September 2021 Sightings

all the chrysalises were empty today- 7 of them. I saw 3 butterflies. It was a cold day (53F at 6:30 a.m.) and it took until the afternoon of 9/3 for this one to fly away. I believe that they were all unaffected by the storm (Ida).

Our annual survey for the State Endangered Leonard's Skipper was terminated a little after noon because of clouds, clouds, and more clouds despite the unanimous forecast of sun, sun, and more sun. It was 64 degrees and breezy as well.

Most of the Monarchs were taking nectar at White Snakeroot. The Spotted Lantern Fly (actually a species of planthopper) seen in the photo made an emergency water landing. It was not rescued.

We also saw a magnificent Bobcat and 2 species of Spiranthes orchids.

Surroundings of Community Garden. Few butterflies but abundant mosquitos. Most of the tract and Glenhurst Nature Trail is under water. One white-form Sulphur.

Sunny. Casual observations during the day.

Mostly sunny, 1:30 to 3:30 pm.

3:00-4:10, sunny mid-70s. Com. Checkered-Skipper is a new species for this site.

9:45-11:45, sunny 70s. 12 observers. Count of Leonard's Skipper disappointingly low. Given that this individual is noticeably worn, perhaps the flight period started early this year.

Mostly sunny in the 70’s
10:30 to 1:30
Many Skippers here today in the fields and gardens which have many flowers and large Butterfly Bushes.

Obs included over a dozen sulphurs puddling

overcast, lots of fresh etbs, fresh gray hs, un-IDed moth
tickseed and thistles in bloom

A new aluvial fan on the outer loop trail here. Thistle, NY Ironweed, goldenrod, butterfly bush blooming… autumn joy sedums not yet at peak. Snowberry clearwing present as well.

10:00 AM to Lunch; Sunny; Warm
Many observers.

Observations limited to a few circuits through the garden in the afternoon. The Pipevine was our second of the summer. American Lady has been scarce so far this year. Warm and sunny.

Visited a few gardens in town while biking. It has been a dismal spring, summer, and so far, fall here! This is the best day I have had!

4:15-4:35, sunny, mid-70s. A quick stop at a large field on Mt. Pleasant Road (about half a mile in from Rt. 94, on the left) that is in the early stages of management for pollinators. Currently it is a colorful mix of cosmos, coreopsis, and a few other annuals, with the perennials that were seeded in hopefully to become more prominent in future years.

2:00-2:45. Sunny, upper 70s. Red-banded Hairstreak very worn. Skippers and ETBs nectaring on the last few Bush-clover flowers. Impressive, volleyball-sized Puffball on lawn.

1:30-4:30 warm with sun and some clouds. I checked some fields and the trailsides E and W of Rt. 94 and Canal Rd. Most activity around thistle and red clover, some on asters and purple loosestrife. Common checkered skippers were the first I've seen in some time and there were likely more deeper in the field - I mainly stayed on the boardwalk trail. Rough counts on the crescents and sulphur sp.

10:00-11:30. Sunny, upper 70s. Not as many species as the last time I butterflied Flemington Hyundai.

Leaderless Walks, 7 participants. Sunny, temps in 70's.

10 AM - 1 PM. Sun and increasing clouds, about 85 F. Most action on Grass-leafed goldenrod, especially at River Rd Pk.

10:30am–1:15pm, sunny, 72F, windy, first time in new park, lots of knapweed in bloom

2:00-4:15pm, mostly sunny, windy, 74F

10:00 - 2:15
66-70, mostly sunny and very breezy
This is a gated and guarded facility. As volunteers to the NJDEP, Endangered and Nongame Species Program we have had permission since 2010 to survey for the now State Endangered Leonard's Skipper. This was a down year for this species and most other species of grass skippers. The Painted Lady was only our second for the year and was very fresh.

Last week we saw a Bobcat and today a Coyote.

10 AM - noon; mostly birding. Monarchs all westbound, from grass-level to very high.