You would never know it by this ridiculously hot and humid weather but it's getting close to that time when the big birdies decide to head south for the winter. From what I understand, this year's Watch will be run much the same as it was last year with people volunteering their time when they can to watch for raptors. Please stay tuned for further details.
For those interested, a few Hummingbirds have been visiting the raised gardens that surround the fountain feeding mostly on the Black & Blue Salvia. Also, at least one of the local Red-tailed Hawks has been hunting the park and has been fairly successful at picking-off small birds and animals.
Butterfly observations have been fantastic throughout the Gardens since August 1st with a total of 19 species being identified.
Monarch butterfly tagging began on the 9th and will continue until all 2000 tags have been used up. Terry and Betty have been quite busy already with a total of 93 Monarchs being tagged over the first five days!
A few, okay a dozen butterfly photos while we wait for raptors. As always, for best views of photos on this blog - 'click' to enlarge and then use your arrow keys to navigate.
Monarch (Walter)
Cabbage White (Walter)
Black Swallowtail (Walter)
Question Mark (Walter)
Silver-spotted Skipper (Walter)
Great Spangled Fritillary (Walter)
Peck's Skipper (Walter)
Eastern Comma (Walter)
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Walter)
Viceroy (Walter)
Clouded Sulphur (Walter)
Summer Azure (Walter)
...and 1 local raptor
Red-tailed Hawk (Walter)
Photos of raptors in flight coming soon!
Walter
