February 2016 Sightings

Warm and sunny temps in the low 70s

64F; with David Rawlinson

Mid-60’s, nice day for a hike. Not many butterflies yet, but it was nice to see a Satyr Comma and a rather worn California Tortoiseshell.

75 degrees, slightly breezy. Saw one unidentified blue in same area where I saw a Marine Blue last report. Also saw 3 unidentified whites. Not stopping.

18 species. Birds, butterflies and cookies at Frontera! Irresistable.

65F
The lady was on my Euryops daisy.

64F
The mourning cloak landed on my head.

Still not much variety, but plenty of Spring Azures, and this may be a good year for California Tortoiseshells.

65F

Clear warm day;light southerly wind;temp in low 70s

80s and sunny. 20 species. Most of these were from one 6 foot patch of crucitas in the butterfly garden.

77 degrees and sunny. 20 species. Highlights were Violet-banded Skipper, Blue Metalmark and Mexican Bluewing.

First butterfly of the year, exploring the primroses.

with David Rawlinson
61-67F

80 degrees, full sun, and light breeze from the south, perfect. 22
participants found 34 species just before and during the walk.
A lucky few found a Guava Skipper in the parking lot on azureum just before
the walk (photo by Dorothy Legler). Other highlights were Silver-banded Hairstreak, White-patched
Skipper, and a Mexican Bluewing opening and closing its wings on a tree
trunk far away from the bait station.
Thanks to those who took photos that helped greatly with some
identifications. Thanks also to Mike Rickard, Ginny Musgrave, and Dave
Elder who helped locate, identify, and show butterflies to participants.
Butterfly walks are Fridays at 1:30, led by Rick Snider - Host Volunteer.

Pleasant weather, light overcast. I expect more flowers and more butterfly activity within the next couple of weeks.

85 degrees!

Also 4 unidentified Duskywings.

With Bill Pranty & Valeri Ponzo. Species seen while birding in the morning. Chase for the Broad-billed Hummingbird

Valentine’s Day. 84 and sunny. 23 species. Fewer crucitas blooming than 3 weeks ago. Highlights were Common Mestra, Mimosa Yellow, Red-bordered Metalmark, Gulf Fritillary and Common Mellana.

Mulberry Tree area and behind Park Office

Several of these Pacific Orangetips were feeding at native wildflowers in organic pollinator garden of suburban home near county open spaces. Sunny day with temps in the 70’s F.

64F

Gusty southerly wind; mostly sunny early and the high temp was in the low 70s

Warm day, 10-mile hike, with David Rawlinson.

Two flybys.

my first of season after long rains then a week of warm days.

Compilation of sightings from Feb 14, 15, 16

With Jane Lampkin
Sunny mid-70’s
Spring has sprung in west central Florida

65-72F
The California Tortoiseshell was my first in 5 years.

Bright and sunny with northerly wind,warmed into the mid 60s. The Monarch was bucking the wind and headed north up the drive.

84 and sunny. 21 species. Highlights were Great Southern White, Blue Metalmark and Southern Broken-Dash.

Sunny, warmed into the mid 60s

85 and sunny. 32 species. Lots of crucitas. Best butterflying so far this year. Highlights were Mournful Duskywing, Giant Swallowtail, Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak, Bordered Patch, and Ocola Skipper.

Sunny, 76 degrees with 9 mph winds. Plum Canyon remains extremely dry. Both Sara and Desert Orangetip were seen in larger numbers but only the ID of the one’s photographed can be confirmed.

Mid 70s
American Lady crab spider victim
15 Funeral or Mournful Duskywing

Mostly sunny light southerly wind;low 70s.

Sunny, warm and windy. We spent more than an hour in the extensive flower area around the headquarters, with much crucita blooming. We could find only a single American Snout. On the 2 1/2 hour Tram ride we saw only Little Yellows (10) and Great Southern Whites (5) and a single Southern Dogface. All together 4 species!

fresh individual 14:45

both super worn, suppose overwintered 14:40

62, 60F

The Question Mark had been in collision,and was found in the middle of the road;it was removed from the roadway but unlike most it recovered.

16:38 B1 CC90% cirrus, associating with a carpet of cape ivy. Worn individual.

14:30 saw worn, yellowish butterfly.

60F

Air temp about 35 degrees F.

74, sunny and very windy. Difficult to photograph. Butterfly numbers have increased. A wonderful place!! 32 species.

65F

76 and sunny. 24 species. Highlights were Sleepy Orange, Texan and Pale-banded Crescents, White-striped Longtail and Mournful Duskywing.

With Jane Lampkin
Sunny, 65-69

66F with David Rawlinson

68F With David Rawlinson
The blues were flying up and down roadcuts. The female Sonoran Blue is on dudleya (food plant)

Rob Santry and I had great morning checking out the Sonoran Blue colony near Chili Bar. Of the 15 Sonoran Blues seen - 4 were females.

The southerly wind return today, high temps mid 60s.

Saw additional anglewings we could not identify. Unusually early to see a variegated Fritillary

Mid 70s with breezy winds. One no ID sulphur was seen.

Cabbage White in home Butterfly Garden.

10:30-11:30 AM. First loop trail only. Fulvous Hairstreak is a rarity for the Tampa Bay area and is a county Lifer for Hillsborough (#82). Flew before I could take a photo.

My personal first-of-2016-season butterflies in Virginia, seen on a gorgeous late winter afternoon with sunny skies (0% clouds), welcome warmth (64-69 deg F) and light (0-10 mph) breezes.

Cow Creek Rd….Big Cypress Boardwalk

66F

Mostly sunny and temps in low 60s.

River Camp rd

Second warm day 60’s. Sunny.