July 31, 2009

It has been apparent to both NBNC staff as well as other members of the community that Monarchs have been strangely absent this summer; That is, up until today. While our summer campers were discovering insects as they hid from raindrops under the broad leaves of milkweed plants, we discovered the first Monarch caterpillar of the season. From its small size, it seemed to be a very young instar. In a few short weeks, when Monarchs begin their southern migration, we will be tagging them to track their progress towards Mexico. A wetter-than-average summer may have hindered butterflies, but this discovery is promising that we may yet have a productive tagging season.

July 30, 2009

Our summer campers were focused on insects this week, and one of the more interesting discoveries of the week occurred right next to the building! A bizarre-looking caterpillar was discovered walking on one of the paths between the education barn and offices. It was identified as a Paddle Caterpillar, a species considered to be widespread but scarce throughout its range.

July 17, 2009

During our "Avian Wonders" summer camp, a group of 4-7th graders spent the week learning all about birds. Today, we celebrated the week's end with a 'big day' of birding around Montpelier. The group spotted and (with help) identified an impressive 42 species of birds, including an adult Peregrine Falcon, and immature Bald Eagle and an Osprey being mobbed by blackbirds all at Berlin Pond!

July 9, 2009

Until today, this summer could be described as cold and wet, but the sun was shining this afternoon as summer camp groups explored the outdoors. A short walk to the beaver ponds produced seven species of damselflies including Ebony Jewelwing, Hagen's Bluet, Marsh Bluet, Sedge Sprite, Aurora Damsel, Eastern Forktail and Fragile Forktail (pictured on the right)