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Newsletter for August 2020
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Backyard Butterflies
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Greetings Fellow Backyard Butterfliers,
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I hope this finds you well and in the best possible of spirits with all that is currently going on in our country and the world. Since March the ways in which we carry out our missions as an organization has adapted in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The community outreach and education parts of our mission have been minimal or not possible due to social distancing. The good news is that many of the NABA counts scheduled this month can still be conducted as they are considered low-risk activities.
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There are six opportunities this month to join John, Brian Bockhahn and me within the Piedmont region to count butterflies. Good reasons to join us on a count include:
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- Contribute to science
- Develop identification skills
- See butterflies you might not typically see in your backyard or in your region
- Meet other butterfly enthusiasts and socialize at a safe distance while practicing other Covid-19 safety measures
This month I consider the start of the "last hurrah" for raising caterpillars. Many species will have one last brood before fall weather arrives. Normally I would be conducting Caterpillar Raising Workshops as I always have an abundance of Black Swallowtails. If you are interested in learning how to raise caterpillars I am available for individual instruction. I will post on our Facebook page when caterpillars are available.
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Peace, Love, & Butterflies,
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What are NABA Butterfly Counts?
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A count is a one day census of butterflies observed by one or more parties within a 15 mile designated diameter.
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Each count has a compiler, the person who collects the data from all parties and submits the count totals to NABA.
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All ages and skill levels of identification are welcome to participate. Newcomers will be partnered with more experienced butterfliers. If you are recording butterflies in your backyard on count days, use the resources below to assist you with identification. Be sure to take photos if possible of uncommon or rare butterflies for positive identification.
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There is a $3 participation fee collected by count compilers that is used by NABA for costs associated with conducting the counts. In order to encourage people to join us we cover the participation fee as part of our education and community outreach programs.
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NABA Counts are conducted by volunteers: that means YOU!
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The counts depend upon volunteers, aka Citizen Scientists, aka YOU, to go outdoors and observe butterflies and tally what you see. The data you collect is used by scientists and others to understand changes in butterfly populations, species migrations, and more.
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If you aren't able to join us on location for a count, but you live within the count circle, you are welcome to submit to us your butterfly sightings on the day of the count. Visit the NABA website for interactive maps.
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Click image for full sized view
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These are some commonly asked questions about NABA butterfly counts. If you have a question that isn't asked, please contact us.
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How do you count butterflies?
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As we walk through areas we make note of the butterflies sighted around us. Sometimes we are able to have an exact tally, whereas other times we might make a reasonable estimate if there is a large congregation of butterflies on a nectar plant or puddling on the ground. If we walk back through an area we only count those species we didn’t observe before.
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How should I dress for a butterfly count?
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It’s recommended you dress in long, durable pants as we often go off trail into tall grasses and plants. Sturdy footwear is a necessity. Wearing shorts, sandals or flip-flops, or open toed shoes is not advised. Other clothing considerations include wearing a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, and light fabrics designed for sweating or outdoor hiking.
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What should I bring with me to the count?
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A backpack or bag in which to stow water, snacks, and other essential items you might need for being outdoors with triple digit heat indexes. Binoculars, camera, field guides, insect spray, sunscreen, change of clothes, and a towel or two are optional items to bring with you.
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What kind of amenities are accessible during a butterfly walk?
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It depends on the location of the count. Those counts taking place in the state parks will have access to flush or composting toilets, picnic areas, and water fountains. Counts that are conducted outside of state parks may have no public facilities. Contact the count compiler to find out what amenities are available during the count.
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Do I have to participate for the entire 6 hours?
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Generally, no. However, it’s best to check with the compiler to find out their expectations of participants.
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How physically fit do I need to be to join a count?
A butterfly count is not a high intensity athletic event. We make our way through areas averaging at a pace of 1 mph. The first 3 hours of the count in the morning is the most comfortable. As the afternoon sun arrives the heat increases and staying hydrated becomes essential.
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We think counting butterflies is a fun experience to be enjoyed. We conduct our counts taking into consideration the needs of participants. We understand if you need to take a break or leave the count because of the heat or fatigue. Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or special needs.
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Butterfly Identification Online Resources
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While I'm working on adapting my Let's Go Butterflying! class for butterfly identification into an online presentation as a Zoom meeting, the following websites are excellent resources to use to help you develop your identification skills.
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North Carolina Websites
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Butterflies of North Carolina
Author: Harry LeGrand and Tom Howard
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This website is a database of butterfly sightings for all counties in North and South Carolina. An annual approximation is available to download each year that contains information about individual sightings, flight periods, habitats, host plants, etc. Records can be submitted to Harry LeGrand to be included the database.
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Butterflies of the Virginias and Carolinas
Extremely helpful site featuring detailed images showing field marks for identification and to distinguish between similar species.
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Jeff's North Carolina Butterfly Page
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Comprehensive list of butterflies in North Carolina with photographs and notations for identification.
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National Butterfly Websites
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Butterflies and Moths of North America
A national website that has an interactive map. Sightings can be submitted into the database. An excellent cross-reference sight to use in conjunction with local websites.
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North American Butterfly Association
A good resource for comparisons and cross referencing. Submission of sightings to the website is available.
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Hackberry Emperor perched on my finger during the 2019 Orange County NABA count
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2020 NABA Butterfly Counts
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Orange County Count
Sunday, August 9, 2020
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Contact: Backyard Butterflies
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Haw River State Park
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
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Contact: Backyard Butterflies
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Durham County Count
Sunday, August 16, 2020
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Hanging Rock State Park
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
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Mayo River State Park
Thursday, August 20, 2020
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Pilot Mountain State Park
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
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We offer Caterpillar Support to those who are in need of host plants, foster care, or adoption of caterpillars.
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There are 18 species of caterpillar that we can provide the host plant for, and we can also provide host plants for some species of moths.
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This program is free of charge. All you need to do is apply letting us know what host plants you need, or if you need us to foster care or adopt your caterpillars.
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Plant Pots Return Request
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We appreciate the return of pots for re-use if you happen to be passing by our way. No need to contact us, just drop them off on our porch.
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Coming Up in September:
Raising Caterpillars
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