Fiery skipper on common milkweed at Wheelabrator Refuge, Gloucester, 6/12/11, photo by Dave Amadio.
We have had several first-of-the-season observations in the last few days: coral hairstreak, white-m hairstreak, northern broken dash, broad-winged skipper, and — most surprisingly — fiery skipper.
Fiery skippers do not overwinter in NJ (apparently) and usually do not make their first appearances here before mid- to late summer. Our early dates the last two years were 8-23-09 and 7-24-10. (You can see all early dates for the last two years under the “Species: Early & Late Dates” Page on our blog.)
We have now recorded 73 species for the year, ahead of last year’s good pace, it seems. See our live log for the latest reports.
Keep at it, everyone!
jc