Observation of the week: June 22 - 28

Our fourth OOTW is this Northern Pearly Eye taking a drink, observed by user @geraldm.

Gerald first saw the Northern Pearly Eye resting in the shade, but it flew away before he got a photo. Soon after, he “found it sipping from a ceramic platter which had filled with rainwater”.

It may not have been intentional, but the ceramic dish in Gerald’s yard provided a great butterfly drinking station. Many butterflies drink water now and then – at mud puddles, or near the edges of streams and lakes. This behaviour helps them collect minerals and nutrients from the mud, and the waters can help cool and hydrate them on hot dry days.

If you’re interested in creating a butterfly drinking station in your yard, check out this great video from the University of Georgia.

Gerald is new to butterflying this year but is currently in second place on our leaderboard for the total number of species seen. Even more amazing is that all his observations have been made within five minutes of his home, on a property where he has planted various native trees and other plants over the years.

This year, Gerald is carrying his camera at the ready while working outside. He says: “I often see the butterflies and other insects flying about but like most people I had no idea what they are called. This blitz provided a great learning opportunity and a means of identifying and cataloguing what’s on the property.”

How many species can you find within five minutes of your house? The weather is looking great for Canada Day – I challenge you to get outside and see what you can find!

Publicado el 29 de junio de 2020 a las 01:26 PM por lindseyjennings