NABA Butterfly Count in the Refuge

On Saturday, April 4, Barbara Woodmansee, from the North American Butterfly Association, led her 4th annual field trip for butterfly enthusiasts through the Refuge.  At least one of the visitors came as far away as Tallahassee to join in the butterfly viewing and count.  It was a perfect day for spotting butterflies, and about 24 people joined in the hunt to increase the number of butterflies found in the Refuge.  Barbara has been searching the Refuge woods, roads and trails for many years searching for butterflies.  She has compiled a list of butterflies seen in the refuge that numbers close to 90!  If you would like to see color pictures of butterflies found in the Refuge, please visit www.ceraunus.zenfolio.com and choose the LSNWR gallery.

Though Saturday's total count was less than last year, and no new species were seen that day, the group counted fourteen Appalachian Brown Satyr butterflies!  Normally during April they hope to see one, two would be fortunate, but to see fourteen in one day, Barbara considers "amazing"!  It seems even the Appalachian Browns think our refuge is a special place to be!

Thanks to Barbara Woodmansee for her terrific butterfly pictures!