The way the weather has been this spring I didn’t think I’d ever get out again for butterflies. Just kidding of course but our cold May and early June with 6+ surplus inches of rain this year has certainly put a damper on getting outdoors. And, it’s seems like cloudy/rainy weather has been the rule on the weekends. However, Barry Marts, Tim Reichard, Rick Borchelt and I did get to spend some time in the field in Garrett County, MD and Preston / Tucker Counties in WV. Rick and Tim spent their time in Maryland searching various wetland locations for Two-spotted Skipper. Barry and I did the same in West Virginia. We came empty in that regard but we could have been a week or so early. Another attempt is in the cards for me very soon. But, there are always more treasures to be searched for in the mountains. Tim and Rick located rarities such as Gray Comma while Barry and I hit the jackpot in Canaan Valley, WV with Pink-edged Sulphur (2) (Note the total lack of sub-marginal spotting on the Pink-edged when compared to Clouded Sulphur), Harris’ Checkerspot (15+) and Silver-bordered Fritillary (5). Other species such as Indian Skipper was still hanging on while Altantis Fritillary and Common Ringlets were emerging.
On Sunday I awoke in Oakland, MD to RAIN!! So much for a partly sunny day. After morning coffee with Tim and Rick, Tim and I went to Finzel Swamp and I found our first Baltimore Checkerspot of the year. Always stunning, especially when fresh. European Skippers were abundant. Tim and I then parted ways at Finzel. On the way home I stopped at Green Ridge State Forest to see Banded Hairstreaks, the always delightful and uncommon Hoary Edge, Slivery Checkerspots and my first Hackberry Emperor of the year. A great weekend to be outdoors with friends indeed. Can we just get some dry weather please!
Click on any image below to enlarge
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |