April’s Nature Walk

Question Mark

This month’s walk in the Lower Suwannee NWR was led by Donna and John Thalacker.  

The walk featured butterfly identification since at this time of year butterfly numbers are increasing and they are easily seen.  There were 16 people who participated in the walk, including Joyce Tarnow who leads the First Monday Bird and Nature Walks each month and photographers Ann Kamzelski and Ed DeHaan.  These beautiful photos were taken by Ann. 

Least Skipper

One couple who joined the group just happened to be entering the Refuge loop road to do some nature viewing on their own and saw a bunch of people with binoculars.  Both were new to the Refuge and butterfly viewing and were enthusiastic about both!  The group car pooled to Barnett Creek Road then walked the 0.7 mile out to Barnett Creek viewing butterflies along the way.   

Palamedes Swallowtail

It was a warm, sunny day and a good one for butterfly viewing.  We were able to identify at least 15 different kinds of butterflies, from the large Spicebush Swallowtail, to the teeny, tiny brightly colored Least Skipper.  In addition, there were many blooming wildflowers and trees to identify.  It was a perfect day and way to spend 2 hours in the woods! 

Sweadner's Juniper Hairstreak

report by Donna Thalacker