My Thoughts on Butterfly Observation

For some, one of the signals of spring are the first flowers.....I long for the emergence of our first over wintering species of butterflies. Actually, it is more than likely you will see a few of these butterflies before the first flowers are in full bloom. In southern Ontario we can witness the Mourning Cloak in late March or early April as they start the cycle one more time. Other species that either overwinter or migrate here very early in the spring are the Comma, Question Mark, Black Swallowtail, Red Admiral, Cabbage White, Compton Tortoiseshell, Milbert's Tortoiseshell and the Spring Azure. So keep your eyes open and enjoy the rebirth of spring a little differently next time.

Butterflies are a deceptive insect. They give the impression of being delicate and of course, by being an insect, vulnerable of so many aspects of their environment. Given their physiological make up it is not surprising we have this impression. With their size, soft bodies and gossamer like wings our initial perception is that they couldn't possibly survive any abuse. Once you come to understand even a little about these fascinating creatures you'll soon discover that nothing could be further from the truth.

Naturally they do fall prey to many elements of everyday living but they are capable of intriguing and astonishing achievements for survival. Take the Monarch's migratory flight each year, to Texas and Mexico, a trek that rivals that of may birds. And, as previously mentioned, butterflies such as Mourning Cloaks that spend the winter here in hibernation. A feat that impresses us when performed by animals......never mind something as fragile as a butterfly. Severe storms fronts have pushed some unfortunate victims sometimes hundreds of miles out of their range only to have survived and become, perhaps, a once in a lifetime discovery for some lucky lepidopterist. Some species of butterflies can elude predators and the fast swinging net of enthusiasts with their wariness and flight skills. So don't underestimate a butterfly's ability to survive......evolution has ensured that. It can be things as simple as excessive handling by untrained and curious enthusiasts that can cause irreparable damage or the butterfly's number one enemy (loss of habitat), that can curtail their future......over many of the natural obstacles they may face.

As for myself I spend the season observing and cataloguing local butterflies and their activities around my home or on field trips. Collecting specimens is not part of my agenda although I do not have a problem with it as long as they are gathered for the purpose of conscientious study and not for self edification. In most cases we can learn far more from any creature while it is alive. Whenever I am in the field I meet many curious people to whom I try to convey my enthusiasm not only for butterflies but for nature in general.

As well, I have aided Presqu'ile Provincial Park entomologists with resident species information. Each summer I try to participate in the annual butterfly count there. Currently 58 different species of butterflies have been observed at the park. On a single day in early August 1997 I personally observed 23 different species in one day there. Not too shabby when you come to understand the parks unique situation. Being a peninsula, of only several square kilometers in size, jutting out into Lake Ontario and having a very narrow and somewhat inhospitable entrance (geologically known as a Panne) to the mainland, it is indeed a unique and isolated environment. You too can get involved with naturalist groups in your vicinity that do area or local counts. This can be a great learning experience as well as aiding with the supply of vital information which helps to insure that the habits and habitat of butterflies are understood.

For those of you who are not so inclined to discover these creatures in the wild and if you are ever in the Niagara area do take time to visit the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls Ontario......you will be delighted. Even if you fall into the category of an ardent observer but can't afford to visit the tropics this is an affordable alternative. Another way to enjoy butterflies is from the comfort of your backyard. Design and arrange your garden with those plants that encourage butterflies to stop by and stay awhile. This not only benefits you by doubling your gardening pleasure but is an enormous benefit to the butterflies as well. It is the loss of their natural habitat that our backyard gardens can effectively replace. Please go to my links page where you can securely purchase books on the topic or to visit other sites that specialize in butterfly gardening under the "More Than Just About Butterflies" area.

There is no doubt in my mind that if we can teach ourselves, especially our children, to be aware of any of the elements of nature like observing butterflies, moths, birds, wild flowers you name it.....we will all be better off eventually. As humans, in our busy little worlds, we tend to have a myopic view of our surroundings. Our reality gravitates to being wrapped up in our personal lives and work. That being said, it is imperative that we realize we are only one of millions of life forms intertwined in this singular environment and dependent upon one another in some way no matter how obscure it might appear. It never ceases to astonished me when I introduce people to one of natures beautiful inhabitants that so many have no idea that creatures like this exist and they are literally their next door neighbour. We must learn to open our eyes and our minds to really see and understand what we share this special place with. You don't have to necessarily like all aspects of nature but it is vital that you understand and protect it to ensure our future. Nature is life's foundation......the more blocks we remove or damage the more unstable the structure will become.

I encourage anyone and everyone to participate more fully in their lives beyond electronic and temporary diversions. Rediscover where we come from, envision and ensure a more natural and diverse future. A place where subsequent generations won't have to wonder what it must have been like.

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