Leonard Weber

June 25, 2924

Recently, I have been seeing  Common Buckeye butterflies in Eliza Howell Park, the first year that I have seen them here before July.

I was surprised to see Common Buckeye this early, but I was not at all surprised that the first ones of the season are on and along a gravel path.

Common Buckeye is one of several butterfly species that can be spotted on gravel paths, especially early in the season.

The Red-spotted Purple is often seen nectaring on flowers in the heart of summer, but I sometimes see the earliest ones on gravel or pavement.

It is not unexpected to see the two  “punctuation butterflies” found in this area, Question Mark and Eastern Comma, basking on gravel.

A post earlier this year featured the Hackberry Emperor, another of the species attracted to gravel.

Butterflies sometimes choose a spot on gravel as a sunny location for warming up in the morning. Sometimes, they are feeding, getting minerals and other nutrients from the moisture and organic materials present.

American Lady is another species that I have been seeing frequently this spring on the paths.

Red Admiral is numerous so far this year and is often visible on or near a gravel path.

Starting in July, I usually spend much of my butterfly watching time in the perennial wildflower fields, observing and admiring different  species nectaring on summer flowers.

June is not a time for waiting, however. Walking the paths provides its own butterfly treats, especially when I look ahead to see them before my approach scares them away.

Nature walking always means watchful walking. Sometimes, it means watching to see what is on  the path itself.