January 2018 Sightings

Sunny, about 75 F

Generally birding, but noticed these butterflies as well.

Hiking a trail in the State Natural area in north Bexar County - spotted a Leafwing and after seeing the image - realized it must ba a Tropical Leafwing! Rare for this area.

We found 15 species (plus a probable Julia’s Skipper). This was the first mild day in 12 days! Had a period of cold, windy, wet, overcast weather. Even done to 30 degrees on 2 nights! This weather probably killed nearly all butterflies but all the ones today were in fresh condition! Apparently a new population of butterflies has appeared!

Hiked the park’s interior with Dusty Rhodes. Breezy with temps. in high 60s. Full sun. Modest sightings but welcome nonetheless. Asters and Polygala being used for nectar. Wonderful being outside after the cold spell we have had here. Also saw 2 Red-banded Hairstreaks yesterday at Scherer-Thaxton Preserve.

Sunny, very windy, 70 degrees. With LWilliams.

Sunny, 70 degrees, very windy. With LWilliams. 6 Polka-dot wasp moth on Bay Cedar.

Temp near 80F had Great Purple hairstreaks quite common hill-topping in the Palo Verdes trees on several low hills checked. Beautiful.

Sunny
Temps mid 30s - mid 50s
Winds easterly
Speed 10 - 15mph

This was the 1st morning that it has not been in the 20s since the arctic blast arrived last weekend.The colony of Monarchs that over winter took a good hit. It will take a few more days to see how those that weather this event will shuffle out.The next few weeks are going to tough ones, at least until their nectaring sources rebound.

We found 12 species (including an unidentified Orange). This was the first day over 70 degrees since Christmas Eve! After long cold period few, if any, butterflies survived. BUT apparently new butterflies have emerged!

Partly cloudy, low 70s.

Submitting for Leigh Williams. Sunny and warm. The Red Admiral was flying low around the backyard and then landed on the ground. It stayed for about 10 minutes and then flew away. Photos taken.

83 and sunny. 15 species. Limited flowers.

8 species (a few got away). They got snow and freezing temperatures since Christmas. Not much in the way of flowers.

Most of park is off limits, Hurricane Irma hit it pretty hard. Area by old bridge & Calusa Beach open but habitat severely altered.

2:15pm-3:50pm

In scrub land, inland from beach and dunes.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker habitat…longleaf pine barrens. Only carrying the scope, so photos were kinda tricky.

Sunny and warm today….and quite a number of Brown Elfins perched in the Manzanita.

Forest opening. Sunny & warm, but several consecutive nights of sub-freezing temps.

80 degrees, partly sunny and windy. 16 species. 2nd warm day after prolonged cold period. Many fresh Lyside Sulphurs.

Seen on a very warm day with temperatures in the mid-60’s. The American Snout is an overwintering species in our area.

Upper 60s, mostly sunny, calm.
Mostly in the woods.

57F First butterfly of the year!

Submitting for Leigh Williams. Sunny, warm, light breeze. Blooming nearby: Blue mist flower, Ixora, Bidens alba, Widelia, Fogfruit, Coastal plains yellowtop, Orchid tree. Also nectaring were Oleander Moth, Polka Dot Wasp Moth, Bumblebee Hawk Moth.

56F This is the very same Mourning Cloak that I saw on 1/23, and it’s in the very same location! We had half an inch of rain in between the sightings.

Cloudy, windy and cool. 3 Oleander Wasp Moth and 1 Bumblebee Hawk Moth (Aellopos tantalus).

After finding the Bachman’s, I could note some butterflies, too.

Cloudy & windy today

62F The anise swallowtail was an early record for me.

Cloudy and windy. 73 degrees. Viceroy was ovipositing on willows.

With L Williams. Mostly cloudy and 65 degrees. Phaon Crescent seen along prairie drive, all others at grassy area near lake actoss from water treatment area.

59-60F

Sunny, cool. With L Williams.

Primarily seeking warblers, but noticed a few butterflies.

With L Williams. Sunny and warm.

With L Williams.