The Lull Continues

Cape May Point saw a rather mild and cloudy day today with 10-15 mph E to SE winds. We don't expect many new monarch migrants with SE winds, and that expectation was realized today with underwhelming Monarch counts. The forecast is still looking good for Monday, Northwest winds are coming, so don't lose hope!

In the meantime, you can enjoy the mild weather on some of Cape May's Trails and beautiful gardens. There are still lots of insects crawling around on days like these, so I took advantage of the lull and had some great sightings! Look closely, flip leaves, and enjoy all of the colorful little wonders that await you!

  

Saddleback caterpillar, Acharia stimulea
This caterpillar has many painful stingers, make sure you avoid touching this caterpillar. False eyes on the back (bottom photo) offer further protection from predators.

White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma)

Stinging Rose Caterpillar (Parasa indetermina)

Another beautiful but painful stinging caterpillar.

A Green Darner (Anax junius, bottom) snatches a struggling black saddlebag (Tramea lacerata, top) in the air and lands on the ground to subdue and feed on its unfortunate prey.

Swallowtail caterpillars munching on some parsley

An Orbweaver spider wrapping silk around its prey

Sphinx moth caterpillar

 

 Grey Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) nectaring on some goldenrod.