Newcomers Guide to Getting Started

Observing butterflies is rapidly becoming a favourite pastime for many Canadians and people the world over. Recently I read an article referring to butterflies as the wildlife of the 21st century. Even hardcore birders everywhere are discovering the joys of butterfly observation and have recognized how well it integrates with that activity. Like birds, butterflies can be found virtually anywhere from your own backyard, parks, farmland or wilderness. They share most of the habitats that we frequent so you don't have to plan an extravagant undertaking in order to observe, understand and share their world.

Another aspect of this hobby, aside from the joy of witnessing this facet of natures magnificence, is the cost factor. At a minimum all you'll need is desire. The last time I checked in the Canadian Tire catalogue it still hasn't gone up in price.....it's free. Now you can't beat that!!!! On the other hand if you are the type that likes to jump into the deep end right off the hop.......this is what you are going to need.

• Net - available at www.quebecinsectes.com in Canada or www.bioquip.com in the US
• Identification book - " The Butterflies of Canada " is simply the best book dedicated to Canadian butterflies. It is an absolute must and available online. Just click here to securely purchase your copy. Or the Peterson Field Guide to " Eastern Butterflies " also available online. To securely purchase your copy click here.
• Small back pack - containing several small empty jars, several film containers and note book and pen.

Being successful at finding butterflies depends on the level of involvement that you are comfortable putting into this hobby. Many butterflies, such as Cabbage Whites and Sulphurs, require little skill to find. Monarchs and Swallowtails are large and easily recognized from a considerable distance. There are many butterflies such as Hairstreaks however, that are quite small and fleet of flight, that require patience, stealth and keen observation skills to locate. And then there are those butterflies that show up infrequently....sometimes years will pass between sightings. Follow these few simple hints and you'll soon be turning up species that most people walk by without realizing it. Here's how.

• Get to know and understand butterfly habitat. This can be as simple as....most like more open areas as opposed to heavily forested ones. Understand though that some varieties do prefer woodland areas.
• Ten 'til five are the prime hours on sunny warm relatively windless days. That's not to say that butterflies can't be found outside this time frame or in slightly different weather conditions.
• Morning hours are especially good for observing butterflies at rest as they warm up their bodies, in preparation for flight, in the morning sun.
• Learn a little about food sources. What type of vegetation supports which varieties.
• Target specific butterflies and put yourself in the best possible environment to find them.....focusing primarily on your chosen subject.
• Learn flight dates (for your area) for the different broods of different species throughout the season.
• When you are searching stop frequently and scan the vegetation all around you. Start close by, slowly move your focal point further and further away. Now move to another spot - maybe only several feet away and repeat the process. Be aware that some species like Skippers live at ground level and others like Swallowtails and Hackberry Emperors spend a great deal of time higher up in trees.
• When approaching a butterfly try to do so from behind avoiding any quick movement, be cognizant of your shadow, be quiet. Any of these can frighten off your quarry.
• Patience. A prerequisite for success in any endeavour.
• Read. Knowledge breeds success. Go to my links page for recommended reading material that you can securely purchase online directly from this site.

Because it isn't always easy making live field identifications, carry empty jars and film containers with you for holding specimens that are giving you a hard time. If you put only one per container, to prevent them from injuring each other and chill them in your refrigerator for several hours, the butterflies will become dormant allowing you to carefully handle them. This procedure must be done with care as a butterflies wings are quite delicate and covered with scales. These scales are what gives the wings their colour pattern and are essential to the butterfly's well being. Be considerate though and don't hold your captives for more than a day in this manner. Once the identification process is complete you can readily release them back into the wild. Of course the note book and pen are for logging all your encounters showing dates, locations and numbers seen for future reference. Like any sport, hobby or pastime you can make it as simple or complex as you like. Now the grand total of this equipment is less than $80 and few things in life will bring you this kind of joy for such a small investment.

HOME INDEX