Dreaming of Spring:

Maple Syrup Season is only a few weeks away. Although the temperatures have been frigid lately, the sunshine has made me start thinking about our smaller winged creatures. When I worked in the Sugar Bush, I would see fluttering butterflies in March that had overwintered as adults. They drank sweet sap dripping from Sugar Maple Trees on sunny days. Below are a few of the overwintering species.

Mourning Cloak, underwing

Mourning Cloak, upper wing

Compton's Tortoiseshell, lowest butterfly with 2 Mourning Cloaks

Mourning Cloaks and a Compton Tortoiseshell are both in the following video. Several flies and ants can also be seen enjoying the sap leaking from the tree.

Eastern Comma

Despite the Groundhog Day predictions, spring will be here before we know it!