After a chilly lull, action in the yard picked up again last night. I’m somewhat stunned, though I don’t know why. I should be wiser by now. It’s embarrassing, this lingering tendency to be surprised by nature.
Surprise aside, I’m staggered by the caloric cost of this year’s migration. How much has gone into producing so many butterflies? Surely there’s a limit, considering how much a single caterpillar can eat…
Yesterday evening butterflies made an encore appearance in they yard. This time the red admirals were joined by several clouded sulfurs, a handful of question marks and commas, and a few individuals that I couldn’t identify. The action was fast and fierce as they defended their favorite perches, which might explain the increasing incidence of wing damage.
I know it can’t go on forever, this butterfly explosion, but I hope it lasts a few more days…
Rae Spencer 