January 2016 Sightings

A single Cuban Crescent was seen later in the day.

Sunny weather, temps 65-72 degrees.

Temp 75. 30 species. Nice variety for winter! Far fewer numbers than a week or two ago. Highlights were Tailed Orange, Long-Tailed Skipper (photo by Dorothy), winter version of Clytie Ministreak, and Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak.

Rain stop just before noon and the sun came out by 1pm. The day warmed to the low 70s and a few butterflies were able to take to the wing.

17 species. Plus a small Orange flew through. Temp 71. Highlights were Mimosa Yellow, tiny Lantana Scrub-Hairstreaks zipping around, low and very fast, over their caterpillar food plant, Frogfruit.

With Linda Floyd.
10-12; cloudy 68-70
Cool temps and little nectar kept the skippers on the ground in camo.

Cloudy with temperatures dropping

Over night we had our 1st light freeze; it burned the Spanish Needles, but did on damage to the canola patches around the area.

Three Red Admirals were out enjoying the brief sunshine, 1:00-1:30. Overwinterers.

After a cold morning,mid 30s it warmed into the mid 60s. Spanish Needles that had any protection;on higher ground in a wind break on a southern exposure did fine with the light freeze llantana also did well in the same areas, but in the exposed areas flowers were burned.

With Jane Lampkin
Sunny 72 after morning downpours

Chasing a rare bird and noting butterflies. Near constant rain showers, but during brief moments of let up and slight clearing, butterflies were in surprising numbers.

8 species. Dead of winter down here (But 77 degrees!) Few flowers left, but some in butterfly garden and behind one of the restrooms.

Temp 75. We had low expectations with very windy condition (30+). We were pleasantly surprised that 19 species were hanging on by their toenails! Highlights were Blue Metalmark, Mazan’s Scallopwing, Clytie Ministreak, and Common Melana.

With Jane Lampkin
Stiff wind, 70

Daybreak temps were at 50. By noon it had reached 60-62. Photos by Smith.

18 species. Forecast was mostly sunny but it stayed overcast except for short period of occasional sun. Highlights: Blue Metalmark, Mimosa Yellow,female Common Melana, and a very worn Silver-banded Hairstreak.

22 species. Sunny.

Temp peaked at 66 degrees and winds were calm.

Park located near Gibsonton, FL off US 41 and Kracker Ave. Temps low 50’s and sunny

16 species. Highlights: Red-bordered Metalmark, Silver-banded Hairstreak and a male Great Southern White flew through.

With Jane Lampkin, Alan and Della Wells, Don and Liz Grozis. 67-72, sun & clouds.

warm,and cloudy with scattered shower.mid 60s

A single Spring Azure, first Blue seen in 2016 (for me).

57-61F
my first butterflies of the season

At least 2 Mourning Cloaks along the wooded trails. We have had a lot of rainy days. The past two however were sunny though very cool.