January 2023 Sightings

Mostly overcast, very dry. A short visit.

Got lucky on the first day of the year. It was high up in a stand of gumbo limbos and vines. Poor photo, but it was what it was.

Despite receiving up to 2 inches of rain today an adult Monarch and Monarch cat were rescued from the rain and placed under a porch.

70s-80s, strong south wind

(7-44) Mostly sunny. Mosquitoes moderate. Florida Purplewings are always a highlight.

Native porterweed was blooming and was a primary nectar source. Sunny skies. A one-hour visit.

(15-119) Partly sunny and warm. Plenty to see in a short walk along the park’s north edge below the dike. FL-28.

0900-1130, too cold when I first arrived for butterflies but the two hours was great. walked the northern edge of the park by the base of the dike going west from the picnic area on the north side of the pond

My first butterfly of the year and the first at my new home in Palatka.

The Monarch was large and had androconial spots. Obviously, it was a male, but it was unusual. It was dark, like a female. I’ve never seen one like it.

1000-1300. Spot checking several areas along the long loop road. Many Thanks to Ron Smith for the helpful pointers to finding Hayhurst’s Scallopwing. This species has been a nemesis of mine and is probably my last Lifer in Florida.

The Little Yellow was a Lifer.

Just enough sunshine today to bring out a single Spring Azure. First butterfly of the year for me.

Mostly sunny with few nectar sources.

(18-166) Mostly sunny.

(16-73) Very dry. Specifically sought the scallopwings and found a only a few. FL-46.

Sunny, and just warm enough to bring out several Spring Azures and a Tortoiseshell.

60F

About 76 degrees and sunny. Somewhat windy but OK in protected areas. 30 species in 2 hours.

After just a few days of warmer dry weather the Spring Azures are already seeking the mud puddles.

It was a brisk 54 degrees with full sun and a light breeze. The Red-banded Hairstreak was our first butterfly to photograph this year. (We’ve seen a couple of Cloudless Sulphurs and Little Yellows earlier that didn’t stop for photos.) And guys that’s NOT snow but sand on the ground! :)

51F

Sunny, 70 degrees.

Sunny, upper 60s, breezy.

73f All males.

Little Yellows on sorrel.

Temperature in low 80s. Sunny. 24 species in a small portion of the park. Highlight was Banded Peacock which is rare in the Rio Grande Valley. It looks like it travelled a long distance to get here.

77F Little Yellow was grayish (female)