Mike Smith, Barry Marts and I were glad to head out of the never ending cycle of clouds, rain, wind and cool tempertures during the last three weeks. We took a field trip north (to warmer temps) looking for a couple of rarities in NY and MA respectively. The Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) is an endangered subspecies (some may consider it a distinct species) of the more common Melissa Blue butterfly which is found in the western states. Karner Blue is named from the location where it was first described near Albany, NY. We headed to the Albany Pine Bush where it’s exclusive host, Wild Lupine (Lupinus perrennis) is found in decent supply. The weather during our late afternoon search offered the best conditions of the entire trip with temps near 80 and partly sunny skies. We found several males and one female. Next, it was off to Massachusetts to search for the rarest Elfin in the eastern U.S. The Bog Elfin is found in Black Spruce bogs. Massachusetts has the southern-most known locations for the species in North America. This is our smallest Elfin, noticabily smaller than the similar looking Eastern and Western Pine Elfins. Barry and I had dipped on Bog Elfin last year so the find was especially satisfying. On the trip we were also treated to Henry’s and Frosted Elfin. Other butterfly notables were American Copper and Mustard White. From a birding perspective we came across 14 species of warblers. Then it was back to West Virginia and guess what? Rain!
Click on any image below to enlarge
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Jeanie loved the veins in your Mustard White and thought all of your pictures were great. You should lead a weeklong Brooks Trip sometime!
Thanks Gene. They are quite striking in the spring. Perhaps an outing will be in the offing in the next year or so.