflies.

We left the winter landscape and journeyed south to the tropics (Cape Island). There were Butterfly Bushes and Montauk Daisies and other mums still blooming. Lots of pollinators (flies and bees) and a few butterflies.

There were lots of Pokeweed fruits in the area and I wondered if those fruits were sustaining them.

The only butterfly for today.

Incidental sightings in the early afternoon while birding in the park today. It was 53 degrees and sunny at 3 pm when finished.

Midday, partly sunny, 55 degrees. Winds ENE 13mph. Faded American Lady nectaring on Lantana.

(unbeknownst to her- hope that new owners can really figure this out…) Another cold day- 50s and windy. About 20 black swallow tail cats of all sizes on parsley. American ladies were fresh.

Butterflies noted while conducting waterbird migration count. All except Common Buckeye flying south.

Posted with permission

Observed while conducting CMBO hawkwatch.

Some nice sun today, winds ~7MPH, temps mid 60's and 2 very welcome visitors midday - Harvey Tomlinson & Steve Glynn. 4 monarchs seen, 2 of which have deformed wings. Count done mid morning. Late afternoon Orange Sulphur seen. Black swallowtail, and monarch caterpillars continue. Cloudless Sulphur chrysalis continues.

The same Am. Lady has been hanging around the yard since Nov. 1, despite the chilly weather. The QM was sunning on a window ledge with the Cloudless S. directly below it on the ground. Most of my yard is in deep shade this time of year.

1:00, sunny and 64 degrees. Sachem were nectaring on Gomphrena.

Late morning, 63 degrees.

Butterflies noted while conducting waterbird migration count. Most seen from late morning to mid-afternoon; also a strong southbound movement of ladybugs (perhaps 1000+) and leafhoppers (easily 100+) during the afternoon. All butterflies flying south except 1 northbound Monarch. Sunny with winds sustained from the west around 10mph and temps in the mid/upper 60s.

Back in the area for a bit and figured I'd enjoy this beautiful, 69 degree afternoon and visit the Sleepy Orange colony a final time and see if some hardy individuals were still enjoying the area well into fall. Very happy with the activity.

The main senna area and colony center was the primary area of activity, though the Sleepy and Cloudless were found in several of the typical spots they often fly in the area. Some trumpet vine still had blooms that both Sleepy and Cloudless would come in and nectar from.

As to be expected, most individuals were aged and well worn, but a few of the Cloudless were quite clean and bright. All would fly in and out of the deeper grasses and wood edges, perhaps demonstrating their interest to find shelter in the hours/days ahead for attempted over-wintering. Great to know that the colony should be active again next season.

Great time to enjoy my special place.

I spent most of the day outside working. There is very little nectar here now.

Observations from hawkwatch platform; most activity during late AM/afternoon. Most butterflies flying s/w along dunes. Afternoon weather = sunny, winds NW 10mph, temps in the low/mid-60s.

1 blackswallowtail caterpillar!

Poor girl was barely able to fly.