Joann Merritt's Essays

Butterfly Report
January, 2007

One January day at noon a Dogface, Variegated Fritillary, Common Checkered Skipper and Checkered White, along with several Sleepy oranges and Dainty Sulphurs enjoyed the nice warm weather and nectar as I enjoyed them. Allen reports Cabbage Whites and Dogfaces flying in town, and I hope you notice butterflies during the winter months, too.

Every year during the cold months I am in awe of the seemingly fragile creatures that we call butterflies. They somehow manage to survive below freezing temperatures and rain to come forth on sunshiny days brightening the landscape as they nectar on dandelion, wild mustard, pansies and sip moisture from damp places. Sometimes they simply bask in the warmth of the sun’s rays - which seems like a very good idea for any of us who are semi-hibernating creatures!