Butterflies Saturday

So… most everyone knows about counting birds, but how about butterflies? Yes! And the butterfly counters are as dedicated at the bird counters.

Come Saturday to Black Bayou Lake NWR, 9 a.m., to learn about the North American Butterfly Association and its official butterfly counting system. Craig Marks, who authored the definitive field guide to butterflies in our part of the world, will be our expert instructor.

After an orientation in the Conservation Learning Center at BBL, we’ll get a taste of counting butterflies! Craig says if we identify more than 20 species of butterflies, we’ll turn it into an official NABA count. BTW, there is an expense involved in becoming an official NABA count, so if that happens, we will each chip in $3 to defray that expense.

After counting butterflies, we will gather back at the learning center to finalize the count and get our questions answered by Craig. He will also have a few copies of his book to sell, and if you already have it, I’m sure he’ll sign it for you.

Bring plenty of water. I’m sure it will be hot and butterflies mostly fly in the sun. All the usual outdoor gear you need for BBLNWR, including hat, highly recommended.

This event is the 2Q meeting of Louisiana Master Naturalists–Northeast. Our membership chair, Susan Hoover, distributed an invitation to this event that details the agenda for the day. The afternoon will end with our 2Q business meeting. Visitors are welcome to attend.