Sighting for October 19, 2016

Sun & clouds, very warm (80+ F.), southwest breezes. The 2 Little Yellows were in the south part of Gerritsen beach, a traditional location for the species, & on this occasion were near-impossible to find perching for photos (their size compared directly in flight with numerous Orange Sulphurs was near-half that of the Oranges, & they appeared all-yellow in flight. The date approaches record-late for the area, but these dates may need revising! A Black Swallowtail is late, but not quite a NY record-late date. A number of Common Buckeyes, of many observed, were of the “rosa” form which is more likely in fall here. Common Checkered Skippers were all within a small area of Floyd Bennett Field, in a specific location, well-known to local observers. Much time was spent observing in the community gardens with many flowers, the site for the one swallowtail, and many, many Monarchs nectaring. Visit from 11-4.