TAGGING UPDATES

The local tagging program coordinate by Gayle is off to a relatively good start and in just a few month we have over 35 volunteers taggers. We have distribution 1000 tags and starting sending out the 2000A series of tags on Feb. 26th. It is a thinner more flexible lighter colored yellow tag. Testing of new tags will continue and I am encouraged by visual sightings of butterflies with tags in flight at 25 yards or more.

We have some sightings reported and I will update you on this Blog as soon as confirmed!!!!!!!!!

NETING AND TAGGING VIDIO

 ARROW TO START

BOX FOR FULL SCREEN 

                                         

FLORIDA TODAY

Florida Today, a news paper distributed in Brevard and Indian River counties on the East Coast including Cape Canaveral has printed the story  of our tagging program featured in the news press in their Sunday edition.
January 22, 2012  floridatoday.com
(type in butterfly in their search box in the uper right corner their web site will take you to a number of good  articles on butterflies)

MONARCH TAGGING 2012

              
 Help us by participate in the project other than tagging in developing this study into a state wide research program.

You will be working first hand with professors Jim and kelly Dunford.
                 Email:  butterflynet@embarqmail.com
 Gayle Edwards is coordinator of the local NABA tagging.

To get a summary of the goals of our  project and why we are developing this research and its importance.  email :flmonarch@gmail.com
If you would like begin tagging in the Fort Myers area (Southwest Florida Monarch Monitoring Program) email: flmonarch@gmail.com

NEWS PRESS HELPS

 We appreciate Michael Braun article in Saturday's January 14th. News Press  article describing our project to study the migration habits of the Monarch butterflies here in Southwest Florida. He is very interested in the environment and environmental issues and said he would be willing to do follow-up articles as our project progresses.
Very little has been studied about the monarchs that permanently resides or migrate to and from Florida. What distinguishes these butterflies to abandon the migrating Monarch population that is going to Mexico and turn south into Florida. Are they encouraged not to complete what is considered to be the normal migration to Mexico by the introduction of the non-native species of milkweed thriving here in southern Florida. Does this overwintering population contribute to some of the knowing diseases in the Monarch population by not migrating further south. Is climate change contributing to the decline in the monarch population? These are just a few of the unanswered questions.

(type  butterfly in their search box in the uper right corner their web site will take you to a number of good articles)

I NEED A CAPTION

No one identified it correctly!!!!
A Monarch and Queen mate
Everthing happend in my garden.

SPRING BUTTERFLY WALKS 2012

Columbs Mc Cloud Island

Include boat trip and walk - To be schedualed.

Robin and I help Sherry Furnari 20-20 land steward coordinator explore and layed out about 1/2 mile of new trails.

Trail are well marked but expect uneven ground and possible wet location if we have rain. NO FACILITIES ! Be prepared with water and usual walking shoes and gear.
Hunting for shark teeth optional if warm.Aline and I have got about 20 teeth in the last week or two, largest 1 1/2 inches.

April 14 2012 Hickie Creek

2 walks scheduled

Details will be posted April 2nd

Crew Wild Flower Festival

March 31 10:30 A.M.

Check for detail in older postings brlow

Details of all walks, times, date condition and limited participation will be posted on our blog. It may be short notice and you may not receive a email notice. I am making a new email list but walks will be posted on the blog first.

-- Email me Nick: butterflynet@embarqmail.com of any other locations you think we would like to visit-

BUTTERFLY TAGGING NABA LONGWINGS

I will post any updates and provide tips on netting and tagging.

 

As part of my on going testing  we are taging at Manatee Park, Rotery park and my home with different tags and configurations.This is not part on the local program but our data will be shared with them.

WILD FLOWER FESTIVAL 2012

MARCH 31 2012
JOIN ROBIN AND I ON OUR ANUAL BUTTERFLY WALK
Hikes last approximately 2 hours each…
8:30 AM – Flower hike with Roger Hammer, author Wildflowers of the Everglades (Advanced)

9:00 AM – Flower hike with Sally Stein, Director of Adult Programs, Corkscrew Sanctuary (Beginner to Intermediate)

9:30 AM – Flower hike with Glen Stacell & Gary Schmelz, authors of Wildflowers of Southwest Florida (Intermediate to Advanced)

10:00 AM – Flower hike Dr. David Cooper, Florida Master Naturalist (Beginner to Intermediate) – may also do some butterfly ID

10:30 AM – Butterfly Hike with Nick Bodven & Robin Gardner, North American Butterfly Association (All levels)

11:00 AM - Flower hike with Roger Hammer, author Wildflowers of the Everglades (Intermediate to Advanced)

11:30 AM – Flower hike with Deb Hanson, CREW EE Specialist (for Beginners)

Advanced (will include Latin names and more in-depth descriptions)Intermediate (for those with some basic knowledge of wildflowers looking to expand your ID skills)
Beginner (for people with no or little knowledge of botany or Florida wildflowers – basic ID)

Register call 239-657-2253. Requested donation upon check-in at the event: $3 for CREW members, $5 for non-members

ONLINE MAP

View BUTTERFLYS IN LEE COUNTY FL. in a larger map

LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR

Email request to: butterflynet@embarqmail.com