October 2022 Sightings

Saw Monarch briefly as wind carried him over the roof of the house.

Incidental sighting while birding this morning. Flying westbound over the saltmarsh. Low 60s, cloudy, occasional light showers, strong NE winds.

monarchs released, one stayed on the mexican sunflower for the day and was still there the next day. Better conditions today with the return of the sun

After 5 days of the Ian remnant nor'easter with cold, rain, wind and no sun, what a joy it was to wake up to full sun, warmth and calm. Apparently the butterflies thought so, too. Observations made 4:15 to 5:15.

The Monarchs, which are in pristine condition, are probably new releases from one of my neighbors.

Sightings between 3:00-3:30, sunny, 67 degrees. All were nectaring on asters and goldenrod.

After several days of prolonged rain and somewhat harsh NE winds, a sunny, calm day has brought relief to a lot of migrants. A nice flight developed in the heat of the afternoon, observations made between 1pm-2:30, or so.

Finally starting to see fair movements of Red Admirals and I was partly surprised by the number of Mourning Cloaks around. The checkered-skipper was fresh and a male, first male that I’ve seen. Question Marks were strictly moving over the dunes where most things moved around and nectared, but everything that was migrating was steadily moving west, or northwest. The return of Cloudless Sulphurs was inspiring.

Sunny, 66 degrees, WNW winds at 8mph, 68% humidity.

Obs. 1.00-2.05 pm. Blue sky, temp. 70°F.

3pm-3:20pm. Sunny, WNW. Additional migrants from previous report.

Haven’t seen a spicebush in quite a while, was definitely delighted by its late presence. Around 2:50pm

Sunny, WNW winds.

Incidental sightings while birding in the park today. Sunny, temperature reached the low 70s.

Obs. made from 2:20 to 3:30, 74 sunny. Monarchs streaming south along the dune system.

Lunchtime walk, 73 degrees and sunny.

Late afternoon Obs. 4:15 to 5, 74 sunny, winds WNW6 changing to S9

Mourning Cloak and Red Admiral flight continued in wonderful numbers today. Most observed between 9:30-11:30am from Coral, along Cape Ave and Lighthouse, and various more northern areas along MMP census route along Bayshore and Sunset. Also had a fly by Long-tailed Skipper through the dunes at Coral later in the day. Winds mostly W, sunny, in mid 60s. The only butterflies reported here are ones I saw actively moving northbound, or west (depending on position on the island)

[Interesting migration count – good evidence of the continuing movement of seven southbound species, including Am lady, sometimes overlooked as a migrant. (Not including presumably northbound wanderers – cloudless sulphur and long-tailed.) Thank you, Jack. jc]

Obs. from 12 -12:40, 68 & sunny, winds WNW7

Obs. from 12:50-1:45, 72 sunny and W7. Red Admirals & Q-Mark imbibing sap from Sapsucker holes in Chinese Elm.

The hairstreaks were loving the goldenrod!

[Our first white m since 9/24/22. Our late date for the species is Nov 9 (2017). jc]

Obs. 1.25-2.40. Full sun, temps mid 70’s.
1 Silver spotted Skipper cat.

A brief stop here on my way to the point. Only one butterfly at 10:30, 65 & sunny

All butterflies were "on the move." Plus lots of Monarchs (but no number … wasn't counting).

Lantana attracting a nice number of butterflies

Late morning while birding, and partly with Jack Miller. Gorgeous temps in 70's.

Lantana & Profusion Zinnias drawing in bugs here.

Obs. from 11:15 to 11:45. Mostly Frost Asters attracting butterflies. RBH was on Goldenrod.

Brief midday visit. Very few buckeye rosa forms so far this fall. This is the darkest one I have seen.