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I hope this finds you well and in the best possible of spirits. We have all made it to August! This month we are busy participating in NABA butterfly counts. By the time you receive this newsletter there will be three counts that you can still participate in within the Piedmont region. Scroll down to see which ones and for more info.
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Good reasons to join us on a count include:
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- Contribute to scientific data
- Develop identification skills
- See butterflies you might not typically see in your backyard or in your region
- Meet other butterfly enthusiasts
Peace, Love, & Butterflies,
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The 5th Annual Orange County NABA Count
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Results of This Year's Count
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Sunday, August 8th was an ideal day for counting butterflies in Orange County. Three groups of dedicated butterfliers ventured forth from 9 am to about 3 pm to walk through weeds and garden paths in search of Leps.
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Group 1 was lead by John Jarvis and covered Brumley Forest, North section. The main section of Brumley was closed because of recent rain. Group 2 was lead by Brian Bockhahn and covered Occoneechee Mountain SP, Gold Park, and other nearby areas, and Group 3 lead by Lior Carlson covered Johnston Mill and NCBG.
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Though the weather cooperated and we had many searching and seeking eyes, this year the butterflies were scarce. We missed some species that are reliable this time of year.
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Together we identified 47 species and a total of 542 individuals. While this may not be our best year, it reflects the noticeable decline in butterflies that others have observed this season.
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A highlight of the day was a very friendly Hackberry Emperor who took turns landing on everyone.
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Izzy Badstein, age 5, holding the visiting Hackberry Emperor
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Gratitude to Our Count Participants
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John and I are grateful to our newcomers who slogged through the weeds during some intense heat and humidity. Tom, Loren, Ellis, David, and Becky (who tallied), are featured in the end of the day group photo.
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Not in the photo were Christa Badstein and her daughters Kara,age 11, both who joined us last year, and joining us for the first time this year were Alyssa, age 8, and Izzy, age 5. All three girls proved to be invaluable in pointing out butterflies.
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Left to right: Tom Darling, Loren Whitaker, Ellis Driver, David George, and Becky Watkins
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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, Backyard Butterflies will cover the participation fee for our two counts 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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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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Variegated & Gulf Fritillaries
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Butterfly Identification Online Resources
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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
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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iNaturalist
iNaturalist is both a website and phone app. The website has more functionality while the phone app is great for using in the field for quick IDs (granted you have reception).
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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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From the Guilford & Rockingham Counties NABA Count:
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A pair of Zabulon Skippers engaged in courtship
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2021 NABA Butterfly Counts
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There are still three NABA butterfly counts within the Piedmont to participate in this year. All counts are lead by Brian Bockhahn. Please contact him directly by email if you would like to participate in these counts.
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Mayo River State Park
Thursday, August 19, 2021
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Hanging Rock State Park
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
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Pilot Mountain State Park
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
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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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Monarchs are mating! We're ready to provide Caterpillar Support
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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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